HRC responds to New Jersey vote against marriage equality

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today expressed disappointment with the New Jersey State Senate for its failure to pass legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples. The senate voted 14-20 against the bill. The bill had passed out of the Judiciary Committee by a 7 to 6 vote this past December.

“Today’s vote by the New Jersey Senate perpetuates a system of inequality in the Garden State,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Failing to provide loving, committed couples access to marriage leaves them separate and unequal – civil unions are not the same as marriage.”

“HRC provided tremendous help here on the ground, working with our staff and volunteers to push for marriage equality,” said Steven Goldstein, CEO of Garden State Equality. “While we’re disappointed by today’s vote, we’re thankful for the continued support of the Human Rights Campaign. This is not the end of the line. We will continue working towards marriage equality through lobbying, legal challenges, and citizen outreach. Every opportunity to highlight the inequalities experienced by same-sex couples brings us closer to our goal.”

More after the jump.


At this time, five states recognize marriage for same-sex couples under state law: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Five states—California, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada—plus Washington, D.C. provide same-sex couples with access to the state level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, through either civil unions or domestic partnerships.

Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island and Wisconsin provide same-sex couples with limited rights and benefits. New York and Washington, D.C. recognize marriages of same-sex couples validly entered into outside of the jurisdiction.

California recognized marriage by same-sex couples between June and November of 2008, before voters approved Proposition 8, which purports to amend the state constitution to prohibit marriage equality. Couples married during that window remain married under California law, but all other same-sex couples can only receive a domestic partnership within the state. The state will recognize out of state same-sex marriages that occurred before November 5, 2008 as marriages and those that occurred on or after November 5, 2008 as domestic partnerships. The Proposition 8 vote has been challenged in federal court; a decision is not expected any time soon.

Same-sex couples do not receive federal rights and benefits in any state. For an electronic map showing where marriage equality stands in the states,check out www.HRC.org/State_Laws.



Time Warner to receive 2010 Corporate Equality Award

The Greater New York Steering Committee of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced today that Time Warner Inc. will receive the 2010 Corporate Equality Award in honor of their commitment to equality for LGBT employees, consumers, and investors. The award will be presented at the 2010 Greater New York Gala Dinner which will take place on February 6, 2010 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.

Time Warner was chosen for the honor based on its strong and ongoing commitment to its LGBT employees and the LGBT community at large. The company has received a perfect 100% rating on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index for the past three years and has made a significant investment in growing their LGBT employee resource groups at subsidiaries across the country. In addition, Time Warner’s commitment to increasing the visibility and accuracy of LGBT images portrayed within their programming sets the standard for all US media organizations.

The Greater New York Gala Dinner is one of HRC’s largest events of the year. The event regularly draws political luminaries from the federal, state, and local government as well as celebrity entertainers and leaders of the business community.

“We are honored to have such a strong corporate ally in our efforts toward achieving equality for the LGBT community,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Time Warner’s commitment to creating a fair and equal workplace both within its walls and beyond is key to helping change false perceptions and ending LGBT discrimination.”

HRC slams David Letterman skit

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, sent the following letter today to David Letterman and CBS Corp. in response to a Late Show sketch mocking the appointment of Amanda Simpson (pictured) to a senior position at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Simpson, who until recently was Deputy Director in Advanced Technology Development at Raytheon Missile Systems and was a test pilot for 20 years, was appointed to be Senior Technical Advisor to the Department of Commerce, where she will work directly with the Under Secretary of Commerce on international trade and national security issues.

In a skit during Letterman’s opening monologue, the host announced Simpson’s historic appointment and revealed that she is transgender, displaying a photograph of her. The show’s announcer, Alan Kalter, then feigned “trans panic,” implying he had some prior relationship with Simpson but was not aware of her gender history, and ran yelling from the stage.

See the letter after the jump.


