Equality Magazine Fall 2015 by Human Rights Campaign

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FALL 2015

THE GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES WHO BACK A FEDERAL BILL THAT GIVES THE RIGHT TO DISCRIMINATE TALKING WITH TODD HAYNES HIS ACCLAIMED FILM CAROL & WHY ACTIVISM MATTERS CIVIL RIGHTS DENIED GEORGE TAKEI’S NEW SHOW: AN UNTOLD AMERICAN STORY SUPPORTING TRANS STUDENTS IN K-12 SCHOOLS 3 THINGS TO KNOW

HATE KILLED THE HOUSTON EQUAL RIGHTS ORDINANCE. WE’VE GOT TO DOUBLE DOWN TO FIGHT BACK.

SALLY FIELD! FIGHTING FOR EQUALITY FOR ALL

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ur collective movement for equality has made enormous strides in recent years — from city councils to state legislatures and even to the U.S. Supreme Court. But as we’ve witnessed unprecedented momentum for equality, we’ve also seen our opponents regroup like never before. We witnessed this firsthand in Houston where, thanks to vicious and despicable transphobic ads, the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance — a law that protected not just LGBT people from discrimination, but also women, people of color, veterans, the disabled and many others — was repealed in our nation’s fourth largest city. The desperation of our opponents was on full display in Houston, and it’s been on full display as many of those same opponents take their fights overseas. In addition to their hateful attacks here in the United States, our anti-LGBT opponents are exporting their hate to countries around the world, jeopardizing the livelihood — and sometimes the lives — of LGBT people in places where they have no protection. Indeed, they are working to encourage and support anti-LGBT laws in countries like Russia, Poland, Uganda and Jamaica — laws they only wish they could pass here at home. In October, we saw many of these exporters of hate convene in Salt Lake City

EQUALITY

FALL 2015

Yours,

FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gwen Baba CA, Bruce Bastian UT, Jay Biles NC, Scott Bishop NC, Todd Canon TX, Edie Cofrin GA, Bill Donius MO, Patty Ellis PA, Anne Fay TX, Charlie Frew GA, Suzanne Hamilton OH, Sheila Kloefkorn AZ, Britt Kornmann TX, Tom Kovach NV, Joan Lau PA, Andy Linsky CA, Joshua Miller NV, Bryan Parsons CA, Cheryl Rose OH, John Ruffier FL, Cathi Scalise TX, Judy Shepard WY, Mol Simmons GA, Ashley Smith DC, Michael Smithson OH, Steve Sorenson CA, Deb Taft IL, Faye Tate CO, Paul Thompson CA, Rebecca Tillet PA, Robb Webb IL

BOARD OF GOVERNORS Marilyn Abalos NY, John Affuso MA, Jack Albers CA, Steve Amend NV, Tal Anderson MN, Debra Bacchi NY, Jennifer Bajorek TX, Greg Battaglia NY, Andrew Beaudoin FL, Christa Berry TX, Brittany Binler PA, Brooke Bishop OH, Angel Boord VA, Stefani Borg OH, Blake Brockway TN, Linda Brown OR, K Jason Bryan MN, Brian Buzby TX, Rory Cahn OH, Jeremy Carter NC, Blaise Caudill AZ, Steven Cayton GA, Conan Cleveland LA, Angie Cottrell MO, Dolores Covrigaru NY, Thomas Cowley CA, June Crenshaw DC, Lynn Currie TX, Lance Demaline OH, Brad DiFiore GA, Cristina DiGoia NV, Jaime Duggan TX, Ann Dyste MN, Cate Eble NC, Cordy Elkins MA, Alex Ernst NY, Xavier Esters IL, Melanie Falls OH, Chris Fasser NY, Maria Fasulo NY, Michael Fifield UT, Gabe Fischer CO, Taylor Fiscus IL, Jenny Ford TN, Ashley Fowler IL, Sarah Garber MO, Matt Garrett GA, Ben Gibbs GA, Melinda Greene GA, Jon Groppe OH, Anne Groth AZ, Lisa Guillory LA, Erin Gurak TX, Randall Hance TX, Matt Hendry CA, Gary Hilbert NJ, Ann Hooper NC, Lon Hurst TN, Bob Jacobson AZ, Korrine Johnson FL, Alyssa Jones MA, Ann Kanner-Roth MN, Clayton Katz TX, Dean Keppler WA, Champ Knecht NY, Kevin Knoblock MA, Keith Laepple WA, David Lahti CA, Andrew Land GA, Jason Laney DC, Duane Lefevre MA, Christine Lehtonen CA, Luigi Lewin NY, Victor Lim IL, Alex Lindquist CO, Chris Lindsey TX, Anna Lineback NC, Michael Long OR, Thomas Macias CA, Lisa Marchbanks CA, Cody Martin CA, David Martinez III AZ, Dan Mauney NC, Colette Melancon LA, Rich Meyers CA, Michael Moore OH, Earnest Morgan MN, Karen Morgan OH, Missy Morgan NV, Chris New GA, Khoa Nguyen DC, Roger Nyhus WA, Derek Osterman MA, Tonya PachettiPerkins TX, Brandon Patterson GA, Byron Pelt MO, Angela Pisecco TX, Densil Porteous OH, Kaitlin Porter GA, Ron Quinn NV, Layne Rackley CA, Victor Ravago CA, Catherine Reid WA, Brandie Reiner AZ, Barry Robertson TX, Marvin Rocha PA, Geri Rochino CA, Mario Rodas MA, Liz Rodriguez TX, Christian Rogers LA, Andrea Rubin LA, Brigid Scarbrough GA, Paul Schiminsky NV, Elizabeth Schlesinger MO, Shelly Schoenfeld NC, Dustin Schrecengost UT, Alicia Schwarz MN, Candice Shapiro MA, Camron Shelton CA, Dan Slater CA, Matt Smith TX, Neil Smith NC, Michael Smithson OH, Greg Snow MA, Amy Speers CO, Katherine Sprissler-Klein PA, Rick Straits OH, Jeff Strater TX, Rick Taylor OH, Tiffany Tosh TX, Julian Tovar TX, Bonnie Uphold CA, Sean VanGorder NV, Lauren Verrusio NY, Melissa Vivanco TX, Lou Weaver TX, Jamaul Webster NY, Aaron Weiner OH, Amy White WA, Andrew Winters MD, Sharon Wong MD, Phillip Wright TX

EMERITUS COUNCIL David Beckwith CA, Ken Britt GA, Lawrie Demorest GA, Tim Downing OH, Mike Holloman TX, Barry Karas DC, Lucilo Peña TX, Dana Perlman CA, John Sullivan MN, Rebecca Tillet PA CURRENT AS OF OCT. 15, 2015

