News
Rep. Brown introduces bill to ensure equal pay for LGBT workers
Fair Pay for All Act supported by PFLAG National
Rep. Anthony Brown (D-Md.) introduced legislation on Tuesday aimed at ensuring equal pay for LGBT workers, which are shown in a recent survey to struggle with achieving financial parity with their non-LGBT counterparts.
The legislation, known as the Fair Pay for All Act, would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to expand the definition of sex to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
āWhile the Trump administration wages a multi-front assault on the livelihoods of LGBTQ Americans, Congress has to act to ensure all Americans have a fair chance to earn a living,ā Brown said in a statement. āThis bill will enshrine equality in the Fair Labor Standards Act and will ensure all Americans receive equal pay for equal work, regardless of who they are or who they love.ā
Brown introduces the bill on the heels of offering an amendment with Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) to defense spending legislation that would defund President Trumpās transgender military ban. The amendment passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 243-183.
Joining Brown in introducing the Fair Pay for All Act as original co-sponsors are Reps. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.), who are gay and co-chairs of the LGBT Equality Caucus.
āAs Americans, we are raised to believe that āall men are created equal,āā Cicilline said in a statement. āHowever, for far too many in a majority of states in our country, full equality under the law remains a goal, not a guarantee. This important legislation will finally put an end to pay discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community and bring them one step closer to full equality.ā
According to a 2018 survey from LendingTree of student loan borrowers, LGBT workers are more likely than the general population to make less than $50,000.
Wage inequality is particularly true for women in same-sex relationships. According to the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, a couple made up of two lesbian workers āusually has less household income than a heterosexual couple because of the gender wage gap,” although women in same-sex relationships report having more income than women in different-sex relationships.
Wage disparities are āeven more drasticā for transgender people, especially transgender people of color women of color, because they āhave to contend with lower pay based on racial inequality in addition to stigma around their identity,ā a statement from Brownās office says.
Among the supporters of the legislation is PFLAG National, the first and largest organizations for parents, families and allies of LGBT people.
āOn behalf of our 200,000 members and supporters across the country, PFLAG National supports this bill to end pay discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity because harming one family member harms all,ā Bond said in a statement.
State Department
State Department travel advisory warns of potential anti-LGBTQ violence
FBI issued similar warning this week
The State Department on Friday issued a worldwide travel advisory that warns of potential violence against LGBTQ people and LGBTQ-specific events.
“Due to the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” reads the advisory. “The Department of State is aware of the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events and advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.”
The advisory further urges U.S. citizens to:
- Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, including Pride celebrations and venues frequented by LGBTQI+ persons.
- Enroll in theĀ Smart Traveler Enrollment ProgramĀ (STEP)Ā to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas.
- Follow the Department of State onĀ FacebookĀ andĀ Twitter.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Homeland Security Investigations earlier this week issued a similar advisory.
The advisory notes June 12 will mark eight years since the massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla.
The White House
White House acknowledges IDAHOBiT, reiterates support for global LGBTQ rights
WHO on May 17, 1990, declassified homosexuality as a mental illness
The Biden-Harris administration on Friday used the annual International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia to reiterate its support of LGBTQ and intersex rights around the world.
“On the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, my administration stands in support and solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) people around the world as they seek to live full lives, free from violence and discrimination,” said President Joe Biden in a statement. “This is a matter of human rights, plain and simple.”
“The United States applauds those individuals and groups worldwide working to defend the rights of LGBTQI+ people wherever they are under threat,” he added. “We are grateful for the contributions that LGBTQI+ people make every day across our nation.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed Biden.
“On this day, we reflect upon the violence and discrimination lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons worldwide suffer and re-commit ourselves to opposing these acts,” said Blinken in his own statement. “This year, like every year, we state unequivocally: LGBTQI+ persons deserve recognition of their universal human rights and human dignity.”
IDAHOBiT commemorates the World Health Organization’s declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder on May 17, 1990.
Blinken in his statement notes LGBTQ and intersex people around the world “continue to face insidious forms of stigma and discrimination.”
Dominica last month became the latest country to decriminalize consensual same-sex sexual relations. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in May 2023 signed his country’s Anti-Homosexuality Act that, among other things, contains a death penalty provision for “aggravated homosexuality.”
“Even as more countries make meaningful advancements towards full equality; LGBTQI+ persons continue to be sentenced to death for daring to live their sexual orientation or gender identity, subjected to coercive conversion ‘therapies’ and ‘normalization’ surgeries, discriminated against while receiving health services, restricted from exercising fundamental freedoms, and denied the dignity of same-sex partnership and fulfillment of family,” said Blinken.
“As we reflect upon the injustices that LGBTQI+ persons and their allies endure, we must not forget that today is fundamentally a day of action,” he added. “On this day and every day, the United States stands with LGBTQI+ persons around the world. We will continue to advocate for the rights of LGBTQI+ persons not just because we have a moral imperative to do so, but because it helps to strengthen democracy, bolster national security, and promote global health and economic development.”
The Tonga Leitis Association is among the myriad LGBTQ and intersex rights groups around the world that acknowledged IDAHOBiT.
