ALL MAN: The International Male Story

 

In the era of the 70s and 80s, a group of unlikely visionaries set out to challenge societal norms and redefine masculinity. Their incredible journey is vividly depicted in the documentary film, ALL MAN: The International Male Story. This captivating documentary, featuring notable figures such as Matt Bomer, Simon Doonan, and Carson Kressley, traces the enduring impact of International Male, a groundbreaking mail-order catalog that forever transformed men's fashion, masculinity, and sexuality in America.

At the heart of this character-driven documentary is the story of Gene Burkard, a Midwesterner and former GI who, after finding freedom in San Diego, embarked on a quest to revolutionize men's fashion. Gene's vision was to create a catalog that embraced cosmopolitanism, carefreeness, and trend-setting, challenging traditional notions of masculinity. The result was International Male, a catalog that transcended boundaries and appealed to gay sensibilities.

What made International Male truly unique was its ability to redefine the imagery of masculinity in popular culture. Through its pages, men were presented with a new and liberating perspective on how they could express themselves through fashion. The catalog showcased a diverse range of styles, from bold and daring to sophisticated and refined, empowering men to embrace their individuality and break free from the constraints of societal expectations.

EPA Report Finds Suncor Refinery Having More Air Pollution Incidents Compared to Other Refineries

The Suncor petroleum refinery in Commerce City, Colorado, may experience more air quality incidents because of inadequacies in preventative maintenance, testing and inspection of liquid level control systems and electrical equipment, according to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analysis released today.

 

EPA’s analysis compared the causes and frequency of incidents at Suncor to 11 other refineries nationwide that operate under similar requirements. The goal is to understand what other refineries might be doing differently to help inform potential measures to reduce air pollution from the Suncor facility.

 

“This analysis underscores the importance of our compliance assurance efforts at Suncor in protecting the surrounding community,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “We will use this information and other targeting tools to focus our efforts for future inspections and enforcement.”

 

The EPA with support from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) undertook this study to better understand why Suncor continues to have air pollution incidents and how Suncor compares to other refineries across the country. EPA’s analysis considered the root causes identified in an investigation conducted by Suncor’s consultant as part of  Suncor’s Settlement Agreement. That previous investigation found underlying issues related to poor communication, unclear delineation of responsibilities and insufficient processes and resources to prevent issues from becoming more severe.

 

CDPHE will use EPA’s analysis to inform future inspections, investigations, permit updates and enforcement actions with Suncor. CDPHE is also evaluating its authority to require Suncor to make changes at the facility to prevent these incidents and intends to establish a new refinery expert position within CDPHE to help improve operations and accountability at Suncor.

 

“Air quality and health are linked in so many ways. We know people who live near multiple air pollution sources face disproportionate impacts, including the communities surrounding Suncor,” said CDPHE Director of Environmental Health and Protection Trisha Oeth. “This important analysis provides vital information to protect clean air for all Coloradans, no matter where they live. We anticipate the findings will result in direct actions for Suncor to make improvements.”

 

The EPA analyzed the frequency of air pollution incidents at the Suncor Refinery, comparing upsets, malfunctions and excess air emissions at Suncor to incidents at the 11 other refineries. The analysis found that, from 2016-2020, Suncor had the greatest number of tail gas incidents that caused releases of excess sulfur dioxide. Suncor also had the second greatest number of acid gas incidents releasing hydrogen sulfide gas. Suncor was in the middle of the comparison group at the seventh greatest number of hydrocarbon flaring incidents out of the 12 refineries.

 

Read the full report here: Suncor Report Analysis

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Outright International Calls on the World Bank to Suspend Loans to the Ugandan Government

Outright International supports the call of Ugandan LGBTQ advocates who have asked the World Bank to stop current and future loan payments to the Ugandan government in the wake of the adoption of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023, a piece of legislation that seeks to eradicate LGBTQ people. World Bank financing supports government poverty alleviation programs, including health care, education, housing, jobs, and economic infrastructure projects. The new law undermines these programs by mandating discrimination against LGBTQ people in all sectors of Uganda’s economy.

