NGblog: Judy Shepard on Rachel Maddow/MSNBC 9pm EST
I want to watch this. Foxx(R) NC tirade against naming human rigts bills "Mathew Shepard" in honor of Judy's son has brought new energy that helped to pass the House version HR(1913.) It is now in the Senate Judiciary committee waiting recommendations as S.909 with a final destination at the White House where President Obama promised to sign it.
Thanks NG Blog
4/29/09
Republican Congresswoman Foxx (NC) calls Matthew Shepard's brutal murder "a hoax."
Republican Congresswoman Foxx(R)NC said continuing to name a hate crimes bill "The Mathew Shepard Act" is a hoax becuse she said everyone knows he was robbed.
Mathew Shepard's mother was reported to be in the gallery.
Source You Tube Comentary:
"The House Republican chosen to lead the charge against including women, people with disabilities, and gays in America's already-existing hate crimes law - existing law already counts violent crime based on the race, religion or national origin of the victim as a "hate crime" - just referred on the US House floor to Matthew Shepard's murder as "a hoax." Her name is Virginia Foxx, and she's from, of course, North Carolina. At what point will Republicans stop letting their party be lead by bigots and extremists?"
Hate Crimes Bill Passes House of Representatives
April 29, 2009
Source NCTE
Today the United States House of Representatives voted 249 to 175 in favor of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H. R. 1913), moving one step closer to the passage of the first federal law to include gender identity and transgender people in a positive way. This bill would add sexual orientation, gender identity, gender and disability to the categories included in existing federal hate crimes law and would allow local governments who are unable or unwilling to address hate crimes to receive assistance from the federal government.
"This is a great day for America," commented Mara Keisling, Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, "as we make a clear statement that all lives are valuable and that no one deserves to be targeted for violence just because they are transgender. It is vital that we make it absolutely clear that violence motivated by bias is not tolerated in our country, because while this is a victory, the true victory will come when everyone is genuinely free from violence and discrimination. That's what we are working for."
Transgender people continue to be disproportionately targeted for bias motivated violence and thirteen states and Washington, DC have laws which include transgender people in state hate crimes laws.
What you can do
Contact your Senators' offices and ask for their support for the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, S.909, which was introduced yesterday by Senator Edward Kennedy.
NCTE
On the web
Dallas Voice Blog "Instant Tea" Hate Crimes bill passes in the House
NH Senate Democrats Destroyed Transgender Rights
The New Hampshire Senate voted unanimously against transgender rights while simintaiously Senate democrates issued statements condemning the statements made by the opponents of transgender rights bill.
"That sounds like bullshit to me." ~kelli Busey
The Democrates were the ones using the oppositions "POTTY POLITICS" as the REASON they did NOT support the bill.
Now these same democrats have been made to be accountable and they are squirming.
'POTTY POLITICS' = 'TRANS PANIC'
********************************
Source The Boston Herald
"The Senate voted unanimously today to kill the bill, but only after
Democrats condemned what they said were distortions by opponents."
"Republicans called it the "bathroom bill" based on the argument it
would open all bathrooms to both men and women, putting women and
children at risk in women’s rooms."
"Supporters said that amounted to painting a straightforward
anti-discrimination bill as something it wasn’t. They said it would
protect a vulnerable group who identify with the gender opposite of
their birth."
4/28/09
Letter From Transgender Faith Leaders in Support of an Inclusive Federal Hate Crimes Bill(HR1913)
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Dear Decision-maker,
We the under-signed support an inclusive federal hate crimes bill (HR 1913) because we think it is good for the community to take seriously crimes such as the brutal murder of Angie Zapata in Colorado this past year. Reflecting upon the past weeks of Allen Andrade’s court trial, we are grateful for responsible investigators, prosecutors, and a jury who invalidated a harmful and re-victimizing “trans-panic” defense. No one is responsible for their own beating, bashing or killing. When some people are especially targeted for being different or for being queer, it makes sense that the community will act to especially protect them.
We wish that such a law could have protected Angie before her death. But in reality a great number of supports in a community are needed to reduce our vulnerability – namely, social and economic justice for all.
The ‘guilty’ verdict reached in a court of law dignified, but could never repair, the value of Angie’s life and the gravity of her loss. Yet, our experience in ministries that work toward nonviolent alternatives, reintegration and rehabilitation of offenders does not allow us to believe we can achieve safety by disposing of people behind bars. They are still with us. They are still part of us. We will be praying for the gay men and transgender inmates who face violence while they serve their time, who may even be serving their time in the same facilities as Allen Andrade. We will be praying for Allen as well, now cut off from the prospect of wholeness and reintegration with his community.
We who lead faith traditions hold to a story of justice that does not end with retribution, but rather with restoration. In the struggle against violence and deprivation, we applaud not only the work of the National Center for Transgender Equality to raise specific issues like hate crimes law, but also the work of Senator Webb (S.714) in raising a commission to address a general issue: criminal justice reform. It is high time.
We support legislation today that honors human dignity and possibility. Diversity is a fact of God’s creation -- except for poverty, which is our own creation. Where there is personal or systemic hate and disregard, we urge lawmakers to respond. Not only with indignation but with moral imagination.
Sincerely,
•The Rev. Malcolm Himschoot (Commerce City, CO)
United Church of Christ
•Nicole Garcia (Louisville, CO)
Transgender Representative, Lutherans Concerned/North America
•Mr. Barb Greve (Hamden, CT)
Co-Founder, Transgender Religious Professional Unitarian Universalists Together
•Rabbi Levi Alter (Malibu, CA)
President, Female-To-Male International (Human Rights Gender Non-Discrimination Organization)
•The Rev. Dr. Cameron Partridge (Allston, MA)
Priest, St. Luke's and St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Co-Chair Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality, TransEpiscopal
•The Rev. Dr. Julie Nemecek (Spring Arbor, MI),
Co-Director of Michigan Equality
•Chris Paige (Philadelphia, PA)
Founder, TransFaith Online
•Seth Donovan (Denver, CO)
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Full Inclusion Committee
•The Rev. Sean Parker Dennison (Salt Lake City, UT)
South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society
•Barbara Satin (Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN)
Executive Council, United Church of Christ and Institute of Welcoming Resources and Faithworks Associate of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
•Noach Dzmura (Berkeley, CA)
Jewish Mosaic: The National Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity
•Senior Minister Carmarion D. Anderson (Dallas, TX)
Living Faith Covenant Church
•Minister Monica Joy Cross (Berkeley, CA)
Pacific School of Religion
•Angel Celeste Collie (Chapel Hill, NC)
Metropolitan Community Church
•Rabbi Elliot Kukla (San Francisco, CA)
•The Rev. Megan Rohrer (San Francisco, CA)
Director, The Welcome Ministry
•Richard Juang (Cambridge, MA)
Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality
•Rebecca Anne Allison, MD (Phoenix, AZ)
President-Elect, Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, United Church of Christ
•The Rev. Pat Conover (Silver Spring, MD)
Minister, United Church of Christ
Steward, Seekers Church
•The Rev. Allyson Robinson (Gaithersburg, MD)
Associate Director of Diversity, Human Rights Campaign, Alliance of Baptists
•Jakob Hero (Berkeley, CA)
Pacific School of Religion
•Kate Bowman (Denver, CO)
Board Chair, The Gender Identity Center of Colorado
•The Rev. Vicky Kolakowski (Berkeley, CA)
New Spirit Community Church
•The Rev. Paul Langston-Daley (Glendale, AZ)
Minister, West Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
•The Rev. Michelle Hansen, S.T.M., M.Div. (Waterbury CT)
Episcopal Priest (Retired), TransEpiscopal, Treasurer and Moderator of the Twenty Club
•Aidan Dunn (San Francisco, CA)
Stanford University
•Joanne Herman (Boston, MA)
Old South Church, United Church of Christ
•The Rev. G Green (Kenosha, WI)
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
•Ari Lev Fornari (Boston, MA)
Rabbinical Student
•Diane DeLap (Wilmington, MA)
Co-Spokesperson, Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns
•The Rev. Sarah J. Flynn (Burlington, VT)
All Souls Ministry, American Catholic Church of New England
•The Rev. Dr. Erin K. Swenson (Atlanta, GA)
Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Presbyterian Church, USA
•The Rev. Sky Anderson (San Jose, CA)
Minister of Community Life, M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church)
•The Rt. Rev. Dr. Lynn Elizabeth Walker (Brooklyn, NY)
Orthodox Catholic Church of America
•Kelli Anne Busey (Dallas, TX)
Metropolitan Community Church
•Dr. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott (Paterson, NJ)
Professor Emeritus at William Paterson University and founding memer of the Evangelical and Ecumenical Women's Caucus
•Mycroft Masada Holmes (Boston, MA)
Co-Chair, Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality
Chair, Keshet Transgender Working Group (TWiG)
•The Rev. Rik Fire (Warminster, PA)
Ecumenicon Fellowship
•The Rev. Laurie J. Auffant (Lowell, MA)
Unitarian Universalist Association
•Reuben Zellman (San Francisco, CA)
•Stephanie C. Battaglino (Cliffside Park, NJ)
Commissioner, The Oasis - the LGBTi Ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, NJ
•Donna M. Cartwright (Baltimore, MD)
TransEpiscopal
•Kate Bornstein (New York City, NY)
Buddhist
•Woody Camacho (San José, CA)
The Metropolitan Community Church of San José
•The Rev. Jay Wilson (San Fransisco, CA)
The Welcome Ministry & Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries
•Jeremiah Gold-Hopton (Atlanta, GA)
Worship Ministry, Northwest (Atlanta) UU Congregation
•Randall E. Klein (Walnut Creek, CA)
Founder, Light in the Closet Ministry, Hillside Covenant Church
•The Rev. Jake Kopmeier (St. Petersburg, FL)
King of Peace MCC
•Jake Nash (Cleveland, OH)
Minister of Worship, Emmanuel Fellowship Church
Executive Director, TranFamily of Cleveland
•Lauryn Farris (San Antonio, TX)
Lay Leader, United Church of Christ
President, San Antonio Gender Association
•Joni Christian (Kent, OH)
Visionary Kent UCC
•Elder Andrea' V. Boisseau AIS (Waltham, MA)
First Presbyterian Church Of Waltham
•Elder Sara Herwig (Waltham, MA)
First Presbyterian Church Of Waltham
•Elder Alanna Block-Butler (Waltham, MA)
First Presbyterian Church Of Waltham
Institutions are included for identification purposes only.
Dear Decision-maker,
We the under-signed support an inclusive federal hate crimes bill (HR 1913) because we think it is good for the community to take seriously crimes such as the brutal murder of Angie Zapata in Colorado this past year. Reflecting upon the past weeks of Allen Andrade’s court trial, we are grateful for responsible investigators, prosecutors, and a jury who invalidated a harmful and re-victimizing “trans-panic” defense. No one is responsible for their own beating, bashing or killing. When some people are especially targeted for being different or for being queer, it makes sense that the community will act to especially protect them.
We wish that such a law could have protected Angie before her death. But in reality a great number of supports in a community are needed to reduce our vulnerability – namely, social and economic justice for all.
The ‘guilty’ verdict reached in a court of law dignified, but could never repair, the value of Angie’s life and the gravity of her loss. Yet, our experience in ministries that work toward nonviolent alternatives, reintegration and rehabilitation of offenders does not allow us to believe we can achieve safety by disposing of people behind bars. They are still with us. They are still part of us. We will be praying for the gay men and transgender inmates who face violence while they serve their time, who may even be serving their time in the same facilities as Allen Andrade. We will be praying for Allen as well, now cut off from the prospect of wholeness and reintegration with his community.
We who lead faith traditions hold to a story of justice that does not end with retribution, but rather with restoration. In the struggle against violence and deprivation, we applaud not only the work of the National Center for Transgender Equality to raise specific issues like hate crimes law, but also the work of Senator Webb (S.714) in raising a commission to address a general issue: criminal justice reform. It is high time.
