Today, the Supreme Court announced a huge victory for our community, prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in the workplace.

Prior to today’s announcement, it was legal in more than half of the states to fire employees due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. With the exception of a handful of states there were no legal protections against  demotion or dismissal because of one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity up until now. This unprecedented decision will extend workplace protections for LGBTQ employees on a federal level.

It is important to acknowledge that this victory arrives at a critical time, especially after the upsetting announcement last Friday from the Trump administration, which called for a regulation to end health care protections for transgender people. This victory also arrives after a time where many people have been impacted by COVID-19 and face inequities in the healthcare system—and after a tremendous call from people across the country to end violence, oppression, and systemic racism against Black lives and communities.

Now where do we see the fight for equal rights going from here—what is next in terms of advocating on behalf of the LGBTQ community?

The fight for equal rights has to be a fight for everyone’s rights.  Not just for LGBTQ people but for Black people, for immigrants, for everyone who is marginalized.  It is time for all marginalized communities to stand together and fight for equal rights for ALL. Because until we all have equal rights across the board, none of us truly do.  

Today’s historical feat was accomplished by so many community members and advocates, specifically from our transgender and gender non-conforming community members. We must continue to take this momentum and strongly push for Congress to pass the Equality Act in alignment with today’s huge decision.

We encourage you to continue to take action by using the following action items:

REGISTER TO VOTE 

In California, the deadline to register to vote for any election is 15 days before Election Day, so please register early! Voting is one of the most important actions you can take to hold our local, state, and national leaders accountable. Our community must be at the forefront of the table.

FILL OUT THE CENSUS 

For the first time in U.S. History, on the 2020 Census, you’ll have the option to identify a relationship as same-sex, providing statistics that can inform local planning for families and housing. Census responses also impact over $675 billion in federal funding for communities like ours. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, and Get COUNTED! Remember, if you haven’t completed the #2020Census you can still do so from the comfort of your own home. 

Fill out the Census online or by phone: 1-844-330-2020 

By mail if you received the paper form. 

Questions? Please Contact: Jonatan Gutierrez, Immigration Outreach Coordinator jonatan.gutierrez@lgbtqcenteroc.org 714.953.5428 ext. 504

—STAY TUNED IN JULY!

We are planning to stream a virtual presentation on LGBTQ Employment Rights in California by the ACLU Foundations of California, California Rural Legal Assistance, and the Impact Fund. This presentation will explain today’s ruling in depth and what it means for workers, as well as other rights and resources everyone should be aware of. Please stay connected with us as we select a date for these presentations, which will be in Spanish and English!

ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS?

We want to hear our community’s feedback and ideas! We would like to showcase your comments on our social media or take into consideration your ideas to help support the fight. Please send us an email at marketing@lgbtqcenteroc.org.

We are stronger together.