Washington, D.C. – Today Representative Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, joined with Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to introduce the Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality (GLOBE) Act.

The GLOBE Act, H.R. 3800, would establish equality and justice as key components of U.S. foreign policy; affirm that discrimination, hatred, and violence against LGBTQI persons will not be tolerated by the United States; and assert that the United States government will treat LGBTQI rights as human rights throughout its foreign policy, development assistance, and immigration programs. The bill would also establish a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI Persons at the State Department.

“No person should suffer from discrimination because of who they are or whom they love,” said Congresswoman Titus (NV-1). “Under the leadership of President Biden and Secretary Blinken, the United States has the opportunity to set an example for the rest of the world by protecting the rights of LGBTQI people at home and abroad. The GLOBE Act equips the federal government with the tools and personnel it needs to promote LGBTQI rights around the world and punish regimes that persecute people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. I’m grateful to Senators Markey, Shaheen, and Merkley for their partnership on this important legislation.”

“Today, millions of people can once again see the Pride flag fly outside of U.S. embassies around the world, affirming the United States’ commitment to protecting LGBTQI rights everywhere,” said Senator Markey (D-MA). “LGBTQI rights are human rights, and we must take further steps to ensure that equality, justice, and non-discrimination policies are embedded throughout our foreign policy. President Biden and Secretary Blinken have committed to making the protection of human rights a key pillar of our work abroad, and I look forward to working with them to ensure these rights are extended to all people, no matter who they are or who they love, first and foremost by a swift appointment of the Special Envoy for LGBTQI Rights. I thank Senator Shaheen and Merkley, and Representative Titus for their leadership on this legislation and their commitment to upholding LGBQTI rights around the world.”

“As the U.S. restores its role as the global leader in promoting human rights, LGBTQI+ rights must be a top priority. We must double down on our commitment to protect the right for people to love freely and express their truest gender identity – regardless of where they live in  the world,” said Senator Shaheen (D-NH). “I’m encouraged by the Biden administration’s efforts to ensure LGBTQI+ rights are integrated within our foreign policy goals, and I look forward to working with them to ensure this bill’s passage to establish a dedicated Special Envoy. We must not back down on our push for equality and justice on the global stage.”

“We are living in a moment where governments around the world continue to make dangerous threats to our LGBTQ family, friends, and neighbors,” said Senator Merkley (D-OR). “America cannot remain silent in the face of that discrimination and abuse. Every person—regardless of who they are, whom they love, or where they live—has the right to be treated with decency and respect. That’s why I’m urging my colleagues to join us in passing the GLOBE Act, to send a clear message that the United States is committed to defending those rights for the American people and for people around the world.”

“The GLOBE Act is landmark legislation that provides legal, diplomatic, and financial tools to advance human rights for LGBTQI persons globally,” said Council for Global Equality Chair Mark Bromley. “It honors the Biden Administration’s foreign policy commitments and allows U.S. embassies to offer targeted support for some of the most marginalized communities around the world.”

“President Biden and this Congress continue to make progress on protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination at home and abroad, reversing the worst actions of the previous administration,” said Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David. “The GLOBE Act to Protect LGBTI Rights Worldwide is a critical step in combating bigotry and prejudice worldwide. This legislation sends a clear message: the United States is redoubling its commitment to advancing human rights around the globe. We thank Senator Markey for his leadership and advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ people.”

“We applaud Senators Markey, Shaheen and Merkley and Representative Titus for introducing legislation that promotes a vision of justice for LGBTQI+ people who have been marginalized and criminalized by their governments,” said American Jewish World Service Director of U.S. Advocacy Rori Kramer. “For too long, U.S. foreign policy has not centered the rights of LGBTQI+ people – the GLOBE Act will change that. Addressing the wide-ranging nature of LGBTQI+ rights from foreign aid, to asylum and immigration, to global health, the GLOBE Act would ensure that the United States leads the fight to protect and promote LGBTQI+ rights around the world.”

Specifically, the GLOBE Act:

• Codifies the State Department Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI Persons in law;
• Requires the State Department to document human rights abuses and discrimination against LGBTQI people around the world;
• Restricts entry into the United States for foreign individuals responsible for abuse and murder of LGBTQI populations;
• Ensures fair access to asylum and refugee programs for LGBTQI individuals;
• Requires engagement with international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank, to protect international LGBTQI rights; and
• Protects the rights of U.S. LGBTQI citizens serving their countries overseas at diplomatic and consular posts.

