Friday, July 2, 2021

Do You Want To Reach Denver's Gay Community? Advertise With Denver's Best Gay Blog!

Do you want to advertise to Denver’s gay community? Of course you do, it’s the 7th largest in the United States! And the best way to reach them is with MileHighGayGuy – Colorado’s Best Gay Blog.
 

Just click the Advertising page or email sales@milehighgayguy.com to get started today.

My Name is Pauli Murray: The Life and Legal Legacy of a Queer Pioneer

 

Fifteen years before Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat, a full decade before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned separate-but-equal legislation, Pauli Murray was already knee-deep fighting for social justice. A pioneering attorney, activist, priest and dedicated memoirist, Murray shaped landmark litigation—and consciousness— around race and gender equity. As an African American youth raised in the segregated South— who was also wrestling with broader notions of gender identity—Pauli understood, intrinsically, what it was to exist beyond previously accepted categories and cultural norms. Both Pauli’s personal path and tireless advocacy foreshadowed some of the most politically consequential issues of our time. Told largely in Pauli’s own words, My Name is Pauli Murray is a candid recounting of that unique and extraordinary journey.

Amazon Studios will release My Name is Pauli Murray in theaters September 17 and on Prime Video October 1.

LGBTQI+ Singer, Songwriter and Producer, KENTÖ, Releases Self-Directed Music Video for “Silhouette”


NY-based multilingual singer, songwriter and producer, Kentö, is authentically himself with the release his video for “Silhouette,” out today. Directed by Kentö himself, THEM states; "On the track, the artist celebrates the power of being unforgettable, inspired by Adam Rippon’s grace as a figure skater and his unapologetic queerness." 

Kentö has been creating his own music for the past 8 years, developing songs that tell stories about his own life experiences, and the inspiration for this song came to fruition while watching Olympics interviews; “I saw Adam Rippon in an interview during the Olympics. He was full of joy. The best. The coolest. Unafraid to be so visibly himself. If I was younger and I saw someone on TV representing such freedom and self-love, I would be inspired by that. I aspire to be that. I wrote this song imagining myself as a kid and thinking about what I would tell my younger self.” 


“Silhouette” is the first single off of Kentö’s upcoming album release, Strangers, slated for release later this year. Inspired by the likes of Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, Kate Bush, and Peter Gabriel; Kentö states “I feel like I'm finally making music that is really expressing the sounds that have been in my head all along.”

Born in Northern Maine to a half Japanese/half French Dad and a Brazilian/French Canadian Mom, Kentö’s upbringing and travel have shaped him into the artist he is today. While living between Maine, Brazil and Canada, Kentö predominantly spent his childhood and teenage years in Japan, where he learned about music from all over the world at a young age. After working on a punk/pop project for four years in Japan, Kentö realized he wanted to branch out and discover a more timeless sound that felt more authentic to him, rather than what managers and labels decided on his behalf. In 2012 Kentö decided to take a chance, move to LA, call his own shots and start diving into a more diverse range of music. While doing so, he met artist/producer Frankmusik [Ellie Goulding, RuPaul, Erasure], and recorded/released his debut EP Complicated. From there Kentö was born, and his electro-edged pop music started grabbing the attention of media such as Arjan Writes, Head Of Apple Music’s Editorial, who referred to the EP as a “potent pop confection that will surely put Kentö on the map [...]” 

In 2019 Kentö was selected to join Them [Condé Nast], as one of the first of 30 LGBTQI+ ambassadors for the launch of their new publication and initiative. Being a strong voice for others to receive inspiration from has always been a shining light throughout any project he takes on. Kentö elaborates; “I am LGBTQI+ and I'm on the autism spectrum, and I think these are all my superpowers. I think pop music tends to have trends that all sound like one thing, and then someone comes along and shakes things up with a timeless sound. That's the kind of music I want to make. I have overcome a lot in my life, my parents passed when I was young, I’ve battled Cancer, and navigating the world not only as an LGBTQI+ person, but also one on the spectrum has really given me a lot of perspective on the world, life, and music. The amount of joy I feel being able to even be writing this right now that I have is immense. I'm so proud of myself, and I want to just share my music and positivity to the world.”

