News from the Pine Tree State
Supporting OUT Maine
In January, the Universalist Congregation of Castine’s Opportunity Fund awarded a $15,000 grant to the LGBTQ+ youth advocacy nonprofit OUT Maine toward OUT Maine’s initiatives in Hancock County.
With the Opportunity Fund support, OUT Maine will deepen and expand resources and programs in Hancock County that provide positive childhood experiences, helping Maine’s LGBTQ+ youth believe they belong and matter. OUT Maine will establish new partnerships and strengthen existing ones to provide the education needed to build capacity, expand the network of welcoming and affirming schools, and provide community and parent educational opportunities.
“Our goal is to create a landscape where LGBTQ+ youth feel a profound sense of belonging and significance within their communities,” stated Sue Campbell, Executive Director at OUT Maine. “This generous grant empowers us to reinforce our commitment to the youth in Hancock County, fostering positive experiences and affirming their value.”
Even more support
In January, OUT Maine received a $5,000 grant from Point32Health Foundation. The award is one of eight grants totaling $40,000 presented to nonprofit organizations recommended by the company’s Colleague Resource Groups (CRG).
OUT Maine was nominated by the Pride Point CRG, for addressing the social determinants of LGBTQ+ health for people living in rural areas. Each CRG recommended a nonprofit organization aligned with its affinity. The selected organizations address inequities, support veterans and improve access to nutritious food across the region.
“We are honored to receive this grant,” said OUT Maine Executive Director Sue Campbell. “These funds will help us increase awareness of LGBTQ+ health issues and available resources for LGBTQ+ youth in Maine.”
“Our work with colleagues demonstrates our care and commitment to community,” said Caitlin Sullivan, the Point32Health Foundation program officer who leads the collaboration with the CRGs. “Engaging colleagues in this process leverages their deep knowledge of the people we serve and creates opportunities for greater community connection.”
More: outmaine.org
Trans protections bill killed
Later, in January, the state’s Judiciary Committee voted 12-0 against moving forward House Bill 1735, which would have prevented the enforcement of other states’ laws banning gender-affirming care against those seeking such care in Maine.
The decision to kill the bill was bipartisan; however, it had become a legislative lightning rod due to an ongoing campaign of disinformation led by far-right influencers, including Libs of TikTok.
Noted the Los Angeles Blade, “the section of the bill that garnered the most media attention was the one protecting abused and neglected transgender youth. It proposed allowing judges jurisdiction over cases involving their presence in the state and also included measures to protect parents in custody disputes where one parent consents to the child receiving care and the other does not.
“This sparked an intense pressure campaign from prominent anti-trans social media influencers and organizations, targeting the committee members. They received an overwhelming number of emails and phone calls, spurred by calls to action from far-right media. Libs of TikTok, known for posts frequently followed by bomb threats against LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, inaccurately claimed that the bill would “take custody of kids” from parents who oppose gender-affirming care; this post received 7 million views.”
The bill, An Act to Safeguard Gender-Affirming Health Care,” was sponsored by State Rep. Laurie Osher and was backed by the National Association of Social Workers, the Maine Psychological Association and the Maine Nurse Practitioner Association.
Top marks for Hannaford
Maine’s own Hannaford Supermarkets for the 12th consecutive year earned a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s annual Corporate Equality Index.
HRC’s Corporate Equality Index is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees.
“Hannaford is committed to creating an environment that reflects the communities we serve and where people feel welcome, supported and entirely comfortable being their authentic selves,” said Tony Giampetruzzi, head of diversity, equity and inclusion for Hannaford Supermarkets.
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