Several advocacy groups have sued the State Department over its controversial human rights commission.
Democracy Forward on March 6 filed the lawsuit in federal court in New York on behalf of the Council for Global Equality, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) and the Global Justice Center. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Peter Berkowitz, director of the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff, are both named as defendants.
The Commission on Unalienable Rights, which Pompeo announced last year, stresses “natural law and natural rights.” Pompeo named Mary Ann Glendon, a Harvard Law School professor who is known for her vocal opposition to marriage rights for same-sex couples, as the commission’s chair.
The commission’s first meeting took place last October at the State Department.
The lawsuit states the commission’s creation violates the Federal Advisory Committee Act that requires “when the Executive Branch establishes or uses non-federal bodies for the purpose of seeking advice and generating policy, it does so in a transparent way that allows for meaningful public participation.” The plaintiffs also criticize the commission’s members.
“Most of these members, moreover, hold well-documented views that privilege religious liberty above all other fundamental human rights, and treat with skepticism, or outright derision, rights claims by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (“LGBTQI”) individuals, proponents of gender parity, and women and girls seeking access to sexual and reproductive health and rights,” reads the lawsuit.
The Council for Global Equality, along with the Human Rights Campaign and dozens of other LGBTQ advocacy groups have urged the State Department to disband the commission. Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power and U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) are among those who have also condemned it.
A senior administration official with whom the Washington Blade spoke after the commission’s creation said the State Department “consulted with a wide coalition of leading scholars in the field of human rights” before the Federal Registrar published an official announcement.
“It was never an intention to single out a group of people, whether it be LGBTQ people, whether it be women,” the official told the Blade.
Council for Global Equality Chair Mark Bromley disagrees.
“Secretary Pompeo often argues that the modern proliferation of human rights claims cheapens the currency of human rights,” he noted in a press release that announced the lawsuit. “But it is this illegal commission, with its warped use of religious freedom and natural law to deny rights, that cheapens the very notion of religious freedom and our country’s proud tradition of standing up for the rights of those who are most vulnerable.”
As scrutiny of the treatment of transgender inmates continues to grow, the California prison system has updated its policy on transition-related care, including gender reassignment surgery, although the new guidance is getting mixed reviews at best from transgender advocates.
One transgender advocate said the document “appears to contain some important improvements,” but “there are still a few areas where the policy appears problematic or unclear.” Another said the changes “do nothing to change” access to transition-related care for inmates. In defense of the policy, a spokesperson for the California prison system says the new guidance is “expected to improve access to care.”
The California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation, which is credited with being the first state prison system to implement any policy granting transgender inmates access to gender reassignment surgery, shared the updated 30-page guidance and a summary with the Blade last week.
The new guidelines, developed by California Correctional Health Care Services, dedicate a full page to specific criteria for granting inmates gender reassignment surgery: Persistent gender dysphoria; being at least 18 years old; having continuously used hormone therapy for 12 months; full-time living in a new gender role and keeping any other medical and mental health conditions well-controlled.
“Individuals may live successfully as transgender persons without surgery,” the guidelines say. “Gender affirming surgery may be considered for those individuals who are diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria and demonstrate significant distress not attributable to conditions of confinement, mental illness or other factors, but are due to lack of reasonable response to available nonsurgical treatments and there are no available, additional treatments other than surgery that are likely to improve or alleviate their symptoms.”
In a letter dated Nov. 8, 2019 to the Blade, the state prison health system reveals 130 inmates requested male-to-female gender reassignment surgery since the policy was announced, but only seven were granted the procedure in the same time period. Meanwhile, 51 inmates requested female-to-male gender reassignment surgery, but only 10 obtained the procedure.
Terry Thornton, a California Department of Corrections spokesperson, told the Blade this week the new policy came out, however, because guidelines “are continually revised to align with community standards and as needed to ensure operational efficiency.”
The California prison system isn’t done. Thornton said a supplement to the transgender inmate guide on requests for gender reassignment surgery is currently undergoing a revision, but it’s unknown when that will be complete.
The previous policy, established in 2015, was brokered by then-California Attorney General Kamala Harris as a result of lawsuits filed by transgender inmates Michelle Lael-Norsworthy, who was serving time for second-degree murder, and Shiloh Quine, who’s serving a life sentence for first-degree murder, kidnapping and robbery. Both inmates had obtained medical clearance for gender reassignment surgery and sought the procedure, but were denied.
(In response to the Blade report last year that few inmates were granted gender reassignment surgery despite the deal Harris brokered — and promoted on the campaign trail — the California Democrat’s presidential campaign said the the policy should be reviewed because anti-transgender bias may be in play. Harris’s Senate office didn’t respond to the Blade’s request to comment on the update.)
