The White House announced late Friday afternoon that the repeal of DADT was formally certified by President Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen.

“Today, we have taken the final major step toward ending the discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law that undermines our military readiness and violates American principles of fairness and equality,” Obama said in a statement.

The President, as well as the Defense Secretary and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, were required by a law passed late last year to officially sign off on the repeal. The certification will be followed by a 60 day waiting period, set to end on September 20^th.

During the 2008 campaign, President Obama pledged to end the controversial policy barring gays from serving in the military. The march towards its repeal included a survey issued last year asking servicemembers the best way to wind-down the policy and Congressional authorization last December.

Following the President’s stateemnt, a briefing was held at the Pentagon with the Repeal Implementation Team and the Department’s General Counsel, Jeh Johnson. The following was announced:

-Benefits will largely be untouched by the change, since DOMA and other laws restrict the military from recognizing same sex partners. The Department won’t be giving service pay for those honorably discharged for being gay.

-Sexual orientation will not affect where soldiers are deployed.

-Prior to the certification, the Service Chiefs and Secretaries were consulted. A Defense official says they “unanimously” reported that their services were ready for the repeal.

-1.79 million servicemembers have gone through training in preparation for the repeal. Under the law passed in December, training does not need to be 100 percent complete prior to the repeal.

-Commanders will be prohibited from physically segregating gay servicemembers.

-Those who were discharged solely for being gay can re-enlist on September 20^th.

“Gay people are accepted by their Creator just as they are,” says Timane, who founded Rizi Timane Ministries to explode the myths behind what the Bible does and does not say about homosexuality, and to advocate on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. “My ultimate goal is to enable all LGBT people who want to know God, but have been turned off by religion, to understand that God loves them just as they are, and also to help those who are struggling with their spirituality and sexuality.”

Born in Northern Nigeria, West Africa and raised in a fundamentalist Christian home, Timane was taught from an early age that homosexuality was a sin. Yet Timane, like many LGBT Christians today, has discovered that nothing is wrong with her, and that her sexuality is a God-given trait. Her struggles and persecution from identifying herself openly as a lesbian in Africa inspire her ministry today.

“What’s Wrong With This Picture?” provides a snapshot of the hypocrisy within many churches today, as well as the need for a more inclusive gospel and a greater understanding of Jesus’ teachings. The film covers a weeklong journey that profiles religious leaders who vehemently advocate against homosexuality yet struggle to practice what they preach; “ex-gays” who are faltering on their paths of conversion; a bishop who condemns same-sex marriage but takes a broader view of pedophilia; and a gay veteran’s funeral, which is interrupted and chastised by pastors of a homophobic church. With the film’s conclusion, the key question remaining is, “What’s wrong with this picture?”

“This documentary, which will soon be making its way to gay and lesbian film festivals, exposes powerful wrongdoing taking place in the United States every day,” explains Timane, who holds a counseling diploma and degrees in social policy and business management and is a J.D. degree candidate. “The horrible and painful struggle associated with religion and sexuality is responsible for everything from depression to drug addiction, self-abuse, family dysfunction, isolation, suicides and much, much more. ‘What’s Wrong With This Picture?’ is a wake-up call, as well as a call to action. We’ve got to put a stop to the inhumane nature of our contemporary culture that’s still breeding such unnecessary, tragic consequences.”

To view the movie trailer or learn more, visit http://www.rizigospel.org.

According to the latest survey conducted by Harris Interactive, more than half (53%) of all U.S. adults agreed that regardless of their own personal views, “a same-sex marriage legally granted in one state should be recognized as a legal marriage in all other states in the same way generally that heterosexual marriages are recognized across state lines.” Just as significantly, 49% of all U.S. adults say they “support the right for same-sex couples to marry,” when contrasted with 41% who oppose the right, and 10% who are not at all sure.

