13 Issues Facing Native People Beyond Mascots And Casinos; Huffington Post, 7/30/15

Julian Brave Noisecat, Huffington Post; 13 Issues Facing Native People Beyond Mascots And Casinos:

"Most of the recent headlines about indigenous Americans have had to do with a certain D.C. football team, or a surpassingly dumb Adam Sandler movie, or casinos of the kind operated by the fictional Ugaya tribe on "House of Cards." And we're not saying these issues don't matter. But beyond the slot machines, the movie sets and the football fields, there are other problems facing Native communities -- insidious, systemic, life-or-death problems; the kinds of problems it takes years and votes and marches to resolve -- that aren't getting nearly as much attention.

There are 567 tribes, including 229 Alaska Native communities, currently recognized by the federal government. The Bureau of Indian Affairs -- the primary federal agency in charge of relations with indigenous communities -- is also considering extending federal status to Native Hawaiians.

Each of the federally recognized tribes is a nation unto itself -- sovereign, self-determining and self-governing -- that maintains a government-to-government relationship with the United States. In addition, the rights of all indigenous peoples, including Native Hawaiians, have been affirmed in a 2007 United Nations declaration. Each indigenous nation has a distinct history, language and culture. While many face concerns that are specific to their government, state, or region, there are certain issues that affect all Native communities throughout the United States -- from Hawaii to Maine, and Alaska to Florida. Here are 13 such issues that you probably aren't hearing enough about."

Ex-Navy SEAL alleges anti-gay bullying by CIA workers; Associated Press via Denver Post, 7/30/15

Julie Watson, Associated Press via Denver Post; Ex-Navy SEAL alleges anti-gay bullying by CIA workers:

"A former Navy SEAL has filed an internal complaint alleging the CIA bullied him for being gay during a work assignment in June in Afghanistan.

Brett Jones said he filed the complaint last week against the federal agency, saying he was forced to endure homophobic slurs and other inappropriate comments on June 11 in Afghanistan as a group of contractors and civil servants in the CIA's Global Response Staff watched news of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage.

He also said he was abandoned and forced to walk in 120-degree temperatures without water while he worked there as a CIA contractor.

Jones, the author of "Pride: The Story of the First Openly Gay Navy SEAL," said he feared for his safety and returned home early from Afghanistan. He told his story to ABC and the San Diego Union-Tribune...

"We take very seriously any allegation of sexual, racial or any other form of harassment and/or discrimination at CIA. We have a Zero Tolerance Policy against such behavior and CIA leadership is committed to holding all employees accountable for living and promoting this policy," CIA spokesman Dean Boyd said in a statement to the Union-Tribune."

New Hampshire university's language guide launches war of words; Reuters, 7/29/15

Reuters; New Hampshire university's language guide launches war of words:

"The university's president, Mark Huddleston, said on Wednesday that the guide was not school policy.

"I am troubled by many things in the language guide, especially the suggestion that the use of the term 'American' is misplaced or offensive," Huddleston said in a statement. "The only UNH policy on speech is that it is free and unfettered on our campuses. It is ironic that what was probably a well-meaning effort to be 'sensitive' proves offensive to many people, myself included."

According to its authors, the guide seeks to "invite inclusive excellence" at the university.

"This guide is not a means to censor but rather to create dialogues of inclusion where all of us feel comfortable and welcomed," states the guide, which is posted on the university’s website."

What Pinterest is learning from the Pittsburgh Steelers about diversity; Forbes, 7/30/15

Laura Lorenzetti, Forbes; What Pinterest is learning from the Pittsburgh Steelers about diversity:

"“We think one reason it’s been so hard to get numbers to change is that companies haven’t stated specific goals,” wrote co-founder Evan Sharp in a blog post.

Pinterest laid out its diversity goals for 2016, including boosting hiring rates for full-time engineering roles to 30% women and 8% underrepresented ethnic backgrounds.

