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So much for Obama’s evolution

President’s refusal to issue exec order violates campaign promise

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So much for baby steps in his evolution. On April 11, President Obama fell off the wagon of progress for the LGBT community by refusing to issue an executive order requiring federal contractors to add sexual orientation and gender identity to existing nondiscrimination policies.

During the primary campaign in 2008, when he was competing against Hillary Clinton for gay votes and gay dollars, candidate Obama pledged to support such an executive order. When asked if he would sign this executive policy, he gave a one-word answer, “Yes.”  He also reiterated his position that workplace discrimination must end on multiple occasions. This is a broken promise that the president can’t blame on Congress.

This isn’t an issue that carries any kind of political risk. The Human Rights Campaign found support from 73 percent of the public in a poll it conducted on the issue. Additionally, the Center for American Progress discovered in a separate national survey that 90 percent of those polled believed that protections already existed for LGBT workers nationwide. The same poll showed that 74 percent of Catholics support the executive order.

Many people and organizations have publicly endorsed this executive order. When the Washington Blade asked Nancy Pelosi last summer whether Obama should sign the order, she said the president’s signature was “long overdue.”  In addition, the New York Times, Washington Post, Center for American Progress, Williams Institute, Freedom to Work, ACLU, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Human Rights Campaign and nearly 80 members of Congress have called on the president to pick up his pen and get this done. A Freedom to Work petition on Change.org has more than 110,000 signatures in support of the order and counting.

The federal government doles out so many billions of taxpayer dollars each year to federal contractors that the employees of those corporations represent 22 percent of the nation’s workforce, according to Department of Labor statistics. So this executive order would cover almost 1 in 4 workers in states like Texas, Florida and Ohio, where state law does not protect against LGBT discrimination.

Advocacy organizations close to the issue expected the president to issue this executive order by June of this year at the latest. There was even a hope that it would come earlier. In a surprise move, advocates and lobbyists were informed that there would be no such order at this time at a meeting on April 11.

A source close to the White House told me, “a DADT-style study is the right way to go.” In the White House daily briefing on April 12, press secretary Jay Carney also tried to draw parallels to DADT, “I think the DADT repeal is instructive here in terms of the approach that we’re taking at this time.”

So what they are doing is trying to turn attention away from the executive order and toward ENDA, as if it’s an either-or proposition. It’s not. In fact, the two together make absolute sense. The executive order will cover such a large percentage of workers that ENDA becomes a much more real possibility. The first will help pave the way for the second.

It’s such a simple and easy proposition that the White House not moving forward boggles the mind. Aside from the ENDA bait and switch, there has been no solid reason given for postponing this action until after the election. Jay Carney took eight minutes of questions on this in the above referenced White House briefing and didn’t give any additional rationale.

Just to give perspective on how this move shifts the state of play on LGBT issues in Washington, three weeks ago, Greg Sargent reported in the Washington Post that the president’s top political advisers were debating whether he should publicly endorse marriage equality before the election. At the same time, the executive order was considered imminent. Now the imminent is postponed until after the election. This is a shift of gigantic proportions.

In short, the executive order is something the president promised, it’s really easy to do, the work for it has already been done, it enjoys broad public support, it augments existing requirements for contractors and it doesn’t cost any money.

It is so offensive that the White House has taken this position that I am considering not lifting a finger to help Obama win re-election. I was beginning to feel that the baby steps on LGBT rights were adding up and that I could be semi-enthusiastic about the president’s re-election. But with this giant leap backwards, I’ve once again become unmotivated to help. I suspect I’m not alone.

Many have called on the White House to revisit this decision. It would be wise for the president to do so. We as a community should not stand for this injustice any longer. Our fierce advocate should show just a tiny bit of fierceness and issue this executive order.

Lane Hudson is a D.C.-based communications consultant and LGBT rights activist. Reach him at [email protected].

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The true cost of cutting DEI

A threat to business, innovation, and disability economic power

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(Image by anirav/Bigstock)

The Trump administration’s push to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives isn’t just bad policy—it’s bad for business. 

For decades, DEI programs have helped break down barriers, making workplaces more accessible and opening doors for disabled talent. Rolling them back isn’t just an attack on equity; it’s a blow to our economy, limiting innovation and shutting out a massive, untapped workforce.

