About Jason Landau Goodman

Jason Landau Goodman is a law student at the University of Pittsburgh, and the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Youth Congress. A recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Jason is a fifth generation Pennsylvanian from Lower Merion, PA.

Eight Pennsylvanians Named in the Out 100 for 2015

Out Magazine has released the ‘Out 100’ since 1994, featuring individuals who the publication considers having made compelling contributions to society as out LGBTQ people.

This year, eight Pennsylvanians – those born or who live in the commonwealth – have been named to the Out 100 list for 2015:

Alison Bechdel and The Fun Home Family (Beech Creek)
Lee Daniels, Filmmaker, Actor, and Director (Philadelphia)
Adam Joseph, Meteorologist (Philadelphia)
Chip Kidd, Author and Graphic Designer (Reading)
Andy Mientus, Actor (Ross Township)
Hari Nef, Model (Philadelphia)
The Legends: Edie Windsor (Philadelphia) and
Evan Wolfson (Pittsburgh),  Marriage Equality Advocates

[Pictured: Adam Joseph]

Celebrate Marriage Equality Today in Pennsylvania!

 

 

This morning, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled, in a 5-4 decision, that marriage equality is guaranteed under the Constitution. Every state in the county must now allow marriage equality, and recognize same-sex unions performed outside their borders. This is a watershed moment in the LGBTQ rights movement. We know there is tremendous work to continue – and that we are far from securing freedom and justice for LGBTQ people. Today, we celebrate. Join LGBTQ communities across the state tonight in rejoicing in this landmark decision!


Erie
The Erie County Courthouse
140 West 6th Street, Erie, PA
7:00pm
Host: NWPA Pride Alliance

Harrisburg
The Pennsylvania State Capitol Building Steps
3rd and State Streets, Harrisburg, PA
5:00pm
Host: Capital Region Stonewall Democrats

Northeastern PA
The Tomato Bar
7 Tomato Fest Drive, Pittston, PA
4:00pm
Host: NEPA Rainbow Alliance

Philadelphia
Independence Mall
Market and 5th Streets, Philadelphia, PA
5:00pm
Organizers Include: The William Way Community Center, HRC Philadelphia

Pittsburgh
Ellsworth Avenue/Shadyside District
5800 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
7:00pm
Organizers Include: The Delta Foundation

Reading
Penn Street Bridge
5:30pm
Host: Reading Pride Celebrates

Andre Gray’s Body Found in West Virginia, Murder Suspect Charged

Andre Nathaniel Gray, 34, had been missing since October 23, 2014. In a press conference yesterday evening, the Pittsburgh Police disclosed that his body was found in the Ohio River in West Virgina with a gunshot wound. The police have ruled his death a homicide, and early this morning, charged a suspect in his death. Andre was an out gay man from the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. He was involved in Project Silk, a program for young men and transgender women of color in the Pittsburgh area.

The press conference was extremely somber, with many of Andre’s family members present. His mother, grandmother, and brother expressed their devastation with this news, but also that they had accepted his passing and forgave those who ended his life. His mother, Victoria Gray Tillman said “I’m thankful to God for bringing my son home, so now I can begin my closure process. It’s been a long time coming.” Andre was reported missing on October 25, 2014, with his apartment ransacked and blood on his bed sheets – along with bleach. His car was later found partially burned in the North Side of Pittsburgh.

Press Conference

Pittsburgh Police Commander RaShall Brackney and the Gray Family (March 26, 2015)

On March 20, 2015, Brooks County Sheriff and Follansbee Police Department in West Virigina discovered his body along the Market Street bridge, which stretches from Stubenville, Ohio to Follansbee, West Viriginia. He was positively identifed as Andre by the Coroner of Charleston, West Virginia. The Pittsburgh Police were notified on March 25, 2015 of his body being found. They ruled his death a homicide with their disclosure of his gunshot wound.

This morning, the Pittsburgh Police revealed they have charged Hubert Wingate, 30, in Andre’s murder. Wingate was already in an Allegheny County jail when he was charged. He was arrested on an open warrant for assault from Colorado, in Pittsburgh, where he had a concealed semi-automatic weapon on his person.

No substantive evidence or leads had been established as of yesterday evening. Pittsburgh Police Commander RaShall Brackney confirmed they did not yet have any suspect in custody or warrants for persons of interest in the case. Brackney firmly stated that “Our goal is to bring justice to Andre Gray.”

Victoria Gray Tillman said that “I’ve given God all the glory. I have forgiven them a while ago. That’s what I need. I need for them to confess what they have done. We are a forgiving family, a loving family. That’s what they need to do, turn yourself in.” Andre’s brother, Javon Hutcherson, echoed this plea to the murderer to “Turn yourself in. We love our brother…We forgive him, please turn yourself in.”

