Judy Shepard is the co-founder of the Matthew Shephard Foundation, an organization created in honor of her son who was murdered in one of the nation’s most notorious anti-gay hate crimes. Her work has driven tremendous progress in our fight to give hate no safe harbor. – President Biden Announces Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit reaffirmed that gender-affirming care is necessary medical care, and transgender and nonbinary North Carolinians and West Virginians can rely on government-provided insurance, including Medicaid, for their vital health coverage, like every other American.
Transgender and nonbinary people belong—in our families, our communities, our workplaces, our schools, and our country—and PFLAG will not rest until every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, affirmed, and loved.
“PFLAG National applauds today’s decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to reaffirm that laws that discriminate in healthcare, that ban certain vulnerable neighbors from accessing care covered for others, are unconstitutional. Health care works best when you can get the care you need when you need it, whether you’re transgender or not.” – Brian K. Bond, CEO, PFLAG National
The Rainbow Leaders Association with the support of the Texas Tech University Alumni Association, PRIDE Network present Lavender Graduation on April 26, 2024, at the Mckenzie-Merket Alumni Center from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. This event is open to all graduating Texas Tech University students.
“Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony conducted on numerous campuses to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally students to acknowledge their achievements and contributions to the University. The Lavender Graduation Ceremony was created by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish Lesbian, who was denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her biological children because of her sexual orientation. It was through this experience that she came to understand the pain felt by her students. Encouraged by the Dean of Students at the University of Michigan, Dr. Sanlo designed the first Lavender Graduation Ceremony in 1995.” (The Human Rights Campaign, https://www.hrc.org/resources/lavender-graduation)
We extend a special thank you to PFLAG Mom’s Group from PFLAG Lubbock for providing and setting up the decorations for this event.
Join us at this special event to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating LGBTQIA & Allies community! All are welcome, and we are excited to celebrate you!
PFLAG Lubbock 
Written
on November 8, 2023