LGBTQ+ EQUALITY
As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Pride March and celebrate Pride Month, it’s crucial that we reflect on what’s been achieved, but also on how much remains to be done on LGBTQ+ equality.
In an historic ruling, the Supreme Court decided that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 applies to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. At nearly the same time, the Trump administration erased healthcare protections for transgender patients, one of many brazen and unconscionable steps this White House has taken to dismantle protections for LGBTQ+ people living in America.
The recent wave of protests across the country calling for racial justice highlights the intersectionality of the struggle for equal rights, as some of the most vulnerable populations are transgender women of color. Equality must be upheld for all people, especially those who face multi-faceted attacks against their personhood. Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.
Alan will help protect the LGBTQ+ community and work to build a more inclusive society, as he has done for more than three decades. He co-founded City Year more than 30 years ago to unleash the energy and idealism of young people, address our communities most pressing problems, and to bring together young people from all backgrounds, including members from the LGBTQ+ community.
Alan is honored by the endorsement of Newton City Councilor Holly Ryan, the first openly transgender elected official in Newton and one of the first in America. Holly has been a state and national leader for the LGBTQ plus community for decades. In her own words: “Alan has been a lifelong activist who has delivered big, progressive results. At a time when we, the members of the LGBTQ+ community, find ourselves under constant attack and fearful of our safety, it is imperative to elect a leader like Alan who will fight to protect our rights.” He is also honored to receive the endorsement of Douglas Wilson, Former Assistant Secretary of Defense and the first openly gay individual to be confirmed by the United States Senate to a senior-level Pentagon position: “Alan has shown his leadership and commitment to equality throughout his career starting with City Year. He has not only advocated for inclusive policies, but has also helped build intersectional coalitions for decades. Alan’s plan components highlights that commitment and put strong support behind the voices that need to be heard in this movement.”
The Facts
- On June 15, 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that workers cannot be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, applying Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to the goals of the Equality Act
- However, in 27 states, there are no explicit statewide laws at all protecting people from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations.
- LGBTQ+ youth say they are twice as likely as their peers to have been physically assaulted, kicked or shoved.
- 68% of LGBTQ+ youth say they hear negative messages about being LGBTQ+ from elected leaders.
- LGBTQ+ youth comprise up to 40 percent of the total unaccompanied homeless youth population, even though they make up five to 10 percent of the overall youth population.
For more information, check out this powerful report or this interactive chart, both by the Human Rights Campaign.
ALAN'S ACTION PLAN
Alan will help protect the LGBTQ+ community and work to build an inclusive society. Today, LGBTQ+ individuals, especially people of color, face disproportionate rates of incarceration, homelessness, and substance abuse. We need to do more to ensure adequate human rights to this vulnerable community by including their considerations in all of our legislation across the board on climate, job creation, healthcare, and more.
Alan will work to build a bipartisan coalition behind the Equality Act. It passed the House on May 17, 2019, but is stalled in the Senate. It would amend the Civil Rights Act to “prohibit discrimination on the basis of the sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition of an individual, as well as because of sex-based stereotypes.” If we build a broad coalition behind this issue, we can pass the Equality Act with bipartisan support.
Alan will work to expand housing options to tackle the growing youth LGBTQ+ homelessness. LGBTQ+ homeless youth need safer access to housing options that will respect their sexuality and gender identity, as well as provide a safe environment. This includes training for shelter staff on how to be an ally to LGBTQ+ individuals and written policies to keep discrimination from occurring.
Alan supports the Every Child Deserves a Family Act. Far too often, legislation has passed which discriminates against the right of LGBTQ+ parents to adopt a child and support a family. This bill protects the right of children to loving parents and the right to family building for LGBTQ+ adults.
Alan strongly supports the Student Non-discrimination Act which would create Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students in public schools against bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
Alan believes in building an intersectional movement supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and mobilizing to deliver real, lasting change. Alan will work closely with movement leaders and active citizens to build broad-based national support for LGBTQ+ rights. His proven record of intersectional organizing for change and the leadership, passion and commitment of the LGBTQ+ community will make for a powerful alliance.