The Pittsburgh Police have been leading a search effort for Andre since last fall. LGBTQ community advocates had established a fund for donations to the family. The Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents have been pressing hard through regular posts for the continued investigation.

Victoria Tillman Gray and Javon Hutcherson

Andre’s mother, Victoria Gray Tillman, and brother, Javon Hutcherson (March 26, 2015)

As the press conference was concluding, Victoria Gray Tillman additional shared how there has been “Lots of pain. Lots of suffering. Lots of prayers. I’ve said a prayers all day, everyday. Some days have been better than others. But, I knew all along that God had my son. I always felt that. Now that he has been found I can begin my process. It’s a mother’s worst nightmare of their child being out there – and it’s the not knowing. I thank God for all the people, the prayers, the friends, the family, who have come through, who have held me up, and let me know, but I thank God, for being God.”

Anyone with information on Andre’s murder is asked to please call the Pittsburgh Police homicide detectives 412-323-7161.

Fourth Annual PA Youth Action Conference to be Held this Weekend

The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition (PSEC) will convene the 2015 Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference: Cultivating New Possibilities for Rural LGBTQ Youth, at Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA, from February 27–28. Held since 2011, the PA Youth Action Conference has become the largest annual statewide gathering of LGBTQ youth.

The Keynote Speaker of the 2015 conference will be Mike Fleck, the first openly gay state legislator in Pennsylvania. Former State Rep. Fleck (R-81) served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2008 to 2014. His district was comprised of parts of rural Centre, Huntingdon, and Mifflin Counties.

Alison Bechdel will address the conference on Saturday afternoon. From rural Clinton County, Alison is a world-renowned lesbian cartoonist who produced the syndicated comic strip “Dykes to Watch Out For” for over 20 years. She is a 2014 MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient and a 2012 Guggenheim Fellow. Her memoir “Fun Home” will debut as a musical on Broadway in New York in March 2015. Alison will speak to the conference attendees about her experiences growing up and coming out in rural Pennsylvania.

HannahThe Youth Action Conference will also feature an address by the newly named Deputy Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), Hannah Smith-Brubaker. Before joining PDA this month, she was the President of the Pennsylvania Farmers Union. Hannah and her wife operate a farm in Juniata County.

Additional speakers include: Candace Gingrich, Associate Director of Youth and Campus Engagement for the Human Rights Campaign, and sister of Newt Gingrich; Terry Mutchler, the former Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records and author of “Under this Beautiful Dome”; Dr. Michele Angello, a nationally-regarded gender and sexuality youth therapist; Dr. Karen Whitney, President of Clarion University; and, Joe Burns, Sam Deetz, and Mary Nancarrow, several of the founding members of the Pennsylvania Rural Gay Caucus – the first statewide LGBTQ organization in Pennsylvania.

Programming includes an All-Conference Training on mental health and self-care for rural LGBTQ youth, a plenary of rural Pennsylvania LGBTQ advocates, and a screening of “Out in the Silence” – the 2010 documentary on LGBTQ life in Oil City, PA – with filmmaker Joe Wilson providing remarks. There will be over a dozen cutting-edge sessions on rural issues, including on the history of the rural Pennsylvania LGBTQ movement, access to healthcare for rural LGBTQ youth, safe schools advocacy, rural organizing work, transgender youth issues, and the role of religion in the rural LGBTQ community. The third annual Keystone Banquet and Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday evening, honoring Pennsylvanians who have made a positive impact in the lives of LGBTQ young people.

The recipients are as follows:

The Altoona Award
Alison Bechdel – Beech Creek, PA
For great courage, strength, and resilience in advancing the visibility and welfare of LGBTQ youth in the commonwealth

The Keystone Award
Terry Mutchler – East Stroudsburg, PA
Presented to a legislator or government official who has demonstrated great courage, strength, and resilience in advancing the visibility and welfare of LGBTQ youth in the commonwealth

The Generations Award
The Pennsylvania Rural Gay Caucus (Accepted by Mary Nancarrow, Joe Burns, and Sam Deetz)
For Pennsylvanians who have provided significant contributions to the legacy of LGBT advocacy in the commonwealth

The Mara Keisling Leadership Award
Turner Stulting – Lewisburg, PA
Presented to a transgender youth who has completed substantial work to advocate for gender equality and inclusivity in the Keystone State

The 2015 Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference is sponsored by PSEC, Juniata College, Village Acres Farm and Foodshed, the Philadelphia Gay News, and the Pennsylvania Farmers Union. Efforts to organize the conference at Juniata College have been led by their campus LGBT student organization, All Ways of Loving.

More information on the gathering, and online registration, can be found at youthactionconference.com.

