Dallas Transgender Advocates Grass Roots Action in Support Of Our Sister Cece McDonald, Incarcerated to satisfy The Industrial Prison Complexes insatiable appetite For Minorities.
Now is when we show our true trans mettle and commit ourselves to a grass roots action showing our incarcerated sister we care.
We know we do care but she won't unless we tell her.
What we got to do....
Buy envelopes, stamps and a pad of paper..
In your own words tell Cece how you feel..doesn't have to be anything fancy, just be u...
This will be the only contact she may have over the long run as her case begins to fade from media attention and peoples minds. Its only human we do tend to procrastinate, until her imprisonment fades but its a sign of a true friend and a solid community that we won't.
Write CeCe
Please send a letter to CeCe while she is in jail. Let her know she has a huge amount of community support and that we are all here for her.
DTAA's own Rev. Allyson Robinson, who is HRC's associate director of diversity will testify before a committee of New Hampshire lawmakers on House Bill 415, legislation to add gender identity and gender expression protections to the state’s non-discrimination statutes.
Rev. Allyson who was sadly unable to attend our conversation with Bishop Robinson was presenting witness in Florida at a Transgender Day of Remembrance found in the video below.
From
HRC Back Story, DC, USA
Human Rights Campaign testifies on NH gender identity and expression bill
February 05, 2009
Chris Johnson
Today Allyson Robinson (pictured), our associate director of diversity, will testify before a committee of New Hampshire lawmakers on House Bill 415, legislation to add gender identity and gender expression protections to the state's non-discrimination statutes. The legislation will also make additions to the state hate crimes law to ensure that perpetrators of hate crimes against transgender people are subject to the same extended sentencing terms as perpetrators of hate crimes based on other prohibited bases, such as race, sex and sexual orientation.
Allyson's testimony before the state House Judiciary Committee will draw upon her experience not only as an LGBT advocate but as a transgender woman with a family. Here is the full text of her prepared testimony:
"Chairman Cote, members of the committee, thank you so much for adding my voice to the others you're hearing today. My name is Allyson Robinson. I work as Associate Director of Diversity for transgender concerns with the Human Rights Campaign, America's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization, and I'm here today to testify on behalf of HRC's over 8,600 members in New Hampshire. But more importantly, I'm here simply as a transgender American to lift up my voice on behalf of the thousands of transgender New Hampshirites who are rendered voiceless by the very real and persistent threat of discrimination and violence."
"I am able to speak out for them because I'm one of the lucky ones, one of the privileged few in our transgender community. I have a wife, children, family and friends who love, support, and encourage me. I have meaningful work that allows me to preserve my sense of human dignity, with an employer committed to evaluating me solely on the basis of my ability to do my job. I have a roof over my head and I enjoy three meals a day; I haven't had to violate my moral principles to keep my family clothed, sheltered, and fed. And I'm fortunate enough to live in a place where I can dine in a restaurant, shop in a store, or take my children to a public playground without fear of being kicked out or having police summoned—a place where those basic rights are protected by the law. All of these things are blessings most people in America take for granted, but which no transgender person can."
"And yet despite my good fortune, I want you to know that I'm often afraid. Like so many other transgender Americans, the faces of the hundreds of our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives to targeted hate violence in recent years are constantly on my mind, as are the stories of thousands more who have suffered humiliating discrimination. Because of this shared experience, and the lack of legislation to protect many of us, we look at people we pass on the street differently. We worry when we notice someone staring at us or our families in a public place. We get scared when we hear footsteps behind us in a parking lot. When I get home from work each night, I hug my wife and kids tight and thank God I've made it. This is what it's like to be a transgender person in our country today, but together we—you—can make things better."
"This moment, this very day, is perhaps the most crucial your transgender constituents have ever faced. The decisions you make here today and in the days to come will determine the way of life for future generations of transgender New Hampshirites. For some, it will make the difference between life and death. I urge you to affirm their basic humanity, and mine, by passing this important legislation. Thank you."
