Zimbabwe: stop attacks and politically motivated arrests of GLBT advocates

Zimbabwe: Drop Charges Against Rights Defenders
Stop Attacks, Politically Motivated Prosecutions Against Gays and Lesbians

For Immediate Release

Contact:
In Cape Town, Chivuli Ukwimi, International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (English): +27-21-469-3700; or +27-79-440-3938 (mobile)

In New York, Juliana Cano Nieto, Human Rights Watch (English, Spanish): +1-212-216-1867; or +1-646-407-0020 (mobile)

In Brussels, Shaun Kirven, Protection International (English, Spanish): +32-26-09-4409; or + 32-474-276-555 (mobile)

In Halifax, Kim Vance, ARC-International (English): +1-902-488-6404 (mobile)

(Harare, May 30, 2010) - A police raid and apparently politically motivated arrests at the offices of Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) is an attack on all human rights defenders in Zimbabwe, a group of five international organizations said today in a letter to Margaret Sekaggya, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights defenders.

A trial is set for June 10, 2010, for two persons arrested in a raid at the GALZ offices in Harare on May 21. The arrests occurred shortly before the opening of a national Constitutional Reform Outreach Program, through which GALZ is seeking to remove discriminatory provisions and secure constitutional protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. The five human rights organizations believe that the context in which the raid and arrests occurred raises serious concerns that they were politically motivated.

"It is troubling-and ironic-that the government is persecuting people who are seeking to protect the rights of all Zimbabweans through the constitution," said Juliana Cano Nieto, researcher in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights Program at Human Rights Watch. "This assault on the LGBT community threatens everyone in the country who is working for human rights."

In the raid on May 21, the police arrested a GALZ staff member, Ellen Chadenama, and a visitor to the offices, Ignatius Mhambi, charging them with possession of "dangerous drugs" and "pornographic material," and confiscating educational material. On May 24, a Zimbabwean Magistrate's Court added the charge of "undermining authority of or insulting [the] president" because the GALZ office displayed a placard that made a critical reference to President Robert Mugabe. Two days later, police searched the house of the acting director of GALZ, confiscating his birth certificate, several GALZ magazines, books, and business cards. The Magistrate Court in Harare granted bail to Chadenama and Mhambi on May 27 after they spent six days in detention.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), which is providing legal assistance to GALZ, said that Mhambi and Chadenama stated being physically assaulted by the police while in custody. Mhambi said that police hit him with empty glass bottles on his knees. Both told the lawyers' group that the police forced them to "sit in the air"- crouching in an uncomfortable position-for a long period of time.

"This is not the first time a state has used antiquated public decency laws to garner public support for intimidation and harassment of legitimate sexual rights work," said Shaun Kirven, advocacy officer at Protection International. "These attacks only inflame public intolerance and prevent the international community from taking action against state-sponsored homo- and transphobia."

Other GALZ staff members, including some who were out of Zimbabwe at the time of the arrests, are afraid to return home or to the GALZ office, and the work of the organization has effectively been halted, the human rights groups said. GALZ, the only organization of its kind in the country, provides critical HIV/AIDS and psychological support and services to the LGBT community in Zimbabwe.

"The raid on GALZ, the arrests and the charges severely impede the work of an organization that provides life-saving services to a marginalized population," said Chivuli Ukwimi, health and human rights officer at the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. "It is time for the government of Zimbabwe to deliver on its promise of equality and justice to all members of society."

In their letter, the human rights organizations called on Sekaggya and the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, to investigate the raid on GALZ and the prosecution and alleged ill-tratment of Mhambi and Chadehama.

"This is a cynical and revealing move by Mugabe's camp to exploit the fact that the international community is in 'wait-and-see' mode vis-à-vis the unity government, which has also left the opposition toothless and vulnerable," said Lisa Veneklasen, executive director of JASS.

Government-sanctioned homophobia has led to attacks against GALZ in the past. In 1995, GALZ was denied permission to participate in the Zimbabwe International Book Fair because of government pressure. In May 1998, the state-controlled Sunday Mail published a front-page article accusing GALZ of running a brothel from its office and of showing pornographic videos. Subsequently, the same paper accused GALZ of holding "rowdy parties" featuring "public indecency." In no instance was there any evidence to support the allegations.

