Pride Foundation

Landmark EEOC Ruling a Game Changer for Transgender Workers

Pride Foundation volunteers (and board members) Erin Lennon and Seth Kirby take a look at the recent EEOC ruling and how it will impact our community and the work of the Shareholder Advocacy Committee.

With the knowledge that 90 percent of transgender individuals have experienced harassment or mistreatment on the job or took actions to avoid it, Pride Foundation staff and volunteers were excited to learn of the landmark unanimous Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruling issued in April. The EEOC announced that discrimination on the basis of “gender identity, change of sex, and/or transgender status” is discrimination on the basis of sex and thus protected under federal law.

The EEOC enforces federal laws against employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and age. Unfortunately, there are no federal laws that specifically prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity/ expression. Until now, the EEOC has refused to recognize gender identity discrimination as a form of sex discrimination, but in its recent Macy v. Holder decision, it reversed that position.

In the Macy v. Holder case, Mia Macy, a transgender woman and former police detective applied to work for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. At the time of the interview, she was assured a job upon completion of the background check. Later in the process, she explained that she was in the process of transitioning her gender, and then was told the position was no longer available. With help from the Transgender Law Center, she asked the EEOC to investigate the incident as discrimination on the basis of gender identity. In its ruling, the EEOC agreed that discrimination on the basis of gender identity, change of gender, or transgender status is a form of sex discrimination subject to protection by the EEOC.

EEOC’s ruling provides crucial protections for individuals living in 34 states without transgender-inclusive anti-discrimination laws, including three states Pride Foundation serves: Alaska, Idaho, and Montana. Legal protections are critical in protecting our community from harassment and discrimination, and are a crucial pillar in influencing true cultural change where the contributions and rights of transgender people can be fully recognized.

Pride Foundation has been working across our five-state region to advance equality in the workplace through our shareholder advocacy efforts. More recently, our Shareholder Advocacy Committee has asked companies to add gender identity/expression protections to their policies that frequently already include sexual orientation protections.

The EEOC ruling strengthens Pride Foundation’s case for companies to include transgender protections in their policies. Adding sexual orientation and gender identity/expression to employment policies is not only the right thing to do; it is good for business and can save a lot of time and money. Proactive policy changes can prevent loss of skilled employees and can prevent costly litigation.

Pride Foundation uses its endowment for more than grants and scholarships; it is also used to bring equality to the companies in which we invest through shareholder advocacy. To date we have worked with more than dozen companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, and Amgen, to update their non-discrimination policies to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression.

Pride Foundation applauds the EEOC’s decision. It is an important step on the road to LGBTQ equality.

 

Record $400,000 Awarded to LGBTQ and Ally Students

This year, Pride Foundation will give out the most it has ever awarded in scholarships to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ), and straight ally students. Ninety-four scholars either from or studying in the U.S. Northwest states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, will receive a combined $400,000 from Pride Foundation’s scholarship program — one of the largest LGBTQ scholarship programs in the United States.

Scholars from around the Northwest will join donors, volunteers, and Pride Foundation staff for the 2012 Scholarship Celebration Breakfast on Saturday, May 19 at the Red Lion Hotel (1415 Fifth Avenue) in downtown Seattle.

“Becoming a Pride Foundation Scholar will be a stepping stone and will provide assurance that I will achieve my educational goals,” says Moses Lake, WA student Julian Chavez-Gamez, who plans on studying Social Welfare or Psychology in the University of Washington in the fall. “It will also demonstrate to me and others that hard work and perseverance do have their rewards.”

Read more about our 2012 Pride Foundation Scholars.

Pride Foundation’s Scholarship program began in 1993. Since then, it has awarded almost $3 million dollars to 1200 students. Scholarship awards support LGBTQ and straight ally students who have shown leadership to advance the LGBTQ community. The scholarships are intended to support various programs—2 year degrees, 4 year degrees, vocational programs and graduate studies, to students of all ages.

“Pride Foundation scholarships represent what is best in our LGBTQ community—perseverance, hope, and generosity,” says Anthony Papini, Director of Educational Leadership at Pride Foundation.

