This Just in from the Ocean State
Amo take the primary
Out of the 11 RI Democrats vying for the First Congressional District seat, Gabriel Amo was named the winner of the September primary. The seat was left vacant by long-time LGBTQ advocate and out gay man David Cicilline.
Amo has been vocal about continuing the work of his predecessor. In a statement, he said, “I will be a tireless ally for the LGBTQ+ community in Rhode Island and across the country. The attacks on the queer community by Republicans in Congress and in state legislatures around the United States are reprehensible. Ensuring the inclusion and safety of all is something that is incumbent upon all of us.”
As a native of Pawtucket and the son of West African parents, he worked in the Rhode Island State House for former Governor Gina Raimondo, in the White House for Barack Obama and, most recently, as Special Assistant and Deputy Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs under President Joe Biden.
Defending trans students
In early September, over two dozen Rhode Island anti-trans activists brought their objections to the Foster-Gloucester Regional School District Committee regarding the Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, and Transitioning Students policy.
Subsequently, the Policy Subcommittee reviewed the policy and found that it conformed with state and federal law. “You’re wrong,” said Nicole Solas, a South Kingstown resident and outspoken “parents’ rights” advocate, who went on to say, “There is no binding law, no binding regulation, no binding guidance, no binding guideline requiring schools to let boys into the girls’ bathroom or hide information from parents about their kids who think they’re the opposite sex.”
“Those regulations have the force and effect of law,” said Anthony Cottone, chief legal counsel for the Rhode Island Department of Education. “The regulations provide that each school district must adopt a policy providing a safe, supportive and nondiscriminatory school environment for transgender and gender nonconforming students. And this is a significant point—that it is consistent with state and national best practices, guidance and model policies.”
There were two residents of Foster and/or Gloucester who spoke out in support of the policy. Said one, Alex Haynes, “I would like to say that we should support the trans community; that respect for people that are trans costs nothing.”
Amazon card controversy
Parents are furious over what they are calling an attempt to ‘incentivize students to be part of an LGBT group’ by offering a $15 Amazon gift card.
The offer was uncovered after parents expressed concern on Facebook regarding a survey that Johnston Public Schools (JPS) made of students regarding their preferred pronouns.
One Facebook group member shared a copy of the actual survey, and another added to the mounting anger by posting the recent Amazon gift card offer, which was included in a newsletter sent out by a district middle school.
“We want to hear from you!” said the LGBT focus-group ad. “Earn a $15 Amazon Gift Card. 60 Minute Focus Group. LGBTQ concerns. Your ideas your voices. 100% Confidential.”
The offer was made by the Tri-County Community Action Agency, a private, nonprofit, social welfare organization mostly funded by the federal government, but it also included an email address from a JPS account.
Drag bingo is back
Held on the third Thursday of the month (except in December) at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston, the event is characterized as “filled with lots of laughs and crazy antics,” including drag performances, all while raising much-needed funds for the programs and services of AIDS Care Ocean State.
The November 16 event, Cornucopia, Horn of Plenty Drag Bingo, includes a Nonperishable Food Drive & Pie Eating Contest, with a $100 Prize.
On December 14 at Turn the Yuletide Gay Drag Bingo, the event will include an Unwrapped Toy Drive.
More: aidscareos.org (and on Facebook)
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