Pennsylvania Memorializes the 16th Annual TDoR


The International Transgender Day of Remembrance
(TDoR) is held in local communities and campuses across the nation to memorialize those who have been killed due to anti-transgender bigotry. Many victims of anti-transgender violence have been invisible in their communities and attackers not often brought to justice.
The 16th Annual TDoR brings together communities to mourn and honor victims of anti-transgender hate crimes and as a call to action towards the respect of all people regardless of gender identity or expression.

In July 2013, a young trans woman, Diamond Williams, was brutally murdered in Philadelphia. The court case is ongoing in her murder in 2014. There have been countless known slayings of transgender people because of their identity around the world since last year. The TDoR website memorializes the murders of over 75 transgender individuals we are aware of.

Over 25 organized vigils will be held in communities throughout the commonwealth for TDoR on November 20th, 2014. This is large increase from just a few events held in Pittsburgh and Southeastern Pennsylvania before 2013.

November is also Transgender Awareness Month. There are plenty of wonderful educational and community events going on throughout Pennsylvania. Several student organizations including Drexel University are holding Transgender Awareness Weeks.


Transgender Day of Remembrance in Pennsylvania

November 20th, 2014

Allentown
Muhlenberg College – Egner Memorial Chapel (2400 Chew Street), November 20th, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Host: Muhlenberg Trans* Advocacy Coalition
More Information

Altoona
Penn State Altoona – Slep Fireside Lounge (3000 Ivyside Park), November 20th, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Host: Penn State Altoona GSA
More Information

Bethlehem
The Ice House Gazebo (57 River Street), November 23rd, 1:00pm-2:00pm

California
California University of Pennsylvania – Vulcan Statue (250 University Avenue), November 20th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Host: Rainbow Alliance
More Information

Carlisle
Dickinson College – Britton Plaza, November 20th, 7:30pm-8:30pm
Host: LGBTQ Services
More Information

Clarion
Clarion University of Pennsylvania – Hart Chapel (Wood Street), November 20th, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Host: Allies

Collegeville
Thomas Paine Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (3424 Ridge Pike), November 20th, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Host: Thomas Paine Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

More Information

Collegeville
Ursinus College – Olin 104 (601 East Main Street), November 19th, 8:30pm-9:30pm
Host: Ursinus College GSA
More Information

Drexel Hill
Collenbrook United Church (5290 Township Line Road), November 20th, 6:30pm-7:30pm
Hosts: Collenbrook United Church, PRYSM Youth Center

Edinboro
The Edinboro University of Pennsylvania – Pouge Student Center (Seminar Room), November 20th, 8:30pm-9:30pm
Host: Edinboro Identity
More Information

Erie
Avalon Hotel (16 West 10th Street), November 23rd, 1:00pm-2:00pm
Hosts: Erie Sisters, TransFamily of Erie
More Information

Harrisburg
The steps of the Pennsylvania Capitol (3rd and State Street), November 20th, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Host: TransCentral PA

More Information

Indiana
The Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Oak Grove, November 20th, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Host: IUP Pride Alliance
More Information

Lancaster
The Lancaster County Courthouse steps (50 North Duke Street), November 20th, 12:00pm-12:30pm
More Information

Lewisburg
Bucknell University (701 Moore Avenue), November 20th, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Host: Bucknell GSA

Meadville
Allegheny College – Ford Chapel (516 North Main Street), November 20th, 8:00pm-9:00pm
Host: Queers and Allies
More Information

Philadelphia
The Penn LGBT Center (3907 Spruce Street), November 20th, 5:00pm-6:00pm
Host: The Penn LGBT Center
More Information

Philadelphia
Drexel University – Dragon Statue (3400 Market Street), November 20st, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Host: Drexel FUSE
More Information

Philadelphia
Temple University – Alumni Circle (Liacouras and Polett Walks), November 20th, 8:15pm-9:15pm
Host: Temple QSU
More Information

Philadelphia
The William Way Community Center (1315 Spruce Street), November 20th, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Host: The William Way Community Center
More Information

Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh – William Pitt Union (3959 Fifth Avenue), November 18th, 9:00pm-10:00pm
Host: Rainbow Alliance

Pittsburgh
Cruze Bar (1600 Smallman Street), November 19th, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Host: TransPride Pittsburgh
More Information

Reading
Calvary United Church of Christ (640 Oley Street), November 21st, 7:00pm-8:00pm
More Information

State College
Penn State University Park (Steps of Old Main), November 20th, 6:00pm-7:00pm

Washington
First Presbyterian Church (100 East Wheeling Street), November 20th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
More Information

West Chester
West Chester University of Pennsylvania – Sykes Union 115 (700 South High Street), November 20th, 8:00pm-9:00pm
Host: LGBTQA Services
More Information