Also in the list of goals is implementing a standard that’s similar to something known as the Rooney Rule, named after Dan Rooney, the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and chairman of the National Football League’s diversity committee. The Rooney Rule requires all NFL teams to interview minority candidates as part of the hiring process for head coaches and senior football operation jobs.

The rule was implemented in 2003 following the firings of head coaches Tony Dungy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dennis Green of the Minnesota Vikings, despite both coaches having impressive winning records. Around that same time, a study came out that revealed that black head coaches, despite winning a higher percentage of games, were less likely to be hired (and more likely fired) than their white counterparts. Only three years after its implementation, the share of black head coaches had grown to 22% from 6% prior to the rule."

Struggling for Gay Equality in the South; New York Times, 7/30/15

New York Times; Struggling for Gay Equality in the South:

"In 2013, The New York Times asked readers in Southern states to share their experiences of being gay in the South. Now, in 2015, they reflect on their progress, struggles, hopes for the future, and what the Supreme Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage means to them."

Changing Attitudes on Gay Marriage; Pew Research Center, 7/29/15

Pew Research Center; Changing Attitudes on Gay Marriage:

"In Pew Research polling in 2001, Americans opposed same-sex marriage by a 57% to 35% margin.

Since then, support for same-sex marriage has steadily grown. Based on polling in 2015, a majority of Americans (55%) support same-sex marriage, compared with 39% who oppose it. See the latest data on same-sex marriage."

The Americans With Disabilities Act, 25 Years Later; New York Times, 7/26/15

Room for Debate, New York Times; The Americans With Disabilities Act, 25 Years Later:

"The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Twenty-five years later, beyond mandated changes in the built environment, has the A.D.A. really made a difference in providing the disabled with equal opportunity and access? What more needs to be done?"

What dropping the ban on gay leaders means for the Boy Scouts; PBS, 7/28/15

PBS; What dropping the ban on gay leaders means for the Boy Scouts:

"Last night, the Boy Scouts of America voted to end a ban on leaders who are openly gay. The policy would allow exceptions for church-sponsored scout units, but several religious organizations are either apprehensive or in opposition. Gwen Ifill discusses the change with Zach Wahls, executive director of Scouts for Equality."

Barack Obama in Kenya: 'no excuse' for treating women as second-class citizens; Guardian, 7/26/15

David Smith, Guardian; Barack Obama in Kenya: 'no excuse' for treating women as second-class citizens:

"Barack Obama wrapped up his visit to Kenya on Sunday with a strong condemnation of female genital mutilation and other “bad traditions” that treat women as second-class citizens, in a speech that also a offered a poignant glimpse into his African heritage.

The US president, whose ancestry has at times been a politically awkward part of his identity, looked at ease as he embraced his status as a “Kenyan American” in a major speech that also condemned corruption, tribalism and terrorism.

Obama earned vociferous applause from 4,500 Kenyans at a sports arena in the capital, Nairobi, by throwing down the gauntlet over the rights of women and girls. He gave short shrift to those in Africa who hide behind arguments defending tradition and culture against values they say are imposed by the west. Considering his heritage, it was a case he could make better than any previous US president.

“Every country and every culture has traditions that are unique and help make that country what it is, but just because something is part of your past doesn’t make it right; it doesn’t mean it defines your future,” Obama said, citing the recent debate in America over the Confederate flag.

“Around the world there is a tradition of oppressing women and treating them differently and not giving them the same opportunities, and husbands beating their wives, and children not being sent to school. Those are traditions. Treating women and girls as second-class citizens. Those are bad traditions. They need to change.”"

Boy Scouts Expected to End Ban on Gay Leaders; New York Times, 7/26/15

Erik Eckholm, New York Times; Boy Scouts Expected to End Ban on Gay Leaders:

"The Boy Scouts of America is expected on Monday to end its blanket ban on gay leaders — a turning point for an organization that has been in turmoil over the issue.

