March 4, 2008

Human Rights Campaign Organizes Capitol Hill Lobby Day

Hundreds of Grassroots Volunteers to Raise Awareness and Educate Congress on GLBT Issues

WASHINGTON, DC - March 4 - Volunteers and staff of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, will gather on Capitol Hill on Thursday, March 6, to lobby their senators and representatives to promote equality and civil rights of GLBT Americans.

“This is an opportunity for GLBT people from across the country to engage their members of Congress and speak out on the issues critical to our community,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Whether it be calling for the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ educating on HIV/AIDS, or working to prevent discrimination in the workplace based on gender identity and sexual orientation, GLBT constituents will have their opportunity to be heard.”

The volunteers will share their experiences to help put a face to the issues of discrimination and the need for equality. The volunteers’ visits to Capitol Hill are a part of the Human Rights Campaign’s ongoing effort to pass fair-minded policies for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans.

Members of the media seeking to arrange on-site interviews with volunteers or the HRC legislative team, please contact Trevor Thomas at 202.216.1547 or Trevor.Thomas@hrc.org.

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The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

Permalink  |  Trackback  |  Category: Events, LGBT Organizations, Press Releases, U.S. Congress, Washington, D.C.

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February 25, 2008

Candlelight Vigil to be Held in Memory of Lawrence King

California teen fatally shotover sexual orientation and gender expression

WASHINGTON–A coalition of GLBT organizations led by GLSEN, including the Human Rights Campaign, will host a candlelight vigil on Monday, February 25th in memory of Lawrence King, the California teenager who was fatally shot February 12th by a classmate. The vigil’s purpose is to call for an end to violence and harassment directed at gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in schools. Attendees are asked to gather at 6:00 p.m. in Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C. The program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.

For more information on this and other candlelight vigils across the country, go to http://www.rememberinglawrence.org.

WHAT: Candlelight vigil in memory of Lawrence King

WHO: Cosponsored by: GLSEN, Human Rights Campaign, SMYAL, Allied in Pride at George Washington University, GLSEN Northern Virginia, DC Trans Coalition, Alliance for Justice, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Mayor’s Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs, Gender PAC, GLSEN Baltimore, American University Queers And Allies, Advocates For Youth, DC’s Youth Pride Alliance, ACLU, ACLU-National Capitol Area, National Center for Transgender Equality, Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, DC Coalition of Black Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Men and Women.

WHEN: Gather at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 25.

Program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.

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The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for ALL students. Established nationally in 1995, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. For more information on GLSEN’s educational resources, public policy and public education work, student organizing programs, research or development initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.

Permalink  |  Trackback  |  Category: California, Education/Schools, Hate Crimes, LGBT Organizations, Press Releases, R.I.P., Washington, D.C., Youth

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September 28, 2007

Friends of Texan Busted in D.C. Gay-Bashing “Shocked”

From the “But He Was Such A Nice Boy!” Department:

Georgetown Student Arrested In Hate Crime Beating

. . .

Police Chief Cathy Lanier announced that Phillip Anderton Cooney was arrested for the Sept. 9 attack in the 1400 block of 36th Street Northwest. The 19-year-old student from Texas is charged with assaulting the victim while yelling homophobic slurs.

. . .

“The victim said he was walking by a party that was dispersing and two men started following him and yelling homophobic epithets, “D.C. Police Lt. Alberto Jova said. “One of the males approached him and started punching him with closed fists about the face. The victim in this case suffered cuts and bruises to his face and a broken thumb.”

. . .

“The victim said he made it a point to etch the suspect’s face in his mind and remember him,” Jova said. “Because of that he was able to give a very positive identification.”

. . .

“We are all completely shocked,” Pat Depoy said. “Phil is one of the nicest and most gentle people that we know at this school. He’s one of our best friends. We’re just completely blown away by these accusations.”

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Permalink  |  Trackback  |  Category: Hate Crimes, Washington, D.C.

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September 25, 2007

D.C. Attack on HRC Employee Under Hate-Crime Investigation

Man Beaten After Leaving Gay Bar In Northwest

A hate crime investigation is under way in the District after a man left a gay-friendly bar in the District and was beaten by a group of young men, authorities said.

It was the third time this month that someone has been attacked based on their sexual orientation. News4’s Michael Flynn reported that while the victim of this latest attack was beaten, his attackers used anti-gay slurs.

. . .

Police said the victim was hit in the back of the head with something. He suffered cuts and bruises. He was treated and released from a local hospital.

. . .

The victim in the latest crime is in his 20s and is a temporary employee with the Human Rights Campaign, an organization that fights for the rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

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D.C. police said they arrested three juveniles for an attempted robbery a few blocks from where Saturday’s attack occurred. Police said they are looking into the possibility that the juveniles may have been responsible for the most recent hate crime.

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Permalink  |  Trackback  |  Category: Hate Crimes, LGBT Organizations, Washington, D.C.

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July 29, 2007

Touring the White House? Your Gap Wardrobe Isn’t Good Enough.

So, Mr. or Ms. American Taxpayer, you think you have any say over what goes on in the house you paid for, and you pay to maintain? You and I may own the White House, but the Squatter-In-Chief won’t let you in unless you ditch those typical tourist clothes.

Specifically, according to CBS5, “The forbidden items include jeans, sneakers, mini-skirts, t-shirts, tank tops and absolutely no flip flops.”

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Permalink  |  Trackback  |  Category: Random Stupidity, Washington, D.C.

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