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NY proposes to end exclusion on Medicaid coverage for transgender-related healthcare
New York State has proposed a new regulation that would remove an exclusion on coverage for transgender-related healthcare under Medicaid. GLAAD has been working with the Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP), the Audre Lorde Project, and many other community organizations over the past year brining greater attention to New York Medicaid's transgender-specific exclusion, and calling for change. Last year, GLAAD and the SRLP launched a campaign and released a series of educational PSA videos featuring transgender advocates, allies, and healthcare providers discussing popular misconceptions about transgender care, and how this population is being prevented from accessing adequate care just because they are transgender. GLAAD and SRLP also shared infographics and flowcharts explaining how coverage for transgender-related healthcare under Medicaid would greatly improve the lives of many transgender people. This new regulation allows the transgender community to be treated equally after years of not receiving the proper coverage. Read more here.
Rashad Robinson on the racial justice and LGBT movements
GLAAD's Video and News Strategist, Claire Pires, interviewed Rashad Robinson, executive director of ColorOfChange.org, a non-profit organization that aims to strengthen the political voice of the African American community. Pires interviewed Robinson for GLAAD's video series, GLAAD: All Access, which features interviews with newsmakers, hit-makers, and people making a difference. The focus of the video was how the racial justice and LGBT movements can come together in solidarity especially considering the recent protests of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO. and Eric Garner in Staten Island, NY. As an openly gay African American man, Robinson sits at the intersection of both movements and had tangible solutions to instigate equality and peace in both communities. "These are not separate communities. So for LGBT folks who may not be African American who want to get involved, my push is to follow the lead of black LGBT people," Robinson said. The interview emphasized the need for the racial justice and LGBT communities to come together and help each other achieve equal rights. Watch the interview here.
Moving video of Australian couples reading messages of love
#5DaysOfEqualty, GLAAD's campaign to recognize 31 Australian couples who were married one year ago, who then had their marriages revoked, wrapped up with an outpouring of messages of love and support from around the world. Posters and participants included George Takei, Jennifer Knapp, Omar Sharif Jr., and GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis. And because the one year anniversary is the "paper anniversary," these tweets and posts were made into custom-made cards donated by Smudge Ink. The cards were shared with the couples at a party in Canberra, Australia. It was an anniversary party that celebrated their love, and shared these messages of support from around the world. Watch the video here.
Tiq Milan shines on MSNBC's new digital show
GLAAD's Senior Strategist, Tiq Milan, was a guest for the segment "20 minutes can change minds on gay marriage" on MSNBC's new digital show, Out There, hosted by Thomas Roberts, to discuss LGBT issues alongside former New York mayoral candidate Christine Quinn and teacher Nicholas Ferroni. The show, Out There, aired directly after trans advocate Janet Mock'sinaugural episode of her new digital show on MSNBC, So Popular. "Gender is something that is self-determined and not something that is imposed," said Milan. Gender is a "non-binary system because it's not just black or white. It's not just man or woman. There's a spectrum." Having Milan's voice on MSNBC brought a personal side to the fight for acceptance toward the LGBT community and juxtaposed the issues for the trans community as it relates to marriage equality and other challenges within the movement. Watch the segment here.
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