photo by Zoe Amos

BY ZOE AMOS
Lesbian.com

From AT&T to ZICO, businesses, non-profits, social clubs, local politicos, universities and more showed their LGBT support at the 40th Anniversary San Diego Pride Parade held on July 19, 2014, in the gay neighborhood of Hillcrest. Parade watchers were blessed with uncharacteristic cloudy skies as they celebrated each contingent as they walked, biked, danced, and performed their way along University Avenue and down Fifth toward the weekend Pride festival held in Balboa Park. LGBT organizations and their allies marched to cheers from the crowd, estimated at a record popping 400,000 plus attendees.

I stood at the corner where the parade began beneath the towering rainbow flag waving proudly at the aptly named Normal Street. Activities began with a roar as the San Diego Women’s Motorcycle Riders, fondly referred to as Dykes on Bikes, set the day in motion. The parade’s Grand Marshall featured Toni Atkins, newly-minted Speaker of the California State Assembly, the first out lesbian elected to this position. San Diego’s finest made an appearance as did members of the military, both active and retired.

Talk about good, clean fun, my favorite float was created by Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap, which featured a plastic-lined room filled with scantily-clad foam-covered dancers who frolicked to the strains of “YMCA.” This conscientious locally-based company handed out samples of their certified fair trade organic lavender coconut scented lotion. To the crowd’s delight, the float spewed fountains of foam high into the air like a giant, white rooster tail.

For over two hours, parade sponsors entertained us with disco, live music, flag and rifle pageantry, hula hoops, and more. Beauty queens and inspirational couples waved politely as they passed in convertible BMWs, and a model perched in a martini glass gestured flamboyantly to the crowd. Banners announced social statements, a credit union handed out rainbow wristbands, and coupons were dispersed to the crowd. Rainbow colors adorned people, their pets, balloons, classic cars, clothing, jewelry, and any available surface, making this colorful display a treat for the eyes. The air was positively charged with a celebratory vibe that fueled smiles and cheers. I could go on and on, but the photos tell the rest of the story.

photo by Sharon Bohannon

photo by Zoe Amos

photo by Zoe Amos

photo by Zoe Amos

photo by Zoe Amos

Zoe Amos brings her lesbian point of view to articles and stories on diverse topics. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. Read her stories on Kindle and Nook. Check out her other life at www.janetfwilliams.com.

The post From A to Zoe: Pride and joy first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Not long ago I attended a salon. A lesbian group of all ages and several ethnicities sat in a circle around the living room. There was a piano, but we weren’t entertained with music.

The attraction was a discussion on violence against women led by a retired military woman.

As you might guess, the figures she quoted in her presentation were appalling and most of us shared like-minded views. There was a lively discussion about how women have been treated during the course of our lives and in preceding generations, the probable causes of continued violence, and the unfortunate reality of lesbian domestic violence.

There were mixed comments about how to approach solving the problem. No real surprises, except one.

During our conversation, one woman wandered off topic twice and commented on how vehemently she was opposed to trans women using the women’s bathroom. On both occasions, someone else in the group quickly redirected the conversation. Though curious, I didn’t have an opportunity to ask why this was a problem for her.

I was baffled that an educated lesbian would hold this view. The fear and anger in her voice were unmistakable as she was frothing at the mouth about safety. I would describe this woman as close to 70 years old and of the radical feminist era that came to be in the 1970s when women took to the streets to “take back the night.” I subsequently learned that there are enough women who hold similar views that they earned the moniker “terf”—trans-exclusionary radical feminist, though not having spoken to her, I admit to the assumption. Terfs do not see transwomen as women. They also see transwomen as a threat, which many lesbians recall was a notable point of contention at Michfest, the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival. For more information, read this New Yorker magazine article.

Separate from politics and beliefs, my thought is that anyone who understands the mindset of a transwoman would understand why she needs to use the ladies room. It may be interesting to note that while a tiny minority of self-critical transpeople exist, it still doesn’t presuppose their desire as to which bathroom they feel is most appropriate or safe. I’m not aware of any cisgender woman being attacked in a bathroom by a transwoman. On the contrary, I’ve heard reports of transwomen being verbally harassed or assaulted. I’m also aware of butch women who were asked to leave or somehow prove their womanliness.