š Today, we honor IDAHOBIT with the Tonga Leitis Association. We celebrate love, advocate for equality, and strive for a more inclusive Tonga. Join us in supporting equal rights for all and the journey towards acceptance. #IDAHOBIT2024 #TLA š³ļøāš
— Tonga Leitis Association (@LeitisTonga) May 16, 2024
Rehoboth Beach
Selling Rehoboth: Lee Ann Wilkinson wins prestigious real estate award
Longtime agent on beach prices, her LGBTQ allyship, and more
Longtime Delaware real estate leader Lee Ann Wilkinson of Berkshire Hathaway recently celebrated a major industry award after being named No. 1 in total sales volume for the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network. Wilkinson, a Blade contributor, centers much of her work in the coastal communities of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. We caught up with her to discuss her long career in real estate, her LGBTQ allyship, and more.
Washington Blade: I learned your parents were in real estate, and you began working with them early on in your career. Did you initially intend to follow in their footsteps?
Lee Ann Wilkinson: Not really. I majored in art. When I got out of college I couldnāt really find a job. So, my parents said, āYou need to come work for us.ā
Blade: I understand that as an art history major turned writer. Speaking of that: I know you have written some pieces for the Blade, about real estate trends, and the like. How do you pick your topics for these articles?
Wilkinson: People always want to know about real estate. Whether buying a first home, second home, a home to invest or retire in. It amazes even me how much interest there is. And itās not just people looking to buy a $7 million home on beachfront property. Itās people looking to get something in budget for their family.
Blade: I know you have a lot of work in Rehoboth, the Delaware Valleyās historically gay beachside community. Was there ever a time you were NOT selling property to ā I guess it was fair to say 40 years ago ā mostly gay men?
Wilkinson: Ha, I grew up coming down for the summer until my family moved here full-time from Norristown, outside of Philly. We had businesses and family in Rehoboth. I think Rehoboth has always been gay-friendly. We never thought about it. My grandfather had a house in Rehoboth before I was born. The gay population was always welcome.
Blade: Do you have a connection to the LGBTQ community beyond real estate?
Wilkinson: Absolutely. One of my closest friends is a guy I went to college with at the University of Delaware, Joey. You know, Joey was maybe my first gay friend. In fact, we all went to the Easter Sunrise Service on the beach in Rehoboth. We have gay family members, so I have never thought that much about it being anything different.
Blade: I know you recently won a prestigious award with Berkshire Hathaway and were surprised to come in first place. Why?
Wilkinson: For the past 20 years or so we have been in the top 10. We started doing these national things with Berkshire Hathaway. To get in the top 10 was amazing to me especially going up against states like Florida, New Jersey, not to mention San Francisco or Bay Area agents. I just never thought weād get to the number one spot. My only issue is ā where to go now?
Blade: Where do you make your primary residence? Is that Lewes? Do you see the president on occasion?
Wilkinson: I havenāt seen him at the beach. But heās on the bike trail a lot. He pops up having breakfast. He goes to Mass at St. Edmondās in Rehoboth on Saturday evening. But Iām often too busy with work on weekends to catch sight of him.
Blade: Having been in the industry 40 years, how do you find ways to get excited about your work?
Wilkinson: I really am passionate about it. I really love a challenge. Thatās part of the appeal for this job. I always like matching people with things. I really liked getting people the right bathing suits years ago. Selling, itās just something Iām good at. I would get customers walking outtaā the store with three or four bathing suits when they only wanted one.
Blade: Are you considering retiring in the next few years? Or will you always be associated with the industry on some level. Maybe as a mentor or silent partner?
Wilkinson: Oh, no, Iāll always be involved. Three of my four daughters work for me. I am not retiring anytime soon. And if I did, they would be here to continue it on, and I am sure Iād weigh in.
Blade: So, this is very much a family legacy?
Wilkinson: Yeah. My parents are 87 and 91 now. Some 20 years ago mom predicted weād see an increase in prices, people moving here, etc. I donāt know how she predicted it but mom is right.
Blade: Any current trends youāre noticing?
Wilkinson: This cycle of people moving here, and prices increasing, and all the building happening. People think the prices are going to come down, but I donāt see that happening.
Blade: Tell me about that. Are the new building ventures changing the faces of Rehoboth and Lewes? After not visiting the Jersey Shore for over a decade Iāve been going the past few summers to my cousinās place in Cape May. Itās a trailer on a nicely maintained campground and itās what she can afford. And, thereās so much building happening there.
Wilkinson: Right? Itās about finding a second home you can afford. And, in terms of building projects, the good thing about Rehoboth and Lewes is they are strict on what you can and canāt build downtown. They arenāt going to tear down homes to build multi-family condos, not yet anyway. In Spring Lake, you are seeing townhomes. So, building is happening and we have some condos, but itās great to not see āoverbuildingā happening in these historically smaller cities.
To learn more about Ms. Wilkinson, or property in Sussex County, DE be sure to look for articles she publishes in the Blade and visit the Lee Ann Wilkinson Group website.
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