We support legislation today that honors human dignity and possibility. Diversity is a fact of God’s creation -- except for poverty, which is our own creation. Where there is personal or systemic hate and disregard, we urge lawmakers to respond. Not only with indignation but with moral imagination.
Sincerely,
•The Rev. Malcolm Himschoot (Commerce City, CO)
United Church of Christ
•Nicole Garcia (Louisville, CO)
Transgender Representative, Lutherans Concerned/North America
•Mr. Barb Greve (Hamden, CT)
Co-Founder, Transgender Religious Professional Unitarian Universalists Together
•Rabbi Levi Alter (Malibu, CA)
President, Female-To-Male International (Human Rights Gender Non-Discrimination Organization)
•The Rev. Dr. Cameron Partridge (Allston, MA)
Priest, St. Luke's and St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Co-Chair Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality, TransEpiscopal
•The Rev. Dr. Julie Nemecek (Spring Arbor, MI),
Co-Director of Michigan Equality
•Chris Paige (Philadelphia, PA)
Founder, TransFaith Online
•Seth Donovan (Denver, CO)
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Full Inclusion Committee
•The Rev. Sean Parker Dennison (Salt Lake City, UT)
South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society
•Barbara Satin (Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN)
Executive Council, United Church of Christ and Institute of Welcoming Resources and Faithworks Associate of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
•Noach Dzmura (Berkeley, CA)
Jewish Mosaic: The National Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity
•Senior Minister Carmarion D. Anderson (Dallas, TX)
Living Faith Covenant Church
•Minister Monica Joy Cross (Berkeley, CA)
Pacific School of Religion
•Angel Celeste Collie (Chapel Hill, NC)
Metropolitan Community Church
•Rabbi Elliot Kukla (San Francisco, CA)
•The Rev. Megan Rohrer (San Francisco, CA)
Director, The Welcome Ministry
•Richard Juang (Cambridge, MA)
Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality
•Rebecca Anne Allison, MD (Phoenix, AZ)
President-Elect, Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, United Church of Christ
•The Rev. Pat Conover (Silver Spring, MD)
Minister, United Church of Christ
Steward, Seekers Church
•The Rev. Allyson Robinson (Gaithersburg, MD)
Associate Director of Diversity, Human Rights Campaign, Alliance of Baptists
•Jakob Hero (Berkeley, CA)
Pacific School of Religion
•Kate Bowman (Denver, CO)
Board Chair, The Gender Identity Center of Colorado
•The Rev. Vicky Kolakowski (Berkeley, CA)
New Spirit Community Church
•The Rev. Paul Langston-Daley (Glendale, AZ)
Minister, West Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
•The Rev. Michelle Hansen, S.T.M., M.Div. (Waterbury CT)
Episcopal Priest (Retired), TransEpiscopal, Treasurer and Moderator of the Twenty Club
•Aidan Dunn (San Francisco, CA)
Stanford University
•Joanne Herman (Boston, MA)
Old South Church, United Church of Christ
•The Rev. G Green (Kenosha, WI)
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
•Ari Lev Fornari (Boston, MA)
Rabbinical Student
•Diane DeLap (Wilmington, MA)
Co-Spokesperson, Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns
•The Rev. Sarah J. Flynn (Burlington, VT)
All Souls Ministry, American Catholic Church of New England
•The Rev. Dr. Erin K. Swenson (Atlanta, GA)
Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Presbyterian Church, USA
•The Rev. Sky Anderson (San Jose, CA)
Minister of Community Life, M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church)
•The Rt. Rev. Dr. Lynn Elizabeth Walker (Brooklyn, NY)
Orthodox Catholic Church of America
•Kelli Anne Busey (Dallas, TX)
Metropolitan Community Church
•Dr. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott (Paterson, NJ)
Professor Emeritus at William Paterson University and founding memer of the Evangelical and Ecumenical Women's Caucus
•Mycroft Masada Holmes (Boston, MA)
Co-Chair, Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality
Chair, Keshet Transgender Working Group (TWiG)
•The Rev. Rik Fire (Warminster, PA)
Ecumenicon Fellowship
•The Rev. Laurie J. Auffant (Lowell, MA)
Unitarian Universalist Association
•Reuben Zellman (San Francisco, CA)
•Stephanie C. Battaglino (Cliffside Park, NJ)
Commissioner, The Oasis - the LGBTi Ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, NJ
•Donna M. Cartwright (Baltimore, MD)
TransEpiscopal
•Kate Bornstein (New York City, NY)
Buddhist
•Woody Camacho (San José, CA)
The Metropolitan Community Church of San José
•The Rev. Jay Wilson (San Fransisco, CA)
The Welcome Ministry & Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries
•Jeremiah Gold-Hopton (Atlanta, GA)
Worship Ministry, Northwest (Atlanta) UU Congregation
•Randall E. Klein (Walnut Creek, CA)
Founder, Light in the Closet Ministry, Hillside Covenant Church
•The Rev. Jake Kopmeier (St. Petersburg, FL)
King of Peace MCC
•Jake Nash (Cleveland, OH)
Minister of Worship, Emmanuel Fellowship Church
Executive Director, TranFamily of Cleveland
•Lauryn Farris (San Antonio, TX)
Lay Leader, United Church of Christ
President, San Antonio Gender Association
•Joni Christian (Kent, OH)
Visionary Kent UCC
•Elder Andrea' V. Boisseau AIS (Waltham, MA)
First Presbyterian Church Of Waltham
•Elder Sara Herwig (Waltham, MA)
First Presbyterian Church Of Waltham
•Elder Alanna Block-Butler (Waltham, MA)
First Presbyterian Church Of Waltham
Institutions are included for identification purposes only.
Carta para los Legisladores
CARTA PARA LOS LEGISLADORES
DE LIDERES RELIGIOSOS TRANSGENERO
EN APOYO A LA PROPUESTA DE LEY
EN CONTRA DE CRIMENES DE ODIO
Apreciado/a Legislador/a:
Nosotros, los que hemos firmado esta carta, apoyamos la propuesta de Ley Federal En Contra De Los Crimenes de Odio (HR 1913), porque pensamos
que refleja una protección justa para nuestra comunidad. Es necesario tomar en serio esta clase de crimenes tan graves y brutales como el de Angie Zapata en Colorado el año pasado. Agradecemos sinceramente que en el juicio contra Allen Andrade, tanto los investigadores, como los abogados del Distrito, al igual que el jurado; invalidaron cualquier defensa basada en “pánico contra transgéneros”. No se le puede hacer responsable a una persona de su propio maltrato, por sufrir violencia en contra de si mismo o hasta de ser asesinado simple y sencillamente por su identidad, o por ser ‘diferente’ a la mayoría. Lo justo, lo correcto y lo humano es precisamente protejer a estas personas.
Hubieramos querido que una Ley como la HR 1913, hubiera existido desde antes y hubiera protegido a Angie de ser asesinada. La realidad es de que necesitan dar su apoyo al resto de la comunidad para mantener la seguridad y protección de nuestra gente. Es necesaria una justicia social y económica para todos.
El veredicto de “culpable” que el jurado dictamino, dignifica y da respeto a la memoria de Angie, pero lamentablemente no compenza el valor de su vida y el dolor que nos ha causado su muerte. La experiencia que nos ha dado el trabajar en el ministerio basado en la no violencia, reintegración y rehabilitación de los ofensores nos ha demostrado que el hecho de ponerlos por un tiempo en las cárceles no nos garantiza la seguridad que necesitamos, siguen estando con nosotros una parte de nuestra comunidad. Seguiremos orando por todas las personas gay y transgénero que lamentablemente siguen afrentando violencia mientras están encarcelados, por otros que quizás estén en la misma cárcel que Allen Andrade. Oraremos también por el propio Allen a quien se le ha negado la oportunidad de rehabilitarse para vivir en integridad como parte de la comunidad.
En nuestras tradiciones de vivir con fe y de luchar contra la opresión, la historia sagrada no termina en violencia ni retribución sino en justicia y restauración. Aplaudimos y apoyamos el trabajo de justicia, dignidad e igualdad que el CENTRO NACIONAL DE IGUALDAD PARA LOS TRANSGENERO hace, así como la propuesta de ley HR 1913. Igualmente aplaudimos y apoyamos el trabajo del Senador Webb (S.714) de crear una comisión hacia la reforma del sistema de justicia correccional. En buena hora.
Apoyamos hoy a los legisladores que honran con igualdad, la dignidad y las posibilidades del ser humano. La diversidad es una Creación de Dios, excepto la pobreza; porque ‘esa’ es nuestra propia creación. Donde haya odio y falta de respeto personal o institucional, urgimos a nuestros líderes en Washington que respondan no tan solo con indignación, pero tambien con imaginación moral.
Sinceramente,
•The Rev. Malcolm Himschoot (Commerce City, CO)
United Church of Christ
•Nicole Garcia (Louisville, CO)
Transgender Representative, Lutherans Concerned/North America
•Mr. Barb Greve (Hamden, CT)
Co-Founder, Transgender Religious Professional Unitarian Universalists Together
•Rabbi Levi Alter (Malibu, CA)
President, Female-To-Male International (Human Rights Gender Non-Discrimination Organization)
•The Rev. Dr. Cameron Partridge (Allston, MA)
Priest, St. Luke's and St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Co-Chair Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality, TransEpiscopal
•The Rev. Dr. Julie Nemecek (Spring Arbor, MI),
Co-Director of Michigan Equality
•Chris Paige (Philadelphia, PA)
Founder, TransFaith Online
•Seth Donovan (Denver, CO)
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Full Inclusion Committee
•The Rev. Sean Parker Dennison (Salt Lake City, UT)
South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society
•Barbara Satin (Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN)
Executive Council, United Church of Christ and Institute of Welcoming Resources and Faithworks Associate of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
•Noach Dzmura (Berkeley, CA)
Jewish Mosaic: The National Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity
•Senior Minister Carmarion D. Anderson (Dallas, TX)
Living Faith Covenant Church
•Minister Monica Joy Cross (Berkeley, CA)
Pacific School of Religion
•Angel Celeste Collie (Chapel Hill, NC)
Metropolitan Community Church
•Rabbi Elliot Kukla (San Francisco, CA)
•The Rev. Megan Rohrer (San Francisco, CA)
Director, The Welcome Ministry
•Richard Juang (Cambridge, MA)
Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality
•Rebecca Anne Allison, MD (Phoenix, AZ)
President-Elect, Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, United Church of Christ
•The Rev. Pat Conover (Silver Spring, MD)
Minister, United Church of Christ
Steward, Seekers Church
•The Rev. Allyson Robinson (Gaithersburg, MD)
Associate Director of Diversity, Human Rights Campaign, Alliance of Baptists
•Jakob Hero (Berkeley, CA)
Pacific School of Religion
•Kate Bowman (Denver, CO)
Board Chair, The Gender Identity Center of Colorado
•The Rev. Vicky Kolakowski (Berkeley, CA)
New Spirit Community Church
•The Rev. Paul Langston-Daley (Glendale, AZ)
Minister, West Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
•The Rev. Michelle Hansen, S.T.M., M.Div. (Waterbury CT)
Episcopal Priest (Retired), TransEpiscopal, Treasurer and Moderator of the Twenty Club
•Aidan Dunn (San Francisco, CA)
Stanford University
•Joanne Herman (Boston, MA)
Old South Church, United Church of Christ
•The Rev. G Green (Kenosha, WI)
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
•Ari Lev Fornari (Boston, MA)
Rabbinical Student
•Diane DeLap (Wilmington, MA)
Co-Spokesperson, Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns
•The Rev. Sarah J. Flynn (Burlington, VT)
All Souls Ministry, American Catholic Church of New England
•The Rev. Dr. Erin K. Swenson (Atlanta, GA)
Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Presbyterian Church, USA
•The Rev. Sky Anderson (San Jose, CA)
Minister of Community Life, M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church)
•The Rt. Rev. Dr. Lynn Elizabeth Walker (Brooklyn, NY)
Orthodox Catholic Church of America
•Kelli Anne Busey (Dallas, TX)
Metropolitan Community Church
•Dr. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott (Paterson, NJ)
Professor Emeritus at William Paterson University and founding memer of the Evangelical and Ecumenical Women's Caucus
•Mycroft Masada Holmes (Boston, MA)
Co-Chair, Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality
Chair, Keshet Transgender Working Group (TWiG)
•The Rev. Rik Fire (Warminster, PA)
Ecumenicon Fellowship
•The Rev. Laurie J. Auffant (Lowell, MA)
Unitarian Universalist Association
•Reuben Zellman (San Francisco, CA)
•Stephanie C. Battaglino (Cliffside Park, NJ)
Commissioner, The Oasis - the LGBTi Ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, NJ
•Donna M. Cartwright (Baltimore, MD)
TransEpiscopal
•Kate Bornstein (New York City, NY)
Buddhist
•Woody Camacho (San José, CA)
The Metropolitan Community Church of San José
•The Rev. Jay Wilson (San Fransisco, CA)
The Welcome Ministry & Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries
•Jeremiah Gold-Hopton (Atlanta, GA)
Worship Ministry, Northwest (Atlanta) UU Congregation
•Randall E. Klein (Walnut Creek, CA)
Founder, Light in the Closet Ministry, Hillside Covenant Church
•The Rev. Jake Kopmeier (St. Petersburg, FL)
King of Peace MCC
•Jake Nash (Cleveland, OH)
Minister of Worship, Emmanuel Fellowship Church
Executive Director, TranFamily of Cleveland
•Lauryn Farris (San Antonio, TX)
Lay Leader, United Church of Christ
President, San Antonio Gender Association
•Joni Christian (Kent, OH)
Visionary Kent UCC
•Elder Andrea' V. Boisseau AIS (Waltham, MA)
First Presbyterian Church Of Waltham
•Elder Sara Herwig (Waltham, MA)
First Presbyterian Church Of Waltham
•Elder Alanna Block-Butler (Waltham, MA)
First Presbyterian Church Of Waltham
Institutions are included for identification purposes only.
