WATCH: President Obama Announces Stonewall National Monument

Yesterday, the White House released a video and press release announcing the Stonewall National Monument. From the press release:

Today, President Obama will designate a new national monument at the historic site of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City to honor the broad movement for LGBT equality. The new Stonewall National Monument will protect the area where, on June 28, 1969, a community’s uprising in response to a police raid sparked the modern LGBT civil rights movement in the United States.

The designation will create the first official National Park Service unit dedicated to telling the story of LGBT Americans, just days before the one year anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision guaranteeing marriage equality in all 50 states. Additionally, in celebration of the designation and New York City’s Pride festival, the White House, in coordination with the National Park Foundation and the Outdoor Advertising Association of America, is releasing a video that will be played on the billboards in Times Square on Saturday, June 25, beginning at 12:00pm ET.

The new Stonewall National Monument will permanently protect Christopher Park, a historic community park at the intersection of Christopher Street, West 4th Street and Grove Street directly across from the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. The monument’s boundary encompasses approximately 7.7 acres of land, including Christopher Park, the Stonewall Inn, and the surrounding streets and sidewalks that were the site of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising.

Today’s designation follows years of strong support from local officials, organizations, members of Congress and citizens in New York City and across the country, as demonstrated recently at a public meeting held in New York City in May. The National Park Foundation is also today announcing that it will support the establishment of a local Friends Group to support the monument and that it will work with local and national organizations and the community to raise funding for dedicated National Park Service personnel, a temporary ranger station and visitor center, research and materials, exhibits, community outreach, and public education.

Put Stonewall on your must-visit places the next time you’re in New York!

Through June 30, Proudly Yours is donating 50% of card sales to victims of the Orlando tragedy. Buy them here!

Rainbow Flag Flies at Houses of Parliament for First Time

On Tuesday, the rainbow flag flew high above the UK’s Houses of Parliament for the very first time in celebration for London’s upcoming Pride weekend. Per Pink News David Geary, Head of Political Engagement for Pride in London, said:

“It was in the Houses of Parliament that homosexuality was decriminalised, equal consent laws were introduced, the bigoted Section 28 was repealed, where civil partnership and ultimately equal marriage were adopted. This powerful institution, right at the heart of British democracy has become a powerful tool for equality in recent times.The rainbow flag flying above serves as a testament to this legacy and a reflection of how far we have come as a community – with more LGBT+ politicians than any other country in the world.”

The flag was gifted to Parliament from LGBT group ParliOUT and will fly through June 26. ParliOut will also be marching in the Pride Parade this weekend. Some 75+ Parliamentary staff members have signed up to march in the parade. They will be wearing Houses of Parliament t-shirts along with white roses in memory Member of Parliament Jo Cox, who was killed earlier this month. Rob Truelove and Jenny Radcliffe, Co-Chairs of ParliOUT said: “On behalf of all ParliOUT members, we would like to thank Mr Speaker and the Lord Speaker for their full support, as well as all ParliOUT members who generously donated money to buy the LGBT+ rainbow flag as a gift to Parliament. While we recognise that there is still more to do, this is a very positive symbol of how far we have come in becoming a more inclusive workplace.”

Utah GOPer Spencer Cox Apologizes to LGBT Community

images Utah’s Republican lieutenant governor Spencer Cox might have been the last person anyone expected to speak at a vigil for victims of the Orlando shooting. But he did just that on Monday and even apologized for his past behavior. Cox acknowledged that as a straight white, Republican man he was not the most obvious choice to speak at the vigil. But he said he was incredibly moved and felt the need to apologize. Here’s a portion of his speech courtesy of KSL.com

I grew up in a small town and went to a small rural high school. There were some kids in my class that were different. Sometimes I wasn’t kind to them. I didn’t know it at the time, but I know now that they were gay. I will forever regret not treating them with the kindness, dignity and respect — the love — that they deserved. For that, I sincerely and humbly apologize.

Over the intervening years, my heart has changed. It has changed because of you. It has changed because I have gotten to know many of you. You have been patient with me. You helped me learn the right letters of the alphabet in the right order even though you keep adding new ones. You have been kind to me. Jim Dabakis even told me I dressed nice once, even though I know he was lying. You have treated me with the kindness, dignity, and respect — the love — that I very often did NOT deserve. And it has made me love you.

Now, you know a little something about hate. And you know a little something about persecution. But you also know something about loving, blessing and doing good. What our country needs more than ever is less politics and more kindness. If nothing else, as we can see here tonight, this tragedy has the potential to bring us closer than ever before.

And so may we leave today, with a resolve to be a little kinder. May we try to listen more and talk less. May we forgive someone that has wronged us. And perhaps, most importantly, try to love someone that is different than us. For my straight friends, might I suggest starting with someone who is gay.

To watch a video of Cox’s full speech go here. To buy a Proudly Yours Card to help relief efforts in Orlando, go here!

