Washington, DC – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — hailed the victory of at least 10 pro-equality, openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives Equality Caucus, a record. Those members areBecca Balint (VT-1), David Cicilline (RI-1), Angie Craig (MN-2), Sharice Davids (KS-3), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Chris Pappas (NH-1), Mark Pocan (WI-2), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Mark Takano (CA-39), and Ritchie Torres (NY-15). When the new congressional term begins in January, theseHouse members willjoin openly LGBTQ+ Senators Tammy Baldwin and Kyrsten Sinema in Congress. Votes are still being counted in CA-41 and OR-5, where openly LGBTQ+ Will Rollins and Jamie McLeod-Skinner are in close races.
Openly LGBTQ+ members play key roles in promoting, advancing, and eventually passing critical legislation, like the Equality Act and the Respect for Marriage Act during the 117th Congress. Their fight to expand civil rights at the federal level and prevent our progress from being rolled back comes at a time when state legislators across the country have introduced more than 350 anti-LGBTQ+ bills.
Human Rights Campaign Interim President Joni Madison released the following statement:
“The election of a record number of openly LGBTQ+ pro-equality members of the U.S. House Equality Caucus is historic and meaningful because these members represent the diversity of America and are role models to LGBTQ+ people of all ages who aspire to positions of leadership. They are not only advocates advancing the rights of the LGBTQ+ community they are also serving their constituents with honesty, integrity, hard work and courage. Each will make our country better and advance equality for women, people of color, and other marginalized communities. The Human Rights Campaign salutes voters for their wise choice electing these public servants and is proud to stand with such strong leaders in our work to advance LGBTQ+ equality over the next two years.”
HRC-Endorsed Openly LGBTQ+ Candidates Winning Seats in the House
Becca Balint, VT – 1
David Cicilline, RI -1
Angie Craig, MN – 2
Sharice Davids, KS – 3
Robert Garcia, CA – 42
Chris Pappas, NH -1
Mark Pocan, WI – 2
Eric Sorensen, IL – 17
Mark Takano, CA-39
Ritchie Torres, NY – 15
HRC-Endorsed Openly LGTBQ+ Candidates in the House Where Vote Counting is Underway
Jamie McLeod-Skinner, OR – 5
Will Rollins, CA – 41
Italics denotes incumbent
HRC’s Commitment to Mobilizing Equality Voters
Equality Voters are a voting bloc of demographically and geographically diverse Americans who are united by the advancement of LGBTQ+ equality. Equality Voters are younger, more racially diverse, and more female than the general electorate, they recognize and trust the HRC brand, and they are more likely to identify with issue-specific organizations than candidates or political parties.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
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FALL IN TEMPE IS FESTIVE AND FUN! As fall approaches and brings cooler weather, Tempe comes to life! Enjoy a variety of activity-based events, festivals, nightlife, entertainment, and the arts all season long. Four Peaks Oktoberfest combines beer gardens, live music, performances, great food, and a carnival at Tempe Beach Park. Strange Garden at the Desert Botanical Garden is full of weird sights, peculiar plants, and creepy-crawlies of the desert.
EXPERIENCE TEMPE SUMMER FUN BEFORE IT’S DONE! Summer may be coming to an end, but Tempe is just starting to heat up! Soak in the last bits of summer with outdoor entertainment, live music and the start of ASU Football. Park After Darkwraps up in September and features live music, entertainment, cold drinks and good times! Hesta in the Par presents Tim McGraw and friends at Tempe Beach Park for food, drinks and line dancing. ASU Football is back with a season full of action-packed games at the legendary ASU Sun Devil Stadium.
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Colorado • August 2022
Colorado’s Premier LGBTQ+ Resource for Travel, Business, Weddings & Relocation www.GayColorado.com
Tempe, Arizona – Your Pride Month Headquarters Happy LGBTQIA+ Pride Month! Tempe is known for its welcoming spirit, blend of cosmopolitan culture and style, scenic desert beauty and more than 330 days of sunshine every year. With its location in the heart of Metropolitan Phoenix and just minutes from the airport, Tempe is the perfect Pride headquarters with easy public transportation to LGBTQIA+ events across the Valley of the Sun. Here’s what’s happening in Tempe:
Colorado • June 2022
Tempe, Arizona – Your Pride Month Headquarters
Happy LGBTQIA+ Pride Month! Tempe is known for its welcoming spirit, blend of cosmopolitan culture and style, scenic desert beauty and more than 330 days of sunshine every year. With its location in the heart of Metropolitan Phoenix and just minutes from the airport, Tempe is the perfect Pride headquarters with easy public transportation to LGBTQIA+ events across the Valley of the Sun. Here’s what’s happening in Tempe:
June 4 – 5 – Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus: Join the Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus Alumni for a spectacular HOMECOMING concert at Tempe Center for the Arts celebrating 30 years of bringing quality entertainment to the LGBTQIA+ community. Enjoy music from BROADWAY, DISNEY, PRIDE ANTHEMS and much more.
