Missoula Registry Passes

Dear Greg,

Thanks so much for your support of the registry. I’m happy to report that it passed unanimously last night at Council. Your email made a big difference. I’ll be in touch with how you can register once we solidify the timeline with the Clerk’s office…hopefully we’ll be up and running Aug. 1.

Best, Caitlin

More here: http://www.kpax.com/mobile/news/missoula-council-passes-domestic-partnership-resolution/

Why the Missoula Registry Matters (dgsmith.org)
Missoula considers registry that would help same-sex partners (billingsgazette.com)

Act Now to Secure ENDA’s Passage‏

Jul9 by D Gregory Smith

Being honest about who you are could cost you your job in the majority of the country.

Right now, there are no state laws protecting lesbian, gay, or bisexual people from being fired from their jobs in 29 states, and the same is true in 34 states for transgender Americans. Three of the states that Pride Foundation works in: Alaska, Idaho, and Montana, are among those where you can be terminated from your job simply for being yourself.

Tomorrow, in the United States Senate, we are expecting a vote on the bipartisan Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). ENDA would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire, or refuse to promote employees simply based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Recent polling has found that 73% of the American public, across political parties, support protecting LGBTQ people from workplace discrimination.

We need our Senators to do the same by voting for ENDA.

Please take action today!

Contact your Senators by phone and email, share your story, and urge them to vote yes on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (S. 815).

Senator contact information as well as templates for calls and emails can be found here.

Thank you.

With Pride,

Kris Hermanns

Executive Director

http://www.pridefoundation.org | info@pridefoundation.org | 1.800.735.7287 | Headquarters Mailing Address: 1122 E Pike St PMB 1001 | Seattle, WA 98122 US

Senate Committee to Vote on ENDA (newamericamedia.org)

Having an LGBTQ Community Event? There’s Money Available!

Jan8 by D Gregory Smith

Pride Foundation is pleased to offer sponsorships for LGBTQ and allied organizations that host events throughout the year.

This money is separate from the larger grants made at the end of every year- and the decisions for funding are made by local Pride Foundation state leadership teams. From their website:

In support of our mission to inspire a culture of generosity that connects and strengthens Northwest organizations, leaders, or students who are creating LGBTQ equality, Pride Foundation provides sponsorship funds to community-based events across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. On occasion, we will consider emergency requests or requests with a tighter deadline. Please contact sponsorships@pridefoundation.org before submitting your request if you have a deadline issue or other questions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can apply for sponsorship?
An organization must have 501(c)3 non-profit tax status or be affiliated with an organization that has 501(c)3 tax status which will assume fiscal responsibility for all funds received and expended. Grants to individuals cannot be considered.

What type of events does Pride Foundation sponsor?
Pride Foundation sponsors diverse events, gatherings and programs, including (but not limited to) regional LGBTQ and ally-focused community celebrations, health fairs, film festivals, and gay-straight alliance events.

What level of funding is available?
Each sponsorship opportunity is considered individually, including level of funding. Sponsorship awards range from $50 to $500 depending on the scope of the event, location, audience, expected community impact, and depth of outreach benefits.

Do I need to submit the application online? What if I have my own form or sponsorship packet?
There is not a paper version of the form. You may submit the form we provide or use your own, but it must include all the information we request. Incomplete information may result in your sponsorship request not being considered.

What do we look for in a sponsorship request?
Our overarching guidelines for funding sponsorship requests include:

Reach – How many people will be in attendance?

Audience – Does the event target a demographic that Pride Foundation prioritizes?

Presence – Will Pride Foundation staff or volunteers be able to show up and represent the organization at the event?

Prospects/Contacts – Will Pride Foundation have a chance to talk and interact with attendees and tell them about our work?

Mission Fit – Does the event fit with Pride Foundation’s mission and broader social justice philanthropy vision and goals?

Social Justice Values – Does the event target or serve a historically marginalized group?

Likelihood of success – How likely is it that this event will happen without Pride Foundation’s support?

Sponsorship Request Process

If you are using our sponsorship form, download the form here. It is in Microsoft Word format. Once you complete the form, save it and return it via email to the appropriate regional contact listed below.

If you have your own prepared sponsorship packet, please send those materials to the appropriate regional contact listed below. It must include all the information requested in our form.

Alaska: Tiffany McClain – tiffany@pridefoundation.org
Idaho: Steve Martin – steve@pridefoundation.org
Montana: Caitlin Copple – caitlin@pridefoundation.org
Oregon: Jett Johnson – jett@pridefoundation.org
Washington (except King County): Send it to both Farand Gunnels –farand@pridefoundation.org and Uma Rao – uma@pridefoundation.org
King County or General Sponsorship Support: Jeff Hedgepeth –jeff@pridefoundation.org

Review Process for Washington State and King County: your sponsorship request must be submitted by the first Friday of the month in which you want your application to be considered. You will be notified of a decision within two weeks of submitting your request.

