11 Ekim 2012 Perşembe

HRC and Rock the Vote Partner for National Coming Out Day

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FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 10, 2012
Paul Guequierre

Human Rights Campaign and Rock the VotePartner for National Coming Out Day
2012 Coming Out Day theme is Come Out andVote for Equality
WASHINGTON – The Human RightsCampaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)civil rights organization and Rock the Vote have announced a new and excitingpartnership for National Coming Out Day (NCOD) 2012. NCOD – a globallycelebrated event that encourages LGBT people and their supporters to be visibleby living open and honest lives – is celebrated each October 11. Thisyear HRC and Rock the Vote are celebrating National Coming Out Day with thetheme “Come Out and Vote for Equality.” Rock the Vote's mission is toengage and build political power for young people in our country.

“With so muchat stake this year, young voters will make the difference in key states withmarriage equality ballot initiatives and in electing fair-minded candidates atall levels across the country,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “We arehonored to partner with Rock the Vote in such an important election season.”

“Youngvoters in this country have an historic opportunity to make a difference inthis year’s elections,” said Heather Smith, Executive Director of Rock theVote. “We are proud to partner with the Human Rights Campaign to mobilizevoters across the country."

Pollingshows that when people know an LGBT person personally, they are much morelikely to support equality. By coming out, LGBT people will encouragetheir friends, family, and coworkers to vote for fair-minded candidates. HRC and Rock the Vote’s partnership will help spread the word about theimportance of voting, particularly on college campuses.

Foundedtwenty-one years ago at the intersection of popular culture and politics, Rockthe Vote has registered more than five million young people to vote and hasbecome a trusted source of information for young people about registering tovote and casting a ballot. Rock the Vote uses music, popular culture, newtechnologies and grassroots organizing to motivate and mobilize young people inour country to participate in every election, with the goal of seizing thepower of the youth vote to create political and social change.

TheHuman Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual andtransgender political organization with members throughout the country. Iteffectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the publicto ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work andin the community.
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New HRC Report on Experiences of LGBT Youth Links Being Out to Happiness, Other Positive Life Factors

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FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11, 2012
Paul Guequierre

New HRC Report on Experiences of LGBT YouthLinks Being Out to Happiness, Other Positive Life Factors
NationalComing Out Day report finds openly LGBT youth happier, rely on peers forsupport yet serious obstacles remain to coming out
WASHINGTON –Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth who are out to theirimmediate family or at school report higher levels of happiness, optimism,acceptance and support, according to a new report on LGBT youth released today,National Coming Out Day (NCOD) by the Human Rights Campaign – the nation’slargest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization. The report further analyzes the results of a groundbreaking survey of over10,000 LGBT-identified young people, first released this summer in a reporttitled “Growing Up LGBT in America.”

The NationalComing Out Day report shows that 9 out of 10 LGBT youth (91 percent) acrossthis country are out to their close friends while youth are less likely to beout to immediate family (56 percent) and at school (61 percent).

“The goodnews is that unlike previous generations, many of today’s LGBT youth havesomeone in their life with whom they can be themselves,” said HRC PresidentChad Griffin. “It is strikingly clear, however, that adults must dobetter in supporting LGBT youth who still fear family rejection, being judgedand ostracized in school, rejected from their religious congregations and thebroader community.”

The reportalso finds youth who are not out often face additional stressors and are morelikely to be cut off from key forms of support including adults in their familyor community to talk to and support organizations at school. Half of LGBTyouth, both out and not, participate in online communities that address LGBTyouth issues.
Amongthe report’s key findings:

Among youth who are not out to their family, the most frequent obstacle they describe is that their family is not accepting or homo/bi/transphobic;
Among youth who are not out at school, the most frequent obstacle they describe is that teachers or classmates will treat them differently or judge them;
Nearly half (47 percent) of LGBT youth who are not out to their immediate family say they do not have an adult in their family they could talk to if they were sad, a quarter (25 percent) of youth who are out say the same;
Among religious-identified LGBT youth who attend services regularly, only 19 percent are out within their congregation and a mere 11 percent are out to their clergy

“We knowthat LGBT youth who are out and accepted by even a handful of close friends orfamily are happier, and everyone has a role in creating an environment in whichyouth feel safe and comfortable being themselves,” said Ellen Kahn, director ofthe HRC Family Project and a professional social worker. “Today we should allconsider what more we can be doing – from the conversations we have at thekitchen table or in the workplace, to comments made by national leaders in themedia.”