Photo: Slaven Gujic
June 25 – Miss Gay Arizona America 2022: Tempe Center for the Arts presents a state preliminary to Miss Gay America 2022. They will also be honoring Sicarya Seville, Miss Gay Arizona America 2021.
WASHINGTON—Today, Gallup released a new poll that showed a growing percentage of people (71%) in the U.S. support same-sex marriage. In response, Human Rights Campaign Legal Director Sarah Warbelow released the following statement:
“This new data not only shows the continuing growth of support for same-sex marriage but also underscores what we have long known—anti-LGBTQ+ politicians and activists attacking marriage equality do not reflect the beliefs of the nation and are working contrary to public opinion,” said Sarah Warbelow, Human Rights Campaign Legal Director. “Notably, the Supreme Court doesn’t take public opinion into account when makings its decision; the Court will override decades of precedent if it strikes down Roe, despite the fact that a majority of Americans support access to abortion care. If that does indeed happen, it will likely embolden state legislatures – who have already been introducing and passing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation at a record pace – to continue to test the limits of court recognized LGBTQ+ equality. ”
Key Points from the poll:
Today, results from a 2022 Gallup poll were released that showed the estimate of Americans that support same-sex marriage has risen to 71%, an increase of more than 44 percentage points from the initial recording in 1996.
In 2011, support for same-sex marriage reached the majority level of Americans.
In 2015, one month before the U.S. Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges decision, public support for legalizing same-sex marriage reached the 60% level.
Gallup: Same-Sex Marriage Support Inches Up to New High of 71%
By: Justin McCarthy
Seventy-one percent of Americans say they support legal same-sex marriage, which exceeds the previous high of 70% recorded in 2021 by one percentage point.
When Gallup first polled about same-sex marriage in 1996, barely a quarter of the public (27%) supported legalizing such unions. It would take another 15 years, until 2011, for support to reach the majority level.
Then in 2015, just one month before the U.S. Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges decision, public support for legalizing gay marriage cracked the 60% level, and last year it reached the 70% mark for the first time.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
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Salt Lake City, Utah – Today, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox vetoed House Bill 11 – a bill that would have prevented transgender students from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity. With the governor’s veto of the bill, Utah became the second state this year to reject such a discriminatory ban approved by the legislature.
Republican Gov. Cox had pledged to veto the bill – which was hastily pushed through the Senate and heavily amended on the last night of Utah’s legislative session. The governor’s pledge was met with resounding praise and appreciation for standing up on behalf of transgender student-athletes who the governor addressed by saying, “I just want them to know that it’s gonna be okay.” In a letter explaining his veto, Gov. Cox said, “Rarely has so much fear and anger been directed at so few. I don’t understand what they are going through or why they feel the way they do. But I want them to live.”
Human Rights Campaign State Legislative Director and Senior Counsel Cathryn Oakley released the following statement in reaction to Gov. Cox vetoing HB 11:
“Gov. Cox heard the voices of transgender students and their families, medical experts, the business community, and advocates for fairness in sports, all of whom oppose discriminatory legislation like HB 11. He’s shown that he sees the humanity of the transgender youth targeted by this legislation – something governors in states like South Dakota and Iowa have refused to do.
Transgender kids across Utah, whether they want to play school sports or not, will be better off because of Gov. Cox’s decision today, and the Human Rights Campaign appreciates his veto. We urge lawmakers to uphold the Governor’s veto because all children in Utah deserve better than being treated as political pawns – what they deserve is to be able to have fun with their friends, exercise, and learn how to be part of a team.”
In February 2021, Gov. Cox said he would not sign a bill then making its way through the Utah Legislature that would have banned transgender girls from participating in girl’s K-12 sports. Cox reflected on the hardships facing transgender youth saying, “These kids are … they’re just trying to stay alive.”At the same time, legislators in states across the country have continued an unprecedented assault on transgender youth. A record number of anti-transgender bills were filed in 2021, largely focused on denying transgender youth the ability to receive gender-affirming care and participate in school athletics programs. Even more anti-transgender legislation is on track to be filed in 2022. There are more than 320 anti-LGBTQ+ bills under consideration in state legislatures across the country. Of those, at least 130 directly target transgender people and approximately half of those (70+ bills) would ban trans youth from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity.