Speaking at a ceremony marking International Women's Day earlier this year, President Mugabe said, "Those who engage in homosexual behavior are just crazy." In the past, Mugabe has compared homosexuals to pigs and dogs and has stated that homosexuality "degrades human dignity."

The 1998 UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders calls on states to take all necessary measures to ensure the protection of everyone against any violence, threats, retaliation, adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the Declaration."

The letter was signed by the following organizations:ARC-InternationalHuman Rights WatchInternational Gay and Lesbian Human Rights CommissionJASS-Just AssociatesProtection International

The mission of The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) is advancing human rights for everyone, everywhere to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. A non-profit, non-governmental organization, IGLHRC is based in New York, with offices in Cape Town and Buenos Aires. Visit http://www.iglhrc.org for more information.

Understanding Gay Misogyny: Why "Ticked off Tra**ies with Knives"?

Ain’t nothin’ hotter than a dead girl

To many transgender people the whole concept of Misogyny is a mystery and to others like myself, it is not.

I once identified out of fear as male and played the male dominate role. It had been ingrained in my psyche and served as my cover so no one would get a glimpse of my true self, except.....

.....when I had to lower my defenses as I had to do frequently to engage in sex. Then I was feminine and emotionally accessible and afterwards I felt angry. Angry at myself for being vulnerable, at my sexual partner for seeing my vulnerabilities and in my momentarily sedated mind I was especially angy at my temporary sexual partners for capitalizing on my vulnerabilities.

Seeking retribution and a way to mend my broken self I would tell sexist jokes, visit strip clubs, act disrespectfully and generally try to makeup for my lack of self respect by exhibiting passive aggressive behaviour towards women.

Exit Mr and enter Ms. I am asking you to take a leap of faith with me.

In believing I have transitioned and have had many years introspection and spiritual growth thats allowed me to view that "me" with a rear view mirror. That intimate knowledge of misogyny and the resultant behaviour enables me with a unique vantage point.

But why are so many gay men so enthralled with stereotyping as sexually inferior transgender woman, usurping and denigrating transgender phraseology and whats up with this violence? First lets get a handle on what misogyny is and thanks to glbtq Social Science we will debunk it's mystery.

"Misogyny" literally means "hatred of women." However, in everyday usage, beliefs and actions described as misogynist range from intense hatred of women to a more subtle disdain that maintains women as inferior beings who must be dominated and controlled by men. There are some men who eagerly adopt the label of misogynist and others who take its definition literally to mean hatred and therefore absolve themselves of the charge."

Curious is the response of a few transwoman who defend "TO$WK"!

"Misogyny also infects women, including their attitudes toward themselves as well as toward others. Just as there are homophobic queer people, there are also misogynistic women."

So how is Misogyny exhibited socially?

"Misogyny, and societal acceptance of it, can be blamed for men's violence against female family members, as well as strangers; discrimination against women in employment, education, and politics; lack of appropriate health care for women (such as inadequate funding for research on female cancers); and continuing unequal divisions of labor in the home, among many other social inequities."

How does misogyny effect gay men?

"Gay men are both perpetrators of misogyny and victims of it. In all-male societies where women are neither necessary nor desired, gay men can create a misogynistic culture without the existence of any women to object."

"Gay men's use of drag, as well as campy humor imitating or making fun of women, can be seen as misogynist behavior. Drag exaggerates and flaunts over-the-top femininity in a way that few women would or could. While many drag artists and connoisseurs respect and appreciate women, others engage in drag with the conscious understanding that they are making fun of women, or at least of certain aspects of female behavior and existence."

So how as a transgender woman does gay misogyny affect my life?

"As individuals who reside in the borderlands between maleness and femaleness, or who try to cross this border, transgendered people are subject to particularly virulent misogyny (wit TO$WK). Men who are seen as "acting like women" are subjected to misogynist violence by men who see them as degrading masculinity. Women who are seen as "acting like men" are often especially targeted by misogynists, who believe such behavior is a corruption of nature. Fear of violence from misogynists and others forces many transgender people to try to hide who they are, an onerous task in daily life."

How can I better the transgender experience for people yet to begin there trip on our road less traveled?

I am working hard to expose this sickness in our LGBTQ community. You may also and we can help to open one gay persons heart, stop one gay man from attending TO#WK, stop one LGBTQ film festival from gorging at the temple of transplotation, we have succeeded for today.