LGBTQ Artists, Allies Shined During Ty Herndon’s Annual Concert for Love & Acceptance


Country music artist and philanthropist Ty Herndon, in partnership with CMT, held his annual Concert For Love & Acceptance on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. Presented virtually as an exclusive live streaming event, performances included Brothers Osborne, Kristin Chenoweth, Cody Belew, Paul Cardall, Terri Clark, Gavin DeGraw, Brooke Eden, Shelly Fairchild, Jamie Floyd, comedian Dana Goldberg, Harper Grae, Ty Herndon, Jake Hoot, Chris Housman, Kathy Mattea, Rissi Palmer, Gretchen Peters, Michael Ray, Lily Rose, Tenille Townes, Walker County, Chase Wright, and Jaime Wyatt.

The show is now available to stream exclusively on CMT’s Facebook and YouTube channels, and at F4LA.org for the next 72 hours.

During the event, Kathy Mattea was honored with the second annual Foundation For Love & Acceptance R.A.L.Y. (Rescue A Life, Y’all) Award, presented by Herndon in recognition of her early advocacy for the LGBTQ community and HIV/AIDS awareness.

“Kathy Mattea was standing up for LGBTQ people in country music long before it was cool,” said Herndon. “I’m so proud that we could honor her tonight for her heroism and activism. Her voice made a difference when it really mattered.”
During the broadcast, Herndon also announced his Foundation for Love & Acceptance 2021 Rising Stars. This year’s honorees are ARLO, Brooke Eden, Jamie Floyd, Chris Housman, and Lily Rose.

“With LGBTQ Rising Stars like Brooke Eden, Chris Houseman, Lily Rose, and ARLO on the scene making great music as their authentic selves and allies like Jamie Floyd standing alongside them, I think we can say it’s a new day in Nashville,” said Herndon. 2021 class of honorees join last year’s recipients of the award, Shelly Fairchild, Harper Grae, and Brandon Stansell.

Produced by Herndon’s charitable foundation, The Foundation for Love & Acceptance, the Concert for Love and Acceptance returns as a star-studded online event, co-hosted by Herndon and CMT’s Cody Alan, who has hosted the event alongside Herndon since 2017. GLAAD, MusiCares, and Nashville’s Oasis Center are beneficiaries of event proceeds.

In its second year, The Concert for Love and Acceptance Red Carpet Countdown returned providing many more exclusive performances leading up to the main event. The Red-Carpet Countdown streamed online exclusively on Herndon’s Facebook channel, two hours preceding the official Concert for Love and Acceptance at 8 p.m. ET. Performances included Curtis Braly, Jada Cato, Exit 216, Justin Fabus, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Crystal Lewis, Kristen Merlin, Sarah Potenza, Brandon Stansell, Emily West, and Jaime Wyatt. Former Miss Mississippi America and USA Heather Soriano, who serves as Director of Pivotal Moments Nashville, will co-host the Red Carpet Countdown alongside Herndon.
GLAAD and Herndon created the first Concert for Love and Acceptance in 2015, shortly after Herndon became the first male country artist to come out as gay. Event appearances and performances have included Vince Gill, Tanya Tucker, Reba McEntire, Brett Young, Jake Owen, Lee Brice, Tyler Rich, Michael Ray, Rita Wilson, Chris Daughtry, Terri Clark, Chris Carmack, Gavin DeGraw, Crystal Gayle, Billy Gilman, Cassadee Pope, Calum Scott, Mickey Guyton, Levi Hummon, Cam, Cale Dodds, Runaway June, Chely Wright, Billy Dean, Hunter Hayes, Brandon Stansell, Meghan Lindsey, Thompson Square, WWE Superstars, Meghan McCain, and more.