The new nationwide online survey of 2,397 U.S. adults, (ages 18 and over), of whom 358 self identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT), was conducted between July 11 and July 18, 2011, by Harris Interactive, a global market research and consulting firm, in conjunction with Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc., a strategic public relations and marketing communications firm with special expertise on LGBT issues.

Given the nation’s changing attitudes towards marriages between same-sex partners, the study also questioned LGBT adults about their choices where to live and work – given the contrast between states that offer or deny equal marriage rights for same-sex partners today. [Note that these respondents were asked to assume they live currently in a state with equal marriage rights, in order to test their attitudes.] The study found:

• Four out of ten (46%) lesbian and gay adults say they would “consider changing jobs if my employer required me to transfer to a state where same sex marriages were not recognized.”
• 48% of all lesbian and gay adults also agreed they “would consider declining a job promotion if it required me to transfer to a state where same sex marriages were not recognized” and,
• Most significant of all, over 3/4 (78%) of lesbian and gay adults said that “other factors being equal, I would prefer a job with an employer in a state where same sex marriages are recognized over an employer in a state that does not recognize same sex marriages.

“According to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, there now are between 50,000 to 80,000 legally married same-sex couples in the U.S.,” noted Bob Witeck, CEO of Witeck-Combs Communications. “And with the historic new law in New York making marriage equality official this weekend; hundreds more will soon join them.”

“These strong trends are truly shaping America’s attitudes towards and understanding of same-sex couples and LGBT families in familiar and very reassuring ways. However, there also is an emerging economic and business impact here that begs attention – as many of these LGBT families act on their instincts to favor gay-welcoming states and employers found in progressive legal climates.”

The national survey also encouraged respondents to foresee new trends “if more states allow same-sex couples to marry equally as opposite-sex couples.” Here are snapshots of those outcomes that both LGBT and heterosexual adults believe are “likely [or unlikely] to happen:”

• Two-thirds or 65% of LGBT adults say “more gays and lesbians will move their families to states where marriage for same-sex couples is permitted.” Over half (52%) of heterosexual adults agree.
• Three-fourths (75%) of LGBT adults say “over time, same-sex couples will be able to marry anywhere in the United States, and nearly half (46%) of all heterosexuals concur.
• Two-thirds (66%) of LGBT adults believe that “states that permit same-sex couples to marry will benefit economically more than other states, while over one-quarter (27%) of heterosexuals agree.
• And when asked whether a “Constitutional Amendment to limit marriages of same-sex couples or to prevent same-sex couples from marrying” will be passed, only 8% of heterosexuals agreed along with 12% of LGBT adults.

Demonstrating their deep commitment to this charitable initiative and support of The Trevor Project’s mission, CB2 will also host a “weekend of charitable shopping” June 25 – June 26, offering consumers the opportunity to get involved, by donating five percent of all sales from online, catalog and all nine CB2 brick-and-mortar locations to The Trevor Project.

“CB2 is proud to support The Trevor Project in their work with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning community,” stated Marta Calle, Director of CB2.  “The Trevor Project is a very important organization and we are passionate about their cause to save young lives.”

“As a national corporate partner of The Trevor Project, CB2 is a leader in good corporate citizenship,” said David McFarland, Interim Executive Director and CEO of The Trevor Project. “For their psychological well-being, youth need to know that they are accepted for who they are, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. CB2 supports those ideals.”

The Trevor Project was founded in August 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film, “Trevor,” when this story about an LGBTQ teen who attempts suicide was set to begin airing on HBO. Since that time, The Trevor Project has risen to national prominence in the realm of suicide prevention among youth. In addition to operating the only national crisis lifeline for LGBTQ youth, the organization is the first in the nation to offer suicide prevention services to youth in digital spaces, including counseling via instant message, and the largest online social network specifically for young LGBTQ people. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has appointed The Trevor Project to a leadership role in the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and the organization is a lead resource for the White House initiative, StopBullying.gov.