For today! Tomorrow as our detractors have often noted much to there dismay, we will work again Never satisfied untill we are treated as fully equal in the Gay and Lesbian Bi Sexual world.


Interesting read: Hollywood’s Misogyny: Top Model’s Beautiful Corpses

DADT Repeal? WOOT-WOOT! Watch out you napping heterosexuals It's a free for all!

The cat's out of the bag! The jinks is up, so to speak. The real reason for our efforts to repeal DADT have been revealed! We want to s**k you off in your sleep!

Filed in I needed a good hysterical laugh circular bin is the latest comedy of idiocy from family research something or another titled "Family Research Council: End Of DADT Means More Gay Rape In The Military".

Are the good people at FRC concerned for our behinds? Oh no. This is too funny.

"Here's how the Family Research Council envisions things going if Don't Ask, Don't Tell is repealed: first, more straight soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines will be fellated in their sleep against their will. Then, commanders afraid of being labeled homophobes will refuse to do anything about it. Eventually, the straight service members will quit out of fear."

"On a conference call with reporters today, FRC Senior Fellow for Policy Studies Peter Sprigg delivered the results of what he said was the first-ever study of "homosexual assault" in the military. Joined by several former military officers opposed to allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the armed forces, he warned Congress that the DADT repeal language currently under discussion with the agreement of the White House will turn the U.S. military into a terrifying free-rape zone where no heterosexual is safe."

Source Evan McMorris-Santoro | May 26, 2010, 5:07PM

Have any of these fools ever spent a day in uniform? Woman getting raped by hetero men is EPIDEMIC in the military and unwanted pregnancy and disgraced woman make up the highest percentage of less than honorable discharges.

This gay hate groups propaganda is representative of the culture of denial in the military.

Man up generals. It's your precious subordinates you are protecting who are raping the daughters America has entrusted to you thats the cause of the ruination of so many good troops. Damn.

Kim Pearson Trans Family Youth Allies: We need a Grant Writer yesterday!

TransYouth Family Allies Executive Director Kim Pearson talks with Autumn Sandeen about the volunteer work that the TYFA accomplishes and how expense travel is frequently required. The Trans Family Youth and Allies needs a volunteer grant writer today! Thank you Autumn Sandeen and Kim Pearson, you are my heroes.



Source Pam's House Blend

Support St. Louis adding Gender protections to it's Nondiscrimination Ordinance

Start Time: Monday, May 24, 2010 at 3:30pm
End Time: Friday, May 28, 2010 at 11:00pm
Location: St. Louis City
Facebook page
TransHaven.org

The first reading was on May 21st so please contact your alderman and ask him/her to support Board Bill 67 adding Gender Identity and Expression to St. Louis' existing Nondiscrimination Ordinance.

Don't know your alderperson? Check here

You can see the entirety of the bill here: stlcin.missouri.org

e-mailing your alderperson is a quick and easy way to make our city take a step in the right direction!

Gay Liberation Network's Andy Thayer en route to Moscow for outlawed 2010 Pride

Thayer’s trip is sponsored by the all-volunteer Gay Liberation Network (GLN), of which he is a co-founder. In 2007, GLN sponsored Nikolai Alekseev’s first-ever visit to the United States. God speed brave advocate.

Gay Russians Arrested | Boycott Eurovision

Source Gay Liberation Network activist en route to Russia Mayor Yury Luzhkov has labeled gays "satanic," and last year had Thayer and others arrested by the OMOH, Moscow's riot police. This year's demonstration, slated for Saturday, May 29, will go forward despite Luzhkov's ban.

This is the fifth year that Moscow authorities have banned gay pride events in the city, despite a decriminalization of homosexuality that occurred 17 years ago when Russian authorities were courting the European Union. In announcing this year's ban, Moscow authorities did not offer an alternative venue to the proposed site of the protest, as they are required to by law.

"For several years, Moscow has experienced unprecedented pressure to conduct a gay pride parade, which cannot be called anything but a Satanic act," said Luzhkov in December. "We have prevented such a parade and we will not allow it in the future. Everyone needs to accept that as an axiom. It's high time that we stop propagating nonsense discussions about human rights, and bring to bear on them the full force and justice of the law."

