Apply now for the Pat Carterette Professional Development Grant

Via press release There is nothing like attending a library conference or workshop to spark new interest, excitement and motivation in a library employee. That’s why Pat Carterette, a former staff development specialist, was always in the forefront of encouraging people to sign up, go…learn something new! In her memory and to help further that […]

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In Memoriam: Sandra Moran

By John Mack Freeman (thanks to Nel Ward for the tip!) Sandra Moran, teacher and author of Letters Never Sent, Nudge, and All We Lack, passed away this week. Via Lambda Literary: A native Kansan, Sandra Moran was born on December 20, 1968. Her varied employment history spoke to her sense of intellectual adventure. She worked as a political speechwriter, […]

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Governor Cuomo adds transgender protections in New York through executive action

By John Mack Freeman Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York said that he will use executive action to provide protections for transgender people in speech given last week. Via New York Times: The governor, addressing the crowd at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, said he would direct the State Division of Human Rights […]

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France to change ban on gay men giving blood

By John Mack Freeman France is changing its ban on blood donations by men who have sex with men (MSM). Previously, France had a lifetime ban in place for all MSM. Now, France has changed its rules to come in line with recent changes by many other Western countries, allowing blood donation by MSM as long […]

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Facebook to soften “real name” policy

By John Mack Freeman Social media giant Facebook will soften its policy requiring users to use their real, legal name on the site. Instead, users will be instructed to use their “authentic” name, or the name that their communities best know them as. Users reported for using a false name will be given more of […]

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Houston equal rights law defeated by wide margin

By John Mack Freeman The Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (widely referred to as HERO) was rejected by a referendum vote, with nearly 61 percent of voters rejecting the measure. Via Wall Street Journal: Known as the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, or HERO, the measure would have banned discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race […]

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Colombian court extends adoption rights to same-sex couples

By John Mack Freeman A court in Colombia has ruled that same-sex couples in that country can legally adopt children. The Colombian Constitutional Court ruled 6-2 in favor of the plaintiffs who were seeking adoption rights for GLB people. Via Washington Blade: The Colombian Constitutional Court in February ruled gays and lesbians can adopt a […]

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Mormon Church change blocks children of same-sex parents from baptism

By John Mack Freeman This past Thursday, the Mormon Church made a change to its practices that blocks all children of same-sex parents from receiving baptism in the church. The Mormon Church has long been opposed to same-sex marriage, and it was principal backer of several initiatives that sought to block same-sex unions in several […]

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Ukraine to lose EU travel agreement by reject GLBT rights law

By John Mack Freeman The Ukraine may lose an agreement with the European Union that would allow its citizens visa-free travel within member nations because of the Ukraine’s rejection of a law that would have banned GLBT discrimination. This is widely seen as yet another battleground over the Ukraine’s divided population that has one faction […]

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Movie Deadpool to be Pansexual

By Ashley R. Lierman In an interview with Collider this week, director Tim Miller and actor Ryan Reynolds of the upcoming Deadpool movie confirmed that Deadpool as represented in the movie will be pansexual. “Pansexual! I want that quoted. Pansexual Deadpool,” Miller said – and he has definitely gotten his wish, as the news has […]

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