“LGBTQ students often face additional barriers in pursuing their education and career goals. Our scholarship donors want to ensure these students—including straight ally students—have the opportunity to achieve their dreams,” adds Papini. “We, as a community, are supporting students at a critical moment in their lives so that they can positively impact their local communities and career fields.”

Karter Booher, a transgender scholar raised in Anchorage, AK and currently attending Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA adds:

“I am becoming a more independent person, more sure of who I am. I am becoming the man I am supposed to be. In understanding my gender identity I have become more invested in myself. I am taking control of my life and where I am headed. Sometimes it hurts, and there is a common, human, struggle in that – especially within the queer community – but I am becoming. I am headed somewhere and I am incredibly excited about that direction.”

Visit our website to learn more about Pride Foundation and the Scholarship Program.

World AIDS Day: Text your “PRIDE” support

Text “PRIDE” to 27722 to make a $10 contribution.

Support World AIDS Day and the efforts of nonprofit organizations in the Northwest to educate, advocate and eliminate. Your text donation will be doubled thanks to a very special $10,000 challenge grant.

Donors have helped Pride Foundation fund over 700 HIV/AIDS-related projects with close to $6 million since 1985. Help us continue to support vital HIV/AIDS-related projects by making a $10 contribution by texting “PRIDE” on your mobile phone to 27722 today!

Show your love by December 1, 2011. #textpride

Will you marry me in Washington?

This morning the Washington United for Marriage Campaign officially launched with a press conference in Bellevue, WA – we’d like you to get involved.

Pride Foundation is proud to be a founding member of Washington United for Marriage as we know that marriage equality is an issue near and dear to many of our supporters. Community meetings are being held all over Washington in the next couple of weeks. From Bellingham to Vancouver to Spokane, join us to make your voice heard.

Washington United for Marriage is a broad, statewide coalition of organizations, congregations, unions and business association that have come together to work to win civil marriage for lesbian and gay couples in Washington state in 2012.

Click here for full Events and Volunteer Calendar

Puyallup – Nov 14, 2011 6:30 PM

Join us for a Puyallup Community Meeting for Marriage Equality

First Christian Church of Puyallup
623 9th Avenue Southwest
Puyallup, WA

Lakewood – Nov 15, 2011 6:30 PM

Join us for a Lakewood Community Meeting for Marriage Equality

Clover Park Tech College
Rotunda of Building 3 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW
Lakewood , WA

Vancouver – Nov 17, 2011 6:00 PM

Join us for a Vancouver Community Meeting for Marriage Equality

YWCA Clark County
3609 Main St
Vancouver, WA

Gig Harbor – Nov 17, 2011 6:30 PM

Join us for a Gig Harbor Community Meeting for Marriage Equality

United Methodist Church
7400 Pioneer Way
Gig Harbor, WA

Seattle -  Nov 20, 2011 3:00 PM

Join us for a Seattle Community Meeting for Marriage Equality

St. Marks Cathedral Bloedel Hall
1245 10th Ave E
Seattle, WA

Richland – Nov 21, 2011 6:30 PM

Join us for aTri-Cities Community Meeting for Marriage Equality

Shalom United Church of Christ
505 McMurray St.
Richland, WA

Bellevue – Nov 21, 2011 7:00 PM

Join us for a Bellevue Community Meeting for Marriage Equality

East Shore Unitarian Church
12700 Southeast 32nd St.
Bellevue, WA

Spokane – Nov 22, 2011 6:30 PM

Join us for a Spokane Community Meeting for Marriage Equality

Spokane Falls Community College; Building 24, Room 110
3410 W Fort George Wright Drive
Spokane, WA

Bellingham – Nov 29, 2011 6:30 PM

Join us for a Bellingham Community Meeting for Marriage Equality

Fairhaven College Auditorium
516 High St.
Bellingham, WA

Be sure to check out the Washington United for Marriage website, join the coalition on Facebook or follow @WA4Marriage on Twitter.

LGBT parenting legal issues in Washington

Want to learn more about the legal rights of LGBT parents in Washington?