I reported on the 2008 Moscow pride Russian Gay Pride: everything you want to know about getting your head bashed in but were afraid to ask

2009 Русский язык Гей Изолировано и преследовал Мировые Стенды Близко Russian Gay's Isolated and persecuted the World Stands By

Breaking News: DART to Vote on Transgender Protections TONIGHT!

Pamela Curry Dallas transgender activist reports she received a unexpected but welcomed phone call from DART board member Claude Williams, Chair, Economic Opportunity and Diversity Committee
.
Curry said "Mr. Williams wanted to remind me that as planned the committee will vote on whether to pass to the full Board a recommendation to amend the DART nondiscrimination policy to include gender inclusion at the 4:30 committee meeting."

Then he dropped the bombshell Curry explained "There will be a vote at the full Board meeting at 6:30 on whether DART will amend it's nondiscrimination policy to include protections for their transgender employees. This was news to everyone Curry stated "Because it is not even listed on the Board agenda for tonight."

Pamela would like to extend a invitation to everyone in north Texas to attend both meetings because even as it is expected that the committee will pass a recommendation to a receptive Board to include Transgender protections, a strong showing from our community will be highly beneficial.

Pamela also wanted to pass along a note to our lesbian and gay DART employees regarding partner benefits. Pamela stated "We have made great strides forward on the transgender issue thanks to the GLB community and we want you to know we are coming back for you!"

First meeting committee decides whether to pass to the board a recommendation to amend the nondiscrimination policy:


DART- Dallas AREA RAPID TRANSITCOMMITTEE-OF-THE WHOLE
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 4:30 P.M. - Conference Room C
1401 Pacific Ave., Dallas, TX 75202
DART Homepage
Map

Second meeting tonight most possiable a vote by the board to include gender identity in the DART nondiscrimination policy.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit
6:30 P.M. BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 - Board Room
1401 Pacific Ave., Dallas, TX 75202
DART Homepage
Map

Protest TO*WK sight unseen JUSTIFIED/Beating GAYS with Bats a NO NO But 'Trannies' A.OK.

• Q: How is it so many transgender people decline to watch TO*WK yet feel justified in objecting to it's title and message?
  
  We all seem to be ignorant protesters, flying in judgment with out knowing the exact details of who's head was smashed sending scalp grotesquely flying, or which bloodied woman prevailed in murdering their attackers.
  
  
• A: We are e victims and survivors and of hate crimes, and allied people be they transgender or cisgender, who object to the commercialization and sensationalization of murders committed against woman.
  
  Because of the prevalence of murder committed against the transgender community we know this violence personally and like the nightmares that will forever wake us shivering in cold sweat, this movie haunts us with the knowledge of exactly how powerless we are to physically defend ourselves.
  
  It sends a spike of pain, guilt and shame into our very souls.
  
  Except now the provocateurs are misogynistic OPENLY GAY MEN. The director and producers of TO*WK hold a physiological baseball bat above us, waving it contemptuously, maniacally grinning, uttering pejoratives, enthralled and empowered in tormenting weak and vulnerable women.
  
  
• Q: Protesting the 'Tranny' in the title! How could we?
  
  Bashing gays with baseball bats has become an American pastime, especially in Oak Lawn /Cartoon, Dallas Voice May 18, 2010
  
  
• A: We find it contemptuous and the height of hypocrisy that the Dallas Voice, the same gay newspaper that the defamatory usage of tranny was protested on, relies on the same definition of defamatory language to demanded justice when gay man are attacked with baseball bats, has so enthusiastly promoted a movie that transgender people are attacked with baseball bats.
  
  Excuse me, but WTF?
  
  WE find it repugnant that the Dallas Voice, apparently a home of gay misogyny, has repeatedly refused to allow any articles expressing our concerns yet has taken so much enjoyment in publishing articles helping to turn a word transgender people previously used sparingly within our own community to address each other in extreme joy, or as a endearment in deepest despair, into a singularly hateful pejorative.
  
  These gay men are responsible for prompting the public to use 'TRANNY' with total cavalier disregard.
  
  HOW COULD A PERSON OF CONSCIOUS BELIEVE A JUDGE IS NOT A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC AND WILL REMAIN DISAFFECTED?
  
  Do you think this same judge might disallow the word 'Tranny' to be admitted into evidence during a trial of a transgender persons attacker since it's use now is so prevalent in the gay and general population?
  