Music City PrEP Clinic is the exclusive Presenting Partner of the 2021 Concert For Love and Acceptance. The organization serves to help Middle Tennesseans live an HIV-free life through PrEP medication, education, anti-stigma campaigns, and support. Additional support is provided by Analog at Hutton hotel, Veva Collect, and Lester Franzen.

"Everybody's Talking About Jamie" Comes OUT to Amazon Prime Video

 

Coming to Amazon Prime Video on September 17 and inspired by true events, EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE is the film adaptation of the award-winning hit musical from London’s West End, about Jamie New (newcomer Max Harwood), a teenager in a blue collar English town with a dream of life on stage.

While his classmates plan their livelihoods after graduation, Jamie contemplates revealing his secret career ambition as a fierce and proud drag queen. His best friend Pritti (Lauren Patel) and his loving mom (Sarah Lancashire) shower him with endless support while local drag legend Miss Loco Chanelle (Richard E. Grant) mentors him toward his debut stage performance. But it’s not all rainbows for Jamie as his unsupportive dad (Ralph Ineson), an uninspired career advisor (Sharon Horgan), and some ignorant school kids attempt to rain on his sensational aspirations. In rousing and colorful musical numbers, Jamie and his community inspire one another to be more accepting, and to see the value in facing adversity stepping out of the darkness into the spotlight.

Drag Superstar Katya Partners with Taimi for new Dating Show

Drag superstar Katya is looking for love, in her forthcoming eight-episode unscripted dating series 
From Katya with Love, and today Taimi announces their partnership with the NY Times best-selling author, comedian, and television star to assist in the casting process.
 
The LGBTQ+ platform featuring a social network and dating app (with over 10 million users) will provide an application form for the show, for any members of the LGBTQIA+ community (AGES 21+) that would like to throw their hat in the ring for a chance to appear on the show. From Katya with Love (which will be presented by OUTtv Media Group and Producer Entertainment Group via their new partnership OUTtv USA on Apple TV) will follow Katya as she looks for love among a diverse group of singles, and is sure to be absurdly hilarious and can’t-miss television.
 
“My heart has been frozen like a Russian winter,” said Katya. “Do you have what it takes to melt it? Are you prepared to survive challenges that will test your fitness as a lover mentally, emotionally, and psychologically? If your answer is ‘да’, apply for my show via the Taimi app now.”
 
From Katya with Love follows Katya’s rise to fame as a television superstar after two beloved runs on RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 7 and All Stars 2), becoming a viral comedy sensation thanks to her two wildly successful web shows with Trixie Mattel (“UNHhhh” and the Netflix-produced “I Like to Watch”), a NY Times best-selling book (Trixie and Katya’s Guide to Modern Womanhood), award-winning podcast host (The Bald and the Beautiful), and her debut music EP ‘Vampire Fitness’ which was called “an experimental digital distortion” (Entertainment Weekly) that is “delightfully absurd” (BuzzFeed), and “full of as many whiplash-inducing left-turns as Katya's humor and fashion” (Billboard).

RED HOT + FREE Out Now w/ Billy Porter, Casey Spooner, Foster The People, Gloria Gaynor, Honey Dijon, Sam Sparro, SOFI TUKKER, Tituss Burgess, Ultra Naté & Dozens More


Today, Red Hot + Free is “here to save your summer” (Entertainment Weekly). Out now, the liberating compilation of dance music marks the first brand new benefit album that the Red Hot organization has released in five years, continuing the non-profit's decades-strong mission to fight HIV/AIDS, uplift the LGBTQ community and support fellow humanitarian groups through the power of pop culture and global anthems. From Billy Porter's “blazing vocals” (Rolling Stone) on Caught In The Middle to SOFI TUKKER and Amadou & Mariam's “calling for togetherness in love” (NY Times) on Mon Cheri,” to over a dozen more songs featuring contributions from Allie X, Cakes da Killa, Casey Spooner, CRICKETS, Felix da Housecat, Foster The People, Gloria Gaynor, Honey Dijon, Louis The Child, Pamcy, Ultra Naté, Vagabon and more, Red Hot + Free is “a perfect soundtrack for summer...a queer-club fantasia where the tempos are at a constant pulse, and the revelry is non-stop” (PopMatters).

