Who is mad at HRC and why? What is HRC's response?

By Kelli Busey
planetransgender
Sunday August 31, 2008

Who is objecting to HRC? And why is HRC being protested so furiously? The first video is from the San Francisco LGBT communities protest outside the HRC dinner.



This video is from inside San Francisco HRC Gala Dinner where Joe Solmonese, president of HRC talks about the dinners theme "Unity". The woman who disrupts his speech is protesting the exclusion of the gender variant from ENDA by HRC.

CODEPINKer Alicia Forrest slammed to the ground by a police officer

HRC and Log Cabin Republicans Political Choices

By Kelli Busey
Friday August 29, 2008

HRC has Shown there true colors according to Ethan St. Pierre activist and radio personality by donating heavily to the Log Cabin Republicans and giving nothing to the Stonewall Democrats who's unwavering support of an inclusive ENDA was undoubtedly noted.

The Log Cabin Republicans and the Stonewall Democrats disagree on the potential significance to LGBT people of McCain's Vice presidential pick Sarah Palin. Although it would be expected for Republicans and Democrats to disagree, it is in the interest of LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL and TRANSGENDER people that we consider whom the political parties and HRC are aligned with.

In a statement regarding the McCain vice presidential nomination Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon stated "Gov. Palin is an inclusive Republican who will help Sen. McCain appeal to gay and lesbian voters.” and see her as a willing partner in protecting the same sex benefits of Alaska State employees while Governor. The selection of Palin was simultaneously applauded by Family Research Council's Connie Mackey who stated that "I am elated with Senator McCain's choice and applaud his continued commitment to creating a pro-woman, pro-life, pro-family administration.

The Stone Wall Democrats stated "As Governor, Palin currently supports the efforts of radical activists to strip Alaska residents - specifically state workers - of the most basic domestic partner benefits" and that she has a record of supporting radical anti equity groups such as Focus on the Family, the Concerned Women of America and the Family Research Council.

The Bay Windows noted that "In her run for the governorship in 2006, the Anchorage Daily News reported that Palin supported a constitutional amendment to the state constitution in 1998 to ban same-sex marriage and, later, supported putting a measure on the ballot that sought to ban benefits for the same-sex partners of state employees."

I hope wealthy white gay males and lesbian females fully comprehend what 4 more years of the bush legacy would mean to our personal freedoms and liberties. If bush, ahem, I mean McCain(HRC and Log Cabin Republicans) are elected you will have to be sure to say goodbye to ANY progressive legislation.

AS Cenk Uygur of the Young Turks so eloquently stated "It's a dick move". It's embarrassing when your moral, political and ethical adversary so clearly sees the folly of your life.



*************************************

DNC the Other Convention

Being an advocate of free speech we must question authority when it seeks to deny our basic rights.

Spencer Morgan, Beautiful Woman

By Kelli Busey
planetransgender
August 28, 2008

Living large and authentic in NYC . Jamie Clayton is what many of us ladies aspire to. She is open and sensual, caring but sure of her own self worth. She lives in full openness as to her identity but does not wish to make it the focal point of her life.
In this New York observer article titled "The Second Most Beautiful Girl in New York" author Spencer Morgan details the struggle that transgender woman must honestly face in relationships and in life.

We in the transgender world have become all to familiar with the heart wrenching sadness as we come to terms with yet another brutal murder of a young woman. But the ordeal is far from over as the media falls over each other in a race to riches at the victims expense only to have the crime forgiven by a judge who allows for another gender panic defense.

Our pain in the faith community is excaberated by our own GLBT churches which seem not to notice or care, but instead feed information to congregations that misleads them or keeps them uninformed.
These reasons are why we transgender people must take full responsibility for our lives. We can examine this young life and learn from her.

Revolution Tsumani sweeps New England HRC gala

Moving across the country like a tsunami of awareness, activists have begun to coalesce into a tidal wave of action growing with intensity and frequency as we cascade onto the ivory towers of social intolerance, ignorance and religious paternalism.

Like the days of our forefathers these riders of the storm brave every element and indecencies hurled at them. The foe, the Mammoth Corporate entity self titled "the human rights campaign" or HRC is the machine of the powerful, reaping millions of dollars a day in tribute to pay for its revisionist domination of the LBTGQI lifestyle and the intense desire it has to exclude the MAGINLIZED, or as known within the privileged circle "THE ALPHABET soup people".

We are the riders, workers, labors, the downtrodden, socialists, outcast transgender, effeminate gay man, masculine woman, feminists , allies, gypsies, artists, singers and dreamers. We are aware that to be still against the unceasing attack of HRC is to parish.

Boston being the next site of the bourgeois extravaganza known as a "Gala Ball" is the current focus of attention Coalition builds for boycott of New England HRC gala

We of the national Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersexed, Asexual, Gender diverse, Questioning and allies will sooth our wounds from battles fouht with the blood and sweat of our comrades in Boston in preparation and anticipation of our turn to once again face this giant.

There is a gathering of forces QUEERTODAY.COM which will help to empower you in you desire for true equality.

