We have had an inspiring scholarship cycle this year—supporting many worthy, passionate, and amazing scholars that are making a difference in our community throughout the region. I am always in awe at the dedication and determination of these emerging leaders. One of these leaders and scholarship recipients is Ruben Zecena. Originally born in El Salvador,
Chris* was 14 years old when he mustered up the courage to ask his father a question that had been keeping him awake at night. Chris’ life was forever changed by his simple question—“Do you think it’s normal that I think about boys rather than girls?” The man he looked up to his whole young
Achieving marriage equality in Oregon has been a winding road with many unforeseen turns over the past year—which unexpectedly led us away from taking the fight to the ballot box in November. In May, U.S. District Judge Michael McShane’s ruling brought the freedom to marry to Oregon and thousands of couples have already gotten married.
Carver, a former Pride Foundation Scholar and an invaluable member of Spokane’s Leadership Action Team, went through many difficult years as a queer youth. After growing up in an abusive household and then being placed in the foster care system, Carver became homeless at the age of sixteen. Working three jobs to get through high
When I joined Pride Foundation as a regional organizer, I knew there would be some tough days working on issues related to LGBTQ equality, especially living in Idaho. I’ve discovered, though, that when you really believe in something, it is easier to put those few difficult days behind you and celebrate the victories – particularly
Earlier today, Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler made an announcement clarifying that health insurance policies sold in Washington State cannot discriminate against transgender individuals. This makes Washington the seventh state to issue a guidance letter or regulation, clarifying that health insurers in their state cannot discriminate based on gender identity. For Henry Waymack, a
Tami Lubitsh, a 2014 Pride Foundation Scholar living in Alaska, has always been acutely aware of the suffering of other people. It is this awareness that eventually led her to become a psychologist and, despite being diagnosed with breast cancer in the spring of 2013, seek her doctorate in psychology from Alaska Pacific University. With
On June 2nd, The Bozeman City Commission passed a fully inclusive non-discrimination ordinance. The passage of this important policy comes after years of organizing and working with City Commissioners. The non-discrimination ordinance (NDO) will protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. These legal rights are critical for
I’m pleased to share with you the newest edition of Pride Foundation’s eNewsletter, which includes an updated look and feel. We’ve improved our newsletter design in order to match the way supporters like you keep informed about the world around you—on phones, on tablets, and on the go. This new look is only partly about
From its inception, Pride Foundation’s Scholarship Program has been about supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ), and ally students in achieving their full potential. That dream has guided our program for the past 21 years and remains a critical component of why we do this work today. In the words of Pride Foundation Scholar