No one would mistake me for a guy, and it’s unlikely I’ll ever experience this behavior.

It’s not difficult for me to imagine how I would feel if an emotionally abusive woman decided to lash out with an ignorant outburst while I was washing my hands. And the irony that a person like that creates the same type of hostility she seeks to avoid would likely be lost in translation, and I wonder what her reaction would be if the tables were turned.

Who decides where transwomen and transmen should go to relieve themselves is an ongoing topic. Schools, businesses, and community leaders who control public places with multi-stalled restrooms need to update policy to address this issue to settle the unease of their communities while providing safety. It galls me that fear, ignorance, politics, and beliefs—as is often witnessed through knee-jerk reactions—dictate policy until saner heads prevail in the name of public safety and not only to disallow discrimination.

It can be convenient for individuals, though costly to business and government, to have private rooms where one might perform any manner of personal attention, whether it’s peeing, putting on makeup, changing clothes, or changing a baby’s diaper. Instead of having two separate rooms marked “men’s” or “women’s”, some have posted bizarre new graphics that purport to show mixed gender on the door. Is a picture of a toilet or sink too offensive? What was wrong with “unisex?” Or “humans?” Then anyone could go in and pee in quiet privacy and safety without having to take issue with a particular word, graphic, or bias.

Transwomen have the same needs as other women and men, or whatever designation one chooses to call oneself; they need a safe, private place to pee. Why is that so hard?

Zoe Amos brings her lesbian point of view to articles and stories on diverse topics. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. Read her stories on Kindle and Nook. Check out her other life at www.janetfwilliams.com

The post From A to Zoe: Pees and quiet first appeared on Lesbian.com.

As I prepared for teaching a course on how to write a sex scene for the upcoming Southern California Writers’ Conference in Irvine, it seemed an oversight that I had not read Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James. Since its debut, many people have asked me whether I had read the book—a reasonable question given my interest in erotica. I had not heard great things about the writing and BDSM isn’t my thing, so it was easy to pass. It was a bestseller, however; and to speak intelligently about it during the class, I read it for academic purposes (wink, wink).

The storyline is not unique: pair an inexperienced young woman with a slightly older, experienced man for bouts of instructive lovemaking that lead to the woman’s sexual awakening. How lovely! In James’s book, her heroine, Anastasia, (Ana) age 21, has not so much as touched herself. Really? Well, the story works better that way. The book desperately needs editing, but that only made it easier to skim the irrelevant and repetitive passages.

Honestly, the writing wasn’t as bad as I feared, despite the few times I rolled my eyes, also one of Ana’s annoying habits though not as annoying as the many times she bites her lip. Her slightly older, handsome, wealthy boyfriend introduces her to sex via BDSM, which if nothing else, provides a new perspective to the ongoing problem of women in desperate need of education about their own bodies and how to properly make love by pleasing their man.

What I didn’t expect, was how similar it was to another book I reread for the same class, Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence. This book, banned as obscene until the late 1950s, explores the blooming sexuality of a young woman. In this case, a well-bred woman trapped in a sexless marriage takes a lower class groundskeeper as her lover. Their sex scenes explore her emotional and physical feelings as he introduces her to creative ways to make love. Sound familiar? When this was written in 1928 the subject was presented in a new, bold and daring way. Interestingly, there is a small discussion regarding the ill-advised bedding of lesbians by men.

It has long been the norm of novel-length erotica that a woman’s sexuality—especially when she explores dark corners or ventures into unseemly behavior, e.g., adultery or BDSM—is not looked upon kindly by writers who in requisite fashion make sure the woman character suffers at the end. Fifty Shades is no different. There could be no good outcome for a virgin who steps into the morass of BDSM other than the one provided, so I don’t fault the story for its logical ending.

I find it odd and a bit exasperating that in the years passed between Lady Chatterley’s Lover and Fifty Shades of Grey, a woman’s sexuality is still prime fodder for a morality tale. James reminds us that Mrs. Robinson can be the seductress, but she will pay a price for her actions. So-called “chic lit” and “mommy porn” have given modern women a chance to be sexual without being vilified, but I’m told the genres are losing steam.