Under the Anti-Homosexuality Act, LGBTQ people in Uganda risk exclusion, imprisonment, and execution simply by seeking services from projects financed by the World Bank. The law mandates that all people in Uganda “shall report the matter to police for appropriate action” if any person is reasonably suspected of engaging in the “offense of homosexuality” or “promoting” homosexuality and if any organization is suspected of “normalizing” homosexuality. This mandate applies to all people involved in World Bank projects. Any attempt by an LGBTQ person to access services or benefits of these projects carries the risk of prosecution and sentencing under the act.  Penalties for offense of homosexuality range from twenty years to execution.

The law also precludes LGBTQ people from accessing the basic necessities of life. All landlords, including those in World Bank-funded housing programs, are required to evict LGBTQ tenants. Doctors, nurses, and teachers in government programs are prohibited from providing social support, affirming care, and information. LGBTQ people are barred from certain types of employment. Outright has described the law as rooted in genocidal ideology, as it attempts to eradicate LGBTQ people from existence.

“There is no way around it: World Bank staff are now required by law to be complicit in the persecution of queer Ugandans,” said Maria Sjödin, executive director of Outright International. “Worse, World Bank-financed programs will now contribute to poverty among LGBTQ Ugandans, not alleviate it, as the law excludes people from the benefits of development on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.”

The World Bank currently provides $5.5 billion in multi-year financing to the Ugandan government, whose total annual expenditure budget is $13 billion. World Bank policy dictates that financed projects must distribute benefits equally, without discrimination against vulnerable groups. Ugandan advocates have asked the World Bank to comply with its own policies by suspending loan payments. Outright International has called on the World Bank to prohibit its staff from reporting people to the police. The World Bank’s only public response thus far to the world’s worst anti-LGBTQ law has been a brief statement expressing concern. 

The World Bank has been explicit about the importance of the inclusion of LGBTQ people to fight poverty in the past, when former World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim spoke out against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, emphasizing “how crucial it is to fight prejudice and knock down barriers to education, jobs, social protection and good health faced by many people in the LGBTI community.” Also, in 2017,  the World Bank suspended all visiting missions to Tanzania due to state-sponsored harassment of and discrimination against LGBTQ people. 

“The World Bank should be a source of dignity, not danger,” said Ugandan human rights defender Kasha Nabagesera. “Queer people are going into hiding and fleeing Uganda to avoid the threat posed by the Ugandan government, much of which is financed by the World Bank.”

Candi Carpenter’s New EP "Demonology - Part 1" Out Today

Singer, songwriter and musician Candi Carpenter’s anticipated new EP, Demonology - Part 1, is out today via A-Frame Records/House of 42. Stream/purchase HERE.

Produced by Carpenter, Peter Shurkin and Alden Witt, Demonology - Part 1 consists of six tracks including the previously released songs “Nervous System,” “Novels About Vampires” and “Exorcist.” With the new EP, Carpenter puts forth their most raw and honest writing to date, revealing some of their most vulnerable thoughts and experiences. The release marks a new creative chapter for the Nashville-based artist, who is leaving their country roots for the alternative/pop space where they feel most authentically themself. 

Reflecting on the project, Carpenter shares, “Demonology is defined as the study of demons; a doctrine of evil spirits; a catalog of enemies. This EP is a study of my personal demons. Each song is an attempt to cast out the shame, the fear, and the trauma that have possessed me for so long. I need to name my demons in order to overcome them. Welcome to my exorcism.”

In celebration of the new music, Carpenter will perform select dates this summer including Bonnaroo next Sunday, June 18 as part of the #StopTheStigma SuperJam as well as a show at London’s Melodaze later this month. Full details can be found at www.candicarpenter.com.

Human Rights Campaign Applauds Biden Administration for its Continued Support of LGBTQ+ Americans Amid Unprecedented Threats

Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, applauded  President Biden’s announcement today that the administration will roll out a series of actions to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. 

The announcement comes at a critical moment, just two days after HRC declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people — the first time in HRC’s more than 40 year history — following an unprecedented and dangerous spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation sweeping through state houses this year.  So far in 2023, more than 525 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in 41 states, with 78 bills enacted into law as of June 7 — more than double the number of bills enacted last year.  

In response, Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign, released the following statement:  

“President Biden and Vice President Harris have long been strong champions for LGBTQ+ equality, and today’s announcement couldn’t come at a more critical moment — as the LGBTQ+ community faces increased hostility and imminent threats to our health and safety. We appreciate the president exercising his authority to bolster and strengthen efforts to secure the safety, well-being, and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people — especially transgender and nonbinary youth who are being maliciously singled out and targeted by extremist politicians across the country. America promises freedom and that goes for everyone. LGBTQ+ families and young transgender people deserve the same basic protections as everyone else -- to live their lives with safety, privacy, and dignity. 

