News from the Pine Tree State
A message from EQME
Days after the Nov. 5 election, EqualityMaine Executive Director Gia Drew sent a message to the community which reads, in part:
“On Election Day, Mainers again voted overwhelmingly for pro-equality candidates to represent us in the State House. Along with a pro-equality Governor, we have a firewall in Augusta. As you know, Maine has some of the best protections for LGBTQ+ people in the nation. The Maine Human Rights Act, which was updated in 2005, protects against discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity in most areas of our lives, such as education, employment, housing, credit, and public accommodations. We also have strong protections for marriage equality, protections for the rights of transgender students in schools, and protections against conversion therapy. Most recently, we’ve updated our parentage laws to protect LGBTQ+ parents and families, ensured that gender affirming care is covered by private insurance and MaineCare, and we just passed a shield bill this spring, which protects providers who offer transgender healthcare and abortions from outside attacks and protects the confidentiality of patients.
“The past few days have been difficult, but I’ve been in direct contact with many of our local partners and elected officials, as well as with state leaders from across the country and national leaders to debrief about the election, to consider what’s most urgent right now, and to look ahead to what we should do to protect our community. We are unified as a movement in our message to you: together, across races, places, genders, and abilities, we have shown up for each other, and will continue to do so, by organizing, mobilizing, and casting our ballots for the freedom to be ourselves.”
More: equalitymaine.org
United Midcoast Charities grant
OUT Maine has received a $17,000 grant from United Midcoast Charities to support the organization’s work toward increasing equitable and accessible services in health care, mental health and community-based settings for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and adults.
The nonprofit will be training providers, distributing practice kits, supporting Gay Straight Trans Alliances (GSTAs) and engaging with schools, parents and youth in Knox and Waldo counties with these funds. This includes the specific training of health care providers and mental health professionals to create welcoming and informed health settings for queer youth. OUT Maine will also be hosting GSTA meetups to foster connections between students in Knox and Waldo counties as a result of this grant, among other initiatives.
“We are incredibly grateful to United Midcoast Charities for their generous support of our work with LGBTQ+ youth in Knox and Waldo counties,” says Executive Director Sue Campbell. “This funding will allow us to continue providing essential programs and resources that create safe, affirming spaces for young people to thrive. Together, we are building stronger, more inclusive communities where all youth can feel valued and supported.”
Leadership appointment
OUT Maine also has a new associate director: Cassie Cooper, formerly the organization’s school engagement coordinator, where they spearheaded a new GSTA Network program that helps schools host their own student clubs as safe spaces for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and allies.
“Promoting Cassie was a no-brainer,” says the nonprofit’s executive director, Sue Campbell. “They are an irreplaceable part of the team already, and our board agrees. Being OUT’s associate director will enable them to have a bigger impact on all our programs as well as internal operations.”
HRC Congressional Scorecard
The Human Rights Campaign in October released its Congressional Scorecard, which measures support for LGBTQ+ equality in the 118th US Congress. Once again, US Senators and Representatives from New England earned a near-perfect score.
Scores are based on an assessment of each Senator’s and US Representative’s votes on key LGBTQ+ issues as well as their support for (or lack therefore of) LGBTQ+ communities.
Independent Senator Angus King received a 93, and Republican Senator Susan Collins a 58. Congress members Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, both Democrats, received perfect 100s.
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