In the House, The GLOBE Act is co-sponsored by Representatives David Cicilline (RI-01), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Raul M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Mark Takano (CA-41), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Karen Bass (CA-37), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (IL-04), Sara Jacobs (CA-53), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Brad Sherman (CA-30), Andy Levin (MI-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Darren Soto (FL-09), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Ted Deutch (FL-22), Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32), Juan Vargas (CA-51), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Judy Chu (CA-27), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Edward Case (HI-01), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Donald McEachin (VA-04), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Bill Keating (MA-09), Lois Frankel (FL-21), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Antonio Delgado (NY-19), Anna Eshoo (CA-18), Adam Smith (WA-09), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL-23), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Madeline Dean (PA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Carolyn Bourdeaux (GA-07), Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Dan Kildee (MI-05), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Marie Newman (IL-03), Grace Meng (NY-06), Peter Welch (VT-AL), Al Green (TX-09), John Larson (CT-01), Andre’ Carson (IN-07), Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), Mondaire Jones (NY-17), Jerry McNerney (CA-09), Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Angie Craig (MN-02), Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kathleen Rice (NY-04), Jim Costa (CA-16), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Danny Davis (IL-07), Ted Lieu (CA-33), Jim Himes (CT-04).

Boulder County, CO – LGBTQ Pride may be observed a little differently this year, but it is still being celebrated and commemorated. With one Boulder County Pride, rather than two separate Boulder and Longmont Prides, Out Boulder County (OBC) has put together a diverse line up of in-person and virtual events between June 7-13, intended to bring together LGBTQ community members and their allies to express their pride, honor the history of liberation and struggle, and forge ahead to a more inclusive future.

Part of the celebration that you won’t want to miss are the motorcades in Longmont, Boulder, and Lafayette. Taking place on Sunday, June 13 at 9am, 12pm, and 4pm respectively, the motorcades will feature community members and vehicles decked out in Pride spirit as well as local leaders being honored as Grand Marshals.  The Grand Marshals are Longmont City Manager Harold Dominguez, former Boulder County Clerk Clela Rorex for Boulder, and Lafayette’s out representatives, Mayor Jamie Harkins and City Administrator Fritz Sprague.

In response to being asked to be a Grand Marshal, Harkins remarks, “I am so incredibly humbled to play a part in this year’s pride festivities right here in Lafayette! As our city’s first openly gay council member and now first mayor, I take very seriously what that means for the LGBTQ community and want to provide that visibility for queer community members, especially young folks. Often if feels like we’ve achieved a level of equality that something like being the first openly gay mayor (or Colorado’s only current gay mayor) doesn’t need to be recognized, but the truth is we’re not there yet… I am so proud to be out and proud and in a leadership position…and lend the platform I’ve been given to fighting for equal rights.”

Sprague responded, “It was completely unexpected. What makes it really special is the amazing work Out Boulder County does for the LGBTQ community and underserved populations. My partner and I participated in their Covid-19 vaccination clinic and their outreach was amazing. The work OBC does is really extraordinary and the fact they’re asking Jamie and I to represent them during Pride Month is really an honor. This is one of those things you remember for a long, long time in a career of public service.”

Rorex, who issued the first known same sex marriage licenses in 1975, shared, “Being selected as a Grand Marshal for the Pride Parade is a new experience for me, and I am honored to be selected. Most of all, I am hoping allies for the LGBTQ community will line the curbs as the car parade passes by, to show their support for a community that still faces many challenges. For example, right now trans kids are currently under attack in a number of states, where they are being legislated out of participating in youth sports.  It helps enormously when allies show they care.” 

All of the Grand Marshals have connections to the LGBTQ community and liberation, whether LGBTQ themselves or as active allies.

Reflecting on the importance of Pride, Sprague expressed, “We’ve made progress in inclusivity, but more needs to be done.  It’s when you back off of something, or slow down and get lax in these areas we lose ground and we just can’t do that. It’s also a key responsibility of people in positions of influence to make sure this doesn’t happen.”

