2SLGBTQIA+ People Speaking Up for a Better Future for us All
Musings of the Month
2SLGBTQ+ Pride Celebrations are Already Underway
And, something super special is happening in Washington state this year: a LGBTQ+ Survey Study sponsored by the Washington LGBTQ Commission, a state agency with an advisory board of 15 commissioners who identify as part of the LGBTQ community in the state. The LGBTQ+ commission works to improve the state’s interface with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, and intersex community, identify the needs of its members, and ensure that there is an effective means of advocating for LGBTQ equity in all aspects of state government.
The all queer and trans survey team will be attending Pride events and other gatherings across the state this summer to invite queer and trans people from Washington to complete the survey. The purpose of the survey is to hear concerns from the LGBTQ+ community and increase state officials’ understanding of the community’s demographics and geographic distribution.
In contrast to some other states’ proposed policies and changes that aren’t beneficial for queer and trans people, “The government of Washington is actively trying to make this state a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people,” said lead researcher and Washington State University Murrow College of Communication Assistant Professor, Dr. Traci Gillig.
The survey team will be actively working to connect with as many queer and trans people in Washington as possible, especially Two-Spirit Washingtonians, undocumented and justice impacted LGBTQ+ residents, as well as people who live in rural areas.
The all queer and trans study team includes lead principal researcher Dr. Gillig, our own Veronica S. Smith, and Dr. Crystallee Crain from Prevention at the Intersections, as co-principal researchers as well as several WSU graduate students and two Sankofa Consulting resource associates.
In addition to in-person activities, all things about the survey can be found on social media @walgbtqsurvey. If you or someone you know are a 2SLGBTQIA+ person living in Washington or a Washington state resident, please complete the survey. This is a chance to raise your voice for your future and co-create a Washington for us all!
May Resource Highlight
Pick a Resource (or two)
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), a global organization that strives to end discrimination against 2SLGBTQIA+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all, officially declared a state of emergency for queer and trans people in the United States for the first time following an unprecedented and dangerous spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislative assaults sweeping state houses this year.
More than 75 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been signed into law this year alone, more than doubling last year’s number, which was previously the worst year on record. Queer and trans communities are in danger across the country.
Despite this daunting situation, do not give up hope. According to recent polling, 64% of likely voters believe there is too much legislation designed to limit the rights of LGBTQ+ people in America. In contrast to how many states are banning gender-affirming healthcare, 54% oppose these bans and this extreme government interference. 58% oppose laws that would restrict drag shows. And 60% of voting Americans believe middle school libraries should include materials related to gender identity and sexual orientation.
As LGBTQ+ people and allies, we have a responsibility to fight for EVERYONE in our movement. Now is the time to get loud, get visible, and spread awareness on behalf of transgender and non-binary people. There is no time like Pride season to take action to support queer and trans folx in your community. Here are some resources to help you be loud and proud and protect human rights.
There is a dizzying array of anti-LGBTQ+ laws on the books today. The chart in this action guide details some of the most significant laws impacting LGBTQ+ people across the country. To learn more, HRC details specific laws across all 50 states at State Scorecards - Human Rights Campaign. Be sure to use tools like this to learn more about the laws in your state, in states you’re visiting and in states you or a young person in your family may decide to go to school.
Bernadette Smith is an author, keynote speaker, and DEIB consultant who is a spark plug of energy and ideas. Her 5 Things in 15 Minutes podcast started a couple of years ago when she decided to begin sharing what she considered to be "good vibes" in a weekly newsletter to provide a little bit of hope to herself and others. It caught on quickly and now thousands of leaders around the world receive the 5 Things newsletter and share them with their organizations, families, and friends.
Each week Bernadette visits with a special guest and discusses these 5 Things in just 15 Minutes, starting your week off with Good Vibes in DEI. Subscribe here to 5 Things for Good vibes that will keep you fighting the good fight to liberate all.
Happy Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Check out these documentaries and programs that celebrate and center Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander experiences.
Book Spotlight
A Different Kind of Summer Read
A Book Riot "Favorite Summer Read of 2020"
As a botanist, author Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowledge together to take us on "a journey that is every bit as mythic as it is scientific, as sacred as it is historical, as clever as it is wise" (Elizabeth Gilbert).
Drawing on her life as an indigenous scientist, and as a woman, Kimmerer shows how other living beings--asters and goldenrod, strawberries and squash, salamanders, algae, and sweetgrass--offer us gifts and lessons, even if we've forgotten how to hear their voices. The story she weaves is one that reminds us that being environmentally conscious requires that we acknowledge and celebrate our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. She reminds us that when we can hear the languages of other beings, we are capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learn to give our own gifts in return.
#SelfCareCorner
Summer is coming!
Here are some great tips for the long days and warmth of summer. Feel your best in the coming months by following these simple tips:
Choose in-season fruits and vegetables
Travel healthy
Tone up with this easy strength training routine.
Do it two times every week.
What’s new @data2insight?
Jennifer Rosales has been an integral part of data2insight for five years, excelling in various roles before assuming the Finance Lead position, which she has held for the past four years. In addition to her work at data2insight, Jennifer has been instrumental at Fairfax County in Virginia, most recently as a Financial Reporting Manager overseeing the County's external financial audit and annual report. Now, Jennifer is gearing up for a new challenge at the County's Department of Transportation, where she will focus on capital projects, budgeting, and grant funding development. Despite this transition, Jennifer remains committed to supporting data2insight in her role as Finance Lead, and she is thrilled about the opportunities ahead in her evolving career.