Fortunately, there are countless tales in modern literature and trade fiction that celebrate woman’s sexuality. A book of erotica is different than a short story—my usual playground, as writing lesbian erotic short fiction is one of my niches. I do it partly because I like to write the kind of stories I like to read, where strong women are able to explore their sexuality and feelings with positive outcomes.

Zoe Amos brings her lesbian point of view to articles and stories on diverse topics. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. Read her stories on Kindle and Nook. Check out her other life at www.janetfwilliams.com

The post From A to Zoe: Shades of erotica first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Lancaster County in Pennsylvania is home to a large Amish population. My sister and I recently visited the area and were intrigued by the number of horse drawn buggies sharing the road with modern cars. It seemed a fun idea to take a buggy ride, during which we were encouraged to ask our driver everything we wanted to know about Amish culture.

Prior research gave us background into the history and differences between the Amish and Mennonites, who also populate the area, and variances in how strictly they adhere to the old, “plain” ways. Amish men, women, and children wear traditional modest clothing, mostly in blue, black and white (no prints), and farm the land much as their ancestors have done for centuries. Homes can use propane, but no electricity. Residents can be driven in cars, but do not own cars. The bicycles I saw did not have chains, but instead were more like scooters that needed a push. I wished I had asked why this was, as geared chains did not seem to be outside traditional bounds.

It’s not unusual for women to find employment in the many antique and tourist shops that dot the surrounding towns, while in addition to farming corn, tobacco and soy beans, men tend to have home-based businesses like building cabinets. The children are schooled in one-room schoolhouses to the age of 15. Then they return to the farm to support traditional Amish living.

When asked about marriage, our driver and guide, Elizabeth, age 58, told us that she married late (at 31) to a widower with three children. They had two more kids and now have twenty grandchildren. She said the Amish are encouraged to marry between the ages of 20 and 25. However, some men and women do not marry and that is acceptable.

Knowing this, I inferred how gays integrate into their social order. They can adopt the Amish lifestyle or leave their group and join another that is less strict. They can also leave Amish living altogether and join the practices of the world at large. Without having to reveal their sexual preference, I understood that gays have choices within their community. Elizabeth assured us that those who leave to do their own thing are not shunned and that visits and letters are common.

She also pointedly informed us that contrary to a popularly viewed TV program, Amish teens do not have a year off to go crazy. Given her emphatic denial, I decided not to ask her about gays in the community. Another reason I didn’t ask was I had a better resource. I returned to my Airbnb rented room where I had become friendly with the two gay men who owned the charming stone house built in 1752. One of them claimed half Mennonite heritage and had left the fold years ago before he came out to his family. At first, he said, they were open and accepting, but later some members expressed discomfort with his lifestyle.

That evening, as we relaxed in the yard overlooking Pequea Creek, I learned that Amish gays were living nearby and secretly seeing one another. One fellow they described as “a flamer” had made it a bit harder for the less obvious to pay him visits. In any case, as I surmised, gays may choose celibacy or quietly see other gays using an underground gay network.

As we know, couples from all corners of the earth give birth to gay women and men, and nothing changes that fact—not their gods, ethnicities, socio-economic status, politics, legalities, or other factors. The Pennsylvania Amish are surrounded by modern American society and their children see for themselves how other lifestyles exist beyond their own. When we asked Elizabeth if she ever longed for or was curious to experience modern ways, she assured us she was happy with her chosen life. Though it may be difficult for a gay child of any religious order to leave their familial traditions, here in the United States possibilities exist for a full life, which is not always the case in other countries.

Zoe Amos brings her lesbian point of view to articles and stories on diverse topics. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. Read her stories on Kindle and Nook. Check out her other life at www.janetfwilliams.com

The post From A to Zoe: Amish and gay first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Hold onto your baseball caps, we’re in for a ride. Yogi Berra, known for his mangled quips, reminds us, “It ain’t over, ’til it’s over.” Now that same sex marriage is legal in all 50 states, (Yay!) expect the fallout to come tumbling down and down and down. While SCOTUS has spoken in our favor, naysayers tell us their fight will continue. As with Row v. Wade, the right wingnuts with chisels in hand are already trying to chip at the new law in what will surely be a protracted effort to circumvent the ruling.