York
Harrisburg Area Community College – York in front of Cytec (2010 Pennsylvania Avenue), November 17th, 5:30pm
Host: HACC – York GSA

 


November 2014 Transgender Awareness Events


November 18th

Drexel University: “Trans” Screening and Discussion (w/Producer Mark Shoen)
MacAlister Hall 2019, 5:30pm-8:00pm

Bucknell University: Kye Allums
ELC Forum, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

November 19th
Drexel University: LGBTEA and Coffee Chat – Gender Neutral Housing
LGBTQA Student Center (Creese Student Center Room 48C), 6:00pm-7:00pm

November 20th
Drexel University: Raising of the Transgender Flag
32nd and Market Streets, 9:00am-10:00am

Drexel University: Transgender Remembrance Ceremony
URBN Annex Black Box Theater (3401 Filbert Street), 4:00pm-6:00pm

November 21st

University of Pennsylvania: Gender Talk
Claudia Cohen Hall, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

November 20th-23rd
Pittsburgh: TransVoices
Series of events hosted by the Garden of Peace Project

If you would like to add your event to this page, please email us at info@pennsec.org.
This post has been updated to include the vigils taking place at the University of Pittsburgh, Dickinson College, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Bucknell University, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Penn State University Park, and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

transgender-day-of-remembrance-tdor

Shatter Every Closet Door: The Political Fallout of Rep. Mike Fleck’s Loss

Where do we go from here? The midterm election has given us more homework to do, and if we refocus, we can win.

All eyes on Rep. Mike Fleck’s re-election campaign

In understanding where they can side on LGBTQ issues, many Pennsylvania legislators have been paying close attention to the outcome of the 81st House District election. Rep. Mike Fleck, the state’s first openly gay legislator, lost his seat on Tuesday following a fiercely fought 22-month long campaign. His loss is devastating for many in his district, and thousands of LGBTQ people in Pennsylvania – particularly for rural LGBTQ youth who have lost positive representation in their government and community. Beyond the social impact, Rep. Fleck’ loss has significant political consequences as well. The outcome of this election will be sending a ripple effect throughout the commonwealth.

For a long time, there has been a widespread feeling of trepidation amongst the conservative legislators who control the General Assembly of engaging with LGBTQ issues. And so, there has been silence – even from those conservative legislators that support our causes, or those who are genuinely interested in learning more about LGBTQ issues. This lack of conversation has presented the opportunity to assess how Rep. Fleck performs in the election as their testing ground on LGBTQ issues without getting their own hands into the issues directly. If he lost, and depending by how much, that would be the measure by which they could make their future political calculations. Will supporting LGBTQ issues be worth it? If this Central Pennsylvania district cannot accept an out legislator, will they oust me if I support LGBTQ equality?

Pennsylvania legislators now have evidence to shelve LGBTQ rights

Legislators on both sides of the aisle have been looking to the 81st district to get a pulse on where middle-Pennsylvania stands. Would they embrace their longtime-adored state legislator in spite of his being out – or, would they oust him in a political subterfuge of bigotry? The latter appears to have become reality.

The Pennsylvania legislature has sustained deep-rooted silence on LGBTQ issues for decades. The status quo has been inaction for nearly 40 years since the first non-discrimination bill was introduced in 1976. When Rep. Mike Fleck came out in December 2012, he bravely helped change the discourse within the Republican majority. No longer was being gay something that could be ignored or be seen as being a complete outsider. He was and continues to be their respected colleague.

Moderate Republicans have the power: Will they use it?

Yet, as I write this, I wonder if the power of increased popular opinion toward LGBTQ rights could still help push things forward. At least for the moderate Republicans, especially in Eastern Pennsylvania, could his election serve as a shaming wake-up call toward action? Moderate GOP members who support LGBTQ equality have the votes and the power – but we do not know if they will use it. Will suburban Republicans lay themselves down on the line for us? If they do, we can win.

In a small way, Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin), from suburban Harrisburg, balked at this divide last month and put the LGBTQ-inclusive hate crimes bill up for a committee vote. He openly pushed back at members of his own party in the House Judiciary Committee during the meeting, when Rep. Brian Ellis (R-Butler) among others, called for him to table the bill. It ultimately passed 19-4.

The tides are changing in the popular support of LGBTQ equality, especially in moderate areas. Outside of Rep. Fleck’s race, it seems that not one other elected official lost because of their support for LGBTQ equality. This is a major development from just a few years ago when a position on marriage equality could cost someone their election.

We will have to look to the new House and Senate leadership for answers

While there are shifting attitudes with moderate Republican and Democrats in suburban regions, the widening margin of the social conservatives’ majority presents a serious blockade against significant progress.