Red Hot + Free was produced and curated by perennial tastemaker Bill Coleman, and in a career-spanning new profile Wax Poetics says, “It's hard to imagine a more natural union of project and producer...Here’s a long-standing, though largely unheralded, ambassador of New York City club and music culture whose work has energized both mass and underground, now stepping up with a mixtape he envisioned and compiled to benefit music’s oldest AIDS awareness organization.”

Red Hot will be sharing additional Red Hot + Free material throughout the summer, with proceeds from the album benefitting the Ally Coalition, Trevor Project and SAGE, three groups dedicated to LGBTQ equality, suicide prevention in LGBTQ youth, and the elderly LGBTQ generation affected by HIV/AIDS and more.

“Dancing is universal, and it really can bring anyone together,” says Bill Coleman. “We all need relief - and release. I’m happy that Red Hot can provide a new soundtrack for a bit of that. Many of the songs and mixes here embody the energy and levity of being free, finding one’s freedom or simply rising above the daily trials and tribulations of the world and treasuring moments of solace and hope. Wherever you wanna drop the needle, that’s where the party begins. playLOUD.”

OutRight Says Goodbye to Executive Director and Celebrates Her Appointment as U.S. Special Envoy for International LGBTQI Rights

It is with a mixture of emotions that OutRight Action International announces the forthcoming departure of its executive director, Jessica Stern, who has been selected by the Biden Administration to serve in the role of Special Envoy for International LGBTQI Rights. Stern, who became executive director in 2012, oversaw a period of extraordinary growth for OutRight. While OutRight laments Stern’s departure, it celebrates the reestablishment of the role of Special Envoy and the Biden Administration’s decision to appoint a globally recognized expert in the human rights of LGBTIQ people to this important position.  

Under Stern’s leadership, OutRight underwent significant transformation and achieved meaningful and lasting impact. Stern expanded the organization to establish a permanent presence at the United Nations, a Global Research Program, an Arabic Media Project, a Corporate Engagement Program, and a Caribbean Program. Moreover, Stern created a training and advocacy program for LGBTIQ activists, Advocacy Week, that has become a model used around the world. 

Executive Director of OutRight Action International, Jessica Stern, comments:

Serving as OutRight’s executive director has been the honor of a lifetime. I can think of no organization that works with more integrity, more skillful staff, more motivated board members, more valued partners, or greater impact. After 11 years with OutRight, leaving will be bittersweet, but I know that the organization could not be stronger.

Stern’s vision was for OutRight to help LGBTIQ movements accelerate their progress by focusing on research, resourcing, and advocacy. Guided by a conviction that LGBTIQ movements need research to advocate for law and policy change, Stern led OutRight’s publication of landmark global reports documenting the impact of COVID-19 on LGBTIQ people and exposing the global reach of so-called ‘conversion therapy’ - practices aiming to change sexual orientation or gender identity which are professionally repudiated as futile and damaging. Stern also focused on the under-resourcing of LGBTIQ movements and guided OutRight to create new resources for LGBTIQ activists, organizations, and allies on the frontlines. During her tenure, OutRight helped launch a dozen LGBTIQ organizations; trained over 1,000 LGBTIQ activists; and distributed millions of dollars in grants to LGBTIQ organizations, including creating the largest global LGBTIQ COVID-19 relief fund in the world, which has raised more than $4M to support LGBTIQ communities in 80 countries.   

Under Stern's leadership, OutRight expanded the organization's impact as an advocacy organization. OutRight became a watchdog and advocate at the UN by obtaining official accreditation (ECOSOC status), advocating to establish the UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, and fighting for inclusive language in numerous UN resolutions and documents, among other successes impacting the daily lives of LGBTIQ people. 

