hetrick-martin institute

A wonderful friend and non-profit colleague, Sue, works with an important organization helping LGBTQ youth in New York City and recommended them to be featured on goodiegoodie. The epidemic of bullying and abuse, and also the empowerment of LGBTQ youth are issues we care deeply about, so today we are happy to tell you about The Hetrick-Martin Institute.

In 1979, life partners and educators on gay and lesbian issues, Dr. Emery Hetrick, a psychiatrist, and Dr. Damien Martin, a professor at New York University, heard a heartbreaking story about a homeless 15-year-old boy who had been beaten and thrown out of his emergency shelter because he was gay. The two doctors were so moved by his story that they created what is now known as The Hetrick-Martin Institute.

The Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of the Harvey Milk High School, provides young LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning) people the safety and skills they need to reach their full potential. Hetrick-Martin is the oldest and largest organization dedicated to serving at-risk LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) youth ages 12 to 24 who are typically under-served by schools, communities, and often (sadly) their families. In addition to hosting Harvey Milk High School, they also provide after school programs, supportive services, internship opportunities for HMI Youth Members, advocacy, and education.

You can make a tax-deductible donation to HMI to help them keep their programs free for the youth that they serve. You can also help by donating gently-used clothing, shoes, and accessories to The Hetrick-Martin pantry to help those youth that come to HMI needing the basics — food, shelter, and clothing.

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swish

Adios, Don't Ask Don't Tell. Don't let the door hit you in your discriminatory policy on the way out!

In honor of the efforts and successes of LGBT advocates around the country today, I present one of my fave organizations, Swish, the most fabulous gay-straight alliance ever that's run by a passionate and dedicated group of volunteers and allies. Another great friend of ours, Sue, is the co-founder and President of this sassy little non-profit that Matt and I are proud to be a part of. Read this beautiful piece my adorable and compassionate husband wrote for Swish about why we support gay marriage.

These guys have done a lot to mobilize straight allies around the country, and they can use help to keep up their hard work. DADT is d-e-a-d, but there is still much work to be done. Make a donation and help support their operations, public awareness, and coalition-building initiatives—including campaigns to engage members, activists, and volunteers around the world. And check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

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freedom to marry

Today's post is an effort to show my support and send some positive vibes west where a federal appeals court is meeting in San Francisco for arguments on Proposition 8.  If you want to know what's going on or just need a refresher, read this article describing the status of the case and today's arguments.

I believe in marriage equality.  I do! (See???)  I believe that everyone has the right to love and to be loved. There are lots of people and organizations out there and I plan to highlight a few, like Freedom to Marry, that are fighting for the rights of the LGBT community to gain marriage equality. I don't care what anybody says - marriage is marriage and there is no equivalent. (And, being a googly-eyed newlywed myself, I can say that with ALL authority.)

A donation to Freedom to Marry will help win marriage in more states in 2011, grow majority support for the freedom to marry, and fight federal marriage discrimination. And check this out...

Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes and his partner Sean Eldridge have pledged to double all donations made to Freedom to Marry up to $100,000 through January 1, 2011. 

Wurk.  And you can always show your support for this organization and marriage equality by becoming a fan on Facebook or following them on Twitter totes for free. It's all about the love, y'all.

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