It will take more than half the Republicans in each chamber, likely over two-thirds, to be fully supportive of an LGBTQ-related issue for it to move. While we could have the necessary number of votes to move a non-discrimination bill without a majority of the GOP members, the Republican leadership has not provided evidence it would be willing to fracture its caucus over our issues – as they have for the transportation bill or liquor privatization.

The Republicans will continue a strong rein in both legislative chambers. We do not yet know if it will be led by rural, more socially conservative Republicans, or the more suburban, moderate members. Even a mix of the two could provide progress for us.

Over the next month, political battles will wage behind the scenes for leadership positions within the General Assembly. Should the moderates secure control in key roles and committees, we can have hope. If not, we will have another two years of gridlock on LGBTQ equality issues.

Specifically, if we have key moderate allies in both the House Speaker and House Majority Leader, then we could actually see HB 300 assigned to a committee with a favorable chair and NOT the State Government Committee with Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) – and actually have it be put up for a vote on the House floor.

Money is where the heart is

One of our strongest indicators of this progress is within the many Republican House members who gave to Rep. Fleck’s campaign. An extremely diverse network of conservative Republicans came to his support. It would be one thing for a sitting legislator, running for re-election themselves, to say they support their friend Mike Fleck. It is quite another to give their money to his re-election campaign. The following Republicans gave to Rep. Fleck’s campaign over the past several months:

Rep. Ron Miller (R-York) $5,000
Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks) $3,000
Rep. Jim Marshall (R-Beaver) $1,000
Rep. Nick Miccarelli (R-Delaware) $1,000
Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York) $1,000
Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) $500
Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) $500
Rep. Mark Mustio (R-Allegheny) $500
Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion) $500
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Bradford) $250
Rep. Tom Murt (R-Montgomery) $250
Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks) $250
Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) [through Good Jobs PA PAC] +$20,000
*Other legislators have given through their associated Political Action Committees

Will Governor Tom Wolf make deals to advance LGBTQ rights?

Another factor for us in the 2015-2016 session will be Governor-elect Tom Wolf. He ran on a pro-LGBTQ rights platform. However, in the partisan world we live in, he will be faced with a legislature that is not set out to work with him. If he can develop meaningful relationships with the legislative leaders, he could help us press for victories. Only time can tell.

It is my greatest hope that Rep. Fleck’s loss will not be a cautionary tale against supporting LGBTQ people. I am upset in thinking how many have viewed this race as a referendum on being out in rural Pennsylvania. I would rather us understand this in the spirit of Harvey Milk. If Rep. Mike Fleck should lose re-election, let that loss shatter every closet door.

We have had enough. If rural LGBTQ Pennsylvanians rise up – and if LGBTQ advocates in our cities reach out across the divide to help – there is nothing our community cannot accomplish. This work to nudge the movable middle of Republicans into becoming true LGBTQ allies is possible, but it will take serious commitment from us all.

The next steps for the Pennsylvania LGBTQ equality movement

The future of the LGBTQ justice movement rests in the hands of rural and suburban Pennsylvania legislators. No passionate speech by a progressive legislator in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh will deliver us LGBTQ equality. Will our broader community roll up our sleeves to work with our LGBTQ family in the Pennsylvania heartland, or will our metronormative movement infrastructure remain nested in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia? We must develop the capacity of our rural and suburban conservatives to love and affirm LGBTQ people in their communities in order for us to break down the barriers which prevent critical progress.

Rep. Fleck and Fiona

Rep. Mike Fleck and Fiona Grugan (Villanova ’13), a constituent, at the 2013 Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference at the University of Pittsburgh
(February 2, 2013)

I am proud that the 2015 Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference will be focused on “Cultivating New Possibilities for Rural LGBTQ Youth.” In providing a positive platform for rural LGBTQ youth leaders to be resilient in taking action out in the silence, our movement will take a major step forward toward a fully realized dream of social justice for all.

A substantial movement of rural and suburban LGBTQ people, allies, and legislators, will be necessary in the session ahead for our community to win – and we can do it.

 

The featured image for this post is Rep. Mike Fleck with PSEC leaders and Sen. John Wozniak (D-Cambria) at Johnstown Pride 2013 (Faith Elmes (PSEC Assistant Convener + IUP ’15), Rep. Mike Fleck, Mike Campbell (PSEC Delegate + IUP ’13), and Sen. John Wozniak)

In Gloria’s Words

This morning the Philadelphia community gathered to say goodbye to Gloria Casarez, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs. Gloria passed away on Sunday after a long battle with cancer at 42 years old. Hundreds of Gloria’s family members and friends filled the Arch Street United Methodist Church for her funeral service. Powerful remarks were given by Mayor Michael Nutter, her cousin Bernadette Jervis, and close friends Casey Cook, Elizabeth Larin, and Louie A. Ortiz. Citations celebrating her lifelong commitment to community organizing against poverty, HIV/AIDS, and bigotry, were presented from the Philadelphia City Council and Philadelphia Mayor.

