Philadelphia – A grassroots organization of formerly incarcerated transgender people and allies has been awarded a grant of $4,500 by the Bread & Roses Community Fund. The group plans to use its grant to publish and distribute a report entitled, “Glitter is not Allowed: Experiences of Trans and Gender Variant People in Pennsylvania’s Prison Systems”.

“Prison is not safe place to be for anyone, but for trans people it’s worse,” said Pascal Emmer, a member of Hearts on a Wire. “The report we’re issuing will prove that and become a powerful tool to force changes in our criminal justice system to protect trans people. It will also address the root causes leading to incarceration for many trans people.”

Hearts on a Wire was founded in 2007 by an informal gathering of trans and gender variant people who had experience with the criminal justice system. From beatings to rapes to denial of medications, incarcerated transgender and gender variant people face many risks. The group’s report, which will be issued this fall, will provide more details on prison conditions as well as recommendations from transgender prisoners themselves on how to address these issues.

“This is the first grant Bread & Roses has offered to a criminal justice collective focused exclusively on transgender issues,” said Casey Cook, executive director. “Hearts on a Wire is led by passionate activists who will work to organize transgender people and their allies on the outside, as well as the inside, to make real change in our criminal justice system.”

The Bread & Roses board voted to disperse $55,000 to a total of 12 groups in a vote on Friday of last week through the Fund’s Phoebus Criminal Justice Initiative. In addition to Hearts on a Wire, grants were also awarded to Pennsylvanians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and the National Lawyers Guild, among others.

The Phoebus Criminal Justice Initiative is a donor-advised fund that provides grants for criminal justice reform activism. Decisions about grants are made by a committee of activists and family members of the late Phoebe Valentine, a social justice philanthropist who endowed the fund.

“The additional stresses that trans people endure in prisons have pushed some to contemplate suicide,” said Tyson Smith, Phoebus committee member. “Hearts on a Wire is ending the trend of allowing people to suffer in silence. More than ever, we need to confront the criminal justice system and protect the rights of transgender people.”

About Bread & Roses:
Bread & Roses has provided grants to local organizations working on social, racial and economic justice for over 31 years. Thousands of area residents support social justice through Bread & Roses grant making and advocacy initiatives with gifts ranging from $5 to $50,000 a year. Grantees work on a range of issues from criminal justice reform to opposing casinos to environmental justice to farm worker rights and more. Bread & Roses has been able to offer grants to over 40 organizations working for real change this year alone.

####
Ashley Wilson
Barbara Smith Community School and Communications Intern
Bread & Roses Community Fund
tel. 215.731.1107 x208
www.breadrosesfund.org

Para su propagación inmediata: Jueves 6 de mayo de 2010

Las Comunidades de Color
Lesbiana, Gay, Bisexual y Transgénero se unen para el Censo
“Fear doesn’t count” “El miedo no cuenta”

(Washington, DC) 6 de mayo de 2010 –Esta semana, como millones de México-americanos celebran el Cinco de Mayo, los líderes de las organizaciones americanas más importantes que sirven a nuestra diversidad étnica de hogares lésbicos, gay, bisexual y transgéneros, LGBT por sus siglas en inglés, y gente de color, hablan sobre la importancia del Censo de este año.

Muchos dentro de la comunidad latina apoyarán el eslogan del Fondo Educacional y de la Defensa Legal  México-americana, MALDEF por sus siglas en ingles,  que nos urge a que seamos contados al decir: “Fear doesn’t count” – “El miedo no cuenta”.

Entre los grupos que se unen a esta gran comunidad LGBT, se cuenta con la Alianza Latina por la Igualdad, el Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), el National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Immigration Equality, y el International Federation of Black Prides.

Ari Gutiérrez, de la Alianza Latina por la Igualdad, dijo, “Estamos en un cruce de caminos que estamos usando como una oportunidad para educar a todos los habitantes de este pais acerca de la reforma de inmigración y de la importancia de darle el respeto a todas las familias, incluyendo a las familias LGBT. Mientras que luchamos contra las mentiras, percepciones erróneas y el enojo dirigido a muchos grupos étnicos y gente de color, no podemos permanecer en silencio o invisibles. El Censo es nuestro socio en decir la verdad, y todos nosotros podemos hacer nuestra parte al ser contados.”