Ensuring transgender prisoners have access to gender reassignment surgery, which would come at taxpayer expense, has been a controversial issue and may even soon be adjudicated by the U.S. Supreme Court as a result of a case percolating up from Idaho.
But the key difference in the new California policy seems to be hormone therapy, not gender reassignment surgery.
Thornton said the new guidance provides guidelines on hormone therapy for transgender inmates to primary care doctors as opposed to endocrinology specialists, which she said “is expected to improve access to care.”
“The new Transgender Care Guide, which more clearly aligns with WPATH criteria, expands its education to primary care providers and gives a more detailed step-by-step approach to care for transgender men and transgender women,” Thornton said. “This new guide improves education for providers about the terminology and diagnoses related to transgender care.”
Thornton added the guidance updates access to hygiene items and clothing for transgender inmates.
“All of these improvements will enable primary care providers the ability to more effectively meet the needs of the transgender population,” Thornton said. “CCHCS and CDCR will continue to expand education to providers and patients about transgender care.”
Despite the changes, advocates for ensuring transgender inmates have access to gender reassignment surgery were largely unimpressed, saying the guidelines still hamper access to transgender-related care.
Shawn Meerkamper, senior staff attorney with the San Francisco-based Transgender Law Center, flat-out rejected the changes.
“For years, California’s prisons have had in place a sham policy that serves to deny critical and often life-saving health care to the overwhelming majority of trans people who need it,” Meerkamper said. “Unfortunately, these updates do nothing to change that reality for the hundreds of transgender people in California prisons who desperately need access to medically necessary transition-related surgeries.”
Harper Jean Tobin, director of policy at the National Center for Transgender Equality, took a more nuanced approach, saying the new guidance “appears to contain some important improvements,” but at the same time “there are still a few areas where the policy appears problematic or unclear.”
For starters, Tobin took issue with the California prison system housing transgender inmates consistent with their gender identity in sex-based facilities on a case-by-case basis as opposed to implementing a blanket policy ensuring a mismatch won’t happen.
“The new policy says prisoners ‘have traditionally’ been housed based on external genitalia, and ‘may possibly be moved’ following surgery,” Tobin said. “CDCR also says that new state legislation ‘may allow’ placement consistent with gender identity in other cases — but in fact that is already permitted and under federal law it is required to be considered in every case.”
A recent NBC News report from Kate Sosin documents the conditions transgender inmates face across the United States, few are housed consistent with their gender identity, and that mismatch can have dire consequences.
Of the 10 transgender women at a Chino, Calif., facility who spoke to NBC News during a weekend visit last year, nine reported having been sexually assaulted behind bars. Half said they’d sought a transfer to a women’s prison, but were denied.
Other issues transgender inmates face, per the NBC News report, include not being called by the name they prefer.
Tobin also criticized the guidance’s incorporation of self-injurious or suicidal behaviors as factors that could prevent a transgender inmate from obtaining treatment for gender dysphoria, which she said “appears contrary to the standards of care.”
“Nearly 40 percent of transgender adults have attempted suicide at some point, suicidal ideation is even more common, and ‘self-injurious behaviors’ could include attempts at self-surgery among patients facing denials or prolonged delays in care,” Tobin said. “These may be severe symptoms of GD, not contraindications to treatment, and CRDC’s policy should not suggest otherwise without great caution.”
Further, Tobin faulted the guidelines for calling on medical providers to rule out other mental health disorders in inmates that may co-occur or mimic gender dysphoria before providing transition-related care, saying that practice is contrary to standards from the American Psychological Association and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.
“Accepted clinical guidelines for gender dysphoria recognize that co-occurring mental health conditions are common, because gender dysphoria itself can cause depression and anxiety, and because being transgender makes individuals a target for abuse and trauma,” Tobin said.
Thornton, in response to concerns about housing in the updated guidelines, said placement for all inmates, not just transgender inmates, takes many factors into account.
“All inmate housing is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, which includes an inmate’s criminal history, behavior, rehabilitation opportunities, medical and psychiatric needs, program needs as well as their safety and security,” Thornton said.
As an example, Thornton said a transgender man requesting a hysterectomy would not be moved to a male facility following the procedure, while a transgender woman undergoing a vaginoplasty would be moved.
With respect to ruling out other mental health conditions being a requirement before treating gender dysphoria, Thornton said that practice is consistent with medical standards as defined by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.
