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June 09, 2017 | Deeds Digest No. 55
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Hello #ChangeMakers!
It's Friday of Gay Pride March weekend and I hope you are preparing to glitter-up even as we speak! As an elected official, I always adored this weekend. It is a time to come together in community and with PRIDE to declare our full selves, loud and proud, regardless of our sexuality or orientation.
It's a time to center ourselves around battles currently underway - like the recent call for a legislative special session by our Texas Governor which includes a directive to once again take up and pass a hateful anti-trans bathroom bill. It's a time to reflect upon the lives that have been lost in the LGBTQ community - from Stonewall to Orlando. And it's a time to celebrate how far we've come as a society that is (bathroom ordinances notwithstanding) finally recognizing and respecting our share humanity, regardless of differences.
I grew up at a time when it was still absolutely ok to vilify people who were LGBTQ. And I've had the privilege of watching an evolution of perspectives on LGBTQ equality. From working to help pass an anti-discrimination ordinance in Fort Worth when I was on the city council, to the passage of anti-bullying law while in the Texas Senate, I have had the benefit of working alongside champions who have paved the way for greater and greater equality.
Yes, there are still tremendous challenges ahead. But, at least for this weekend, let's take a moment to celebrate how far we have come. And to recognize that we did so because of #Changemakers like you! Man, oh man, do I love you! Read this week's Digest, work on the "Do's" and then, get ready to celebrate all that you've made possible!
Much love,
-wendy
P.S. Glitter is an integral part of celebrating Pride, so who couldn't use some extra bling for the big parade? When you purchase a bracelet from Akola Project, your dollars support the construction of the first women's fistula hospital in Uganda. Now that's something to be proud of! Learn more about obstetric fistula, then buy a bracelet, build a hospital, wear it for her.
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This week’s #ChangeMakers: Cameron Esposito and Rhea Butcher
Know a hero making a difference in their community? Send us a picture of someone you’d like to see as #ChangeMaker of the week and share their story. You might just see it in the next Deeds Digest.
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Happy Pride Month! While this is the first time in years that the White House isn't recognizing Pride, we're here to confirm why Pride is so important. "Considering there's only been 47 years of Pride in American history, when LGBTQ people have certainly existed since the country was created 241 years ago, every part of our existence is something to be proud of."
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PBS has created a compilation of the best Pride-related series, documentaries, and short films. Celebrate Pride Month by learning more about what it's like to be LGBTQ+ in the US and around the world. Highly recommended for binge-watchers! ;)
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Since it's Pride Month, why not do something fun with your hair, nails, or makeup? Show your Pride from head to toe and be a walking-rainbow! You can get some inspiration from these Instagrammers.
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There's a new film adaptation of Wonder Woman and it's giving us life! Wonder Woman has reigned as a symbol of women's empowerment since the 1940s, but like any great woman's path to success, the road wasn't always smooth. Born into a world of critics (her comic book was banned when it first came out!), Wonder Woman still faces her fare share of misogyny today, with hoards of men taking their anger to the internet over women's only screenings of the new movie. Luckily, male allies like our Austin Mayor Steve Adler have shut down the haters by publicly responding to sexist rantings — a hero for our #shero!
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Remember when we showcased Susan Fowler, a former UBER employee who took her story public after the company's HR and higher management didn't take her harassment allegations seriously? Well, justice has been served! As a result of her tenacity, the company began an investigation over staff incidents and ultimately fired more than 20 employees, including senior executives, to address this issue within its culture! Keep pushing, #ChangeMakers — your DEEDS do matter and you are changing the world - one deed at a time! |
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Thirteen years ago, Laura Dunn was sexually assaulted in college. What did she do? She became an attorney to defend others in her shoes. By the time they graduate college, 1/5 to 1/4 of women are sexually assaulted. Laura has dedicated her career to fight this issue through her organization SurvJustice, and even helped the Obama administration write a Federal directive aimed at supporting sexual assault survivors. Watch her speak out for survivors like her — it's sure to inspire!
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We're so PROUD of one of our favorite actresses, Evan Rachel Wood, simply for being herself. Sharing her experience of growing up bisexual at a Human Rights Campaign event, she spoke about the importance of being your most authentic self and using your voice to help others do the same.
"To be nobody but yourself in a world that is doing its best to make you somebody else is to fight the hardest battle you are ever going to fight... Never stop fighting." We won't, Evan. We won't!
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As the Dept. of Justice seeks to wage a new “War on Drugs,” low-income women and their children are paying the highest price. The number of female inmates has increased by 646%, about double the rate for men. Suspicious? Yes. Fair? No. Read up on why female partners of dealers are losing an unfair battle.
In an interview with National Geographic, environmentalist Paul Gawken discusses Drawdown, a new comprehensive plan that includes 100 practical ways to fight climate change. The plan includes some solutions you probably already know about, like eating less meat and using renewable energy. But did you know that empowering WOMEN AND GIRLS is the number one way to mitigate climate change??? Spread the word!
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Want to support or become more involved in the LGBTQ+ community but don't know where to start?
We got you covered...
In Person:
- Attend a Pride Parade this weekend or any Pride event in your community. Find a parade near you here. There are a few major ones this weekend:
No transportation? No problem! Here's how you can show up from your sofa:
From Home:
- Call your senator and urge them to vote NO on the American Health Care Act, because health care is an equality issue. Under the current ACA, LGBTQ Americans don't face discrimination for "pre-existing conditions" including their gender or sexual orientation — if it ain't broke, don't "fix" (destroy) it!
And whether or not you can make it to a march: throw on some glitter, dance and celebrate equality for ALL!!!!!
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