HRC President Joe Solmonese also submitted a letter to Chairman Cote and members of the House Judiciary Committee in which he wrote:
"A person's gender identity or expression has nothing to do with their ability to be a good employee, a qualified renter, or a solid citizen. Like existing laws prohibiting discrimination based on, for example, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation, prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or expression helps ensure that people will be judged on their merits, not on stereotypes, misunderstanding, or bias."
"Right now, transgender people in New Hampshire simply have no legal protection against even the most blatant and outrageous forms of discrimination. HB 415 speaks directly to this gap in the law and makes a clear statement that New Hampshire does not tolerate arbitrary discrimination in any form."
"I hope that you will vote to pass this important legislation, and that it will be enacted into law."
Tomorrow, in one of the most humbling honors of my life, I will deliver an invocation at the first event of inauguration week. Though many of us were deeply upset when President-elect Obama chose Proposition 8 supporter Rev. Rick Warren to speak at his inauguration, the fact that he also invited me – a proud gay man – is a hopeful sign of our president's commitment to reach out to all Americans. Now it's up to all of us to capitalize on this moment and ensure that President-elect Obama works for equality. Join me in asking Obama to take the next step by supporting HRC's Blueprint for Positive Change – a roadmap for LGBT equality."~Bishop V Gene Robinson
I support HRC's roadmap to equality because it is in the best interest of the entire GLBT community.
The Dallas Black Tie Inc. presents HRC with roughly $400,000 dollars annually from this event alone. I protest HRC for inexplicably blindsiding Queer and transgender people in a backroom deal, removing us from ENDA (HR)2015 and assenting to Congressman Frank in dividing our communities human rights movement in 2007. The words Bishop Robinson and I spoke during or conversation were often foreign and left unresolved misunderstandings. In my heart of hearts I still beleive and have personaly witnessed in our own church's how transgender people because of our highly visible hacking, beating and shooting deaths are being used by HRC as sympathy garners and a method of raising money to party at "Gala Events".
A despicable and unchristian practice.
Yes Joe Solomese and Bishop Robinson, others have also noticed.
HRC will have to prove to me by being a loyal and trustworthy advocate over time you are a worthy ally. This is a demand, not a request and is nonnegotiable.
The fact Bishop Robinson attended the Dallas Transgender event speaks volumes of the progressive nature of our Episcopal Diosese of New Hampshire and we should give accolades to Bishop Robinson for this great achievement, however we cannot assume Queer and Transgender concerns are being voiced at the table with the same passion and equity as Gay and Lesbians are by Bishop Robinson.
I personally feel that the Transgender Community has an opportunity and an obligation to step up and let ourselves be heard NOW. We can not rely on ANY central group to secure our place in history. It is up to you and me everyday in small and large ways to be the change.
The questions at the "Dallas Transgender Advocates Conversation With Bishp Robinson" were unrestricted and free flowing. Bishop Robinson with disarming candor explored many topics in depth. The reactions I saw in our diverse transgender panel was amazing and maybe one of the most gratifying payoffs of the entire experience. Some of our panel members advocacy has artificially split our community over it's response to our removal from ENDA and sadly lengthened the span of time between contacts. It was an amazing sight as once cordial yet distant advocates were rejoined in this room by Bishop Robinson's desire for communication.
After all other questions had been asked only one remained......
What of the "Half Loaf of Bread". Sticking in everyones craw, what is the moral and spiritual justification for leaving us behind, humans who were previously fully committed allies, unprotected in home and workplace in the sights of rapist, murderers and the predatory blood thirsty jackals focus on the family and Westboro baptist church?
All panel members present had previous agonized over Bishop Robinson's response to the Dallas Voice's earlier inquiries which resulted in the half loaf response and soul searched for a way to understand Bishop Robinson's answer.
