Headlines from the Granite State
Sununu pledges veto
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu pledged to veto legislation that would have forced teachers to out transgender students to their parents, even when the news could potentially lead to abusive situations at home. The legislation had passed in separate, though irreconcilable, versions in the state’s senate and house.
In late May, Republican legislators worked to amend the so-called “Parental Bill of Rights” to pass both house and senate, according to the New Hampshire Bulletin.
However, “This bill as written creates numerous challenges for kids,” Gov. Sununu said in a public statement, adding “[I] will veto the bill if it reaches my desk.”
Said State Sen. Becky Whitley to the Bulletin, “I think that this bill is antithetical to all the work we have done in the state to ensure that individuals in this community, in the LGBT community, can live a life free from discrimination and be safe in all communities.”
HRC applauds house vote
Despite efforts by House Republicans in the state legislature to pass the revised bill to force teachers to out students to their parents, the legislation ultimately failed by a 176 to 171 vote.
In response, the Human Rights Campaign commended New Hampshire’s House of Representatives for defeating a bill that would “[violate] the student’s right to come out on their own terms.”
States HRC, “Trust and communication between students and their teachers is vital. If students feel that their communications are not confidential, they will be less likely to disclose important information about their mental health to school counselors and teachers.”
“Protecting a student’s wellbeing is entirely compatible with a parent’s right to oversee their child’s education. School staff are already required to report information like truancy, dress code violations, substance usage, or bullying to parents because those items are related to education or negatively affect the well-being of the student.”
Victory Fund endorsement
The Victory Fund has endorsed State Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka’s reelection. The Granite State primary takes place on September 13 and the general election on November 8.
In 2020, Sen. Perkins Kwoka became the first openly LGBTQ woman elected as a Granite State senator, where she’s worked to advance affordable housing, renewable energy and small business recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Perkins Kwoka represents District 21, which encompasses Durham, Lee, Madbury, Newfields, Newington, Newmarket and Portsmouth.
In the 2020 election, she earned overwhelming support from voters, who sent her to the state house with 66.92 percent of the vote.
More: voterebeccanh.com
Live-stream drag queen story time
Portsmouth’s Seacoast Rep is live streaming Season Three of “Honey Punch and Pals Live!” drag-queen time with puppets. You can also watch replays of some episodes on the Rep’s website.
A staple of Seacoast Rep’s nationally recognized and award-winning live streams, the show is filled with song, dance, life lessons, silliness and more. It’s a tongue-in-cheek extravaganza for all ages, adults and kids alike.
You can bring the family to join live studio audiences at Seacoast Repertory Theatre and even get a peek behind the scenes.
More: seacoastrep.org
Health care equality
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.
In the Granite State, HRC lauded Exeter Hospital for adopting foundational policies of LGBTQ+ inclusion and equitability, and Manchester Hospital was also recognized for working with HRC as a survey participant.
“Every person deserves to have access to quality healthcare, be respected and heard by their doctor, and feel safe in the facility where they are receiving care,” said HRC’s Tari Hanneman, director of health and aging.
“But LGBTQ+ people are often subject to discrimination in all spaces, including health care facilities, which leads to members of the community avoiding care and anticipating our voices will not be respected in an incredibly vulnerable environment. The Healthcare Equality Index, at its core, strives to ensure LGBTQ+ people are protected and affirmed by their health care providers and feel safe seeking services,” said Hanneman.
More: hrc.org
