News & Commentary

Last week, the Supreme Court released a decision that it was unlawful to discriminate in the workplace on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Upon waking up in the morning and reading this decision, feelings of joy and relief washed over me like a tsunami, nearly knocking me breathless. I began crying and contacted my partner, letting them know that we won; that once again, love won. 

Lobby days at the Unicameral bring about a variety of people with different political beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences. For many, it’s an opportunity to make their voices heard on issues that affect them; for some, it’s a change to fight for their rights and basic governmental protection against various forms of societal discrimination and oppression. I fell into the latter group as I made my way into the Nebraska State Capitol Building on Wednesday with around 40 other people to meet with our state senators. This particular lobby day was organized by OutNebraska, a Nebraska nonprofit dedicated to advocacy on LGBTQ+ issues and creating a community of civically engaged LGBTQ+ Nebraskans. 

A few months ago, I visited a family planning clinic in Lincoln and got to know some of my neighbors who use the Title X program. I met a single mom with three kids who works at an assisted living home and who does not have health insurance. She has been going to the clinic for three years and doesn’t know any other doctors she could go to if her clinic loses Title X funding. Title X was established in 1970 and is our nation's signature family planning program which provides grants to healthcare providers who provide well-woman exams, lifesaving cancer screening, STD testing and treatment, and contraception. The federal grants pass through the state budget and go directly to healthcare providers. Title X money cannot be used for abortion-related services or for abortion.

The last year was a relentless attack on civil rights and civil liberties emanating from the highest echelons of political power and emboldening state and local leaders to act in ways previously unimaginable.
Nevertheless, we persisted, we resisted, and we achieved important progress.

I was 14 when I moved to the Elkhorn Public Schools district which had a small town feel and was just minutes away from Omaha. Elkhorn High was big enough for opportunities but small enough to where I could stand out. There was only one deterrent: I wondered how a school district with a 98% Caucasian population and a median income of over $75,000--the quintessential conservative community--would react to an openly gay youth.

At a time when policy makers in Nebraska are playing politics with transgender students, it is heartwarming to see one entity, the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, indicate strongly that all students, including transgender students, should have the opportunity to get a great education:

My name is Eris Koleszar. I am a transgender woman in Nebraska. I’ve recently spoken to the Nebraska Board of Education and the Omaha Public Schools Board about needing to ensure all students in Nebraska – including transgender students – have the opportunity to learn and grow.

Lincoln's Public Safety Director and former Cheif of Police shared some thoughts on his blog in response to the shooting in Orlando. We repost with his permission.