Letter from Human Rights Campaign Associate Director of Diversity for Transgender Issues Allyson Robinson:

January 6, 2010

David Letterman
Late Show with David Letterman
1697 Broadway
New York, NY 10001

CC: Nina Tassler
President, CBS Entertainment
51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019

Dear Mr. Letterman,

I am writing on behalf of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, to express my disappointment over the inappropriate and incendiary remarks made on The Late Show with David Letterman last night on the appointment of Amanda Simpson to a senior position in the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The decision to ignore the fact that Ms. Simpson is incredibly well-qualified for this vital national security position and focus instead on her gender identity reflects transphobia. Ms. Simpson’s appointment represents meaningful progress for the LGBT community and in particular transgender Americans who have faced significant and well-documented discrimination in the workplace and their communities.

You may not be aware that the punch line in your skit has been used as a defense in nearly every hate crime perpetrated against transgender people that has come to trial. For example, the “trans panic” defense was infamously used by Allen Ray Andrade, who was convicted in 2009 of beating 19-year-old Angie Zapata to death with a fire extinguisher after learning of her gender history. According to media reports, it has also been the main defense employed by Juan A. Martinez for the killing of Jorge Steven López Mercado, 19, in Puerto Rico last November.

Your skit affirmed and encouraged a prejudice against transgender Americans that keeps many from finding jobs, housing, and enjoying freedoms you and your writers take for granted every day. We ask that you apologize publicly to Ms. Simpson and the transgender community for this unfortunate episode.


Sincerely,



Allyson Robinson,
Associate Director of Diversity for Transgender Issues
Human Rights Campaign

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



Guys with iPhones can Buy for Equality with new app from HRC

Continuing the effort launched at the beginning of the busy holiday shopping season, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released a first of its kind, free iPhone application for its “Buying for Equality” guide. This new technology will allow shoppers to access the Buying for Equality guide as they enter a store to see how hundreds of popular American brands are rated based on the businesses’ treatment of their LGBT employees. The iPhone application is available for download at www.hrc.org/iPhone. Both Apple, and the iPhone’s exclusive service provider, AT&T,

The Buying for Equality iPhone application puts information directly in the hands of consumers in an easy to read format that divides businesses and their consumer products into red (brands to avoid), yellow (brands that have made some progress) and green (brands to support) categories to help consumers support businesses that support LGBT equality. These color-coded rankings are based on a company’s score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index (www.hrc.org/CEI), a nationally recognized benchmark that scores major American corporations based on their workplace policies and commitment to fairness for their LGBT employees.

“As pro-equality consumers enter the stores in 2010, the new Buying for Equality iPhone application is a revolutionary tool that will help inform purchases and support those businesses who believe in our equality,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “With this application, critical information about workplace equality is now at the fingertips of thousands of LGBT and allied supporters who have hundreds of billions of dollars in buying power. This is another way that we are enabling our community to come together to support those that support us in this new year ahead.”

Gov. Paterson extends protections to transgender New Yorkers

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today praised the New York Governor David A. Paterson for issuing an executive order extending anti-discrimination policies to gender identity for state employees.

“Governor Paterson has taken significant action to advance equality for all New York state employees,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “The ability to provide for our families is non-negotiable. We applaud Governor Paterson for his commitment to the LGBT community and look forward to working with fair-minded New York legislators to pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act which will protect private employees.”

An executive order prohibiting discrimination in state employment is the furthest extent to which any governor is able to exercise his or her executive power. Extending protections to private employees must be accomplished by the state legislature. New York joins eight other states in which an executive order, administrative order, or personnel regulation prohibits discrimination against public employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity: Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

In addition, twelve states and the District of Columbia prohibit full employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity: California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Nine more states, including New York, prohibit employment discrimination based only on sexual orientation. For an electronic map showing where employment non-discrimination stands in the states, check out www.HRC.org/State_Laws.

Good news and bad news

HRC reports the good news that marriage equality has passed in Washington, D.C.

The bad news is that the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has threatened to cut social services in protest.

Click their link to tell DC's Archbishop Wuerl not to use the homeless and needy as political pawns.