But some scouting groups will still be able to limit leadership jobs to heterosexuals.

To gain the acquiescence of conservative religious groups that sponsor many dens and troops, like the Mormon and Roman Catholic Churches, the policy will allow church-run units to pick leaders who agree with their moral precepts.

“There are differences of opinion, and we need to be respectful of them,” said Michael Harrison, a businessman who led the Boy Scouts in Orange County, Calif., and is one of many leaders who lobbied internally for change. “It doesn’t mean the Mormons have to pick a gay scoutmaster, but please don’t tell the Unitarians they can’t.”

Already struggling to reverse a long-term decline in membership, the Boy Scouts have been increasingly consumed over the last two decades by battles over the exclusion of gay people, divisions that threatened to fracture the organization. Conservative partners saw the policy as a bulwark against unwanted social change, but the Boy Scouts’ anti-gay stance was costing it public support and cachet as well as corporate funders, and lately has brought on the threat of costly lawsuits."

25 Years on, Disabilities Act Has Changed Lives of Millions; Associated Press via New York Times, 7/25/15

Associated Press via New York Times; 25 Years on, Disabilities Act Has Changed Lives of Millions:

"A blind or deaf person, or anyone with a host of other disabilities, also would find accommodations enhancing their independence and engagement — all of this the legacy of the sweeping Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law 25 years ago, on July 26, 1990.

"Let the shameful wall of exclusion finally come tumbling down," declared President George H. W. Bush as he prepared to sign the legislation. Some 2,000 people with disabilities — elated after years of activism — gathered on the South Lawn of the White House for the ceremony.

The act is monumental in scope, intended to protect people with disabilities from discrimination and enable them to participate fully in the workforce and their communities. Its protections, which now cover an estimated 55 million Americans, extend to five key areas: employment, state and local government facilities and services, public accommodations, telecommunications, and transportation."

An Act That Enabled Acceptance; New York Times, 7/25/15

Ben Mattlin, New York Times; An Act That Enabled Acceptance:

"LOOKING back, perhaps the most unexpected achievement of the A.D.A. isn’t the wheelchair lifts on buses or the sign-language interpreters at political conventions. It’s that it gave people like me a sense of entitlement, of belonging, of pride.

The A.D.A. is about more than ramps and Braille; it’s about dispelling stereotypes, ensuring parity and fairness, creating opportunities and opening up our society to the full spectrum of types and needs. It’s about accepting, even welcoming, a huge and often marginalized segment of the population.

Our two teenage daughters, both able-bodied, have grown up in a different world. Recently, one came home from her high school’s Diversity Day incensed by a presentation about disabilities. “It was all about being kind to people who face difficulties, which is fine,” she said, “but there was nothing about respect or empowerment or equality!”

Maybe I’ll bring my wedding portrait to the next Diversity Day. Whether we knew it or not at the time, our brand of mixed marriage sends a powerful message."

Celebrating those who asked, "What if we could create a more inclusive world for everyone?"; Google, 7/26/15

Google; Celebrating those who asked, "What if we could create a more inclusive world for everyone?" :

"For decades people with disabilities fought and protested for equal access in the United States. Twenty-five years ago that effort culminated in the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law that has improved the lives of millions of Americans and has served as a model for the Disability Rights movement around the globe."

Barack Obama tells African states to abandon anti-gay discrimination; Guardian, 7/25/15

David Smith, Guardian; Barack Obama tells African states to abandon anti-gay discrimination:

"The US president, Barack Obama, has launched an unprecedented defence of gay rights in Africa, telling Kenya’s president that the state has no right to punish people because of “who they love”.

Obama, visiting his late father’s homeland for the first time as US president, confronted Uhuru Kenyatta and millions of Kenyans watching on television with his “unequivocal” views. Homosexual acts are illegal in Kenya and surveys show nine in 10 people find them unacceptable.