Buy a Card, Help Orlando Shooting Victims

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Now thru June 30, Proudly Yours will give 50% of the proceeds from all online card sales to Equality Florida to help victims of the Orlando shooting. According to the GoFundMe page,

“We are beyond moved by the support from all corners of the world and all walks of life. From average Americans, large corporations, celebrities, musicians, artists, and political figures, over 65,000 donations have been made towards Equality Florida’s Pulse Victim Fund, totaling to $2.8 million dollars. We do not know the total costs for the victims of this horrific hate crime, therefore are working to raise as much as possible and disperse the funds as fast as possible.”

Proudly Yours wants to help too. By donating a portion of our online card sales, everybody wins. This way, you get a beautiful greeting card guaranteed to make someone feel better and you get to feel good to helping out in a time of need. Sounds pretty terrific, right? All of our greeting cards feature gorgeous black and white photography with the perfect quote about love on the inside. Our cards are perfect for summer weddings, engagements or anniversaries. Or maybe just pick up a card to tell someone you love that you’re thinking of them and who doesn’t need that right now? From counselling and travel assistance for the victims loved ones to legal services and memorials, Equality Florida has hopped into action to help the LGBTQ community in the wake of this staggering tragedy. So let’s help them do all they can. All of our cards can be bought online here & here! And do it before June 30th.

3 Ways to Help Orlando Shooting Victims

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There has never been a tragedy to hit the LGBTQ community like Sunday’s shooting in Orlando, FL. The worst mass shooting in American history, many are left feeling heartbroken and hopeless. We here at Proudly Yours are as sad and bewildered as everyone else and the healing process certainly won’t happen overnight. President Obama said in his address on Sunday morning,“In the face of hate and violence, we will love one another,” rather than giving in to fear, “we will stand united, as Americans, to protect our people, and defend our nation, and to take action against those who threaten us.” He also said that “to actively do nothing is a decision, as well.” Instead of feeling hopeless and doing nothing, we came up with a list of three easy things every person can do to help.

1.) Donate Set up by Equality Florida on Sunday morning, a GoFundMe page for the victims of the attack has already raised over $1 million. But Florida needs so much more. According to the page, “Equality Florida is collecting contributions via this GoFundMe page to support the victims of the horrific shooting at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub. Regarding distribution of funds, we are working with a team of attorneys and experts, including the National Center for Victims of Crime, which deployed funds in both Chattanooga and Aurora, to ensure funds are distributed correctly.” Anything will help and it’s something you can do from your laptop.

2.) Call Fed with up local and national gun laws? Let your mayor, congressperson and senator know. It’s their job to listen to unhappy voters, so put them to work! Here’s a great website with contact information of state, local and federal politicians.

3.) Vote The most powerful way to change LGBTQ laws, fight hateful legislation and help change gun laws is voting. Get educated by reading sites like On the Issues and vote for local officials as well as president this November.

American Apparrel Wants To Make America Gay Again

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Clothing company American Apparel has joined forces with Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and The Ally Coalition to launch “Make America Gay Again” in support of LGBT equality. According to Towleroad, “The campaign will also include video content and in-store events. A “Make America Gay Again” mixtape, curated by musician Jack Antonoff and inspired by songs that stand for equality, will be available on Pandora.com June 14. Thirty percent of sales will be donated in support of the Equality Act and the fight to end LGBTQ discrimination.”

Via PR Newswire, Antonoff, who co-founded The Ally Coalition with his sister, fashion designer Rachel Antonoff, said:

“Rachel and I founded The Ally Coalition to inspire fans to take action for LGBTQ Equality. During a year where LGBTQ rights are being threatened all over the states, everyone is responsible for coming together and challenging these injustices. I’m proud that The Ally Coalition is joining with American Apparel and The Human Rights Campaign to #MakeAmericaGayAgain.”

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Human Rights Campaign Vice President of Communication and Marketing Olivia Alair Dalton said, “Today, LGBTQ people remain at risk of being fired, evicted or denied services in a majority of states simply because of who they are. That’s why we are fighting to pass the Equality Act – legislation that will protect LGBTQ people under our federal civil rights laws. We are excited about our partnership with the Ally Coalition and American Apparel, which empowers people to subvert the politics of hate and division by creatively speaking out for the equal rights and dignity of LGBTQ people.”

Watch both the videos here and buy your own ‘Make America Gay Again’ t-shirt here!

The White House Proclaims June LGBT Pride Month

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It’s that time of year–Pride Month! And even the White House says so. In his annual proclamation, President Barack Obama declared June 2016 LGBT Pride month. “NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2016 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people,” the president wrote in an official White House Proclamation. In this proclamation, the president spoke passionately about his administration’s commitment to LGBT rights.