  To answer no to the above question would be indicative of malice towards transgender people, a kind of hatred previously hidden or displayed only by skin heads and Klu Klux Klan members.
  
  We are not gay! Do not subvert our culture. The word 'Tranny' is ours, has always been ours and unfortunately is also the domain of killers who use it in a defamatory manner while being beating and murdering us.
  
  These are but some of the reasons we are protesting TO*WK!
  
  We stand together with the larger LGB community and cisgender allies who are not seduced by power over woman that misogynist find so essential to feed fragile ego's.
  
  We will hold our Gay film maker brothers to a higher standards. A standard which if you raise to, will allow you to be remembered with reverence instead of being reviled with contempt.
  
  It's your decision.
  
  Am I going elevate myself out of the waters of hatred and contempt? Directors, film festivals and movie goers, this is a personal question from me to you.
  
  Who am I? How will I be remembered?
  
  It's up to you.

Save the Life of Kiana Firouz Iranian Lesbian Activist

Iranian lesbian activist Kiana Firouz is currently seeking asylum in the United Kingdom after a controversy over the upcoming release of Cul de Sac. The film, which stars Firouz and includes explicit lesbian sex scenes, is based heavily on Firouz's life and struggles as a lesbian in Iran. Directors Ramin Goudarzi-Nejad and Mahshad Torkan posted the trailer on YouTube in December 2009 (below, NSFW) and since then, the Iranian government has attempted to deport Firouz back to Iran to be tried and punished for her crime of homosexuality. Firouz applied for refugee status in the UK, but was rejected.



If she is not granted asylum in the UK, she will be sent back to Iran, where the minimum punishment for homosexuality is 100 lashes. The punishment for "unrepentant" homosexuality, which Firouz's LGBTQ activism clearly demonstrates, is public execution by hanging.

To sign a petition asking for asylum in the UK endorsed by Firouz herself, click here: petitiononline.com

Send a letter asking for amnesty for Firouz here:
Minister of State (Borders and Immigration) -
Home Office, 2 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DF
Fax: +44 870 336 9034

Secretary of State for the Home Department -
Home Office, 2 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DF
Fax: +44 20 7035 0900

A form letter can be found here: madikazemi.blogspot.com

This is the face of death the moment Neda was shot dead by Iranian militia simply for watching a freedom protest. The need is real. If we fail to save LGBT Activist Kiana Firouz's life she will be exucuted for who she loves

2008 KNUS 710 AM Radio's Trevor Carey Encourages Listeners to Kick Transgender "Fraud" Teeth IN! AUDIO, TEXT, LINKS

Source: colorado.mediamatters.org

KNUS host Trevor Carey (pictured right) stated that transgender individuals who commit "fraud" about their previous gender identity are "at least gonna get [their] teeth kicked in"

Summary: KNUS weekend host Trevor Carey asserted that a transgender woman murdered in Greeley had committed "fraud" in presenting herself as a woman and agreed with a caller that it was grounds for physical violence against her. Carey also stated that the victim, Angie Zapata, had "faked" the suspect into having "some sexual relations," and claimed that "rage" regarding "the fact that [Zapata] was living as a woman" had "so much to do with the murder."

KNUS 710 AM
Mailing Address:
KNUS
3131 South Vaughn Way Suite 601
Aurora, Co 80014

PHONE:303-750-5687
FAX:303-696-8063
KNUS Opinion Line: 866-710-KNUS

Programming Department

When contacting the media, please be polite and professional. Express your specific concerns regarding that particular news report or commentary, and be sure to indicate exactly what you would like the media outlet to do differently in the future.

Discussing the case of a transgender woman murdered in Greeley, allegedly by a heterosexual acquaintance, 710 KNUS host Trevor Carey on his March 14 broadcast stated that the victim, Angie Zapata, had committed "fraud" against the suspect by presenting herself as a woman -- and agreed with a caller that this was grounds for physical violence against Zapata or any transgender person who did the same thing. Carey said that "that man didn't deserve to die" and that "the transgender segment of our society needs to be telling their type" that "you don't commit fraud" because "you're at least gonna get your teeth kicked in."

Carey stated that Zapata had "faked a guy into" having "some sexual relations," and claimed that "rage" regarding "the fact that [Zapata] was living as a woman" had "so much to do with the murder."