HRC congratulates Annise Parker, the new - and openly gay - Mayor of Houston

"Another milestone in the quest for LGBT equality was reached last night with the historic election of Annise Parker as Mayor of Houston. Annise is an incredibly qualified and gifted public servant, who focused her campaign on public safety, the economy and the future of Houston. She stood up to last minute anti-gay attacks with grace, courage and determination which carried the day. Houston, America’s fourth largest city, sent a positive message to the nation, that it chose the best person for the job based on her experience and qualifications, while at the same time breaking another glass ceiling. We congratulate Annise on her stunning victory, and we congratulate the Victory Fund for their tireless and successful work on her behalf." - Joe Solmonese, President HRC

John A. Perez named first openly gay state Speaker of the House

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, applauded yesterday’s selection of Assemblyman John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) as the next Speaker of the House in the California State Assembly. Pérez (above right), who served this year as the Democratic Caucus Chairman, is the first openly gay man to hold the state assembly’s top leadership position. The selection makes Pérez the first openly gay state Speaker of the House in the country.

“We congratulate the selection of Assemblyman Pérez as the new Speaker of the House for the great state of California,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “John’s selection is a testament to his strong leadership after just joining the Assembly in the 2008 election. He is a role model for young people in his Los Angeles district and now for his state and country as the first openly-gay man to hold the Assembly’s top spot. We look forward to working with him as California continues to be an important state in our national fight for equality.”

Pérez was elected in 2008 to represent the 46th District in Los Angeles. He received the endorsement of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. Pérez serves as an elected member of the Democratic National Committee and received a Presidential appointment to serve on the President’s Advisory Council on HIV and AIDS. He has also served as a board member for the California League of Conservation Voters, AIDS Project Los Angeles, the Latino Coalition against AIDS, the California Center for Regional Leadership, and the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation.

Fortune Valley Casino and Out Front Colorado present Out in Central City

Fortune Valley Casino and Out Front Colorado present Out in Central City, a $25 party package that includes free transportation to Central City, free buffet, entry in a poker tournament, live music, and much more.

Sounds pretty badass to me and proceeds benefit the HRC.

Get your tickets here and then meet in Denver at Hamburger Mary's at 4 p.m. on December 12.

This holiday season support businesses that support the gay community

In time to kick-off of the holiday shopping season, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today released a guide to hundreds of popular American brands rated on businesses’ treatment of LGBT employees. “Buying for Equality 2010” divides businesses and their consumer products into red, yellow and green categories based on their score on the HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, a nationally recognized benchmark of LGBT inclusion. The guide is available for download and viewing online at www.hrc.org/BuyersGuide.

“Congress is currently considering the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, a critical piece of workplace legislation that will include our community. Until all LGBT Americans get fair treatment in the workplace, we must support businesses that support us,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “By purchasing products from businesses that support LGBT equality, shoppers send a clear message to businesses that their support, or lack thereof, will directly impact their bottom line.”

The LGBT community is estimated to have $712 billion in buying power this year, according to research by Witeck-Combs Communications and Marketresearch.com. A recent study by Witeck-Combs/Harris Interactive also found that 78 percent of LGBT people are extremely or very likely to consider brands that are known to provide equal workplace benefits for their employees, including LGBT workers.

More after the jump.


“From determining which car to purchase, to the right holiday gift for the kids, to everyday grocery shopping, this guide harnesses the power of equality-minded shoppers. At this moment it’s critically important that businesses hear that their customers support businesses that support us,” said Solmonese.

Fair-minded consumers are encouraged to write to businesses to either thank them for their support, ask them revise their policies, or encourage them to participate in the Corporate Equality Index. More information can be found at www.hrc.org/ConsumerAdvocacy.




HRC responds to the Manhattan Declaration

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today responded to the “Manhattan Declaration” produced and released by 145 evangelical, Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christian leaders indicating that they will not cooperate with laws that conflict with their beliefs, including those recognizing same-sex couples. The document also references the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) as a threat to religious liberty. Yet ENDA – which prohibits workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity – broadly exempts religious organizations. The declaration also argues that religious groups that receive public funds to perform social services are unfairly burdened by state and local laws on marriage equality and non-discrimination.