Then please join QLaw, the GLBT Bar Association of Washington, for LGBT Parents and the Law:  What You Need to Know to Protect Your Family on Tuesday, September 27 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Seattle University School of Law. Legal experts will explain the rapidly changing laws affecting LGBT parents in Washington and will be able to answer your questions. Topics will include:

• Starting your family – including adoption, surrogacy, assisted reproductive technology, and domestic partnerships

• Establishing and protecting your parental rights, before and after a child is born

• Legal options for LGBT parents after a break up

The event is free and open to the public. It will be held at Seattle University School of Law at 901 12th Avenue, Seattle (corner of 12th and Columbia) in Sullivan Hall, Room C6. Don’t miss this free opportunity to learn how to protect your rights!

The QLaw Foundation Education & Outreach project endeavors to lead research and disseminate knowledge about legal issues of concern to the GLBT community in the State of Washington. Alone or through cooperative efforts with other organizations, the Education Committee guides the following tasks: research, provide funds for research, prepare legal materials, provide funds for publication of knowledge, and sponsor forums. If you are a researcher or your organization seeks to partner with the Foundation’s Education Committee, please contact the chairperson.

This event is sponsored by the QLaw Foundation, Legal Voice, Equal Rights Washington, ACLU of Washington and the Access to Justice Institute at Seattle University School of Law, with the support of a Pride Foundation grant.

Download the event flyer.

Grant application deadline August 19

Do you know of a great LGBTQ-related project that will have a great impact on your community? Does the project need funding?

Pride Foundation’s grants process starts with a simple online “Letter of Inquiry” (LOI) application. Pride Foundation awards grants to 501(c)3 organizations or organizations with a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor that are based in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington.

Complete online LOI applications are due no later than Friday, August 19, 2011 at 11:59 pm CST. Visit our website for info about guidelines, the application and past grantees.

If you have any questions or need more information regarding this process, please contact Jeff Hedgepeth, our Grants Program Director, at (206) 323-3318 or toll free at 1-800-735-7287, or email [email protected].

Pride Foundation Night with Sounders FC

SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC is hosting the inaugural PRIDE NIGHT on October 8, 2011 at 7pm at CenturyLink Field in Downtown Seattle. Come celebrate diversity and experience why pundits all across America call Seattle the “soccer capital of the United States.” A minimum of 25% of every ticket purchased goes back to Pride Foundation. Pride Foundation inspires a culture of generosity that connects and strengthens Northwest organizations, leaders, and students who are creating LGBTQ equality.

The October 8 game against the Philadelphia Union is likely to sell out so get your tickets today! (This special offer has been extended to September 5.)

Seattle Sounders FC
vs
Philadelphia Union

October 8, 2011
7 pm
CenturyLink Field

To take advantage of this offer please complete the following instructions:

1. Click on this link Pride Night with Sounders FC
2. Then enter the special offer code: PRIDE
3. If you do not already have an account you will need to create one by entering your email address under “create an account”
4. Select your tickets!

Welcome Oregon’s new Regional Development Organizer

Pride Foundation is thrilled to introduce a new member to Pride Foundation’s staff team. Starting in August, Jett Johnson will take on the role of Regional Development Organizer in Oregon!

“Jett is clearly dedicated to LGBTQ equality and will be an amazing Pride Foundation ambassador in Oregon,” says Amy White, Pride Foundation’s Director of Regional Development and Leadership.

Jett will be based out of Eugene but will be traveling throughout Oregon to meet with current and potential supporters, scholars and grantees. Jett’s work and volunteer experience has prepared him well for this new role having worked  Basic Rights Oregon and Pan Asian Rites of Passage. He has volunteered as Co-Chair of PFLAG and the 4J Lane County School District Equity Committee.

There are Regional Development Organizers in each state that Pride Foundation serves (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington). Each staff is responsible for building relationships with grantees, scholars, donors, volunteers and allies in their home state to help Pride Foundation and their local community build momentum towards LGBTQ equality.