According to a March 12 article in the Greeley Tribune:

Prosecutors will have to proceed without some key evidence in the murder trial of Allen Andrade.

Andrade is accused of killing Angie Zapata, a transgender woman found dead in her southeast Greeley apartment on July 17. Zapata, 18, was biologically a man named Justin Zapata, but she lived her life as a woman.

Police believe Andrade, 31, of Thornton killed Zapata when he discovered she was actually a man.

[...]

According to a police affidavit, Andrade told [Greeley Police Det. Greg] Tharp he met Zapata on the Internet and that they had arranged a date. The affidavit said he stayed at Zapata's apartment alone while she went out, and he realized Zapata was a man. When Zapata returned later, Andrade confronted her about being a man, eventually hitting her with his fists and knocking her to the ground, the affidavit stated.

Andrade, according to the affidavit, said he then hit Zapata with a fire extinguisher, and later, when she started to wake up, he hit her several more times until she died.

After referencing remarks he made on an earlier program that he said prompted a response from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) national advocacy group, Carey and a caller contended that Zapata had committed "fraud" against the suspect for presenting herself as a woman -- which was grounds, they said, for physical violence against Zapata or any transgender person who did the same thing.

From the March 14 broadcast of KNUS 710 AM's The Trevor Carey Show:

CAREY: Topic B for me tonight is transgenders. Now, you might have heard of the story that happened in Greeley where there was a man who was a transgender who was a man living as a woman; Angie Zapata was his name. Now, I got in a little bit of trouble; the Associated Press states that transgendered are to be referred to as "shes." The Weld County District Attorney's office in this case is referring to this victim as a she.

She faked a guy into, there was some sexual relations. It didn't go all the way, but there was some sexual relations that happened. And when this man found it out that it was another man, he beat the victim. The victim woke up from the beating gurgling blood, whatever, out the mouth. He took a fire extinguisher and finished the victim off. Then stole the victim's car, got caught, I think it was in Denver. Anyhow, he's in jail now. So the big issue is, do we call this individual a he or she?

So in a quote in the Greeley Tribune, I stated that I had said "he," "she," and "victim" all in the same breath almost once; I didn't know what to say. I talked to our news director, and he said, "I'm calling the victim 'the Greeley transgender.' " Of course, I stated in the article that that man didn't deserve to die, but we can't -- the fact that the man was living as a woman is the whole point of the story. It had so much to do with the murder -- the rage.

So then I get a call from GLAAD in Los Angeles from this guy saying, calling in referencing to the referencing of transgenders with the gay and lesbian, blah-blah-blah-blah-blah-blah. And we got into a conversation; I found out, I asked him, "Are you homosexual?" he said, "Yes, I am." I said, "Do you wanna, you know, have you ever had the desire to have your manhood removed?" He said, "No." And I said, "Well, I'm glad to hear you're normal," and, you know, "you don't want to have that removed." I go, "If you were down in Trinidad strapped to a stretcher and they were coming at you with a saw to remove it, would you be screaming bloody murder?" He said, "Of course I would." I said, "because see, that's abnormal."

What you want to do in the privacy of your own life in your own bedroom, go ahead and do it. That's between you and God, whatever. But -- I'm not here to say my sin's worse than your sin, whatever you want to balance it out here. But at least you're normal in the state that you want to keep what God gave you. I think I said "junk in the trunk," and he got offended, but that's what I was saying, you know, you want to keep that.

I said, "Why is it that you guys don't see this as a mental illness? Why do you associate yourself with the transgenders?" 'Cause I got him to say it was abnormal. I said, "So if it's not normal, why wouldn't you want to help these people; there's obviously something going wrong in their head.

So I've invited him on the show; let's hope he comes on the show, 'cause I think that could be some lively discussion. I said to him -- [caller], I'm about to come to you in Littleton here -- but I said to him, "What if I just wanted one day to say, 'Hey, I'm black. My name is Dimitri; I'm black, I want a NAACP scholarship.' " Well, you're not black. Yes I am, because in my mind and in my heart I'm black. This is what he told me the transgender felt -- in his or her mind or heart, they felt like they were a woman, so they should be called a woman.

[...]

CAREY: And what the transgender segment of our society needs to be telling their type is, you don't commit fraud because --

CALLER: No, that's exactly what it was.