Obama personalised the issue by comparing homophobia to racial discrimination that he had encountered in the United States. Never before has such a powerful foreign leader challenged Africans so directly on their own soil.

“I’ve been consistent all across Africa on this,” he said, during a joint press conference at the state house in Nairobi. “When you start treating people differently, because they’re different, that’s the path whereby freedoms begin to erode. And bad things happen...

Africa has been described as the world’s most homophobic continent with same-sex relations illegal in 36 of 54 countries and punishable by death in a handful."

Case Study: Is a Promotion Worth Hiding Who You Are?; Harvard Business Review, 7/22/15

Karthik Ramanna, Harvard Business Review; Case Study: Is a Promotion Worth Hiding Who You Are? :

"Editor’s note: This fictionalized case study will appear in a forthcoming issue of Harvard Business Review, along with commentary from experts and readers. If you’d like your comment to be considered for publication, please be sure to include your full name, company or university affiliation, and e-mail address."

“That’s great news!” Mark said. “Isn’t it?” He was puzzled by the pensive look on David’s face. Of course it was natural for a boss to have mixed feelings about seeing a valued employee move on, but David was more than Mark’s manager: He was his mentor. He’d always pushed Mark to advance in his career, and this was an internal promotion, on a three-year contract, so they’d still be working for the same company. Mark might even return to San Francisco after his stint at HQ.

“I know this creates a problem for you,” Mark said, “but there are a few people around here who could take my place.”

“I just want to be sure you’re making the right move,” David said carefully.

“If I were certain you were, I’d support you 100%. But I’m not sure Korea is the best place for you — professionally or personally. Besides, your role will involve spending a lot of time in the Middle East.”

Finally it dawned on Mark. “You mean because I’m gay,” he said flatly."

WATCH: The LGBTQ Volunteer Experience; Peace Corps Passport, 6/24/15

Peace Corps Passport; WATCH: The LGBTQ Volunteer Experience:

"During Pride Month, the Peace Corps celebrates the contributions of LGBTQ Peace Corps Volunteers. In 2013, Peace Corps started accepting domestic partners. Peace Corps Volunteers Jessica and Khayla share their story as a same-sex couple in Ecuador."

At Comic-Con, Bring Out Your Fantasy and Fuel the Culture; New York Times, 7/15/15

A.O. Scott, New York Times; At Comic-Con, Bring Out Your Fantasy and Fuel the Culture:

"The deeper mythology of Comic-Con is that fans and creators are joined in communion, sharing in the holy work of imagination. The logic of popular culture today suggests that every fan is also an artist. This is literally true in the blossoming fields of fan art and fan fiction, in which devotees of intellectual properties (the ubiquitous San Diego shorthand for books, comics, movies and shows) make their own images and stories involving their favorite characters. Cosplay is a live-action form of fan art, or maybe fan nonfiction, and the owners of the intellectual property rights are careful not to interfere too much.

The organizers of Comic-Con, meanwhile, provide encouragement for fans who dream of professionalizing their passions. A smattering of panels offered advice on how to pitch an idea, how to market a product, how to make a living in a crowded marketplace. Social media and digital technology encourage the fantasy that everyone can make stuff and put it out there for everyone else.

Or maybe it isn’t a fantasy. The world of popular culture only gets bigger, and as it does it grows more diverse, more inclusive and more confounding."

Boy Scouts executive committee endorses ending ban on gay leaders; Washington Post, 7/13/15

Mark Berman, Washington Post; Boy Scouts executive committee endorses ending ban on gay leaders:

"The executive committee of the Boy Scouts of America has unanimously approved a resolution that would drop the group’s blanket ban on openly gay leaders, a key step that puts the organization on the verge of its second historic shift in three years.

While the proposed change stops short of requiring all Scout units to allow gay leaders, it would dismantle a rule that the group’s president described earlier this year as an existential threat to the 105-year-old institution.

