Yesterday, Attorney General Sessions and the Trump Administration rolled back workplace protections for our transgender friends, family, and neighbors—arguing that the part of our civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex no longer encompasses gender identity. While we suspected this administration would continue to take away protections for our community,
Changing Medical Education: Competent and Compassionate Health Care
“I have been called ‘it’ and wounded by people’s words more often than I care to count,” recalls Dr. Peek Ehlinger, an openly transgender resident in the Alaska Family Residency Program. Throughout their four years of medical school in Minnesota and first year of residency in Alaska, Peek experienced many disheartening moments—as a student, as
A Family’s Turn at Freedom in an Unsettling Time
Johnny* and his parents are migrant workers in rural Southeastern Idaho. As a 19-year-old undocumented Latino gay man, Johnny and his family long dreamt of the day when they would become U.S. citizens. For years, Johnny and his family tried repeatedly to earn their citizenship, but with no success. Even though the uncertainty of having
A Community Approach to Ending Youth Homelessness
Doctors looked Alex in the eyes and explained that depression and anxiety were just passing phases. Teachers dismissed Alex as an overly emotional teen. Even a desperate suicide note to Alex’s high school English teacher was chalked up as insincere dramatics. “I felt like I was crying for help my whole life,” said Alex, who
This Is Not About Buying Cake
These times require unprecedented vigilance. Amidst natural disasters and young immigrants being targeted, the news from last week was hard to keep up with. But in addition to all of that, I wanted to make sure you heard about a significant incident that could have a profound impact on our community. Last week, Attorney General Jeff
Denying the American Dream to 800,000
Waking up to ashes from forest fires covering the kitchen table this morning was like an ominous metaphor for a world that feels like it is burning down around us. This morning, the Trump administration rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, removing legal protections for 800,000 young people who registered their information
An Unprecedented Solution: A Scholar’s Approach to Fighting HIV/AIDS
It’s difficult to imagine that not long ago in our history, living with HIV or AIDS was essentially a death sentence. The stigma attached to the disease created fear that made even researching a cure taboo. Once called GRID—gay-related immune deficiency—AIDS tore families apart. It was common to hear stories about people living with HIV
The Power of LGBTQ Educators: Milk and Mr. C
In 1978, a conservative California Senator by the name of John Briggs began one of the most homophobic legislative efforts in state history. He sought to ban the hiring of all LGBTQ teachers in California’s public school system. The initiative, however, sparked the flame of an indomitable gay civil rights activist—Harvey Milk. In the wake
We Will Not Be Erased: The Importance of Rural Pride Celebrations
“Thank you. It’s just that my son has been really ‘stuck’ since last year, and we didn’t know where to go or who to talk to.” Her words rang through my mind and connected with all the times I had heard this sentiment before. I stifled a sigh and remembered my dedication to this work.
Transgender People Are Not A Burden
“Today, I have the feeling of being an unappreciated outlander in the country where I served six exemplary years in the Idaho Army National Guard from 1968 to 1974. I was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant—and all the while living in the recesses of a deep, dark closet in order to protect the