By Kelli Busey
August 21, 2008

planetransgender

Ugandan police accused of torturing gay activist

The outrage against Gay's in Uganda continues. During a world gathering of the worlds HIV/AID's implementers Alliance, 3 activists were arrested whhile drawing attention to the Uganda goverment and religious denial of AIDS/HIV treatment for men in Uganda
Alliance,
http://www.rmnblog.org/2008/08/gay-in-uganda.html

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-7895.html

http://www.aidsalliance.org/sw54769.asp

http://planetransgender.blogspot.com/2008/06/amnesty-international-condemns-arrest.html

http://planetransgender.blogspot.com/2008/06/gayuganda-ugandan-lgbt-aids-activist-re.html

no on 8 Equality for all,

100,000 people by Friday Night

Same sex couples, Transgender and genetic gender pairs, wonderful loving families. The need is urgent to defend what is rightfully ours. The legal blessing to love and care for each other.
Please join with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and pledge to vote no on 8 Equality for all, to assemble the needed voter support.

The Mystery of Coming Out

By Kelli Busey
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
planetransgender

Dr. Renee Baker's interview of Feleshia Porter MS LPC, in a article about the mystery of coming out, Dallas Edge.com made me pause to reflect, what a gift we have. Felishia Porter who is a Licensed Professional Counselor from Dallas Texas feleshiaporter.com, is a widely known and highly regarded therapist who understands the transgender experience. Both Ms Porter and Ms baker contribute many hours to local non profits, and have dedicated their lives to helping people to better understand ourselves and to appreciate the potentials that lay within.

The process of transition in gender identity involves learning about ourselves It has many twist and turns and even a few very rough roads. Feleshia has the manual so you can fix your mojo should you get a flat and should your battery go out, she will shine a light for you to see the wonder of the coming day.

Her inspiration has saved lost and desperate souls. She makes her life available for all, that we to may witness what is the true splendor of being.

In this we are eternally grateful to you Feleshia Porter.

Ms Porter shared this with me when I first started to see her and I have modified it as my life experences have grown. It is a guide for me and is as valuable today as the first time I read it.

***********************

Deservability
I am deserving. I deserve all good. Not some, not a little, but all good.

I now move past all negative, restricting thoughts.
My expectations are positive.
I release and let go of the limitations of my parents. I love them, and go beyond them. I am not their negative opinions, nor their limiting beliefs.

I acknowledge my parents as human beings. They expressed great love, but as true as in all of us,

they perceived limitations.
I now am attempting to move past preconceptions.

I am not bound by any of the fears or prejudices of the current society I live in. I no longer identify with limitations of any kind.
I wish to free myself of the shackles of shame.

In my mind, I have total freedom. I now move into a space of consciousness, where I am willing to see myself differently. I am willing to create new thoughts about myself and about my life.

My new thinking becomes new experiences.

As each day unfolds, I am rewarded with a reflection of joy.

I now know and affirm that I am at one with the prospering power of the universe. As such, I now prosper in a number of ways.
I now accept my higher power and embrace our oneness.

The totality of possibilities lies before me.
The infinite is being unveiled.

I deserve life, a good life.

I deserve love, an abundance of love. I deserve joy and happiness.

I deserve freedom to be all that I can be. I deserve more than that.

I deserve all good.

The universe is more than willing to manifest my new beliefs. And I accept this abundant life with joy and pleasure and gratitude.

For I am deserving. I accept it, I know it to be true.

Thank you Feleshia Porter

Thank you Rennee Baker
mmtherapeutics.com

In solidarity
planetransgender.blogspot.com,

FOX APPOLIGIZES for OFFENDING GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER PEOPLE

What is the Faux mouthpiece apologizing for?.....


....Purposefully wounding a young impressionable woman, or for being made to say the word GLAAD? It is a step up from the road side ditch of "Laura Ingram and Fox Tv at war (WARbeeaatch)" though.

So I guess taking a hose and washing the faux slime off my boots is better than nothing.

Maybe he is sorry that in fact the pressure that made FOX News apologize is the thousands of emails they receive from bloggers like 'Wheres Jimbo", "Queers United" and "Queers Without Borders" generate by advocating!

WAY TO GO GUYS! (thats a shout out)

And FOX this is a SHOUT DOWN TO YOU. Say hi to Laura Ingram for me while your down there.

Victory! HRC Moves Event to Sheraton Due To Pressure from Labor Movement

Victory! HRC Moves Event to Sheraton Due To Pressure from Labor Movement

Posted by QueerToday on August 18, 2008 click title to link

HRC Staff may say publicly that the protests of their Galas have "nothing to do with organized labor," but Unite Here Local 26 just informed us that thanks to their months of lobbying HRC, they have decided to move their event to the Sheraton. Not only does HRC fail to see how ENDA is related to labor (duh!), they have also historically chosen to ignore the fact that their caterer was anti-labor and anti-gay. Now that the pressure is on, and in the spotlight they had to take action.

This is what solidarity with allied movements can achieve. The momentum, again, is on our side.

