This Just in from the Ocean State
Parenting Rights Act
The Rhode Island Uniform Parentage Act, signed into law last summer by then-Governor Gina Raimondo, went into effect on January 1. The new law ensures that all children can have their legal parentage established regardless of the circumstances of their birth.
More: @RIParentageEquality (Facebook)
Accountability
Michael Correia has resigned as president pro tem of the Providence City Council following the surfacing of secret recordings made of him in the council office. The recorded conversations included offensive language directed toward a transgender activist who frequently engages with the council and once ran for city council herself. After hearing the recording, several of Correia’s colleagues, as well as members of the community, called for accountability, with Council President Sabina Matos asking him to resign from leadership.
Correia submitted his resignation to his leadership post within the week, saying publicly, “I understand these actions have broken trust between myself and the public and I am asking for the opportunity to earn back that trust through conversation and from working together with all our residents,”
Correia also said, “Anyone who knows me knows that I may from time to time try to joke around, but I would do anything to help someone who needed it, regardless of who they are or their station in life.”
Following his resignation, Correia met with the subject of his remarks, asking for her apology, which she accepted.
Correia, a Democrat, remains on the city council. He has two years left in his term, and cannot run for re-election because of term limits.
Leader in the House
Alongside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose life was threatened by Donald Trump supporters who stormed the US Capitol during the January 6 attack, out gay Rhode Island Congressman David served as lead sponsor of the article of impeachment that followed.
“Failing to act would set an irresponsibly dangerous precedent for future presidents who are about to leave office,” Cicilline wrote. “Further, there can be no healing of the divisions in our country without justice for the man most responsible for this horrific insurrection. The [former] president must be held accountable.”
Youth homelessness
On Feb. 3, Dr. Brandon Andrew Robinson held a free webinar during which they discussed their newly released book, “Coming Out to the Streets: LGBTQ Youth Experiencing Homelessness.”
Based on interviews and ethnographic fieldwork, the book looks into the lives of LGBTQ youth before they experience homelessness—within their families, schools, and other institutions—and later when they navigate the streets, deal with the police, and access shelters and other services.
In highlighting the voices of LGBTQ youth, “Coming Out to the Streets” calls for queer and trans liberation through systemic change.
RIP
Donald Boss (Aurora Borealis) died as the result of a hit and run car accident in Warwick shortly before Christmas. Aurora was one of the earliest hosts of Gay Bingo (now called Drag Bingo) and led the RI Gay Pageant Association for many years.
COVID workarounds
In December, Youth Pride, Inc. threw their longstanding annual celebration and fundraising party online, a lively experiment featuring appearances by Hasbro’s Toys 2 Men band; Billy Gilman, the young country artist known for his top 40 single “One Voice”; DJ Valentina and more.
Also in December, AIDS Project RI launched “Art Project Rhode Island,” as a way to commemorate World AIDS Day. An exhibition of creative works made by individuals living with and affected by HIV in Rhode Island. The exhibit hung in several locations, including Providence Public Library and Trinity Repertory Company.
Best Places to Work
Three Rhode Island–based corporations earned top scores of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2021 Corporate Equality Index, designating them as “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality.”
HRC’s corporate index is the national benchmarking tool on policies and practices pertinent to LGBTQ employees. Criteria include nondiscrimination policies, equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families, support for inclusive culture and corporate social responsibility.
The state’s top-scorers are Providence-based Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Citizens Financial Group and Pawtucket-based Hasbro Inc.
More: hrc.org/resources/corporate-equality-index
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