“People who engage in self-injurious or suicidal behaviors may have other mental health concerns that, until optimally managed, could possibly preclude medical treatment of gender dysphoria,” Thornton said.
All in all, Thornton said, the updated guidelines demonstrate a commitment from the California prison system to provide adequate treatment and facilities for transgender inmates.
“CDCR is the only prison system routinely approving gender-affirming surgery and is working to build trust with its patients, their families, and community advocates,” Thornton said. “CDCR has policies in place to improve safety, help prevent sexual abuse, create a more respectful environment, improve outcomes for reentry and improve medical care for its incarcerated transgender community and is committed to creating safe and humane environments for all people housed in California prisons.”
Across California on Tuesday, openly LGBTQ+ candidates and pro-equality allies running for office dominated in key races up and down the ballot. With the backing of Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, San Diego mayoral candidate Asm. Todd Gloria emerged from his primary as the clear frontrunner, pro-equality ally Asm. Christy Smith (D-Santa Clarita) placed first in both her special election and primary election for the 25th Congressional District and state senate candidates Asm. Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) and Abigail Medina (D-San Bernardino) both advanced to the November election. If elected, Eggman and Medina would make history as the first two LGBTQ+ women of color to serve in the California Senate. Both dual-endorsed candidates for California’s 53rd Congressional District Sara Jacobs and Georgette Gómez also advanced to the November election. Additional information about many of Equality California’s priority races is included below.
“Yesterday’s results clearly demonstrated that openly LGBTQ+ Californians and our allies are winning in every corner of the state with a broad, diverse base of support from voters,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Chavez Zbur. “As importantly, voters overwhelmingly rejected candidates who engaged in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and homophobic campaign tactics. Californians have had enough of the hate and division in Washington — they’re looking for leaders who will unite our communities and fight for our common values. Supporting LGBTQ+ civil rights and social justice is a winning strategy across California. And candidates who refuse to stand on the right side of history will soon find themselves standing alone.”
Notably, three Democratic candidates who had engaged in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and campaign tactics suffered embarrassing defeats on Tuesday. After raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for his CA-25 bid, online talk show host Cenk Uygur barely received 5 percent of the vote in both the special election to serve the rest of U.S. Representative Katie Hill’s (D-Santa Clarita) first term and the 2020 primary electionfor the seat. Senate hopefuls Mani Grewal (D-Modesto) and Kris Goodfellow (D-Redlands) both fell short of advancing to the November election after engaging in anti-LGBTQ+campaigns against Eggman and Medina.
Equality California ran a robust get-out-the-vote operation to boost priority state, local and federal candidates. Equality California Political Action Committee, the state PAC affiliated with the civil rights organization, ran independent expenditure campaigns — including combinations of direct mail, robocalls, peer-to-peer text messaging and digital advertising — in Senate Districts 5, 11, 21 and 23; Assembly Districts 78 and 42; and the San Diego Mayor’s race. Equality California staff and board members volunteered as canvassers supporting endorsed candidates in Congressional District 25 and Senate Districts 11, 15, 21, 23 and 37.
According to the first wave of NBC News’s exit polling on Tuesday, LGBTQ+ voters made up 11 percent of California’s primary electorate. This tracks with Equality California’s polling, which shows that LGBTQ+ Californians make up 12 percent of registered voters in the Golden State and reinforces the fact that the LGBTQ+ community is a critical, powerful voting bloc in California that should not be ignored or taken for granted.
Other openly LGBTQ+ candidates advancing to the November general election include Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), Assemblymembers Evan Low (D-Campbell) and Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside), as well as senate candidate John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) and Assembly candidate Jackie Smith (D-Rocklin). Assembly candidates Scott Rhinehart (D-Mission Viejo) and Alex Lee (D-San Jose) are currently in second place in races that are too close to call. Senate candidate Joy Silver is currently in third place in the special election race for Senate District 28 — also too close to call — which will almost certainly go to a May 12 runoff.
Key Races in which Equality California engaged:
San Diego Mayor: Assemblymember Todd Gloria is the clear frontrunner in his race to make history as the first LGBTQ+ San Diegan to be elected mayor of California’s second-largest city. Equality California was an early endorser of Gloria’s mayoral bid and has supported the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Vice Chair throughout his career, including in his previous campaigns for San Diego City Council and California Assembly.
Congressional District 25: Christy Smith (D-Santa Clarita) emerged victorious in both the special election to serve the rest of U.S. Representative Katie Hill’s term and the 2020 primary election and will likely face off against Republican Mike Garcia in both contests. Anti-LGBTQ+ candidates Cenk Uygur and former U.S. Representative Steve Knight — whom Hill defeated in 2018 with Equality California’s help — were rejected by voters.
