Let’s face it, usually Philly ranks pretty low in the national ratings (we’ve been called everything from the ugliest to fattest city in America). But the good news is that we now have the proud distinction of rating a perfect 100 on HRC’s first-ever Municipal Equality Index.
The MEI rates cities based on 47 criteria falling under six categories, including non-discrimination laws; relationship recognition; the municipality’s employment practices; inclusiveness of city services; law enforcement; and municipal leadership.
Key findings from the MEI create a snapshot of LGBT equality in 137 municipalities of varying sizes drawn from every state in the nation – these include the 50 state capitals, the 50 most populous cities in the country, and the 25 large, 25 mid-size, and 25 small municipalities with the highest proportion of same-sex couples.
Philly and other 100-point cities serve as shining examples of LGBT inclusivity, with excellent policies ranging from non-discrimination laws, equal employee benefits and cutting-edge city services.
Same-sex couples in Philly could soon access the same health care as their straight co-workers (photo by Think Stock)
For Councilman James Kenney, offering new health care protections for same-sex couples simply makes good financial sense. That’s why he’s introduced a bill that would offer tax incentives to employers who offer health plans for LGBT and partnered employees. Kenney says that in addition to the tax breaks attracting more job growth and talent to the city, it’s also an important step toward LGBT equality.
“All Philadelphians deserve nothing less than dignified and equal treatment at work, at the hospital or doctor, and from their government; regardless of marital status, gender identity or sexual orientation,” Kenney says. But up until now, state laws have made it problematic for both same-sex and life partners to access equal benefits in Philly – the same benefits that straight employees and married couples have been enjoying for years.
And the timing is essential. Kenney says that even though Philly is the sixth largest city in the country, it’s 90th out of 100 in job growth. But the breakdown of LGBT demographics shows that not only are LGBT Americans well-educated (66 percent are college grads and almost one million are military veterans), but that 60 percent are homeowners, almost 40 percent make purchasing decisions at work and comprise at least five percent of the overall consumer market in the U.S.
Mason Lane has been named as Brian Sims' chief of staff (courtesy of Sims4Pa)
State Representative-Elect Brian Sims, the Commonwealth’s first openly gay member of the legislature, made two key staff appointments. He named Mason Lane as his chief of staff and Anna Aagenes as the district office director.
“Philadelphia is full of really strong, progressive professionals and I knew I had an opportunity to recruit some of the best for these new positions,” says Sims. “Mason and Anna will be fully integrated in every part of the work that I do to represent Center City. I’m pleased to work with them, but I’m also very excited by the talents that each will bring to the District and to Harrisburg.”
In his new role, Lane will develop and implement legislative initiatives, advise on policy matters, and oversee office operations. Currently a third-year law student at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law, he’s been serving as Sims’ transition director since the April 24 primary victory over longtime incumbent Representative Babette Josephs. Lane previously served as the Eastern Pennsylvania Field Organizer and Policy Coordinator for Equality Pennsylvania, the state’s LGBT political advocacy organization fro which Sims served as president.
We’ve been hearing predictions about the so-called fiscal cliff that threatens to turn much of the economy upside-down if the U.S. government doesn’t start agreeing on economics. For example, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which enforces federal employment discrimination laws, would see an automatic cut to its budget in 2013, and these cuts would continue through 2021 if no budget resolution is reached. This could have serious implications for LGBT workers, who already face extraordinarily high rates of discrimination on the job.
“If Congress fails to strike a deal before the end of the year, all Americans will suffer, including those that are LGBT,” says Jeff Krehely, vice president of Center for American Progress’ LGBT Research and Communications Project. “Sequestration in particular would inflict significant harm by requiring wholesale cuts to programs that are critical to the health, wellness, and livelihood of LGBT people and their families. We cannot afford to let that happen.”
To put it bluntly, many federal programs, which both directly and indirectly function to support and serve the LGBT population, could be cut. Here’s what that means:
As a member of media, I try my best (publicly at least) to remain impartial in regards to politics. Those who know me, know me. So, as we count down the hours to America’s next Election Day – all I can say is that when I enter that voting booth today, I won’t be alone.
With me is the love of my partner that I have had for several years, a love that is as pure and sincere as two people can have, regardless of sexual orientation. With me is the hope that someday we can be recognized as a couple just as easily as my straight friends.