“This declaration simply perpetuates the fallacy that equality and religious liberty are incompatible and that every step toward fairness for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community is another burden on religious people. In reality, non-discrimination laws are working all over this country, where religious freedom is existing side-by-side with equal opportunity," said Harry Knox, director of the Human Rights Campaign’s Religion & Faith Program. "Advocates of LGBT equality have taken great pains in their legislative efforts to ensure that the rights of religious organizations and people under the First Amendment are protected. It is deeply cynical for the authors of this document to paint themselves as victims because they cannot have a free hand to discriminate, including with taxpayer dollars."

“As a rabbi I am offended that this group of Catholics, Orthodox Christian and evangelical Christians are once again trying to foist their theology on government,” said Rabbi Denise Eger, member of the HRC's Religion Council and the founder of Congregation Kol Ami. “They already have the religious freedom to discriminate against gay people in their churches. But if they take government funds for social services then they must abide by the rules of equality that are a foundation of our Constitution.”

Knox also commented upon the claim that religious entities should be able to take public funds without treating LGBT people and same-sex couples equally. "These organizations must decide if they are in the charitable business for charitable reasons or for political reasons. Governments representing entire communities must not be held hostage by any group that puts its own desire to discriminate above the needs of the larger community,” said Knox.

National Adoption Month: LGBT Considerations for Employers

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced today the release of a groundbreaking resource “Adoption Benefit Programs: LGBT Considerations for Employers,” which provides standards and guidelines for insuring equity for all employees who adopt. The release is timed to coincide with National Adoption Month, which raises awareness about the thousands of children and youth in foster care waiting for a “forever family.” To download the guide visit: www.hrc.org/AdoptionBenefits.

“Leading employers know that providing optimal benefits for all employees is simply good business, and the right thing to do,” said Human Rights Campaign Foundation President Joe Solmonese. “With the release of this resource we highlight the key role employers can play in making adoptions possible for LGBT parents and the children that need them.”

Nearly 500,000 children and youth are in foster care in the U.S., 130,000 of which await permanent families today. Over 20,000 exit the foster care system as adults without ever finding a family. While studies show nearly 4 out of 10 Americans have considered adoption, many are concerned that the costs will be an obstacle. Adoption benefits are a growing trend among businesses — more U.S. employers than ever now offer them, according to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

“Providing benefits to families who adopt not only creates goodwill among employees but a sense of parity with families who receive benefits when they create or expand their families through birth,” said Rita Sorenen, President of the Dave Thomas Foundation. “For families who adopt from foster care, it is particularly meaningful to have additional supports, such as paid leave, in place. And as Dave Thomas always said, 'For employers, proving adoption benefits is not only the smart thing to do, it is the right thing to do.'”

HRC lauds signing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised President Barack Obama today for signing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law. The new law gives the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence where the perpetrator has selected the victim because of the person's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. The legislation was added as a provision to the FY 2010 National Defense Authorization Act earlier this Summer. For a comprehensive retrospective and historical overview of hate crimes advocacy visit: www.LoveConquersHate.org.

More after the jump.


“This law honors our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters whose lives were cut short because of hate,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Today’s signing of the first major piece of civil rights legislation to protect LGBT Americans represents a historic milestone in the inevitable march towards equality. Although this is a major step in fighting the scourge of hate violence, it is not the end of the road. As a community, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to changing not only laws but also hearts and minds. We know that hate crimes not only harm individuals, but they terrorize entire communities. After more than a decade of advocacy, local police and sheriffs’ departments now have the full resources of the Justice Department available to them.”

“We applaud President Obama for signing this bill into law and thank the leadership and our allies in the House and Senate. We also will always remember the tireless efforts of Senator Edward Kennedy on this issue. Senator Kennedy once said that this legislation sends ‘a message about freedom and equality that will resonate around the world.’ This marks the first time that we as a nation have explicitly protected the LGBT community in the law. And this law sends a loud message that perpetrators of hate violence against anyone will be brought to justice,” said Solmonese.