CB2 is honored to support The Trevor Project and to help promote their message of acceptance, diversity and compassion for all regardless of sexual identity, gender or race.  Other charitable initiatives for the brand include the CB2′s annual ‘Can Do’ food drive. For more information about the CB2 / Trevor Project partnership, visit http://www.cb2.com/Helping-Others/Trevor.aspx.

Read the full Washington Post-ABC poll here.

The poll is consistent with the results of several other recent surveys. Over the past eighteen months, a series of nationwide polls have recorded a steady shift in public opinion.

According to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll taken in August 2010, 52% of Americans think that gay and lesbian couples have a constitutional right to marry and have their marriage recognized by law.  A poll by the Associated Press and National Constitution Center also conducted in August 2010 found the exact same results.

“The trend captured by today’s Washington Post-ABC News poll – and a variety of other surveys – is indisputable. The more Americans talk about this issue with one another, the more they come to embrace the idea that all citizens deserve equal rights, including the freedom to marry,” said Chad Griffin, AFER Board President. “As AFER has witnessed in its case to overturn Prop 8, people from all political persuasions and walks of life believe that adults in committed, loving relationships should be able to live their lives free from the government’s interference. It is un-American to continue to deprive gay and lesbian couples of their fundamental constitutional right to marry.”

The American Foundation for Equal Rights and its legal team, led by Theodore B. Olson and David Boies, initiated its case seeking to overturn California’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples in May 2009. In August 2010, a U.S. District Court sided with AFER and ruled Proposition 8 unconstitutional. An appeal of that ruling has since been heard (December 2010) by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and a ruling is pending.

Last month AFER and its legal team filed a motion urging the Ninth Circuit to allow marriages for gay and lesbian couples to proceed while the U.S. District Court victory is appealed. In that filing, they argued that that the stay of the U.S. District Court’s decision has caused irreparable harm and oppressed tens of thousands of couples with “a scarring stigma that causes irreparable pain, anguish and humiliation.”

Recently, there have been some misleading stories about Chick-fil-A in the media and on the Internet.  As a result, I feel strongly about the need to clarify some things.

In recent weeks, we have been accused of being anti-gay. We have no agenda against anyone.  At the heart and soul of our company, we are a family business that serves and values all people regardless of their beliefs or opinions.  We seek to treat everyone with honor, dignity and respect, and believe in the importance of loving your neighbor as yourself.

We also believe in the need for civility in dialogue with others who may have different beliefs.  While my family and I believe in the Biblical definition of marriage, we love and respect anyone who disagrees.

Chick-fil-A has a long history of trying to encourage and strengthen marriages and families, both within our Chick-fil-A system and with our customers. My father and our Founder/CEO, Truett Cathy, is a role model for the Cathy family and all those who have joined Chick-fil-A. His personal and business values have always reflected a belief in the importance of marriage and family.  We have seen these principles honored powerfully in Dad’s marriage of more than 63 years to our mother Jeannette and those of his family, including my wife Rhonda and me in our 37 years of marriage.

At Chick-fil-A, we have a heart for helping marriages because we know marriage can be difficult at times.  Through the years, we have supported our Chick-fil-A staff and franchised Operators in their marriage journey, and since the formation of our family foundation, the WinShape Foundation, we have helped others as well. Primarily through WinShape, we have supported summer camps for girls and boys, 14 foster homes, more than $26 million in college scholarships and the development and operation of the WinShape Marriage Retreat Center.

Some recent coverage has incorrectly reported that we require potential franchisees to discuss their church involvement.  In addition, we do not require this in our franchisee selection process nor do we require a pledge to follow Christian values for the college scholarships we provide.

Chick-fil-A’s Corporate Purpose is “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us, and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”  As a result, we will not champion any political agendas on marriage and family. This decision has been made, and we understand the importance of it.  At the same time, we will continue to offer resources to strengthen marriages and families. To do anything different would be inconsistent with our purpose and belief in Biblical principles.