DE LIDERES RELIGIOSOS TRANSGENERO
EN APOYO A LA PROPUESTA DE LEY
EN CONTRA DE CRIMENES DE ODIO
Apreciado/a Legislador/a:
Nosotros, los que hemos firmado esta carta, apoyamos la propuesta de Ley Federal En Contra De Los Crimenes de Odio (HR 1913), porque pensamos
que refleja una protección justa para nuestra comunidad. Es necesario tomar en serio esta clase de crimenes tan graves y brutales como el de Angie Zapata en Colorado el año pasado. Agradecemos sinceramente que en el juicio contra Allen Andrade, tanto los investigadores, como los abogados del Distrito, al igual que el jurado; invalidaron cualquier defensa basada en “pánico contra transgéneros”. No se le puede hacer responsable a una persona de su propio maltrato, por sufrir violencia en contra de si mismo o hasta de ser asesinado simple y sencillamente por su identidad, o por ser ‘diferente’ a la mayoría. Lo justo, lo correcto y lo humano es precisamente protejer a estas personas.
Hubieramos querido que una Ley como la HR 1913, hubiera existido desde antes y hubiera protegido a Angie de ser asesinada. La realidad es de que necesitan dar su apoyo al resto de la comunidad para mantener la seguridad y protección de nuestra gente. Es necesaria una justicia social y económica para todos.
El veredicto de “culpable” que el jurado dictamino, dignifica y da respeto a la memoria de Angie, pero lamentablemente no compenza el valor de su vida y el dolor que nos ha causado su muerte. La experiencia que nos ha dado el trabajar en el ministerio basado en la no violencia, reintegración y rehabilitación de los ofensores nos ha demostrado que el hecho de ponerlos por un tiempo en las cárceles no nos garantiza la seguridad que necesitamos, siguen estando con nosotros una parte de nuestra comunidad. Seguiremos orando por todas las personas gay y transgénero que lamentablemente siguen afrentando violencia mientras están encarcelados, por otros que quizás estén en la misma cárcel que Allen Andrade. Oraremos también por el propio Allen a quien se le ha negado la oportunidad de rehabilitarse para vivir en integridad como parte de la comunidad.
En nuestras tradiciones de vivir con fe y de luchar contra la opresión, la historia sagrada no termina en violencia ni retribución sino en justicia y restauración. Aplaudimos y apoyamos el trabajo de justicia, dignidad e igualdad que el CENTRO NACIONAL DE IGUALDAD PARA LOS TRANSGENERO hace, así como la propuesta de ley HR 1913. Igualmente aplaudimos y apoyamos el trabajo del Senador Webb (S.714) de crear una comisión hacia la reforma del sistema de justicia correccional. En buena hora.
Apoyamos hoy a los legisladores que honran con igualdad, la dignidad y las posibilidades del ser humano. La diversidad es una Creación de Dios, excepto la pobreza; porque ‘esa’ es nuestra propia creación. Donde haya odio y falta de respeto personal o institucional, urgimos a nuestros líderes en Washington que respondan no tan solo con indignación, pero tambien con imaginación moral.
Sinceramente,
•The Rev. Malcolm Himschoot (Commerce City, CO)
United Church of Christ
•Nicole Garcia (Louisville, CO)
Transgender Representative, Lutherans Concerned/North America
•Mr. Barb Greve (Hamden, CT)
Co-Founder, Transgender Religious Professional Unitarian Universalists Together
•Rabbi Levi Alter (Malibu, CA)
President, Female-To-Male International (Human Rights Gender Non-Discrimination Organization)
•The Rev. Dr. Cameron Partridge (Allston, MA)
Priest, St. Luke's and St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, Co-Chair Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality, TransEpiscopal
•The Rev. Dr. Julie Nemecek (Spring Arbor, MI),
Co-Director of Michigan Equality
•Chris Paige (Philadelphia, PA)
Founder, TransFaith Online
•Seth Donovan (Denver, CO)
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Full Inclusion Committee
•The Rev. Sean Parker Dennison (Salt Lake City, UT)
South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society
•Barbara Satin (Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN)
Executive Council, United Church of Christ and Institute of Welcoming Resources and Faithworks Associate of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
•Noach Dzmura (Berkeley, CA)
Jewish Mosaic: The National Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity
•Senior Minister Carmarion D. Anderson (Dallas, TX)
Living Faith Covenant Church
•Minister Monica Joy Cross (Berkeley, CA)
Pacific School of Religion
•Angel Celeste Collie (Chapel Hill, NC)
Metropolitan Community Church
•Rabbi Elliot Kukla (San Francisco, CA)
•The Rev. Megan Rohrer (San Francisco, CA)
Director, The Welcome Ministry
•Richard Juang (Cambridge, MA)
Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality
•Rebecca Anne Allison, MD (Phoenix, AZ)
President-Elect, Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, United Church of Christ
•The Rev. Pat Conover (Silver Spring, MD)
Minister, United Church of Christ
Steward, Seekers Church
•The Rev. Allyson Robinson (Gaithersburg, MD)
Associate Director of Diversity, Human Rights Campaign, Alliance of Baptists
•Jakob Hero (Berkeley, CA)
Pacific School of Religion
•Kate Bowman (Denver, CO)
Board Chair, The Gender Identity Center of Colorado
•The Rev. Vicky Kolakowski (Berkeley, CA)
New Spirit Community Church
•The Rev. Paul Langston-Daley (Glendale, AZ)
Minister, West Valley Unitarian Universalist Church
•The Rev. Michelle Hansen, S.T.M., M.Div. (Waterbury CT)
Episcopal Priest (Retired), TransEpiscopal, Treasurer and Moderator of the Twenty Club
•Aidan Dunn (San Francisco, CA)
Stanford University
•Joanne Herman (Boston, MA)
Old South Church, United Church of Christ
•The Rev. G Green (Kenosha, WI)
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
•Ari Lev Fornari (Boston, MA)
Rabbinical Student
•Diane DeLap (Wilmington, MA)
Co-Spokesperson, Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns
•The Rev. Sarah J. Flynn (Burlington, VT)
All Souls Ministry, American Catholic Church of New England
•The Rev. Dr. Erin K. Swenson (Atlanta, GA)
Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, Presbyterian Church, USA
•The Rev. Sky Anderson (San Jose, CA)
Minister of Community Life, M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church)
•The Rt. Rev. Dr. Lynn Elizabeth Walker (Brooklyn, NY)
Orthodox Catholic Church of America
•Kelli Anne Busey (Dallas, TX)
Metropolitan Community Church
•Dr. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott (Paterson, NJ)
Professor Emeritus at William Paterson University and founding memer of the Evangelical and Ecumenical Women's Caucus
•Mycroft Masada Holmes (Boston, MA)
Co-Chair, Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality
Chair, Keshet Transgender Working Group (TWiG)
•The Rev. Rik Fire (Warminster, PA)
Ecumenicon Fellowship
•The Rev. Laurie J. Auffant (Lowell, MA)
Unitarian Universalist Association
•Reuben Zellman (San Francisco, CA)
•Stephanie C. Battaglino (Cliffside Park, NJ)
Commissioner, The Oasis - the LGBTi Ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, NJ
•Donna M. Cartwright (Baltimore, MD)
TransEpiscopal
•Kate Bornstein (New York City, NY)
Buddhist
•Woody Camacho (San José, CA)
The Metropolitan Community Church of San José
•The Rev. Jay Wilson (San Fransisco, CA)
The Welcome Ministry & Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries
•Jeremiah Gold-Hopton (Atlanta, GA)
Worship Ministry, Northwest (Atlanta) UU Congregation
•Randall E. Klein (Walnut Creek, CA)
Founder, Light in the Closet Ministry, Hillside Covenant Church
•The Rev. Jake Kopmeier (St. Petersburg, FL)
King of Peace MCC
•Jake Nash (Cleveland, OH)
Minister of Worship, Emmanuel Fellowship Church
Executive Director, TranFamily of Cleveland
•Lauryn Farris (San Antonio, TX)
Lay Leader, United Church of Christ
President, San Antonio Gender Association
•Joni Christian (Kent, OH)
Visionary Kent UCC
•Elder Andrea' V. Boisseau AIS (Waltham, MA)
First Presbyterian Church Of Waltham
•Elder Sara Herwig (Waltham, MA)
First Presbyterian Church Of Waltham
•Elder Alanna Block-Butler (Waltham, MA)
First Presbyterian Church Of Waltham
Institutions are included for identification purposes only.
Transgender faith leaders lobby for hate crime legislation
WASHINGTON, DC – Dozens of transgender religious leaders converged on legislators today in Washington D.C. to deliver a joint letter in support of hate crimes legislation and against the history of violence against transgender people. The House of Representatives is expected to vote soon on HR 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act which has the goal of helping local officials handle the demands of hate crimes investigations.
The full letter was released to the media at a press conference on Tuesday, April 28, at the Foundry United Methodist Church in northwest Washington D.C. where transgender faith leaders spoke out for both protection of transgender people, who are often targeted for hate crimes, as well as for reform of the criminal justice system that favors incarceration over education.
The Rev. Malcolm Himschoot said, “Lawmakers and judicial authorities need to bring moral imagination to the problem of hate crimes. If people are taught to hate and dehumanize transgender people, they can also be taught to be respectful.”
The full letter from transgender religious leaders reflected on the recent murder of Angie Zapata in Colorado:
The ‘guilty’ verdict reached in a court of law dignified, but could never repair, the value of Angie’s life and the gravity of her loss. Yet, our experience in ministries that work toward nonviolent alternatives reintegration and rehabilitation of offenders does not allow us to believe we can achieve safety by disposing of people behind bars.