Despite the extraordinary progress of the past few years, LGBT Americans still face discrimination simply for being who they are. I signed an Executive Order in 2014 that prohibits discrimination against Federal employees and contractors on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. I urge the Congress to enact legislation that builds upon the progress we have made, because no one should live in fear of losing their job simply because of who they are or who they love. And our commitment to combatting discrimination against the LGBT community does not stop at our borders: Advancing the fair treatment of all people has long been a cornerstone of American diplomacy, and we have made defending and promoting the human rights of LGBT individuals a priority in our engagement across the globe. In line with America’s commitment to the notion that all people should be treated fairly and with respect, champions of this cause at home and abroad are upholding the simple truth that LGBT rights are human rights.

There remains much work to do to extend the promise of our country to every American, but because of the acts of courage of the millions who came out and spoke out to demand justice and of those who quietly toiled and pushed for progress, our Nation has made great strides in recognizing what these brave individuals long knew to be true in their hearts — that love is love and that no person should be judged by anything but the content of their character. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, as Americans wave their flags of pride high and march boldly forward in parades and demonstrations, let us celebrate how far we have come and reaffirm our steadfast belief in the equal dignity of all Americans.

Read the entire proclamation here.

And Happy Pride Month!

Peruvians March For Marriage Equality

peru story The global fight for marriage equality continues. Political activism is alive and well in Peru and over the weekend thousands of LGBT activists took the streets of Lima. The protest was organized to help shine a light on the country’s backward LGBT policies. More per On Top Magazine:

Thousands of people marched through the streets of Lima – the capital and largest city of Peru – for LGBT rights on Saturday.

Marchers carrying rainbow flags and posters called for marriage equality. Organizers said that they wanted to send a message to Peru’s next president.

“We want to push for full rights on recognition, marriage equality, gender laws and hate crime laws,” Gabriela Zavaleta, a spokesperson for Matrimonio Igualitario Peru, told reporters at the march.

Out lawmaker Carlos Bruce told demonstrators that those opposed to homosexuality don’t have to sleep with a gay man or lesbian “but they cannot discriminate, cannot reject humans.”

Currently, Peru does not recognize the relationships of gay couples. Gay couples can marry in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay and parts of Mexico.

Salt Lake City Puts Harvey Milk Blvd on the Map

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Despite being one of the most conservative states in the union, Utah,and in particular Salt Lake City, has made some pretty huge strides for the LGBT community. Just last year, Salt Lake welcome its first openly gay mayor, Jackie Biskupski and a 2015 Gallup polled deemed it the seventh gayest city in the U.S. The progress continued last week when the city christened a city street, Harvey Milk Blvd. Named after the legendary gay rights activist Harvey Milk, the street is part of what the town’s 900 South Street. The Salt Lake City Council recently voted unanimously to rename 900 South after Milk, who was one of the country’s first openly gay elected officials until his assassination in 1978. Mayor Biskupski, who was photographed hanging a new street sign last week said, ““I am where I am because of people like Harvey.” A massive celebration took place last weekend to celebrate Harvey Milk Blvd in Salt Lake City’s 9th District. “Harvey is an icon to the LGBTQ community. He taught us to come out of the closets and into the streets,” LGBT activist and Utah resident Jeanetta Williams told City Weekly in an email. “We know that Harvey Milk Boulevard on a prominent downtown street will be a beacon of hope to LGBTQ youth, as well as any marginalized teen. Over time, we hope Harvey will become a hero to all Utahns.”

Senate Confirms Eric Fanning, First Openly Gay Leader Of Military Service

fanning On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed the nomination of Eric Fanning for the position of Army secretary. This historic move makes Fanning the first openly gay leader of the military service. President Obama nominated Fanning for the position nearly 8 months ago. The Associated Press reports,

“The voice vote approval Tuesday came after Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., dropped his opposition to Fanning after a senior Pentagon official told him that no detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, would be sent to the Army prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, or other facilities in the United States.”

Prior to Army secretary, Fanning held numerous military positions during the Obama administration including special assistant to Secretary Defense Ash Carter, acting secretary of the Air Force and deputy undersecretary of the Navy. When he nominated Fanning, Obama said,”Eric brings many years of proven experience and exceptional leadership to this new role. I am grateful for his commitment to our men and women in uniform, and I am confident he will help lead America’s Soldiers with distinction. I look forward to working with Eric to keep our Army the very best in the world.” NPR reported on Fanning’s experience working for the Pentagon as an openly gay man.

“In a Defense Department statement in July, Fanning said he came out as gay in 1993 and talked about how attitudes at the DOD have changed in recent decades.
” ‘There is a much larger community out there that is looking for opportunities to show its support of us — that’s certainly been my experience as I’ve come out in my professional network, and it’s picking up steam,’ Fanning said. ‘It’s gone from tolerance to acceptance to embrace.’
“The nomination is the latest in a series of policy changes and appointments the Obama administration has made that advance the rights of LGBT people in the government. In addition to extending federal benefits to same-sex couples and repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell,” which allowed gays to serve openly in the military, last month, Obama announced the hiring of the first openly transgender White House staffer.”