In summary, we are a dedicated family business committed to three core areas:

• A 65-year history of operating the business according to Biblical principles.
• A 65-year history of providing genuine hospitality for all people.
• A 65-year history of serving families and communities without a political agenda.

Our commitment to these areas has never been more important in light of recent events.  Speaking of commitment, I want to thank our restaurant Operators and their more than 60,000 team members for their commitment to customer service.

We appreciate, value and have enjoyed serving all of our customers for many years.  We also appreciate this opportunity to clarify any confusion about our beliefs, and we thank everyone for supporting our restaurants and your love for the Chick-fil-A experiences.  It has and will continue to be our pleasure to serve you.

Dan T. Cathy

President and COO

Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Former President Bill Clinton rallied support for California gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom in his run for Lt. Governor of California. An estimated six thousand supporters gathered at UCLA’s Dickson Court on Friday night for the Vote 2010 Rally.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa took the stage at 8pm asking the crowd “Is there a Bruin in the house?”    After acknowledging his alma mater, Mayor Villaraigosa told the crowd not to listen to the pundits that say the election is over and that democrats are finished.   Encouraging the crowd to look to the future he said, “One thing we know here at UCLA is that the hands of time go forward not backwards.  We’re not going backwards to the days when we had a President in the White House that didn’t believe in science.  We’re not going back to the days of a Congress who thought health care was a privilege not a right.”

Mayor Villaraigosa, a student at UCLA when Jerry Brown was Governor, talked about how Jerry Brown knew then to keep tuition costs low and that education is the key to keeping California competitive.  He then introduced Attorney General of California Jerry Brown, Mayor of San Francisco Gavin Newsom and President Bill Clinton to the stage.

Mayor of San Francisco and candidate for Lt. Governor of California, Gavin Newsom took to the podium first.  Mayor Newsom focused on the strengths of California and how California has been on the leading edge of technology and is home to three of the top six universities.   “We need to move in a new direction and we need real change in California.”  Keeping to the theme of the evening, Mayor Newsom focused on not going backwards. “I don’t know about you, but I don’t think we can afford a sequel to the Schwarzenegger years.”   Outlining Jerry Brown’s experience as Governor twice in this state, Mayor Newsom also acknowledged Jerry Brown’s dedication and commitment to public service.  “He’s willing to take the years when he could be writing a memoir and instead he is going to be writing the future of our great state.”

Mayor Newsom introduced gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown to the stage to huge applause.  He talked of his majors at the UC level in Greek and Latin and joked about them being as obscure as Meg Whitman’s economic plan.  Jerry Brown discussed the innovation of California, “California is a state of imagination, of creativity, just like this university and that’s what I see for the next four years.”  He also touched on the economic strengths of California that exist in this climate. “California last year generated 1.8 trillion dollars of new wealth.  This year it will be even more.”  The crowds roared as Jerry Brown talked about affordable education for all who qualify and that includes the undocumented. “We have enough wealth to continue to have a great university and get every kid in this school that can qualify.  And when I say every young man and every young woman I mean everyone, whether they are documented or not.”  Jerry Brown then contrasted the differences of his campaign and that of his rival Meg Whitman.  “Whitman is against Marriage Equality, I’m for it 100 percent. And Whitman wants to suspend our global warming law and give a gigantic 5 billion tax break to the richest people in California and I don’t.”

Jerry Brown thanked the crowd and ended with a statement of support for Lt. Governor candidate Gavin Newsom, “I don’t want to have that other guy breathing down my back I want someone pushing me towards the future not pulling me back to the past, that’s Gavin Newsom.”

Jerry Brown then introduced former President Bill Clinton to the stage.   Clinton emphasized that this election is based on a conflict of ideas and is optimistic about the election despite the low turn out predictions by pollsters.

“We’ve got an electorate that is motivated, they say, the experts say, by anger on the right and apathy on the left and amnesia all around, and they say this is going to be a terrible election. My gut is it won’t be if people are thinking.” Clinton also stated, “If you are the same percentage of the electorate in this mid- term election that you were in the presidential election, all the pollsters are wrong and America will keep moving forward and so will California for a change.”

