Gillibrand Introduces Bill to Ban Discrimination Against Prospective LGBT Adoptive and Foster Parents

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand on Friday, Oct. 28, introduced a bill that would prevent any agency that receives federal funding from disqualifying prospective adoptive or foster parents solely on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.

“New York is a leader on ensuring that any family can adopt children and sets a great example for the rest of the country,” said Gillibrand in a statement that announced the introduction of the Every Child Deserves a Family Act. She pointed out that New York increased its pool of prospective foster parents by 128,000 when the state eliminated all LGBT-specific barriers.

"This legislation would open thousands of new foster and adoptive homes to children ensuring they are raised in loving families,” added Gillibrand.

Utah, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina and Michigan currently bar same-sex couples from adopting children, while six others prohibit gay and lesbian parents from adopting their partner's children. Gillibrand points out that more than two dozen other states do not specifically address treatment of prospective LGBT foster and adoptive parents.

“We must support all qualified adults who are interested in providing a nurturing, adoptive home—regardless of their marital status or sexual orientation," said Linda Spears, vice president of policy and public affairs for the Child Welfare League of America. "Having a real life, caring parent is incredibly important for ensuring a child’s success. Sen. Gillibrand’s bill represents progress for these children whose goal is to simply be loved.”

Gillibrand Stumps for Giffords’ Reelection Campaign

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand describes Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords as a “fighter who gets things done” in a fundraising pitch she sent on behalf of her close friend’s re-election campaign on Thursday, Oct. 20.

“Watching Gabby triumph over adversity has given me the strength and courage to keep up the fight in Washington,” said Gillibrand, referring to Giffords’ remarkable recovery after Jared Lee Loughner allegedly shot her in the head outside a Tucson supermarket in January. The massacre left six people dead and Giffords and 13 others wounded.

“We need Gabby in Congress, not only because she's a fighter who gets things done, but because she is a unique leader who can help bridge the divide that has fractured our nation for far too long,” added Gillibrand.

Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs Dies

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs passed away earlier today in his California home. He was 56.

"The world has lost a visionary," said President Barack Obama in a statement that the White House released shortly after news of Jobs' death broke. "There may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him."

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg were among those who mourned Jobs on their social media networks and in statements.

“I send my deepest condolences to Steve Jobs’ family and friends on this devastating loss," said California Sen. Barbara Boxer. "Steve Jobs was a California icon who embodied Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit of creativity and optimism. By revolutionizing communications, he touched the lives of billions of people around the world. He will be sorely missed.”

Video: Senators Applaud Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" at Capitol Hill Press Conference

Maine Sen. Susan Collins held up a postcard she received from an anonymous gay soldier in Afghanistan over the summer as she applauded the repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' at a Capitol Hill press conference on Tuesday, Sept. 20.



Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.,) Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.,) Chris Coons (D-Del.,) Mark Udall (D-Colo.) and Carl Levin (D-Mich.) joined openly gay and lesbian servicemembers and LGBT activists at the press conference.

Campaigning on the End of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

Will the end of 'don't ask, don't tell' prove a campaign issue in 2012?

President Barack Obama signed the repeal bill into law late last year, so it would appear in his best interest to point that out to skeptical LGBT donors ahead of the presidential election. New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has already done so, citing the end of "the discriminatory 'don't ask, don't tell' law" as one of her legislative accomplishments in a fundraising appeal she sent to supporters earlier on Monday, Sept. 19.

Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown is among the six Republicans senators who supported the repeal bill. Log Cabin Republicans will honor Brown and Maine Sen. Susan Collins, who also backed the measure, at their national dinner in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday Sept. 20. Elizabeth Warren announced her Senate campaign on Sept. 14.

Congressmen Buck McKeon (R-Calif.) and Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) asked Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Sept. 15 to postpone the repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell,' but appears as though this plea will fall on deaf ears. The vast majority of Americans remain focused on the economy, jobs and the national debt. The question of whether gays and lesbians can openly serve in the military does not factor into this bread and butter equation.

In other words, it appears unlikely that the sky will fall onto the campaign trail or anywhere else for that matter on or after Sept. 20.

Fire Island 2011: From Gillibrand to the Concerned Women of the Grove

Started writing at 4:42 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7, as the bus on which I am traveling to Boston passed Exit 72 on Interstate 84 in northeast Connecticut.

Aside from the fight that suddenly broke out at High Tea in Fire Island Pines last night, it was a good day on the beach.

Yesterday’s packed schedule began with an interview with U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand at Canteen before she attended the first of two fundraisers for her 2012 re-election campaign. To say that Standard and Poors’ decision to downgrade the country’s credit rating loomed over the day is a gross understatement, but her Pines supporters gave her a largely warm welcome at Michael Lin and Jim Spencer’s home at the Blue Whale.

The day continued with the Fire Island Pines Arts Project’s Biennial Arts Show at Whyte Hall and a fundraiser for the LGBT Community Center at the far east end of the Pines. The Concerned Women of the Grove held their annual fundraiser for breast cancer research at Heaven n’ Earth in Cherry Grove. The sushi, shrimp and wine were certainly abundant, and a drag queen who stepped off a Cherry Grove Fire Department truck actually upstaged the real women who accompanied her with her ability to walk on the boardwalks in heels. Only in the Grove would one even consider this scenario anywhere near normal!



The flamingos go marching one-by-one in the Pines.



One of the works of art that Dr. Lori Zeller showcased at FIPAP's Biennial Arts Show at Whyte Hall.



The bayscape from Heaven n' Earth in the Grove.