Nicole Garcia, transgender representative for Lutherans Concerned, North America said, “The recent murder of Angie Zapata galvanized transgender religious leaders. As people of faith we hold to a story of justice, not violence; a story of restoration, not retribution. Hundreds of transgender persons have been murdered and that must stop. All of us must open our eyes to our beautifully diverse world. It is time for transgender people of faith to be seen and heard. It is time for a season of respect.”
Himschoot, a United Church of Christ minister, initiated the statement in support of hate crimes legislation and full human rights of transgender people. The statement was signed by fifty faith leaders—many of whom attended the lobbying day and delivered the statement to members of the Senators and members of the House of Representatives.
Transgender faith leaders spoke to decision makers about the poverty that comes with prejudice and employment discrimination. Encouraging the resources and reliability of federal protection everywhere, they spoke highly of officials in Colorado who resisted the so-called “trans panic defense” as an excuse for murdering transgender people.
We are grateful for responsible investigators, prosecutors, and a jury who invalidated a harmful and re-victimizing “trans-panic” defense. No one is responsible for their own beating, bashing or killing.
Garcia said, “I don’t live in fear anymore. I live with hope. I live to educate and help people realize that we are all human beings with feelings, family and faith. We all matter. I pray that Angie’s family finds some peace and consolation in the guilty verdict. I pray for Allen Andrade. His life will now be a series of prison cells for years to come. I hope he finds peace as well.”
••Letter from Transgender Religious Leaders to Legislators in Support of a Inclusive Hate Crimes Bill (Tuesday, April 28, 2009)
•Call to Action:From Fear to Hope by Nicole Garcia
•Special Thanks
For further information, please consider these resources.
•NCTE Fact Sheet on the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Act (H.R. 1913)
•GLAAD Resource Kit on the Angie Zapata Murder
•HRC Fight the Hate website
The Transgender Religious Leaders Network is an emerging collaboration of transgender-identified religious and spiritual leaders, connecting to support one another and collaborate on diverse projects.
The full letter was released to the media at a press conference on Tuesday, April 28, at the Foundry United Methodist Church in northwest Washington D.C. where transgender faith leaders spoke out for both protection of transgender people, who are often targeted for hate crimes, as well as for reform of the criminal justice system that favors incarceration over education.
The Rev. Malcolm Himschoot said, “Lawmakers and judicial authorities need to bring moral imagination to the problem of hate crimes. If people are taught to hate and dehumanize transgender people, they can also be taught to be respectful.”
The full letter from transgender religious leaders reflected on the recent murder of Angie Zapata in Colorado:
The ‘guilty’ verdict reached in a court of law dignified, but could never repair, the value of Angie’s life and the gravity of her loss. Yet, our experience in ministries that work toward nonviolent alternatives reintegration and rehabilitation of offenders does not allow us to believe we can achieve safety by disposing of people behind bars.
Nicole Garcia, transgender representative for Lutherans Concerned, North America said, “The recent murder of Angie Zapata galvanized transgender religious leaders. As people of faith we hold to a story of justice, not violence; a story of restoration, not retribution. Hundreds of transgender persons have been murdered and that must stop. All of us must open our eyes to our beautifully diverse world. It is time for transgender people of faith to be seen and heard. It is time for a season of respect.”
Himschoot, a United Church of Christ minister, initiated the statement in support of hate crimes legislation and full human rights of transgender people. The statement was signed by fifty faith leaders—many of whom attended the lobbying day and delivered the statement to members of the Senators and members of the House of Representatives.
Transgender faith leaders spoke to decision makers about the poverty that comes with prejudice and employment discrimination. Encouraging the resources and reliability of federal protection everywhere, they spoke highly of officials in Colorado who resisted the so-called “trans panic defense” as an excuse for murdering transgender people.
We are grateful for responsible investigators, prosecutors, and a jury who invalidated a harmful and re-victimizing “trans-panic” defense. No one is responsible for their own beating, bashing or killing.
Garcia said, “I don’t live in fear anymore. I live with hope. I live to educate and help people realize that we are all human beings with feelings, family and faith. We all matter. I pray that Angie’s family finds some peace and consolation in the guilty verdict. I pray for Allen Andrade. His life will now be a series of prison cells for years to come. I hope he finds peace as well.”
••Letter from Transgender Religious Leaders to Legislators in Support of a Inclusive Hate Crimes Bill (Tuesday, April 28, 2009)
•Call to Action:From Fear to Hope by Nicole Garcia
•Special Thanks
For further information, please consider these resources.
•NCTE Fact Sheet on the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Act (H.R. 1913)
•GLAAD Resource Kit on the Angie Zapata Murder
•HRC Fight the Hate website
The Transgender Religious Leaders Network is an emerging collaboration of transgender-identified religious and spiritual leaders, connecting to support one another and collaborate on diverse projects.
4/27/09
Call Today! Support Hate Crimes Legislation Today!
Call Your Representatives Today in Support of Hate Crimes Legislation!
The House is preparing to vote on the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act - H.R. 1913 as early as this week. As you know, the bill would give the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence by providing the department with jurisdiction over crimes of violence where the victim is chosen because of their actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
When introducing the bill, Representative Conyers stated that the legislation "provides a constructive and measured response to a problem that continues to plague our nation. These are crimes that shock and shame our national conscience. They should be subject to comprehensive federal law enforcement assistance and prosecution."
Hate crimes impacts all of our loved ones and H.R. 1913 is needed to ensure that all of our families and friends have the right to be safe and free from physical harm and intimidation.
Call Your Representative Today and Share Your Support!
Representatives need to know you support H.R. 1913 as they plan to vote on the bill. We urge you to call them now using our toll-free number, 866-346-4611, and encourage them to support this critical legislation as they prepare to vote. Our opposition continues to barrage representatives with messages of fear and hate - please take advantage of this time to reach out to their representatives and show your support. Please take action by clicking here, and help us address the violence our LGBT loved ones face.
The House is preparing to vote on the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act - H.R. 1913 as early as this week. As you know, the bill would give the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence by providing the department with jurisdiction over crimes of violence where the victim is chosen because of their actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
When introducing the bill, Representative Conyers stated that the legislation "provides a constructive and measured response to a problem that continues to plague our nation. These are crimes that shock and shame our national conscience. They should be subject to comprehensive federal law enforcement assistance and prosecution."
Hate crimes impacts all of our loved ones and H.R. 1913 is needed to ensure that all of our families and friends have the right to be safe and free from physical harm and intimidation.
Call Your Representative Today and Share Your Support!
Representatives need to know you support H.R. 1913 as they plan to vote on the bill. We urge you to call them now using our toll-free number, 866-346-4611, and encourage them to support this critical legislation as they prepare to vote. Our opposition continues to barrage representatives with messages of fear and hate - please take advantage of this time to reach out to their representatives and show your support. Please take action by clicking here, and help us address the violence our LGBT loved ones face.
4/24/09
PFLAG Takes Action To Pass HR(1913) The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009
The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 (H.R. 1913) would add sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability to existing federal hate crimes laws. It would also strengthen enforcement of these laws by allowing the US Department of Justice to assist local authorities in the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes cases. The bill is identical to the hate crimes legislation passed by the House of Representatives in 2007 and is transgender-inclusive. It was reintroduced on April 2nd, 2009 by Representative John Conyers (D-MI) along with 42 original co-sponsors. When introducing the bill, Representative Conyers stated that "law enforcement authorities and civic leaders have learned that a failure to address the problem of bias crime can cause a seemingly isolated incident to fester into widespread tension that can damage the social fabric of the wider community. Hate Crimes legislation is a constructive and measured response to a problem that continues to plague our nation. These are crimes that shock and shame our national conscience. They should be subject to comprehensive federal law enforcement assistance and prosecution." To weigh in, and voice your support for hate crimes legislation, click here and send a message to your elected representative. Be sure to identify yourself as a PFLAG member, and to specifically ask your elected representative to co-sponsor this legislation. Then, ask your friends, neighbors and family members to email and express their support, too. When you contact your Member of Congress, please remember to highlight some of these important points:
• Current Law is Inadequate. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Hate Crimes statistics, crimes motivated by hate against a person based on their sexual orientation make up the third largest category of hate crimes behind race and religion, and yet current federal hate crimes laws only provide protections based on race, religion and national origin.
• The Bill Honors the First Amendment. The legislation only prohibits criminal actions, and does not include speech. To further ensure that there is no confusion on what the bill covers and does not, an amendment was adopted that explicitly states that conduct protected under the First Amendment – free expression and free exercise clauses – Is not subject to prosecution (this includes religious speech).
• Support for this Bill is Widespread. This legislation has attracted the support of over 210 civil rights, education, religious and civic organizations. Virtually every major law enforcement organization in the country has endorsed the bill – including the International Association of chiefs of police, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Sheriffs Association, the Police Executive Research Forum and 31 state Attorneys General.
Whether you’re a parent, a friend, a family member or LGBT yourself, we know you share our outrage that more than 1,000 hate crimes against LGBT Americans are reported to the FBI each year! It’s an outrage that more than 10 years after the high-profile death of Matthew Shephard, Congress has still not passed federal legislation to help law enforcement properly prosecute these crimes. That’s why it’s time for us to take a stand today. Join PFLAG in calling on Congress to pass the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. The time has come to bring enact this long-overdue law. If you have any questions regarding this information, please be sure to contact us.
Soulforce and MCC in NYC calling on the Vatican!
Soulforce and MCCNY at Vatican Embassy from mcc nyc on Vimeo.
SPRING 2009 CATHOLIC ACTION
Please join us this spring in calling on the Vatican to support the safety and well being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. We are working to gain support from the Roman Catholic Church for the United Nations Declaration on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
Download the text of the declaration
Read some of the actions and statements of the Roman Catholic Church
You can join the growing group of local leaders organizing solidarity actions where they live. We will work with you to support efforts in your hometown. All are welcome at any experience level. If you are interested in being a local leader or a participant, click here for a list of participating cities, ideas for action and contact information.
With questions or feedback about the campaign, please contact:Haven Herrin at Haven@Soulforce.org or Kara Speltz at Kara@Soulforce.org
Soulforce.org
New Hampshire Senate Democrats DISCRACE AMERICA No Hope for Granite State Transgender Bill
By Kelli Anne Busey April 24, 2009
Toilet politics revisited in New Hampshire.
Once again the worst of America has surfaced. Cronyism and demagoguery at its worst.
The only thing that angers me more than a civilian who makes a living by lieing about hard working Americans are politicians who use these fear mongers lies to lend credence to bigotry.
The Democrats in New Hampshire's Senate judiciary found a way to slink to a new low and shirked their public responsibilities by lending credence to lies with there public office's.
Transgender people were pleading with the Senate Judiciary Committee, relating horrifying stories of discrimination, only to have the democrates on the committee give credence to the testimony of Kevin Smith's TWO alleged incidences of POTTY politics and effectively throwing away transgender people.
The Judiciary Committee voted unanimously against giving transgender people hope.
********************
Source The Nashua Telegraph "Senate panel nixes transgender bill"
"Kevin Smith of Cornerstone Policy Research, a conservative activist group, disagreed and offered 'media reports' about two incidents in Philadelphia and Maryland."
(Cornerstone apparently was all that the democrates needed to be dissuaded from pursuing justice.)
"Senate Democrats admitted the coordinated campaign from the Republican State Committee and socially conservative groups to label this as the "bathroom bill" condemned its approval this year."
"I think going forward, because it has so much baggage attached to it right now, it is probably best the bill is ITL," said Sen. Beth Reynolds, D-Plymouth, referring to inexpedient to legislate, the equivalent of killing it."
********************
What media report is Smith offering?