Chad Griffin, President

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Photo: Matt McClain / Getty Images Cover: Eleanor Skrzat

DEAR FRIENDS,

for the World Congress of Families, a massive international summit that is putting the livelihoods, safety and well-being of LGBT people in countries abroad at real risk. But HRC refused to sit idly by as these individuals peddled the same lies they once blasted at an American audience to justify dangerous, discriminatory legislation that endangers the lives of our LGBT brothers and sisters abroad. The HRC Foundation released an updated version of our report exposing the nefarious actions of these anti-LGBT activists. Before the World Congress of Families gaveled in, the Foundation sponsored the Inclusive Families Conference, a gathering with a definition of family that speaks for all, not just a select few, because all families matter. And during the conference itself, HRC staff were on the ground in Utah fact-checking the hate and bigotry that was on display for all the world to see. HRC committed itself to doing all we could because standing up to the World Congress of Families is our responsibility. It’s on us to lift up the voices of the countless families across Utah and around the world who condemn such despicable behavior and who recognize that every family deserves love, acceptance and support. And as we continue to see support for our cause grow, we can never forget those — in this country and around the world — who are still fighting not just for acceptance, but survival. That’s why we’ve never waited to take on the battles ahead of us. As you’ll read in these pages, we’re teaming up with leading companies to form a global coalition to advance LGBT equality worldwide. And we will never stop fighting for each and every LGBT person, regardless of where in the world they live, until equality is a reality for all.

Lacey All WA, Ian Barrett TX, Bruce Bastian UT, Vanessa Benavides TX, Michael Berman DC, Scott Bishop NC, Chris Boone CA, Paul Boskind TX, Ken Britt GA, Todd Canon TX, Chris Carolan NY, Bill Donius MO, Patty Ellis PA, Christopher Flynn MA, Kirk Hamill DC, Suzanne Hamilton OH, James Harrison TX, S. Kelly Herrick CA, Sheila Kloefkorn AZ, Tom Knabel MN, Chris Labonte PA, Ryan Levy TX, DyShaun Muhammad MN, Robert Newhart IL, Bryan Parsons CA, Lester Perryman LA, Cat Reid WA, Cheryl Rose OH, Linda Scaparotti CA, Mol Simmons GA, Steve Sorenson CA, Meghan Stabler TX, Ben Waldman WA

Former President Bill Clinton announces a groundbreaking global corporate coalition – launched by HRC – to advance LGBT equality in workplaces worldwide.

HRC SENIOR STAFF Chad Griffin President Jay Brown Director, Research & Public Education Ann Crowley Vice President of Membership & Online Strategy Olivia Alair Dalton Senior Vice President of Communications & Marketing Robert Falk General Counsel Andrea Green Finance Director Ellen Kahn Director, Programmatic Development & Training Initiatives Anastasia Khoo Chief Marketing Officer

INSIDE FEATURES

Don Kiser Creative Director

FALL 2015

Ana Ma Chief of Staff & Chief Operating Officer

7 DOUBLING DOWN FOR MORE BATTLES AHEAD

Mary Beth Maxwell Senior Vice President of Programs, Research & Training

9 FROM THE HEART Ally Sally Field Fights for Justice for All

Ben Needham Director, Project One America Cathy Nelson Senior Vice President of Development & Membership

Jason Rahlan Communications Director Jim Rinefierd Vice President of Finance & Operations

11 THE RIGHT TO DISCRIMINATE? GOP Presidential Candidates Who Back a Federal Bill That Does Just That — Under Guise of “Religious Liberty”

13 SITTING DOWN WITH TODD HAYNES The Openly Gay Director Talks About His New Film Carol, Falling in Love & Why Activism Matters

Becky Ross Human Resources Director Marty Rouse National Field Director Susanne Salkind Vice President of Human Resources & Leadership Development

16 DISPATCH FROM THE SOUTH HRC Alabama’s Eva Walton Is Shifting the Conversation

Christopher Speron Vice President of Development David Stacy Governmental Affairs Director Sarah Warbelow Legal Director JoDee Winterhof Senior Vice President of Policy & Political Affairs

HRC EQUALITY STAFF

Janice Hughes Publications Director Robert Villaflor Design Director Sarah Streyle Associate Director of Design Jessie Sheffield Marketing Coordinator

19 THREE THINGS TO KNOW: SUPPORTING TRANSGENDER STUDENTS in K-12 Schools 21 AN AMERICAN FAMILY George Takei Brings Untold Chapter of U.S. History to New Broadway Musical 25 EQUALITY TRAVELS New Coalition to Push for LGBT Equality in Workplaces Worldwide 27 NINE QUESTIONS FOR BILLY REID, DESIGNER

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS

36 CLOSING REMARKS Tim Cook, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Ellen Page and Blossom Brown

Mike Avender, Deena Fidas, Erika Kehrer, Anastasia Khoo, Mollie Levin, Marty Rouse, Beth Sherouse, Justin Snow, Christopher Speron, Eva Walton

OTHER CONTRIBUTORS Jay Brown, Justin Giaquinto, Noël Gordon, Liz Holleran, Don Kiser, Brandon Lorenz, Jason Lott, Adam Marquez, Rose Matias, Rena Peng, Karin Quimby, Jason Rahlan, Ben Shallenberger, Adam Swaim, Marvell Terry, Meg Tsuda Equality is a publication of the Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Equality (ISSN 10925791) is published quarterly by HRC, 1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Subscription rates: Free to members. Printed in the USA. The Human Rights Campaign and HRC Foundation names and Equality logos are trademarks of HRC and the HRC Foundation. To join HRC, call 800-727-4723, visit www.hrc.org or TTY at 202-216-1572. Are you an HRC member? Have a question? Email membership@hrc.org or call 800-727-4723. All advertisers in Equality magazine are HRC National Corporate Partners. Because of HRC’s commitment to improving the lives of LGBT Americans in the workplace, all of our National Corporate Partners must demonstrate their own dedication by achieving a score of 85 percent or greater on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index. See www.hrc.org/CEI.

WHY I’M AN HRC MEMBER “Equality under the law should be the oxygen we breathe and the real religion we practice in America. Until that day truly arrives, this reward reminds me of how far we have yet to go.” Natasha Lyonne of the Netflix hit “Orange Is the New Black,” an honoree at the Human Rights Campaign’s Twin Cities Gala in Minneapolis.