In the current state of emergency the full force of our federal government should be part of the solution — and more needs to be done. We call on the administration to double down on their support for LGBTQ+ families and to work with leaders in every level of government to fight for a day when  LGBTQ+ young people have the same opportunity as every other kid in this country.  

As we celebrate the resiliency, determination and beauty of our community this month, the Human Rights Campaign will continue to work with this pro-equality administration and send a clear message that LGBTQ+ Americans have always existed and will not be going anywhere.” 

The initiatives released today, which especially protect LGBTQ+ youth, include efforts to ensure that queer and trans foster youth, who are overrepresented in the child welfare system, have access to safe and  affirming placement options. Other promises include improved mental health services for all LGBTQ+ youth. along with efforts to shield them and their families from discrimination in human services programs. The announcement also addresses hate-fueled violence, strengthens efforts to report hate crimes, and aims to tackle nationwide efforts to ban or restrict LGBTQ+ affirming literature as well.  

Full review of the announcement can be found here. Human Rights Campaign’s “Blueprint for LGBTQ+ Equality Under Biden” can also be found on the HRC website.  

Celebrating Outstanding LGBTQ+ Novelists: Ryka Aoki and Aaron Hamburger Win the 2023 Jim Duggins, PhD Mid-Career Novelist Prize

Lambda Literary is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2023 Jim Duggins, PhD Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist Prize. This esteemed award, dedicated to the memory of author and journalist Jim Duggins, aims to honor LGBTQ+-identified authors who have made significant contributions to the literary landscape. The winners of this year's prize are Ryka Aoki and Aaron Hamburger.

The Jim Duggins, PhD Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist Prize recognizes authors who have not only published multiple novels but have also garnered a strong reputation and a devoted following. These individuals exhibit immense promise in their ability to produce high-quality literary works for years to come. The prize is made possible by the James Duggins, PhD Fund for Outstanding Mid-Career LGBTQ Novelists, a fund of the Horizons Foundation, and includes a substantial cash award of $5,000.

Ryka Aoki, one of this year's deserving winners, is widely acclaimed for her exceptional contributions to literature. Her latest novel, "Light From Uncommon Stars" (Tor Books 2021), has garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including the prestigious Alex, Otherwise, and SCKA Awards. Furthermore, it reached the finals for highly esteemed literary honors such as the Hugo, Locus, Dragon, and Ignyte Awards. Aoki's debut novel, "He Mele a Hilo," was recognized by Bookriot as one of the "10 Best Books Set in Hawaii." 

Notably, she has received recognition from the California State Senate for her extraordinary commitment to the visibility and well-being of transgender individuals. Aoki is a two-time Lambda Literary Award finalist and has served as the Poetry Faculty for the 2018 Lambda Emerging Writers Retreat. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Cornell University, where she received the Philip Freund Prize for Excellence in Publication and the University Award from the Academy of American Poets. Currently, Aoki serves as a professor of English at Santa Monica College.

PEOPLE Exclusive: Meet 5 LGBTQ+ Heroes — and Hear from the Celebs Who Say ‘You Make Me Proud!’

Through tireless activism in the fields of recovery, family support, elder care and youth activism, these five LGBTQ+ advocates and organizations are making a difference in their communities:

Offering a Way Back: Kathy Watt

 of Los Angeles’ Van Ness Recovery House, the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ addiction treatment center, Kathy Watt runs a tight—yet empathetic—ship. “Most people who come here have lost hope,” says the 66-year-old former high school coach, who got sober 36 years ago. “They’ve been to treatment between five to seven other times already.” In addition to addiction counseling, the center offers mental health resources and sexual health education, and the 20 beds remain full 365 days a year. “An empty bed means somebody dies tonight,” explains Watt, adding that the most important thing the house offers is something residents often forget they deserve: redemption. “If you can be honest about who you are, you’re not gonna be thrown away.”