Congressional District 50: Ammar Campa-Najjar (D-Jamul) placed first in the primary election to replace disgraced former U.S. Representative Duncan Hunter. It appears he will face Republican former U.S. Representative Darrell Issa, who has a long history of corruption scandals of his own and was recently slammed by the San Diego Union-Tribune for running an anti-LGBTQ+ ad targeting openly gay Republican Carl DeMaio in the primary.
Congressional District 53: After Equality California dual-endorsed nonprofit leader Sara Jacobs (D-San Diego) and openly LGBTQ+ San Diego City Council President Georgette Gómez, the two candidates will advance to the November runoff, ensuring that the district will continue to be represented by a pro-equality champion after U.S. Representative Susan Davis (D-San Diego) retires.
Senate District 5: Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) emerged victorious, while anti-LGBTQ+ Democrat Mani Grewal placed a distant third, despite significant last-minute outside spending on his behalf. Last August, Equality California criticized Grewal for an anti-LGBTQ+ ad attacking bipartisan legislation sponsored by Equality California and law enforcement officials, costing Grewal the support of two lawmakers and the Legislative API Caucus. Equality California also ran an independent expenditure campaign on Eggman’s behalf, including direct mail, paid phone calls, text messages and targeted digital ads.
Senate District 11: Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Chair Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) bested his Democratic primary challenger by more than 20 points, winning nearly 55% of the vote. Equality California ran a $2+ million independent expenditure supporting Wiener in 2016 and considers his reelection to be a top priority in 2020.
Senate District 23: Abigail Medina (D-Highland), who is openly lesbian, advanced to the November election and is currently in first place in this key pickup opportunity for Senate Democrats. Last week, Equality California condemned her Democratic opponent Kris Goodfellow for running a smear campaign attacking Medina’s sexual orientation and ethnicity. Goodfellow is currently in fourth place and will not advance to the November ballot. Equality California also ran an independent expenditure campaign on Medina’s behalf, including direct mail, paid phone calls, text messages and targeted digital ads.
Assembly District 42: After leaving the Republican Party last year, incumbent Asm. Chad Mayes (I-Yucca Valley) — who scored a 100% on Equality California’s legislative scorecard last year — is currently in first place and has almost certainly secured a spot on the November ballot in his re-election race. If he wins in November, Mayes would be the first independent candidate to win a race for state office in over 25 years. Equality California ran an independent expenditure campaign on Mayes’ behalf, including direct mail, paid phone calls, text messages and targeted digital ads.
To see a full list of Equality California’s endorsed candidates, visit eqca.org/elections.
Pride festivals across Europe are facing the prospect of cancellation due to the threats posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Pride season, due to kick off in June, is likely to be impacted if measures are put in place to restrict large public gatherings amid the outbreak – which was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation on Wednesday.
Organisers of Pride events across the continent joined an online meeting on Monday to discuss contingency plans for the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus disruption to Pride festivals is now ‘inevitable’.
Kristine Garina, president of the European Pride Organisers Association, said that it is “inevitable” that events will face “cancellation, curtailment or postponement”.
She said: “Coronavirus is presenting a new challenge for all governments and organisations, and Prides are no different.
“The unique challenge for Prides is that most are entirely volunteer organisations, where people have to juggle this additional complexity alongside a career or being a full-time carer. We’re doing all we can to help Pride organisers navigate through this challenge.”
She added: “It is ironic that over the last few decades various politicians, presidents, prime ministers, mayors, archbishops and other bigots have done their best to thwart and cancel Pride parades, but it was mother nature who succeeded.
“The admirable resilience of Pride organisers has met a challenge for the health of our wider community, and that means that some events will inevitably face cancellation, curtailment or postponement.”
Event organisers are contingency planning for pandemic restrictions.
The first major UK pride festival this year is Birmingham Pride on May 23, while Pride in London is set to take place on June 27 – with other events due to take place across July, August and September.
A Pride in London spokesperson told PinkNews: “We are paying close attention to the latest advice from the World Health Organisation and the UK government around coronavirus.
“Though the UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the country from low to moderate, the current guidance is that the risk to individuals remains low.
“In line with our duty to safeguard the event, we will be working closely with our production partners and the authorities to ensure we have considered any risks to the Parade. Our priority is keeping all attendees safe and secure, and we will be following the advice of Public Health England to ensure this.”
A spokesperson for Brighton and Hove Pride, which will take place in August, told PinkNews: “While the current situation regarding COVID-19 is concerning, with August being several months away we will not be taking any immediate action other than contingency planning and will continue to work with our partner agencies to plan to deliver a safe and successful event.