Review Process for all other regions: Please submit sponsorship requests at least 30 days prior to the event or any advertising deadlines. You will be notified of a decision within two weeks of submitting your request.

Tim Sweeney, Kris Hermanns to Attend Billings Pride Foundation Benefit (dgsmith.org)
Pride Foundation Named One of Top Twelve Nonprofits (dgsmith.org)
LGBTQ Services for Youth (socialworkhelper.com)

Pride Foundation Named One of Top Twelve Nonprofits

Dec27 by D Gregory Smith

Dear friends,

After a year that has included many celebrations at the local and national level, we have one more exciting headline to share.

Pride Foundation was just named one of the Top 12 high-impact nonprofits working in the field of local LGBTQ equality and support. This esteemed award from comes from Philanthropedia, a division of GuideStar. The rankings are based on in-depth surveys and conversations with hundreds of experts, including academics, foundation leaders, policy makers, and consultants.

Pride Foundation is honored to be recognized for such a prestigious award. We are also thankful to each of you—we reach our successes only with your support. As the holiday season continues, we are reminded of what matters most in our own lives and in the life of an organization like Pride Foundation. We are so grateful for the opportunity to champion for inspired students and innovative nonprofits all year long.

Here is a link to two stories of one scholar (Andrew Nichols) and one grantee (Gay Straight Alliance at Salish Kootenai College) that exemplify what can happen when you take the risk to do what you believe in and when you have a community of friends at your side. These stories also point to the reason Pride Foundation was honored with this award—together we are transforming the lives of people in the Northwest.

I understand that so many of you have contributed generously to many causes this year. Knowing that achieving full equality for all is important to you, I would ask that you consider making a personally significant year-end gift to Pride Foundation. To those of you who have already given generously, thank you. Your gift will be joined with the voices and momentum of the entire community and region. And you never know—you may profoundly change or even save a life.

Thank you.

With Pride,

Kris Hermanns, Executive Director

Pride Foundation

Lambda Legal is No. 1 in Guidestar’s Philanthropedia ranking of LGBT organizations (miamiherald.typepad.com)
Singer Katy Perry to LGBTQ Youth: It’s OK to Ask For Help (bilerico.com)

Alaska Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Same-Sex Couples Case

Nov17 by D Gregory Smith

English: The inscription Equal Justice Under Law as seen on the frieze of the United States Supreme Court building (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

From the Anchorage Daily News:

The Alaska Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in an appeal from the state over an Alaska taxation policy that treats same-sex couples differently from straight couples.

Last year, a superior court judge ruled same-sex couples are entitled to the same senior citizen and disabled veteran property tax exemptions as married couples, saying a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman doesn’t trump equal protection laws.

Superior Court Judge Frank Pfiffner said in his September 2011 decision that the state’s marital classification violates the Alaska Constitution’s equal protection clause.

The state did not sufficiently distinguish this case from a 2005 Alaska Supreme Court ruling that addressed discrimination based on sexual orientation, Pfiffner said. In that case, brought by the Alaska American Civil Liberties Union, the court said state and municipal same sex employees could not be denied partner benefits given to married couples.

Alaska Lt. Governor Files To Change Driver’s Licenses To Include Gender Identity

Jul30 by D Gregory Smith

Some good news out of Alaska:

Alaska Lt. Governor Mead Treadwell has filed a new regulation that governs changes to driver’s licenses and will allow transgender individuals to correct the gender marker on their licenses without undergoing major surgery. The regulation takes effect August 11. The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Alaska had challenged the surgery requirement as a violation of an individual’s right to privacy.

“We appreciate the work of the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Lt. Governor’s office in crafting a regulation that recognizes the important and legitimate needs of transgender Alaskans,” said Jeffrey Mittman, executive director of the ACLU of Alaska. “All Alaskans must be able to obtain a driver’s license that accurately reflects their gender and avoids disclosure of sensitive personal information unrelated to their ability to safely drive a motor vehicle. The government should never needlessly intrude into mandating specific medical procedures.”

The ACLU filed its challenge on behalf of a transgender woman, K.L., whose United States passport and work documents all identify her as female. After initially securing a change to the gender on her driver’s license, she was told that her new license would be revoked unless she submitted proof of having surgery.

“I am humbled and grateful for this decision,” said K.L. “It is my prayer that this victory will make a difference in the lives of transgender people.”

Many transgender persons are treated for a condition called gender dysphoria. Although the American Psychiatric Association agrees that surgery is medically necessary treatment for some, it is not required for everyone with the condition. Treatment for gender dysphoria varies from individual to individual, and many can be effectively treated without surgery.