Stern has also been a strong fiscal manager and successful fundraiser for OutRight. By diversifying the organization's revenue, with support from board members past and present, the organizational budget grew 340% from $2M to a projected FY22 budget of $8.8M. In the coming year, OutRight will enjoy its largest budget ever, enabling the organization to create new programs and recruit a dozen new staff members.

Co-Chair of OutRight’s Board of Directors, Jenny Pizer, comments:

The United States is emerging from four years of unreliable foreign policy, distortions of international human rights standards, and backs turned on LGBTIQ people domestically. In such times, LGBTIQ communities in the United States and around the world need and deserve a clear-eyed human rights champion to galvanize a wise reemergence of the U.S. government insisting on full human rights for LGBTIQ people everywhere. Jessica is that person. No one works with deeper commitment, greater integrity, or more skillful strategic vision on behalf of our global LGBTIQ family. We who know Jessica’s talents best know what an immense positive impact she can have. This is an exciting new day for our global movement.

OutRight has long advocated for the position of US Special Envoy for International LGBTQI Rights. First held by now-Ambassador Randy Berry during the Obama Administration, the Special Envoy is the most senior State Department official focused on the full and equal inclusion of LGBTIQ rights in US foreign policy. OutRight notes the important message the Biden Administration sends in countering lesbian invisibility by appointing a lesbian to this role. At a time when democratic institutions are under attack by authoritarian forces and the dangerous anti-gender movement, LGBTIQ people globally need the US to invest in stronger LGBTIQ movements everywhere. As with all government officials, OutRight will look forward to holding the new Special Envoy accountable.

Co-Chair of OutRight’s Board of Directors, Aalap Shah, comments:

OutRight today is a formidable organization that is deeply attuned to the diverse needs of LGBTIQ people around the world. We have a clear vision, robust programs, a skillful deputy executive director, experienced staff, and a strong Board of Directors. We will continue to fight as part of the global human rights movement. Nothing will slow us down in our pursuit of human rights for LGBTIQ people everywhere.

Stern’s departure date from OutRight has not yet been set. OutRight's Board will work in close coordination with Stern and the senior management team to ensure a seamless leadership transition in the coming weeks and months.

Thursday, July 1, 2021

"The New Bauhaus" Arrives on Select VOD Platforms July 20

The New Bauhaus Trailer from opendox on Vimeo.

When radical Hungarian artist László Moholy-Nagy moved to Chicago in 1937, he spearheaded The New Bauhaus, a movement descended from the famous German school. An original Bauhaus member, Moholy-Nagy took a pioneering interdisciplinary mixed-media approach to art and design that was vastly ahead of its time. Featuring intimate interviews with Moholy-Nagy’s daughter and an in-depth exploration of his groundbreaking work, The New Bauhaus offers an illuminating portrait of a visionary teacher and thinker.

Following a successful international film festival run, including a world premiere at New York's Architecture and Design Film Festival and Official Selections at Chicago, Palm Springs, Denver, Newport and more, The New Bauhaus will officially arrive on select VOD platforms on Tuesday, July 20.

Are You Gay With Something To Say? Bloggers Wanted For Denver's Best Gay Blog!

Are you a new or experienced writer or blogger? Do you want to be? Or maybe you're just some gay guy with something to say? Well, what better forum for you than MileHighGayGuy?

MileHighGayGuy is looking for regular and guest bloggers to write about local news and events, do music and movie reviews, or write opinion or feature pieces from a gay perspective.

These are unpaid positions but offer the opportunity to be published in Colorado's Best Gay Blog (2010, 2011, 2012 OUTstanding Awards, Denver 2012 #WebAwards), expand your audience and gain valuable experience. There's also swag available in the form of free movie and concert tickets, music, books and other cool stuff.