"Thousands of people have been helped to move forward from drug and alcohol addiction thanks to Kathy" —actress Sheryl Lee Ralph

Expanding a Vital Support Group’s Reach: Elizabeth & Enrique Castro

In 2016 Elizabeth Castro and her family moved to a Marine base in Okinawa, Japan, where her husband, Sammy, was stationed, and where her son Enrique was one of the few openly gay kids. Turning to PFLAG—at 50 years old, the nation’s oldest advocacy group for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them—for support, Elizabeth, 50, sensed an opportunity. “PFLAG has 400 chapters,” she says. “But what about families who move and start over every time?” She helped the organization launch Military Connects, “a safe virtual space for families [in the armed forces] to speak freely.” She now helps run an online chapter from her home in Lorton, Va., and admits that education and support will never not be useful: “I use a pronoun wrong, and Enrique says, ‘Mom, you’re in PFLAG—you should know better!’ ”

Says Brian K. Bond, Executive Director of PFLAG National: “Military families have long been a part of PFLAG’s story, and Elizabeth has been an important resource in helping us address the unique needs of those families, while also providing love and support to Enrique. As we developed our PFLAG Connects: Communities program for military families, in partnership with our friends at Modern Military Association of America, we were grateful for Elizabeth's guidance.”

"PFLAG’s voice is heard because love is our only command in this world" —actress Kristin Chenoweth

New Report by Nielsen Highlights Growing Significance of Gender Diversity and LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in Advertising and Programming

Nielsen, a global leader in audience measurement, data, and analytics, released today The Push For Change: Examining LGBTQ+ Representation in Media and Advertising report, which highlights that gender diverse audiences are increasingly more welcoming to brand engagements that are targeted based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Yet, while these audiences are more receptive to targeted brand messaging, there is still a significant gap in authentic representation in media content and advertising.

The majority (46%) of LGBTQ people surveyed were more likely to say that the best way to improve LGBTQ+ inclusivity is by avoiding stereotypes. This furthers the notion that authentic and realistic depictions of LGBTQ+ individuals are even more critical for brands and advertisers aiming to reach and connect through inclusive content. In addition, 47% of people who identify as gay and 49% who identify as lesbian believe adding more LGBTQ+ individuals to content would enhance inclusivity in programming and advertising.

"We continue to see an increase in consumer comfort levels related to gender diverse and LGBTQ+ targeted messaging," said Stacie de Armas, Senior Vice President, DEI, Diverse Insights, Intelligence and Initiatives at Nielsen. "Today's media landscape allows advertisers to easily magnify the reach of audience-specific advertising, which makes a compelling case for brands to broaden their marketing strategies to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ audiences."

Despite the fact that 42% of adults in America state they are more likely to buy from a brand when they are represented in a campaign¹, marketers continue to miss opportunities to build connections with gender diverse and LGBTQ+ audiences. The majority of non-cisgender identifying audiences² (62%) state that they haven't been targeted in advertisements and among the broader LGBTQ+ community, only 19% say they've received targeted advertising.

When it comes to media content, streaming platforms account for 87% of LGBTQ+ related content. In April 2023, audiences had nearly seven times the amount of representative programming to choose from on streaming platforms (2,777 titles) compared to linear TV (416 titles). Around the world, linear TV remains the primary option for TV content, presenting the opportunity for more LGBTQ+-inclusive media content where audiences are.

Other key highlights in The Push for Change: Examining LGBTQ+ Representation in Media and Advertising report include:

• More than 25% of global audiences believe that celebrating inclusivity and sharing positive stories would improve LGBTQ+ inclusivity in ads and content.
• When audiences did receive targeted advertising based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity, 64% say the products and messaging were relevant.
• Streaming platforms account for 87% of what's available for representative content, with Black LGBTQ+ content leading representation for the community.

Download The Push for Change: Examining LGBTQ+ Representation in Media and Advertising report for more details and insights, and please visit www.nielsen.com to learn more.

GLAAD and Ty Herndon Unite for The Concert for Love & Acceptance

Grammy-nominated and Dove award-winning country artist Ty Herndon and the world's largest LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization, GLAAD, joined forces once again to present a spectacular evening of music and unity at The Concert for Love & Acceptance. Held on Wednesday, June 7, at the esteemed Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, the star-studded event showcased a powerful coalition of artists and celebrities who are dedicated to accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.