“If government and WHO advice changes then we will implement appropriate plans in accordance with those guidelines.
“We review our position on a regular basis and will likely to make a final decision by early to mid July as to whether we would implement a postponement plan, but on current advice we are optimistic that Brighton Pride will go ahead.”
“Brighton and Hove Pride is an important community fundraising event for our city and at this stage our planning will continue as normal.”
Dublin Pride festival director Jed Dowling said in a statement: “Dublin Pride is working closely with the Department of Health, the HSE, Dublin City Council and our international Pride colleagues in the planning of our annual Pride parade currently scheduled for June 27.
“The board and management of Dublin Pride are very mindful of the current situation regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) and of our responsibility to act in the best interests of the community.
“We will follow all advice given by the relevant authorities and are contingency planning for the possibility that the date may need to move out.”
PinkNews has also requested comment from the organisers of Birmingham Pride, Manchester Pride and Northern Pride on whether contingencies have been put into place.
A lesbian from Uganda has been granted asylum in Germany, but the judge said that it will not set a precedent for future LGBT+ asylum seekers from the country.
The 41-year-old woman, who remains anonymous, suffered repeated violence, death threats and an arson attack on her home in Uganda.
She applied for asylum in Germany in 2011, but was rejected and forced to go to trial.
However according to Deutsche Welle, during the trial at a Munich courthouse, the federal office for migration and refugees admitted that she did in fact qualify for refugee status, and the case was thrown out.
LGBT+ activists celebrated the outcome, hoping that it would pave the way for other LGBT+ asylum seekers from Uganda, who suffer extreme violence and persecution in their home country.
However, the judge said that it was an “individual case” and would not set a precedent for LGBT+ asylum seekers from Uganda in the future.
Sara Schmitter, a psychologist at the lesbian advice centre LeTRa which supported the woman through the asylum process, said in a press releasethat she still had hope.
She said: “Even though it was not recognised that LGBTIQ are being persecuted as a group in Uganda, we still see this individual decision at a higher judicial level as an encouraging step in the right direction. We are really happy for our client.”
The 41-year-old woman, who no longer has to fear being deported, said: “I am happy and I still can not really believe it.”
Uganda’s ethics and integrity minister Simon Lokodo announced plans in October 2019 month to re-table a “kill the gays” bill, which was first floated several years ago but was not enacted.
Last September, Sue M., a 53-year-old who works in corporate communications, got matched with a man on the online dating platform PlentyofFish. The middle-aged restaurant manager asked her to dinner in Providence, Rhode Island. But their date would end before Sue got a chance to finish the Diet Coke she had ordered.
Sue, who asked that her last name remain confidential, remembers her PlentyofFish date suggesting they leave. He drove her to a nearby parking lot, pulled her breasts out of her shirt and forced her to masturbate him. She says she yanked her hand away and convinced the man to let her go.
Sue didn’t think to report the incident to PlentyofFish until the man texted her while she was with her niece. “I knew u were with your relative,” he wrote her, “but at least I could have called and say hi and I see u online.” The man did call, repeatedly. Sue blocked his number but feared what he’d do to other women. She tried to report him through the only method she knew — in-app messaging. But because he’d blocked her profile, she couldn’t. She recalls growing so frustrated by the limited information on the app’s reporting options she gave up.
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“I would have to investigate. I would have to contact someone at PlentyofFish,” Sue said. “I am not real confident that they would have a team that would be real responsive.”
Only after completing our confidential surveydid Sue feel inspired to try again, she said. She found PlentyofFish’s customer service email address for filing complaints and drafted a message for the company. She plans to send it after the criminal investigation into her case gets underway.
We’ve spent a lot of time reporting on how online dating companies handle these cases. Our December 2019 investigation revealed that Match Group — the industry’s behemoth with $1.7 billion in annual revenues and owner of 45 popular dating platforms — screens for registered sex offenders on its flagship paid Match app but not on its free apps, which include OkCupid, PlentyofFish and Tinder.
Sue is among the nearly 200 women and men who completed a survey published with our investigation. Many, like Sue, expressed frustrations over trying to report a sexual assault to an online dating platform. Some told us they couldn’t figure out how to report their rape claims. Others thought too much time had passed after the incident occurred to file a report. Still others relayed that they didn’t know dating apps would accept user complaints involving offline sexual assault.
During our reporting, we learned about all the ways people can log an incident with the apps. We’ve experienced the same frustrations as our survey takers in trying to navigate the often complicated reporting methods.