Aramark was one of the 5 lowest scoring corporations on HRC's "Equality Index" just a few years ago, but they have always catered the HRC Gala at the Hynes Convention Center. Aramark is the only company that caters events at the Hynes.

But Aramark hasn't just received low marks for LGBT support, they have a longstanding history of protest from the labor rights movement.

Labor organizations nationwide have been trying to convince Aramark to treat their workers fairly, and things have escalated as of late. On June 21, 2008 hundreds of activists

Our Unite Here! Local 26 chapter has been protesting Aramark at the Hynes Convention center.

Their website reads:

"The 350 food service workers at the Hynes Convention Center and the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center have been in contract negotiations with their employer, ARAMARK since September 2007. Throughout these negotiations there has been an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

The National Labor Relations Board has issued a complaint against Hynes and BCEC food proivder ARAMARK for:

* Interfering with, restraining, and coercing employees in the exercise of their rights.
* Discriminating in regard to hiring, tenure or terms of employment of its employees, thereby discouraging membership in a labor organization.
* Failing and refusing to bargain collectively and in good faith."

So when HRC staff say that the protests of their Galas "have nothing to do with organized labor," we can kindly remind them that not only does ENDA have everything to do with labor but so does everything right down to who caters their fancy meals.

Press Release Call On HRC (Human Rights Campaign) to employee Civil Response to Protest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LEFT OUT PARTY ORGANIZERS JOIN BOSTON’S QUEERTODAY.COM, DALLAS’S TRANSGENDER ADVOCATES AND ALLIES, AND THE TEXAS GENDER ADVOCACY AND INFORMATION NETWORK TO DEMAND THAT HRC ADDRESS DISSENT AT FUTURE FUNDRAISERS WITH NON-VIOLENCE AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Contact:
Left OUT, Hale Thompson, 415.310.8569
QueerToday.com, Ethan St. Pierre, 978.518.1835
Texas Gender Advocacy and Information Network, Vanessa Edwards Foster, 832.483.9901
Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies, Kelli Anne Busey 214.226.7080

AUGUST 15, 2008

A national coalition of LGBT organizations have come together in response to HRC’s disturbing pattern of enlisting potential force to address dissent within its own communities. In the wake of the ENDA debacle, HRC has demonstrated a reliance on force to address possible dissenters—LGBT ones-- at their gala fundraising events. In Houston last spring, HRC requested riot police for less than a dozen transgender and allied activists. In San Francisco, private security guards forcefully removed a dissenting attendee, Catherine Cusic.

Brutality and violence are unacceptable ways for any organization, let alone the largest LGBT human rights organization, to deal with dissent or even disruptiveness within its own communities. The incident inside the San Francisco HRC Gala dinner should be fully investigated and in the meantime, HRC should develop a set of protocols in anticipation of future confrontations with dissent that outline humane ways to address dissidence within and outside its events.

Dissent is a critical part of both the political process and political change and calling the police on or using force against fellow LGBT protesters to squash dissent is unacceptable. Clearly with HRC Galas planned for Boston, Minneapolis, Dallas and D.C. in the upcoming months, there will likely be protests, parties, and possibly disruptiveness from persons in our communities who feel excluded by or misrepresented by HRC, and HRC should be fully prepared to address them thoughtfully, humanely and peacefully.

The struggle for civil rights requires solidarity as well as dissent. If any organization should understand and respect that notion, it should be the Human Rights Campaign. Not everyone in our communities can afford to or even wants to enlist HRC in this movement. This coalition calls on our communities, and in particular, HRC, to approach our struggles for civil rights and full protections under the law non-violently and in solidarity.

Marriage of Susan Laurie and Julie Bruno

I revisit Sue and Julie's wedding to remember our wonderful church. The hooting and hollering is us, what a great day! BTW I dream of having a unofficial wedding just like this!

Dallas Voice :: View Points Crews Inn reaction disturbing, full of blanket statements

This letter was written by Jase Donaldson of Oak Lawn, Texas in response to letters published on Aug 8, 2008 and can be found in the Dallas Voice View Point Aug 15, 2008;

(On Aug 8, 2008) "Alejandro De La Garza wrote: “Gay men who make it a habit of dressing up like women are among the most obnoxious and disrespectful people I’ve ever met,” and “It’s also ironic that, while they champion being out and proud, they feel the need to adorn themselves with wigs and makeup and use fake names” (“Drag queens aren’t our perpetual torchbearers”).

Mr. Jase Donaldson responds;

"Blanket statements like these that are so off-putting and poorly thought out that, frankly, they’re akin to saying “All gay men are pedophiles.” And that’s surely something that outrages gay men (myself included) far and wide."...............=========================================

Kelli Busey adds her 2 1/2 cents

I am proud to be a sister of MR. Jase Donaldson. Your spirit strengthens our souls.

However.....

I was somewhat ashamed and chagrined by Mr. De La Garza's mean spirited letter. It is a hurtful thing when a member of your own community attempts to splinter and wound the GLBT people.

I was chagrined because I had originally appeared at the protest to support a part of our community that I do not identify directly with, drag queens.

