LGBTQ* Law and Protection History

The Gif above showcases the LGBT legal changes of same-sex/gender recognized marriages in the United States from 1970-2013.

For more, check out BuzzFeedLGBT’s article

LGBTQ* Infographics

“Attitude Changes”

from LiveScience.com

LGBTQ* Speeches You May Have Missed:

The following is the text from a speech in favor of marriage equality given by Republican David Frum on the steps of the Supreme Court building this morning. Today is an exciting day for the LGBTQ* community, and we at KNOWhomo are looking forward to the possibilities and hope it brings.

“I speak here today as one of the more than 130 Republicans and conservatives who signed Ken Mehlman’s brief in favor of equal marriage rights.

Republicans and Democrats have enough to disagree about - no shortage. Yet there are some issues that are the property of no one party. The freedom of every American to pursue happiness under the law - that promise signed in the Declaration of Independence so many years ago is the promise that is coming true in our time.

For a conservative, the remarkable thing about the movement for same-sex marriage is that it is a civil rights movement that is less about claiming rights than it is about accepting responsibilities.

Marriage is a source of great joy. But - and I speak as one who’ll celebrate a 25th anniversary this summer - it’s also a solemn undertaking: an undertaking to care for another person, to nurse that person when ill, to sustain her or him in time of trouble, to raise children together, to provide for those children, to mourn when it comes time to mourn.

No agency of government can ever begin to do for anyone what loving spouses do for each other. The stronger our families are, of every kind of family, the less government we’ll need.

Today your families gather before this house of the law to claim the right to live as others do, without shame and without fear.

The mind of a nation is changing. It’s an awesome thing to see - and to be part of. Your words - your actions -and your example have power. And will overcome.”

LGBTQ* Internet Flash Mobs Going On At The Moment

Red Support - HRC & the Stand for Marriage

From the Human Rights Campaign:

Who’s wearing red tomorrow  (Tuesday)? Show your support for marriage equality — make your profile image red for tomorrow and check out www.hrc.org/StandForMarriage for more ways to get involved!

LGBTQ* Marriage/Civil Union Equality Info Graphics

Equality Statistics from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:

Here are the numbers:

• 53% to 17 %. If you’re a state or local worker with union representation you are more likely to have access to health care coverage for your same-sex partner. Fifty-three percent of state/local workers in a union had access to domestic partner benefits compared to just 17 percent for non-union employees.
• 46% to 28%. In private industry you’re more likely to have same-sex domestic partner benefits with a union (46%) than if you lack the collective bargaining power of a union (28%).
• 54% to 47%. You’re more likely to have same-sex partner survivor benefits in retirement as a state/local worker if you’re represented by a union (54%) than if you are not in a union (47%).

There are benefits beyond health insurance or retirement security that unions offer LGBT workers. Union workers can be fired only with just cause and often have access to grievance procedures and arbitration. Additionally, many union contracts do what federal law does not: prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. And unions are out front to ensure that transgender people have equal access to benefits

LGBTQ* Infographics + Breakfast = Marriage Equality?

Blake Ink United takes on marriage equality with their newest info graphic. 

LGBTQ* Breaking News You May Have Missed

Following from CNN.com

UK lawmakers approve same-sex marriage in first vote

(picture source) 

LGBTQ* Allies and Support Super Bowl Style!

Brendon Ayanbadejo, linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, plans to bring Gay Marriage to the forefront during the Super Bowl.

“Organically, it was going to happen anyway,” said Ayanbadejo a linebacker and key special-teams player in his 10th season, of the inevitable questions to come after his vocal support for upholding a marriage equality law in Maryland in November.

“There (are) still 47 or so states that don’t have it passed. It needs to be passed federally. Why not be the person to carry that message not only to the United States but to the rest of the world? I have this huge platform. The whole world is watching.

“It’s a message of positivity. It’s a message of equality. And it’s a chance to get it out. It’s not going to affect the way I play football but its going to affect a lot of people’s lives off the field.” (source)