The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act honors the memory of Matthew Shepard, a Wyoming college student brutally murdered in an act of hate violence in 1998, and James Byrd, an African-American man who was dragged to death in Jasper, Texas, in 1998.

“We are incredibly grateful to Congress and the president for taking this step forward on behalf of hate crime victims and their families, especially given the continuing attacks on people simply for living their lives openly and honestly,” said Judy Shepard, executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. “But each of us can and must do much more to ensure true equality for all Americans.”

“We appreciate everyone who worked so hard on this bill. My son was taken at such an early age and we hope this law will help prevent other families from going through what we experienced,” said Stella Byrd, mother of James Byrd. “Even though we’re different colors and different sexual orientations or gender identities, God made us all and he loves us all.”

The new law also provides the Justice Department with the ability to aid state and local jurisdictions either by lending assistance or, where local authorities are unwilling or unable, by taking the lead in investigations and prosecutions of violent crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury that were motivated by bias. It also makes grants available to state and local communities to combat violent crimes committed by juveniles, train law enforcement officers, or to assist in state and local investigations and prosecutions of bias motivated crimes.

This legislation was first introduced in the 105th Congress. There have been 14 total votes in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate to bring this historic legislation to the president’s desk.



Justice for ALL

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today expanded its Justice For All educational curriculum to cover issues addressing gender identity and expression. The newest addition to the curriculum provides educators with three new lesson plans that will help them to engage their students in discussing gender identity and how gender identity discrimination affects people in education, employment, and family law.

“Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history and legal rights have been overlooked in educational curricula around the country. It is our hope that the gender identity curriculum will encourage teachers to discuss gender identity and expression openly and frankly with their students,” said Human Rights Campaign Foundation President Joe Solmonese.

Created through a grant from the Open Society Institute, the Justice For All program was developed to inform the public about the importance of an independent judiciary in protecting the civil rights of LGBT Americans. In particular, the Justice For All program responds to rhetorical attacks on “activist judges” by opponents of LGBT civil rights, increases awareness on attempts by state and federal legislators to reduce the power of the judicial branch, and highlights the growing threats of violence against federal and state judges who have been involved in deciding LGBT civil rights cases.

In 2006, the Justice For All curriculum was created to provide college and high school educators in the fields of social studies, history, government, and humanities with the tools to discuss issues affecting LGBT civil rights with their students. The gender identity lesson plans are the second expansion of the curriculum, which earlier this year was modified to include sections on the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

To date, educators from over 650 colleges, high schools, and middle schools have used the Justice For All curriculum in teaching thousands of students the fundamentals of civil rights and how these issues affect the LGBT community. Educators who are interested in learning more about the gender identity modules or the entire Justice For All curriculum can visit the Justice For All website at www.hrc.org/justice.

Judy Shepard, Kelly McGillis among honorees at HRC's 10th Annual Palm Springs Garden Party

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today announced the line-up for the 10th Annual Palm Springs Garden Party on Saturday, November 7. Judy Shepard, executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation and member of the HRC Foundation board of directors, will receive the Ally for Equality award for her work to pass hate crimes legislation.

Recently out actress Kelly McGillis, star of 'Top Gun' and 'Witness', will also be honored with the HRC Visibility Award.

“We’re grateful to Judy and the Shepard family for their tireless advocacy against hate violence,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “This is a critical time in our movement and our push for equal rights. ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and DOMA are still on the books and an inclusive ENDA has yet to become law. Real families are left without protections and people living with HIV and AIDS aren’t getting the care they need. Students are being bullied in school because they’re different and bi-national couples are treated like they’ve never met. We need our community to be involved and to become citizen lobbyists.”

Senate achieves cloture on report including Matthew Shepard Act

The U.S. Senate today achieved cloture on the Department of Defense Authorization Conference Report of which the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act is a part by a vote of 64 to 35. The Senate will now proceed with debate on the Conference Report followed by a vote on final passage.

Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese released the following statement:

“While there is strong support for the hate crimes provision, today’s cloture vote in the Senate demonstrates that those in the civil rights community need to remain ever vigilant. While the Senate achieved cloture, it is clear that the opposition remains strong. We look forward to final passage when the critical hate crimes legislation will be on its way to the President’s desk.”

HRC sez: Momentum is building

From President Obama's speech at HRC's National Dinner to final House passage of hate crimes to the National Equality March, the nation's attention is on LGBT equality to a hate crimes bill that will be law any day now and an inclusive ENDA up for debate in Congress before the end of the year - ot to mention marriage equality fights in states throughout the country and Washington, D.C. and thousands marching on Washington for LGBT equality - HRC says momentum is building for the gay rights movement.

But they need to raise $200,000 in the next month and a half to seize the opportunity and fight against anti-gay initiatives in multiple states and push their federal agenda to the tipping point.

Click here to donate what you can to aid HRC in the fight for GLBT rights.

President Obama addresses HRC

Check out video from President Obama's appearance at yesterday's HRC National Dinner.

National Coming Out Day: Tools you can use

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today announced new online tools and videos to mark National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 – an annual celebration that encourages LGBT people and their supporters to live open and honest lives. Centered on the theme “Conversations from the Heart,” the campaign features videos of LGBT individuals and supportive people in their lives as well as a new Facebook application that allows users to “donate” their status leading up to Oct. 11, share the campaign with friends, create a personalized t-shirt and find coming out resources.

“The more we as LGBT people tell our stories and engage the straight people in our lives, the closer we are to achieving equality,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “‘Conversations from the Heart’ encourages every American – no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation – to become empowered and active in the fight to ensure equal rights for all people.”

The centerpiece of the campaign is a series of videos in which LGBT people along with straight supporters share how the experience of having open and honest conversations has changed their lives for the better. Featured are: two straight ministers and a gay congregant; a mother and her gay son; a teacher and a student with a gay father; a gay and a straight veteran; a family with a transgender parent; and a rabbi and a gay congregant. Additionally, the Huffington Post published an op-ed today by HRC President Joe Solmonese for National Coming Out Day.

With the new Facebook application users can pledge to continue the conversation and “donate their status” so friends and family can become engaged as well. The application also facilitates spreading the word on Twitter and via e-mail.

Legislation introduced to repeal DOMA

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, hailed today the introduction of the Respect for Marriage Act (RMA) which would repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and restore the rights of all lawfully married couples—including same-sex couples to receive the benefits of marriage under federal law. The bill also provides same-sex couples with certainty that federal benefits and protections would flow from a valid marriage celebrated in a state where such marriages are legal, even if a couple moves or travels to another state. The lead sponsors of the measure include Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO).

“The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is a hurtful and cynical law enacted to discriminate against loving, committed same-sex couples,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese, who also offered remarks at the introduction press conference. “It does real harm by denying thousands of lawfully-married same-sex couples the federal rights and benefits that only flow through marriage. Many of these include the protections couples turn to in times of need, like Social Security survivors’ benefits, medical leave to care for an ailing spouse and equal treatment under U.S. immigration laws. Today’s introduction of legislation to repeal DOMA is a welcome step, and as more states recognize the commitment of loving same-sex couples and their families, it's time for this law to go into the history books where it belongs.”

Earlier this month, HRC launched a national action alert, an interactive website, RepealDOMAnow.org, and delivered to Congress nearly 50,000 survey responses showing the concrete harms DOMA brings to the lives of LGBT Americans and their families. The survey was commissioned in August by the Human Rights Campaign and asked a series of questions on DOMA repeal. The results of the survey showed 70 percent of respondents consider the repeal of DOMA a “top priority.”

Through DOMA, which was signed into law 13 years ago, on September 21, 1996, the federal government singles out legally married same-sex couples for discriminatory treatment under federal law, selectively denying them more than 1,100 federal protections and responsibilities – including Social Security and immigration benefits – that otherwise apply to married couples. This policy is discriminatory and harmful to families, preventing the government from honoring its legal commitments and the needs of families, even though these couples have assumed the obligations of civil marriage under state law and contribute as citizens and taxpayers.