I know of one incident in Maryland when a member of a group fighting transgender rights manufactured a story. Her HUSBAND cross dressed and ran thru the woman's dressing room of an exclusive Gaithersburg health club(where the democrats go) When the absurdity of this ploy was exposed she perjured herself by allowing another person to accept responsibility for that outrage! The club owner herself doubted the validity of her entire story, but the police failed to even show any interest.
Is that the 'Maryland' media report smith is aware of? Is that what the 'baggage' Reynolds and the democrats are throwing away human rights because of?
Throw those lousy democrats out and take the rest of the trash with you.
4/23/09
NGLTF Applauds Passage by House Judiciary Committee of National Hate Crime Bill HR(1913)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Inga Sarda-Sorensen
Director of Communications
(Office) 646.358.1463
(Cell) 202.641.5592
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund applauds House Judiciary Committee passage of hate crimes legislation
WASHINGTON, April 23 — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund applauds the House Judiciary Committee’s passage today of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1913), which includes a key provision that would expand existing federal hate crimes law to include crimes motivated by actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. The measure has previously passed both chambers on several occasions. The Task Force has a long history in working to secure hate crimes protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Get more details here.
Complete Statement at The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund
Inga Sarda-Sorensen
Director of Communications
(Office) 646.358.1463
(Cell) 202.641.5592
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund applauds House Judiciary Committee passage of hate crimes legislation
WASHINGTON, April 23 — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund applauds the House Judiciary Committee’s passage today of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1913), which includes a key provision that would expand existing federal hate crimes law to include crimes motivated by actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. The measure has previously passed both chambers on several occasions. The Task Force has a long history in working to secure hate crimes protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Get more details here.
Complete Statement at The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund
By John Wright News Editor
Apr 23, 2009 - 6:54:31 PM
Trans advocate Kelli Busey says some officials still resistant to nondiscrimination despite policy
The Bridge, Dallas’ city-owned homeless shelter, recently put in writing a nondiscrimination policy stating that transgender clients will be housed according to their gender identity and not their biological sex.
But a transgender activist from Dallas who helped initiate the new written policy said she isn’t satisfied with it.
Full story at the Dallas Voice
http://tinyurl.com/cvg8hv
Apr 23, 2009 - 6:54:31 PM
Trans advocate Kelli Busey says some officials still resistant to nondiscrimination despite policy
The Bridge, Dallas’ city-owned homeless shelter, recently put in writing a nondiscrimination policy stating that transgender clients will be housed according to their gender identity and not their biological sex.
But a transgender activist from Dallas who helped initiate the new written policy said she isn’t satisfied with it.
Full story at the Dallas Voice
http://tinyurl.com/cvg8hv
Zapata Family Speaks
Flanked by his sisters, Ashley Zapata, Stephanie Villalobos and Monica Murguia, and his mother, Maria Zapata, Gonzalo Zapata issued a statement about the trial to the media Wednesday. The family did not answer questions.
The statement:
“Angie was my sister.
“She was a member of our family. We loved her very much, and we will miss her every day. Every day and every night our mom has to deal with great pain of ... one of her babies being buried. Every day our siblings and I reach for the phone and realize we’ll never hear her voice. There’s no answer anymore.
“A part of our family is missing, stolen from us. Angie was 18, her life was just beginning. She was brave, she had guts, she had courage, and she was beautiful, fun and loving. She was our little sister.
“Through the last week, we’ve watched as our sister Angie was lied about in court, angrily as the defense presented an image of my sister that wasn’t true. Their strategy of tearing down my sister to make a monster look better will not work.
“It is clear: Angie was our sister, an aunt and a daughter. Life was sometimes difficult for her, and we learned along with her to understand she was born a girl with a body that was wrong for her.
“Above all else, she was honest. It took such courage to be who she was. She was strong, there was no reason to believe my sister was anything but strong and honest with everyone.
“This week, we are deeply saddened as we witnessed graphic details about the last few minutes of my sister’s life. A big brother is supposed to protect his little sister. It breaks my heart to think there was nothing I could do.
“My sisters, Monica and Ashley, when they saw what this monster had done, they wanted to hold her, to comfort her and make her feel better. It was hard to realize nothing could have been done.
“He stole something so precious from us.
“Only a monster can look at a beautiful 18-year-old and beat her to death. This monster not only hit my sister, but continued to beat her head in over and over and over until her head was crushed in. He left her there to die.
“He’ll (never) understand how angry we are at him and how much he has hurt us. This past week and half, we’ve seen attorneys working their hardest to seek justice for my sister. ...
“We are grateful Colorado has tough laws that make it clear that attacking people because of anti-gender bias will be taken seriously. It will be prosecuted aggressively ... in Weld County.
...
“In memory of Angie, we call on Colorado’s leaders to pass a federal hate crime law to protect everyone.
“Justice was achieved. A message was sent loud and clear that crimes target ing LGBT will not be tolerated in Colorado ...
“Remember her as we do, as a beautiful, wonderful, precious teenager. She would want us to remember the happy times in her life. And make the world a better place.
“We will always love you Angie and we will always miss you, mija.
“Thank you!”
Posted on the The Tribune
New Links @@@@@@@@@@@@@
Click here to take action.
http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kelli@yahoo.com
center
center
http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kelli@yahoo.com
Garden State Residents Urgent Please Call These Legislators Today!
URGENT PLEASE ACT!
Starting at 9:30 am TODAY, Thursday, April 23, 2009, we ask each of you, no matter where in New Jersey you live, to call the 3 legislators listed below to tell their offices: "Today, Quinnipiac came out with a poll showing New Jersey favors marriage equality. The Senator needs to support the bill strongly. If New Jersey is for it and it's the correct thing to do, what's the problem?" It can be in your own words, but make sure you mention it's a Quinnipiac Poll (pronounced Quinn-uh-PEE-ack), a highly respected independent poll. You may hear, "you're not in the Senator's district" or "the bill won't come up until later this year, so why are you calling now?" Please stick with it. We recently had a legislator ask us, has there been an independent poll in your favor?
Senate President Dick Codey at (973) 731-6770
Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney at (856) 251-9801
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo at (201) 804-8118
If you’re told by the office you’re not a constituent: “I’m calling your office because the Senator holds a leadership position that impacts the entire state.”If you hear anything substantive in your conversations - something beyond thank you or we’ll record your views - let us know by emailing us at http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Contact@GardenStateEquality.org. Include which legislative office you spoke with, what the office said, as well as your own name and hometown.Your activism makes all the difference in the world to tell our side of the story.On behalf of the entire Garden State Equality Board and staff, please accept our deepest gratitude. And please forward this email to all the people you know so they call too - today, Thursday.
Visit Garden State Equality's two websites, http://www.gardenstateequality.org/ and http://www.civilunionsdontwork.com/ Tell-a-friend!
Senate President Dick Codey at (973) 731-6770
Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney at (856) 251-9801
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo at (201) 804-8118
If you’re told by the office you’re not a constituent: “I’m calling your office because the Senator holds a leadership position that impacts the entire state.”If you hear anything substantive in your conversations - something beyond thank you or we’ll record your views - let us know by emailing us at http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Contact@GardenStateEquality.org. Include which legislative office you spoke with, what the office said, as well as your own name and hometown.Your activism makes all the difference in the world to tell our side of the story.On behalf of the entire Garden State Equality Board and staff, please accept our deepest gratitude. And please forward this email to all the people you know so they call too - today, Thursday.
Visit Garden State Equality's two websites, http://www.gardenstateequality.org/ and http://www.civilunionsdontwork.com/ Tell-a-friend!
4/22/09
Andrade guilty of first-degree murder
Allen Ray Andrade has been found guilty of first degree murder the sentencing is mandated in Colorado to be life imprisonment without parole.
Source: Greeley Tribune
The jury took just two hours to convict Andrade, 32, of Thornton of first-degree murder, a bias-motivated crime, motor vehicle theft and identity theft. The trial began last week.
A chorus of muffled sobs came from Angie Zapata’s family as the verdict was read.
Full original story at Greeley Tribune
Source: Greeley Tribune
The jury took just two hours to convict Andrade, 32, of Thornton of first-degree murder, a bias-motivated crime, motor vehicle theft and identity theft. The trial began last week.
A chorus of muffled sobs came from Angie Zapata’s family as the verdict was read.
Full original story at Greeley Tribune
ANDRADE GUILTY of FIRST DEGREE MURDER RECIVES LIFE IMPRISONMENT WITH NO CHANCE OF PAROLE
Autumn Sandeen reports that "Andrade is GUILTY of 1st degree murder of Angie Zapata."
Andrade is GUILTY of 1st degree murder of Angie Zapata. GUILTY on count two on bias motivated crime. GUILTY on vehicle theft and identity theft. Follow Autumn's Tweets from the courtroom; streaming video here. The Blend Chat Room is open. Click here to hop in. -->
GUILTY! We have a verdict in the Angie Zapata Hate Crime Murder Trial: GUILTY! (+)
by: Autumn Sandeen
Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 16:54:58 PM EDT [unsubscribe]
Update: Allen Ray Zapata is guilty 1st Degree Murder, and guilty of the bias motivated crime count. Guilty on vehicle theft and identity theft.
At 4:00 PM MDT, he will be sentenced to life without parole.
We have JUSTICE FOR ANGIE!!!!!!!
After only two hours the jury has returned with a verdict of premeditated murder in the brutal slaying of transgender woman Angie Zapata.
Andrade is GUILTY of 1st degree murder of Angie Zapata. GUILTY on count two on bias motivated crime. GUILTY on vehicle theft and identity theft. Follow Autumn's Tweets from the courtroom; streaming video here. The Blend Chat Room is open. Click here to hop in. -->
GUILTY! We have a verdict in the Angie Zapata Hate Crime Murder Trial: GUILTY! (+)
by: Autumn Sandeen
Wed Apr 22, 2009 at 16:54:58 PM EDT [unsubscribe]
Update: Allen Ray Zapata is guilty 1st Degree Murder, and guilty of the bias motivated crime count. Guilty on vehicle theft and identity theft.
At 4:00 PM MDT, he will be sentenced to life without parole.
We have JUSTICE FOR ANGIE!!!!!!!
After only two hours the jury has returned with a verdict of premeditated murder in the brutal slaying of transgender woman Angie Zapata.
Colorado Anti-Violence Program Media Advisory: Zapata Family Information
Colorado Anti-Violence Program, CO, USA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Colorado Anti-Violence Program Announces
Zapata Family and CAVP will make statements
Greeley, CO - April 22, 2009
BACKGROUND: The prosecution and defense teams have rested their cases in the trial of Allen Ray Andrade, who is accused of killing Angie Zapata in her Greeley apartment last July. Closing arguments are expected Wednesday morning and the case will likely go to the jury around noon.
WHAT: The family of Angie Zapata will not comment about the verdict immediately after it is returned but will make a statement shortly thereafter. The Colorado Anti-Violence Program will respond to the verdict immediately following the family's statement.
WHEN: Approximately one-half hour after the verdict is announced.
WHERE: The announcement will be made in the lobby outside of Courtroom 11 where the trial has occurred.WHY: "This is an emotionally difficult time for the family," said Kelly Costello, director of advocacy for the Colorado Anti-Violence Program. "For that reason, the family has requested their privacy be respected immediately after the verdict. They ask that the media please be present for their statement and recognize that that will be their only statement for the day."About Colorado Anti-Violence Program Colorado Anti-Violence Program has been dedicated to eliminating violence within and against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,and queer communities in Colorado, and providing the highest quality services to survivors since 1986. CAVP provides direct services including crisis intervention, information, and referrals for LGBTQ victims of violence 24 hours a day. The CAVP also provides technical assistance, training, and education for community organizations, law enforcement, and mainstream service providers on violence issues affecting the LGBTQ community. The most common types of violence they respond to are hate crimes and partner abuse, as well as cases that involve random violence, sexual assault, and HIV-motivated violence.