When companies invest in inclusion, they don’t just do the right thing—they see real financial returns. A landmark Accenture study found that businesses prioritizing disability inclusion outperformed their competitors, saw “1.6 times more revenue, 2.6 times more net income and 2 times more economic profit than other companies.”     

Disability inclusion isn’t charity—it’s a competitive advantage. Gutting DEI won’t just hurt disabled professionals; it will cost businesses billions in lost talent, innovation, and market potential.

In the United States, 25% of the population has a disability. Yet, disabled individuals remain the most underemployed segment of the workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023):

  • Only 22.5% of people with disabilities were employed, compared to 65.8% of non-disabled individuals.
  • The unemployment rate for disabled workers (7.2%) is more than double that of non-disabled workers (3.5%).

Before DEI became a corporate and policy priority, disabled individuals were often excluded from hiring pipelines due to misconceptions about our capabilities. Through targeted recruitment, universal design policies, and disability awareness training, DEI programs have helped break these barriers down. Rolling back these initiatives will make it even harder for disabled job seekers to compete on an already uneven playing field.

Hiring is just one part of the equation. Retention and advancement matter just as much.

Workplaces that prioritize inclusion are more likely to invest in accessible infrastructure, flexible work arrangements, and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that empower disabled workers to thrive. Without this support, many of us are left struggling in environments that were never designed with our needs in mind—leading to higher turnover rates and fewer leadership opportunities.

Furthermore, DEI initiatives have played a critical role in shifting corporate attitudes toward disability. They have challenged long-standing stigmas and fostered a culture where disabled individuals are seen not as liabilities but as assets—with unique perspectives, relentless problem-solving skills, and the entrepreneurial mindset that comes from navigating obstacles daily. These attributes aren’t just beneficial—they are business advantages.

Let’s talk about merit. Some claim that DEI undermines meritocracy. But here’s the reality: Disabled professionals are some of the most resourceful, innovative, and resilient entrepreneurs out there—because we’ve had to be.

At 2Gether-International (2GI), a D.C.-based impact accelerator that supports entrepreneurs with disabilities, we support hundreds of disabled entrepreneurs who are building companies, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. Yet, these same founders struggle to access capital due to outdated policies and systemic bias. Instead of cutting DEI, we should be doubling down on investments in disabled entrepreneurship—because when we succeed, the entire economy benefits.

Our success is proof of the power of corporate DEI efforts. Thanks to these initiatives, 2GI has supported more than 700 startups, helping them secure more than $70 million in funding  from investment, revenue and acquisitions from outside investors.

Take, for example, Erica Cole, founder of No Limbits, a company that creates adaptive clothing for amputees. Following her participating in 2Gether-International’s accelerator program for start-up founders with disabilities, Erica has been able to scale her business including by acquiring the adaptive apparel company Buck & Buck and complete a $3 million series A funding round, proving that disability-led businesses can thrive when given the right resources.

Another success story is Ruby Taylor, founder of Financial Joy School, who has leveraged DEI-backed funding and mentorship to empower disabled individuals and communities of color in financial literacy. 

These are just two examples of how DEI isn’t about handouts—it’s about breaking down barriers so that talent, innovation, and hard work can thrive.

Critics argue that DEI programs create an uneven playing field. The reality? Inclusive workplaces are more innovative, adaptable, and profitable.

A diverse workforce that includes disabled individuals fosters creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. Companies that prioritize disability inclusion outperform their competitors because they reflect a broader customer base and attract top talent. Without DEI, businesses risk losing these advantages, regressing into outdated hiring practices, and reinforcing workplace discrimination.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion aren’t just “nice to have” policies—they are essential to a thriving, innovative, and competitive economy. Cutting DEI won’t just set back disabled workers; it will hurt businesses, limit economic growth, and stall progress.

So here’s the challenge:

  • Business leaders: Step up. Prioritize inclusion—not because it’s politically correct, but because it’s profitable.
  • Policymakers: Recognize that DEI is an economic issue, not just a social one. Gutting these programs will cost jobs, innovation, and economic growth.
  • Investors: Back disabled entrepreneurs. The next wave of business leaders will come from the disability community—if we give them the resources to succeed.

It’s time to stop seeing disability as a deficit and start seeing it for what it is: an asset to our economy, our businesses, and our future.


Diego Mariscal is founder and CEO of 2Gether-International and a member of the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee.