Next he simplified the positions of both parties for the young crowd, “What you have in America is a tale of two stories which you see played out in California.  The Republican story goes something like this, ‘Hey we left them in a three trillion dollar hole but they had twenty-one months to dig out and they failed. They didn’t dig us out and they spent too much money and gave us too much government doing it. There’s probably a little bit of a Socialist predilection among the President and members of Congress and the same thing is true in every important state race in America so put us back in’. The democratic story is, ‘ We were in a big hole and we couldn’t get you out in twenty one  month’s but we did stop digging and were moving out of this because we’re focused on the future, dealing with the big things and all were asking for is two more years.  You gave them 8 years to dig the hole, you at least ought to give us four years to get out of it.”

Clinton encouraged Californians to stay committed to Green energy and technology. “You stick with this Green House Gas Commitment. It is the key to your economic future. That’s what the facts not the fear show.”

Clinton discussed the unemployment rates and the need for education to assist in Californians retaining jobs and how supporting Jerry Brown can do this.   “People who apply for jobs don’t have the training skills they require.  Every month when Jerry Brown gets elected governor, he will get a list of open jobs and a check from the federal government to train people; he can spend at a community college, labor program. This would lower unemployment by 2 percent.”

He emphasized the importance of the young  vote.  “If young people vote in the same percentage of the electorate they did two years ago, all the good guys win.”   Clinton went on to discuss the problems many students face when trying to stay in school and the debt accrued after graduating.  “Loans will be cheaper. Nobody will ever have to drop out of college because of debt burden.  You will have a legal right to pay back as a small fixed percentage of your income, no matter how small it is, over a period of twenty years.  The Republicans plan to repeal this.”

Clinton again, reminded those that voted for this administration to stay committed.  “It is not enough to have voted for a new president if you will not help him govern and stick behind the members of Congress who stood for him,”

Clinton acknowledged the state of the country with an optimism shared by Jerry Brown.   “I agree with Jerry, he’s the only politician in America I heard say this, except me, which is that as horrible as this is, if we learn the right lessons from it; when we come out of it, we will be stronger than ever, ready for the 21^st century, ready for your future.”

Towards the end of his speech he stated, “I’ve lived my life, it’s been great. I just want you to have the same chances I did.”    He ended with a plea to the crowd, “Any college student in the state of California that doesn’t vote in this election is committing malpractice on your own future.”

The next rally will be in San Jose on Sunday October 17^th, 2010 at 6:30pm at the San Jose State University Event Center.

At one point Griffin linked hatred from anti-gay public figures and the current anti-LGBT policies such as DADT and Prop 8 to the suicides .  She told King, “Let’s cut the crap here.  In the same way we had trickle down economics in the 80′s we have trickle down homophobia today.  I really want people to connect the dots. I believe there’s a link between Prop 8, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and now this string of teen suicides.  It’s almost sanctioned to bully gay people and treat them as second class citizens.  And I get very nervous when the parents of these teen bullies defend them by saying ‘oh kids will be kids’, when the suicide rate for gay teens is four times higher for gay youth.”

Griffin, who supports the Trevor Project, (a non-profit organization which focuses on suicide prevention and crisis intervention)  announced that she would be donating her entire salary from her Dec. 16 concert at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City to The Trevor Project.  To purchase tickets to this special performance (which Kathy promises will still be full of her same crass comedy) visit LiveNation.com.  To find out more about Kathy Griffin visit her website here.

Kathy has posted a special message for LGBT youth on her website (and YouTube). Watch below:

To watch a portion of the Larry King interview:

According to the 2010 Out & Equal Workplace Survey, nearly eight of ten – or 78% – of heterosexual adults agree that how an employee performs at his or her job should be the standard for judging an employee, not their sexual orientation. Also, three out of five – or 62% – of heterosexual adults agree that regardless of their sexual orientation, all employees are entitled to equal benefits on the job, such as health insurance for their partners or spouses.

