The U.S. Department of State currently allows people to select a binary gender marker (M or F) for their U.S. passports, “even if the gender [they] select does not match the gender on [their| supporting documentation such as a birth certificate, previous passport, or state ID.” In addition, passport holders may “request a new passport with a different gender than the one [they] have on [their] current passport” by following the instructions on the Department of State’s “Selecting your Gender Marker” webpage. Further, there are plans for an “X” gender marker on U.S. passports for non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming people, which is expected to be available in early 2022.
Read moreDecember 15th is National Bill of Rights Day
National Bill of Rights Day is observed every year on December 15th to commemorate the ratification of the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantees certain civil rights and liberties to all Americans. The First Congress of the United States first proposed twelve amendments to the Constitution in a joint resolution on September 25, 1789. Ten of the proposed amendments were approved by three-fourths of the state legislatures and the Bill of Rights was ratified on December 15, 1791.
Read more80th National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan attacked U.S. military and naval forces based in Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii. Often regarded as the event that marked the United States’ entry into World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed a joint session of the U.S. House one day after the attack and asked Congress to declare war on Japan in his landmark “Day of Infamy” speech. that same day, Congress passed a joint resolution declaring war on Japan. Three days later, Japan’s allies Germany and Italy declared war against the United States. Congress then declared war on the Axis powers on December 11, 1941, and the United States entered World War II.
Read moreDonate, Volunteer, and Connect to Your Community
It doesn’t have to be #GivingTuesday to get involved and give back to your community! This roundup of assistance programs, legal aid organizations, and other giving and volunteer opportunities that serve those in need of legal and general assistance in Harris County is a good place to start if you’re looking to give back to your community to give back to this holiday season.
Read moreThanksgiving: A Brief History
We’re all familiar with the traditions and trappings of Thanksgiving Day in the United States and the popular narrative behind the reason for its celebration. 2021 marks the 400th anniversary of the harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621, the event many Americans consider to be the “first” Thanksgiving. However, the history of Thanksgiving as a national holiday on the fourth Thursday of November has historical significance for many reasons. Here is a brief history of the establishment of a national holiday of Thanksgiving in the United States.
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