The service celebrated Gloria’s focus on the imperative of social justice work. Elizabeth Larin repeated a line from Gloria on strategic planning in campaigns – that “you get what your organize to take.” To highlight one theme – many of the messages shared specifically related to respecting and supporting youth leadership. Gloria had arranged for those attending her funeral to sing “Ella’s Song,” by Sweet Honey in the Rock – a moving song I listen to often. This song is dedicated to Ella Baker, who was a revolutionary civil rights organizer who worked with young people to form the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. In it, we sang along with the words:

“To me young people come first, they have the courage where we fail, and if I can but shed some light as they carry us through the gale – The older I get the better I know that the secret of my going on is when the reins are in the hands of the young, who dare to run against the storm.”

Gloria had shared similar words with me over the years in our formation of PSEC – which was created as the statewide community movement by and for LGBTQ youth activists. Gloria believed in bringing all voices to the table – especially in organizing with a base of people who are the most disenfranchised or impacted by an issue. Our activism work has been deeply influenced by Gloria and we look forward to following, as best we can, in her footsteps.

PSEC presented Gloria with the Keystone Award at the 2014 Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference in February. This honor is given annually to a public official who has worked intently to advance the welfare of LGBTQ youth in Pennsylvania communities.

Moments before the award presentation, we were informed that Jaci Adams, a longtime leader in the Philadelphia trans* community, had passed away from her own long battle with cancer. Gloria and Jaci were close. In beginning the event, I talked before the banquet attendees about Jaci’s impact on the city.

Another PSEC leader saw her tearful over Jaci and gave her a hug, saying, “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Gloria responded in sharing that “it’s not my loss, it’s a loss for the community.”

With Gloria’s passing, I mourn together with my community on the passing of one of our greatest leaders. We also must celebrate her legacy by pressing on toward justice – with the passion, strategy, selflessness, integrity, and power that Gloria demonstrated is possible.

Rest in power, Gloria.

Here are her transcribed remarks from the 2014 Keystone Banquet:

“Good evening everyone,

I am recovering from laryngitis right now so my voice sounds a little funny.

I was going to make my partner, the love of my life, read my prepared remarks, and I would just stand here and nod, but I did not get to prepare any remarks, because we got the news about Jaci.

It’s truly devastating. Jaci was a personal friend, professional advisor, and this loss leaves a big void. I think Jason spoke to that well, and I think that this truly, truly is a big loss for our community.

So as I was sitting here I jotted a couple things down, but I really want to dedicate tonight to honor to Jaci. Jaci was someone who, in an official capacity, as an official representative of the city of Philadelphia, worked on policy issues.

She was one of the people who we tapped when we were looking to make policy changes. She was also one of those people who knocked on our door who said “you need to make this policy change.” She had a direct hand in the shelter policy change that was made several years back, and more recently in behavioral health and intellectual disability policy change.

She was one of the people who called for the Morris Home, which is a transitional housing program, the first of its kind in the country. She was a leader in HIV and AIDS; she worked in the HIV/AIDS field for many years, and also in trans* health issues as you heard.

She literally helped train thousands of police officers in the city around how to interact with members of our community. I did those trainings with her, and she was never one to mince words. She told them how they needed to hear it.

She wasn’t exactly professional in these professional trainings, but it’s what those police officers needed to hear if they were ever going to interact with real people in real situations.

Jaci was somebody who did all of this really on her own time, and she was somebody who wasn’t thanked enough. So I want to extend very humbly today my appreciation to her and really to say thank you, Jaci, for everything you have done. She really helped make Philadelphia the great place that it is today.

I want to remind us all where we are. According to the Human Rights Campaign, Philadelphia is the greatest place to be LGBT. We are the number one ranked city in America in the most recent municipal equality index, which is an index, a ranking really, of nearly 300 cities on law and policy. So it’s not like a lot of these other rankings that are like, it’s the best yogurt in the world. It really, literally looks at all our laws and policies, what we are doing, and what we say we believe; and Philadelphia is number one.

We share that with Seattle, but, we’re number one.

I want also to say that I think this is the greatest time to be doing this work. All of you who are doing this work are participating in what I think is the greatest time to be doing this very important LGBT social justice work.

I came to doing community work through what I think was probably one of the hardest times, in HIV and AIDS, when women’s reproductive health issues were going on at the same time, and it’s really awesome to be doing this work at a time that is just so full of potential. So I want to encourage you to continue to fight, continue to push, and continue to help make your communities, as best as they can be. Even with these designations and the positive things we are doing here in Philadelphia, we’re not there yet; we still have a lot to do.