El llamado nacional va de la mano con el principio de la segunda fase del Censo 2010, siendo crucial las visitas “puerta a puerta” que los trabajadores del Censo están haciendo para completar las formas entre los 48 millones de hogares que no han enviado sus formas. Los lideres LGBT hacen enfatizar que el ser contado es seguro, privado y critico – y que todas las familias y hogares LGBT deben dar la bienvenida a estas visitas y responder a las preguntas.

“Este es un tiempo crítico para el Censo de acercarse a nuestras comunidades. A pesar de la tensión estatal que las nuevas leyes de Arizona crean para inmigrantes y cualquiera que el estado pueda creer ‘que se ve cómo un inmigrante ilegal’, necesitamos responder a los del Censo y ser contados ahora más que nunca”, dijo Benjamín DeGuzmán, del National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance.

“El Censo es extremadamente importante para las comunidades de color e inmigrantes, especialmente los latinos”, dijo Matthew Adler de MALDEF. “Muy seguido, es la gente dentro de las comunidades minoritarias, cómo LGBT y la gente de color, quienes son los menos contados y a consecuencia  los menos beneficiados por los recursos obtenidos a través del censo”.

Adler continuo diciendo, “Lo que está frente a nosotros son fondos para las escuelas, las carreteras, el transporte y el cuidado de la salud para los próximos 10 años, sin mencionar la representación política, la cual es crucial en el tiempo en que estamos recibiendo la amenaza de fuerzas anti-inmigrantes hacia nuestra comunidad. El censo es seguro y confidencial, y como grupo legal, invitamos a toda la gente, sin importar su ciudadanía o estatus migratorio, a participar para que todos seamos contados”.

En esta siguiente fase crítica, aquí están los 5 puntos más importantes que cada persona debe saber cuando un representante del Censo venga a su puerta empezando este mes:

Primero, responder al Censo es requerido por la ley federal, y es de igual forma, establecido por la Constitución de los Estados Unidos.

Segundo, sus respuestas son completamente privadas y protegidas bajo la ley federal. Es ilegal que el Censo o cualquier persona comparta su información personal con cualquier otro o con cualquier agencia de gobierno, con pena de multas o hasta prisión. El responder al censo es completamente seguro.

Tercero, cuando alguien toque a su puerta, pida la identificación oficial del Censo que cada representante debe mostrar alrededor del cuello completamente visible. Ellos sólamente PUEDEN hacer preguntas del Censo – estos trabajadores no preguntarán por números de seguro social, números de cuentas de banco o números de tarjetas de crédito. Ellos no pedirán donaciones y no le preguntarán cómo conmunicarse por correo e-mail.

Cuarto, recuerde que cuando se le pregunte por su información, por un representante del Censo en su puerta, ellos no pueden revelar ninguna información personal de ningún entrevistado u hogar pues enfrentarían penas de hasta cinco anos de cárcel y/o 250 mil dólares de multa. Su información es suya sólamente.

Quinto, los encuestadores del Censo visitarán hogares locales hasta tres veces y harán hasta tres llamadas telefónicas para tomar información para el Censo de este año. Si no hay respuesta, el encuestador deja un aviso en la puerta con un número de teléfono – para que usted pueda llamar para una visita posterior a su conveniencia.

Para mayor información general del Censo 2010, por favor visite www.2010census.gov. Asegúrese de visitar www.ourfamiliescount.org para detalles específicos para hogares LGBT – con preguntas y respuestas tanto en inglés como en español.

Para estar conectado en redes sociales populares, usted puede encontrar Our Families Count en Facebook, y puede participar en Twitter (twitter.com/rfamiliescount), o revise MySpace (myspace.com/ourfamiliescount).

Nuestras Familias Cuentan (www.ourfamiliescount.org) es una campaña de educación pública completamente voluntaria lanzada el otoño de 2009. Esta campaña representa el esfuerzo de colaboración por líderes y organizadores comunitarios a través del espectro LGBT y de alianza en América. Nuestro portal comunitario es mantenido por Bilerico Media quienes son orgullosos dueños y donadores del WEB. La campaña ha sido apoyada por más de 140 organizaciones líderes de ayuda y recursos LGBT de la nación, grandes compañías e instituciones académicas. Mientras que líderes comunitarios y grupos LGBT promoverán muchas reglamentaciones de interés público, esta campaña no toma posición en temas o preguntas específicas.

Para más información en el Censo de este año, por favor visite:

www.census.gov,   www.ourfamiliescount.org,   www.law.ucla.edu/williamsinstitute

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Witeck-Combs Communications
2120 L Street NW
Suite 850
Washington, DC 20037
UNITED STATES

For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 6, 2010

LGBT Communities of Color Unite for the 2010 Census
“Fear doesn’t count” “El miedo no cuenta.”