CAREY: A), you're at least gonna get your teeth kicked in, and B) -- [caller laughs] -- here's a story from Greeley that turned out very tragic, and you should pay attention to this, because --

CALLER: You know, when I was growin' up in Greeley, I grew up in Greeley, that kind of stuff didn't ever, you know, surface in this town. And it's just sad, you know; my heart just weeps for all, everybody that's concerned. But, you know, we gotta go back to basics. You're a man or you're a woman, and, like you said, if you're fraudin' somebody, then you deserve to have your teeth kicked in. Not necessarily hung or you're killed, but it just -- they shoulda known better, you know?

CAREY: Well, you do know, now, that Governor Ritter paid back the homosexual platform by passing the transgender law now, where a transgender can go into the restroom and use the restroom right next to your daughter?

CALLER: Yes, sir; I read about that, you know. And I was in Black Hawk and Central City, and they have them type of bathrooms up there. It's like: "What the hell am I doin'? Maybe I oughta go out and piss on somebody's car." [Carey laughs] You know? I don't know where I'm safe anymore. Maybe I oughta just be taken to jail for indecent exposure and pay the consequences there rather than --

CAREY: Well, in this economy, [caller], that's three square meals a day; you could get yourself a college degree, if you don't have one already. You could work out. I mean, that's -- what's a health club membership? Seventy bucks a month? You got cable. You got cable. You got, you know, you got some friendship, you know, you develop some --

CALLER: Ah -- no, I want my freedom more, you know? I want to smoke a cigarette when I want, and drink a beer and live my lifestyle the way that, you know, and be a man about things, and man up to it. But you, it all comes down to what you said about fraud.

CAREY: That's right, [caller]; we gotta roll though, buddy. Thanks for listenin' to the show; I appreciate it. [Caller] right there on The Trevor Carey Show, back in a minute".

Source colorado.mediamatters.org

Malawian Gay &Trans Couple now Convicts Waiting Sentence of up to 17 Years

BREAKING NEWS May/29/2010: Steven Monjeza and Transwoman Tiwonge Chimbalanga recently sentenced to 14 years of hard labor for marrying now free after "pardon" by Mutharika, president of Malawi during UN Sec. Gen. visit.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Chivuli Ukwimi, Health and Human Rights Officer, IGLHRC Cape Town
Office: (27) 21 469 3700; Mobile: (27) 79 443 3938;
Email: cukwimi@iglhrc.org

Dunker Kama, Administrator, CEDEP Blantyre
Mobile: (265) 8888 7 5050;
Email: shorinjkenpo@yahoo.co.uk

For further contact information see below.
Read IGLHRC's letter on this case and the human rights situation in Malawi »

(Cape Town, May 18, 2010) - The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and the Malawian organization the Center for the Development of People (CEDEP) condemn today's conviction by a Magistrate Court in Blantyre, Malawi of Tiwonge ("Tionge") Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza for "unnatural offences" and "indecent practices between males" under Sections 153 and 156 of the Malawi Penal Code. The Court is expected to sentence the two on May 20th and issue the full judgment within three weeks. Chimbalanga and Monjeza face up to fourteen years in prison with the possibility of hard labour.

"By ignoring basic standards of evidence, this ruling undermines Malawi's commitment to the rule of law and jeopardizes the human rights of all Malawians," said Chivuli Ukwimi, Health and Human Rights Officer of IGLHRC. "In a context of escalating persecution of LGBT Malawians, this decision damages life-saving efforts to address HIV and AIDS."

Monjeza and Chimbalanga have been held in Chichiri Prison in Blantyre since December 28, 2009, when they were arrested after a traditional engagement ceremony attended by family and friends. Following their arrest, Chimbalanga was forced to undergo an involuntary anal examination and both were forced to undergo an involuntary psychiatric evaluation. The two were repeatedly denied bail - a decision severely criticized as unjust by the Malawi Law Society. There have been reports of the Court allowing the couple to be subjected to humiliating treatment during the trial, including being mocked for their relationship by trial attendees and being forced to clean up vomit after one of them became ill.