We have had these policies on the books since 1982. We [then] officially added sexual orientation as a protected status and that’s 32 years ago. It took us another 20 years before we added gender identity protections to that same law. Now I say that knowing very clearly that we are in Pennsylvania, where neither are protected, right? So all of our efforts need to go towards ensuring that Pennsylvania can be what Philadelphia was 30 years ago. Twelve years ago. So these things are all very important to the lives of people who live around the state, around the country.

Just in the time that I’ve worked for government, which has been since 2008, when Mayor Nutter came on, we’ve had the chance to work on some really great things. The mayor has been completely supportive of anything we wanted to do. Kathy, who is one of the other honorees, was one of the very first people I met with back when I started the job. One of the things she talked about was trans* inclusive health benefits, and the need for these things. And you know, government moves really slow, and so really, it takes four years before there is collective consciousness and a council member is willing to stand up and say, “Hey, let’s do this.”

But, you know, we did that. I want to acknowledge Councilman Goy—how about that, Councilman Goy, promotion? Chris Goy, who works in Councilman Kenney’s office, who was a point person for us, and really helped steer that bill.

In addition to all of that, and our mandate, really, everyone needs to be at the table.

I come out of community organizing, and you don’t win the righteous wins unless you have all the voices at the table. So in anything that we’re doing, it’s really important to have many voices at the table, the people who are with you, the people who aren’t with you yet, and the people who are going to help you get where you need to go. So that is something I am encouraging you to do that as well; you want to have the naysayers as well as the yes people at your table. You need everybody.

I’ll say one more thing about the Mayor and then I’m going to wrap it up. The Mayor is a longtime supporter of all these issues, he’s part of the national coalition of mayors, that he is the chairperson of, that is working on marriage equality issues, that is obviously something that has earned his significant support. He is also working and doing anything he can do to advance non-discrimination bills that will come through the state legislature, that’s an issue that is very important to the mayor, personally.

Just one final thing, you know, I did a lot of trainings with Jaci and one of the things that—she didn’t mince words. One of the things she would say frequently, we trained cadets, so they were rookie cops, these were going to be cops that would be thrown out on the streets first, not the ones that were going to be sitting in a police office, and she felt very strongly that people needed to hear it real. And so she would say “You see me, and you might see me as a bitch, but I’m a bitch for justice, so if you’re gonna call me a bitch, call me a bitch—for justice.” And that very much was how Jaci was, so I encourage you all to do the same. Be smart and unwavering, and keep your focus.

I want to thank you for acknowledging my work and the work of the City of Philadelphia. Thank you all for being here, and thank you all for committing to learning, and thank you all for recognizing me.

At the end of the day, and I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, at the end of the day, a big part of what we do is about love. When I first started my work in activism and organizing I used to say, “I’m angry, I’m fired up,” and I was, but I was also approaching this work from a standpoint of love. At the end of the day, we all want to be loved, so I want to say a special thank you to my love, Tricia Dressel, for supporting me and doing this work all the time, so thank you all very much.”

PA House Judiciary Committee Advances Hate Crimes Bill

Moments ago, the House Judiciary Committee voted on HB 177 , the LGBT-inclusive hate crimes bill in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The bill was reported out of committee in a 19-4 vote. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-170) introduced the bill and it will now move directly to the full House. The Speaker of the House has not made any indication if he will run the bill this session. There are only five more scheduled legislative voting days this year.

The legislation also adds protections based on ancestry, and for people with mental or physical disabilities. Additionally, the bill grants protections on the basis of actual or perceived identities.

This is only the second time an LGBT rights bill has been up for a legislative committee vote in 12 years. HB 300 was reported out of the House State Government Committee in 2010 under then-Committee Chair Rep. Babette Josephs (D-182).

An LGBT-inclusive hate crimes bill was introduced by Rep. Linda Cohen (R-148) and passed in 2002, but was struck down in 2008 due to a Pennsylvania constitutional rule. There were concerns expressed by some representatives about the scope of hate crimes legislation, but many showed resounding support this afternoon.

Rep. Vanessa Brown (D-190) expressed how important it is to “step up and take action.” Rep. Madeline Dean (D-153) made several pointed comments throughout the meeting. She remarked that these crimes are “so insidious, [they are] against what this commonwealth should be about…but for the hate of these people, these crimes would not take place. We must get at the root nature of these crimes.”

Several of the legislators who voted against the bill spoke out about not feeling that they had enough time to prepare for an informed vote. House Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Ron Marsico (R-105) pushed back in affirming that all members have had ample time to review the bill over the weekend. HB 177, which has been introduced four times in the House since 2008, was placed on the committee’s voting calendar on Friday.