On the Cover: Sally Field, Advocate and Ally

速

up front

DOUBLING DOWN FOR MORE BATTLES AHEAD

Photos: Judy G. Rolfe, Chris Pizzello / AP, Michael Stravato/AP, Evan Agostini /AP

nti-LGBT activists recently succeeded in Houston, stripping away the rights of LGBT people and others — a huge blow to equality in the country’s fourth largest city. The Human Rights Campaign is doubling down to ensure that opponents won’t sow fear and misinformation in other U.S. cities and towns across the country. With the repeal of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, which HRC fought to implement in 2014, the city provides no local non-discrimination protections. From the beginning, HRC was at the frontlines

of the battle as part of the Houston Unites campaign. HRC deployed 30-plus staff to call voters and knock on doors across the city. HRC also provided substantial financial backing. It would have given 15 classes of people the ability to swiftly address discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations and more, providing much-needed protections for a diverse array of people — including LGBT Houstonians who lacked recourse at the state or local level, as well as veterans, women, African Americans, Latinos and many others.

President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke out for equality, as did other wellknown allies, including Sally Field (see p. 9), Jim Parsons, America Ferrera, Eva Longoria, Michael Sam, Jason Collins, Matt Bomer, Dustin Lance Black, Matthew Morrison, Gavin Newsom, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his husband Justin Mikita. Ultimately, in the weeks leading up to the Nov. 3 election, anti-LGBT activists flooded the airwaves with deplorable attack ads targeting transgender people, sparking

fear among fair-minded voters about the measure. More battles are sure to arise in the months ahead, said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Houston was a wake-up call that our opponents will stop at nothing to see any one of us stripped of our dignity.” There are active campaigns to secure non-discrimination protections in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wyoming and elsewhere. During 2015, more than 100 anti-LGBT laws were introduced in nearly 30 states across the country.

“HOUSTON WAS A WAKE-UP CALL THAT OUR OPPONENTS WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO SEE ANY ONE OF US STRIPPED OF OUR DIGNITY.”

(L-R): Hillary Clinton, a phone banking effort in Houston, Matt Bomer, Houston volunteers, Chad Griffin, America Ferrera, Jim Parsons, HRC volunteer Lou Weaver and Michael Sam

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FALL 2015

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FROM THE HEART

ALLY SALLY FIELD FIGHTS FOR JUSTICE FOR ALL

born in Houston, and her grandmother and great-grandmother have ties there, too. In a news conference days before the vote, Field praised the ordinance’s broad reach, covering LGBT people, AfricanAmericans, veterans, the disabled, women and many others. They are the “people who make up the fabric of the community, and they are vulnerable to being treated with discrimination each and every day,” she said. The measure would give the city’s residents “the tools” to address that. Field spoke out, she said, “as a woman, as a mother of a beloved gay son, as the daughter of a proud Houstonian.” She noted that a significant number of complaints lodged under HERO related to pregnancy and gender discrimination. Field, 69, won an Academy Award for the 1979 drama Norma Rae — a film about a worker who spearheads an election to unionize a cotton mill with unhealthy working conditions. Her second Oscar was for Places in the Heart. Among her most recent works: Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln (where she played Mary Todd Lincoln), The Amazing Spider-Man and the TV hit “Brothers & Sisters.” Field’s latest movie hits theaters nationwide in March. The film, Hello, My Name Is Doris, is a later-in-life, coming of age story.

Photos: Joe Scarnici / WireImage, Michael Stravato / AP

ost people know Sally Field for her long, lustrous career in Hollywood — spanning five decades, with two Oscars, three Emmys and other awards too numerous to mention. She is also a passionate advocate for equality, dignity and justice under the law, having served for years on the board of a women’s rights organization, Vital Voices, and has partnered with the Human Rights Campaign a number of times to stand up for LGBT equality. “She has never been afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve or speak her mind,” said her son, Sam Greisman, who is openly gay, in introducing Field on stage when she received HRC’s Ally for Equality award at its national gala three years ago. Most recently, Field joined HRC in supporting the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, traveling to the city and speaking publicly before the Nov. 3 vote. (See article, p. 7.) Her mother was

(L-R): Sally Field with NAACP Houston Chapter President Dr. James M. Douglas; speaking at a press conference in Houston; and with Houston Mayor Annise Parker.

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FALL 2015

WE SUPPORT EQUALITY

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THE RIGHT TO DISCRIMINATE? A

fter the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic ruling on marriage equality, a very small minority of clerks, including Kim Davis of Rowan County, Ky., refused to follow the law and issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Unfortunately, many of the Republican presidential candidates want to change the law to permit government employees to argue they’re allowed to

Photos: John Minchillo/AP, Jim Cole/AP, Jose Luis Magana/AP, Alonzo Adams/AP, Kyle Green/AP

T:10.5”

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Ben Carson: “When the Supreme Court made its decision, anyone should have known that this kind of thing was going to occur, and it’s going to continue to escalate. And Congress now has a responsibility to step up to the plate and enact legislation that will protect the First Amendment rights of all Americans. That’s the reason that we have divided government. When one branch does something that tilts the balance, the other branches need to pitch in and correct the situation. This is a serious problem. … But this is a very basic right. This is a Judeo-Christian nation in the sense that a lot of our values and principles are based on our JudeoChristian faith.” [Fox News, “The Kelly File,” 9/8/2015]

discriminate against LGBT people based on religious belief through a new bill, the First Amendment Defense Act. Eight GOP candidates — Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, Mike Huckabee, Bobby Jindal, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio and Rick Santorum — have endorsed the bill, known as FADA. The others, while they have not officially endorsed FADA, have

Rick Santorum: “First, I believe we have to pass the First Amendment Defense Act, which provides that room for government officials and others who do not want to be complicit in what they believe is against their faith. Second, we need a president who’s going to fight a court that is abusive, that has superseded their authority. Judicial supremacy is not in the Constitution, and we need a president and a Congress to stand up to a court when it exceeds its constitutional authority.” [CNN Republican Undercard Debate, Simi Valley, Calif., 9/16/2015]

Mike Huckabee: “We made accommodation to the Fort Hood shooter to let him grow a beard. We made accommodations to the detainees at Gitmo — I’ve been to Gitmo, and I’ve seen the accommodations that we made to the Muslim detainees who killed Americans. You’re telling me that you cannot make an accommodation for an elected Democrat county clerk from Rowan County, Kentucky? What else is it other than the criminalization of her faith and the exaltation of the faith of everyone else who might be a Fort Hood shooter or a detainee at Gitmo?” [CNN Republican Presidential Debate, Simi Valley, Calif., 9/16/2015]

By Erika Kehrer

also not denounced it. All eight have spoken of the importance of protecting religious liberty, including standing behind Gov. Mike Pence’s so-called “license to discriminate” legislation in Indiana. (Meanwhile, not a single GOP candidate for president has endorsed the Equality Act, a federal non-discrimination bill.) What some candidates have said:

Bobby Jindal: “The biggest discrimination is going on against Christian business owners and individuals who believe in traditional forms of marriage. They are throwing this woman in jail in Kentucky. Let’s talk about that. Let’s talk about the Christian florist, the caterer, the musician, who simply want to say, ‘Don’t arrest us for having — or don’t discriminate against us, don’t shut down our businesses, don’t fine us thousands of dollars for believing marriage is between a man and a woman.’ Let’s talk about not discriminating against Christians.” [CNN Republican Undercard Debate, Simi Valley, Calif., 9/16/2015]

Rand Paul: “So what happens is it sets up a whole industry of people who want to sue. …So if you happen to be gay, you get fired — now you have a reason you can fire them. But it’s almost impossible sometimes — you know, people don’t put up a sign, ‘I’m firing you because you’re gay.’ It’s something that’s very much disputed. And so I don’t know that we need to keep adding to different classifications to say the government needs to be involved in the hiring and firing.” [Rand Paul, Drake University, 10/14/2015]

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FALL 2015

Goldman Sachs is a proud supporter of the Human Rights Campaign

TODD HAYNES

By Janice Hughes

(NEW YORK)

IT’S EASY

to talk with Todd Haynes. He’s laidback. He listens carefully. He’s also quick to praise other people. Sitting in a quiet Soho hotel foyer over coffee, the critically acclaimed director and screenwriter has flown in from his home in Oregon for the premiere of his new film, Carol, at the New York Film Festival. Meanwhile, the Film Society of Lincoln Center has just announced it is going to feature Haynes’ body of work during a special, 10-day celebration later in the fall. Haynes is considered a key member of the New Queer Cinema of the 1990s. His works, then and now, touch on themes of gender, sexuality and the rigidity of social conventions. And they vary widely — whether inspired by the French writer Jean Genet, the 1970s Glam Rock era or life behind the closed doors and

manicured lawns of the American suburbs. His films include Poison, Safe, Velvet Goldmine, I’m Not There and Far From Heaven. Carol, released in select theaters countrywide in November, is drawing Oscar buzz for its eloquence and beauty. At Cannes, The New York Times hailed the film as “exquisitely directed and acted.” Starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, the drama is based on author Patricia Highsmith’s classic The Price of Salt. The novel, first published in 1952, draws on a true incident in Highsmith’s life when, while working as a young sales clerk at a department store, she meets and falls in love with a married woman — at a time when being lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender was rarely discussed or written about and considered a mental disorder. In fact, the closeted Highsmith — who wrote mostly psychological thrillers, and many of them hugely successful, like Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr. Ripley — used a pseudonym when writing the book. Excerpts from Equality’s interview with Haynes follow. continued on p. 15 WWW.HRC.ORG

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Cate Blanchett, at left, in the title role of Carol, and Rooney Mara (Therese) in Todd Haynes’s adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel about two women in love in the 1950s.

Haynes cont’d from p. 13 Your new film, Carol, has a relatively happy ending. Homosexuals don’t die off, they don’t jump in front of a roaring train and they don’t end up with straight partners. Well, what I understand is that the happy ending absolutely distinguished The Price of Salt from other lesbian fiction of its time, and probably from a lot of fiction about gay men as well. … The book is so great. It’s just so personal, and it’s the thing that seems to relate most directly and literally to Highsmith’s life and her experience as a lesbian — but particularly, this very unique moment where she got a job at Bloomingdale’s as a temp. She worked at the doll counter for the summer, and then this very magnificent woman walks in, and they exchange addresses.

… She helps her pick a doll for her daughter, and then disappears. And Highsmith just descends into an immediate state of fever, which becomes a serious case of chickenpox. She’s hospitalized and, in this sort of fever state, she conjures this story. But I think even when she was writing the novel, she had a few different endings. Have you heard from many LGBT people who lived in the 1950s? Have they talked to you about their lives? Not a lot — yet. Edie Windsor [the lead plaintiff in the historic United States v. Windsor case] came to the premiere at the New York Film Festival just the other

night with her lawyers, and she said her life really did parallel these years to a large degree. It meant so much that she was there, at the event. This is, I believe, your second collaboration with Cate Blanchett. How is it to work with her? Oh God, everything about Cate’s amazing abilities continue to astound me, especially when I think of the fact that we started out doing such a different kind of character altogether in the movie I’m Not There, when she was playing a version of Bob Dylan inspired by the ’66 Dylan — an androgynous Dylan. In both cases, the thing I notice so much right off the bat was how much her body plays the initial part in the transformation. And I think that’s true for so many great actors — that it’s a visceral, physical discovery or finding the anchoring of the character in the body itself. … And Cate has an almost

unbearable kindness on set. There was one moment when we were shooting — my dad was there watching — and she was walking through a little ditch thing that we were shooting in, a cut-out walkway in Montreal, and she saw his shoelace was untied. And she just dropped down to the floor and tied his shoe. Your film, just as The Price of Salt did, captures so luminously what it’s like when you fall in love. I think what’s really brilliant about the book is that it draws a line from the criminal subjects and all the other Patricia Highsmith novels to this non-criminal setting and story. It’s the same kind of furtive, trapped, panicked, subjective state where you’re reading every single sign and signal and what it might mean. I think all of this is true for people who fall in love, period. I think it’s all the more true for gay people continued on p. 31 On the set: Haynes and Blanchett.

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FALL 2015

IN HER OWN WORDS

HRC ALABAMA’S EVA WALTON IS (BIRMINGHAM)

“A

labama is my fate. As a tenthgeneration Alabamian and the member of a family with 13 Baptist ministers across the state, it is, as author and poet Wendell Berry explains, ‘a complex inheritance, and I have been both enriched and bewildered by it.’ Growing up in Alabama and in our family business of ministry, I learned from the moment I could speak to sing hymns and quote Scripture. I learned to care for others and build strong relationships, yell ‘Roll Tide’ during Alabama football games and to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God. I also learned that I could do nothing more grave, choose no path more unacceptable, than to come out as a lesbian. So when I fell in love with my varsity soccer teammate at 17, I knew that the place and church people 16

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FALL 2015

that raised me had no room for me if I lived and loved openly. My story is not unique. Across the state of Alabama — the third most religious in the United States with 86 percent of people identifying as Christians — more than 50 percent of LGBTQ persons self-identify as people of faith. Startlingly, one in five of those persons report being harassed at least once monthly in their spaces of worship. Because so many of Alabama’s sacred spaces are unsafe spaces for LGBTQ people of faith, HRC Alabama — part of HRC’s Project One America — has developed specific outreach, what we call ‘journeying congregations,’ to address these realities, educate faith communities on LGBTQ lives, and shift congregational conversations within congregations on

building safe, inclusive faith spaces. For some of the 130 faith communities engaged with HRC Alabama, this means discussing definitions and concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. For others, the journey is about exploring theological teachings and fully affirming LGBTQ persons and families. Many of our faith partners also advocate publicly against anti-LGBTQ legislation, using their voices to shift the state’s dominant, rigidly conservative Christian narratives against our community. The journey can start anywhere, with anyone. Back in June at an HRC faith event, an evangelical minister confronted me publicly about the ‘sin of homosexuality’ and my disrespect for the Bible. After the gathering, I thanked him for sharing

An evangelical minister confronted me publicly about the ‘sin of homosexuality’ and my disrespect for the Bible. After the gathering, I thanked him for sharing honestly and asked if we might meet for coffee.