May 6, 2010 (Washington DC) – This week, as millions of Mexican-Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the leaders of America’s top organizations serving our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) diverse ethnic households and people of color speak out about the importance of this year’s Census.

Many within the Latino/a community will rally to the slogan of the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) that urges us to be counted by saying: “Fear doesn’t count” – “El miedo no cuenta.”

The groups joining this broad LGBT community appeal include the Latino Equality Alliance, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Immigration Equality, and the International Federation of Black Prides.

Ari Gutiérrez, speaking for the Latino Equality Alliance, said, “We are at a hopeful crossroads to educate America about immigration reform and to encourage the respect of all families, including LGBT families. While we battle lies, misconceptions and anger directed at many ethnic groups and people of color, we cannot remain silent or invisible. The Census is our partner in speaking the truth, and we must all do our part and be included in the count.”

This national appeal is timed with the beginning of the second phase of the 2010 Census, as crucial “door-to-door” visits by Census workers are made to complete Census forms among the 48 million households that have not yet returned their forms. The LGBT leaders emphasize that being counted is safe, private and critical – and that all LGBT families and households should welcome these visits and respond to the questions.

“This is a critical time for the Census to be reaching out in our communities. Despite the heightened state of tension that new laws in Arizona create for immigrants and anyone the state might think ‘looks like an illegal immigrant,’ we need to respond to enumerators and get counted now more than ever,” said Benjamin DeGuzman with the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance.

Earl Fowkes added, “The International Federation of Black Prides strongly urges all members of our community to complete the forms provided by the census takers.  The information provided by you is confidential under Federal law, and your cooperation is key to bringing more resources to our community.”

“For LGBT immigrants and their families, the Census provides an important opportunity for two communities that have been undercounted for too long, to be fully represented,” said Rachel B. Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality. “Forty-five percent of LGBT binational couples include a Latino/a partner, and it is critical that they, and their households, be a visible part of the Census.  We especially encourage the immigrant partner in all binational households to file as ‘Person Number 1,’ in order to ensure that the broad diversity of our community is reported in the final Census count.”

“The census is extremely important for communities of color and immigrants, especially Latinos,” said Matthew Adler of MALDEF. ”Often, it is people at the intersection of minority communities, such as LGBT people of color, who are most undercounted and therefore benefit the least from resources allocated by the census.”

Adler continued, ”What’s at stake is funding for schools, roads, transportation, and healthcare for the next 10 years, not to mention political representation, which is crucial at a time we are taking on anti-immigrant forces threatening our community. The census is safe and confidential, and as a legal group, we encourage all people regardless of citizenship or immigration status to participate so we all are counted.”

In this next critical phase, here are the top 5 things every person should know when a Census taker comes to your door starting this month:

First, responding to the Census is required under federal law, and it is in fact, mandated by the U.S. Constitution.

Second, your answers are absolutely private and protected under Federal law.  It is illegal for the Census or anyone to share your personal information with anyone else or any other government agency under the penalty of fines and even prison. It is entirely safe to answer.

Third, when someone knocks, ask for official Census identification, which a representative will display around their neck in plain view. They can ONLY ask Census questions – these workers will not ask for social security numbers, bank account numbers or credit card numbers. They will not ask for donations and they will not ask how to contact you by email.

Fourth, remember when asked for your information by the Census representative at your door, they cannot reveal any personal information about any respondent or household or face penalties up to 5 years in jail and/or $250,000 fine.  Your information is yours alone.

Fifth, Census takers will visit local homes up to 3 times and make up to 3 phone calls to record information for this year’s Census.  If there is no answer, the Census taker leaves a door hanger, featuring a phone number – to allow you to call the number to schedule a visit when most convenient.

For more background generally on the 2010 Census, please also visit www.2010census.gov. Be sure to visit www.ourfamiliescount.org for details specifically for LGBT households – with questions and answers found there in both English and Spanish.

To stay connected on popular social networks, you may also find Our Families Count on Facebook, and feel free to follow on Twitter (twitter.com/rfamiliescount), or check out MySpace (myspace.com/ourfamiliescount).

Our Families Count (www.ourfamiliescount.org) is an entirely voluntary public education campaign launched in fall 2009. This campaign represents a collaborative effort by leaders and community organizers across the LGBT and ally spectrum in America. Our partnership website is maintained by Bilerico Media which also is the proud owner and donor of the domain. The campaign has been endorsed by over 140 of the nation’s leading LGBT advocacy and resource organizations, business leaders and academic institutions. While LGBT community leaders and groups will advocate on many public policy issues, this campaign takes no position on specific issues or questions.

