Head to the 100 block of State Street to check out the progress flag crosswalk. | Photo by @transpainter
The Human Rights Campaign released the 2022 Municipal Equality Index, and Madison is on the list. How did we score?
Each year, the Human Rights Campaign releases a Municipal Equality Index which takes a deep dive into municipal laws, policies, and services and how inclusive they are of LGBTQ+ people. This year’s edition examined 506 cities on 49 different criteria across five categories — non-discrimination laws, municipality as employer, services and programs, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
Based on these criteria, Madison earned a score of 100 out of 100. A perfect score. Here’s a breakdown of how we got here… and how we can go even further.
Non-discrimination laws
This category looks at whether LGBTQ+ discrimination is prohibited by law in areas of employment, housing, and public accommodation. Madison achieved a 30 out of 30 for our laws across the state, county, and municipality, and received bonus points for single-occupancy all-gender facilities and protections against youth conversion therapy.
Municipality as employer
Cities can achieve points for inclusive employment policies like trans-inclusive healthcare policies and non-discrimination in city employment. Madison got a 28 out of 28, and earned bonus points for city employee domestic partner benefits.
Services and programs
This section considers the city’s efforts to include LGBTQ+ folks in city services and programs. Madison scored 12 out of 12, and got bonus points for city-offered services to LGBTQ+ youths and older adults, and more.
Law enforcement
Looking at the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community, Madison earned 22 out of 22.
Leadership on LGBTQ+ equality
This section looks at city leadership’s commitment to advocacy and inclusion. Madison got an 8 out of 8, and earned bonus points for having openly LGBTQ+ elected or appointed leaders.
Where we can improve
Even a perfect score doesn’t mean a perfect city. Madison would achieve an even higher score from the HRC if the city offered services to the transgender community and LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness.
If you want to get involved, here are some local organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.
Mindful Moments: Drop-In Meditation Group | Monday, Dec. 5 | 12:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Learn simple mindfulness and meditation techniques that can be incorporated into your everyday routine. 🧠
Tuesday, Dec. 6
Wisconsin Men’s Basketball vs. Maryland | Tuesday, Dec. 6 | Kohl Center, 601 W. Dayton St., Madison | $33+ | Cheer on the Badgers as they take on the Terrapins. 🏀
Wheel of Fortune Live | Tuesday, Dec. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Capitol Theater - Overture Center, 201 State St., Madison | $67 | Enjoy this brand-new theatrical experience which includes audience participation + prizes.
Wednesday, Dec. 7
Cocktail Class | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | The Cider Farm, 8216 Watts Rd., Madison | $30 | Learn how to make cider + apple brandy craft cocktails that will impress your guests this holiday season. 🥃
Big Night Out @ Art Lit Lab | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 4-6 p.m. | Arts + Literature Laboratory, 111. S. Livingston St., Madison | Free | Connect with your fellow 608 business leaders over appetizers and drinks.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
UW-Madison is calling on volunteers to help researchers learn more about what affects people’s health.| Photo provided by UW School of Medicine and Public Health
The All of Us Research Program is making history by building one of the largest biomedical data resources of its kind.
How it works: Volunteers from across the US share information about their health, habits, and what it’s like where they live. The program’s Research Hub stores this protected data, and by looking for patterns, researchers can learn more about what affects people’s health, speeding up medical research.*
The notoriously run-down Smart Studios building at 1254 East Washington Ave. is getting a facelift. The studio that hosted production sessions for Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins was bought by an interior designer who is turning it into an Airbnb. 🔨 (Cap Times)
Sports
The WIAA has approved sanctioning the sport of lacrosse. Those who currently play in affiliation with clubs will be able to play through their school starting in the 2023-24 school year.
Aaron Rodgers says he understands that a quarterback switch may be necessary for the remainder of the Packers’ season due to his injury + the team’s 5-8 record. This change would put Jordan Love in a starting position. 🏈 (WKOW + ESPN)
Cause
Jeff Burkhart— executive director of local nonprofit, Literacy Network — is stepping down from his role at the organization. Jeff will be pursuing a new business of his in which he will help other non-profits achieve their goals. 📚 (NBC 15)
We can’t stop thinking about the luxurious floral embroidery on this beautiful red and black dress — and it’s giving us major downtown Madison at Christmas vibes, too. The best part? It can be in your closet by Saturday with code RTRx6AM.*
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Editor’s pick: I much prefer tequila over beer (I know, bad Wisconsinite) but it’s hard to find a good tequila drink during the winter amongst all of the seasonal drink menus + heavy beers. Any suggestions?
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We’re conducting a 608 recipe swap.
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Editorial:Ally Geiger, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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