This report,the second in a series of efforts to analyze the landscape for LGBT youth,includes a call to action for LGBT youth, their peers, parents, teachers,elected officials and religious leaders.
A fullcopy of the report is available at: www.hrc.org/youth.

TheHuman Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working toachieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring andengaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizensand realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

NCOD- Youth- Report

HRC - The History of Coming Out

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The History of Coming Out

In the Beginning, There Was a MarchOn Oct. 11, 1987, half a million people participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. It was the second such demonstration in our nation’s capital and resulted in the founding of a number of LGBT organizations, including the National Latino/a Gay & Lesbian Organization (LLEGÃ“) and AT&T’s LGBT employee group, LEAGUE. The momentum continued four months after this extraordinary march as more than 100 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists from around the country gathered in Manassas, Va., about 25 miles outside Washington, D.C. Recognizing that the LGBT community often reacted defensively to anti-gay actions, they came up with the idea of a national day to celebrate coming out and chose the anniversary of that second march on Washington to mark it. The originators of the idea were Rob Eichberg, a founder of the personal growth workshop, The Experience, and Jean O'Leary, then head of National Gay Rights Advocates. From this idea the National Coming Out Day was born.To this day National Coming Out Day continues to promote a safe world for LGBT individuals to live truthfully and openly.More here

Tickets In Ohio

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10 Ekim 2012 Çarşamba

Columbus Dispatch: U.S. home prices post first 12-month gain since '10

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By Martin Crutsinger
Associated Press Tuesday August 28, 2012 11:02 AM

The story is here
U.S. home prices rose in June from the same month last year, the first year-over-year increase since the summer of 2010. The increase is the latest evidence of a nascent recovery in the housing market.

The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home price index released today showed a gain of 0.5 percent from June 2011.

The last time the year-over-year index increased was in September 2010. For much of that 12-month period, the government was offering a home-buying tax credit.

The report also showed that all 20 cities tracked by the index rose in June from May, the second consecutive time in which every city posted month-over-month gains. And all but two cities posted stronger gains in June than May.

Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago and Atlanta recorded the biggest one-month gains.

"The combined positive news coming from both monthly and annual rates of change in home prices bode well for the housing market," said David Blitzer, chairman of the S&P's index committee.

Jonathan Basile, an economist with Credit Suisse, said improving home prices should boost home sales further in the coming months.

"Persistent news of rising house prices should start convincing prospective home sellers that it's not just a buyers' market," Basile said. "And when Americans become more comfortable with selling their home, they also become more comfortable with buying another one."

The S&P/Case-Shiller monthly index covers roughly half of U.S. homes. It measures prices compared with those in January 2000 and creates a three-month moving average. The June figures are the latest available.

The increases partly reflect the impact of seasonal buying. The month-to-month prices aren't adjusted for seasonal factors.

Still, a measure of national prices rose for the third straight month. Home prices jumped nearly 7 percent in the April-June quarter compared to the previous quarter.

The housing market is making a modest but steady recovery in part because homes are more affordable: Mortgage rates have fallen to near-record lows. Housing prices are about one-third lower than at the peak of the housing bubble in 2006. Those trends have helped lift sales of both new and previously occupied homes.

Sales of previously occupied homes increased in July from June, the National Association of Realtors said last week. Sales have jumped 10 percent in the past year.

Builders are growing more confident after seeing more traffic from potential buyers. Last month they applied for the largest number of building permits in nearly four years last month.

The housing market has a long way to go to reach a full recovery. Some economists forecast that sales of previously occupied homes will rise 8 percent this year to about 4.6 million. That's still well below the 5.5 million annual sales pace that is considered healthy.

