The 2013 legislative session has held few bright spots for members of Montana’s LGBTQ community and our allies. That could change on Friday, March 15, when the House Judiciary Committee takes up a Senate Bill 107 sponsored by Senator Tom Facey (D-Missoula) that would revise the state’s unconstitutional deviate sexual conduct codes to decriminalize being
Philanthropist and community leader Tim Sweeney generously helped raise funds for Pride Foundation during Executive Director Kris Hermanns recent visit to Billings, issuing a challenge gift of $1000. The house party he co-headlined was packed with more than 60 people and raised over $3,000 to support Pride Foundation’s work in Montana. I know not everyone
Please enjoy thoughtfully, get fired up by, and/or giggle while reading this week’s pieces from Pride Foundation staff’s recommended reading. Transgender Inclusions in Schools We are thrilled that the Massachusetts Department of Education is making progress toward more inclusive and safe schools for transgender and gender non-conforming students by issuing this new directive. This article
Bobbie Zenker is one of my favorite people on the planet. She’s also a tremendous storyteller, courageous activist, and warm-hearted volunteer for Pride Foundation’s Leadership Action Team here in Montana. Best of all, she’s coming to read her powerful new book, “TransMontana” in Mount Vernon and Everett, Washington, so more of the Pride Foundation family
Oregon celebrated Valentine’s Day in a BIG way this year. Thousands of Oregonians gathered at events across the state to declare their love and to pledge their support to win the freedom to marry for committed same-sex couples. With the newly formed Oregon United for Marriage leading the charge, one thousand signatures were collected, which
For anyone with a question to ask, a concern to air, or a story to share related to LGBTQ equality in Idaho, Jess McCafferty wants to hear from you. Jess is the first LGBT Fellow for the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho, which marks its 20th year this year. The 26-year-old assumed her position
With a population of more than 100,000, Billings is a good political litmus test for the entirety of Montana, which is why it is so crucial in the struggle for LGBTQ equality in our state. “There is a saying in Montana politics: ‘As Billings goes, so goes Montana,’ explains Aaron Browning, a Montana Leadership Action
What life experiences and defining moments influence your choices and how you choose to give or “show up” in the world? This was the question that kicked off this year’s annual Professional Development Fund gathering organized last month by Emerging Professionals in Philanthropy (EPIP). EPIP is a national network of foundation professionals and social entrepreneurs
As Pride Foundation’s Scholarship Program gets ready to celebrate its 20th Anniversary, we are calling on all scholars to join our alumni group. More than 900 individual scholars have received a Pride Foundation scholarship since the program was founded twenty years ago. Thanks to our scholars, donors, and volunteers, Pride Foundation has become one of
A bill to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people under Alaskan state law was introduced in February by House Minority Leader Beth Kerttula, D-Juneau. Right now, LGBT people in Alaska can be fired from work and refused employment or housing simply for being themselves. Adding “sexual orientation, gender identity or expression” to the list