Court OKs transgender professor’s claim against Southeastern Oklahoma State University

The U.S. Department of Justice brought a complaint against Southeastern Oklahoma State University and another defendant on March 30, 2015. The suit alleged that the University terminated the employment of Dr. Rachel Tudor, an assistant professor, based on her gender, gender identity and gender expression, as well as in retaliation for making complaints of discrimination….

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West Virginia DMV changes photo policy after transgender women threaten lawsuit

July 1, the West Virginia DMV officially changed its license photo policy to be trans-inclusive, allowing trans individuals to be photographed as they regularly appear, without being required to alter their gender expression by doing things such as removing makeup and other items, reports GLAAD. This comes after five trans women, with the help of…

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Susan Davis adds support to bill to boost funding for medical research

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) voted for the 21st Century Cures Act (H.R. 6) to provide nearly $9 billion in mandatory funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to encourage biomedical innovation and research into new treatments and cures.  The House approved H.R. 6 on a strong bipartisan vote of 344-77. “Medical…

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Sen. Rubio demonstrates intent to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges

WASHINGTON – Sen. Marco Rubio has made headlines in recent days for saying he opposes a constitutional amendment that would allow states to re-ban marriage equality. But he’s made clear that rather than use a constitutional amendment, he’s willing to change the makeup of the court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges. “Sen. Rubio’s game of…

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GWU annual LGBT Health Forum to examine transgender health and rights

The last few years have seen increasing public awareness about transgender people, including  the inclusion of transgender characters in television and movie roles and with well-known figures from popular culture coming out as transgender, most notably Caitlyn Jenner. The George Washington University (GWU) will hold its annual LGBT Health Forum, which will focus this year…

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In wake of SCOTUS ruling, HRC releases map showing how many states still lack clear non-discrimination protections

WASHINGTON – Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Obergefell v Hodges, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) today released a new map explaining the need for non-discrimination laws protecting LGBT people at the federal level. The map shows that the Supreme Court’s ruling has brought marriage equality to a number of states that still lack clear,…

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Calamus Foundation awards SAGE $1 million to expand its national LGBT Elder Housing Initiative

NEW YORK — Making a major investment to advance anti-discrimination protections for the growing number of older LGBT Americans, The Calamus Foundation of New York has awarded SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) $1 million to expand its national LGBT Elder Housing Initiative, launched in early 2015 to combat widespread discrimination against LGBT older…

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Obama administration confirms married same-sex couples will have access to full federal benefits

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch confirmed that married same-sex couples will finally have access to full federal benefits thanks to the Supreme Court’s decision affirming a Constitutional right to nationwide marriage equality in Obergefell v. Hodges. Now that marriage equality is the law of the land in every state, the Department of…

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South Carolina House approves bill to remove Confederate flag from statehouse

Early today, the South Carolina House of Representatives voted 94-20 to remove the Confederate battle flag, giving final approval to a bill that passed the state Senate earlier in the week. The vote count was more than the two-thirds needed — but it came after a handful of lawmakers mounted a tenacious last stand, proposing…

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HRC condemns Catholic School for terminating highly-praised lesbian teacher because she’s married

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation today condemned another Catholic school firing of a valued LGBT employee as evidence of the church’s continuing efforts to punish workers who have legalized their unions. Philadelphia-area teacher Margie Winters was fired from Waldron Mercy Academy, a private Catholic elementary school in suburban Merion where she was…

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