None accomplished this. Not one of us desired to be anything but beneficial to Bishop Robinson, but when our very survival is being jeopardized by rich party goers the Transgender T once again stands up, proud and brave, a tribute to Rita, Angie and countless other gender diverse dead.
Vanessa, our political expert would ask, and ask she did. Followed up by Lisa Scheps. How do we accept being left behind. How can we be docile to the gay and lesbian community as we are mowed down in the streets?
Our conversation ended without closure as we watched the taillight's of the mercedes and BMW's fade ......
....as one hotel worker I had talked to said "oh ya, you're the street people".
By Kelli Busey Proud Transgender Woman November 24, 2008 planetransgender
In a show of solidarity which reaches across the planet two queer organizations from separate continents have joined together to secure a better world for the gender diverse.
In a remarkable set of "coincidences" a GLB organization in the United Kingdom called the "Stonewall" has adopted an agenda identical in results of the United States Gay and Lesbian organization the "Human Rights Campaign."
Both organizations claim full inclusiveness in fundraising while simultaneously engaging in discrimination against and removal of Queer folk from consideration in human rights.
The shock wave that follows exclusionary actions taken by nationally recognized Gay and Lesbian groups results in the increases of horrific murders of young queer folk.
Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies adamantly and LOUDLY OPPOSES ANY agenda from any group who's actions result in the death of queer folk.
Letters and petitions were sent to the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Bishop, New Hampshire the only openly gay Bishop in the Anglican communion, asking him to consider how his attendance at certain social organizations fund raiser might affect transgender people. It is the belief of many transgender people that the exclusion from the national human rights movement was inhumane and his attendance would validate a sense that Transgender people were somehow less than Gays and Lesbians.
Our petitions and protests are without constraint from political and religious influence.
The response we received from Bishop Robinson took us completely off guard. Bishop Robinson asked to meet us, anywhere anytime! Well, how dare he? A religious leader of the Anglican communion willingly stepping up and taking this risk to meet? I was astounded and had to rethink how could we best respond to such a offer.
I went back to my roots at the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), and what I have learned of philosophy and faith. I considered what could be the most important out come of such a meeting?
We all realized our need to be cohesive yet diverse and to respect each other for our common goal of lifting up the Transgender, Queer, Intersexed, Asexual and Questioning people from the sense of despair, frustration and anger we have found ourselves in since our exclusion from the national Gay and Lesbian human rights movement.
Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies are now extending our hand in friendship and welcome to all. We are everything, from radical to conservative and there are no guarantees. It is a leap of faith.
Come and be part of the Conversation with Bishop Robinson on November 22 in Dallas Texas.
We are so different yet so much the same. This realization of our humanity is due to Bishop Robinson "Stepping UP!"
The Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies after petitioning the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, the only openly gay Anglican Bishop, not to attend the Dallas Black Tie has inadvertently found it's self at a confluence of passion, faith and the possible reshaping of the American Anglican landscape.
The original desire of the Advocates was to illuminate the current struggle of transgender people in light of their exclusion from the national human rights movement (ENDA)as a result of efforts by the group "Human Rights Campaign", their political allies and religion.
Bishop Robinson responded by asking for dialogue, and the "Transgender Conversation" with Bishop Robinson was scheduled for November 22, 2008 to correspond with the day that Bishop Robinson is accepting the Elizabeth Birch award from the Human Rights Campaign.
The uproar that the Episcopal Church is experiencing has escalated with the withdrawal of the Pittsburgh Diocese partly in reaction to the instalment of Bishop Robinson and the voting November 4, 2008 by the Fort Worth Diocese which will determine whether they will follow Pittsburgh and join the "Southern Cone"
In respect of Bishop Robinson's request the Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies will hold a moderated conversation in order to maintain the topic's within the agreed boundries.
However the actions of individuals following the conversation may include a vigil, prayer and protest at the site of the fundraiser being conducted by HRC.
