News from the Pine Tree State
Equitable fertility coverage
In May, Maine Governor Janet Mills signed into law “An Act to Provide Access to Fertility Care” (LD 1539).
The legislation, which goes into effect January 1, 2023, requires private health care insurers to “provide coverage for medical interventions including fertility diagnostic care, fertility treatment and medically necessary fertility preservation,” according to the Boston-based GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD).
GLAD was part of the coalition, along with the LGBTQ political advocacy nonprofit EqualityMaine, to advocate for its passage.
“Fertility care is critical care for so many people, including LGBTQ+ people. Yet, without insurance coverage, it is out of reach for many due to the cost,” said Polly Crozier, senior staff attorney at GLAD in a news release. “We’re grateful to the Legislature and to Governor Mills for their action ensuring fertility coverage that is inclusive and best practice.”
‘Love Makes a Family’
The foster-care advocacy group A Family for Maine donated the children’s book “Love Makes a Family,” by Sophie Beer, for Out Maine to include in their “Read the Rainbow” K–grade 2 book sets plus bookmarks and information about foster care.
Since launching the Read the Rainbow program, thanks to the incredible generosity of OUT Maine’s steadfast donors, OUT Maine has ordered over 1,300 books through hello hello books in Rockland for enrolled school libraries in 15 of Maine’s 16 counties. The overwhelming response from library staff to include these inclusive book sets in their catalogs continues.
OUT Maine remains hopeful that through outreach, donations will continue to be made towards this vital program, ensuring that the remaining 2,100 books requested will be shipped to the enrolled libraries.
A Family for ME reminds Mainers that singles, same-sex couples, unmarried couples, empty nesters, and growing families are all welcome to learn more about becoming a foster/adoptive parent.
More: outmaine.org/read-the-rainbow/; afamilyformemaine.org
Drew takes the helm
EqualityMaine, the state’s oldest and largest LGBT political advocacy organization, has named Gia Drew their new executive director.
Drew has served as program director at EqualityMaine since 2016, overseeing education, outreach, youth programming and other advocacy efforts.
“Gia’s strong knowledge of current and emerging issues as well as an exceptional commitment to Maine’s LGBTQ community will be huge assets to the organization,” said Board Cochair Barb Wood. “She also brings outstanding leadership skills, which will drive operational excellence internally, while also enriching partner relationships across the state.”
More: equalitymaine.org
Campbell takes the helm
OUT Maine got a new interim executive director with the promotion of Sue Campbell. Previously, Campbell, who’s been with OUT Maine since 2015, served as the organization’s deputy director.
“As LGBTQ+ youth are threatened around this country, OUT Maine stands strongly and distinctly, fighting daily to protect LGBTQ+ youth in Maine. Toward that end, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Sue Campbell as Interim Executive Director of OUT Maine, wrote board chairs Melissa Bellew and Emily Cantillo. “Sue’s powerful dedication to the rights of LGBTQ+ youth in Maine are unparalleled.”
More: outmaine.org
Crosswalk Vandalism
Just days after city workers painted a rainbow crosswalk in May, a motorcyclist left skid marks across it in an act of vandalism. But locals say that won’t stop their support for their LGBTQ community, which was set to host events marking their first Pride.
“We’re gonna keep making sure that folks know that they are loved, they are welcome,” Mattie Daughtry, co-owner of the city’s Moderation Brewing and state senator, told News Center Maine. “They can’t be erased by an act of hatred. And Brunswick is saying that loud and clear.”
Said Stacia Saniuk-Gove, who helped found Brunswick Pride this past year, “We want to give hope and allow kids in this town to grow up to be who they want to be.”
Brunswick police have posted photos of the bikers and request anyone with information about the incident contact them at 207-721-4301 or ctompson@brunswickpd.org.
Health Care equality leader
The Human Rights Campaign has released their 15th annual Healthcare Equality Index, the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey of policies and practices around inclusive and equitable treatment of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees.
Many facilities across all six New England states scored well on the survey, with 23 facilities earning top scores, designating them “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders.”
Among the top-scoring facilities is Penobscot Community Health Care in Bangor, meeting HRC’s highest standards with a perfect score of 100.
More: hrc.org