The 2023 Concert for Love & Acceptance featured an exceptional lineup of talent, including Ty Herndon, Chrissy Metz, Maddie & Tae, Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, Sam Williams, Brooke Eden, Chapel Hart, Desmond Child, Billy Gilman, Jamie Floyd, Brandon Stansell, Bryan Ruby, Wendy Moten, Shelly Fairchild, Justin Fabus, Auti, Autumn Nicholas, Jada Cato, Jason Catron, and Matt Bloyd.

“With all that’s going on in the world, this event has gained a new level of significance.  I’m so grateful to the artists and fans who came together to send a message of love and acceptance from here at CMA Fest to LGBTQ people all around the globe” said Herndon. 

The Concert for Love & Acceptance provides a platform for artists, supporters, and allies to come together in a spirit of love, unity, and acceptance. Through the power of music, this extraordinary event ignites conversations, challenges stereotypes, and promotes positive change within the country music industry and beyond.

The Concert for Love & Acceptance aims to raise awareness and support for Ty Herndon's Foundation for Love & Acceptance. For almost 10 years, the Foundation has been at the forefront of fostering understanding, compassion, and equality for the LGBTQ+ community.

The event included three Official Community Partners — Nashville Pride, Black Opry, and Tennessee Equality Project — each of whom received complimentary blocks of tickets to the event and were spotlighted for their important work during the show. 

Queer Recording Artist Kaien Cruz Drops Upbeat Summer Anthem 'I Lay'

 

Queer independent recording artist Kaien Cruz, originally from South Africa and now based in Los Angeles, is making a powerful return with their new Afropop anthem, "I Lay." The vibrant summer track is now available to stream on all digital platforms via The Orchard.

Accompanying the song is a breathtaking cinematic music video, directed by Hunter So with production by Anna Dickson. Shot on location in Costa Rica, the video features an appearance by Kaien's partner, adding an extra layer of depth to the visual storytelling.

Co-produced by Glass Animal's Edmund Irwin-Singer, along with Alli Valenzuela and Joshua Choo, "I Lay" serves as an anthem celebrating the power of intuitive love and cosmic energy. With Kaien's potent vocals and the universal language of music, the infectious song takes listeners on an upward spiral journey of curiosity, expansion, pure joy, and ecstasy. This release follows their heartfelt single "Black Ice," setting the tone for what's to come from their upcoming project.

Reflecting on the new single, Kaien shares, "I wrote this song in an hour, and honestly, it just flowed straight out of me. I wanted to convey the feeling of total ease in love and life. 'I Lay' is my pure expression of what it means to be in love and connection without the toxicity of ego."

Kaien Cruz's musical journey has been marked by notable achievements, starting with their debut single "Love Me In The Dark" topping the South African charts and earning a nomination for Song of the Year at the South African Music Awards. Their talent caught the attention of Justin Bieber, who handpicked Kaien to open his sold-out Purpose Tour, performing in front of a crowd of 90,000. Inspired by their success, Kaien independently released two EPs and embarked on their first U.S. tour, including appearances at SXSW and Governor's Ball.

Human Rights Campaign Denounces Pence’s 2024 White House Bid

The Human Rights Campaign — America’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization — released the following statement in response to today’s news that Former Vice President Mike Pence has officially filed his papers to run for President in 2024: 

“In the past two presidential elections, the majority of American people rejected the Trump-Pence ticket and the hateful, theocratic extremism associated with MAGA leadership, said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. “Mike Pence’s vision for the country is dangerously out of step with the average American’s views on freedom and equality, and his potential presidency would create devastating consequences for the safety of the LGBTQ+ community and the ability of our people to live as full members of society. At a time when far-right groups are influencing horrific legislation in state legislatures like never before, we will need to ensure that Pence, who has deep ties to the likes of Alliance Defending Freedom and Focus on the Family, will never replicate the same hate from the most powerful position in the country.”  

“The Human Rights Campaign will work to mobilize the 62 million ‘Equality Voters’ — for whom LGBTQ+ equality is a make-or-break issue — to stand together in opposition to Pence’s candidacy, and to keep the previous administration’s destructive hate and bigotry forever a thing of the past.” 

A polling memo released recently by the Human Rights Campaign highlights a series of recent national polls revealing that Americans are growing increasingly opposed to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation spearheaded by DeSantis and other extremist lawmakers, finding the push excessive and nothing more than “political theater.”