For more information on this year’s Census, please visit:

www.census.gov

www.ourfamiliescount.org

www.law.ucla.edu/williamsinstitute

Our Families Count
Campaign Media Contact:
media@ourfamiliescount.org
Bob Witeck
202-887-0500 ext. 19

To Endorse the Campaign Visit:
www.ourfamiliescount.org/join

Susan Veronica Miller, better know as Floreen, started this comic strips venture on her own. She is a self educated person in computers, web design and the artistic endeavor of comic strip creation. Formerly published on GoComics.com for two years she is at it again!

For more visit her website: http://florinmilea.blogspot.com/

OK ladies — want to lose some weight while eating amazing food? Follow this new fun blog by Karen:

ABOUT KAREN:

My friend, Shaboom, moved to France over a year ago and dropped 65 pounds by just surrendering to the French lifestyle of croissants, gruyere and sex. First of all, I am neither French nor Skinny. I have been married for 12 years, am a stay at home mommy and I live in Burbank, CA, USA. For the last year I’ve been knocking myself out staying a ’snug’ size 10. Using all manner of undergarments to hide my muffin top: Protein shakes, cleanses, no caffeine and running 20 miles a week. Enough! I want a vacation. My goal for the next 6 months is to try and incorporate what she eats, drinks and does into my stay at home mommy life. I’m calling it the French Skinny Experiment. Viva La France!

http://frenchskinny.blogspot.com/

DALLAS (April 2, 2010) — American Airlines will receive this year’s Elizabeth Birch Equality Award, co-chairs of the 2010 Black Tie Dinner announced today. Airline executives will attend the 29th annual Black Tie Dinner to receive the prestigious award. The Dinner will be held on Saturday evening, November 6, 2009, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel.

To honor national leaders, and in recognition of the inspirational leadership of former Human Rights Campaign Executive Director Elizabeth Birch, this award is given by discretion, no more than yearly, to an individual, organization or company that has made a significant contribution of national scope to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Elizabeth Birch received the first such award, as well as the distinction of having this recognition renamed in her honor. Past recipients of the Birch award include Showtime Networks/Robert Greenblatt, Alan Cumming, Sharon Stone, Bishop V. Gene Robinson and, last year, Judy Shepard.

“We are deeply honored to accept this special award and look forward to this year’s Black Tie Dinner so much,” said Denise Lynn, American Airlines’ Vice President of Diversity & Leadership Strategies. “There is no greater embrace than that given by your hometown, and receiving the Elizabeth Birch Award will only magnify the pride we take in being part of the inclusive and welcoming fabric that makes up the people of Dallas and Fort Worth and the lives of all our employees.”

For over a decade, Fort Worth-based American Airlines has been a pioneer in implementing fair-minded policies and practices for its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) customers and employees. American Airlines has consistently held the highest possible ranking on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index and is the only airline to achieve this distinction every year since its inception in 2002.

“The Dallas-Fort Worth market is fortunate to have so many choices when it comes to travel,” said Black Tie Dinner Co-Chair Ron Guillard. “American Airlines consistently proves that they want the loyal business of gays and lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people — and they work to earn it.”

“American Airlines doesn’t just talk the talk,” Guillard said. “American established an entire gay and lesbian national marketing and sales team, called the Rainbow TeAAm. The team consists of travel specialists working with gay and lesbian community groups and national and local organizations to expertly handle our community’s travel needs.”

American Airlines boasts a long list of industry firsts: the first major airline to implement same-sex domestic partner benefits; the first to implement both sexual orientation and gender identity in its workplace nondiscrimination policies; the first to endorse the Employment Non-Discrimination Act; the first to have a company-recognized LGBT employee resource group, GLEAM; and the first to launch a dedicated LGBT-specific website, www.aa.com/rainbow.

“American Airlines is one of the leading corporate members of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association and is a founding corporate member of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, as well as the first and only airline today to include LGBT-owned businesses in its supplier diversity program,” said Black Tie Dinner Co-Chair Nan Arnold.

“American Airlines remains the most gay-friendly of all U.S. airlines through its generous partnerships with the LGBT community, as well as its loyalty and respect for customers, employees and shareholders,” Nan Arnold continued. “We’re pleased to honor American Airlines for its unflagging commitment to diversity.”