Additionally, such surgery is beyond the means of many people and is potentially dangerous for some individuals. The State Department no longer requires transgender people to have surgery before it will correct the gender marker on passports, and a growing number of states have stopped requiring surgery for changing the gender marker on a driver’s license.

“The previous requirement had nothing to do with accepted medical standards and demonstrated a callous lack of understanding of what it means to be transgender,” said John Knight, staff attorney with the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Project. “The government should not be in the business of dictating anyone’s medical care, especially when it comes to requiring surgery that may not be available, desired, or medically necessary.”

More information on this case can be found at: www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights/kl-v-state-alaska-department-administration-division-motor-vehicles

Regulations will allow change in sex on license (mysanantonio.com)
Alaska sued in transgender driver’s license case (miamiherald.typepad.com)

Making Waves!

Jul19 by D Gregory Smith

Join hosts Rep. Ellie Hill (D-Missoula) and Dr. Tyler Smith of Missoula, Cathy and Ned Cooney of Bigfork, Mary Stranahan of Arlee
and Beth Frazee, Paul Vestal, and Bryony Schwan, all of Missoula.

_________________________

Flathead Lake Sunset Cruise

dinner, live music, and community building

Sunday, August 12, 2012

3:45 p.m. – 6 p.m.

(Ship leaves Polson’s KwaTaqNuk Resort at 4 p.m.)

http://www.kwataqnuk.com/

tickets $45 single $80 couple

Please purchase your ticket online at www.pridefoundation.eventbrite.com by Friday, August 3, by texting or calling Pride Foundation’s Regional Development Organizer in Montana, Caitlin Copple at 546.7017 or by emailing caitlin@pridefoundation.org.

Interested in sponsoring the event? See our event registration form.

Founded in 1985, Pride Foundation inspires a culture of generosity that connects and strengthens Northwest organizations, leaders, and students who are creating LGBTQ equality in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington State.

Visit www.pridefoundation.org for more information.

_________________________

Pride Foundation to ‘Make Waves’ on Flathead Lake August 12 (dgsmith.org)
Pride Foundation In Montana: Promoting Equality And Generosity- With A New Website (dgsmith.org)
Turman Larison Gallery to Host Pride Foundation Benefit (dgsmith.org)
Pearl Jam to release 1,100 tickets for Missoula show on Friday at 5 p.m. (missoulian.com)

Montana’s Last Best Chance

Feb5 by D Gregory Smith

Washington State is soon to add itself to the list of states that have legislated for marriage equality- arguably the most democratic way to achieve human rights there is. Forget referendums- most people don’t know what they’re actually voting for, they just read the synopsis on the ballot and make a two second decision. But I digress.

The question for me is this: Now that the State of Washington has voted for Marriage Equality, what does that mean for Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and Montana?

It means we need to keep up the momentum for full LGBT equality. This is not the time to sit on our laurels. This is the time to step it up.

Kris Hermanns in Red Lodge

The Pride Foundation is the only LGBT organization actively involved for LGBT Equality throughout the entire Pacific Northwest- and it is deeply committed. New Executive Director Kris Hermanns last week said to a gathering of Montanans in Bozeman, “Our commitment to you is clear, and together we will have full equality throughout the Pacific Northwest.”

I am a proud member of the Pride Foundation’s Montana Leadership Action Team- along with a number of amazing people- and we have big plans for Montana.

But without the organizing and financial power of Pride Foundation, this amazing group of people would never have been recruited, organized and utilized- and the tens of thousands of dollars would never have been spent to support LGBTQ causes, events and organizations in 2011.

I believe that the Pride Foundation is Montana’s last best chance to achieve dignity and rights in the state of Montana.

We can’t do it without you. And I’m going to blatantly ask for your support.

If you believe in equal rights for all, support us. Join us here on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. And please consider financially supporting Pride Foundation- Ken and I are monthly givers.

To do that, click here.

And thank you.

Waiting For Equality (dgsma.wordpress.com)
ACLU Asks Montana Supreme Court to Grant Legal Protection to Same Sex Couples (dgsma.wordpress.com)
NOM’s Rebuke Of Starbucks Over Marriage Equality Is Blatant Hypocrisy (thinkprogress.org)
Marriage equality for same-sex couples editorial (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

She-who-must-not-be-named Chose (b)..

Jul29 by D Gregory Smith

I have chosen to never name her on this blog- I feel it’s akin to inviting a vampire into the home, and THAT rarely goes well… I also don’t want to give the impression that I think she’s as powerful as that other Must-Not-Be-Named.

But anyway, here are 10 great questions for her supporters.