Photo: Tim Photo: Skipper TLC/ AP for HRC

SHIFTING THE CONVERSATION honestly and asked if we might meet for coffee. ‘I’m probably never going to be affirming,’ he said. ‘I’m an open book,’ I responded. ‘You can ask me anything.’ We spent nearly three hours together the next week sharing our life stories and getting to the heart of our difference. Six months later, we have built a strong friendship by offering one another dignity in our disagreement, and I trust we will continue walking this journey together for years to come. He and his wife recently invited my wife and me over for dinner, so I know we’re on the right track. HRC’s work to change hearts and minds through faith-rooted organizing in Alabama, and our other Project One America states of Mississippi and Arkansas, is also creating lasting change in our political and social spaces. In May,

faith coalition partners helped to defeat Alabama’s House Bill 56, the ‘Freedom of Religion in Marriage Protection Act.’ When I began this work, I felt I had returned to my roots in a way that challenged all of my roots. I have embraced my complex inheritance as an LGBTQ Alabamian, and I continue to be enriched and bewildered by the wonderful journeys I am privileged enough to share with people of faith and goodwill around this state.”

Walton is HRC Alabama’s faith organizer, under HRC’s Project One America program. In November, HRC Alabama co-hosted the first-ever statewide conference to equip communities of faith to understand, welcome and advocate for their LGBTQ members.

WWW.HRC.ORG

86%

OF PEOPLE IN ALABAMA IDENTIFY AS CHRISTIANS.* IT IS THE THIRD “MOST RELIGIOUS” STATE IN THE UNITED STATES.**

50+

PERCENT OF LGBTQ PERSONS IN ALABAMA SELF-IDENTIFY AS PEOPLE OF FAITH.***

1 in 5

OF THOSE LGBTQ PEOPLE REPORT BEING HARASSED AT LEAST ONCE MONTHLY IN THEIR SPACES OF WORSHIP.*** *Gallup poll, Feb. 2014; **Gallup poll, Feb. 2013; ***HRC Foundation survey, July 2014

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A little thank-you for your passion Nationwide® appreciates your commitment to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Thanks to HRC members like you, same-sex marriage is now a constitutional right in all 50 states! We’re passionate about making a difference, too. Working with HRC is just one way we prove that we’re more than a business. Another way is helping HRC members save money on their car insurance.

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3 THINGS TO KNOW

Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools

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s transgender visibility has increased, educators, parents and school administrators are looking for ways to better support transgender students in schools. Just before school began this fall, HRC released the first-of-its-kind, comprehensive guide to help them do just that. Schools In Transition: A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools was developed with the American Civil Liberties Union, Gender Spectrum, the National Center

Start by affirming students’ gender identity in every way possible. In virtually every situation that arises — from bathroom use, to pronouns and names, to overnight field trips — the most important question to ask is whether the transgender student’s identity is being supported in every way possible. Use the student’s preferred name and gender pronouns and ask teachers, administrators, students and parents to do the same, while respecting the student’s privacy as they would with any other student. Avoid situations that can make a transgender student feel isolated or singled out from their peers because of their transgender identity. When transgender students have their identities affirmed, they feel supported and are better able to focus on their education and develop healthy relationships with their peers. Keep in mind that in some cases where families aren’t supportive of students’ transgender identity,

for Lesbian Rights and the National Education Association. It’s a much-needed resource, many say. “I’ve been working with a student and their family for the past few years and they approached me last year, telling me their child was going to be transitioning,” said Jackie Carr, a school counselor in western Maryland. “When I started looking for resources, I was pretty frustrated. There wasn’t much out there. This guide will really help.” Some of the guide’s top takeaways:

school may be the only place where these young people can live openly and be themselves, which makes a supportive school environment even more essential to their well-being. All students benefit from gender-inclusive classrooms. Gender-based harassment and bullying are not limited to transgender or genderexpansive youth. Many cisgender (non-transgender) and non-LGBTQ youth face gender-based bullying — like boys being harassed for not being athletic. Studies show that when students have access to groups like Gay-Straight Alliances and hear messages that foster gender-inclusivity, they are less likely to hear homophobic slurs in school. Gender-inclusive classrooms teach students to celebrate diversity and appreciate differences like race, gender, sexuality, family structure, disability and religion.

Students are never “too young” to understand gender or support their transgender peers. The moment a child is born, they start learning about gender — what boys and girls are supposed to wear, what toys they are supposed to like, and what traits they are expected and assumed to have based on their assigned birth sex. Young people come to understand their gender identities around 2 to 4 years of age, much earlier than they do their sexual orientation. They yearn to express their gender just as all children do. Moreover, younger children often find it much easier to understand and accept a peer’s transition than adults. A student’s age or grade level should never be used as a reason to prevent or delay their social transition. Download Schools In Transition at hrc.org/schoolsintransition. Visit www.welcomingschools. org to learn more about HRC’s work with elementary schools.

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FALL 2015

Around here, being yourself is a job requirement. When we encourage Googlers to express themselves, we really mean it. In fact, we count on it. Intellectual curiosity and diverse perspectives drive our policies, our work environment, our perks, and our profits. At Google, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just accept difference -- we thrive on it. We celebrate it. And support it, for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. We are proud that Googleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spirit of inclusion has been recognized with a 100% HRC Corporate Equality Index rating for seven years in a row. We congratulate HRC for all of its work furthering equal rights for the LGBT community and look forward to our continued partnership.

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the 1940s, more than 120,000 Japanese

Americans were forced — many at gunpoint — to leave their homes for several years, incarcerated in camps in remote areas of the country during World War II. It was one of the most alarming chapters of the country’s history — yet, still today, many people know very little about it.

