Blog Posts for Massachusetts
Transgender Discrimination Case Results in Victory For Transgender Rights
On August 9, 2016, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (“MCAD”) announced an important ruling concerning the rights of Massachusetts employees to be free from discrimination based on their transgender status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.The decision is a loud and clear legal precedent that intentional misuse of gender pronouns and gender based words to refer to a transgender employee can amount to unlawful, discriminatory harassment.
A Look Back at High School
Public affairs and education intern Alison Geoffrey reflects on her experience in high school.
Why Religion is Not an Excuse to Discriminate in Public Accommodations
With wit, logic and common sense, Professor Joe Singer exposes how public accommodations that invoke “religious freedom” to bar service to LGBTQ people are simply discriminating based on religious beliefs. Our nation already turned away from the era where people had to “call ahead” to businesses to make sure they are welcome,’ we are “already invited.” Professor Singer makes a compelling argument that using religious beliefs as a sword is actionable religious discrimination. As our nation considers anew claims of religion in the marketplace, Professor Singer reminds us that we already have the answers. - Mary L. Bonatuo, GLAD Civil Rights Project Director
MA Public Accommodations Q & A
Today (July 6) the transgender public accommodations bill came out of the conference committee with members from both the House and Senate in agreement about the version of the bill that should go forward. This is a significant next step. Read what it means.
Governor Baker: Support the Transgender Public Accommodations Bill
Governor Baker left last night’s Boston Spirit Event when transgender activists, advocates, and allies vocalized their requests for his support of the transgender public accommodations bill. What did he expect?
What does a law about “paternity” have to do with same-sex couples having children?
What Karen wants most is for her children to have a sense of security and permanency. GLAD is fighting by her side to ensure they have the stability, protection, support and legal rights that all children deserve.
15 Steps Towards Justice in 2015
As the year comes to a close, here are 15 (plus a bonus for the New Year) things your support helped GLAD take on in 2015:
Transgender Day of Remembrance: Cultivating a Culture of Respect, Empathy, and Love
Next Friday, November 20, marks the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. As we honor those lives lost to an epidemic of anti-trans violence, let’s also pledge to do more – to fight a climate of hate and intolerance by cultivating a culture of respect, empathy and love.
Now Accepting Applications: GLAD’s Public Affairs & Education Internship Program
GLAD is seeking individuals with a strong desire to make meaningful contributions to LGBTQ and HIV+ communities to join our Public Affairs & Education Internship Program. Using traditional and new media, the program supports GLAD’s mission and vision by ensuring that LGBTQ people and people living with HIV know their legal rights and how to assert them
Middle Schools, GSAs and School Safety for All
Going back to school after a long summer can be an exciting time for young people; they get to see their friends again, and get a fresh start on a new schoolyear. For others, particularly for students who identify as LGBT or Q, this may be a time of anxiety and fear at the possibility that as soon as they return to school, they also return to bullies.