ABOUT BLACK TIE DINNER:

Black Tie Dinner, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that raises funds for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender supportive organizations through a premier event of empowerment, education and entertainment in partnership with the community. The event has headlined local and national celebrities and leaders such as Maya Angelou, Ann Richards, Geena Davis, Lily Tomlin, Goldie Hawn, Martin Sheen and most recently, Mayor Gavin Newsom.

Black Tie Dinner presents awards in addition to the Elizabeth Birch Equality Award. Steve Atkinson was the recipient of the 2009 Kuchling Humanitarian Award for his extraordinary gifts of time and talents on behalf of the GLBT community. The Black Tie Media Award was given to Cyndi Lauper, in recognition of positive, increased awareness of GLBT issues in the media.

Black Tie Dinner, Inc. began in Dallas in 1982 to help support the Human Rights Campaign Fund. There were 140 guests in attendance at the first dinner, which raised $6,000. In 2009, the dinner distributed $1.04 million to 19 local beneficiaries and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. In its 28-year history, the dinner has distributed almost $14 million.

Order your false eyelashes by Illamasqua ::

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llamasqua is the product of a heady mix of influences. Its roots stem from the dark and illicit 1920s club scene, and combine a rich heritage in the manufacture of make-up for film and theatre. It also takes inspiration from members of the ‘alternative scenes’ for whom self-expression is paramount. Alternative cultures have always dared to be dramatic. They have an emotional attachment to making up. It’s an expression of their darker side, a release for their alter ego.

Illamasqua is for the bolder person hiding inside all of us. It is an act and an attitude. A symbol of tolerance. A celebration of idiosyncrasies. A confident statement of self-ownership.

Organizaciones latinas LGBT y de derechos civiles organizaron un foro comunitario para discutir importancia de ser incluidos en Censo 2010.

Los Ángeles, CA – La Alianza Latina por la Igualdad LEA por sus siglas en inglés) – una alianza de grupos basados en la comunidad LGBT (lésbica, gay, bisexual, y transgénero), MALDEF y la Oficina del Censo sostuvieron un foro comunitario el sábado anterior con numerosas familias de Highland Park, un vecindario predominantemente latino, en Los Ángeles, para discutir por qué y cómo la comunidad LGBT debe ser contada en el Censo 2010. El primero en su clase, el propósito del foro fue educar a las parejas latinas del mismo sexo cómo llenar el formulario del censo para asegurarse que las parejas LGBT participen y sean contadas.

“A la comunidad LGBT se le niegan un número de derechos federales civiles asociados con el servicio militar, seguro social, inmigración, y beneficios de salud y matrimonio. Un censo de las parejas LGBT es un buen primer paso para resaltar las necesidades de la comunidad,” declaró Eddie Martínez, vicepresidente de LEA y director asociado de The Wall/Las Memorias.

Un adecuado conteo de la comunidad latina LGBT en los EE.UU. ayudará a asegurar financiamiento para programas cruciales de salud y servicios necesarios para la comunidad. Estudios recientes* indican que existe una gran disparidad en los resultados de salud de los latinos LGBT comparados con la población en general. Los datos demográficos de un censo ayudan a educar a los legisladores y al público acerca de las necesidades específicas de la comunidad latina y LGBT y a dar, acordemente, prioridad al financiamiento.

Como un reflejo de un cambio de política por parte de la administración Obama, el Censo 2010 es el primer esfuerzo nacional para reconocer a las parejas del mismo sexo, proporcionando información sobre el tamaño y la diversidad racial de la comunidad LGBT.

“Las parejas del mismo sexo que tomen el censo pueden mostrar su relación con su cónyuge al indicar “esposo” o “esposa.” Otras parejas del mismo sexo pueden seleccionar la opción “pareja sin matrimonio” para reflejar su situación familiar,” explicó Matthew E. Weinstein, especialista para la comunidad LGBT de la Oficina del Censo.

“Agradecemos que la Oficina del Censo esté reconociendo que la comunidad LGBT es tan diversa como el público en general y que cada comunidad viene con sus propias necesidades,” dijo Ari Gutiérrez, codirectora de LEA y vicepresidenta del Comité de Acción Política HONOR. “El Censo no hace preguntas sobre el estatus transgénero u orientación sexual, pero los individuos transgeneros puede seleccionar el género con el que se identifican. Es importante destacar que el censo es completamente confidencial y beneficiará a nuestra comunidad en el largo plazo,” añadió.