Caught in the crosshairs of anti-LGBTQ+ elected officials’ divisive political strategy are kids who are simply trying to navigate their adolescence. Transgender youth, like all youth, gain benefits from participating in school athletics: leadership opportunities, better physical and mental health outcomes, self-discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, and, of course, fun – and they shouldn’t be prevented from participating in school athletics because of who they are.
Even when anti-transgender legislation does not become law, politicians are culpable for the harm they cause to LGBTQ+ people’s wellbeing simply by being subjected to continual legislative attacks on their dignity and humanity. As we saw earlier this month, there are real consequences to the discrimination perpetrated upon LGBTQ+ people, particularly transgender youth.
Anti-Transgender Attacks As A Political Talking Point
Anti-transgender content on social media is also a radicalizing issue all by itself. This is in large part because transgender young people are among the most marginalized, voiceless, and defenseless communities in America, and because right-wing arguments play on long-standing misogynistic, racist, and sexist tropes about gender roles.
Anti-Equality Forces Are Spending Big
These bills are the result of a concerted effort by right-wing organizations that have been battling against LGBTQ+ progress for years. Across recent elections, one of the key anti-equality groups working to turn back decades of LGBTQ+ progress has been the American Principles Project (APP). APP and its chief underwriter Sam Fieler have invested millions of dollars in support of anti-LGBTQ+ candidates. In 2020, APP spent more than $2.6 million in ad spending in support of anti-equality candidates. In Virginia in 2021, APP spent at least $300,000 on digital advertising in support of Glenn Youngkin’s gubernatorial campaign.
Businesses, Advocacy Groups, and Athletes Oppose Anti-Trans Legislation
More than 150 major U.S. corporations have stood up and spoken out to oppose anti-transgender legislation being proposed in states across the country. Companies like Amazon, American Airlines, Apple, AT&T, AirBnB, Dell, Dow, Google, IBM, Lyft, Marriott, Microsoft, Nike, and Paypal have objected to these bills. Four of the largest U.S. food companies also condemned “dangerous, discriminatory legislation that serves as an attack on LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender and nonbinary people,” and the Walton Family Foundation issued a statement expressing “alarm” at the trend of anti-transgender legislation that recently became law in Arkansas.
Many are rightly protective of the legacy of women’s sports in this country, and a robust Title IX is central to that legacy. Importantly, advocates for women and girls in sports – such as the National Women’s Law Center, the Women’s Sports Foundation, Women Leaders in College Sports, and others – support trans-inclusive policies and oppose efforts to exclude transgender students from participating in sports. So do prominent female athletes including Billie Jean King, Megan Rapinoe, and Cheryl Reeve. That’s because while there are real issues facing women’s sports, including a lack of resources devoted to supporting them, transgender participation in athletics is not one of them.
The nation’s leading child health and welfare groups representing more than 7 million youth-serving professionals and more than 1,000 child welfare organizations released an open letter calling for lawmakers in states across the country to oppose dozens of bills that target LGBTQ+ people, and transgender children in particular.
The reality is that however sensational and polarizing this issue may seem, public opinion polling across the country show strong support for trans-inclusive and pro-equality policies:
Recent PRRI data shows a large majority of Americans (82%) favor laws that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in jobs, public accommodations, and housing, and majorities of Republicans (67%), independents (85%), and Democrats (92%) favor nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ Americans.
A PBS/NPR/Marist poll states that 67% of Americans, including 66% of Republicans, oppose the anti-transgender sports ban legislation proliferating across 30 states.
In a 10-swing-state poll conducted by the Human Rights Campaign & Hart Research Group in 2020 showed:
At least 60% of Trump voters across each of the 10 swing states say transgender people should be able to live freely and openly.
At least 87% of respondents across each of the 10 swing states say transgender people should have equal access to medical care, with many states breaking 90% support
When respondents were asked about how they prioritized the importance of banning transgender people from participating in sports as compared to other policy issues, the issue came in dead last, with between 1% and 3% prioritizing the issue.
Another poll conducted by the Human Rights Campaign & Hart Research Group revealed that, with respect to transgender youth participation in sports, the public’s strong inclination is on the side of fairness and equality for transgender student-athletes. 73% of voters agree that “sports are important in young people’s lives. Young transgender people should be allowed opportunities to participate in a way that is safe and comfortable for them.”