LGBTQ victims of crimes or those who have witnessed a crime are encouraged to call our 24 hour free and confidential hotline at303-852-5094 or 1-888-557-4441 or visit our website at
http://www.coavp. org/.
Colorado Anti-Violence Program Crystal Middlestadt Director of Training and Education
303-204-5245 Cell
Colorado Anti-Violence Program
Kelly Costello Director of Advocacy303-861-0246 Cell
Colorado Anti-Violence Program P.O. Box 181085 Denver CO 80218www.coavp.org/
__._,_.___
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Colorado Anti-Violence Program Announces
Zapata Family and CAVP will make statements
Greeley, CO - April 22, 2009
BACKGROUND: The prosecution and defense teams have rested their cases in the trial of Allen Ray Andrade, who is accused of killing Angie Zapata in her Greeley apartment last July. Closing arguments are expected Wednesday morning and the case will likely go to the jury around noon.
WHAT: The family of Angie Zapata will not comment about the verdict immediately after it is returned but will make a statement shortly thereafter. The Colorado Anti-Violence Program will respond to the verdict immediately following the family's statement.
WHEN: Approximately one-half hour after the verdict is announced.
WHERE: The announcement will be made in the lobby outside of Courtroom 11 where the trial has occurred.WHY: "This is an emotionally difficult time for the family," said Kelly Costello, director of advocacy for the Colorado Anti-Violence Program. "For that reason, the family has requested their privacy be respected immediately after the verdict. They ask that the media please be present for their statement and recognize that that will be their only statement for the day."About Colorado Anti-Violence Program Colorado Anti-Violence Program has been dedicated to eliminating violence within and against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,and queer communities in Colorado, and providing the highest quality services to survivors since 1986. CAVP provides direct services including crisis intervention, information, and referrals for LGBTQ victims of violence 24 hours a day. The CAVP also provides technical assistance, training, and education for community organizations, law enforcement, and mainstream service providers on violence issues affecting the LGBTQ community. The most common types of violence they respond to are hate crimes and partner abuse, as well as cases that involve random violence, sexual assault, and HIV-motivated violence.
LGBTQ victims of crimes or those who have witnessed a crime are encouraged to call our 24 hour free and confidential hotline at303-852-5094 or 1-888-557-4441 or visit our website at
http://www.coavp. org/.
Colorado Anti-Violence Program Crystal Middlestadt Director of Training and Education
303-204-5245 Cell
Colorado Anti-Violence Program
Kelly Costello Director of Advocacy303-861-0246 Cell
Colorado Anti-Violence Program P.O. Box 181085 Denver CO 80218www.coavp.org/
__._,_.___
Praying for Zapata's Family and Hoping Andrade Rots and Spends Life with Inmates who SEE who he IS
Alleged Murdered Allen Andrade sat remorseless in court while his defense lawyers slank to the deeps vile depths of scum inorder to mitigate down a possiable lie in prision for Andrade for the heinous death of transgender woman Angie Zapata.
He ate candy during the breaks.
I sit glued praying that Andrade pays with his life. Yes there is no official death penalty in Colorado.
Andrade should have to spend the rest of his earthly days the PREY of the convict justice system. In prison, rapists and pedophiles are made to have sex with by a man with HIV.
That's right, Justice for us. Let that man rot in hell. He an make room in hell for his defense lawyer while he's there.
He ate candy during the breaks.
I sit glued praying that Andrade pays with his life. Yes there is no official death penalty in Colorado.
Andrade should have to spend the rest of his earthly days the PREY of the convict justice system. In prison, rapists and pedophiles are made to have sex with by a man with HIV.
That's right, Justice for us. Let that man rot in hell. He an make room in hell for his defense lawyer while he's there.
New York Assembly Passes Genda : Now onto a Democratic Senate
By Kelli Busey April 22, 2009 planetransgender
One year ago Genda, a bill that would have afforded transgender New Yorkers protection against discrimination in housing, the workplace and would have amended the law to include transgender people as a protected class, passed the NY Assembly only to die in the the previously republican controlled Senate.
Genda has once again passed the lower legislative house and now moves forward to a vote in the Senate where a slim majority of law makers indicated approval offering it a better chance than last year.
According to civil rights leaders in New York, the marriage equality bill which was recently publicly endorsed by Governor David Paterson, will have a better chance of passing if the less controversial Genda Bill becomes law.
Found on the Web
Gay City News Assembly Again Approves Gender Rights Measure
"GENDA would bar bias based on gender identity and expression in employment, housing, public accommodations, and access to credit. It would also amend the 2000 hate crimes statute to include gender identity and expression as protected categories."
4/21/09
Obama : Torture is NOT Tolerated by America
Call to Action
Who: President Obama, the former Justice Department officials Jay Bybee, John Yoo and Steven Bradbury. Bybee is currently a judge on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Yoo is a professor at the University of California-Berkeley.
What : Charges of conspiracy to commit felonies, including torture be considered against among others Jay Bybee, John Yoo and Steven Bradbury and the goverment and contracted officials of the United Stared who participated in planning for and or committed criminal acts of torture.
When : NOW! Call on your legislative representatives to demand full transparency, accountability and justice.
Were : From your keyboard. Tell him now to appoint an independent prosecutor to investigate Bush administration officials who authorized torture.
Why : He[Obama] said anew that CIA operatives who did the interrogating should not be charged with crimes because they thought they were following the law. Obama, so did HITLERS henchmen.
Obama would rather forget than pursue justiceUNLESS we force him to.
Americans are coming to realize that we were mislead by Obama's presidential promises and that we must act to keep all politicians honest.
Citizens, hold Obama accountable to his campaign commitment to end torture and prosecute those criminals who perpetrated and carried out act's that freedom loving democratic countries worldwide and formally the United States had decried as illegal torture.
Unresolved debate in DOJ memos: Does torture work? AP
How Waterboarding Got Out of Control Time.com
Obama defends secret memo release to CIA employees AP
Scientists Claim CIA Misused Work on Sleep Deprivation Time.com
Waterboarding: A Mental as Well as Physical Trauma, Expert Say Time.com
By Kelli Anne Busey, April 22, 2009 planetransgender
Who: President Obama, the former Justice Department officials Jay Bybee, John Yoo and Steven Bradbury. Bybee is currently a judge on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Yoo is a professor at the University of California-Berkeley.
What : Charges of conspiracy to commit felonies, including torture be considered against among others Jay Bybee, John Yoo and Steven Bradbury and the goverment and contracted officials of the United Stared who participated in planning for and or committed criminal acts of torture.
When : NOW! Call on your legislative representatives to demand full transparency, accountability and justice.
Were : From your keyboard. Tell him now to appoint an independent prosecutor to investigate Bush administration officials who authorized torture.
Why : He[Obama] said anew that CIA operatives who did the interrogating should not be charged with crimes because they thought they were following the law. Obama, so did HITLERS henchmen.
Obama would rather forget than pursue justiceUNLESS we force him to.
Americans are coming to realize that we were mislead by Obama's presidential promises and that we must act to keep all politicians honest.
Citizens, hold Obama accountable to his campaign commitment to end torture and prosecute those criminals who perpetrated and carried out act's that freedom loving democratic countries worldwide and formally the United States had decried as illegal torture.
Unresolved debate in DOJ memos: Does torture work? AP
How Waterboarding Got Out of Control Time.com
Obama defends secret memo release to CIA employees AP
Scientists Claim CIA Misused Work on Sleep Deprivation Time.com
Waterboarding: A Mental as Well as Physical Trauma, Expert Say Time.com
By Kelli Anne Busey, April 22, 2009 planetransgender
Walking With Integrity: Write Congress
Cross Posted from Walking With Integrity: Write Congress
Please take action with Queers United action to Demand Hate Crimes Legislation http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2009/04/demand-national-hate-crimes-legislation.html
Please take action with Queers United action to Demand Hate Crimes Legislation http://queersunited.blogspot.com/2009/04/demand-national-hate-crimes-legislation.html
Andrade Murder Trial for the Death of Angie Zapata :" Jurors hear defendant’s jailhouse calls"
Jurors hear defendant’s jailhouse calls
Source CNN Side Bar by Beth Karas Posted: 10:40 PM ET
GREELEY, Colorado–Jurors heard from accused killer Allen Andrade today in recorded jailhouse calls with two former girlfriends, Angie Tyree and Felicia Mendoza. A cavalier-sounding Andrade said he “can’t cry over spilt milk” regarding the brutal killing of transgender teen, Angie Zapata, last July. That call and three others, recorded in the days after his July 30th arrest, gave some insight into Andrade’s reaction to his plight.
“It not like I went up to a schoolteacher and shot her in the head…or like I killed a law-abiding straight citizen,” he told Tyree. Andrade said he could do “10 or 15 [years]” but that he hoped not to be imprisoned forever. At one point, Tyree scolded him: “You should’ve stayed home.” His response: “I know I should’ve stayed. I should’ve done a lot of things differently…shoulda, coulda, woulda.” Though no longer dating, the two were living together for about three months at the time of Andrade’s arrest.
Full story at CNN sidebar by Beth Karas, In Session correspondent
Jurors hear defendant’s jailhouse calls
Source CNN Side Bar by Beth Karas Posted: 10:40 PM ET
GREELEY, Colorado–Jurors heard from accused killer Allen Andrade today in recorded jailhouse calls with two former girlfriends, Angie Tyree and Felicia Mendoza. A cavalier-sounding Andrade said he “can’t cry over spilt milk” regarding the brutal killing of transgender teen, Angie Zapata, last July. That call and three others, recorded in the days after his July 30th arrest, gave some insight into Andrade’s reaction to his plight.
“It not like I went up to a schoolteacher and shot her in the head…or like I killed a law-abiding straight citizen,” he told Tyree. Andrade said he could do “10 or 15 [years]” but that he hoped not to be imprisoned forever. At one point, Tyree scolded him: “You should’ve stayed home.” His response: “I know I should’ve stayed. I should’ve done a lot of things differently…shoulda, coulda, woulda.” Though no longer dating, the two were living together for about three months at the time of Andrade’s arrest.
Full story at CNN sidebar by Beth Karas, In Session correspondent
Jurors hear defendant’s jailhouse calls
Angie Zapata Hate Crime Murder Trial: Pink Vibrator With Only Andrade's DNA Entered Into Evidence
Angie Zapata Hate Crime Murder Trial: Pink Vibrator With Only Andrade's DNA Entered Into Evidence
by: Autumn Sandeen Originally posted Tue Apr 21, 2009 at 07:22:00 AM EDT on Pam's House Blend. Reposted with permission from Autumn Sandeen in an our effort to to bring national attention to the murder trial of Allen Ray Andrade for the death of Angie Zapata.
When I was a teen, I acted shamefully. I had a friend, who's name was Brett, who I ended up shunning when he came out as a gay teen. I was a closeted trans person who's church -- I was raised a Pentecostal. I didn't want to hang out with my effeminate gay friend because I was afraid people would be able to tell I was trans -- or believe I was gay -- if I was seen in the company of a gay peer.
As many of us remember doing, some of us in the gay community go beyond shunning when we were in the closet -- we were homophobic and transphobic bullies. We were the ones who were the worst at calling individually out lesbian, gay, bisexual, or trans (LGBT) people, or gender variant people (effeminate males and masculine females) as "faggot," "fairy," "dyke," "it," and "that thing." Many of us, when we were closeted, were physically violent against those who were out as LGBT, or who were gender variant.
We were so often afraid of being discovered as LGBT ourselves that we called others names, and/or became physically violent to out LGBT individuals because we were afraid that if we were seen as not being bullies against out LGBT individuals and gender variant people, we would be discovered as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender ourselves.
In court yesterday, three things that I thought were very significant were entered into evidence. To me, these explain this crime is a way many in the LGBT community "get."