AN AMERICAN FAMILY

GEORGE TAKEI BRINGS UNTOLD CHAPTER OF U.S. HISTORY TO BROADWAY

Takei, in the role of Sam, looks back at his life 60 years after the Kimura family’s incarceration by the U.S. government and his decision at the time to enlist to prove the Kimuras’ loyalty.

That may change, thanks to George Takei. The 78-year-old, known for his years on “Star Trek,” his LGBT advocacy and his social media success (3 million Twitter followers), is trying to tell America about that untold chapter — through, of all things, a Broadway musical. Takei’s show, Allegiance, which opened in New York’s historic Longacre Theatre in November, tells the story of the wrongful imprisonment of Japanese Americans, including his own family. At the show’s core is the notion of democracy, civil rights and what it means to be an American. Allegiance is “my legacy project,” says Takei, a cast member as well as its creator. “I think we learn more from those times in our history where we stumbled as a democracy than we learn from the glorious chapters.” continued on p. 23

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FALL 2015

LET’S TAKE ON OUR COMMUNITY’S UNIQUE FINANCIAL CHALLENGES, TOGETHER. At Prudential, we’ve leveraged our employees, and our community relationships to build a powerful understanding of the challenges and opportunities surrounding our community’s financial life – through groundbreaking research, thought leadership, and our support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender organizations both within and outside of Prudential. It all adds up to us delivering financial solutions to help meet our community’s needs. To see valuable information and research, or to find a financial professional committed to our community’s financial needs, visit prudential.com/lgbt LIFE INSURANCE | RETIREMENT | INVESTMENTS | FINANCIAL PLANNING

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Family cont’d from p. 21

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Allegiance is the “rare World War II-era piece of drama that actually feels fresh and necessary,” said Billboard magazine. The show is also the first Broadway musical with a majority Asian-American cast and creative team. The show, set mostly in the camps, also reflects the United States of the 1940s — with its big band-styled numbers, obsession with baseball and more. In an interview with Equality, Takei spoke about being taken at gunpoint at the age of five, with his parents, a four-year-old brother and months-old sister, from their Los HRC National 1Angeles home to a camp set up in Dinner.indd horse stables at the Santa Anita racetrack. Two U.S. soldiers walked Studio Sobol, Tom Job up#theA4559 Takeis’ driveway with bayonets Date 9-9-2014 4:11 PM on their rifles, and banged on the Live 7.5” x 10” front door with their fists. The family Trim 8.5” x 11” was taken away in trucks with other Bleed None Japanese-American families. A crowd Gutter None Pub HRC National Dinnerfrom across the of people watched P. Date None street. There were no charges. No Approvals: due process. __________ GCD They never saw their __________ CD house again. AD __________ Later, the family was relocated __________ CW __________ AE __________ Traffic __________ Proof

to Arkansas, then back to California — housed in sparse barracks, surrounded by barbed-wire fences. Takei was eight years old when he and his family were released. He still remembers going to school in the camps. “Every morning began with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. I could see the barbedwire fencing and the sentry towers right outside my schoolhouse windows as I recited the words, ‘with liberty and justice for all.’” In the swampy camp in southeastern Arkansas, Takei’s father and others would carry the older parents, grandparents and children through deep mud three times a day to the mess hall and to the latrines, he recalled. “It became, to me, a normal childhood under these horrifically abnormal circumstances. For my parents, it was constant crisis and terror — of not knowing what was going to happen next,” Takei said. Takei’s father, who inspired him to be a political activist, still believed in American democracy despite the fact that he had lost everything in the middle of his life — business,

home, freedom. America, Takei’s father told him, was based on a democracy that “is vitally dependent on people who cherish the ideals of this system and actively engage in the system to make it true to what its ideals are.” It is the resilience and optimism of the Kimura family in Allegiance that is particularly powerful. In the role of Kei, the daughter, is Lea Salonga, a well-known, Tony-Award winning actor/singer, who is returning to Broadway from her home in the Philippines after an absence of eight years. In the role of her brother, Sam, is Telly Leung of Godspell and TV’s “Glee.” Takei plays the role of their grandfather, as well as Sam, 60 years later, as he looks back. Days before the show’s official opening, the Human Rights Campaign organized a special evening for HRC members to attend the show and later hear directly from Takei — who with his husband, Brad, is a longtime HRC supporter — and other cast members. Takei hopes the show stays on Broadway for a long time. There’s so much education to be done.

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Photo: Debra L Rothenberg / WireImage

Prudential Advertising 973-802-7361

(L-R) Tony-Award winner Lea Salonga (at right), George Takei and Michael K. Lee in the groundbreaking musical Allegiance, which recently opened on Broadway.

Telly Leung of TV’s “Glee” also stars in the new show at the Longacre Theatre.

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FALL 2015

Forward thinking got us here. And it’s what will fuel a future of possibilities. People who create a culture of inclusiveness are moving the world forward. We’re proud to be a Silver national sponsor of HRC. Their mission of achieving LGBT equality is an initiative that helps drive us all forward. Visit exceptionaley.com © 2015 EYGM Limited. All Rights Reserved. EDNone

EQUALITY TRAVELS

NEW COALITION, LAUNCHED BY HRC, TO PUSH FOR LGBT EQUALITY IN WORKPLACES GLOBALLY

very fall, global leaders descend on New York City for two key forums — the United Nations General Assembly and the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting. Even a seasoned New Yorker can’t help but be taken aback by the traffic and gridlock as hundreds of motorcades and security details zigzag the streets. This year, though, a gridlock of a different sort was finally broken through: Corporate, state and advocacy leaders

AT&T, CA Technologies, The Coca-Cola Company, Destination Weddings Travel Group, Google, IBM, Microsoft Corp., Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Procter & Gamble, Replacements, Ltd. and Symantec Corp. They collectively employ nearly 1.4 million people in 190plus countries and have a combined annual revenue of nearly $550 billion. Since the announcement, additional companies have also expressed an interest in joining.

rights. Clinton noted that same-sex relations are still punishable by death in at least seven countries. “We have long supported LGBT rights, but it is very difficult to implement protections for our employees and for their families when laws do not exist or it’s a hostile environment,” said Mary Snapp, corporate vice president and deputy general counsel at Microsoft. Along with implementing LGBTinclusive non-discrimination policies

Photo: HRC

LGBT PEOPLE ARE VALUED, THEY ARE EQUAL, AND THEY DESERVE A FAIR CHANCE TO EARN A LIVING AND PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILIES NO MATTER WHERE THEY LIVE.” came together to tackle one of today’s major challenges to the LGBT community — standardizing workplace equality policies around the globe. The Human Rights Campaign launched a groundbreaking global corporate coalition to accomplish just that. Former President Bill Clinton made the announcement with HRC President Chad Griffin and corporate leaders by his side at the closing plenary of the CGI summit. The 12 inaugural coalition members have committed to safeguarding workplace fairness and equality for LGBT employees across their global operations. “This is a commitment of people to improve their own workplaces,” said Clinton from the podium. “I think that is very important.” The companies are Accenture,