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
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Marking 20 years of progress through the Corporate Equality Index, a record 842 companies achieved a top-score for LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace policies
WASHINGTON — Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released its 2022 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), which is celebrating 20 years of being the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring company policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. This year, a record-breaking 842 businesses employing 14.3 million workers earned the CEI’s top score of 100, up from only 13 in its inaugural year—demonstrating the incredible impact the CEI has had on the business world over its 20-year life.
Throughout the CEI’s two decade history, new criteria have been periodically introduced to ensure more robust, inclusive policies for LGBTQ+ workers—this year marks the next chapter in the tool’s evolution. HRC Foundation’s newly created CEI criteria will focus on expanding gender-affirming healthcare and workplace policies, ensuring equality in LGBTQ+ family formation benefit offerings, centering LGBTQ+ intersectionality through training and data collection best practices, and more—setting a new standard for LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace.
When the Human Rights Campaign Foundation created the Corporate Equality Index 20 years ago, we dreamed that LGBTQ+ workers—from the factory floor to corporate headquarters, in big cities and small towns—could have access to the policies and benefits needed to thrive and live life authentically.We are proud that the Corporate Equality Index paved the way to that reality for countless LGBTQ+ workers in America and abroad. But there is still more to do, which is why we are raising the bar yet again and ensuring our ‘Best Places to Work’ label continues to be the gold standard. Evolving the CEI’s criteria to mirror society is imperative to create more equitable workplaces and a better tomorrow for LGBTQ+ workers everywhere.”
Jay Brown, Human Rights Campaign Senior Vice President of Programs, Research and Training
The first year of the CEI included 319 participants, and the 2022 CEI now includes 1,271 participants; further demonstrating the tremendous trajectory of the CEI, a record-breaking 1,268 businesses have non-discrimination protections specific to gender identity, up from 17 in 2002. These critical non-discrimination protections cover 40.7 million employees in the U.S. and around the globe.
Other key findings revealed in the 2022 CEI include:
379 of Fortune 500 businesses have official CEI ratings based on submitted surveys, as compared to 366 last year—with actively participating Fortune 500 companies having an average score of 94 percent, up from 92 last year.
71 percent of the Fortune 500 and 91 percent of all CEI-rated businesses offer transgender-inclusive health insurance coverage, up from 0 in 2002, and 14 times as many businesses as ten years ago.
56 percent of the Fortune 500 and 77 percent of all CEI-rated companies offer comprehensive domestic partnership benefits, up from 69 percent of companies in 2002, which at that time only required same-sex partner benefits.
The CEI criteria are reviewed annually and are periodically updated, this year HRC Foundation is releasing several criteria changes that will go into effect for the 2023 CEI. The new criterion is outlined below:
The minimum requirements for transgender-inclusive healthcare policies have been increased.
A new category has been created centering on family formation that works to ensure equitable access to family benefits for same and different sex legal spouses and domestic partners.
An ease of access to benefits information is now required for transgender healthcare benefits, family formation and HIV/AIDS health benefits coverage.
At least one employee training integrating concepts of intersectionality will be required.
Employers will be required to implement at least one self-ID data collection practice—for example, confidential surveys, human resource systems, or a mechanism for board members to self-ID.
Gender transition guidelines are required as well as implementing at least one additional transgender-inclusion best practices, such as gender-neutral restrooms and inclusive dress codes.
The 2022 CEI criteria are its 5th iteration and fall under four central pillars: non-discrimination policies across business entities; equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families; supporting an inclusive culture; and corporate social responsibility. Companies rated in the CEI include Fortune magazine’s 500 largest publicly traded businesses, American Lawyer magazine’s top 200 revenue-grossing law firms (AmLaw 200), and hundreds of publicly and privately held mid- to large-sized businesses.
The holidays are just around the corner and Tempe, Arizona is home to lots of festive and fun holiday events. Complete your gift list and buy unique, handmade items at Second Sundays on Mill and the Tempe Festival of the Arts. While snow is definitely not in our forecast, you will find beautiful light displays that are sure to provide holiday cheer and just a touch of magic.
Colorado • December 2021
Through January 1st, 2022. Open every night from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
16th Street Mall at Welton Street, Denver, CO
The holidays are just around the corner and Tempe, Arizona is home to lots of festive and fun holiday events. Complete your gift list and buy unique, handmade items at Second Sundays on Mill and the Tempe Festival of the Arts. While snow is definitely not in our forecast, you will find beautiful light displays that are sure to provide holiday cheer and just a touch of magic.