Here’s a little more information about Jett from our website:

“Jett is consistently amazed at the beauty of Oregon’s scenery, from the coast to the mountains, to the beautiful plains of Eastern Oregon,he is awestruck by it all! It isn’t just the majestic outdoors that captured Jett’s heart, it’s also the kind and generous folks he has had the pleasure of getting to know and work with. He moved here to complete his graduate work at the University of Oregon. He believes in social justice on all levels, likes building bridges to the future, and working for a better tomorrow. When he isn’t stoking the flames of fairness, he enjoys yoga, riding his fixed gear bike and Skyping with his partner Scott. Jett is super stoked to get work in Oregon, to get to know you and what you think will make Oregon a better place for the LGBTQ and allied community.”

For more information about Pride Foundation’s work in Oregon and throughout the Northwest, email Jett beginning August 1.

The PFLAG adventures of Kathy Reim

A family affair: (clockwise from top left) Tammy, Robert, Kathy and Rachel

Ever wonder what it’s like for a PFLAG family that’s active in their community? Pride Foundation board member and PFLAG leader Kathy Reim went on a road trip recently with her daughter and husband taking a whirlwind 9-day tour of Eastern Washington, Montana and Idaho to talk about community leadership and to help local communities build local PFLAG chapters.

Serendipity and Wonderment: The 2011 Northwest Heartland PFLAG Tour

Day 1 – Colville, WA

We lost the GPS as we crossed the eastern half of Washington State on Highway 20. We call the GPS “Trendelenburg” – an inside x-ray tech joke. She has a snarky voice and kept trying to send us back 298 miles to Seattle to start over again. So I got my old job back as navigator thanks to Triple A maps and my love for cartography. The pass across the North Cascades was still closed so we traveled a couple of extra hours to get to Colville. I had a “duh” moment when I realized we could have driven across Canada and dropped down into the states. “Trende” never even made that an option.

Learn more about Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

We had a wonderful welcome from the PFLAG Colville Planning Group. Fifteen people, mostly allies who are dedicated to justice, civil rights for all and who want to create safely in their town, are planning to move forward with regular support meetings, outreach to the surrounding area and plans to get in touch with National about next steps. We were delighted to be joined by Farand Gunnels from the Pride Foundation – who is located in Spokane and is available to connect dreams to resources. After a delicious breakfast (thank you) we were off for another beautiful drive to:

Day 2 – Kalispell, MT

We met with six people from the PFLAG Kalispell/Flathead Valley Chapter. It is a small, skillful, insightful group looking for someone to serve as their spokes person. They have great activities going on in their community and some strong networking. Their goals are to separate the board meetings from support and continue to do outreach to involve more participants. After another great breakfast in one of the loveliest places ever – Whitefish, Montana – the next morning (another thank you!)  we were off to:

Day 3 – Hamilton, MT

Okay. So Montana is beautiful. I will try not to be redundant. I spent all my time ogling the mountains and taking on over the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Robert was patient with me. I grew up in West Texas. What can I say? I will always feel the Pacific Northwest is amazing.

PFLAG Hamilton/Bitterroot Valley greeted us with a fully decorated space, another delicious meal and 13 people who had a great conversation about leadership, hopes for their community and how we can do outreach to our schools in ways that work for them and increase as needed understanding and safety for all young people and the adults who work with them. We were joined by Caitlin Copple, the Pride Foundation Regional Development Organizer for Montana, and like Farand, an important resource for PFLAG through their scholarships and grants programs. The next morning we were off to:

Day 4 (Part 1) – Melrose, MT

We met a great mom and dad from Butte, MT at the Blue Moon Saloon in Divide, MT but it was closed – so they, along with Cesar Hernandez – our Western Field and Policy Manager in Los Angeles – drove on to Melrose for more good conversation.