Letters and petitions were sent to the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Bishop, New Hampshire the only openly gay Bishop in the Anglican communion, asking him to consider how his attendance at certain social organizations fund raiser might affect transgender people. It is the belief of many transgender people that the exclusion from the national human rights movement was inhumane and his attendance would validate a sense that Transgender people were somehow less than Gays and Lesbians.
Our petitions and protests are without constraint from political and religious influence.
The response we received from Bishop Robinson took us completely off guard. Bishop Robinson asked to meet us, anywhere anytime! Well, how dare he? A religious leader of the Anglican communion willingly stepping up and taking this risk to meet? I was astounded and had to rethink how could we best respond to such a offer.
I went back to my roots at the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), and what I have learned of philosophy and faith. I considered what could be the most important out come of such a meeting?
We all realized our need to be cohesive yet diverse and to respect each other for our common goal of lifting up the Transgender, Queer, Intersexed, Asexual and Questioning people from the sense of despair, frustration and anger we have found ourselves in since our exclusion from the national Gay and Lesbian human rights movement.
Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies are now extending our hand in friendship and welcome to all. We are everything, from radical to conservative and there are no guarantees. It is a leap of faith.
Come and be part of the Conversation with Bishop Robinson on November 22 in Dallas Texas.
We are so different yet so much the same. This realization of our humanity is due to Bishop Robinson "Stepping UP!"
The DTAA is comprised of people who identify as Transgender, Queer, Intersexed, Asexual, Questioning and Allies(TQIAQA). The life blood of the DTAA is our diversity in Gender, Sexual Orientations, Ethnic Background, Political Views, and Religion.
The DTAA has no central steering membership or is obligated to abide by any social, religious or political decorum. It is not a requirement that any member gain a consensus or approval to conduct advocacy, be it conversation, Education or Protest. Our hope is that the right to conduct this advocacy is recognized by our membership and that the outcome will further the advancement of TQIAQA folk in Politics, religions and society.
Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies are thrilled to welcome to Dallas the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire for a public conversation with transgender people.
Sheraton Dallas Hotel Seminar Theater 400 North Olive Street · Dallas, Texas 75201 · United States
Bishop Robinson will attend a "Transgender Conversation" with the Dallas Transgender Advocates, and Allies(DTAA) to share with us his wisdom and faith and to learn of the transgender struggle for equality.
Bishop Robinson has bravely stepped forward to answer questions regarding religion and it's influence on progressive social action, and to share with us what he has learned from the recent Lambeth and how his diocese situation parallels the Queer and Transgenders class struggle against social, religious and political exclusionary and revisionist agendas.
Who are the Dallas Transgender and Advocates Queers and Allies? We are Transgender Questioning Intersexed Asexual Queers and allies. We comprise a nationwide network of diversity in ethnic, social, educational, economic, religious, gender identities, sexual orientations and political views. Our goal is to unite the Transgender Questioning Intersexed Asexual Queer community through realization of potential in soul and mind and moving forward as a whole in the cause of social, legal and religious equality.
Donations are encouraged and appreciated to defray expenses. All remaining funds will forwarded to Carmens Place, an Episcopal home and outreach for LBGT youth, Astoria, New York Carmens Place
"V. Gene Robinson, who became the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church in 2003, will be at the Dallas’ Black Tie Dinner in November to accept the 2008 Elizabeth Birch Award. Robinson sat down with Dallas Voice recently to talk in a telephone interview about his upcoming visit and other issues."
{In this article Bishop Robinson talks about his situation as the only openly gay Bishop in the Anglican Communion and the response of the Anglican church.
He also speaks about our vibrant faith community in Dallas and Fort Worth......}
The interview continues....
DV: Dallas has what is known as the largest gay church in the world. In the context of what you’re talking about, is that a good thing or a bad thing?
V.G.R.: I certainly would never hold it against someone for leaving a church that is inhospitable and unpastoral in order to find a church home that supports them in their faith journey. So I applaud MCC churches and other churches like the Cathedral of Hope. I applaud them for providing that kind of sanctuary. On the other hand, it makes me very, very sad that all of our churches, which ought to be safe places for all of God’s children, are not living up to what they’re called to be. And so I feel like my mission is to at least try to make the Episcopal Church that kind of safe place for LGBT people all over the church.