Sales have been held back by a low supply of homes on the market and tight credit standards, economists said. Many would-be buyers are having trouble qualifying for loans or can't afford larger down payments being required by banks. A Federal Reserve report last month showed that many banks tightened their mortgage credit standards this summer.

Still, the housing market is steadily improving and is poised to contribute to economic growth this year. Modest economic growth and job gains are encouraging more Americans to buy homes.

9 Ekim 2012 Salı

Columbus Dispatch: U.S. home prices post first 12-month gain since '10

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Columbus Dispatch: Ohio 6th cheapest for homeowners

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Ohio 10th cheapest for auto insurance, 6th cheapest for homeowners

By Mark Williams

The Columbus Dispatch Tuesday August 28, 2012 4:25 PM

The story is here
Ohio continues to be one of the more affordable states when it comes to insurance costs.

Figures out this afternoon show the Ohio had the 10th lowest auto insurance rates and the sixth lowest homeowner rates in the U.S. in 2011, according to the Ohio Department of Insurance.

Auto rates among the state’s top 10 insurers rose 1.2 percent, the lowest since 2008, according to the state. Homeowner rates among the top 10 insurers increased by 6.2 percent.

The top 10 represent about 70 percent of the market.

Columbus Dispatch - Former tenant charged in killing of woman in Victorian Village

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The story is here
A tenant of a woman who was shot and killed at her Victorian Village home last night is being sought for her slaying.

Columbus police issued a murder warrant today for Jason L. Stubbs, 35. According to court records, he lived at 1177 Highland St. with Carolyn Cummins, who owned the house.

Cummins, 73, was found shot in her basement about 9 p.m. and died a short time later. A man made the 911 call to police, and witnesses said they saw a man run from the house about that time.

Cummins often allowed people to stay at her house, near 4th Avenue, and she paid people to do errands and tasks. She was apparently seeking a tenant for the detached apartment in her back yard, according to a handmade sign posted out front.

Neighbors said police were frequently called to the house for disturbances. According to police records, officers were called by Cummins at least 49 times since 2004, for trespassing, burglary, theft, assault and damaging charges.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Stubbs is asked to call the homicide squad at 614-645-4730.

Chapels In Ohio

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8 Ekim 2012 Pazartesi

Top 10 Reasons to come to Gallery Hop this Saturday, September 1st

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Top 10 Reasons to come to Gallery Hop this Saturday, September 1st

Reason #1 pm gallery - 1190 N High St

It's official! After 32 years in their former space, pm gallery will re-open in their new location at 1190 N High St for the September Gallery Hop! Head to the gallery for a one day only event: "BYOPV" (Bring Your Own Paul Volker)Bring your Paul Volker painting to pm gallery for your chance to win BIG PRIZES! Paul Volker will be in attendance and guests will enjoy complimentary food and drink. Works can hang in the gallery for the evening or you can be the living easel to show off your fabulous investment!

Reason #2 Lindsay Gallery - 986 N High St

Celebrate September's Hop at Lindsay Gallery with the featured work of Columbus painter Mark Thomas. Stop in to see his exploration of the American spirit... hustling off to work, children playing, the vitality of neighborhoods and the search for meaning in life.

Reason #3Studios on High Gallery - 686 N High St

Studios on High Gallery hosts exhibits "Silver Threads" and "Golden Palette" featuring fiber artist Deb Johnson's wearable creations and mixed media artist Marty Husted's whimsical landscapes at this Saturday's Hop.

Reason #4 Rivet - 1200 N High St

Didn't get a chance to make it into Rivet at the August Hop? Well you're in luck! Due to an overwhelming response, the exhibit "Fibers of America," will stay on display through September 19th.
In celebration of 200Columbus, the city's bicentennial, Rivet is proud to present the photography of Ohio native Cory Piehowicz. Fibers of America is a body of work and relics from Cory's abandoned mine explorations and adventures. Trust us, this is one you're not going to want to miss!

