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News Clips

Freedom for All Americans is proud to be working alongside our state and national partners in the fight for LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination. Here, check out recent news stories referencing our work – or our responses to non-discrimination campaigns and more expansive work to educate Americans about who LGBTQ people are. View Freedom for All Americans Press Releases – and get in touch – here.

Safeguarding LGBTQ rights can boost Nebraska’s economy

Omaha World-Herald • July 18, 2021 Nebraska is losing its competitive edge. That’s my respectfully blunt assessment. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses across the nation are reevaluating where they will be headquartered. At the same time, a large segment of the national workforce is re-evaluating where they want to live. We have an opportunity to make Nebraska a top contender for both, but we’re holding ourselves back from economic growth. A lack of comprehensive nondiscrimination protections has made it harder for our company, and others like it, to recruit talent

Equality Act important for students, teachers

Leader-Telegram • July 15, 2021 I am an educator with 30-plus years of experience. Fostering authenticity, life skills and resilience has been the foundation of my instruction to thousands of middle-level students. Yet, as an LGBTQIA+ educator here in Wisconsin, I cannot always be authentic myself.

I’m an LGBTQ teacher in Florida, and I’m not protected

The Ledger • July 5, 2021 I am an educator, and my highest priority is making sure my students have an education that sparks their curiosity, encourages them to dream and prepares them for the future. This is not just my job; it’s my calling. Fulfilling my calling means that I also strive to support and nurture my students by honoring their individuality and uniqueness. Yet, as an LGBTQ educator here in Florida, I don’t always feel seen, protected, or supported myself.

My LDS faith leads me to support the Equality Act

The Salt Lake Tribune • June 30, 2021 This year, for the first time, we raised a rainbow flag at our home in honor of Pride Month. It prompted good discussions with my older kids about what the flag stands for and why we are displaying it. These talks were helpful both in trying to teach my kids to practice inclusiveness and as a reminder that we respect the dignity of all people.

We’re all made in God’s image

Anchorage Daily News • June 29, 2021 All across Alaska, there is a rich and strong history of LGBTQ-affirming faith communities that are getting to the heart of everyday dignity and justice for our neighbors. For more than 20 years, I’ve been serving as the rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, a welcoming and affirming congregation in Anchorage. My position at St. Mary’s sometimes leads to opportunities to walk alongside those who are struggling. I have spoken with many Alaskans who have a hard time understanding their LGBTQ family members and reconciling their deep love with their religious upbringing. I understand that many people may have complex views on LGBTQ people, but Holy Scripture itself is clear: We’re all made in the image of God, worthy of love, dignity and respect.

Equality Act needs to become law

Charleston Gazette-Mail • June 29, 2021 This year, the conversation around federal nondiscrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans has reached an all-time fever pitch, with Republicans and Democrats alike bringing legislation to the table. As a young Republican, I’m grateful to see the bipartisan appetite to tackle this issue, and I know the conversation couldn’t be more welcome here in West Virginia. In West Virginia, and in many other states, LGBTQ people are left vulnerable to discrimination in a wide range of areas, from housing to public spaces to health care. And the fastest way to address this failing is to pass the Equality Act, federal legislation that would deliver clear, consistent protections for all LGBTQ people in every state.

Federal laws protecting LGBTQ people against housing discrimination are a must

South Florida Sun Sentinel • June 28, 2021 Twenty-six years ago, I was diagnosed with HIV and thought my life might be over. Back then, the health department didn’t offer any advice on living with the virus, so I was convinced my diagnosis was a death sentence. I had friends and acquaintances who contracted HIV and died from AIDS. I woke up every day and pondered if I would meet a similar fate.

Congress should bar LGBTQ discrimination

The Gazette • June 28, 2021 Every June LGBTQ Americans and allies like me celebrate Pride Month. It allows us to reflect on the resilience, strength, and diversity of the LGBTQ community. In recent years major rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court have punctuated our celebrations. From the Obergefell decision providing marriage equality in 2015, to the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Division decision in 2017 and the opinion Justice Neil Gorsuch drafted last year protecting LGBTQ members of the community from workplace discrimination.

Equality Act needs Sen. Collins’ support

Sun Journal • June 20, 2021 The Equality Act would ensure that all LGBTQ Americans can live, work, and access public spaces free from discrimination, no matter what city or state they call home.

Why my faith compels me to support the Equality Act

The Morning Call • June 19, 2021 As the conference minister of the Penn Northeast Conference of the United Church of Christ, I often speak on social justice issues and their connection to Scripture and our Christian faith. Today, I write in support of a groundbreaking piece of legislation called the Equality Act.

Equality Act right for nation

Lincoln Journal Star • June 15, 2021 As a small business owner, my bottom line is critically important. It ensures the business I’ve owned and operated for 11 years in Lincoln and Omaha can thrive and my obligations to my family, 19 employees, clients and community can be met. When something threatens my bottom line, I identify the problem and take action, which is exactly what we need to do in Nebraska right now.

Pulse shooting spurs effort to understand LGBTQ struggles

Orlando Sentinel • June 10, 2021 Five years ago, a mass shooting at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub claimed the lives of 49 people and injured 53 more. This was one of the worst acts of domestic terrorism in U.S. history targeting the LGBTQ community, particularly LGBTQ people of color.

The Equality Act: The patriotic approach to fundamental fairness for LGBTQ Americans

The Hill • June 9, 2021 Recently, Memorial Day weekend and the 77th anniversary of D-Day, offered every community in our country a moment to commemorate the sacrifices of Americans who risked everything to defend us. The neat rows of headstones in Arlington National Cemetery and in borrowed fields of the foreign lands where they fell summon our reverence and humility. The gratitude owed for their sacrifice should not be diminished by prejudices against their individual identities. Nor should our respect for veterans who survived the hardships and losses of war succumb to the intolerance of some for their color, creed, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Equality Act an opportunity for moral clarity

Charlotte Observer • June 9, 2021 Thirty years ago on a warm summer evening at Livingstone College in Salisbury, a student came to my office and told me that he was planning to end his life. I had counseled many students in my time as campus minister for Livingstone – a historically Black college affiliated with the AME Zion denomination – but this conversation was different. The young man before me was struggling deeply with what he felt was a conflict between his sexual orientation and his faith. The discrimination and condemnation he had experienced meant that he couldn’t see a place for himself in the world anymore. As I listened to his story, it struck me that my response could mean the difference between this bright young student living or dying. What he needed was acceptance.

We must push toward protecting LGBTQ service members at home

Military Times • June 2, 2021 As we marked Military Appreciation Month in May, I held a special place in my thoughts for the transgender service members who are feeling honored for the first time, now that transgender people are able to serve openly. That’s a result of President Biden’s reversal of the Trump administration’s anti-transgender military ban, which kept transgender service members in fear of being discharged for living as their most authentic selves.
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