• ELIXHER
• On September 6, 2013

Workplace Discrimination: A Bisexual Worker’s Story

“The prevailing logic has remained that if I am out as a bisexual woman, I must be asking for something: discrimination, harassment, or even sexual assault.” — Faith Cheltenham
In her personal video, which you can view below, Faith Cheltenham recounts her experiences of sexual harassment in her workplace when disclosing her bisexuality to her colleagues; even her supervisor said that she was asking for sexual innuendos from co-workers. In addition to describing her experiences as a black bisexual woman—which were more difficult in large part due to the “multiplier effect” of sexual orientation and race-based discrimination and bias—she explains the lack of fairness in her workplace experiences.

via San Diego Gay and Lesbian News.

ENDA Witness to Lead the Task Force’s Trans Project

The first-ever transgender person to testify before the U.S. Senate on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act has been tapped by the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force to become head of its transgender initiative. Kylar Broadus, a transgender man who founded the Missouri-based Trans People of Color Coalition, was named head of the Task Force’s Transgender Civil Rights Project, which provides strategy assistance for groups working to enact pro-trans policy and laws.

More over at the Washington Blade.

Sheryl Underwood Apologizes for ‘Nappy’ Comment

Sheryl Underwood offended many with her comments criticizing natural hair on “The Talk” recently, and the comedian sat down for an interview with Curly Nikki to clear up her statement. She apologized for the remark, saying “I made a mistake and I’m sorry.” She also claimed that she was misunderstood and she loves being black.

Continue reading on Clutch.

Viola Davis to Essence: “I Took My Wig Off Because I No Longer Wanted To Apologize For Who I Am”

Timeless. That’s the only word I can think of to describe Viola Davis’ breathtaking cover of Essence Magazine. Fittingly, the actress discusses celebrating her own natural beauty inside the issue as well as her life as a working mother and her journey to find happiness. Her quote about taking her wig off is especially poignant. She says: “I had to defend myself as an artist, but I found myself defending myself as a dark-skinned Black woman in front of people who did not know my life. I took my wig off because I no longer wanted to apologize for who I am.”

More here.

‘Pier Kids: The Life’ Shines Light on LGBT Homeless Youth

Take a look at this sneak peek of Elegance Bratton’s documentary film “Pier Kids: The Life.” New York City’s homeless population has risen dramatically in recent years to more than 50,000, and it’s estimated that 40 percent of all homeless youth identify as LGBT. The Pier has long been a home — albeit a contested one — for queer youth of color. And this new film sheds some light on their struggles.

via Colorlines.