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Up Front, Summer 2022
Neopronouns: What to Know
Pronouns are the words we use to refer to ourselves and others, and are an important part of our daily lives. In English, common personal pronouns are he/him/his, she/her/hers and they/them/theirs.
But for some people, neopronouns — including xe/xir/xirs, ze/zir/zirs and fae/faer/faers, and others — are the accurate reflection of their personal identity.
Neopronouns are used much in the same way other pronouns are used. Neopronouns are a wonderful expression of our society’s diversity, and using the correct pronouns for someone is a great way to show your allyship.
Find answers to common questions about neopronouns in HRC Foundation’s newly released resource.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Schools
In June, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Welcoming Schools program awarded Haley Pilot School and Mozart Elementary, both part of Boston Public Schools, with the Seal of Excellence for going the extra mile to foster welcoming, inclusive school environments for all families and children. Both schools have demonstrated their outstanding dedication by meeting stated benchmarks and doing innovative work to further equity, diversity and inclusion.
“Creating LGBTQ+ and gender-inclusive schools means embracing and welcoming all students and families as their authentic selves – it is simply the right thing to do,” said Cheryl Greene, HRC Foundation’s director of Welcoming Schools.
Read more about the award-winning LGBTQ+ programs in place at Haley Pilot School and Mozart Elementary.
Combating Monkeypox
The CDC has raised the alert level on a monkeypox outbreak in the United States, and the Department of Health & Human Services announced it will be ramping up testing and begin a vaccine strategy for those most impacted, which includes members of the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV. MPV is a disease that commonly includes a rash, which may look like pimples or blisters, and flu-like symptoms. This virus can spread to anyone and anywhere through close and often skin-to-skin contact.
It’s critically important that health officials, along with federal and local governments, provide clear, scientific and evidence-based responses to prevent the dissemination of misinformation and the use of language that may stigmatize LGBTQ+ people. Causing unnecessary fear will potentially endanger lives and lead to destructive policies. Every person, no matter their sexuality or gender identity, should take proper precautions and listen to guidance from health officials in order to stay safe.
Find more important information about monkeypox symptoms, prevention and treatment.
Your Input Is Needed!
In July, the U.S. Department of Education made public its Title IX Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The proposed regulation, which would add sexual orientation and gender identity as enumerated protected characteristics within Title IX, is now open for public comment until September 12. The Department is inviting comments from members of the general public, offering a helpful tip sheet on how to compose comments that will have a positive impact on the rulemaking process.
All students — no matter their background, sexual orientation or gender identity — deserve to feel safe and welcomed in schools. The proposed rule to include clear protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity within the Title IX regulation will do just that.
“This is not a ceremonial step; the voice of the people truly matters here, and we strongly encourage affected people — students, parents and educators — to submit an official comment about how the proposed rule would positively impact students’ experiences in school."
Find more information about the impact of the proposed changes on the LGBTQ+ community and resources to help craft impactful comments.
Summer of Outrage
The Human Rights Campaign has named summer 2022 the “Summer of Outrage.” Our community is at a critical juncture where our civil rights are being threatened in various ways. We are outraged by the onslaught of attacks we're enduring. Join us as we take actions against these vile and unwarranted attacks:
We are taking action on:
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and 50 years of precedent on abortion and reproductive rights. Read more about how we are fighting to protect abortion rights.
The introduction of 40+ healthcare discrimination bills this legislative season by extremist state legislators. Read more about how we are fighting to stop healthcare discrimination.
The introduction and passage of censorship legislation seeking to erase LGBTQ+ and marginalized communities, such as Florday’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” and “Stop WOKE” laws. Read more about how we are fighting back against censorship.
The wave of bills targeting transgender kids’ ability to participate in sports, including the 77+ anti-trans sports bans introduced this legislative season and the 11 that have passed this year. Read more about how we are fighting to let kids play.
Extremist rhetoric from politicians attacking our rights to rally their base before elections. It’s shameful and dangerous, and real people in our community are finding their lives turned upside down with every law that has been passed. Read more about how we are fighting back against extremist attacks.