If interested, shoot an email over to Drew Wilson at drew@milehighgayguy.com. And if you've got column or story ideas to pitch, this is the place to do it.

OUT On Demand: Sublet

 

Available on demand on July 9, Sublet is the story of a New York Times writer who visits Tel Aviv after suffering a tragedy. The city's energy and his relationship with a younger man he meets there bring him back to life.

Udo Kier Stars in "Swan Song"

 

In Swan Song, legendary actor Udo Kier stars as retired hairdresser Pat Pitsenbarger, who escapes the confines of his small-town Sandusky, Ohio nursing home after learning of his former client's dying wish for him to style her final hairdo. Soon, Pat embarks on an odyssey to confront the ghosts of his past – and collect the beauty supplies necessary for the job. Swan Song is a comical and bittersweet journey about rediscovering one’s sparkle, and looking gorgeous while doing so.

Magnolia Pictures will release Swan Song in theaters August 6 and On Demand August 13.

k.d. lang and Orville Peck - “Miss Chatelaine (Iron Hoof Remix)”


k.d. lang and country artist/songwriter Orville Peck released 
“Miss Chatelaine (Iron Hoof Remix)” recently on Nonesuch Records. Like lang’s recently released remix album makeoverwhich comprises classic dance remixes, made between 1992 and 2000, of some of lang’s best-loved songs, “Miss Chatelaine (Iron Hoof Remix)” celebrates Pride Month. 

lang explains, “I had the idea of putting together a dance remix compilation, as I mused about how we built community in those days before the internet, mobile devices, and dating apps. Those dance clubs were a key to a world, which was still called ‘underground’ in the ’90s.” Working on the album got lang wondering how today’s top new artists and producers would interpret her music. She reached out to Peck and says his remix of her Grammy-nominated hit from 1992 “marries his music with my own beautifully. Orville and I have a lot in common and similar perspectives, I was honored when he agreed to remix one of my songs. I wanted to give him total creative freedom to do whatever he wanted with it and now I’m thrilled with the end result.”
 
“I’ve always been such a huge fan of k.d.’s,” says Peck. “Not only is she a queer icon but an incredible musician who blazed a lot of trails. I was so honored when she asked me to remix the song, and couldn’t wait to put my own spin on it.”
 
Earlier this month, makeover debuted at #1 on the electronic album chart, and it also includes the #1 dance chart hits ‘Lifted By Love’ and ‘If I Were You’. The cover art features a previously unseen 1995 portrait of lang by David LaChapelle, and the album is available on all formats, including transparent turquoise vinyl, here.
 
Called “one of the greatest singers of all time,” by Elton John and “the greatest female singer in the whole world” by fellow Canadian Michael Bublé, k.d. lang’s distinguished career includes four Grammy and eight Juno Awards. In addition to a fruitful collaboration with Tony Bennett (who calls her “the best singer of her generation”), lang has performed alongside luminaries including Roy Orbison, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, and Loretta Lynn. She sang at the closing ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. lang has contributed music to the soundtracks of several films, including Even Cowgirls Get the BluesMidnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and Happy Feet. She has also appeared in a number of films, including Salmonberries, The Black Dahlia, and Eye of the Beholder. In 1996, lang received Canada’s highest civilian honor, the Order of Canada.
 
lang released her first album with Nonesuch Records in 2004, the acclaimed and highly personal “Canadian songbook,” Hymns of the 49th Parallel, featuring work by Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Jane Siberry, and others. Her subsequent releases on the label include Watershed (2008), her first career retrospective Recollection (2010), and Sing It Loud (2011). Most recently, Nonesuch released Ingénue: 25th Anniversary Edition in 2017, comprising lang’s multi-platinum, Grammy Award–winning original album, as well as the previously unreleased 1993 MTV Unplugged performances. In the words of Uncut magazine, “Ingénue still dazzles, 25 years on. Luminous, languid and seductive to the point of intoxication. This reissue proves its status as a modern classic.” To coincide with the anniversary, lang performed sold-out concerts in Canada, the US, Australia, UK, and Ireland; a DVD of the show, Ingenue Redux: Live from The Majestic Theatre, was released in 2018. “A canny and sumptuous blend of roots music and pre-rock pop, Ingénue sounds as great today as it did upon its release. The songs shimmered with dreamy textures,” wrote the Los Angeles Times. “lang is so good that she is in a class of her own. Wow. Just wow. Most other singers should just give up now,” proclaimed the Daily Telegraph.
 