Reason #5Roy G Biv - 997 N High St Roy G Biv Gallery never disappoints on a Gallery Hop Saturday! This weekend, stop in to view works in photography & sculpture by emerging artists Elena Harvey-Collins, Nate Matthews and Philip Spangler. The artists' reception will take place during Gallery Hop from 7-10PM.

Reason #6 Terra Gallery - 8 E Poplar Ave

Terra Gallery will be featuring "200 visions" in honor of the city's bicentennial. Local artists will be contributing 200 works of art inspired by Columbus to be put on display for the duration of the exhibit. Make sure to stop by during Gallery Hop this Saturday and check out the inspired views of the city.

Reason #7Brandt-Roberts Galleries - 642 N High St Brandt-Roberts Galleries hosts an exciting evening this Gallery Hop Saturday. Join them for a live painting demonstration featuring the thought-provoking gallery artist, Jason Morgan from 7:00-9:00PM. In addtion to the live demo, enjoy the new exhibit of works from expressionist-influenced, Macabi Greenfield.

Reason #8
Marcia Evans Gallery - 8 E Lincoln St

"Visually Abstract" with Michael Halliday & Juan Carrera continues at Marcia Evans Gallery thru Sept. 30th. This amazingly colorful & exuberant exhibit is a must-see at this month's Hop!

Reason #9Short North Arts District Mini-Murals Sherrie Gallerie Mini-Mural Mockup

This weekend is a great opportunity to see what all the buzz has been about here in the Arts District. A tour of the newly installed Short North Mini-Murals are the perfect way to celebrate art at this September Hop.
Click HERE to download a map of all mural locations and to learn about the artist & gallery behind each one; like the one featured above from Sherrie Gallerie, artist Sid Chafetz.

Reason #10 Hop Hub - 663 N High St

Short North Arts District T-Shirts now on sale! Make Hop Hub a stop this Saturday to purchase. Colors include Athletic Gray (also available in V-neck), Orchid and Charcoal, $20 each.
Enjoy live music, pick up a visitor's guide and get direction to the best places to dine & shop during the Hop. Also while you're there, join in the fun by participating in giveaways and interactive games from Hop sponsors: The CW Columbus and Columbus Alive!

TIME - Guess the 2nd Most Sexually Satisfied City In the U.S.

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Official: The Most Sexually Satisfied City In the U.S. Is…

Los Angeles? No? New York City? No? Milwaukee? Nope.

According to a Men’s Health survey, Indianapolis, Ind., is the most sexually satisfied city in the country.

The men’s magazine factored in condom sales, birth rates and sales of sex toys in their decision to declare Indianapolis No. 1 on its best sex list – for the second time. (The city also held the top ranking in 2008.) “Every year, the field of drivers in the Indianapolis 500 burns through a ton of rubber, but then so do the locals — Indy’s condom sales are 16th highest in the country, according to A.C. Nielsen data,” the magazine wrote. In fact, the Midwesterners proved themselves a kinky bunch indeed, claiming six of the top 10 slots in all.

Top Ten Most Sexually Satisfied Cities

1. Indianapolis, Ind.
2. Columbus, Ohio
3. Fort Wayne, Ind.
4. Cincinnati, Ohio
5. Salt Lake City, Utah
6. San Antonio, Texas
7. Denver, Colo.
8. Austin, Texas
9. Boise City, Idaho
10. Chicago, Ill.

Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2010/09/16/and-the-most-sexually-satisfied-city-in-the-u-s-is/#ixzz26C2XItEZ

Join the LGBT Community in Supporting Ed Leonard

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Please join
Stephen Daley, Mellissia FuhrmannMary Jo Hudson, Mary Ann Potter Lewis & Eric Wyne
plus other members and allies of the Central Ohio LGBT community in supporting
Franklin County Treasurer Ed Leonard
Monday, September 17th, 20125:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Suggested Contributions$100 $50 $25