Same-sex marriage bans from Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan were considered in the SCOTUS ruling. Michigan immediately got on board. They found it best to abide by the full spirit of the law and gay couples have said their vows. Originally named as a defendant, John Kasich, the moderate Republican Ohio governor, said his state was also ready to move on. Political careers can be made or broken by going along to get along. With a presidential announcement likely forthcoming, Kasich can reach constituents who prefer middle ground.

On the other hand, Southern states led the way backward by digging in their heels. Mississippi claimed the decision would not take effect immediately in their state. Another presidential hopeful, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, is holding on to his belief that the decision should be up to each state. Texas expressed a divided opinion with some counties following the ruling and others holding on to the hope that religious convictions were being trampled—using a “law of God” argument to hopefully trump the Supreme Court and justify their position to withhold marriage licenses, a move that could prompt contempt of court charges.

And on the far right, where the separation of church and state takes on strange forms, we have, shall we say, some unusual views? Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, doesn’t surprise anyone by spouting favorite lines found in the bible about marriage between a man and a woman. Religiously inclined individuals holding on to narrow selective interpretations like to cite a “traditional” version of marriage, but conveniently forget that those traditions have changed over time and no longer include having multiple wives, not being able to remarry except in cases of adultery, and restrictive property laws that exclude widows. Marriage does evolve, but not in the way envisioned by Perkins, who oddly imagines more children being born out of wedlock. Apparently logic has nothing to do with his position. How did this guy get to be president of anything?

Now that same-sex marriage is legal, other ridiculous claims have surfaced, such as, it will bring about bestiality, pedophilia, and the wrath of God in the form of whatever anyone feels like saying God will do to smite us. Call me cynical, but from my vantage point, it seems many of these fire and brimstone claims are merely vehicles for collecting money to further the careers of the people who get paid to spout this nonsense.

I’ve yet to hear anyone say that the advancement of LGBT human rights has happened precisely because it is God’s will. I could sit through a lot of extra innings before that ever happens. It ain’t over, ’til it’s over.

Zoe Amos brings her lesbian point of view to articles and stories on diverse topics. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. Read her stories on Kindle and Nook. Check out her other life at www.janetfwilliams.com

The post From A to Zoe: It ain’t over, ’til it’s over first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, declared her support of same-sex marriage along with several other same-sex positions. Armed with a graphic Powerpoint presentation that included videos, Clinton explained exactly how her position had changed and how happy she was when she made it. Her delight was shared by the LGBT community who not only welcomed her support for same-sex marriage, but busted their collective butts to get home to try out the new positions.

The surprise announcement came despite Clinton’s avowed heterosexuality. At a news conference Clinton said, “Shifting my position felt natural and frankly, being on top of my subject makes me feel more comfortable. It was a long time in coming and I felt a great release.”

Responding to her statement, spokesperson Anita Muff from the lesbian PR firm Butch and Cassidy, remarked, “It’s understandable that Clinton prefers being on top. It’s a natural expression of her personality. After all, she’s a powerful woman. We would expect her to take charge.”

Years ago, Clinton’s detractors tried to discredit her by calling her a lesbian. Since then, this country has witnessed a sea change in attitudes, lesbian wannabes dominate the media, the USA soccer team accepted straight women, and with the exception of a few backwater hold-outs, a majority of states have passed legislation to further same-sex marriage and civil liberty protections.

Even in Indiana and much of the South, where stubborn attitudes cling like liars to falsehoods, closeted gays found reason to hope. “It’s a mystery to me why women continue to vote against their best interests,” said one woman who preferred to remain anonymous. “Perhaps this new revelation will free women to vote their conscious and stop being led like sheep to the slaughter. Also, I tried one of the positions she recommended and my partner and I loved it! Wow! Check out slide eleven on the PowerPoint. She’s got my vote.”

Interviewed at home, Florida republican Jeb Bush scoffed at the news. “This ploy is merely a political version of ‘Girls Gone Wild.’ She’s taken a page from her husband’s playbook to get publicity. Should I join the presidential race, I’m not worried about getting women voters. History has proven how much women like a Bush.”

While Clinton’s appeal for women is busting out front and center, millions of men find her an attractive candidate, too. Roland Tumble, director of the San Francisco-based LGBTQQIAXYZ Center said, “We cheered at her commitment to our community. Hillary is hot and ready to go. It’s times like this, I wish I were a lesbian.”