This resolution, approved on Friday, now goes to the organization’s national executive board. If the group ratifies the change during a meeting on July 27, it would become official Scouts policy.

“What this means is that gay adults who want to get involved, and there are lots of them, they can put the uniform back on, and they can serve openly and honestly in an inclusive unit that will accept them,” Zach Wahls, an Eagle Scout and executive director of Scouts for Equality, said in a telephone interview Monday. “I couldn’t be happier about that.”"

Michelle Obama To Native Youth: The Obama Administration Has Your Back; Huffington Post, 7/9/15

Rebecca Klein, Huffington Post; Michelle Obama To Native Youth: The Obama Administration Has Your Back:

"The White House Tribal Youth Gathering is part of the Obama administration’s Generation Indigenous, an initiative that aims to provide more resources for this population of young people. Indeed, they face a set of unique and particularly daunting challenges including disproportionately high suicide rates, low high school graduate rates and high rates of drug use and alcoholism.

The gathering provides an opportunity for youths to interact with high-level government officials and express the ways they think the government could better serve them. Indeed, at a panel before the first lady’s keynote address, Marilyn Fox of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe told Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Cecilia Muñoz and U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) that she wished the Indian Health Service was more effective. The IHS provides federal health services to Native Americans throughout the country."

White Men in Capes; BBC Radio 1 and IXtra's Stories, 7/7/15

BBC Radio 1 and IXtra's Stories; White Men in Capes:

"Superman, Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Batman all have 3 things in common: they're very successful comic book characters; they've all been made in to movies; AND they are all white men.

We now live in a comic book crazy world. The comic industry is a billion dollar business thanks to its money spinning movie franchises. But to be a billion dollar business, you need people of all colour and creed to buy into your product. So where are the black superheroes? Where are the Asian superheroes? Where are the Latino superheroes?

In this Radio 1 and 1Xtra Story, DJ Semtex, a self confessed comic book fanatic, delves into the world of comic books and asks where are the mainstream black and ethnic superheroes? We hear from students at Dundee University who are studying for a masters in comic book studies, a host of comic book writers and artists, as well as the Superhero factory that is DC Comics."

DC Comics says there is no 'proper representation of minorities'; BBC News, 7/6/15

BBC News; DC Comics says there is no 'proper representation of minorities' :

"Graphic novels, comic books or animated stories - everyone knows at least one character from one of them, be it Superman or Spider-Man.

But the big names dominating the books and Hollywood are all white, says a Radio 1 and 1Xtra Stories documentary.

One of the biggest comic book publishers, DC Comics, says that the lack of diversity in publications is an industry-wide problem.

It believes there's been an increase in the number of people from different racial backgrounds interested in its content.

Dan Didio, who's co-publisher of DC Entertainment, agrees that there "doesn't seem to really be a proper representation of ethnic characters across the entire industry"."

Cincinnati Offers Baseball History Along With All-Star Game; Associated Press via New York Times, 7/5/15

Associated Press via New York Times; Cincinnati Offers Baseball History Along With All-Star Game:

"The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center has a new exhibit called "Diversity in Baseball" celebrating barrier-breaking players: blacks, Jewish, Native American, Latino, Asian and females such as stars of the women's professional baseball league started during World War II as told in the movie "A League of Their Own."

There are also displays on Jim Abbott, who overcame being born without a right hand to become a successful big-league pitcher who threw a 1993 no-hitter, and umpire Dale Scott, who last winter came out as gay. There's a replica pitching mound area with an image of Sandy Koufax, the Hall of Fame pitcher who declined to pitch in a 1965 World Series game that fell on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur. And there's also video of "Peanut Jim" Shelton, a black man who sold hot roasted nuts while wearing a black top hat and tails outside Reds stadiums for five decades.

