Dear Residents, Neighbors, and Friends:
As we step into Fiscal Year 2027, October offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of understanding our rights, supporting one another, and building communities where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. This month, we recognize Bullying Prevention Month, LGBTQIA+ History Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Each observance reminds us that protecting human rights requires more than responding when discrimination occurs. It also means providing people with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to advocate for themselves and others.
One personal highlight this month was meeting with our Youth Human Rights Ambassadors. I had the opportunity to hear about their passions, answer their questions, and share what inspired me to pursue this work. Their enthusiasm and commitment to human rights reminded me that young people are essential partners in building safer, more inclusive communities. Through our Youth Bullying Prevention Program, we provide students, families, and educators with practical resources on conflict management, cyberbullying, supporting LGBTQIA+ youth, and recognizing when and how to report bullying.
Our work to protect vulnerable communities also extends to older adults. In recognition of LGBTQIA+ History Month, we highlighted OHR’s Care for Seniors Program, which helps protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ seniors and seniors living with HIV in long-term care facilities. This program ensures that every staff member and contractor in a DC long-term care facility is trained by an OHR-certified trainer, and it protects residents’ rights to their preferred name, pronouns, and room assignment according to their gender identity or expression.
We also partnered with the Office of Disability Rights for the Employment First Summit, where experts and advocates shared insights on navigating today’s evolving employment landscape. Our participation allowed us to share information about workplace protections and connect directly with individuals navigating the workforce. It also reinforced the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities and understand the rights available to them under District law.
On October 15, OHR participated in Purple Thursday, a National Day of Action held each year to show solidarity with survivors of domestic violence and to honor those who have lost their lives. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact DC Safe, a crisis intervention agency for domestic violence, via the 24/7 DC Victim Hotline at 844-443-5732 or visit dcsafe.org. As we look ahead, I encourage you to explore the resources shared throughout this month’s newsletter. Understanding our rights and knowing where to find support can make a meaningful difference, whether for ourselves, our families, or someone in our community. By sharing information, looking out for one another, and remaining engaged, we can continue building a District where everyone has the opportunity to live, work, learn, and thrive free from discrimination.