New Poll: Many LGBT Teens are Unhappy

Human Rights Campaign has gathered some incredible info about LGBT teens and it's not so great. They face some interesting odds that impact their well-being.

The Advocate reports

Some 67% of straight kids described themselves as happy, but only 37% of LGBT kids could say the same, found the report from the Human Rights Campaign. They do seem to believe that "It Gets Better," as the viral video campaign targeting them has promised. The survey found that 83% of LGBT youth believe they will one day be happy.

For many, the road to happiness leads out of town. The survey found that only 49% said they could be happy wherever they live now. And that could have a lot to do with how they describe their current circumstances.

Although 56% said they are out to their families, a third of respondents said their family is not accepting of them. More than half of LGBT youth said they'd been verbally harassed, and 47% said they don't "fit in." By comparison, just 25% of straight student said they'd been called names and 16% of straight youth said they didn't fit in.

I really thought things would be different for them in 2012. While they are optimistic for the future, they are still carrying a heavy burden.

I feel like we have barely moved forward from the days when I was a teen.

Read the full report here

Obama Administration Issues a Memorandum to address International LGBT Issues

The Obama Administration has released a memorandum to fight discrimination on LGBT issues on a global scale.

Metro Weekly reports:

"The Obama Administration has made a tremendous difference in the lives of LGBT people in the United States and this new strategy helps to extend that presidential leadership across the globe," Solmonese said. "There is no question that the administration's record of advancing equality for LGBT people has been enhanced by the leadership of Secretary Clinton who consistently underscores the simple truth that LGBT rights are human rights."


According to HRC, the presidential memorandum is the first ever U.S. government strategy to deal with human rights abuses against LGBT people abroad.


Obama's memorandum requires the Department of State to "lead a standing group, with appropriate interagency representation, to help ensure the Federal Government's swift and meaningful response to serious incidents that threaten the human rights of LGBT persons abroad." 

Please click on the link above to read the full memorandum.

HRC: Who Will Lead Them?

As most of you know, the HRC will be looking for a new president of their organization. They have until March of 2012 to do this, so you know the search will be interesting.

But as the search begins, I wanted to give my 45 cents on what I think they will and won't look for.

• WILL: Someone who can raise money. The HRC is known for their fundraisers. This person will need to know where and who to use to keep the money flowing.


• WON'T: Someone with a personal agenda. This person will have to remember that it's not about them. They have a job to do for the public.


• WILL: Someone who's political savvy. This person will have to be on the good side of politicians. They don't have to kiss their asses, but they will need to know how the work it in the White House and other places.


• WON'T: Someone who's a 'Johnny One Note'. They can't be fixated on one particular issue, they have to look a the bigger picture and weight out what's doable and what's needing back-up.


• WILL: Someone who's realistic. My biggest problem with progressives is their lack of big picture vision. This president has to be realistic and transparent with the decision making process.


• WON'T: Someone who's not ready for prime time. As I said in other posts, you can't expect grassroot philosophies to work in a political setting. They can shape deals and measures, but it has to be made to hit multiple pieces of the issue.


• WILL: Someone who's likeable.


• WON'T: Someone who's just too much.


• WILL: Someone with a strong organizing background and solid leadership skills.


• WON'T: Someone without those skills.


• WILL: Someone who can see the big picture.


• WILL: Someone who can make the tough decisions.


• WON'T: Someone who takes things personally.


• WON'T: A deeply rooted Progressive.


• WILL: Someone like Keith Boykin.