Here’s what you need to know about how to report sexual assault and other abuse to dating apps and websites.
I want to report a sexual assault or rape. What are the options?
Seek Emotional Support. For victims of sexual assault, figuring out what to do next may feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that safety is a priority. Call a friend or a loved one for emotional support. If you or someone else is in danger or injured, call 911. Also know that what happened is not your fault. The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, operates a confidential hotline. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) and get connected to a local rape crisis center. The hotline will direct callers to medical services and answer questions about how to report. To contact a local provider, RAINN offers this directory here. Some clinics will send a trained advocate to accompany a sex assault victim to the hospital or police station.
Match Group, which owns most major online dating services, screens for sexual predators on Match — but not on Tinder, OkCupid or PlentyofFish. A spokesperson said, “There are definitely registered sex offenders on our free products.”
The LGBT National Help Center also offers confidential hotlines tailored to gay, lesbian, queer and transgender people. Loveisrespectoffers resources geared toward young people who have faced sexual violence.
Get Medical Attention. Experts recommend not showering or bathing before arriving at a medical facility, if possible. RAINN has this informational guide on receiving medical care, which recommends bringing a change of clothes. You can also get a sexual assault forensic exam, known as a “rape kit.” According to RAINN, an exam specialist will go through a checklist to obtain DNA evidence that could help identify the perpetrator. This exam is optional, RAINN states, “but doing so may give you a stronger case against the perpetrator if you decide to report the crime now or down the road.”
Work With Law Enforcement. People who want to report a sexual assault to the police should alert a doctor while being treated. Medical professionals may contact the authorities. People who don’t want to report at the time of the exam, or who choose not to seek medical care, can call their local police, or drop by in person, at a later date. College students can report to their campus police. Students have additional rights granted under the federal anti-sex discrimination law Title IX.
In most places, officers trained in handling rape reports will conduct an interview. Some departments offer advocates who help people navigate the criminal justice process or work with rape crisis centers and other nonprofits to provide similar services. RAINN has created multiple resources on how to report sexual assault to law enforcement. They can be found here.
How do I report a sexual assault, rape or abuse to a dating app?
Reporting an online dating sexual assault doesn’t have to end with the criminal justice system. Companies behind America’s most popular dating apps can take steps that police can’t. They can remove a user from their platforms, for instance, or ban the person from other apps they own. We haven’t found any online dating platforms that specify a time limit for users to report offline incidents.
We have written more about reporting abuse and rape to dating apps here.
What information will I need to report my experience to the dating apps?
We’ve heard from more than 50 women and men who’ve tried to report rape, sexual assault or abuse to a dating platform — in large cities like San Francisco and New York and small communities in Georgia, Ohio and Nevada. These responses show that, overwhelmingly, people report sex assault using the in-app messaging methods.
Some dating app users, like Sue, have told Columbia Journalism Investigations that in-app methods don’t work if the person they are reporting blocks them first or if they’ve blocked the person prior to filing a report. We’ve found every app has options for reporting a user beyond tagging a profile or sending direct messages. The most common is an email address or form found on the website. Users who attempt to report abuse by email are often asked for specific information about the person they are reporting, including:
Facebook page (username and web address for the person’s page)
Phone number
Email address
User name (the name the accused went by on the platform)
Age and/or birthdate
Location
How to report abuse, rape or sexual assault on different dating apps:
Each platform has different ways to report an accused user. Some allow users to report a rape even if they don’t have an active account on the platform. Others say they will take user reports through messages on Twitter. Only one online dating service offers a dedicated customer service call line: Match. Click the platform name for a step-by-step guide on all options for reporting below.
There are two ways to report a sex assault incident through the app:
Haven’t blocked or been blocked by the accused user? Go to the user’s profile page through messages or the matches interface. Swipe left on the message or match in question to access the “Report” tab.
Have blocked or been blocked by the accused? Click on profile and select “Settings.” This will pull up multiple options, including “Contact Us.” Click “Help and Support” under that tab, which goes to a page asking what kind of help. Click “Safety, Security, and Privacy” to fill out a complaint form.
PlentyofFish
Submit a report about another user by clicking his or her profile. At the bottom, a “Report User” link will go to a questionnaire asking the reason for flagging the profile.
Have a message history with that user? Click on the messages in app or online. Then click the three dots at the top right of the page (in-app only) and select “Report Profile.” This will go through a series of questions about the reason for reporting that user.
For those using a computer, look for the bright red text in the message history that says “Report this message for inappropriate content.” Then report a specific message received and file a complaint about the user. To do so, select a box with the word “Report,” followed by the user’s name.