Orville Peck is a country recording artist and songwriter known for his deep baritone voice, strong musicianship and songs that are boldly sincere in their storytelling. Never confirming his identity, Orville, who is openly gay, grew up living an itinerant life and is never seen without his signature, fringed mask. Following the release of his self-produced debut album Pony in 2019, Orville signed with Columbia Records and released his “Show Pony” EP. Released to immediate critical acclaim early last year, the EP features a duet with global icon Shania Twain and puts Orville’s triumphant songwriting skills and intentional craftsmanship on full display. Orville, known for his unique personal style, has collaborated with many fashion brands including but not limited to Dior, Michael KORS and Pamela Love amongst others. In addition to touring and performing, Orville lends his time and platforms to activism and the causes he is committed to.

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Do You Want To Reach Denver's Gay Community? Advertise With Denver's Best Gay Blog!

Do you want to advertise to Denver’s gay community? Of course you do, it’s the 7th largest in the United States! And the best way to reach them is with MileHighGayGuy – Colorado’s Best Gay Blog.
 

Just click the Advertising page or email sales@milehighgayguy.com to get started today.

Human Rights Campaign Files Lawsuit Against Florida’s Transgender Sports Ban & Announces Future Litigation in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee


Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, joined by the law firm of Arnold & Porter, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in the District Court for the Southern District of Florida, challenging a Florida law banning transgender girls from participating in sports. The so-called “Fairness in Women Sports Act” is one of eight state laws passed this year that restrict transgender girls from participating on girls’ athletic teams. Amid the unprecedented attack on transgender youth, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation announced that, in addition to its Florida lawsuit, it will bring a series of legal challenges across the country of anti-equality laws in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.

“Given the unprecedented onslaught of state legislative attacks, we have a responsibility to utilize every tool in our belt to safeguard the LGBTQ community, including suing the states that infringe upon our civil rights,” said Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign President. “On the first day of Pride Month, a moment of celebration, Governor DeSantis signed a bill into law attacking transgender children—now, on the last day of Pride, we are sending a message to him, and all anti-equality officials, that you cannot target our community without retribution. Kids just want to play sports, and are confused about why their state’s leaders, who are elected to represent them, are so determined to hurt them. There is no way to be more clear: transgender children are children; transgender girls are girls; transgender boys are boys; and our community deserves respect, dignity and equal protection under the law.”

The case in Florida is brought on behalf of 13-year-old Daisy* and her parents Jessica and Gary N. Daisy is starting 8th grade in the fall and has participated in team sports since she was 8 years old. She finds joy, friendship and acceptance in basketball, softball, and currently, as a goalie on three different soccer teams. The Florida law will force Daisy to either play on the boys’ soccer team at school, which she will not do, or quit sports altogether which would be detrimental to her academic and social development, while also potentially risking her personal privacy and safety.

“Playing sports makes me feel like I fit in, the thought of not being able to play next year scares me,” said Daisy. “I’m going to be lonely and sad if I can't play.”

Daisy has only participated on girls’ sports teams; while some of her teammates and coaches are aware of her transgender identity, others are not. She has enjoyed a supportive school and team environment and continues to play without incident with other teammates, opposing players and coaches, or parents of other student athletes. With her parents’ support, Daisy began receiving gender-affirming medical care in middle school.