The plan for Butte is to research interest in that community for a possible PFLAG chapter, and we encouraged them to drive over to the Hamilton chapter to visit a support meeting or attend a board meeting or both. Introducing great people to one another is a joyful part of PFLAG. After a very excellent hamburger (another thank you- are you picking up on a food theme here? That is a PFLAG tradition, too) we traveled on to:

Day 4 (Part 2) – Idaho Falls, Idaho

It was party time for Idaho Falls/ Eastern Idaho PFLAG as their chapter turned out to support a fund raiser at the Unitarian Church. Once again we were graciously hosted by these long-time PFLAG leaders who have a remarkable history of service and activism and support. Currently this is the only chapter in Idaho and that beacon of light has been well-organized, creative and stead fast. I had an absolutely enthralling visit with Hank Boland – a former PFLAG Regional Director and another one of the PFLAG moms in this country who led the way for acceptance. She had to leave to get ready for a bike trip to Italy. I understand she just started her 8^th decade and I am convinced that PFLAG parents stay forever young – forever young and beautiful.

Find information about your local PFLAG Chapter.

The next morning we “crashed” a regular Sunday breakfast gathering for gay men in Idaho Falls and with their help discussed the goals for Idaho Falls- which include efforts to strengthen board involvement and ways to continue to encourage and invite expanded participation in this conservative region.

And then additional magic happened. We met two young men who sat in on this conversation and afterwards we talked about how the resources of the Pride Foundation turn dreams into reality. One of them is a student who wants to become an English teacher and, after coming out to his Mormon family, lost their support. The other has a dream of bringing musical theatre to Idaho Falls – plays like Rent that could rally the community and educate at the same time.

And then lastly, on the way out of town, I talked by phone with a man who dreams of starting a gay chorus in Idaho Falls. How appropriate- when I have witnessed the change in hearts here in Skagit County with the regular and deeply appreciated performances of the Seattle Men and Womens’ Choruses. I don’t know how all of this will play out or unfold. It is a beginning and with the help of those of you reading this… it can be more. It must be more.

After having traveled across the short panhandle of Idaho we now found ourselves making a long loop across the southern part to:

Day 5 – Boise, Idaho

The Boise PFLAG Planning group was ready to welcome us in The Community Center. Close to twenty-five people brought wonderful energy and excitement to the plan to rebuild a strong PFLAG chapter: Boise/Treasure Valley PFLAG. At this visit Cesar, Robert and I were joined by Steve Martin, the Pride Foundation Regional Development Organizer for Montana. We were excited to hear the quality of leadership skills evident in this group and the excellent mix of new energy and experienced voices eager and available to help. Everywhere we went on this journey, people were thrilled to hear that a Boise PFLAG group is interested in re-grouping and building a much needed leadership role in the Pacific Northwest.

Again we want to offer a sincere thank you to the warm hospitality we received in Boise and our thanks to Steve for a wonderful dinner and more great conversation that evening. I am so honored to serve as a board member for the Pride Foundation and could not be more impressed with the quality of the people selected to translate the dreams of the Foundation into sustainable change in our beloved part of America. The next morning we were off to:

Day 6 – Kennewick, WA

I was puzzled that during the afternoon on our way to Kennewick I kept receiving text messages from our daughter Rachel… when I knew she was at work. “My goodness,” I said, “I hope she is not putting her job in danger.” Then Rachel asked for our room number and I was still in the dark – wondering why she had such interest in this detail when on the whole trip she had never asked.

It was with total delight we had a knock on the door and opened it to Rachel and our daughter-in-law Tammy who had driven up from their home in Bonney Lake to surprise us and join us for the last days of our trip.

That afternoon we all attended an excellent workshop presented by Heather Carter of the Youth Suicide Prevention Program. She has created some very impressive curriculum, and I cannot urge too strongly that all of us do our utmost to keep this work well-funded. Afterwards we had an enjoyable dinner with members from PFLAG Richland/Benton County and other community leaders. In that discussion we heard that they too are eager to support creating safe schools and providing support for GLBT people and their families in the Tri-Cities. They have a lively, energetic group and need to have strong parent support to add to the great allies and GLBT leaders who have come together to make this a great chapter. The next day we went to:

Day 7 – Walla Walla, WA

I have wanted to visit Walla Walla, Washington, since I was in the 5^th grade- as I stood before a huge map of the U.S. and pointed to the places that made me laugh… Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Walla Walla, Washington. Here I was living in Munday, Texas, and destined someday to live in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. How could I know life would have vast amounts of serendipity and wonderment in store for me?

