This Just in from the Ocean State
RIP Bonnie Simon
Bonnie L. Simon, 65, of Cranston, passed away on December 5, 2023 with her devoted friends loving her to the end.
She was born in Queens, NY, and moved to RI in 1976. After a year at RISD and many years working as an art director, she founded GET magazine, a local monthly lifestyle publication with a focus on the LGBTQ community. She was also well known as an active advocate for the queer community.
A memorial fundraiser was held on February 18 to honor her life and raise funds for Youth Pride, Inc. Her ashes will be scattered at Little Compton’s Goosewing Beach.
Historic nomination
In January, President Biden nominated Rhode Island District Court Associate Judge Melissa R. DuBose to the US District Court for the District of Rhode Island.
If confirmed by the US Senate, Judge DuBose would become the first person of color and first openly LGBTQ judge to serve on this court.
Wrote US Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed in a joint statement recommending the nomination to the President, “Judge DuBose is exceptionally qualified to serve on the federal bench with honor, integrity, and distinction. Not only does Judge DuBose possess a wealth of experience and a strong legal background, but she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to justice and the rule of law. “ —RP
Trans student policy in Westerly
Although the Westerly School Department’s policy regarding transgender, gender diverse and transitioning students conforms to state and federal law as mandated by the Rhode Island Department of Education—and has worked without incident since 2017—many school committee members made impassioned speeches against the current policy during a school committee hearing in January.
Citing fears of male students being given access to girl’s bathrooms, and using religion to deny the very existence of transgender people, the meeting was not long on positives. But there were some brave souls who spoke out in favor of the current policy, including the grandmother of a 16-year-old trans girl who she loves unconditionally, and attorney Mary Ann Carroll, who provided some background information on the policy.
Trans student policy in Barrington
In late January, the Barrington School Committee held a public discussion regarding changes to the district’s Gender Support and Inclusion Policy for Transgender, Gender-Diverse and Transitioning Students.
The discussion included changes to terminology, such as the use of the term ‘gender-diverse’ rather than the term ‘gender nonconforming,’ which can be stigmatizing for some. In addition, much discussion revolved around issues related to parental notification.
Most members of the public who spoke were in support of the policy and the changes. Only two speakers were opposed.
YPI Staff to Unionize
Staff at Youth Pride, Inc. (YPI) have voted overwhelmingly to join the New England chapter of SEIU, becoming part of the nearly 30,000 health care and service workers in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts that make up SEIU 1199 New England.
On February 1, the Providence City Council passed a resolution to express its “full and unequivocal support for the right of Youth Pride Inc. to unionize.”
Said Jesse Martin, executive vice president of SEIU 1199NE, “Youth Pride Inc. is a vital resource and community keystone in Rhode Island’s foundation, with a 31-year legacy of creating positive change for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. By voting to join 1199NE, Youth Pride Inc. is building upon that legacy by uniting with frontline workers across the healthcare and service sector to fight for better conditions and respect. With this newly solidified collective power, we take the first step in reaffirming the values that make Youth Pride the supportive organization that it aspires to be.”
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