Upon hearing the news, another San Franciscan, Monica Lewinsky, also made an astounding admission. In a Twitter post that has since gone viral, Lewinsky tweeted: “Finally can tell rest of story. My only interest in Bill was to get to Hillary. So happy for her. Hillary, call me.”

A spokeswoman in the Clinton camp indicated there could be more startling announcements in the days to come, inferring that Clinton’s openness at trying new positions bodes well for other aspects of the leadership role she hopes to win in 2016.

Zoe Amos brings her lesbian point of view to articles and stories on diverse topics. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. Read her stories on Kindle and Nook. Check out her other life at www.janetfwilliams.com

The post From A to Zoe: Same-sex positions cause Clinton uproar first appeared on Lesbian.com.

It’s been quiet on the western front here in California, though mostly pleasant. After I fixed the broken water line that sprayed the front of my house all night, I got to work on my taxes. Yep, annoyances included, everything was life as usual for me until I read about the suicide of a north county San Diego transgender youth named Sage.

I learned of Sage’s death on Facebook. The family asked for privacy, which I understand. I hope they felt the outpouring of support and love from our community expressed in the accompanying comments. I couldn’t leave a comment, but my moment of silence is over. Here it is, a mere two months after the well-publicized death of Leelah Alcorn, and I have to wonder if the people who need help are listening.

As much as I wish this was an exception, Sage is not alone. The CDC website reports that around 4,600 young people between the ages of 10 and 24 take their lives each year, and a whopping 157,000 receive medical care for self-inflicted injuries. Other sites I visited reported higher figures, but we can never know the true numbers when you consider unreported attempts and those who remain undetected, suffering emotionally without visible wounds as they anguish over whether or not to end their lives — or perhaps more to the point, to end their pain.

The number of suicides among LGBT youth is higher than their straight demographic, approximately four times higher. Estimates by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center state between 30 to 40 percent of LGBT youth consider suicide. That number rises to over 40 percent for transgender youth. LGBT youth are more likely to be depressed, use illegal drugs and engage in risky behavior. As meaningful and tragic as these numbers are, accurate statistics are hard to come by as sexual orientation and gender identity may be hidden.

The accurate statistic I know is the life of a young person is gone and nothing will change that fact. A few weeks ago, I read about another young person elsewhere in the county who also committed suicide. Seeing these articles makes me feel sad for what could have been. To me, they are not just statistics. I did not know them, but I know their lives mattered.

This month marks the 35th anniversary of my sister’s suicide. I can tell you the questions surrounding her death linger to this day. It saddens me to know she was in so much pain that she took her life. To this day, I despair that she could not get to a place where she could have begun to thrive again, to be the happier person I like to remember, and when I see articles about other young people in similar situations, I feel sadness for them and their loved ones. Yes, it’s personal.

Beyond the sadness, there is hope; hope that other young people will listen to others who say “It gets better.” When you take your life, you remove all chances for that better life. You remove the chance to help others in a similar situation.

Help is available. The It Gets Better Project is a way you can help others and is a great resource if you need help. They recommend the Trans Lifeline, a transgender crisis hotline at (877) 565-8860. The Trevor Project specifically addresses LGBT youth concerns at (866)-4-U-TREVOR (866) 488-7386. You can also call the national Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255).

If you or if someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, end your moment of silence and make the call. Lines are open 24/7. You will be directed to people who understand and can help you. Don’t delay. Your life may depend on it.

Zoe Amos brings her lesbian point of view to articles and stories on diverse topics. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. Read her stories on Kindle and Nook. Check out her other life at www.janetfwilliams.com

The post From A to Zoe: A moment of silence on the LGBT front first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Zoe and her GF on the trail at Lake Poway.

Still haven’t decided on your new year’s resolutions? You’re not the only one. Besides, there’s no point in making them just to follow the half of us that do. A blase attitude about your resolution means you’ll probably fall into the sad majority (66 to 92 percent depending on the source) of those who fail to keep them. Reasons for not following through vary. Bottom line? When you’re not passionate about change, follow through lags and other motivations lead you astray. On the other hand, those who are passionate about their goals are up to 10 times more likely to achieve them.

