All Blog Posts
In Honor of Transgender Remembrance Day
The following post was written for the Children’s Hospital blog by the father of a transgender child with whom GLAD has had the honor of working for some time.
MA CORI Reform: Now What?
The CORI Reform bill passed in Massachusetts, now what? Aaron Tanaka, Executive Director of the Boston Workers Alliance (BWA) and co-chair of the Commonwealth CORI Coalition (of which GLAD was a member) stopped by the GLAD office this week to answer that very question.
Our Work Is Not Done Until Everyone in the LGBT Community Is Protected
Nights like last Saturday night at Latino Pride, held by Somos Latin@s LGBT Coalition of Mass., remind me how much I love my job. What other job would allow me to accept an award in honor of GLAD’s work with the Latino community, in the company of other amazing award recipients like Miss Mass Gay Latina 2010 herself - Ms. Tatiana Jackson - who also thrilled us with multiple performances!
Rhode Island Supports Marriage Equality
Today, the Rhode Island Marriage Coalition (RIMC) released the results of a new poll showing that 59 percent of Rhode Island voters support allowing same-sex couples to legally marry in the state.
We Couldn’t Agree More: ABA Backs Marriage Equality
“RESOLVED, That the American Bar Association urges state, territorial, and tribal governments to eliminate all of their legal barriers to civil marriage between two persons of the same sex who are otherwise eligible to marry.”
And with those words, the American Bar Association (ABA) today overwhelming voted to support equal marriage rights for all lesbian and gay couples— across the nation.
GLAD’s Jamal Brown Makes an Impact
GLAD’s own Jamal Brown won the inaugural Boston SPYCE Community Impact Award and spoke graciously and eloquently about his journey & passions. I was so happy I was in the audience to witness this accolade and was beaming with pride.
CORI Reform Passes the House
The Massachusetts CORI Reform Bill passed in the House Wednesday with a vote of 138 to 7! This is the last major step before the House and Senate bills are merged and sent to the Governor for his approval. GLAD is proud to share this victory with the Boston Workers Alliance and the countless other allies and supporters of the Commonwealth CORI Coalition. This reform legislation would limit employers’ access to the criminal records of job applicants and reduce the number of years until felony and misdemeanor charges can be sealed.
Got Pride?
The theme of this year’s Boston Pride parade is Riots to Rights: Celebrating 40 Years of Progress. GLAD has been here, fighting for the rights of LGBT and HIV positive people for 30 + years. And this year is no different. That’s why we want you to join us on June 12 as we march for equal justice under law for all.
An Argument for Equality: Recapping DOMA Hearing Day
It was sunny and warm as we headed to the Joseph Moakley Federal Courthouse on Boston’s waterfront. Eight married couples, three widowers, and as many attorneys marched into the courtroom of Federal District Judge Joseph L. Tauro. The plaintiffs – all harmed by DOMA in various ways – sat in the jury box, and in an overflow courtroom next door, spectators could see them on two large flat-screen TVs.
A Date With Destiny
Nearly three years ago, my wife Melba and I started on a road that would lead us to this day. During this period, we have seen one Administration go, and another come in. We have set our hopes not in these changes but on what it means to be American where fairness and equality are concerned. Understanding, that while the stewardship may change, America’s promise of equal treatment so intrinsic to the life of its citizens must remain a pledge for all. It is in search of this promise that we stand before this court today.
Today, we along with our co-plaintiffs in Gill et al vs. Office of Personnel Management et al will have our claims heard. And we will listen to our Attorney Mary Bonauto present the merits of our case. We will see opposing counsel do their best to present the merits of theirs. And we’ll stand before a U.S. Federal District Court and the presiding Judge Joseph L. Tauro for the first time in our lives; and trust that on this one Massachusetts morning, on this one day in Boston — the principles of justice and equality will prevail.