The Home of Mary Ann Potter Lewis868 Lynbrook RoadColumbus, Ohio 43235
Contribution(s) should be made payable to:Everyone for Ed Leonard1480 Dublin RoadColumbus, Ohio 43215
or donate at www.keepleonardtreasurer.com
RSVP to Seth Josolowitz at 614.202.9214 or josolowitz@gmail.com

New Report Outlines Wide-Sweeping Inequalities Faced by LGBT Americans

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FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE
MediaContacts:
PaulGuequierre
Human Rights Campaign

Casey Pick
Log Cabin Republicans

CallaRongerude
Movement Advancement Project

Jerame Davis
National Stonewall Democrats

DenisDison
Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Institute

New Report Outlines Wide-SweepingInequalities Faced by LGBT Americans
As general election looms, publicationdetails the need for critical federal protections
WASHINGTON,D.C., SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 — With the presidential election a mere two monthsaway, the stakes are high for the estimated nine million lesbian, gay, bisexualand transgender (LGBT) Americans whose daily lives are limited by a lack offederal protections. According to a new publication released today, most LGBTAmericans live in a two-tier system where they must navigate conflicting statelaws with the federal government’s refusal to offer the most basic securities, suchas employment non-discrimination and anti-bullying protections.

AnAlly’s Guide to Issues Facing LGBT Americans is a primerintroducing the major areas in which unfair laws and stigma create extraburdens for LGBT Americans. The resource was developed by the Human RightsCampaign (HRC), Log Cabin Republicans, the Movement Advancement Project (MAP),Stonewall Democrats and the Victory Fund.

“LGBTAmericans want and deserve the same chance as everyone else to pursue healthand happiness, earn a living, be safe in their communities, and take care oftheir loved ones,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Unfortunately, unfairlaws, lack of legal protections, and outdated prejudices stand in the way ofthese bedrock American values. We must work to change the hearts and minds ofour fellow Americans, guiding them to fairness and equality.”

The pastthree years have brought historic gains: openly gay and lesbian servicemembersnow are able to serve their country; LGBT people are included in thefederal hate crimes law; and more states are passing or expanding laws whichaim to protect LGBT individuals from bullying in schools and discrimination inhousing and employment. However, as detailed in An Ally’s Guide to Issues Facing LGBT Americansdetails, LGBT Americans are simply still not equal under federal law.

Many LGBTpeople experience discrimination when just going about their dailyactivities–whether eating at a restaurant with their families or friends,trying to obtain safe, clean housing or applying for a loan. Contrary topopular belief, federal legislation does not protect LGBT people fromdiscrimination in housing, public accommodations, credit or employment. LGBTpeople also lack such protections in most states. LGBT workers often cannotextend their health insurance coverage to their partners or children. Withoutfamily and marriage tax deductions, LGBT families pay additional taxes but haveaccess to fewer benefits like Social Security Survivor Benefits. Due to theseand myriad other inequalities, LGBT people are more likely to live in povertyand suffer from health disparities.

“With all ofthe media and political attention on marriage, very few Americansunderstand the full extent of the inequality LGBT Americans face everyday,” said Jerame Davis, Executive Director of National StonewallDemocrats. “Kids in foster care are denied loving and qualified parentsfor no other reason than because those parents are gay or lesbian.Older LGBT Americans live in poverty because they’re denied accessto Social Security Survivor Benefits. This resource highlights all ofthese issues and more in an accessible and easy to read manner.”

“LGBT orstraight, Republicans are united in the belief that strong families arecritical to a free society, and that equal opportunity is essential to theAmerican dream. This report will be a valuable tool to persuade Americans ofall political stripes of the need for equal protection for all families,including gay and lesbian service members and veterans, said Log CabinRepublicans Executive Director, R. Clarke Cooper.

“LGBTAmericans want to serve their country as civic leaders, elected officials,members of the military and volunteers. We're doing so in greater numbersthan ever before, but there is still a glass ceiling of prejudice that keeps usfrom reaching our full potential," said Denis Dison, vice president ofcommunications for the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Institute. “The U.S.has never had an openly LGBT member of the president's Cabinet, nor an out U.S.Senator. There are no openly gay governors, and more than a dozen states stillhave no openly LGBT state legislators. We're working to level the playingfield for LGBT Americans who want to serve their communities.”