As highlighted above, the survey continues to show that many heterosexual adults believe their LGBT colleagues deserve fairness and equality in the workplace.   For example, when also asked about different workplace benefits offered to spouses of married heterosexual employees compared to committed partners of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) employees, 74% of heterosexuals think both spouses and partners should receive leave for employees who experience the loss of a spouse/partner or close family member.  Also, seven out of ten – or 70% – of heterosexual adults think both spouses and partners should receive leave rights for family and medical emergencies as outlined in the Family and Medical Leave Act.  And, a majority, 63% of heterosexuals also think both spouses and partners should receive untaxed health insurance benefits.

The 2010 Out & Equal Workplace Survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive® in conjunction with Out & Equal Workplace Advocates and Witeck-Combs Communications, among 2,775 U.S. adults, of whom 2,334 indicated they are heterosexual and 386 self-identified as LGBT. Beginning in 2002, this survey has become a trusted annual barometer of attitudes surrounding LGBT issues in the workplace and is the longest-running national survey of its kind.

There are differences in how committed same-sex relationships are recognized across the country, and these are questions many LGBT employees raise when it comes to planning their careers. Other factors being equal, 68% of LGBT adults would prefer a job with an employer in a state where same-sex marriages are recognized over an employer in a state that does not recognize same sex marriages. Close to a third – or 32% – of LGBT adults also would consider declining a job promotion if it required them to transfer to a state where same-sex marriages are not recognized.  Also, 31% of LGBT adults agreed they would consider changing jobs if their employer required them to transfer to a state where same-sex marriages were not recognized.

“Employers that offer the same benefits to both heterosexual and same-sex couples are at a competitive advantage over ones that do not,” said Out & Equal Founding Executive Director Selisse Berry. “Recruiting and retaining the best possible employees is what defines a company’s potential in their industry segment.  Out & Equal is committed to providing corporate leaders the essential tools to get there.”

The survey also shows how conditions in the workplace have improved in the past decade for LGBT workers. For instance, only about one in five – or 18% – of both heterosexual and LGBT adults agree it would be very difficult for an employee to be openly LGBT in their workplace. For the LGBT adults, this is an 11% improvement from 2002 when 31% of LGBT adults agreed it would be very difficult.  However, there are still plenty of strides that need to be made in workplace equality. Only 44% of heterosexual adults agree LGBT people are treated fairly and equally in their workplace.

Here are some views of heterosexual adults on how welcoming their workplaces are to LGBT employees who are open about their sexual orientation or gender identity

* A majority – or 66% – of heterosexual adults were either neutral or disagreed that they would be uncomfortable if any of their co-workers were openly gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
* Similarly, 61% of heterosexual adults were either neutral or disagreed that they would be uncomfortable if their boss were openly gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would prohibit discrimination against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, is still working its way through the United States Congress since its introduction in 1994.

The survey shows that the majority heterosexuals are supportive of issues that touch the lives of transgender workers. Slightly more than seven of ten – with 73% – of heterosexual adults agree that how an employee performs at their job should be the standard for judging an employee, not whether or not they are transgender.  Also, nearly three out of five – or 58% – of heterosexual adults agree that a person who is transgender is entitled to equal benefits on the job, such as health insurance for their partner or spouse.

However, there seems to be an education gap among adults about ENDA and how current law touches the lives of many LGBT Americans. More than three out of five – with 62% – heterosexual adults did not know that under federal law today it remains legal for an employer to fire someone because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.  Almost half – or 47% – of LGBT adults also did not know.

All other things being equal, when making decisions about their own career, many heterosexual adults prefer to work in LGBT inclusive and diverse work environments:

* One in two – or 52% – of heterosexual adults said it was extremely or very important that they work for a company that offers equal health insurance benefits to all employees.
* Slightly more than quarter – with 27% – of heterosexual adults said it was extremely or very important that they work for a company that is known to recruit employees from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
* About one-fourth – with 26% – of heterosexual adults said it was extremely or very important that they work for a company that requires diversity training for all employees.
* One in four – or 25% – of heterosexual adults said it was extremely or very important that they work for a company that supports community non-profit organizations that represent the diversity of the workforce and the customer base.