I’ve made a few worthy resolutions that have stood the test of time. They’ve ranged from the momentous quitting cigarettes to minor washing off make-up or sunblock before bedtime, to can’t-possibly-fail proclamations such as, “This year, I will eat more chocolate!” But the single best resolution I ever made was the one that removed New Year’s resolutions from my life forever. One year I decided that if I felt strongly about making a life change, I wouldn’t wait for a significant date to do it, I would start right away. I also decided that each year I would do something new and go somewhere I’d never been.

I’m not saying my way is the best for everyone. This mindset works for me, which is why I continue on with it. New Year’s Day resolutions can help those who need to mentally, emotionally, physically, or spiritually gear up, who need to see that fresh 01-01 calendar date to use as a springboard. You may tally your successes year after year and if that’s what works for you, then “Bravo!”

It is helpful to conquer foundation goals first, that is, to put yourself into a position where your next desired change is even possible. This is where I find myself several weeks into the new year. You see, my GF is more physically active than I am. She has helped me by encouraging me to walk more than when I’m on my own. I like walking and could always manage a couple of miles. Three was pushing it. Now on occasion, we walk over five miles. Yes, I feel it, especially when we tackle steep hills. I keep pushing myself knowing it’s a good thing. I love being outdoors and longer hikes mean getting away from the crowds. I love the smell of sage in the air, seeing hawks ride the thermals, and getting a good night’s rest after an afternoon of exercise. My resolution is more like a goal: I’ll log my progress and see if I can reach 250 miles by year’s end—that’s just over 20 miles a month. This decision falls within the “do something new” category and with longer hikes on the horizon, I will likely trek somewhere I’ve never been. Did I mention I take chocolate on the trail?

I’ve yet to meet someone who didn’t want to improve their life. Resolutions are another form of goal setting. Change happens slowly and we all continue to evolve. Situations change. Dreams change. Personalities change. People come and go and leave their marks—kisses to gouges—and we respond. We fall down. We get up. Sometimes we need our support system to help us along. Mine will help me reach 250 miles by year’s end because it’s unlikely I’ll do it alone.

Did you make a resolution? What do you need to do to make it happen? How important is it? What will make you soldier on past the rough spots? Is your support system at the ready? Your resolution is a promise to yourself, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ask others for their help. It’s amazing what you can achieve. Tap into your power and reap the rewards. You can still make a New Year’s resolution or a decision to improve your life any day of the year. Tell me about it. I’ll report back sometime later this year and let you know how it’s going.

Wishing all my gentle readers a happy, healthy, prosperous new year!

Zoe Amos brings her lesbian point of view to articles and stories on diverse topics. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. Read her stories on Kindle and Nook. Check out her other life at www.janetfwilliams.com

The post From A to Zoe: Resolutions take a hike first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Each year, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) compiles and issues a report detailing LGBT inclusion in the workplace called the Corporate Equality Index (CEI). Large corporations are graded on their performance regarding issues important to the LGBT community, equal rights workers, and those who concern themselves with corporate reputation, among others.

The CEI is created from information gathered from surveys that are sent out and returned from Fortune 1,000 companies and 200 top law firms. When corporations choose not to respond, the HRC compiles the information anyway, giving concerned individuals answers to compare one company’s policies against another’s while pushing for greater cooperation from those who have chosen to remain silent. Smaller companies with 500 employees or more may voluntarily request a survey.

Survey data reveals corporate policy in areas relevant to equal treatment and support of the LGBT workplace, their spouses, and the community. They include: non-discrimination policies, equal benefits, organizational competency, and public commitment. Points are added for corporate compliance with a top score of 100. Points are subtracted for known activities that undermine LGBT equality, making it possible for a corporation to incur a reduced or negative score.

Since its inception in 2002, the CEI has continued to evolve. Originally, the survey was sent to Fortune 500 companies, but has since expanded. Topics covered also have expanded, and fortunately, many companies have grown in their commitment to LGBT inclusion. The HRC reports that this year marks a record 366 companies earning the 100 score, which also earns them the coveted designation of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.” You can access the entire report here.

An industry cross-section sampling of companies earning a 100 score include: Alcoa, Apple, CareFusion, Chevron, Ford, GameStop, Google, Hershey, Kaiser Permanente, Macy’s, Owens Corning, Proctor and Gamble, Qualcomm, Safeway, Starbucks, Toyota, Walgreen, Walt Disney, and Yelp.