Los presentadores en el foro incluyeron a, Lauren Pérez-Rangel, Directora de de la Región Occidental del Censo para MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund) quien indicó, “MALDEF está profundamente comprometido en asegurarse que logremos un recuento completo de todos los latinos y eso incluye a las personas LGBT de nuestra comunidad. Estamos trabajando con la Alianza Latina por la Igualdad para asegurarle a la comunidad latina que el censo es confidencial y extremadamente importante. En MALDEF, nos esforzamos para que todos los latinos reciban un trato justo e igual en la sociedad, y lograr un recuento exacto de la comunidad latina LGBT nos ayudará a abogar por mejores políticas y prácticas para la comunidad.”

Como parte de un esfuerzo más amplio de derechos civiles, el foro de la Alianza Latina por la Igualdad proporcionó una oportunidad a los miembros de la comunidad LGBT latina para participar activamente en el cambio de percepciones incorrectas y para incrementar el apoyo de la comunidad latina en general. La Alianza Latina por la Igualdad financiada a través de una subvención de la Fundación Liberty Hill.

Organizaciones LGBT de servicio a la comunidad, incluyendo las 11 oficinas de BIENESTAR ubicadas en el sur de California de, han sido designadas como Centros de Recursos del Censo donde el público puede acceder información adicional acerca de cómo llenar los formularios del censo.

Para obtener información del Censo LGBT y locaciones de recursos, visite: www.ourfamiliescount.org o llame al 1-877-El Censo.

Latino LGBT and civil rights organizations hold community forum for “hard to count” community to discuss importance of being  included in the 2010 Census.

Los Angeles, CA – The Latino Equality Alliance (LEA) – an alliance of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community based groups – MALDEF and the Census Bureau held a community forum last Saturday, February 27 with numerous families in Highland Park, a largely Latino neighborhood in Los Angeles, to discuss why and how the LGBT community should be counted in the 2010 Census. The first of its kind, the forum was to educate same-sex Latino couples on how to fill out the Census form to make sure that LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) couples participate and are counted.

“The LGBT community is denied a number of federal civil rights associated with military service, social security, immigration, health and marriage benefits. A Census of LGBT couples is a good first step in highlighting the needs of our community,” stated Eddie Martinez, LEA co-chair and associate director of the Wall/Las Memorias.

An accurate Census count of the LGBT Latino community in the U.S. will help secure funding for crucial health programs and needed services for the community. Recent studies indicate that Latino LGBT communities experience a large disparity in health outcomes compared to the general population. Census demographic data helps educate legislators and the public about the specific needs of the Latino and LGBT community and prioritize funding accordingly.

Reflective of a policy change by the Obama Administration, the 2010 Census is the first national effort to acknowledge same-sex couples, providing insight into the size and racial diversity of the LGBT community.

“Same-sex couples filling out the Census can indicate their relationship to their married spouse by indicating ‘husband’ or ‘wife.’ Other same sex couples can select the ‘unmarried partner’ option to reflect their household status,” explained Matthew E. Weinstein, LGBT community partnership specialist for the Census Bureau.

“We appreciate the Census Bureau is recognizing the LGBT community to be as diverse as the general public and that each community comes with its own needs,” said Ari Gutierrez, LEA co-chair and vice president of HONOR Political Action Committee. “The Census does not ask transgender status or sexual orientation questions but Transgender individuals can select the gender with which they identify. Importantly, the Census is completely confidential and will benefit our community in the long-run,” she added.

Forum speakers include, Lauren Pérez-Rangel, Western Regional Census Director for MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund) who stated, “MALDEF is deeply vested in making sure we achieve a full count of all Latinos and that includes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) members of our community.  We are working with the Latino Equality Alliance to reassure the Latino community that the census is confidential and extremely important. At MALDEF, we strive for all Latinos to have fair and equal treatment in society, and achieving an accurate count of the Latino LGBT community will assist us in advocating for improved policies and practices for the community.”

As part of a larger civil rights effort, the Latino Equality Alliance’s forum provided an opportunity for members of the Latino LGBT community to actively engage in changing incorrect perceptions and to increase support by the mainstream Latino community. The Latino Equality Alliance is funded through a grant by the Liberty Hill Foundation.

LGBT community service organizations including BIENESTAR Human Service’s 11 southern California locations, have been designated Census Resource Centers where the public can access additional information about how to fill-out the Census form.

For information about the LGBT Census and resource locations visit www.ourfamiliescount.org or call 1-877-352-3676. Photographs of the February 27 event in Highland Park, CA also are available upon request.