Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs

08/07/2020

Another zoom Commission meeting in the books. Thanks to all who joined!

08/04/2020

PA CARES | federal CARES Act information for Pennsylvania

If you're struggling to make monthly payments due to COVID-19, help is available:

🏠 COVID-19 mortgage and rent relief: phfa.org/PAcares
🏢 Property tax and rent rebate: revenue.pa.gov/PTRR
📃 Report illegal eviction: on.pa.gov/AGcomplaint
💳 Additional financial resources: on.pa.gov/2Jb8UYp

PA CARES information for Pennsylvania; rental assistance, mortgage assistance.

07/31/2020

Governor Tom Wolf

School governing boards and administrators will determine if school buildings reopen and if classes resume in person, remotely, or a combination of the two.

The best way to find out about these local decisions is to contact your school’s governing board or administration.

07/30/2020

Gov. Wolf Releases Statement in Response to Spread of Misinformation, Attacks on LGBTQ Community

“Rep. Diamond’s press release is nothing more than a thinly veiled attack on the LGBTQ community and the commonwealth’s Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, a transgender woman, and a nationally respected leader in public health, whose bravery and resolve in the face of constant attacks is laudable.”

Governor Tom Wolf released the following statement in response to the latest spread of hate and misinformation by Representative Russ Diamond.

07/22/2020

Gov. Wolf Issues Statement on Hate Targeting Transgender Pennsylvanians

“Hate has no place in Pennsylvania, even in the smallest transphobic joke, action or social media post. I’m calling upon all Pennsylvanians to speak out against hateful comments and acts, including the transphobia directed at Dr. Levine and all Transgender people in our great commonwealth.” - Tom Wolf

In response to a post made on Facebook by the Bloomsburg Fair mocking Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, Governor Tom Wolf made the following statement

07/21/2020

Bloomsburg Fair fundraiser dunk tank targeting Rachel Levine criticized as ‘transphobic’

The leadership of the Bloomsburg Fair knew they were catering to Transphobic sentiments when they chose to impersonate Dr. Levine. Marginalized communities know when we are being targeted and will not be gas-lit into thinking this was just about Dr. Levine's position as Secretary of Health. In times of crisis and pain LGBTQ individuals are united in pushing back against Transphobia of any kind. Commissioners believe that the health and safety of Pennsylvanians should not be undermined due to these toxic and personal attacks.

The fair's post included photos of someone dressed in an attempt to resemble Dr. Rachel Levine, along with the statement of "wonder why so many were trying to dunk you".

07/15/2020

Celebrate International #NonBinary People's day and continue to challenge the social construct of gender.

07/14/2020

Governor Tom Wolf

A little over a month ago, I met with leaders of Black communities in Philadelphia and Harrisburg to discuss ways we can improve law enforcement.

Today, I signed two bills that will take steps toward making our commonwealth safer for every Pennsylvanian.

HB 1841 and HB 1910 require law enforcement officers to have:
✅ Pre-employment background checks
🧠 Mental health evaluations

This is just a start. We must continue to implement reforms that fight systemic racism and oppression.

07/10/2020

Gov. Wolf Announces Protections from Foreclosures and Evictions Through Aug. 31

Gov. Wolf Announces Protections from Foreclosures and Evictions Through Aug. 31

Governor Tom Wolf today signed a new executive order that protects homeowners and renters from eviction or foreclosure until Aug. 31, if they are waiting for assistance from a new program administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency or are not already receiving relief through one of sever...

07/07/2020

Renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for relief through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

Renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for relief through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

Starting June, 20, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will be accepting applications via their website until Sept. 30.

06/29/2020

LGBTQ Aging in PA – A Virtual Town Hall with Secretary Robert Torres

The Department of Aging is committed to ensuring that Pennsylvanians of all sexual orientations and gender identities are able to grow older with access to resources and services that are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and LGBTQ-affirming.
Please join us and the Department of Aging for a virtual town hall on Wednesday, July 15th from 10-11:30 AM.

06/29/2020

Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs's cover photo

06/25/2020

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

We remember Pennsylvanian Dominique Rem’mie Fells, who was murdered in Philadelphia earlier this month.

Black Trans Lives Matter. Pennsylvania was founded on the principles of tolerance and freedom, and needs to be a safe place for everyone.

We do not stand for hate.

06/24/2020

Celebrating Transgender Pride at state capitol! The lights and Pride flag will remain until the end of Pride month if you would like to get your own cool photos!

06/24/2020

Aging Details

Thank you Secretary Robert Torres from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging for your commitment to the LGBTQ community.

The Wolf Administration is committed to making the commonwealth a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for all Pennsylvanians. The Department of Aging is dedicated to ensuring the same experience for every older adult, including people in the LGBTQ community and other marginalized groups who ha...

06/22/2020

Proudly flying over the state Capitol 🏳️‍🌈

06/22/2020

06/22/2020

Join us LIVE today at 12 Noon as we raise the pride flag over the Capitol building! The flag will remain up for the rest of June to close out Pride month. The capitol will also be lit in the colors of the Transgender pride flag. Special thanks to Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman for letting us borrow his pride flag! 🏳️‍🌈

06/17/2020

Non-discrimination Supreme Court ruling a victory, leaders say more work to be done for full LGBTQ rights and protections in PA

Commissioners discussing how important it is that Pennsylvania still pass legislation to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing, public accommodations and employment. 🏳️‍🌈✊🏽✊🏿

Advocates say there's much more work to be done to fight housing, adoption, health care, public service and more protection from discrimination in the Commonwealth.

06/16/2020

Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs Releases Statement on Death of Dominique ‘Rem’mie’ Fells

Remember her joy. Celebrate her life. Say her name. Dominique "Rem'mie" Fells may you rest in power.

The Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs released the following statement on the death of Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells, a transgender woman

06/15/2020

Supreme Court Says LGBTQ Employees Are Protected By Civil Rights Employment Statutes

Supreme Court Says LGBTQ Employees Are Protected By Civil Rights Employment Statutes

While Title VII bars discrimination on the basis of “race, color, national origin, sex, and religion,” the original bill didn’t define “sex” as a term.

06/13/2020

In honor of Dominique Rem'mie Fells -- a devastating loss of a Black Trans Woman in our community -- The Office of LGBT Affairs is holding a Community Grief Session that will be held virtually, tomorrow, Sunday, June 14th, 4-6PM. We partnered with the Philadelphia Office of Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs, DBHIDS, Therapy Center of Philadelphia, and William Way Center. There will be clinicians on site and during the breakout sessions.

06/13/2020

Trump administration issues rule to curtail health protections for transgender people

Trump administration issues rule to curtail health protections for transgender people

The change to the Affordable Care Act will eliminate protections from discrimination based on gender identity.

06/13/2020

Her name was Dominique "Rem’mie" Fells. Dominique, a 27 year old Black Trans Woman was found murdered on June 9th in Philadelphia. Rest in Power Dominique, we speak your name. Black Trans Lives Matter

06/11/2020

As #PridenMonth continues we are reminded that the Stonewall uprising was a riot, that those actions helped launch #LGBTQ civil rights movements across the United States, and that they were led by Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, two transgender women of color, alongside other activists. We cannot separate what we celebrate as Pride month from the crucial actions taken by citizens in search of justice in an unjust system.

06/05/2020

The Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs Defends Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine and Denounces Transphobia in the Commonwealth

“In times of crisis and pain, LGBTQ individuals are united in pushing back against transphobia of any kind. Members of the commission believe that the health and safety of Pennsylvanians should not be undermined due to these toxic, transphobic and personal attacks.

We will continue to support the leadership of Dr. Rachel Levine and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to help get us through these uncertain times.”

Today, on behalf of the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, Executive Director Rafael Álvarez Febo this statement.

06/05/2020

Pennsylvania Commissions Jointly Issue Statement Defending our First Amendment Right to Protest and Air Grievances

In the wake of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, our nation has erupted into civil unrest. These protests are a byproduct of centuries of racism, bigotry, and sanctioned violence against black and brown communities. The anger and frustration being expressed nationally by communities of color has been fueled by a federal administration that has shown a complete disregard for the wellbeing of its citizens. We stand with the families of those who have lost their lives or have been affected by police violence and empathize with the feelings of outrage at a system that has yet to change.

The Pennsylvania Commissions on African American, Latino, Asian Pacific American, Women and LGBTQ Affairs, overseen by Gov. Tom Wolf, released a joint statement today honoring the memory of George Floyd and other Americans of color who have lost their lives to police violence, and denouncing indoctr...

06/04/2020

Pennsylvania Governor's Office LIVE

An important announcement from Governor Tom Wolf

Watch the live stream from the Office of the Governor.

05/19/2020

05/19/20 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

• Today, Governor Tom Wolf and Treasurer Joe Torsella announced that many homeowners, renters, and people with disabilities will receive early rebates through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.

• Gov. Wolf also signed HB 1076 into law, which authorizes the early distribution of the rebates.

• Typically, rebates are distributed on July 1.

• Rebate distribution begins tomorrow, though not all recipients will receive theirs immediately.

• Claimants who already applied for rebates can use the Where’s My PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate? tool on the Department of Revenue’s website or call 1-888-PATAXES to check the status of their rebate.

• Getting this rebate money to these low-income and vulnerable Pennsylvanians will assist them with immediate needs during the COVID-19 crisis.

• This is the latest initiative by the Wolf Administration to assist Pennsylvanians with necessities during this crisis, allowing them to focus on preventing the spread of COVID-19.

05/18/2020

The Transgender Coalition of Pennsylvania (TCOP) is a State social justice coalition devoted to ending discrimination and violence against transgender people through education and advocacy on state issues of importance to transgender people. By empowering transgender people and our allies to educate and influence policymakers and others, TCOP facilitates a strong and clear voice for transgender equality in the state of Pennsylvania.

The Coalition in partnership with the PA Commission on LGBTQ Affairs is looking to find Trans and non-binary leadership within Pennsylvania to join this coalition and its mission for Equality.

Apply Here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9X6SFQ6
#TransPeopleExistInPA #Respect4Rachel #TCOP

05/18/2020

Governor Tom Wolf

Governor Tom Wolf

Today I’m with PA Emergency Management Agency and Pennsylvania National Guard to give an update on COVID-19 response in Pennsylvania.

05/15/2020

Wrapped up our Spring 2020 Commission meeting. Thanks to all of our amazing Commissioners for making Pennsylvania a better place for all LGBTQ people.

05/15/2020

Philly students can now officially change their school district names, thrilling LGBTQ advocates

Philly students can now officially change their school district names, thrilling LGBTQ advocates

The move is an unexpected side effect of the switch to remote learning.

05/13/2020

Gov. Wolf Announces Inclusion of Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation or Expression in COVID-19 Data Collection

Collecting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity data is crucial to improving health outcomes for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians. This wouldn't be possible without the tireless advocacy of our Commissioners. Thank you Governor Wolf and Secretary Levine for taking this step.

Governor Tom Wolf today took another step in his commitment to fair treatment and inclusion of LGBTQ Pennsylvanians by announcing ways the community will be counted in COVID-19 data.

05/12/2020

Pennsylvania Department of Health

Pennsylvania Department of Health

Join us as we provide an update on COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.