He continued, “Visibility is so important because it shows the depth and talent those in the LGBTQ community contribute to society as a whole. It’s also so incredibly important to show our youth that there are successful, contributing members of our community in prominent positions that make impactful decisions.”

Harkins elaborates, “I feel so incredibly fortunate to have always had professional jobs, and then elected jobs, where my identity was openly embraced, valued, and protected. My wish for our future is that every single LGBTQ person can say the same, and I know we have a long way to go to get there. For the past 11 years, all of my work has been in the public sector, and I think it’s especially important to model openly LGBTQ individuals serving and improving the community.” 

Community members are invited to join in the motorcades either by driving and riding along in them, or spectating along the routes. All are invited to express their Pride through their dress and posters and cheers.

Other Boulder County Pride events include: a drive-in film screening of “P.S. Burn this Letter”, a 50+ mixer, a family planning seminar, a film screening of “Chavela”, a Vaccine Clinic, a video game tournament, a name and gender change clinic and more.  Find full details at: https://www.outboulder.org/pride

Guns For Everyone, a Colorado firearms training company that has been offering free concealed carry
classes to the public for 9 years, is hosting two classes aimed at inviting the LGBT community to get the
training they need in order to apply for their concealed handgun permit.

“I think it’s important that we send the message to everyone that the right to self defense is a universal
right, it doesn’t depend on who you are.” Says Edgar Antillon, co-founder of Guns For Everyone. “In
the nearly 10 years we’ve been doing our free classes, we’ve always made it clear that guns are tools
that should be available to everyone who wants to use them to defend themselves and their families.”

According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and information provided by firearm dealers across
the state, Colorado saw record numbers of gun purchases and new gun owners in Colorado in 2020.
Sales were spurred by fears and uncertainty around the major disruptions caused by government
response to Coronavirus as well as civil unrest around the country. Guns For Everyone and their
partner instructors have provided their free concealed carry classes throughout the pandemic to more
than 17,000 Coloradans in 2020.

“More guns and more gun owners means more training is needed. Every gun owner should be seeking
regular training and practice.” Says Isaac Chase, co-founder of Guns For Everyone. “We recognize that
some people feel excluded by traditional gun culture and don’t feel that the training they need is
accessible. We’re here to let everyone know that you are welcome, and you will be treated with
respect. This isn’t a political statement, this is about serving every Coloradan.”

Alicia Garcia is a local 2nd Amendment and LGBT advocate who is working with Guns For Everyone to
lead the event commented, “Having a class specifically designated to the LGBT community allows for a
safer, non judgmental learning environment where our LGBT community can feel free to be
themselves.”

The LGBT Classes will be offered on Tuesday, February 23rd in Thronton and on Wednesday, February
24th in Colorado Springs. People who are interested can find more information and register at
GunsForEveryone.com.

After heartfelt consideration, the Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to not hold a March 2021 parade.  This decision has been made due to the unlikelihood that a parade will be able to be held safely or legally in Denver in any capacity in the coming months.  Current City of Denver restrictions on special events and gatherings prohibit an event such as the parade from being able to be held.  The Committee does not anticipate that these guidelines will relax enough in the next four months for us to be able to produce the parade.  Board member Elizabeth Price stated “It takes many months of planning and hundreds of volunteer hours to put on the safe, fun parade that we produce for our city and state each year.  In addition, the parade costs thousands of dollars to organize.  We cannot, in good conscience, tie up these resources for an event that is likely to be cancelled due to the pandemic and the city restrictions surrounding it.”

The safety and well-being of participants and attendees is always first and foremost in the planning of this amazing event, which would have seen its 59^th official parade if not for the 2020 & 2021 cancellations.   Our hearts are saddened by this difficult but appropriate decision.  The parade committee hopes to plan smaller Irish-themed events in conjunction with the local business community during the summer and fall of 2021, as conditions permit.   These cancellations have hit our all-volunteer run non-profit very hard financially.  We will spend 2021 reorganizing our business practices, developing our membership and volunteers and, of course, planning an amazing 2022 Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade which will also be the Committees 60^th birthday. With a little luck of the Irish, we can all expect something big for 2022!

For more information about the parade, visit www.denverstpatricksdayparade.com or https://www.facebook.com/stpatsparadeday