The business case for LGBT inclusion has strong momentum, spurred by U.S.-based multinationals across the Fortune 500. Ninety-two percent of them afford explicit protections on the basis of sexual orientation and 74 percent do so on the basis of gender identity. And the trend toward LGBTinclusive corporate policies is growing in the Americas, East Asia, Australia and Europe. “LGBT people are valued, they are equal, and they deserve a fair chance to earn a living and provide for their families no matter where they live,” said Griffin. Social and economic inclusion of the LGBT community still varies greatly — while some countries lead on matters of equality, others continue to implement laws rolling back basic LGBT

and codes of conduct for their global operations, coalition members will be able to work with HRC and advance LGBT equality in the workplace — with opportunities to host workplace inclusion summits in global markets, form LGBT employee resource groups and amplify the powerful business case for LGBT equality worldwide. Some companies may also engage in public policy advocacy on LGBT issues and work collaboratively with non-governmental organizations and civil society groups to bolster in-country efforts to make progress on LGBT rights. “Global corporate and state leaders can take notice,” says Deena Fidas, director of HRC’s Workplace Equality Program. “The future of international business is LGBT-inclusive. No one’s talent or hard work should be left on the table in a global economy.” WWW.HRC.ORG

FALL 2015

At Cox Enterprises, we believe our differences – whether ethnicity, age or gender – make us stronger. We’re proud to call the HRC one of our national partners. Together, as one we can make a difference. coxinc.com/diversity

IT’S NOT OFTEN THAT YOU FIND AN AWARD-WINNING FASHION DESIGNER WHO REGULARLY COMMUTES BETWEEN A SMALL TOWN IN ALABAMA AND HIS DESIGN STUDIO IN MANHATTAN.

But Billy Reid is that kind of guy. He’s proud of his Southern roots as well as his downtown New York sensibility, and has paired the two to create a thriving business. Reid grew up in the small town of Amite, La., where his mother owned a boutique in what he calls the “hospitable environs” of his grandmother’s former home. After studying at The Art Institute of Dallas, Reid spent several years with Saks Fifth Avenue and Reebok and, in 2004, opened the Billy Reid shops in Dallas, Houston and Florence, Ala. It’s in this small town in the northern corner of the state where Reid’s company is headquartered and where he lives with his wife and children. In 2010, Reid was named GQ’s Best New Menswear Designer and, in 2012, he was named the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Menswear Designer of the Year. His line of clothing for men and women is known for its craftsmanship and expert tailoring, and is sold at 12 Billy Reid retail shops and to boutiques worldwide. An ally of the LGBT community, Reid recently teamed up with Tie The Knot to design a tie for the non-profit organization, founded by actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his husband, Justin Mikita, that advocates for LGBTQ equality. Equality caught up with Reid this fall.

QUESTIONS FOR BILLY REID

Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty

Were you always destined to be a designer? I actually began college as a physical education major. I wanted to coach football and baseball. My mom was a great merchant with a wonderful shop, and I was steered toward fashion during school. Any kind of style or color that is hard for you to resist? I’m very simple. I stick with a few pairs of my favorite jeans, a few simple blazers, as well as some solid shirts and knits. I seasonally layer in suits, sweaters and shoes. I always stick with the quality-over-quantity approach. Is there anyone — known or unknown — who you’d love to try out your collections? Great question. Anyone that might impress my daughters! Taylor Swift has a few pieces and they thought I was cool for a hot second.

You commute between Florence, Ala., and your design studio in New York City. Two different worlds? Or more similar than people would expect? I think with all of the information and media accessible in the world we live in, all aspects of style, culture and life in general are more similar no matter where you are — especially among young people, who are super connected, especially culturally. Increasingly, we’re finding that more members of the LGBT community are choosing to stay in the South, or are returning there to live. Is the region a little more welcoming than before? I think as our society becomes more informed and connected culturally, those regional borders politically and socially continue to blur. Certainly, we have seen a change in the South and we all hope that goodness, respect and kindness is in everyone’s heart, regardless of where they may live. continued on p. 29

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FALL 2015

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud of our differences. All 65,000 of them. We support The Human Rights Campaign in the fight for equality for everyone and applaud the amazing work that has been accomplished. Northrop Grumman â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment.

FALL READING

Reid cont’d from p. 27 Can you talk about why you’re an ally of the LGBT community? And why you support full equality in the workplace? We are all citizens of this world and it should boil down to what’s in your heart, not a label or a preconceived judgment. That’s something my mother instilled in me and something I try to live by and teach my children. As far as the workplace, I believe experience, performance and results determine someone’s worth — not their sex, race or any other box that some choose to put folks in. Let’s say you’re young, trying to break into the industry and suddenly have a chance to be on “Project Runway” or “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Which would you choose? Well, I don’t watch reality TV or even TV that much, but if you’re trying to break into the industry, I believe there is no replacement for real life experiences. We’re excited about your work with Tie The Knot! How did it happen? It came about through a good friend who knew the organization. When we learned more, and learned that many of our clients and friends were involved, it seemed natural to participate. When in New York, are there any misconceptions about the South you find yourself always having to address? When you think of the art forms that America has contributed to the world, whether it be the blues, jazz, flavor, etc. — all of that was born and nurtured in about a 300-square-mile pocket of the South. My chamber of commerce moment.

RAISING AWARENESS Co-founded by actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson and husband Justin Mikita (below), Tie The Knot raises awareness about LGBT equality worldwide. Over the past three years, the nonprofit has raised more than $500,000, donating proceeds to the Human Rights Campaign and other organizations. Tie The Knot is highlighting the need for marriage equality as well as LGBT rights in the workplace, healthcare, housing and public services. It partners with The Tie Bar, a leading necktie company, to produce an exclusive line of neckwear with $20 of every $25 (and $30 of every $35) purchase from the Tie The Knot Collection going to TieTheKnot.org.

Photo: Amy Dickerson

Recently, Tie The Knot teamed up with designer Billy Reid (see article) to create a limited edition bowtie, donating the funds raised by its sale to HRC’s work, especially in the U.S. South. Tie The Knot also collaborated this fall with actor and ally Josh Hutcherson to support his organization — Straight But Not Narrow — a non-profit focused on positively influencing straight youth and young adults’ perception of, and behavior toward, their LGBT peers.

