Doann Houghton-Alico

For Intelligent, Inquisitive People

Supporting Vulnerable Groups: LGBTQ

The One Colorado Education Fund’s mission is to secure protections and opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families. Through the Education Fund, they provide educational programming on LGBTQ issues, conduct research to understand public opinion, mobilize a community of LGBTQ people and straight allies, and develop campaigns to build public support for fairness and equality.

Their work includes protection from discrimination in places of employment, public accommodations, and housing; ensuring that every student in Colorado has a right to a safe and inclusive school that allows them to fully participate in all activities; and focusing on access and affordability of healthcare for LGBTQ Coloradans so they can get the services they need to live healthy lives.

There has been a high incidence of hate incidents (not all are categorized as hate crimes) after the election. From November 9 through December 12, the Southern Poverty Law Center reported the following: “anti-immigrant incidents (315) remain the most reported, followed by anti-black (221), anti-Muslim (112), and anti-LGBT (109).” About 37 percent have used the president-elect’s name, campaign slogans, or specific quotes as the “legitimacy” for the perpetrator’s action. Within that percentage the majority are anti-women. 

One Colorado is my fifth organization to contribute to as part of my way of dealing with the aftermath of this election. If considering donating: http://www.one-colorado.org/donate/

Here are the other organizations to date:

Planned Parenthood: to support women’s rights to their own bodies and health.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR): “to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.” Quoted from their mission statement.

350.org: to fight for climate safety. “To preserve a livable planet, scientists tell us we must reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere from its current level of 400 parts per million to below 350 ppm.” Quote from their website, and thus the 350 name.

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC): “to fight hate and bigotry and to seek justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. Using litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy the SPLC works toward the day when the ideals of equal justice and equal opportunity will be a reality.”

 

 

 

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