Make a long weekend out of it by staying in one of Tempe’s hotels, ranging from upscale to boutique inspired properties. Visit tempetourism.com to find even more events, discover your next favorite restaurant and explore all the things to do in our city.
2nd Sundays on Mill – Second Sunday of every month Downtown Tempe Check out Downtown Tempe’s newest event, Second Sundays on Mill. This event features a local market showcasing artisans, art, handmade crafts, baked goods, unique gifts, and more. Plus – enjoy pop-up street performances, live music from local musicians, community programming, fitness classes, and outdoor games. This event is family-friendly, surrounded by delicious eats and treats from local restaurants.
Downtown Tempe Authority
World of Illumination – November 17, 2021-January 2, 2022 Tempe Diablo Stadium Get into the holiday spirit at World of Illumination at Tempe Diablo Stadium. The world’s largest animated drive-through holiday light show features two million lights and displays synchronized to your favorite festive tunes. The theme for Tempe’s event is Reindeer Road, featuring Santa’s Workshop, reindeer, snowmen, and toys galore. Tickets are only sold online.
Tempe Festival of the Arts – December 3-5, 2021 Downtown Tempe Head to Downtown Tempe, December 3-5, 2021, for the Tempe Festival of the Arts. View and purchase work of art from 300 artists, including everything from jewelry to painting to sculptures. Guests will enjoy artists from around the country, local music, a Kids Block and many great food options. While in downtown, you can grab a bite to eat from a food truck or one of the many restaurants in the area. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
ZooLights – November 24, 2021-January 15, 2022 Phoenix Zoo Enjoy one of the most beloved holiday events, ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo. This year, there are two ways to enjoy millions of twinkling lights, animated animal sculptures and the Wildlife Lantern Safari. On select nights, you can cruise through ZooLights in your car. On alternate evenings, you can walk through the event. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Check the calendar on the Zoo website for specific dates for both viewing options.
Las Noches de las Luminarias – Select evenings, December 3-31, 2021 Desert Botanical Garden Visit Las Noches de las Luminarias for a romantic date night or fun and festive outing with family and friends. The Garden’s trails will be illuminated by 8,000 luminarias and white twinkle lights. Advance reservations are required. This year, enjoy additional lighting displays to highlight the beautiful desert plants. Purchase holiday cocktails at stationed bars along the trails.
For even more events and information about visiting Tempe, visit www.tempetourism.com.
Colorado’s Premier LGBTQ+ Resource for Travel, Business, Weddings & Relocation www.GayColorado.com
Things To Do in Tempe, Arizona this season In Tempe, Arizona, fall means the start of beautiful weather and event season. Enjoy fun-filled outdoor festivals, live music and arts performances throughout the city. Come to Tempe for an event and make a long weekend out of it. Stay in one of Tempe’s many hotels, from resort-style properties to budget-friendly accommodations located near Downtown Tempe, ASU Tempe Campus and shopping at Tempe Marketplace and Arizona Mills. Visit www.tempetourism.com to plan your getaway today
Colorado • October 2021
Visit THE CENTER’S online calendar for a list of fall events in Denver.
Things To Do in Tempe, Arizona this season
In Tempe, Arizona, fall means the start of beautiful weather and event season. Enjoy fun-filled outdoor festivals, live music and arts performances throughout the city.
Come to Tempe for an event and make a long weekend out of it.
Stay in one of Tempe’s many hotels, from resort-style properties to budget-friendly accommodations located near Downtown Tempe, ASU Tempe Campus and shopping at Tempe Marketplace and Arizona Mills.
ASU Football Home Schedule: September 25 – November 27, 2021 Get excited for a season full of fans and action-packed football at the legendary ASU Sun Devil Stadium.
Music in the Garden: Friday evenings,October 1 – November 19, 2021 Desert Botanical Garden’s Ullman Terrace sets the stage for live music from a variety of local bands.
Phoenix Pride Festival: November 6-7, 2021 Held at Steele Indian School Park, the Phoenix Pride festival features over 150 entertainment performances on 6 stages and over 300 exhibitors showcasing food, shopping and community resources.
IRONMAN Arizona: November 21, 2021 This grueling, yet inspiring competition features a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a complete 26.2 mile marathon.
Photo: Nils Nielsen
Chihuly in the Desert at the Desert Botanical Garden: December 3, 2021-June 19, 2022 Chihuly in the Desert showcases Dale Chihuly’s stunning, large-scale installations nestled among the Garden’s world-class collection of desert plants.