Not that there is anything wrong with people who identify as Drag Queens, But as it turns out, the Dallas Voice's original article gave no clue as to who was the offended parties.

The offended parties are TRANSGENDER WOMAN.

I would also like to make perfectly clear, transgender people do not have any wish to invade the space of gay and lesbian people and even though my own sexual affinity is for both genders I identify as transgender because that is what I am.

I personally am extending an invitation to any and all who would like to witness or join our demonstration to come down to the Crews in at 10:00 pm.

Its a place for everyone. No exclusions.

Kenneth Zucker : Killer of our youth

You may never encounter evil personified more so than Kenneth Zucker. He is scheduled to speak in a venue that would allow him to communicate hate and bigotry to millions.

Click title for petition site
======================================================

Petition: Dr Kenneth Zucker - Royal Society of Medicine

We the undersigned wish to protest in the strongest possible terms against the inclusion of Dr Kenneth Zucker in the Royal Society of Medicine's conference on "Gender Identity Disorder in Adolescents" . We believe that his methods are harmful to young people and that his theories on transgenderism are both outdated and rejected by most of the psychological community as they are based on personal bias and flawed methodology. We respectfully ask that you replace him with a contributor to the conference who does not give such offence to the transgendered community.


.
=====================================================

What Does Religion Teach Us?

Today I had the opportunity to reflect on the way religion teaches society to treat the GLBT community. For those of us within this outcast segment of society, this will come as no surprise, but for those who do not define themselves as a member of our community, I'm sure that this will either be a source of surprise that I could equate these seemingly disparate issues, or an outright denial.
What started me on this topic was a news release I read about the plea bargain in the murder of Amancio Corralles’ (a female impersonator in Yuma Arizona). Here is the case of Ruben Solorio, someone who stabbed and beat a person to death and then dumped the body. Ruben confessed to the crime, so it should be a no-brainer that he at least goes to jail for life right? No, in fact he isn't even facing murder charges. Not even manslaughter, he plead guilty to attempted manslaughter with aggravated circumstances, this for a man that has a violent criminal past. What was it about the case that caused such a light plea deal, was it a lack of evidence, some technicality? No, it had nothing to do with the strength of the case at all; it's all about the victim. The victim tricked him into thinking "he" was a "she", after all, shouldn't we all expect anyone to go into a rage over being "tricked" like this. Obviously, it was the victims fault, just like it's the rape victims fault for getting raped if she was dressed provocatively, right (sarcasm)? It's funny that society does it's best to keep us in the closet. Society finds us sick and even repulsive. Society says we are second class citizens, our lives aren't worth quite as much as those in the straight community, just like this case exemplifies. Is it any wonder that a transgender person isn't always forthright about themselves? Do all straight people tell everything about themselves at their first meeting? If I went into a rage because I was with a straight person that represented him or herself as a trans person, would it be more understandable if I killed him or her?

So now back to religion and what does this case have to do with religion? The views that many (not all) organized religions teach society is that all GLBT people are sinners, we are all immoral, we should not be afforded the same rights as a "moral" society just for who we were born to be. It is exactly these teachings, these exclusionary policies that are the reason society allows death to persevere in the GLBT society. Through the churches teaching of "morality", here is what it is promoting:

· 40% of the homeless youth living on the streets are GLBT, there because "moral" parents kicked them out.
· 30% suicide rates among gay and lesbian youth. Why would anyone want to continue living as the "abomination" they are taught that they are, knowing they will never be able to change?
· 50% suicide rate for transgender teens, for the same reason listed above. (These rates do tend to be cut in half for those that actually live through their teen years.)
· For some people, these same "moral teachings" lead them to shooting incidents like in Knoxville Tennessee, and violent murders like the one that killed Corralles'.

I don't want to give the impression that I don't believe in God, I am a practicing Christian and I am comfortable in my relationship with God. I am a transgender woman that is willing to face God's judgment of me when the time comes, knowing that I have done my best to make the world a better place. For all those people trying to live moral lives according to the religious principles that they learned from their church:

· Are you ready to tell God that you did your best to make the world a better place by ignoring the suicide rates of GLBT people because "they are sinners, so their lives don't really matter"?
· Are you ready to tell God that you made society better by excluding GLBT people from the basic rights afforded to straight people like same sex marriage? To tell him that by marginalizing all those "sinners", making it easier to discriminate against them, that the world is better off?
· Can you look upon God and tell him that "I rejected GLBT people just like the Bible told me to, I wouldn't look at them, I turned away from them and let everyone else know that are an abomination. I helped society reject and discriminate against them."

Anytime that GLBT people are excluded from any aspect of society, the people that took part in their exclusion told society that their lives don't mean as much. They told society that it's OK to reject them. It's OK for parents to kick their children out. It's OK that GLBT people kill themselves in large part because of the message these same people espouse. They even helped send the message of hate that causes incidents like the shooting at the Knoxville Unitarian Universalist Church. The same message of hate that caused a transgender woman in Greeley Colorado to be beaten in the head with a fire extinguisher until the killer "thought he killed it" but then when he heard a gurgling noise, so he hit "it" again. I always thought that the Bible was a book of learning, yet what I see in society is the Bible being used as a weapon again and again. When you practice your faith, when you decide how to treat others different than you, ask yourself if God really wants your actions to result in the death of many. Should you be their judge, or leave it to someone with a higher authority.

