Uncategorized
Top LGBT moments of 2014
The LGBT communities had a lot to celebrate in 2014, with amazing legislative, judicial and cultural victories. While there are truly countless victories I could mention, here are some of the highlights:
LGBT Law
The Hobby Lobby ruling: What next?
Could the Supreme Court’s ruling in the now-infamous Hobby Lobby case lead to companies using religion as a way to deny benefits to LGBT people? (more…)
Civil Rights
Plan Well Before the Wedding Bell
What does it mean to be married? How is it different? Join Giampolo Law Group on November 18th from 6-9pm for an information session on what living in a post-DOMA world means for you and your family. The event is being hosted by 1352 Lofts in Philadelphia! Come enjoy wine and light fare Read more…
Civil Rights
Plan Well Before or After the Wedding Bell
On November 6th join myself and Ryan Fuller at The Cub Room in New Hope for an informative LGBT seminar to learn what living in a Post-DOMA world means for you and your family. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and great company while we discuss the progress that has been made Read more…
Civil Rights
Admiration for LGBT civic leader Gloria Casarez on her passing
Friends and family and the LGBTQ community at large are mourning the loss of a pioneer in LGBTQ civil rights. Gloria Casarez passed away this weekend after battling a long bout with an aggressive form of cancer. She was 42-years-old and is survived by her strong and compassionate wife, Tricia Dressel. (more…)
Uncategorized
Pabst Brewing is being sold to a Russian company
Now that Pabst Blue Ribbon is owned by a Russian Company, will the LGBT Community boycott Pabst and do away with the city-wide special? Read more here: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/09/19/pabst-brewing-sold-to-oasis-beverages/15894189/
Civil Rights
Changing the State of Hate-Crime Laws in Pennsylvania
On Sept. 11, two gay men, ages 27 and 28, were brutally gay-bashed, allegedly by a group of young people who were dining earlier that evening at La Viola in Philadelphia. The two men went to the hospital with injuries, one with a broken jaw that needed to be wired shut, all of which police say was preceded by disparaging remarks about their sexual orientation. Since then, it has been a whirlwind; after two weeks of investigation and through the help of social media, three of the alleged 15 assailants were charged with crimes associated with the incident—simple assault, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and criminal conspiracy—but shockingly, hate crimes are missing among the charges listed. (more…)
Civil Rights
Charge the recent attackers of gay men with federal hate crimes
Last Thursday, two gay men, ages 27 and 28, were brutally gay-bashed allegedly by a group of young people who were dining earlier that evening at La Viola. Today, Philadelphia Councilman Jim Kenney sent a letter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office asking the Department of Justice to partner with the city’s D.A. and police to investigate. Kenney asked in his letter that authorities bring federal charges, under the Federal Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. (more…)
Civil Rights
What’s Going On? The Great Diaper Debate
Tune in to SpeakOUT, my LGBTQ radio show airing on Q102 Philly, Radio 104.5 and Mix 106.1 during the What’s going On show on Sunday mornings! Every week on SpeakOUT, I highlight LGBTQ topics ranging from cultural happenings and legal issues to poignant interviews with community leaders. SpeakOUT would not be possible but for the formidable Loraine Ballard Morrill who is producing the show! (more…)