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New doc chronicles gay hero’s journey from rape to forgiveness

‘I Am’ embraces message of acceptance, love, compassion

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A scene from 'I Am.' (Screen capture via Sinconis Studios/YouTube)

Two award-winning filmmakers produced the documentary film “I Am.” It’s about my Hero’s Journey to overcome a trauma involving anti-LGBT bias. It also features the significant role that the popular comedian Stephen Colbert is playing in this 92,000-mile ongoing mission. A powerfully crafted and impactful film released just in time to celebrate Pride month.

The Arizona filmmakers Ethan and Aidan Sinconis are high school twin brothers. These strong LGBT allies were awarded the best student film in the U.S. in 2024, beating out more than 2,000 entries. The guys then followed up that major accomplishment by using their artistic talent to take on this bold, new film project telling my story to the world.

I shared my adventure with Blade readers back in late 2023 after I experienced a brutal rape and beating at the hands of three men who entered my Phoenix home. I sustained significant injuries.

It was determined that anti-LGBT bias was involved in the police response. I made a chilling 911 call for help. The dispatcher listened helplessly as I was being attacked during that phone call. The three men were surrounding me in the bloody crime scene when the four officers arrived. Three smoking guns. No arrests were made.

History has shown that LGBT folks can’t always rely on the criminal justice system to be there for us. But we can still find peace, happiness, love, and success. The film addresses how I’ve been doing that by continuing on this exhilarating and riveting journey that’s now taken me across the U.S. and Mexico in pursuit of my goal for 3,473 consecutive days and counting.

The film explains the connection to “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” A fortuitous moment of laughter from that TV comedy show stopped me from dying by suicide at 10:44 p.m. on Nov. 2, 2015. That was the call to action I answered.

That spark sent me heading out on an adventure. To learn how to re-engage and trust people again after badly isolating. To learn how to process the anti-LGBT bias and trauma, and to get written support from total strangers in my dedicated mission to become a guest on “The Late Show” at 53rd and Broadway in NYC. 

But this documentary is far more than a story about me and my efforts to escape the abyss, despair, and depression that had cloaked me in darkness for so long. This is also a story of 34,291 complete strangers from all walks of life coming together one at a time to help a guy in trouble.

The documentary has elements of the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” in it. Especially the memorable part where Uncle Billy tells George Bailey, “Mary did it, George. Mary did it. She told a few people you were in trouble, and they scattered all over town collecting money. They didn’t ask any questions. Just said if George is in trouble. Count on me.”

That’s what these 34,291 Good Samaritans did for me as I scattered all over the country meeting them. They didn’t ask any questions. They heard I was in trouble and trying to recover from the trauma and get to a goal. They each let me know through their kindness, hugs, and written words that I could count on them.

Perhaps what I like the most about the film is how Ethan and Aidan laid the foundation for who “I Am.” They show that I Am a brother, colleague, son, spouse, survivor, nephew, neighbor, grandson, uncle, friend, and cousin. I Am plenty more than just a gay man. I Am Blake.

Back in the summer of 2020, Pope Francis mailed a personal letter to me and expressed his gratitude for sharing my story with him. Gosh how I wish he was alive to see this completed film. It would have made his heart full. He was all about what this documentary represents. It’s not about revenge, anger, hatred, or sadness. It’s about acceptance, unity, love, empathy, compassion, and forgiveness.

It’s understandable for us in the LGBT community to want to respond with anger in situations like this. Our community has been through centuries of harassment, bullying, discrimination, and bias. But I’ve realized it’s more productive and healing to move past the anger. To use our energy to inform, entertain, and inspire individuals.

That’s what this documentary is about. A beautiful message of hope, support, and optimism for Pride month and beyond. A stand up and cheer film proudly coming out of our resilient community. Fingers crossed for an Academy Award nomination for “I Am.” Much deserved for a film very well done by Ethan and Aidan.

The documentary “I Am” can be found at SinconisStudios.com or on YouTube.


Ron Blake lives in Phoenix and can be reached at [email protected] or @BlakeLateShow on Instagram.

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US hate groups fuel anti-LGBTQ rights movement in Africa

Anti-LGBTQ conference took place this month in Nairobi

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A Nairobi hotel the Kenya Red Cross owns hosted an anti-LGBTQ conference earlier this month.

“Protecting and Promoting Family Values in Challenging Times.” This was the theme of the 2nd annual Pan-African Conference on Family Values that concluded last week in Nairobi, Kenya. 