LAMBDA LEGAL and SAX FIFTH AVENUE

INVITE you for an evening of food, fashion and music.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
6:30 Cocktails and Light Bites by Screen Door Restaurant
7:30 Fall Evening wear Fashion Preview.

Galleria Mall Dallas Texas on level three in Sax Fifth Avenue

Please RSVP to Carla McKinzie at 214-219-8585

or
cmckinzie@lambdalegal.org

Lambda Legal is proud to be a beneficiary of the Black Tie Dinner

Advocates For Youth

What We Believe
Advocates for Youth envisions a society that views sexuality as normal and healthy and treats young people as a valuable resource.

The core values of Rights, Respect, Responsibility® (3Rs) animate this vision—

RIGHTS: Youth have rights to accurate and complete sexual health information, confidential reproductive and sexual health services, and a secure stake in the future.

RESPECT: Youth deserve respect. Today, young people are largely perceived as part of the problem. Valuing young people means they are part of the solution and are included in developing programs and policies that affect their well-being.

RESPONSIBILITY: Society has the responsibility to provide young people with the tools they need to safeguard their sexual health, and young people have the responsibility to protect themselves from too-early childbearing and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

Click Title for Advocates for Youth Home page

Stonewall Democrates proposed party platform to be brought to Denver

The Stonewall Democrats were in Pittsburgh this weekend to work with members of the Democratic Platform Committee as we pressed for - and passed - the most pro-LGBT proposed platform in Democratic Party history.

Here is what the proposed platform calls for:
- A united, comprehensive strategy on ENDA that includes both sexual orientation and gender identity.

- An end to the failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy

- Security in adoption rights for all caring parents

- More inclusive Census reporting

- Passage of Hate Crimes legislation

- A National HIV/AIDS strategy

- Opposition to the "Defense of Marriage Act" and similar initiatives

- Opposition to voter ID laws which unfairly target transgender voters

Those are just some of the policy areas addressed. More importantly, for the first time the platform amends the Democratic Party's description of family to include same-sex couples. This enables Democrats to reflect their commitment to pro-equality positions in host of areas including health care, retirement, family care and medical decisions.

In just two weeks, Stonewall Democrats will gather with LGBT delegates from across the country at the Democratic National Convention. There, we will show delegates, party operatives and elected officials how our inclusive platform translates into a winning strategy and successful public policy. Through briefings, press events and lobby visits, our members and delegates will use this opportunity to push our party forward to victory in November. But, we need your help to make that happen.

You've seen our success this summer. The largest number of LGBT delegates in history. The most pro-LGBT party platform ever. Strong statements from our candidates on issues of equality.

Take this moment to keep our momentum going. Don't let it stop in these closing weeks of summer. We need your support to push our efforts through August and on to victory in November.

Please take a moment and click the post title to donate towards the political success of our community in its bid to include a fair representation of all LGBT concerns in the national agenda.

questioningtransphobia

Adult Content
Cross Posted from "Questioning Transphobia and other bigotry" click title for link

to alix olson and all women who go to michigan women's festival

Say No 2 by Florida Red and Blue

Help us defeat the so-called "Marriage Protection Amendment" to the Florida Constitution that will take away important rights from ALL non-married Floridians

Say No 2 urges voters to Vote No on Amendment 2, which will be on the November ballot. Amendment 2 is also known as the “same sex marriage ban” amendment, but it’s really a benefits ban that will harm ALL unmarried couples in Florida, whether they’re gay or not.

Say No 2 taking away existing benefits and legal protections.

Say No 2 hurting Florida’s seniors who are unmarried by choice.

Say No 2 eliminating shared health care and pension benefits.

Say No 2 someone else deciding who can visit you in the hospital.

Say No 2 more government intrusion into our private lives.

Florida Government has more important things to do than take away rights and benefits from non-married Floridians.

http://www.SayNo2.com
Posted by Florida Red Blue (Creator) Click Title for Facebook Link

Soulforce and Atticus Circle, the sponsors of Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights 2008

SOULFORCE PRESS RELEASE: August 6, 2008
For Immediate Release

Contact: Paige Schilt, 
Media Director
Cell: 512-659-1771
paige@soulforce.org

******************************************

(Austin, TX) - There's never been a more exciting time for straight Americans to take a stand for their lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) friends and neighbors. That's according to Soulforce and Atticus Circle, the sponsors of Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights 2008, a project that will spotlight straight Americans' support for equality over the week of September 14-20.

In 2007, the project's inaugural year, a week of nighttime vigils lit up 36 American cities in 25 states, providing unprecedented visibility for fair-minded straight people.

This year, Seven Straight Nights events will again provide a unique venue for straight Americans across the nation to express their support and hone their advocacy skills - now, amidst a changing cultural and political landscape.

