JUNE + 1994
Lesbians, Gays Meet with anti-gay discrimination, the HRC is still empowered
Human Rights Commission to act as a mediator to attempt to resolve the conflict
by Keith Elston without a court battle, said Wharton.

If you have been the victim of anti-gay As airesult ofthat meeting, the HRC hasagreed to
discrimination or gay-bashing, you have a new and work With our community .10 collect this important
powerful advocate in Fayette County--the Lexington lnf9mat‘9n- They are seeking 3°“ eitperiences wnh
Fayette Human Rights Commission. anti-gay discrimination and anti-gay Violence. ‘

On April 6, representatives of Central Kentucky JUSt, “mm" the past month, the .Human Rights
lesbian, gay, and bisexual organizations met with C,°m¥“‘.55‘°‘.‘ has taken three complaints or anti-gay
representatives of the commission to discuss the discriminationna number Wthh Wharton considers
concerns of the lesbigay community and how the to be Significant. If this trend were ‘to continue,
HRC can help. About a dozen people, representing Wharton says, “39°”? 9f anti-gayiiiCideiits might
GLSO, Lexington Fairness, the Kentucky Fairness exceed reports of discrimination against‘tlie disabled.
Alliance, the American Civil Liberties Union of Don't let the homophobes “1””. F131“ back by
Kentucky, the Diversity Business Coalition, the calling the Human Rights CommiSSion.

Stonewall Network, MCC-Lexington, P-FLAG of
Lexington, and UK LAMBDA met with HRC
Executive Director William Wharton and Public If you feel that you have been discriminated
Relations Director Kelly Casak-Collins. against on the basis of your sexual orientation in

Wharton announced that the commission is the areas of....
taking complaints on anti-gay discrimination in 0 employment, housing (renting or buying), or
employment, housing and public accommodations, as public accommodations;
well as reports of anti-gay violence, in an effort to 0 you feel that you have been sexually harassed at
document discrimination to justify passage of an your job;
ordinance to make anti-gay discrimination illegal. o if you or someone you know have been the

Although most incidents of anti-gay victim of anti-gay violence (ranging from being
discrimination are legal under state and local law. called "faggot" in an intimidating manner to
Wharton stressed that certain types of assault or even murder);
discrimination,, including gender discrimination and .....then we urge you to report this event to the
discrimination against persons living with AIDS, are Human Rights Commission by calling 252-4931.
illegal. The HRC is interested in vigorously Their trained investigators will take your
pursuing these cases. complaint and, if they feel that a law has been

Even when the law prevents them from taking violated, they will advocate on your behalf.
legal action against an employer or a landlord for

' GLSO News - June 1994 — l