For more information: http://bit.ly/1NC9sR0"

Sexuality & Gender in Comics | First Person #9 | PBS Digital Studios; YouTube, 6/29/15

YouTube; Sexuality & Gender in Comics | First Person #9 | PBS Digital Studios:

"Why have queer people always identified with comic book characters and stories? How are queer artists changing the medium today by creating visibly queer characters and organizing queer comicons? In episode nine of PBS Digital Studios' First Person, host Kristin Russo talks with DC and Marvel Comics artist and writer, Phil Jimenez, about gender and sexuality and the world of comic books. From Wonder Woman and X-Men to Midnighter, they trace queerness in comics from subliminal subtext to today’s out LGBTQ characters."

Pow! Gay Comic Book Characters Zap Stereotypes; New York Times, 7/5/15

Gregory Schmidt, New York Times; Pow! Gay Comic Book Characters Zap Stereotypes:

"Mainstream comic book publishers have tried for years to draw a more diverse readership by incorporating gay characters and story lines.

Lately, they have faced increased competition from smaller publishers that want to go more mainstream and already have an established roster of inclusive offerings.

As the comic book industry prepares to gather at Comic-Con International, which begins Thursday in San Diego, publishers big and small will be promoting a wider selection of gay-themed comic books. Industry insiders say the trend mirrors the country’s evolving attitudes toward gays and lesbians."

Still Against Gay Marriage? Read This!; Huffington Post, 7/1/15

Steve Siebold, Huffington Post; Still Against Gay Marriage? Read This! :

"If someone's beliefs tell them that gay marriage is wrong, that's fine because that's what you believe and after all, this is America and you have the freedom to believe what you want. But leave it at that. We should all be allowed the opportunity and freedom to live life on our own terms as long as we aren't hurting anyone else in the process. There's no reason to go on a hate parade and start slamming other people with bigotry, hatred and discrimination. It's wrong and won't be tolerated.

- Have we not learned our lesson from the past? America has a long history of discrimination that includes blacks, Native Americans, and women. Lincoln freed the slaves and it still took another 100+ years for blacks to be treated like equals. Some people claim racism is still alive and well in modern day America. For all of our country's claims of exceptionalism, we have some pretty shoddy history as it relates to human rights. Remember not too long ago when blacks and whites couldn't live in harmony? Gay rights will be the same way. While it's legal now, and while some people still refuse to accept it, 50 years from now it won't even be an issue.

- The Supreme Court decision and legalizing gay marriage everywhere is a huge step for America. It shows there are enough independent thinkers out there. If we're truly going to evolve on these important social issues, we can't be a nation of drones programmed to believe everything in The Bible or take the word of anyone no matter who they are or what kind of power they hold. Just like the airplane has evolved from the time of The Wright Brothers, or mail has evolved into email, it's no different with gay rights. In time things are supposed to get better, not worse, and the only way that will happen is if enough free thinkers push back and question the old ways of doing things.

To all my LGBT friends and Americans, this is your time. Congratulations! The bullies and bigots will kick and scream like the small minded manipulators they are, but it hasn't been enough to prevent Americans from doing the right thing."

Other Nationality Rooms in the works; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 6/17/15

Caelin Miltko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Other Nationality Rooms in the works:

"The completion of the Korean Heritage Classroom will come just over eight years after planning started. There are three other rooms in progress, and several others under discussion for the Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh’s Oakland campus.

The first 19 Nationality Rooms were completed between 1938 and 1957. The Early American, German, Russian, Scottish and Swedish Rooms were all presented in 1938, 12 years after construction began on the Cathedral of Learning.

Ms. Bruhns approves all rooms before they go to the Center for International Studies, and her primary rule is that groups must have an established community in the area. Groups are expected to provide a summer scholarship for study in the region and to participate in the Holiday Open House on the first Sunday in December.

A Nationality Room usually takes eight to 10 years and at least $500,000 to complete, Ms. Bruhns said."