Here is a breakdown of the vote:

Voted in Favor of HB 177: Marsico, Delozier, Grell, Hackett, O’Neill, Regan, Stephens, Toepel, Toohil, Caltagirone, Barbin, Brown, Bradford, Costa, Dean, Kula, Neuman, Sabatina, White

Voted Against HB 177: Cutler, Ellis, Rock (proxy), Saccone

PSEC leaders communicated with several of the committee members leading up to the meeting, urging them to vote in favor of the bill. PSEC leaders were present at the committee meeting, sitting with Rep. Brendan Boyle as the bill was called up.

The Keystone Student Voice will report on updates as to how the hate crimes legislation continues to advance in the Pennsylvania legislature.

PSEC thanks Rep. Brendan Boyle for his strong commitment to moving this critical legislation forward in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

PA Senator Jim Ferlo Comes Out as Gay at Hate Crimes Legislation Rally

As dozens of state legislators and community advocates rallied this morning in the State Capitol for LGBT-inclusive hate crimes legislation, Pennsylvania State Senator Jim Ferlo (D-38) came out as an openly gay man. He is the prime sponsor of SB 42, the leading hate crimes legislation in the State Senate, and cited he was coming out at this moment to take a stand against brutal anti-LGBT violence. Sen. Ferlo is concluding his third term in the State Senate representing part of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties, and is retiring from the legislature this fall.

Sen. Ferlo is the first member of the Pennsylvania State Senate to identify openly as gay. He joins State Rep. Mike Fleck (R-81) who came out as gay in December 2012, and Rep. Brian Sims (D-182) ran as an out candidate and assumed office in January 2013.

Sen. Ferlo has been a longtime supporter of LGBTQ rights legislation. He has consistently backed every piece of LGBT equality legislation in the senate, including being one of only three co-sponsors of the first marriage equality bill, introduced by Sen. Daylin Leach (D-17), in 2009. He has introduced the LGBT-inclusive hate crimes bill for the past four consecutive legislative sessions.

Pennsylvania had adopted an LGBTQ-inclusive hate crimes law in 2002, but it was struck down by the PA Supreme Court in 2008 due to a procedural rule.

More information will be posted shortly. Check back here for more coverage soon.

Major Investment to be Made in the Pennsylvania LGBTQ Youth Movement

The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition is pleased to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of the 2014 Queer Youth Fund, a $100,000 grant from the Liberty Hill Foundation which supports youth-led LGBTQ development and empowerment.

PSEC is the first organization in Pennsylvania to receive this honor in the grant’s 12-year history. The Queer Youth Fund will dramatically increase PSEC’s capacity as youth activists throughout the commonwealth. PSEC will use the support of the Queer Youth Fund to further its mission of securing safer schools and communities for all youth in Pennsylvania, and to promote youth-led advocacy efforts.

Over 50 organizations throughout the nation applied for the final year of the Queer Youth Fund. PSEC submitted a letter of intent in October 2013 and was selected as a semi-finalist in February 2014. The coalition was notified it was a finalist in May, and following, the Queer Youth Fund sent representatives meet PSEC state leaders for a site visit in Pittsburgh this past June. The full Queer Youth Fund committee made their final decision in Los Angeles at the end of July and informed PSEC of their decision on August 20th. Previous grantees include the Boston Area Gay and Lesbian Youth (BAGLY) and the New York City-based FIERCE.

PSEC will stagger the grant equally over four years to ensure the basic funding for essential outreach and advocacy. The Queer Youth Fund will fund three critical parts of PSEC:

    1. General operations for the Bayard Rustin House.
      The future headquarters for PSEC will be located in Harrisburg directly across the street from the State Capitol. The Queer Youth Fund will support the utilities for the building and primary operation costs.
    2. Increase access to statewide LGBTQ youth leadership opportunities.
      PSEC has long recognized that the ability to afford the time and financial costs of attending regional + state meetings is an insurmountable barrier for some youth. These leadership opportunities are critical to the development of strong advocates. The coalition will now be able to provide stipends for leaders that will allow all young leaders to participate and be fully activated in the statewide LGBTQ youth movement.
    3. Develop the long-term financial sustainability of PSEC.
      The Queer Youth Fund will power PSEC’s leadership through crafting a strong long-term fundraising plan. This work will allow PSEC’s operations to be sustained and grow.

Since forming in April 2011, PSEC has operated on conservative budgets which have been almost entirely secured through private donations. The Queer Youth Fund will be a ‘gateway grant’ for the coalition which will help open new doors for future significant investments that will fully power the Pennsylvania LGBTQ youth movement in the future.