The release of this new workplace study comes as Out & Equal kicks off its annual Workplace Summit, considered the world’s premier conference on LGBT workplace equality and attracting thousands of participants. The Out & Equal Workplace Summit will be held October 5-8 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. LGBT employees and straight allies, along with human resources and diversity professionals, representing some of the nation’s leading companies—a majority from the Fortune 500—are set to participate in this year’s summit, focused on achieving workplace equality.

For more information about the Summit or to register, please visit www.outandequal.org.

About Out & Equal Workplace Advocates

Out & Equal Workplace Summit is the largest national nonprofit organization devoted exclusively to LGBT workplace Equality. Every year, the organization hosts the annual Out & Equal Workplace Summit that is devoted to furthering workplace equality. This year’s Summit will bring together nearly 2,000 LGBT employees, allies, human resources professionals, LGBT workplace advocates and other committed to achieving equality in the workplace. This year’s speaker lineup is impressive, including Sharon L. Allen, Deloitte’s Board Chair, John Berry, the highest-ranking LGBT official in President Barack Obama’s administration as the Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Kevin Brockman, Executive Vice President of Global Communications for Disney-ABC, and Kenji Yoshino, author of “Covering: The Hidden Assault on Our Civil Rights.”

In addition to the annual Workplace Summit, Out & Equal offers: Building Bridges Diversity Training specific to LGBT workplace issues; a growing network of regional affiliates that includes New York City, Dallas/Fort Worth, San Francisco, Chicago, Rocky Mountain, Arizona, Washington, DC, Southern California, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Portland, and Seattle; provides support to LGBT employee resource groups; offers the monthly Town Call speaker series webinars; a national quarterly newsletter; its unique career development website LGBTCareerLink; and the annual Executive Forum.

Out & Equal is headquartered in San Francisco, Calif. Out & Equal champions safe and equitable workplaces for LGBT. The organization advocates building and strengthening successful organizations that value all employees, customers and communities.

For more information, including how to register for the Summit, visit www.outandequal.org

Statement from Charles Robbins, Executive Director of The Trevor Project:

“Late last night, The Trevor Project learned of yet another young LGBTQ person who died by suicide. Raymond Chase was a sophomore at Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island when he took his own life on Wednesday. Words do not adequately describe the tragic loss felt across the country for the five promising young individuals who were so isolated and felt so alone and cut off from their peers and society that suicide became an option.

“We encourage all people who feel connected to these tragic events, whether friends, family, peers, community members, and sympathetic human beings to pause today at 8:00 PM Eastern, 5:00 PM Pacific for a moment of silence and reflection in remembrance of Raymond Chase, Tyler Clementi, Seth Walsh, Asher Brown and Billy Lucas. Events are being planned across the country in the coming weeks to mourn the loss of these young people, and to take action to stop bullying crimes that lead to suicide, and a website http://makeitbetterproject.com/.

“To help stop the cycle that leads young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people to feel they are alone, connect them to The Trevor Project. There is a place that’s free of bullying and judgment online, where young LGBTQ people, their friends and allies ages 13-24 can connect safely and be themselves. More than 13,000 young people already belong to TrevorSpace.org, and more youth join every day. If you or someone you care about shows warning signs for suicide, please do not hesitate to call The Trevor Lifeline at: 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386). The call is free and confidential.

“We mourn the loss of these 5 young people, and today we will stand in silent solidarity for an end to the unnecessary loss of young lives.”

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on crisis intervention and suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth. Every day, The Trevor Project saves young lives through its free and confidential lifeline, in-school workshops, educational materials, online resources and advocacy. For more information, visit www.TheTrevorProject.org.