Jessica and Gary have whole-heartedly supported their daughter throughout her transition. Jessica and Gary take pride in encouraging Daisy’s participation on sports teams by shuttling her between nightly practices and scrimmages, paying registration and equipment fees, and coordinating work schedules to make sure they are present to watch Daisy in games and tournaments. When Daisy began to express a desire to wear clothing to reflect her authentic gender, Jessica became Parent Teacher Association (PTA) President of Daisy’s elementary school to ensure her child’s safety. Jessica remains a vigilant parent, recently changing careers to work as an aide in the high school Daisy will attend next year.

“It is a very helpless feeling to know that people think our daughter does not deserve the rights to play sports with her friends—she has been playing with them for the last seven years and it has not been an issue,” said Jessica and Gary. “Taking this right away will only further isolate her from her peers and take away her ‘safe space.’ She is just a girl that wants to play sports with her friends and be part of a team. As her parents, we just want her to be happy.”

HRC’s lawsuit asserts a number of legal arguments including that the law is in clear violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title IX expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, in any education program or activity offered by a recipient of federal financial assistance. The Department of Justice also recently announced that Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation in federally-funded education institutions. The lawsuit also asserts that the law violates the Equal Protection Clause and Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. More information regarding the upcoming legal challenges in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee will be announced throughout the year.

“Arnold & Porter is proud to stand with the Human Rights Campaign to defend transgender children who want to participate in sports consistent with their authentic identities,” said Rosalyn Richter, senior counsel at Arnold & Porter. “Our constitutional challenge in support of transgender youth exercising their rights reflects our firm’s longstanding commitment to equality and inclusivity for members of the LGBTQ community.” The Arnold & Porter pro-bono team was led by Richter and also included partners Kent Yalowitz and Jason Ross.

As the rash of transgender sports ban laws in states across the country have increased, lawmakers who supported the bills have failed to provide examples of any issue in their states to attempt to justify these attacks on transgender youth, laying bare the reality that they are fueled by discriminatory intent and not supported by fact. The nation’s leading child health and welfare groups representing more than 7 million youth-serving professionals and more than 1,000 child welfare organizations released an open letter calling for lawmakers in states across the country to oppose legislation that target LGBTQ people, and transgender children in particular.

An April 2021 poll by PBS, NPR and Marist states that 67 percent of Americans, including 66 percent of Republicans, oppose the anti-transgender sports ban legislation proliferating across 30 states. Another poll conducted by HRC and Hart Research Group in March 2021 revealed that, with respect to transgender youth participation in sports, the public’s strong inclination is on the side of fairness and equality for transgender student athletes—73 percent of voters agree that “sports are important in young people’s lives and young transgender people should be allowed opportunities to participate in a way that is safe and comfortable for them.” Additionally, 138 companies around the U.S. have signed the Business Statement Opposing Anti-LGBTQ State Legislation stating their clear opposition to harmful legislation and laws aimed at restricting the access of LGBTQ people in society.

“We cannot sit idly by as Republican legislatures make transgender youth the newest target of a campaign of hate and ignorance,” said Jon Harris Maurer, Equality Florida Public Policy Director. “Equality Florida stands with our partners challenging the cruel and unnecessary Transgender Youth Sports Ban in Florida and elsewhere. Transgender youth are some of the most at-risk in our community, and we will never stop fighting for them.”

“It is important to recognize this is hate disguised as legislation,” said Tatiana Williams, TransInclusive Executive Director. “It sets a tone and sends a message to the larger community that discrimination against the transgender community is okay—this is deeper than sports. We have to lead by example and understand the mental health impact this has on our already-at-risk community."

For many years, the HRC Foundation has partnered with legal and civil rights groups to advocate for civil rights in the courts. Now, through its Impact Litigation Initiative, HRC Foundation has expanded its legal footprint to include strategic impact litigation in domestic and international courts. Working with the world’s top law firms, the HRC Foundation is pursuing strategic cases and using the courts to hold accountable entities and governments who target the LGBTQ community with discriminatory laws and policies.