{Bishop Robinson it appears is in full contact with the LGBT Community and aware that all is not perfect in the LGBT community.......}
"DV: The chief beneficiary of Black Tie is the Human Rights Campaign, which has been criticized supporting a version of the Employment Nondiscrimination Act that didn’t include gender identity. And I understand there is a protest of the dinner planned this year by a transgender group. Can you sympathize with them, and did that play a role in your decision about whether to accept the invitation?
V.G.R.: Well, first of all, I only learned of this protest very recently. I am intending to write back to the transgender group and say that I do intend to receive the award and speak at the Black Tie Dinner, but that I would also be willing to appear, meet with, participate in an event, whatever, with the transgender community to show my support and to speak on their behalf as a fellow member of the community, the larger LGBT community. It goes back to what I said about half a loaf and a whole loaf. The Human Rights Campaign has an enormous influence in Washington, and they’ve got considerable political savvy, and the fact of the matter is that a full LGBT bill simply would not have passed. And I don’t think we always have to hold out for the full loaf before moving forward. You get what you can accomplish and then continue to work for the rest of it. If I believed that HRC was not supportive of transgender people, if I believed that they were not going to continue to work diligently to get transgender people covered under that bill, then that would be a whole different story, but I’m not of that opinion."
Transgender people of faith applaud Bishop Robinson's willingness to learn of and hold discussion about our connection with faith and the turmoil that has engulfed us by the actions of social organizations that affect us.
LEFT OUT PARTY ORGANIZERS JOIN BOSTON’S QUEERTODAY.COM, DALLAS’S TRANSGENDER ADVOCATES AND ALLIES, AND THE TEXAS GENDER ADVOCACY AND INFORMATION NETWORK TO DEMAND THAT HRC ADDRESS DISSENT AT FUTURE FUNDRAISERS WITH NON-VIOLENCE AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Contact: Left OUT, Hale Thompson, 415.310.8569 QueerToday.com, Ethan St. Pierre, 978.518.1835 Texas Gender Advocacy and Information Network, Vanessa Edwards Foster, 832.483.9901 Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies, Kelli Anne Busey 214.226.7080
AUGUST 15, 2008
A national coalition of LGBT organizations have come together in response to HRC’s disturbing pattern of enlisting potential force to address dissent within its own communities. In the wake of the ENDA debacle, HRC has demonstrated a reliance on force to address possible dissenters—LGBT ones-- at their gala fundraising events. In Houston last spring, HRC requested riot police for less than a dozen transgender and allied activists. In San Francisco, private security guards forcefully removed a dissenting attendee, Catherine Cusic.
Brutality and violence are unacceptable ways for any organization, let alone the largest LGBT human rights organization, to deal with dissent or even disruptiveness within its own communities. The incident inside the San Francisco HRC Gala dinner should be fully investigated and in the meantime, HRC should develop a set of protocols in anticipation of future confrontations with dissent that outline humane ways to address dissidence within and outside its events.
Dissent is a critical part of both the political process and political change and calling the police on or using force against fellow LGBT protesters to squash dissent is unacceptable. Clearly with HRC Galas planned for Boston, Minneapolis, Dallas and D.C. in the upcoming months, there will likely be protests, parties, and possibly disruptiveness from persons in our communities who feel excluded by or misrepresented by HRC, and HRC should be fully prepared to address them thoughtfully, humanely and peacefully.
The struggle for civil rights requires solidarity as well as dissent. If any organization should understand and respect that notion, it should be the Human Rights Campaign. Not everyone in our communities can afford to or even wants to enlist HRC in this movement. This coalition calls on our communities, and in particular, HRC, to approach our struggles for civil rights and full protections under the law non-violently and in solidarity.