We had a beautiful day in this charming city and met some phenomenal people. We do not believe anything that happens or the people we meet are accidental. After a very enjoyable conversation with the hard-working PFLAG Walla Walla chapter, we had a delightful dinner and met even more good people living in that community. Walla Walla PFLAG also welcomes and needs the support of their community and will continue to urge parents and allies to understand their very important role in making their community safer and more welcoming. The next morning we were off to:

Day 8 – Yakima, WA

We had a reunion lunch meeting with a leader from PFLAG Yakima with whom we met last fall and discussed the possibilities of changing their meeting location to a place that might be more convenient. These practical issues are exactly our role for you in PFLAG.  We are here to have these conversations as your group evolves and needs to change to meet the needs of your community. You are not alone. Please never feel that way…

And then in the rain… for the first time on this trip of 2150 miles… we crossed the mountains to Bonney Lake to spend the night with our family and our grand puppies. The next day we had a leisurely trip home to:

Day 9 – Sedro-Woolley, WA

Some summary thoughts:

It can feel as if the world is taking a lot of steps back right now. I am by nature an optimist but I think it is fair to say I think we can feel excited and hopeful with the momentum to organize we are seeing in many small towns in Washington and Oregon, many larger communities in Montana and new interest in Idaho.

We need you to be our eyes and ears so when we are invited to come to a community, we have local people ready to do some of the publicity and outreach.

Where do you have a connection in your home towns? Places of faith, GLBT groups and centers, progressive groups dedicated to civil rights and justice, college or university groups can be where we start.

Talk to these folks. Tell them about our dreams for an America that allows all of us of all ages and in all our diversity to live in freedom and dignity and safety- to go to school and work and know we can be authentic. These are not crazy dreams. They are very true to what this country represents.

And then ask them to contact PFLAG and with that invitation we will bring all the wonderful ways we have learned to bring change and support it over the long term through other groups like the Pride Foundation and GLSEN…

And yes… we also, always bring…

Hugs,

Kathy

My first Portland Pride

As the Portland Pride Festival wraps up another year,  I’ll have many great memories of joining Pride Foundation volunteers at our community information booth to hold me over until next year.

One of my favorite moments: A retired teacher came up to our community booth and told us that he had helped a lesbian student successfully apply for a Pride Foundation scholarship several years ago. The student had just come out at the time and was struggling for acceptance from her family. The retired teacher was proud to report that the former student was now thriving; having gained the community support and resources needed to grow academically and personally.

Snapshots like this made my first Portland Pride a moment to remember.

Another image I will not soon forget was the Army Staff Sergeant wearing his uniform stripped of his name tag and unit affiliation with a balaclava over his face to hide his identity marching proudly with a group of former service members in the parade. The image is a testament to the ongoing struggles our community faces despite the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, but it is also a testament to our community’s resilience and commitment to social justice.

Hundreds of Pride Festival revelers came to our booth to speak with our volunteers to learn more about our grants and scholarships programs. More than 350 people entered our nonprofit donation raffle with the hopes of winning $100 for their favorite charity. People spoke passionately about why they picked their favorite organizations. Some people volunteered at their favorite nonprofit, some donated, some had received support from a charity, some couldn’t remember the name of the nonprofit but loved them for what the nonprofit did.

What was clear was that Pride Foundation grantees and other equality-minded nonprofits are key to providing support and services that were improving the lives of LGBTQ and ally people.

Congratulations to Casacade AIDS Project, organizers of the AIDS Walk Portland taking place October 2, for winning the $100 raffle donation. And a big “thank you” to Sherri W for nominating Cascade AIDS Project as her favorite nonprofit.

I’m eagerly awaiting next year’s event!

A special thank you to former staff and current volunteer Karen Petersen and volunteer Jonathan for helping hundreds of people connect with Pride Foundation at the booth. Philip Wong is Pride Foundation’s Director of Communications.