According to a recent Newsweek poll, 57% of adults believe that gays and lesbians should be allowed to marry or form civil unions, up 10% since 2004. In addition, a July 2008 Washington Post poll found that 75% of Americans now support allowing gay and lesbian soldiers to serve openly in the U.S. military.

"We can feel the momentum of change, yet we know that much more must be done to protect our LGBT friends," says Jodie Eldridge, Executive Director of Atticus Circle and a straight ally. "Ironically, this year's divisive ballot measures provide ample opportunity for straight and LGBT Americans to find common cause."

The measures on the ballot this fall include Florida's Proposition 2, which would inadvertently affect the state's straight seniors, many of whom form domestic partnerships rather than remarry after they are widowed in order to keep essential benefits. And in Arkansas, a proposed ballot measure would ban all unmarried couples, gay and straight, from fostering and adopting children, thus harming children and potential parents.

By creating an opportunity for straight Americans to learn about discrimination and connect with LGBT equality organizations, Seven Straight Nights will provide further opportunities for LGBT and straight Americans to come together across perceived differences.

And by providing straight-organized and headlined events all across the nation, Seven Straight Nights seeks to create an empowering experience for straight Americans who believe that everyone deserves to be treated fairly, but have not yet taken a public stand for LGBT equality.

Atticus Circle and Soulforce are currently seeking straight people who are interested in organizing a Seven Straight Nights event in their communities. For more information, visit www.sevenstraightnights.org

###

Atticus Circle is a national organization that educates and mobilizes fair-minded straight people to advance equal rights for LGBT partners, parents, and their children.

Soulforce is a national social justice organization that advocates freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance.

Kevin Beckner for Hillsborough County Commission

This Quality political candidate in Florida's Hillsboro County Commission race has been endorsed by the St. Petersburg Times;


Democrats, District 6

"There's not a dime's worth of difference among the three candidates in this race on issues of policy or priorities. All recognize the need to better manage growth, invest in mass transit, protect environmental lands and attract more high-quality jobs. Kevin Beckner, though, better articulates how these policies could improve the area's quality of life, and his communication skills could help bridge the partisan divide and move the county forward."

"Beckner, a 37-year-old financial planner, has a command of local issues for a first-time candidate who has lived in the region barely a decade. He can be overly cautious to commit. But his deeper understanding of the roots to the county's development, housing and transportation problems give him ammunition to push the right agenda. His broad community service gives him an ability to connect with people at a retail level."

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/article762513.ece




The political climate in Florida can have a major impact on our country. Just look who we have had for president these past 4 years. We can make a difference by putting the word out about Kevin Beckner.

Click title for the Kevin Beckner home page

A Universal Response to Bigotry; Crews Inn Protest

Protest at Crews Inn; a Universal response to bigotry

Protesting indignities forced on a class of people has drawn together the community of Dallas Texas on Tuesday evenings at Crews Inn.

The desire to demonstrate against oppression unites in a way no other can.
The passion and dedication being shown by people of all ethnic backgrounds and nationalities including straight allies, Gays, Lesbians, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersexed, asexual, gender diverse and those who just wandered in and stayed awhile is awe inspiring.

We all have one united belief. All people are entitled to the basic dignity that one expects to be shown.


This commitment to our belief in the transgender community is most recently demonstrated by our support of the many issue which would normally be associated with Gay and Lesbian rights.

Many transgender people understand that standing up for our entire community is a basic building block for success.

What we are focused on will ultimately benefit our community, city, and country. We even have aspirations we may find a way to stem the outward flow of hate and bigotry that the United States has become known for, i.e. secret torture chambers, indefinite imprisonment without due trial, warrant-less invasions of privacy, etc, etc.

It's a small statement at this henceforth unheralded bar, on this quite street.

But then again, our voices are the ones being heard!

Kelli Busey
Transgender Advocate
Dallas Texas

Protest The Irving PR company thats promoting yes on 8

From my friends at Queers United. Please click title for link.

Dallas Texas a great place to be LGBT

I am able to tell potential visitors to Dallas Texas COME'ON DOWN!!

You are welcome here in Texas. Inside of Dallas City Limits you are
protected by law from discrimination in public accommodations,
workplace and housing based on an individual's real or perceived
orientation as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or transgender.

Click the logo on the side bar for the legal facts or go to;
http://dallasfairho using.com/

Partake in our sophisticated nightlife or if you have never enjoyed Catfish, Blackeye Peas, Turnip Greens, Corn Bread and Sweet Tea you are in for a real treat.

Fine friendly people will make your stay a experience you will want to repeat!

Click the invitation to visit on the sidebar or go to;
http://www.glbtdall as.com/

Catholic hate mongering or American Inquisition

Murderers, and the very worst criminals have the privilege and permission of freely using their tongue; but, behold here a follower, of Christ, a child of trod, a servant of faith, one separated from the world, in whom dwells righteousness and , no cause of death 'is found-behold, how he is prepared for .death by,closing his mouth and screwing fast his tongue, that the truth may not be proclaimed, righteousness not heard, nor any testimony be given of the name of Christ. O Christ, look down, and succor Thy saints.