For months, organizers have been inundating local media with advertisements, promising to equip participants with tools to “safeguard our values.” One highly circulated poster even boasts U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a special invited guest (though he did not attend.) And each mention sent chills down our spines. 

This conference, one of several planned across Africa, was sponsored by U.S.-based anti-rights groups including the Family Research Council, the Political Network for Values and the Center for Family and Human Rights, each known for targeting LGBTQI+ and reproductive rights worldwide. To those of us in the LGBTQI+ community who’ve been fighting rising homophobia, this conference was more than a convening. A gauntlet is being thrown down, one that will fuel the momentum of anti-rights efforts in Kenya, one that threatens all of Africa.

To be sure, this burden is not ours alone to bear. The actors pushing their bigoted agenda in Kenya and beyond are the same ones driving policies that block abortion access, whip up anti-immigration sentiments and spread transphobia in the U.S. and beyond. It is imperative that all communities (local and international) jealously guard against such maneuvering. These hatemongers are taking aim at our sovereignty and social constructs. They seek to woo with the proverbial beads and cloth, while simultaneously annexing that which we hold dear. This is not just an LGBTQI+ issue. This is about our inherent human rights and dignity. We need to hold the line.

In Kenya, we knew our hard-won gains for the LGBTQI+ community were in jeopardy when President William Ruto came into office in 2022. He has since been very vocal about his conservative views, perhaps reluctant to alienate himself from his predominantly Christian religious leader sycophants. Nevertheless, we’ve won significant legal battles in recent years, including in 2023 when the Kenyan Supreme Court ruled that LGBT organizations can legally register with words like “gay” and “lesbian” in their names.

Over the years, however, the anti-rights movement has been cultivating allies across Africa to further their agenda. Organizations like Family Watch International, Center for Family and Human Rights and the World Congress of Families (all deemed hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center) have made inroads with influential political leaders with talk of the “natural family,” a narrative that espouses the Western ideal of a nuclear family. In reality, these views run counter to traditional African communal views on family. It is ironic, therefore, that anti-rights actors accuse the gay rights movement of importing Western ideas even as they are readily adopting Western cultural norms. 

Our political leaders are being indoctrinated into a culture of hate and division. And global convenings, like the Pan-African Conference on Family Values, are chief among their propaganda tools. In fact, it was after attending one such gathering, the “V Transatlantic Summit” in New York in 2023, that Kenyan MP Peter Kaluma proposed the Family Protection Bill which seeks to ban same-sex relationships and curtail sexual and reproductive health rights, among other measures.

In the past, we could count on the U.S. to keep our political leaders in check. Not anymore. President Trump’s attacks on the queer community in the U.S. have only emboldened the anti-queer movement in Kenya. Anti-rights groups are coming back with renewed vigor to amend our constitution and dismantle all human rights protections. They are already instigating violence and stirring anti-gay sentiment, particularly on social media. Kenyans are losing their jobs or being overly scrutinized at work. An ever-increasing number of LGBTQ+ community members access our online mental health services in deep distress and anxiety about the future. 

We will not back down, however. Ahead of the conference, we delivered a petition signed  by more than two dozen human rights activists and groups lambasting Kenya Red Cross for allowing the Pan-African Conference on Family Values to be held at its property, the Boma Hotel. How can an organization dedicated to the health and wellbeing of marginalized groups be complicit in an event that stigmatizes and incites harm against the very same people? We’ve also been organizing and strategizing with our allies around community safety, legal rights, hate crime monitoring, and resource mobilization.

Make no mistake, this hate will not stop with Kenya. This conference was part of a larger playbook, and any victories here will propel the anti-right’s cruel campaign throughout Africa. We only need to look to our neighbor Uganda and their Anti-Homosexuality Act as proof. It is widely known that Family Watch International influenced the drafting of this law. The same language that criminalizes homosexuality and imposes the death penalty in certain cases was copied and pasted into Kenya’s proposed Family Protection Bill.

Life and liberty as we all know it is very much in jeopardy. Some may be living too much in survival mode to see it. But without a doubt, we are all on a rollercoaster ride to a place where no one is safe. 

Lorna Dias is the outgoing executive coordinator of galck+, a coalition of 18 LGBTQ+ organizations defending human rights and fighting for equality and justice for all in Kenya. Melody Njuki is a communications officer at Initiative for Equality and Non-Discrimination (INEND).

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