With me is the thankfulness that my partner and several of my close friends – all with various pre-existing health conditions – may finally have a chance to receive healthcare without incurring a massive debt.
With me is the personal passion that so many of my friends have when it comes to simply accepting another without judgement – and the hope that our leaders, and our country, will follow suit in the years ahead.
Finally, with me are the hundreds of friends that I’ve lost in the past three decades to AIDS – from casual friends to a lover. Those men never got the chance to see how far America has grown in understanding and acceptance – I keep them in my thoughts every time I cast a vote.
Be sure to vote. If not for you, for those you love.
Robert Drake works at WXPN and regularly DJs at events around town, including Bottoms Up at the Bike Stop every Friday and the monthly Sex Dwarf at Fluid Nightclub.
When the Log Cabin Republicans endorsed Mitt Romney this week, many LGBT voters may have found themselves scratching their heads. And for good reason. The national group purports to be the conservative voice for the LGBT community, but in throwing their support behind Mittens, they align themselves with other vehemently anti-gay organizations that have done the same.
While Romney may be speaking out of both sides of his mouth the closer we get to Nov. 6 (Obama is projected to get 253 electoral votes to Romney’s 191), he’s also the same guy who signed the National Organization for Marriage’s (NOM) pledge to stand against marriage equality if elected, which means supporting an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would block the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriage – even in states where it’s been legalized. It could also have a major impact on appointing Supreme Court justices, which should have gays and women shaking in their electoral booties.
Today, the National Board of Directors of the Log Cabin Republicans – the country’s largest LGBT Republican organization – has endorsed Mitt Romney for president. This comes after Romney has said he would like to pass a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. His running mate Paul Ryan has also said he opposes LGBT rights.
“The decision to endorse is the right one for our members, our community, and for the nation as a whole,” says Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper. “Despite our disagreement with Governor Romney on the issue of marriage, on balance it is clear that in today’s economic climate, concern for the future of our country must be the highest priority. We are Republicans, and we agree with Governor Romney’s vision for America in which success is a virtue, equal opportunity is ensured, and leaders recognize that it is the American people, not government, that build our nation and fuel its prosperity. On issues of particular concern to the LGBT community, we believe Governor Romney will move the ball forward compared to past Republican presidents. No matter who is in the White House, it is crucial our community always has a credible voice speaking out on behalf of LGBT Americans. Log Cabin Republicans will be that voice to President Mitt Romney.”
The group has actually made a 360 on Romney, having once criticized him for his increasingly more conservative views just a few short years ago (click here to watch the ad).
The LGBT community may be making gains on Capitol Hill, but HRC reports that not all of government is in step with the issues. HRC released its Congressional Scorecard for the 112th Congress that tells us what members of Congress really think (and do) about LGBT equality. And it’s not always pretty.
“While we continue to make advancements toward equality in Washington, the 112th Congress has more anti-equality members set on halting our progress,” says HRC President Chad Griffin. “Still, we continued pushing the envelope and made history with the first ever hearing and Senate Judiciary Committee approval of the Respect for Marriage Act, legislation repealing the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act. And for the second time, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act.”
What if you couldn’t marry the person you loved? Tyson FitzGerald, a producer and director with Miracle Mile Productions, has created a beautiful new marriage equality video series for MarriageEquality.org that talks to same-sex couples of all ages about how they fell in love – and what it means to have their relationships recognized. You’ll want to share this one with everyone you know. Trust us.
Check it out and tell us how you met your partner in the comments below:
As Pennsylvania gets ready to debate a bill that would make it illegal to subject minors to conversion (or ex-gay) therapy (California is the first state in the nation to do so), a former patient speaks out about the torment it caused in his own life.
Truth Wins Out shared the video of Matthew Shurka. He’s a 24-year-old who at 16 was forced into six weeks of reparative therapy. His own father sent him into this so-called “ex-gay” therapy after Shurka came out as gay. Now, he says the experience was profoundly painful: “It was pretty horrible – it was basically living the life of how to become straight based off of stereotypes.”
He was in therapy for five years. “Those five years are bad,” he says. “You don’t ever really learn to accept who you are.”
PHILLY
EVENTS
Let’s face it, usually Philly ranks pretty low in the national ratings (we’ve been called everything from the ugliest to fattest city in America). But the good news is that we now have the proud distinction of rating a perfect 100 on HRC’s first-ever Municipal Equality Index.