Fight For Marriage Equality Not Over On Navajo Nation; Huffington Post, 7/2/15

Julian Brave Noisecat, Huffington Post; Fight For Marriage Equality Not Over On Navajo Nation:

"However, many contemporary LGBTQ Navajo point to historical accounts of same-sex unions and even the prominence of the nádleehí -- third-gender people -- in Navajo creation stories. Today, many LGBTQ Navajos embrace the term nádleehí or identify as "two-spirit," to reclaim Navajo and indigenous traditions honoring LGBTQ people. In a 2009 academic article, Navajo Nation Human Rights Commissioner and University of New Mexico Professor Jennifer Denetdale argues the homophobia and heteronormativity of the Diné Marriage Act reflects the hegemony of American colonization on the Navajo people.

Nelson agrees with her position. "When I'm reading comments from Navajo leaders, it seems like the majority of them came from the boarding-school era, and so everything that they were taught from that time of assimilation is so full of misunderstanding, fear and hate for our own people," he said. "It seems like the U.S. government did a very good job at training our Navajo men and women -- our brothers and sisters -- to be their own oppressor."

At stake are the values and traditions all Navajos hold dear.

"I have been raised and I have been taught, through our teachings, that we take care of each other, we look out for each other and we are all related," Crotty said. "And never in those discussions, in those prayers and in those songs, were there any types of exclusions.""

The Line it is Drawn #247 – Superheroes Celebrating Marriage Equality!; ComicBookResources.com, 7/3/15

Brian Cronin, ComicBookResources.com; The Line it is Drawn #247 – Superheroes Celebrating Marriage Equality! :

"This is a special edition of the Line it is Drawn. Our artists already made their selections based on your suggestions for next week’s theme, Hostess Comic Book Ads. This week, they’re going off on their own to each do a special piece celebrating the Supreme Court’s ruling last Friday (the ruling came in after I had sent the theme suggestion out, so it was too late to change it for last week) establishing marriage equality in the United States."

South Hills reaction to same-sex marriage ruling; South Hills Almanac, 6/26/15

David Singer, South Hills Almanac; South Hills reaction to same-sex marriage ruling:

"In a 5-4 ruling on June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court has validated same-sex marriage as legal in all 50 U.S. states, striking down bans in 14 states.

Mark Comiskey, a barber in Mt. Lebanon who came out as gay during an earlier interview with an Almanac reporter, said before the ruling he just wanted to make sure he left something behind for people who didn’t know him.

“It’s part of me. It’s part of Mark. I just want people to know they – we – that we have a face,” he said. He explained he’s out with most of his clients, but most others don’t know, and that the Supreme Court decision is “a validation of his humanity.”

Susan Boyle, of Mt. Lebanon, said the ruling is a good thing.

“I have wonderful gay friends. This is wonderful. The one man, he’s a professor at University of California Los Angeles; he and his partner have been together for 50 years. There have been gay people for centuries, why should we not acknowledge that?” she said."

A Memorable Month of Pride in America; Huffington Post, 6/301/5

Valerie Jarrett, Huffington Post; A Memorable Month of Pride in America:

"Also last week, the Office of Science and Technology Policy hosted a "We The Geeks: Made With Pride" Google hangout to recognize the accomplishments of makers and LGBT people in technology, and explore strategies for diversifying science and technology fields.

To close out the month, the president hosted a Pride Month reception for LGBT leaders and allies at the White House on Wednesday, June 24th.

2015 has also marked some important steps forward in our society for transgender Americans, as more and more of our neighbors, family members and loved ones are feeling the freedom and support they need to embrace their personal identities. More businesses are standing up against anti-LGBT legislation in states and we've seen a real shift towards broader public acceptance and understanding.

As our work continues in the months and years to come, we must remember to keep pushing for things like a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act and a society in which every child in America feels supported and safe to pursue their happiness, regardless of who they are or whom they love. We also must remember this period as proof of what is possible when we work hard, work together, and pursue the highest ideals of our country."