The Human Rights Campaignis America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay,bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRCstrives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation thatachieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. www.hrc.org

LogCabin Republicans is the only Republican organization dedicated torepresenting the interests of LGBT Americans and their allies. The 30-year oldorganization has state and local chapters nationwide, a full-time office inWashington, DC, a federal political action committee and state political actioncommittees. www.logcabin.org
Founded in2006, the MovementAdvancement Project is an independent think tank that providesrigorous research, insight and analysis that help speed equality for lesbian,gay, bisexual and transgender people. Learn more at www.lgbtmap.org

NationalStonewall Democrats is the national voice of lesbian, gay, bisexual,transgender and allied Democrats, with more than 80 local affiliates across thenation. Stonewall Democrats works to elect more pro-equality Democratsregardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity—and to improve theDemocratic Party on issues important to LGBT Democrats. www.stonewalldemocrats.org

TheGay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Institute works to train andsupport openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender leaders who go on toserve their communities as elected and appointed officials. More than 525openly LGBT elected officials are currently serving in the U.S., up from lessthan 50 when Victory was founded in 1991. For more information, visit www.victoryfund.org

HRC Foundation Expands the Net of LGBT Healthcare Equality

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FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12, 2012
Paul Guequierre

Human Rights Campaign Foundation Expands theNet of LGBT Healthcare Equality
Newprogram to focus on healthcare of LGBT seniors
WASHINGTON –With the goal of securing quality healthcare free of prejudice anddiscrimination for all Americans, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, theeducational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender(LGBT) civil rights organization, today announced the formation of aninnovative, wide-ranging Health and Aging Program. The new program will addressboth the health concerns of all LGBT Americans and the particular challengesfaced by LGBT elders, including discrimination, mistreatment and isolation. According to a study by MetLife, nearly one-third of gays and lesbians saydiscrimination based on sexual orientation is their greatest concern aboutaging.

“LGBT eldersdeserve unbiased, equitable, and welcoming healthcare and services,” said HRCPresident Chad Griffin. “HRC’s Health and Aging program will helpensure they receive that care while expanding our already highly effective workin the health arena.”

To head theHealth and Aging program, HRC hired Shane Snowdon, a seasoned advocate andnationally recognized expert on LGBT health and wellness. Snowdon comes to HRCfrom the University of California San Francisco, where she founded theacclaimed Center for LGBT Health & Equity in 1999. Snowdon, who hasserved on the HRC Foundation Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) national advisorycouncil, has provided training on LGBT healthcare to thousands of healthcareproviders, developed criteria for culturally competent and welcoming LGBT care,and advocated for LGBT equality in a wide variety of settings.

“As a memberof the first ‘out’ generation, I’m very excited about the work ahead,” saidSnowdon. “LGBT people face real challenges around health and aging, and I lookforward to making a real difference in their lives through my work in this newprogram.”

The Healthand Aging program will include HRC’s signature health initiative, the Healthcare Equality Index, which showcasesU.S. healthcare facilities that have demonstrated a commitment to LGBT equityand inclusion. The HEI, which has focused primarily on hospitals, will beexpanded to survey and report on nursing and long-term care facilities servingelders.

The Healthand Aging Program will also address other critical needs, includingmuch-expanded LGBT training for healthcare and social services providers. Theprogram will additionally provide a wealth of resources for LGBT people of allages, designed to maximize their wellbeing and minimize the inequities theyencounter.

TheHuman Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working toachieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring andengaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizensand realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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7 Ekim 2012 Pazar

This Weekend - The 2012 Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens showcases 10 neighborhood treasures.