OkCupid allows reports about a user no longer found on the app. Click the “Settings” link on the profile page, select “Help” and then, on a separate page, scroll down to “Reporting a profile, photo, or message.” This will give multiple reporting options, including reporting a user no longer on the app, or matched.
In the app, a user can click the three dots on another user’s profile page to report him or her, which presents several choices. Select the relevant option, and a text box appears to share detailed information with the platform about the complaint.
To report another user who is still matched and may have messaged, click the three dots on the messages page for that user. Select the relevant option, and a text box appears to share detailed information with the platform.
Match
Match has a customer service phone number, 800-926-2824.
Report a user through his or her profile by clicking on the three dots at the top right of the profile page.
Any Match members can search and locate a profile, unless a user blocked another user. Look for a page with selection boxes. If the “block user” box is selected, select additional boxes for complaint categories such as “Inappropriate Behavior” and “Other.” Select a category and provide additional details about the reason for reporting a user.
Report another user through the messages interface by clicking on the three dots at the top right of the messages page with the other user. There, block the user and select options such as “Inappropriate Behavior” and “Other.” Select a category and provide additional details about the reason for reporting the user.
There are two ways to submit a complaint through the app, either through the inbox messages with the accused user or his or her profile. Both methods are similar.
Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the profile or messages of the person. Select report, pick a category for the incident and then click send.
In a browser, follow the same process, except the three dots to report will be on the bottom right of the profile.
Already blocked the member or the message history is deleted? Reach out to customer support. Every app and website has a “Help” category under “Settings” to reach out directly to the company.
There are two ways to report a sex assault incident through the Grindr app:
Haven’t blocked or been blocked by the accused user? Go to the user’s profile page through “Messages” or the “Taps” interface under the “Messages” button on the bottom menu. Tap the user’s profile and then the three dots in the top right corner. Click “Report.” There’s no specific way to report a sexual assault or rape. Report for “Harassment or Bullying” instead and explain what happened in the next screen.
Have blocked or been blocked by the accused user? Click on profile and select “Settings.” This will pull up multiple options, including “Support.” Click “Support” and find the button on the top right corner that looks like a pencil writing on paper. Click it and “Start a Conversation.” Write a narrative and include screenshots to send directly to Grindr support.
There are three ways to report an incident through the Scruff app:
Haven’t blocked or been blocked by the accused user? Go to the user’s profile page and tap the three dots or the circle with a line through it in the upper right corner. Tap “Report.”
Have blocked the accused user? Click on settings and select “Manage Hides/Blocks.” See that user’s updated name. Click the user to report. This will unblock him or her. Search for that user by name and block him or her using the above instruction.
Have been blocked by the accused user or don’t wish to unblock the user to report him or her? Click on “Settings.” This will pull up multiple options, including “Contact Scruff Support.” Under the tab, click “New Support Request.” Go to a page asking for the kind of help and a contact email. There’s no way to submit a sex assault report per se, but “Profile Guidelines Violation” allows users to log an abuse complaint.
To report the accused user, first block him or her.
To block on the Adam4Adam website, go to the user’s profile. On the left, click the “Block This User” button. Click continue. Once the user is blocked, Adam4Adam sends an email confirmation. The email has a “Report User” link.
To block on the Adam4Adam app, go to the user’s profile and, under the star icon on the right, click “More.” Click “Block This User” and confirm. Adam4Adam will send a confirmation email. In it, there’s a “Report User” link.
Nearly 100 Polish municipal or local governments have now proclaimed themselves to be “free from LGBT+ ideology”. Local authorities in these areas pledge to refrain from acts that encourage tolerance and must avoid providing financial assistance to NGOs working to promote equal rights.
An “Atlas of Hate” map created by activists reveals the extent of Poland that has signed up to this pledge – and it covers an area greater than the size of Hungary.
Alicia, 19, is a queer woman and one of the only openly LGBT+ people in her village. She told Channel 4 News that she was born and raised there.
She said that she is “scared” every day living in the so-called LGBT-free zone, and added: “My neighbours are scared to tell me to my face that they don’t like me, they don’t accept me.”
Alicia said she has tried to speak out about LGBT+ rights, which has made her more of a target.
She said: “I’m scared because they know where I live. But, the fear is motivating me. Someone has to fight.”
The 19-year-old is fighting back in her own way, and as homophobic graffiti and stickers crop up across her city, she has been covering them with her own stickers which read: “Too queer to fear.”
Alicia attended the march and was attacked there. She said: “It was terrifying. The hooligans chose me as a target and threw the firecrackers, a lot of them. I was really scared.”