• 64% of all likely voters think there is “too much legislation” aimed at “limiting the rights of transgender and gay people in America” — including 72% of Democrats, 65% of Independents, and 55% of Republicans [source].
• Two recent national surveys report opposition to bans on gender affirming care — one indicating 54% opposition [source] and the other indicating 53% opposition [source].
• Nearly six in 10 (58%) Americans oppose laws that would restrict drag shows or performances in their state, while 39% support legislation to restrict these performances. While 61% of Republicans are in favor of these bans, 73% of Democrats and 57% of Independents oppose the proposed limitations [source].
• Majorities disapprove of banning LGBTQ+ content in schools — nearly 60% of Americans believe middle school libraries should include materials related to “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” [source]. 

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Barbie Nation with the Director's Cut, Available On Demand June 27

Before there was Greta Gerwig's Barbie, there was Barbie Nation, an iconic cult classic set to make its highly-anticipated online debut on Tuesday, June 27 in an enhanced Director's Cut version.

Barbie Nation fearlessly delves into the depths of Barbie's dreamhouse, intimately exploring the peculiar ways in which people have embraced Barbie throughout history – and the doll’s own saucy rise from a German sex toy to the savior of Mattel.

For the very first time, this captivating hidden gem will be readily accessible, offering an all-new scene featuring the cherished 'Black Barbie'. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Barbie Nation, bear witness to the extraordinary evolution of a cultural phenomenon, and discover the secrets behind the enduring allure of Barbie.

Robert E. Arnold's "Benny & James" Triumphs with Four Awards at Festival de Cannes

Robert E. Arnold's remarkable short film, "Benny & James," has recently made waves at the renowned Festival de Cannes, where it garnered four prestigious awards. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as Festival de Cannes is an Academy Awards-qualifying festival, further solidifying the film's artistic merit.

The film has been recognized in multiple categories at the Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase. It received accolades for Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Cast, and the highly coveted Jury Award for The American Pavilion's Emerging Filmmaker. Such recognition speaks volumes about the exceptional quality and impact of Arnold's work.

"Benny & James" takes viewers on a captivating journey, delving into the life of a man grappling with a pivotal decision that will alter the course of his existence. Haunted by a distressing dream and the eerily similar experience of his husband, he begins to suspect that these parallel encounters may be a divine sign, urging him to reconsider an eagerly anticipated arrival. The film's noir-style cinematography and compelling storyline create a riveting and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Robert E. Arnold's creative expertise shines through in "Benny & James," drawing from his extensive background in the film industry. His previous work as a cinematographer on notable shows like "Astronomy Club" and "Reasonable Doubt" has garnered acclaim, as has his involvement in the critically acclaimed short film "Second Team," which has received multiple awards.

LGBTQ Americans Face Unprecedented Attacks: MAP Fights Back to Protect Equality

In this Pride season, LGBTQ Americans find themselves confronted with a sobering reality: they are under attack like never before. The national media initially focused on individual policy battles, but MAP, an organization, worked diligently to reframe the national conversation and offer a broader perspective. Through reports such as "Under Fire: The War on LGBTQ People in America" and real-time Equality Maps, they shed light on the alarming and significant surge in anti-LGBTQ legislation.

The year 2023 has witnessed the introduction of over 700 anti-LGBTQ bills in state legislatures, surpassing the combined total of such bills from 2012 to 2015. These bills encompass a range of issues, including the increasing prohibition of medical care for transgender youth and, more recently, transgender adults.

Recognizing the immense challenges of this moment, MAP is committed to fighting back with all available means. They meticulously track the laws and policies that directly affect the LGBTQ community while exposing the escalating extremism of their opponents. Additionally, they cultivate public support through innovative communication strategies and research initiatives. Collaborations and resources are nurtured to strengthen the movement.

Although MAP's timely and valuable policy resources have garnered attention, they require assistance to further their work of changing hearts and minds. They encourage individuals to make a donation to MAP, emphasizing that it would make a significant difference in advancing their crucial research and effectively reshaping the narrative surrounding LGBTQ equality.

Despite enduring a barrage of attacks, the LGBTQ community remains resilient. MAP's mission is to provide transformative, rigorous research and communications that facilitate a better understanding of the critical challenges they face. By bridging gaps and working towards equity and opportunity for all, they strive to counteract the deep divisions and unprecedented hostility directed at LGBTQ individuals. Support from generous donors is crucial in enabling MAP to fight back against these attacks and continue their essential work.