CenterLink’s Statement on the Signing of the Respect for Marriage Act

Today President Biden signed into law a bipartisan bill that will protect same-sex and interracial marriages with a celebration at the White House that included many LGBTQ+ community center leaders. 

The Respect for Marriage Act​ is an important bill that will do two primary things. First, it repeals DOMA and gets this anti-marriage federal law off the books. It will require the federal government to recognize a marriage between two individuals if the marriage was valid in the state where it was performed. Second, the bill will guarantee that valid marriages between two individuals are given full faith and credit, regardless of the couple’s sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin. The bill will not require a state to issue a marriage license contrary to state law. 

Passing the Respect for Marriage Act is a crucial step toward protecting LGBTQ+ couples and to ensure the dignity, stability and ongoing protection that marriage affords to families and children. Like the freedom to marry, a majority of Americans support measures that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in all aspects of daily life. CenterLink will continue to work to ensure that the momentum we’re seeing for the freedom to marry is carried over into ongoing efforts to secure federal nondiscrimination protections for all Americans.

You've seen the headlines, nightlife activities while being so much fun can also become nightmares.  Have you had an experience that was scary while at a nightclub, bar, or party?  Do you work in the nightlife industry and want to share your experiences to hopefully create more safety in nightlife fun?  

The LOFT has partnered with WestCOP- Victims Assistance Services (VAS) to create a survey to learn more about your concerns and experiences.  Together, let's keep our clubs and bars safe for all.

Take the Nightlife Safety Survey 

The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community honors Pansexual Pride Day, December 8th.  

Pansexuality is a term that refers to people who are attracted to others no matter the other person’s gender identity or sex.

To learn more about this growing LGBTQ+ Community, check out our resource list below:

• What Does It Mean to Be Pansexual?
• What Is It To Be Pansexual: An Explanation
• Celebrating Pansexual Pride

TransMission - Apply Now

Applications for Cycle 4 of TransMission are now open from December 1st - 31st 2022

The TransMission program provides financial assistance of up to $500 for expenses related to social, legal, medical, or surgical transition. Applicants must be over 18 years of age and reside within the United States. Priority will be given to residents of New York’s Hudson Valley. All are welcome to apply.

Thank you Barbara for your lifetime of advocacy. We stand on your shoulders and learn from your legacy. Rest In Pride,

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NYTIMES: Barbara Love, Who Fought for Lesbians to Have a Voice, Dies at 85

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Photo source: Bettye Lane, via Schlesinger Library, Harvard Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University