Jan. 20-27: Join the Virtual March for Trust Women Week!

The Religious Institute is proud to be part of Trust Women Week, an online mass mobilization for women’s lives and rights. This campaign coordinates more than 50 organizations across the nation, including MoveOn.org and the Trust Women/Silver Ribbon Campaign to let legislators know that reproductive health, reproductive justice and reproductive rights are at the top of our agenda, and should be at the top of theirs, too.

Click here to participate!

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November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance

The Transgender Day of Remembrance raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people. It publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten while expressing love and respect for transgender people in the face of national indifference and hatred.

There are many ways to observe TDOR in your congregation. Many prayers, promotional materials and other worship resources are available here:

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Celebrating DADT Repeal

On Tuesday, September 20, the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) became official, marking the beginning of a new era when all can now serve free from the threat of being fired on the basis of sexual orientation. Many see this as a watershed moment in the movement for LGBT equality.

Read more here.

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A Historic Human Rights Victory: In the Name of Alyne

Alyne da Silva Pimentel died in 2002 after being denied basic medical care to address complications in her pregnancy. She was only 28 years old, poor and Afro-Brazilian. And her death was completely preventable.

While nothing can reverse Alyne’s fate, a groundbreaking decision handed down by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women means that Alyne’s mother and daughter will finally see justice served—and women worldwide will benefit from the ruling issued in her name.

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LGBT-Friendly Mosque in DC Hosts Forum

D.C.’s Light of Reform Mosque, which formed in February and provides weekly prayer services for LGBT Muslims and others, is hosting a community forum in Washington in October that will discuss LGBT-related issues pertaining to the Islamic faith.

Read more here: http://www.washingtonblade.com/2011/08/25/new-lgbt-friendly-mosque-to-host-community-meeting/

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