BOOK IT! Nigerian-born Chinelo Okparanta’s Under the Udala Trees is a mesmerizing novel about war, inequality, family and a love that is forbidden by society. Bringing a critical lens to the struggle of the LGBT community in Africa for the first time, Okparanta, an O. Henry Prize and Lambda Award winner, bravely confronts the constructions of womanhood, sexuality, violence and patriarchy in Nigeria of the late ’60s and early ’70s. The author has called her story a “political call to action” in her country where same-sex relations are considered criminal. [Houghton Mifflin Harcourt] Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family, by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Amy Ellis Nutt, tells the story of a transgender girl, an identical twin, who triumphed in a historic discrimination case in 2014 when she sued a Maine school district after it prohibited her from using the girls’ bathroom. A significant piece on transgender rights and awareness, Becoming Nicole stands out as a book that has the ability to teach all families the importance of acceptance, love, justice and living authentic lives. [Random House] Renowned litigator Roberta Kaplan’s Then Comes Marriage: United States v. Windsor and the Defeat of DOMA, with a foreword by Edie Windsor, shares the emotionally powerful story of Windsor and Thea Spyer — in what turned out to be one of our nation’s most significant civil rights victories. It’s a gripping, often humorous, behindthe-scenes story, said Publishers Weekly, praising its “deft” explanations of U.S. constitutional law. [W.W. Norton & Company] In The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle, Lillian Faderman, eminent scholar of lesbian and ethnic history and literature, gives a complete, detailed history of the LGBT civil rights movement that led to the “equality” of today. Starting with the 1950s — when society classified LGBT people as criminals and mentally ill — Faberman passionately chronicles the triumphs, failures and work ahead to achieve full equality. With 16 pages of photos. [Simon & Schuster] WWW.HRC.ORG

FALL 2015

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Haynes cont’d from p. 15 who fall in love. And I think it’s even more true for women who fell in love with women in the 1950s for whom there was even less represented examples of what that love is. But it’s also a universal state, and I think everyone who falls in love feels like they’re inventing their own language. You were a member of the New Queer Cinema movement in the early ’90s — what you often describe as a very different time, because it was very much defined by the HIV/AIDS era. I just think people forget how many people were dying and how quickly. It wasn’t just a lot of people were getting sick. People were just dying — in the beginning within weeks, and then, within months. And

so the level of loss — and it was a grisly death and it was a horrific death. It was watching all of these incredibly young beautiful people die. And mainstream society was … Panicked by it, but also somehow found reasons to find some kind of justification in it … because it was connected to “abhorrent” behavior. It took until 1986 for Reagan to mention the word “AIDS” after 20,000 people were dead already in America. I don’t know how many were infected. When do 20,000 people die of an illness in this country and no one even mentions the name or asks why? How did that affect your art? What is the lesson that we hopefully learned from that? I think the level of outrage. …

But the really amazing thing about it is that it showed that activism, organizing, a kind of uniquely equipped community inheriting knowledge from the Civil Rights era and the Vietnam War era — but also with a sense of graphics and style and a way of understanding communication and media — could all be applied to this crisis to great effect. And that’s an amazing, empowering thing. And it changed it. And ultimately it completely changed the course of the illness. And it really made you the filmmaker you are today. It did. Absolutely. Because there was not just a desire to make a movie, there was a sense of necessity. And that was true for documentarians dealing with AIDS and the sort of upfront, day-to-day issues of

AIDS directly. But also it was true for artists working in more fictional means where everything just felt urgent. And that’s not often the case in America. What’s ahead for you? The next film I’m doing is called Wonderstruck. It is based on the novel by Brian Selznick. A little 12-year-old girl and two little 12-year-old boys basically carry the story. It’s set in New York City, but one story is in 1927 and one story is in 1977. There’s something really touching about the friendship between the boys that emerges and how they connect and find the answers to one of the boy’s questions about his past and his family. It should really be fun. I’ve never done anything like that before.

Is diversity and inclusion about scoring points? Not at Pfizer. We believe in encouraging an environment where everyone is confident and comfortable to be themselves. It’s about working together and valuing our colleagues for who they are—lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or straight ally. Whatever your background, we believe in creating an inclusive workplace that embraces everyone’s unique perspective.

At Pfizer, be yourself. Pfizer is proud to be a National Corporate Partner of the Human Rights Campaign.

To learn more about our people, our products and our plans for the future, visit www.pfizer.com. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from people with different experiences, backgrounds and ethnic origins. WWW.HRC.ORG

FALL 2015

HRC Quarterly Aug 2015 4C final.indd 1

8/14/15 12:57 PM

COMFORT FOR ALL

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CLOSING REMARKS

“Congress must pass the federal Equality Act. That law would finally outlaw discrimination against LGBT people basically everywhere in employment, housing, public education, public accommodations, access to federal funding and credit, and in the jury system. It’s a great, noble piece of legislation that deserves to become the law of the land.” — Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

“It has become increasingly apparent to me that we all need to use our influence, whatever it may be, to help others. “When the life expectancy of transgender women of color in this country is 35, and 40 percent of homeless youth are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, we still have so much work to do. …” — Actor Ellen Page

“I’m so glad I got involved with HRC. It was a lifeline to new people and opportunities.” — HRC Volunteer Blossom Brown

“Some of you credited me with taking a political risk or thought I was doing something special [in supporting marriage equality in 2012], but folks, I was just answering in a straightforward, direct way what I’ve known for my whole life, and I mean this sincerely. “There wasn’t any chance I was taking. There wasn’t anything about what I did. It’s just who I think most Americans are.”

“We are closer than ever to the day that Dr. Martin Luther King dreamed of, when his children would be judged only by the content of their character. “That day is not here because 29 states — more than half the stars on our American flag — have no laws to protect gay or transgender people from discrimination. No state legal protection from being fired or evicted because of

who you are, or who you love. “That day is not here when some people claim exemption from what’s written in the Constitution: That no state shall deny Americans the equal protection of the laws. “That day is not here. So there’s work to be done. It’s going to take advocates and activists like HRC and global companies like Apple. We all have a role.” — Apple CEO Tim Cook

Excerpts from addresses by actor Ellen Page, Vice President Joe Biden, HRC volunteer Blossom Brown and Apple CEO Tim Cook at the HRC National Dinner in Washington. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke at the HRC Board meeting earlier in the day. 36

EQUALITY

FALL 2015

Photos: Judy G. Rolfe, Kevin Wolf/ AP

— Vice President Joe Biden

Wherever we fly, we fly together. Ever since the Human Rights Campaign started identifying the best places to work for LGBT equality, one airline has led the way. Because American Airlines has achieved a perfect score from the Corporate Equality Index every single year since it began. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud to count our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees and their allies among our American family. Learn more on aa.com/diversity.