The number of LGBT-free zones in Poland has continued to grow, even after the European Parliament passed a resolution that strongly condemned the concept of LGBT-free zones in December.
MEPs described the measures as part of “a broader context of attacks against the LGBT+ community in Poland, which include growing hate speech by public and elected officials and public media, as well as attacks and bans on Pride marches and actions such as Rainbow Friday”.
The Spahr Center would like to give our clients an update on the novel Coronavirus, now known as COVID-19. This situation is evolving rapidly and we understand it may be causing concern.
As of this morning, one resident of Marin has been diagnosed with Covid-19 following recent travel. One other patient with the Covid-19 is currently isolated at a hospital in Marin County, county officials announced recently.
This patient was not infected in Marin. Health experts agree that the measures taken so far have helped to limit spread of the virus, but they are nevertheless predicting that there will be further community spread of COVID-19 in the United States.
People aged 60 and over, and people living with HIV who are not virally suppressed, are at higher risk of acquiring Covid-19. The Spahr Center feels it can best meet its mission to assure the well-being of LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV, as well as do its part to help stop Covid-19 early, by taking the following immediate steps:
1. Until further notice, we are cancelling all group meetings for HIV clients and seniors on an in-person basis. However, participants are encouraged to check in by telephone by calling our conference call line at their regular meeting time: 605.313.4100, passcode 346591. A Zoom account is being set up in order to hold video conferencing in the near future.
2. Until further notice, we encourage clients to come in to our office only if their visit requires signing or exchanging essential documents. We will be conducting as many other appointments as possible by telephone.
3. The Pantry remains open on its regularly scheduled days: Wednesday through Thursday.
4. THE SPAHR CENTER WILL MAKE ANY NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS TO PROVIDE OUR REGULAR SERVICES TO ANY CLIENT WHO DECIDES IT IS BEST FOR THEM TO STAY HOME DURING THIS PERIOD, TO INCLUDE PANTRY DELIVERIES. IF YOU NEED ANY SERVICES, please call us at 415.457.2487
The Marin County Office of Education in partnership with the Marin County Department of Public Health and Kaiser Permanente will be holding a community meeting tonight, March 9, at 6 pm. Folks are encouraged to attend virtually via Facebook live. Click here to join. Here are some good strategies for reducing your risk of becoming infected with any respiratory virus, including COVID-19:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
People who are sick should always cover their coughs and sneezes using a tissue or the crook of their elbow; wash your hands after using a tissue to wipe your nose or mouth.
People who feel sick should stay home from work or school until they are well.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your unwashed hands.
Maintain good social distancing – six feet from others – when you can.
Avoid shaking hands and hugging. Elbow and hip bumps are encouraged.
The Spahr Center continues to be in touch with the Marin County Health & Human Services Agency, which is also working closely with regional, state and federal agencies to respond to this situation. We will continue our monitoring, and advise our clients and supporters of any changes in the status of COVID-19 as we are advised of them. Please feel free to direct any questions to Leslie Gallen at 415.886.8553
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Thursday signed three pro-LGBTQ measures into law.
House Bill 145 sponsored by state Del. Marcus Simon (D-Falls Church), and Senate Bill 161 sponsored by state Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-Loudoun County) require the Department of Education to develop model policies ensuring transgender students are treated fairly, respectfully and according to best practices.
“All Virginia students deserve to learn in a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment,” said Boysko in press release. “I was proud to carry this incredibly important bill, and I’m thrilled to see it signed into law.”
School boards must now adopt such policies for the 2021-2022 school year.
Northam also signed a bill expanding the definition of a hate crime to include sexual orientation and gender identification among other protected classes into law. The bill was sponsored by state Del. Rip Sullivan (D-Fairfax County).
“Attacking someone because of who they are, who they love, or where they’re from is wrong,” said Northam. “Those actions are intended to send a chilling message that a person is not welcome, and that is exactly the opposite of what we stand for in Virginia. Hate has no place here. I am proud to sign this bill.”
State Del. Danica Roem’s (D-Manassas) legislation allowing localities to ban discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations, credit, or education based on sexual orientation or gender identity also passed into law.
“No matter where in the commonwealth you live, you should be free from discrimination,” said Virginia’s first openly trans delegate. “Allowing localities to include sexual orientation and gender identity in their nondiscrimination policies means they can make a statement of affirmation about their values at the local level while we continue to make Virginia a more inclusive commonwealth statewide.”
She added, “I’m proud both localities I represent have leaders who are eager to take action based on this legislation and thank the governor for signing this bill into law.”