The first thing is that Allen Ray Andrade, according to his ex-girlfriend, was seen browsing the bisexual pages of the social networking website Mocospace.
The second thing is that hat Allen Ray Andrade, according to his ex-girlfriend, was a "snap cat" (or "snap cat"). He was called this because he was often quick to snap to anger. The ex-girlfriend also testified that he literally hit himself sometimes when he got angry at himself.
Lastly, a pink vibrator was entered into evidence that was collected from Angie Zapata's apartment. When DNA tested, only Allen Ray Andrade's unidentified DNA (as in it was with scientifically certainty that this was his DNA, but it wasn't as being his semen -- not sure identifiable as which part of the body the DNA came from), was on the vibrator. The defense was trying to argue that this could be "touch" DNA from someone who was particularly sweaty, but the DNA testing expert stated that "possible, but not probable." This is because of the amount of Andrade's DNA was on the pink vibrator.
Paraphrasing he DNA expert, she explained that her studies and experience in DNA that would lead her to a reading amount of 3.19 measuring units of DNA if he had put the pink vibrator in his mouth, but he had 19 point something units of measuring units of his DNA on the pink vibrator -- in other words, more than six times the DNA material expect if he had sucked on the pink vibrator. The Deputy DA who was questioning the DNA expert asked if this large amount of DNA could be explained by putting that pink vibrator up an anus, and the DNA expert said yes, this would be one of the ways one could expect to find that much DNA material on the a pink vibrator.
In other words, the Deputy DA was essentially making the case Andrade had sexually used the pink vibrator in his anus.
Today, we're going to hear a jailhouse telephone call between Allen Ray Andrade and his ex-girlfriend. In that phone call, he is going to be heard saying:
.............Gay things must die........
I go back to how I treated my friend Brett in high school. It was self-hate that motivated me to act homophobicly.
I'm only speculating, but it sounds like to me that we had a self-hater who killed someone whom he regretted that he spent time with. We in our community who have been in-the-closet homophobic bullies on the way to accepting our own sexual orientation, or own gender identity, know what that this not only is possible, but in this case probably probable.
By circumstantial evidence, the prosecution is showing that he went to traffic court on July 15th, 2008 with Angie -- the day before he admittedly killed Angie. He allegedly heard the court refer to Angie by her male name approximately 36-hours before he killed her.
And, we heard the testimony last Friday that Angie's sister Monica 
literally saw Angie "always" out herself to strangers -- especially male strangers that were hitting on her. Frankly, Angie was young and gorgeous, so she was hit on "a lot" by men. And yet, she had the habit of outing herself to men.
In my mind...by my speculation...this wasn't a crime of passion. Allen Ray Andrade very likely knew Angie was trans many hours -- more than a day -- before he admittedly killed her. It looks to me that a publicly homophobic, closeted gay or bisexual man killed a woman he saw as trans and gay because he didn't want to be identified as gay himself. In my mind, this reads as a crime of angry regret instead of a crime of passion. The gay panic, trans panic strategy that Andrade's defense is using seems to me to be a convenient ruse to violently attempt to hide his own sexuality. This would be no excuse for killing Angie -- the young woman that he, after admittedly killing her, referred to as "it."
Not he, not she, but "it."
So, let me backtrack a bit -- back to my story about Brett.
Brett, if you're reading this piece, I'm so sorry. So, so, very sorry. I was a closeted, homophobic fool. I regret so deeply being an emotional bully to you -- just so I wouldn't be discovered as a gender variant, trans person. It's my greatest regret in life -- shunning you. You were my friend, and yet I behaved so wrongly to you. I'm so, so very sorry.
Original post found at Pam's House Blend by Autumn Sandeen :: Angie Zapata Hate Crime Murder Trial: Pink Vibrator With Only Andrade's DNA Entered Into Evidence
Dallas Lives large and thinks big at next National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change
MEDIA CONTACT:
Inga Sarda-Sorensen
Director of Communications
(Office) 646.358.1463
(Cell) 202.641.5592
Live large and think big at nextNational Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change
Co-chairs announced, Dallas/Fort Worth Host Committee launches April 23
WASHINGTON, April 20 — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force announces the co-chairs of the Dallas/Fort Worth Host Committee for the National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change. The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights movement’s premier annual gathering will return to Dallas, Texas, Feb. 3–7, 2010. The conference, which also took place in Dallas in 1994, is produced by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
Co-chairs announced, Dallas/Fort Worth Host Committee launches April 23
WASHINGTON, April 20 — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force announces the co-chairs of the Dallas/Fort Worth Host Committee for the National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change. The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights movement’s premier annual gathering will return to Dallas, Texas, Feb. 3–7, 2010. The conference, which also took place in Dallas in 1994, is produced by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
Meet the co-chair leadership team for the 2010 Creating Change Conference:
Henry Ramirez III works at the Resource Center of Dallas (RCD) as the center programs manager, where he manages Gaybingo Dallas, the workforce development series and other programs.
He began volunteering at RCD in 1994, working with outreach and education programs, then moved into a part-time role as prevention educator in RCD’s community health programs. Ramirez has worked more than 20 years with the Hispanic and LGBT communities in Dallas, having served on the board of directors of the Hispanic Bankers Association during his eight-year stint in the banking industry.
He began volunteering at RCD in 1994, working with outreach and education programs, then moved into a part-time role as prevention educator in RCD’s community health programs. Ramirez has worked more than 20 years with the Hispanic and LGBT communities in Dallas, having served on the board of directors of the Hispanic Bankers Association during his eight-year stint in the banking industry. Beau G. Heyen, M.S.Ed., is the co-chair of the Dallas chapter of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN-Dallas), which works to create schools and communities that are safe for all youth, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression.
Heyen serves as the minister for youth and spiritual formation at Cathedral of Hope, a congregation of the United Church of Christ with a primary outreach to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and allied individuals, and on the advisory board for Dallas P.U.M.P. (Pride Unity Music Power) GLBTQA Youth Choir. Lovely Murrell was a principal organizer of “Ladyfest in the Biblebelt,” a festival held in Denton, Texas, in 2004 that focused on women in film, the arts and politics.
She has also been active in her local chapter of Sokka Gakai International, an international Buddhist community, organizing youth summits and festivals. Murrell is currently the nutrition and bodycare manager at Cupboard Natural Foods. She lives in Denton with her wife, their two dogs, two cats, turtle and their large family of humans.Marlene Tovar served on the operations staff of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force from 2001 to 2007, attending and working at five Creating Change conferences where she coordinated
volunteers and oversaw meeting-room operations. She currently works at the Texas State Historical Association in Denton, where she is the membership coordinator and assistant to the executive director. Tovar is the first-ever straight ally to co-chair a Creating Change Host Committee.
volunteers and oversaw meeting-room operations. She currently works at the Texas State Historical Association in Denton, where she is the membership coordinator and assistant to the executive director. Tovar is the first-ever straight ally to co-chair a Creating Change Host Committee. “We are delighted with our co-chair team of four accomplished and experienced community leaders,” says Russell Roybal, the Task Force’s deputy executive director of external relations. “We’re coming back to Dallas to host our annual movement family gathering and we look forward to a robust and visionary event in the heart of Texas. Our 2010 Creating Change attendees will be treated to real Texas hospitality. Let’s live large and think big at Creating Change!
”The co-chairs will convene the first Creating Change 2010 Host Committee meeting on Thursday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the Rainbow Room at the Resource Center of Dallas, 2701 Reagan St. For directions or information, call 214.521.5124.
For more information about the Creating Change conference, visit http://www.creatingchange.org/. For details about the Dallas/Forth Worth Creating Change Host Committee, e-mail creatingchange@theTaskForce.org.
–30–
The mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is to build the grassroots power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. We do this by training activists, equipping state and local organizations with the skills needed to organize broad-based campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation, and building the organizational capacity of our movement. Our Policy Institute, the movement’s premier think tank, provides research and policy analysis to support the struggle for complete equality and to counter right-wing lies. As part of a broader social justice movement, we work to create a nation that respects the diversity of human expression and identity and creates opportunity for all. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., we also have offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis and Cambridge. © 2009 National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. 1325 Massachusetts Ave NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005. Phone 202.393.5177. Fax 202.393.2241. TTY 202.393.2284.
4/20/09
Boloxi MS Children Beat By Guards Locked up 23 Hours in Filth Committing Suicide SPLC TAKES ACTION!
April 20, 2009Dear Friend,
Add your voice to this fight. Tell Harrison County officials to stop abusing children.
Today we filed suit to stop the horrible abuse of children at a Mississippi detention center, where they are confined in filthy, bug-infested cells for 23 hours a day with no adequate mental health or education services.
Our client, D.W., is a 17-year-old African-American youth who endured a brutal physical assault by guards who slammed his face into a concrete floor. After a week at the facility, he tried to hang himself with a bed sheet. But rather than provide him counseling, guards harassed and taunted him — telling him his mother no longer cared and would not visit him again.
The children held at the Harrison County Juvenile Detention Center in Biloxi are not hardened criminals. Most are accused of minor, nonviolent offenses and are simply awaiting court hearings.
This detention center is operated for profit by a company that has blocked civil rights investigators from inspecting the facility, even though they have a right under federal law to monitor the conditions there.
Dozens of other children describe their own nightmarish experiences. Because their cells were overcrowded, many slept on the floor next to dirty toilets. Infections were rampant. Guards were quick to use violence. One teen described conditions as "unbearable" and said children were treated like "dogs."
It's appalling that a private company is being allowed to profit from the misery and suffering of these children.
This lawsuit is just one of the strategies we're using to protect children from a broken system that would rather spend money on prisons than mental health services and education. Across the country, thousands of children — disproportionately black and many suffering from mental disabilities — are being needlessly incarcerated for petty offenses.
We're doing everything we can to stop this unconscionable abuse. You can help by adding your voice to this fight. Click here to tell Harrison County officials to stop abusing children. We'll make sure they get your message.
Thanks for your support.
Richard Cohen
President
Beth Karas Of TruTV In Session Talks About the Angie Zapata Case, Other Cases, And Great Coffee (+)
Authored by Autumn Sandeen and cross posted from Pam's House Blend with full permission as we are working in unison to make public the Allen Ray Andrade murder trial of Angie Zapata.
Here's an excerpt of the video (Thanks to Louise for the transcription!):
Autumn Sandeen: Why is "In Session" here and this isn't the first trans case that "Court TV/ True TV In Session" has covered...
Beth Karas: Let me tell you, first of all, when we pick trials we look for issues, and this of course has a very important issue. The first time, perhaps, that a transgender victim, where the case is going to trial, where the victim is transgender, and hate crime is also part of the charges, in the accusatory instruments. Not an indictment, here it's the information.
So it's very important, in only 11 states and the District of Columbia as you know, include transgender status within their definition of orientation in their hate crime (legislation).
So it's important that people see this case, it's an educational trial for people who are not familiar with the transgender community, and I value that educational aspect of it.
Jumping ahead to more on hate as relates to this case, but the information regarding the case Beth discusses at this point of a custody battle in Clearwater FL is remarkably eye-opening... (Louise)
Autumn Sandeen: ...And this trial is going publically to be at least as educational. And again, we're talking hate crimes. This is... you know, just from the outside looking in, this is an interesting case.
Beth Karas: You know, people need to understand all of the issues. We need to understand the translifesty- way of life. I can be criticized for saying lifestyle.... way of life, okay. I appreciate it, I need to be criticized, I'm learning too. And that's the only way to really deal with the hate.
Autumn Sandeen: I just have one last question.
Friday I think we all noticed that the defense was using nothing but male terminology, you know, Angie's male name, and calling her "he" and "him" the entire way through the trial, whereas we had family members, in fact Stephanie Zapata was strongly correcting the defense attorney at every turn. "My sister Angie, you mean my sister, Angie, my sister" and just over and over, and both sides were...