Catholic Church intentions towards transgender people have come to light in the opening paragraph from the lawyer spearheading a transphobic campaign in Gainesville Florida published by the Catholic News Agency;

"The concept of ‘gender identity’ was fashioned by radical homosexual groups and advocates to protect the bizarre sexual behavior of a few people,” Thomas More Law Center's Richard Thompson.

History of the Spanish Inquisition

Motives for instituting the Spanish Inquisition

1. To establish political and religious homogeneity.
2. To weaken local political opposition to Catholic dominance.
3. Out of fear.
4. To do away with a powerful minority.
5. Profit.

If you are Catholic and LGBT, my sympathies. You are loved and welcomed and in fact surrounded by people just like you in laity and clergy in many authentic faiths.
Please click the pic of Agape MCC a Church pictured on the right bar, for just one of millions who love you.

Click the title for the unfortunate Catholic news agency article.

PageOneQ; Angie Zapata's killer confessed to first-degree murder as a hate crime

Please click title for link to original post and emotional video with Angie's famly.
Thanks to PageOneQ for this well writen article and keeping us up on this tragady.

Drink Deeply

HRC Ponied up to the Transgender troth of sorrow for a big drink.

In the HRC "Back Story" this is found;

Joe Solmonese condemned the use of the "trans panic" defense in a statement:

The murder of Angie Zapata, just 18 years old, is a tragic
reminder of the hate and ignorance that threatens the transgender
community every day.

Allyson Robinson, HRC's new Associate Director of Diversity, weighed
in by calling for inclusive hate crimes protection:

"As a transgender woman, I am horrified by this crime, but as human beings, we should all be outraged."

Kelli Busey, transgender woman weighs in to say this;

As humans we are OUTRAGED that a person who identifies as transgender lowers herself to levels where she speaks for HRC.

The absolute objectification and denunciation that Joe Solmonese has directed since the demise of HR2015 at transgender people is a daily reminder to dealers of death of the perception propagated by HRC that Transgender people are somehow less than Gay and Lesbians and therefore more vulnerable.

We don't need your condolence HRC. Show some respect.

Drink have a bitter after taste?


Troth

Troth\, n. [A variant of truth. See Truth.]

1. Belief; faith; fidelity.

Bid her alight And hertroth plight. --Shak.

2. Truth; verity; veracity; as, by my troth. --Shak.

In troth, thou art able to instruct gray hairs. --Addison.

3. Betrothal. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

We will be at the Dallas Texas bar "Crews Inn" tonight.

Many thanks to Dallas Voice DVTV News.

Protesta Transgènera a la Taberna de Crews ( Para Distribuciòn Inmediata)

Hispanohablante: Jenni Eilers (aliada de la protesta)

Teléfono: 214-641-1268

Email: arcodeiris76@yahoo.com



Transgéneros y sus aliados protestan discriminación



Protesta



Cada martes a las 10 de la noche
La Taberna de Crews (Crews Inn)
3215 N Fitzhugh Ave
Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 443-9350

Defensores transgèneros y sus aliados de Dallas han asignado a una protesta continuosa al la Taberna de Crews, una taberna gay de Dallas, en respuesta a la expulsiòn de una mujer transgènera desde la taberna en martes, el 15 de julio 2008.

Según el lider de la protesta Celeste Williams, "Informarèmos el co-dueño, David Moore, que las personas LGBT (lesbiana, gay, bisexual y transgénero) no aguantarán la discriminación, especialmente dentro de nuestra propia comunidad, y que hay muchas otras tabernas cercas que han anunciado y demostrado públicamente una policìa de no discriminación en cuanto a la poblaciòn LGBT.

La opinión que David Moore ha demostrado una despreocupación al azar hacia los artistas, invitados, y mujeres transgèneras está reforzado por las experiencias de Sierra Nicole Standridge, quien performa como Sierra Nicole Andrews. "Fui echado hace tres años; èl lo haga de vez en cuando por ninguna razòn."

Los patrones de la taberna, áquienes pasaban por los protestadores, dijeron que él "experimenta unos de sus humores" y actua imprevisiblemente.

Robert Clawson, un bailador a la Taberna de Crews, quien pasaba por la protesta en su camino al trabajo, dijo, "David está testarudo. Pienso que sea horrible, pero tengo que ganar mi dollar."

Los protestadores se han unidos con Patti Fink de la Alianza Gay y Lesbiana de Dallas, Daniel Williams del Centro de Paz de Dallas, Kelli Busey, autora y defensora, aliados y amigos. La protesta, cual ha ganado la atención de TV local y de media nacional, ha señalado la necesidad para protecciones legales en los lugares de trabajo. La gente transgènera ha sido excluida de protecciones legales en la derrota reciente de ENDA 2007.

Gentle Gender discussion

Click title for Left In S.F. post
Left in S.F has a wonderful article which begins with a discussion about the planned Olympic testing to see is you a guy of girl? Inquiring minds want to know.