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The 2012 Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens showcases 10 neighborhood treasures.
Tickets on sale now
On Saturday and Sunday, September 15 and 16, home improvement and landscaping enthusiasts are invited to explore some beautiful and unique spaces in the historic Short North neighborhood at the 2012 Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens, presented by the Short North Civic Association and Keller Williams Classic Properties.
This yearÊ¼s tour features 10 locations, including the century-old residence of Ken Brushaber and Sue Nicholson, who spent 11 years restoring and adding on to their property, and the updated condo of Jason Hunt, part of a development created by former Buckeye football player Curly Morrison in which each function of the home has its own floor.
Tour attendees will also get an intimate look at innovative projects in-progress, such as developer Connie KlemaÊ¼s latest effort, tall, narrow single-family homes on the edge of I-670 with four-story floor plans and a car “elevator” for stacked parking. The first residence completed by Bruce Shumard and Eddie Hambrick in a 10,000 square foot former manufacturing facility is also included; along with a behind-the-scenes peek at the long-vacant Garden Theater, which is on the road to becoming a state-of-the-art performance facility through the efforts of the nonprofit Short North Stage.
The preview tour, sponsored by List Columbus, begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 15. The $100 ticket includes a cocktail reception and a chef-created dinner in a lovely private neighborhood home. Preview guests will be among the first to see another up-and-coming local development, the in-progress microbrewery and event space Seventh Son Brewing Company, site of this yearÊ¼s reception.
The general tour is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 16. Tickets for Sunday are $15 in advance, $20 day of tour, and include access to a trolley shuttle bus for easy traveling between tour stops. Advance tickets are available at Spinelli’s Deli, 767 Neil Avenue, and online at tickets.shortnorthcivic.org. Day-of-tour tickets will be available only at Spinelli’s Deli.

More information about this year’s tour is available through the Short North Civic AssociationÊ¼s website, www.shortnorthcivic.org, and its Facebook page.

HRC Releases Competency Guide for Emergency Responders

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FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 18, 2012
Paul Guequierre

HRC Releases Competency Guide for EmergencyResponders
LGBTpeople, families in disaster situations often face higher risk of trauma
WASHINGTON –Today the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexualand transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released aguide for local, state, federal and community organizations, as to howbest work with LGBT people and families during disasters or forcedevacuations. In an emergency or disaster situation, vulnerablepopulations like LGBT people are at a heightened risk for trauma and may beless likely to have access to emergency services.

“Many LGBTindividuals and families fear discrimination in shelters or when seeking otheremergency services during natural disasters or other forced evacuations,” saidHRC President Chad Griffin. “Emergency responders and volunteers need tobe aware of the needs many in our community have, and should be sympathetic tothe fact that families come in all shapes and sizes. Our families deserveto be treated with respect and should never be separated due to a lack of legalrecognition.”

HRCLegislative Counsel Robin Maril added, “LGBT families seeking assistance mayexperience unnecessary, intrusive questions from shelter volunteers andworkers. After a disaster or evacuation, many people enter a shelter withvery little personal identification or documentation. For LGBT families,who often rely on a number of documents to prove their relationships to eachother, or their children, this increases their vulnerability todiscrimination.”

Housing andaccess to proper medical care can be especially challenging for transgenderpeople after a disaster. “Transgender people are often denied access togender appropriate restroom and housing facilities, continued Griffin. “This denial is not only humiliating, but can also be dangerous.”

For yearsHRC has advocated for protections for LGBT people and their families inaccessing disaster relief services. For example, as part of the Blueprintfor Positive Change – a list of LGBT-specific non-legislative policyrecommendations made to then President-elect Obama during his transition to theWhite House – HRC urged the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to takesteps to ensure that same-sex couples and their families are eligible for, anddo not face discrimination in obtaining, federal disaster assistance. HRCcontinues to urge FEMA and other federal agencies involved in disaster reliefto make their programs as welcoming and inclusive of LGBT people aspossible.

Thecompetency guide comes in the middle of an already-busy Atlantic hurricaneseason, with thirteen named storms to date and experts predicting a busy secondhalf. In the Western United States, record-setting wild fires aredisplacing thousands of residents from their homes.

To view theguide online, visit http://www.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/EmergencyResponders_-_LGBT_Competency.pdf

TheHuman Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working toachieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring andengaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizensand realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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