What's your take on that little aspect of the (trial)?
Beth Karas: There's no question that that was the headline of the day on Friday. We knew it was coming and those family members and friends were well prepared to respond the opposite of the quesions being asked and I wrote about that on the CNN.com (site)-
Autumn Sandeen: And we're going to link to that, too.
Beth Karas: And, I mean, it's such an awful tragedy, this case, but it was almost comical and I don't mean that in a disrespectful way, the way that the attornies were just "Justin" and "he" and that "Angie" and "she", and "my sister", and it's like, come on people, let's get it together.
This was the defense's way, though, of illustrating the issue of the case. Because they of course are saying "provocation- rage-learning that the beautiful woman he was with, biologically a male", somehow justifies or mitigates something less of, uh- it doesn't justify the murder but it mitigates it from first degree down to second degree. So that's their way of reminding the jury of the issue in the case.
And here's the links that Beth mentioned:
- CNN Crime / TruTV In Session Video Feed of Angie Zapata Trial
- Beth Karas Facebook Page
- Beth Karas Facebook Fan Page
- In Session Blog
- Beth Karas Blog Entry: Defense spars with victim's family at trial
- Twitter: Beth Karas
By Autumn Sandeen :: Beth Karas Of TruTV In Session Talks About the Angie Zapata Case, Other Cases, And Great Coffee
4/19/09
GoodBye to Hate : Angie's Zapata's Legacy
By kelli Anne Busey, planetransgender, April 19, 2009
The Courtroom's galleries reaction to the defense attorney's during the murder trial of Allen Ray Andrade is a microcosm of America's disgust that anyone would attempt to justify murder by intentionally with preconceived agenda and intent, emotionally and spiritually attack Angie's loved ones while they testify.
Where else might such a disastrous and despicable tactic be found? And why is the perception of right and wrong shifting after seemingly remaining unaltered throughout eternity?
"Invisible airwaves crackle with life
Bright antenae bristle with the energy
Emotional feedback, on timeless wavelength
Bearing a gift beyond price - almost free"
~Rush Spirit of the airwaves.
When woman are raped, the presently discredited tactic defense attorneys often used was to claim or insinuate that 'we deserved it' or that we 'asked for it' because of our attire, perfume, and even the fact that we were in public at a certain hour.
Woman now hold power in society and we are no longer silent victims.
Because we as sexual minorities, LBGT people, are no longer complacent with the edict's of Misogynous patriarchate's to be discarded or at best marginalized to the perimeters of faith as we seek readmission from religions. Much to our detriment what we were actually doing was giving credence to the church's discrimination and enabling spiritual violence.
We realize now the powerful message of radical inclusion of Christ's life and are now living his word centering ourselves among the righteous of the true church.
"All this machinery making modern music
Can still be open-hearted
Not so coldly charted; it's really just a question of your honesty.
One likes to believe in the freedom of music
But glittering prizes and endless compromises shatter the illusion of integrity"
Or perhaps not so often as our previously patriarchdom controlled culture had allowed we now embrace the freedom of the air waves to confront open consciousnesses that were sedated with comfort's allowed by inequity and injustice.
"For the words of the profits were written on the studio wall and concert hall
And echoes with the sound of salesmen."
~Rush 'Freedom of the airways'.
One transgender woman who lived authentically and without fear is a part of our unstoppable transition.
This is certainly people who's life's depends on inspiring hate, worsts nightmare.
It opens the door of life, liberty, freedom and the right to live without religious persecution, for those of us who do not.
On the web
Source Beth Karas, In Session correspondent, CNN "Defense spars with victim’s family at trial "
"GREELEY, Colorado–Angie Zapata’s mother, sisters and friends took on the defense on the second day of the trial of the man accused of killing her last July. Zapata, a transgender female, was bludgeoned to death in her home in Greeley, Colorado, allegedly because she was biologically a male living as a female."
"The accused, six-time convicted felon Allen Andrade, isn’t denying he’s the killer. He says that it wasn’t a premeditated murder as charged by the state; rather that Zapata’s deceit threw him into an uncontrollable rage. If convicted of a lesser degree of murder, he could avoid life without parole."
"On the second day of the trial, seven family members and friends of Zapata testified. Of those seven, five of them, Zapata’s mother, two sisters and two friends, consistently embraced Zapata’s transgender status."
Full Article at CNN.com Defense spars with victim’s family at trial
Reconciling Ministries Network
The Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) is a growing movement of United Methodist individuals, congregations, campus ministries, and other groups working for the full participation of all people in the United Methodist Church.
This blog post is my personal opinion and is not an official policy statement or press release from any organization.
What Does "Justice For Angie" Mean?
by: Autumn Sandeen
Sat Apr 18, 2009 at 21:57:57 PM EDT
Cross posted with full permission from Pam's House Blend. Thank You Autumn.
I have lots of blog diaries to write this weekend. I need to post on what happened at the trial Friday (and why it's hard for me to post about it), about what my experience in Greeley, Colorado has been like, and a post entitled "Am I Deceptive Too?"
But, I'm going to make my first report this weekend about what are the possible sentences will be if Allen Ray Andrade is found guilty of a homicide directly related to Angie's killing. And, talking about how Justice For Angie may be slightly different that justice for the Transgender (or Trans) Community, and the broader Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Community, as well as the Progressive and Civil Rights Communities.
And, my source for the possible sentences is Beth Karas (Facebook fan page is here) of TruTV In Session (formerly known as CourtTV).
Beth and I had coffee this morning at Café Woody's. There, she graciously explained to what the prosecutor is aiming for, what the defense is aiming for, and the punishments would be for the for just the murder change. (There are other criminal complaints for this case, and except for the bias motivated crime complaint, these won't be discussed in this piece.) Beth is an attorney -- a former prosecutor herself -- so she knows law. She thoroughly researched the possible homicide sentences, and briefed me on possible sentencing based upon what, if homicide charge, Allen Ray Andrade is convicted of.
[This] is a table of the charged offenses against Allen Ray Zapata, with possible sentences.
Since this isn't a death penalty case, life without parole would be the highest sentence Andrade could receive. And, that sentence apparently would be the automatic sentence if he were convicted of that crime -- there would apparently no discretion available to the Judge (Judge Marcelo Kopcow) regarding sentencing. First Degree Murder is premeditated murder in Colorado, is a First Class Felony (F1), and is the criminal conviction that the prosecution is aiming for.
Allen Ray Andrade could also be found guilty of Second Degree Murder, Felony Second Class (F2). If he were found guilty of this criminal count, the sentence range is 16 to 48 years. Colorado doesn't have indeterminate sentencing for crimes, so he wouldn't be sentenced to 16 to 48 years, he would be sentenced to 16 years, 48 years, or some number of years in between those two numbers. A conviction on this criminal count would mean that the jury believed that the murder wasn't premeditated.
The other homicide conviction Andrade could be found guilty of, assuming he his found guilty of any criminal homicide, would be Second Degree Murder, Felony Third Class (F3). In most other states, this criminal offense would be referred to as Manslaughter. If he were found guilty of this criminal count, the sentence range is 10 to 32 years. Again, Colorado doesn't have indeterminate sentencing for crimes, so he wouldn't be sentenced to 10 to 32 years, he would be sentenced to 10 years, 32 years, or some number of years in between those two numbers. The defense has conceded that Andrade committed the killing, and an F3 criminal conviction that the prosecution is aiming for, based on heat of passion (read in this case as "gay panic" or "trans panic") and intoxication.
The elements that would be taken into account by a jury to change Second Degree Murder from an F2 into an F3 felony offence would include provocation, rape, heat of passion, and intoxication, for example. And, as stated in the paragraph above, the Andrade defense is claiming heat of passion and intoxication.
[Below the fold: On Colorado's Habitual Offender enhancements, and what Angie's family believes justice for Angie in a criminal sentence would entail.]
Autumn Sandeen :: What Does "Justice For Angie" Mean?
Colorado has a "three strikes" kind of law on their books, as many states do -- their law is referred to as their Habitual Offender law. Essentially, if a defendant is found guilty in trial of a felony and has had 2 prior felony convictions, he can be found by the trial judge to be an habitual offender. The prosecution has submitted 6 felonies to the court as ones that could be used by judge to find Allen Ray Andrade to be an habitual offender, so if Andrade is convicted of the F1, F2, or F3 offence with regards to Angie's killing, it seems likely that he'll be considered an habitual offender. If Andrade is found guilty of the highest F1 count, then the prosecutor isn't going to push for the habitual offender enhancement: he already would be receiving a sentence of life without parole. However, if he's found guilty of the F2 or F3, that enhancement would be significant -- it doubles the maximum sentence.
So if Andrade were found guilty of the F2 felony by the jury, and if the court found he was an habitual offender, then the result would be that the judge would have no discretion in sentencing Andrade to 96 years in prison. In a similar manner, if Andrade were found guilty of the F2 felony by the jury, and if the court found he was an habitual offender, then the result would be that the judge would have no discretion in sentencing Andrade to 64 years in prison. As Andrade is 31 years old, it's likely that if he were convicted of an F1, F2, or F3 homicide, and found to be an habitual offender, he would likely spend the rest of his natural life in prison.
If we're looking for justice for Angie, having her admitted killer spend the rest of his natural life in prison would be justice for her and her family -- and that's accorning to Angie's family. We need to remember this to help us keep perspective on any felony homicide conviction in this case before the Weld County Court.
If we're looking for justice for broader community; however, then one of the other charges we haven't talked about yet -- the bias motivated charge -- becomes important.
Count 2 of the charges is the Bias Motivates Crime count. This count reads as follows:
Between and including July 16, 2008 and July 17, 2008, Allen Ray Andrade, with intent to intimidate or harass [Angie's male name] Zapata, also known as Angie Zapata, because of her actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin , physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, unlawfully, feloniously, and knowingly caused bodily injury to [Angie's male name] Zapata, also known as Angie Zapata; in violation of section 18-9-121(2)(a), C.R.S.
Sexual orientation is defined as follows in the statute:
"Sexual orientation" means a person's actual or perceived orientation toward heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or transgender status.
Speaking as an individual who identifies as both transgender and transsexual, and knowing trans folks at the grass roots as I do, I don't believe that the Trans Community will be satisfied with an F2 or F3 homicide conviction of the admitted killer of Angie Zapata alone. To be "acceptable," an F2 or F3 homicide conviction would need to be accompanied with a conviction on the bias motivated crime count. Given the facts of this case, if Colorado is unsuccessful in convincing a jury that this was a bias motivated hate crime against transgender people, many trans people will be wondering what set of facts will convince a Colorado jury that a bias motivated crime against a trans person was committed against a trans person specifically because the killed person was trans.
And, because that mixed outcome would matter to trans people, their significant others, their friends, their families, and their allies, that outcome would matter to many people in the broader LGBT, Progressive, and Civil Rights communities.
In my mind, justice for Angie is the most important outcome we need to concerned about in this case, and not vengence for Angie. And, according to Angie's family, justice justice for Angie means that admitted killer Allen Ray Andrade spend the rest of his natural life in prison. I'm with the family on this.
But that said, no one should be under the delusion that justice for Angie in this criminal case is necessarily the exact same thing as justice for trans people. If there isn't a hate crime conviction in this case, the broader communities are going to have to rethink how hate crime laws are written so that "gay panic" and "trans panic" strategies put forward by defense attornys don't nulify the intent of the hate crime laws. And, the intent of these hate crime laws being the legal tools to address how people in the LGBT community feel fear -- and feel terrorized -- by hate crimes against their brothers and sisters within their community. We often fear becoming hate crime victims ourselves, especially when we hear of hate crimes being commited against others in our community; when we don't see those perceived as committing hate crimes being convicted of the hate crimes they're charged with.
Cross posted from Pam's House Blend in our effort to make public the trial of Allen Ray Andrade for the Murder of Angie Zapata.
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