Fed's benefits expansion trickles down locally

In June, President Barack Obama issued a memo that called for a new level of equality for GLBT federal employees and their families. David Glasgow, a Nashville-based federal employee, was among those cheering this step toward legal equality.

Among the provisions included in the memo were steps to establish partners and children of federal agency employees as family members. This will allow for employees to take time off to tend to their children or their partner’s family in times of emergency.

“The trend is very encouraging,” Glasgow said. “There are a lot of federal employees I know whose lives will be immediately made better by the administrative changes now underway. The main thing is that now none of us have to worry as much about what will happen when a family crisis occurs.”

For Glasgow, this memo follows a budding trend among many employers in the private sector toward equality for GLBT employees and their families.

“Major corporations and institutions have been leading the way towards equality for a long time now and the federal government needs to race to catch up, or we'll all pay the price,” he said. “The changes underway will help government better compete for, and keep, the best employees. That's a good thing for every taxpayer.”

While Glasgow acknowledges the positive potential of the changes set forth by the Obama administration, he recognizes the legal limitations of an executive memo. Several substantive steps for equality cannot be taken unless they are made mandatory by legislative action. However, he remains optimistic that Obama’s sentiment will trickle through the rest of the federal government, emboldening lawmakers to bring more tangible rights to GLBT employees and their families.

“[Obama’s] action sets a good example for lawmakers at every level. Hopefully there will be even more substantive changes in the coming months as Congress moves forward on bills to bring equal treatment to key benefits like health insurance and retirement,” he said.

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less