In 2013, Barilla America Inc. came under fire when Guido Barilla made remarks unfriendly to the gay community. A product boycott spurred by media attention brought an apology from Barilla. It also sparked positive response from competitors and other corporations who reached out to the LGBT community. This public airing is one example of how LGBT issues can affect behavior on a global level. Barilla scored 100 in this year’s index.

Scoring less than admirably, was Berkshire Hathaway with 0, Cooper Tire and Rubber—25, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store—45, DaVita—15, Dish Network—0, Domino’s Pizza—35, Foot Locker—15, Group 1 Automotive—40, KB Home—50, McAfee—25, Oshkosh—15, Polaroid—30, Rite Aid—30, SAIC—15, SLM (Sallie Mae)—45, Transamerica—20, and Winn-Dixie Stores—45. Bottom feeder Exxon Mobile scored an abysmal -25.

On the positive side, eighty-nine percent of Fortune 500 companies include sexual orientation in their policies. While it is significant to report that 66 percent of these companies include gender identity in company policy protections, the HRC makes special note that this does not always translate into transgender inclusion in practice. It is outrageous that 29 states can fire an LGBT employee, and to be precise, make that 34 for being transgender.

As a part of the overall population, LGBT inclusion is a weak link in the struggle for basic civil rights. Civil rights are human rights, making 100 percent LGBT inclusion a priority among those who fight against discrimination. Having access to the CEI helps sharpen the target.

Zoe Amos brings her lesbian point of view to articles and stories on diverse topics. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. Read her stories on Kindle and Nook. Check out her other life at www.janetfwilliams.com

The post From A to Zoe: Corporate equality index comes out first appeared on Lesbian.com.

In my last blog post, “Crush or Be Crushed,” I recounted a story about elementary school days when chasing away boys and girls across the playground for schoolyard fun turned to chasing boys and girls to catch them. Back then, a classmate and friend, Dan, took an interest in me. He could have been my first boyfriend, but there was a problem; I had a crush on a girl.

Her name was Karen and she was the new girl in town, fresh from Ohio. She arrived well after the school year started. Her clothes were of good quality and her blond hair was pinned with a colorful barrette that matched her dress. Her kindness was apparent from the get-go. She quickly became the teacher’s pet and the favorite of many students. I had to fight to spend time with her.

I didn’t question why my heart soared when I was near her, or why I thought of her so often. She was a beautiful person, inside and out—reason enough, not that I needed one. I wanted to hold her hand, not Dan’s. I wanted to spend time with her, and when we were together walking, I would put my arm around her shoulder as I would occasionally do with my sisters, but not my other friends.

For her birthday, I scraped together all the money I had—over two dollars—to buy her a T-shirt. Usually my mother bought the gifts for my classmates, but because she was so special, I wanted to spend my own money. At the party, she thanked everyone in the gracious manner I had come to know. She was always polite, also smart and pretty. I adored her. I had a crush on an angel.

As we walked home from school one day, I whispered those three little words and proceeded to kiss her on the cheek. She giggled. She may have blushed. I was ecstatic! Luckily, she took the news well and I’d venture to guess she told no one.

Dan remained persistent in his attentions, but I knew being his girlfriend wasn’t right for me. I also knew my love for Karen was somehow not the right thing either. Girls did not take up with girls; Barbie didn’t go steady with Midge. Our time together amounted to precious few hours and I never spoke of my feelings again.

Her father had transferred to town for work. She finished the school year and a small part of the next before shipping back out to Ohio. I was crushed! My young heart broke and I cried alone in my room. There was no one to tell. The following year I moved a short distance away and changed to a new school district where I made new friends.

When he turned thirteen, Dan invited me to his bar mitzvah, but after that I never saw him again either. He grew up to become a rabbi, married, and had kids. About ten years ago, someone from the old neighborhood spoke with him and told him I was gay. Perhaps that explained something for him. I don’t know what happened to Karen, but I know falling in love with her was the right thing. I hope she fondly remembers our short time, as I do.

Zoe Amos brings her lesbian point of view to articles and stories on diverse topics. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter. Read her stories on Kindle and Nook. Check out her other life at www.janetfwilliams.com

The post From A to Zoe: Crushing on Karen first appeared on Lesbian.com.