The article then transitions into self examination and how do you qualify gender? Everyone including myself is guilty of having a set of preconceptions about gender. Guilty as charged.
To the dear person I was speaking with last night that repeatedly called me man until I couldn't take it, its cool. You were honestly trying as hard as your good christian heart could. What you did is commendable. You challenged yourself to understand. Doors and pathways will appear to you as if by magic and I will be with you in your struggle. Trying to understand you. You my friend are now part of our community.

CDC underestimated new HIV cases by 40 percent

Being that the government releases incrementally evidence that in whole would bring public outrage, lets steady ourselves. The Democrats are posed to resume power and new information will and information gathering techniques will amazingly surface.

AP release August 3, 2008 Click title for full article

ATLANTA - The number of Americans infected by the AIDS virus each year is much higher than the government has been estimating, U.S. health officials reported, acknowledging that their numbers have understated the level of the epidemic

QueerToday.com Organizing HRC Protest in Boston

Cross posted from QueerToday.com click title for full post

Boston – QueerToday.com activists and allies will protest the annual Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Dinner at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston on October 25 at 5pm.

The group is working to build a coalition of trans and queer activists, anti-war activists, and women’s rights activists to protest HRC’s lack of grassroots coalition building, support for pro-war and anti-choice candidates, and support of a non-inclusive version of the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA).

“It’s time to show HRC what real solidarity looks like,” said Trevor Wright of QueerToday.com, “transgender and labor activists united in San Francisco to build the largest protest ever of HRC, and we plan to show the country Boston can too!”

HRC and Youthfirst Texas

An article posted in the Dallas voice by Wayne Arnold Jones titled "Where your Money Goes" may be read by clicking the title.

Mr Arnold's article first draws to attention what one benefactor of the Dallas Black tie, Youthfirst of Texas where I volunteer at, must do in order to be a recipient of the $38,000 dollars(US) it received in 2007 from the Dallas Black Tie.

He next draws attention to the salaries that Joe Solmonese and the seven highest paid HRC executives received last year.

YouthFirst must Generate (tabling) $14,500 dollars to receive $38,000 dollars.

Joe Solmonese compensation was $259,096 in 2007.

The seven highest-paid officers received $1,274,989 in 2007.

The 2007 Dallas Black Tie generated 1.27 million .

Is it just coincidence that the salries of these rich people = the gross of the Dallas Black Tie?

Is everyone ok with this?

Queers hither and yon!!!

Call For Papers: “Queering Anarchism”

Radical queer politics and anarchism have much in common. Queer theory argues against traditional identity politics, recognizing the social construction of “sexuality” and identity categories.

Read on.......

Cross posted from Queers Without Borders Please click title for link:)

Transgender Protest at Crews Inn

For Immediate release
Friday August 1, 2008

Transgender and allies protest discrimination

Contact Kelli Busey
Tel. 214.226.7080
kellibusey@yahoo.com
http://planetransgender.blogspot.com

Protest
Tuesday evenings at 10:00 pm
Crews Inn
3215 N Fitzhugh Ave
Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 443-9350

Why
Unfair and discriminatory actions of David Moore, co-owner Crews Inn.

Dallas Transgender advocates and allies have committed to a continuing a protest at Crews Inn, a Gay bar in Dallas Texas, in response to the expulsion of transgender woman from the bar on Tuesday July 15, 2008.

According to protest leader Celeste Williams, "We will let David Moore co-owner know that LGBT people will not abide with discrimination, especially from within our own community and that there are many other Gay bars close by that have publicly announced and displayed a non discriminatory policy towards the LGBT population".

A opinion that David Moore has displayed a random disregard towards transgender entertainers, guests and woman is reinforced by experiences of Sierra Nicole Standridge, who performs as Sierra Nicole Andrews,
"I was kicked out three years, he does this every so often for no reason".
Bar patrons who stopped by after seeing the protesters said he "gets into one of his moods" and acts unpredictably.

Robert Clawson, a dancer at Crews Inn who stopped by the protest on his way into work said,

“David is set in his ways,” Clawson said. “I think it is just awful, but I have to make my dollar.”

The protests have been joined by Patti Fink of the Dallas Gay and Lesbian Alliance, Daniel Williams of the Dallas Peace Center, allies and friends.

The protest which has gained local TV and national media attention, has highlighted the need for legal protections in the workplace which transgender people have been excluded from recently in the 2007 ENDA defeat.

Rea Carey, Leading Task Force, Sees Opportunities

Cross posted from Gay City News. Click title for link.

Rea Carey, the new executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, isn't given to superstitious musings, but a telephone interview with her certainly suggested the notion that the gods are smiling on the LGBT movement.

The Task Force is playing an integral role in one key battle on the political landscape, the California referendum on gay marriage. Even before the Supreme Court in that state approved marriage equality, social conservatives had proposed an amendment to the California Constitution barring same-sex couples from marrying.

Regarding the division of our community over the ENDA issue Ms Rea had this to say;

NGLTF draws the line on "pursing legislation that leaves members of our community behind."

One community. United. Thank you NGLTF !