Today's ruling is part of a broader pattern of mounting pressure and persecution on LGBT people by authorities in Malawi. This persecution has come from the highest levels of government. On April 23rd, President Bingu wa Mutharika reportedly denounced homosexuality as "un-Malawian," "evil" and "disgusting" and linked it to corruption, violence, theft and prostitution. Days later, on April 26th and again on the 27th, police appeared at a conference on the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) populations in HIV/AIDS programming. Police demanded the names of conference organizers, seized copies of the conference program, and inquired about specific individuals believed to be in attendance. Police refused to present a warrant or justification for the intimidation.

Speaking after today's decision, Dunker Kamba, Adminstrator of CEDEP, said, "This judgment is going to drive the gay community further into hiding. It is not only a ruling against Steven and Tionge but the whole LGBT community in Malawi and Africa."

These incidents violate the Constitution of Malawi and the human rights treaties to which Malawi is a party. The continued discrimination and persecution of people on the basis of their perceived sexual orientation or gender identity threatens to undermine the right to privacy, the right to non-discrimination and equality before the law, and freedoms of assembly, association, opinion, and expression that all Malawians are entitled to enjoy.

Additional Contact Information:
Gift Trapence, Director, CEDEP BlantyreMobile: (265) 888 50972; Email: gtrapence@yahoo.co.uk, directorcedep@yahoo.com
Cary Alan Johnson, Executive Director, IGLHRC (currently in Berlin)Mobile: (347) 515 0330; Email: cjohnson@iglhrc.org
Jessica Stern, Director of Programs, IGLHRC New York1- 212- 430-6014; Email: jstern@iglhrc.org
For general media inquiries, please contact:
Sam Cook, Director of Communications, IGLHRC 1-212-430-6023; Email: scook@iglhrc.org

The mission of The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) is advancing human rights for everyone, everywhere to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. A non-profit, non-governmental organization, IGLHRC is based in New York, with offices in Cape Town and Buenos Aires. Visit http://www.iglhrc.org for more information.
Photo copyright World Economic Forum/Eric Miller. Bingu Wa Mutharika, President of Malawi, captured during the Opening Plenary of the World Economic Forum on Africa 2008 in Cape Town, South Africa, June 4, 2008.

Uniting American Families Act needed NOW!

The NYCLU, in collaboration with the 'Britta & Carla,' the LGBT Community Center and the Office of Congress Member Jerrold Nadler, is proud to announce the release of our new short video, “Citizen Non-Citizen,’” which looks at discrimination against LGBT families in our immigration system and the ongoing efforts to reform the system in Congress through the Uniting American Families Act and comprehensive immigration reform.



“Citizen Non-Citizen” highlights the heart-wrenching story of Britta and Carla, a married same-sex bi-national couple living in New York City fighting to stay together in the United States.

There are an estimated 36,000 same-sex bi-national couples in the United States seeking recognition by our immigration system in order to keep their families intact.

Please feel free to share, post, and distribute this video widely as you see fit. To find out more about the NYCLU’s work on comprehensive immigration reform, please visit www.nyclu.org/immigrationreform.

Gov. Perry's temporary digs costs Texans 10G a MONTH!

AUSTIN, Texas – With the state facing a budget shortfall of at least $11 billion, Texas Gov. Rick Perry has spent almost $600,000 in public money during the past two years to live in a sprawling rental home in the hills above the capital, according to records obtained by The Associated Press.

It costs more than $10,000 a month in rent, utilities and upkeep to house Perry in a five-bedroom, seven-bath mansion that has pecan-wood floors, a gourmet kitchen and three dining rooms. Perry has also spent $130,000 in campaign donations to throw parties, buy food and drink, and pay for cable TV and a host of other services since he moved in, the records show.

The public spending on Perry's rental comes as the state grapples with a budget shortfall forecast to reach at least $11 billion over the next two years. Perry has asked state agencies to cut their budgets by 5 percent and the Republican House speaker has begun to consider furloughs and shortened workweeks for state employees.

UNITED ENDA LEADERS mum about why it's FAILING!

Bathroom cop Barney says SNIP~SNIP~SNIP

To transgender people it is or will be as plain as the dangly thing or absence of, between your legs.

• Who is responsible for this EPIC ENDA FAIL?
  
  Homophobic and transphobic 'religious' zealots mixed in with generic right wing political doomsayers, some sadly disguised as Democrats prognosticating the downfall of society should 'men with penises' be allowed in the women's room and in our classrooms.
  
  
• Who among our supporters and benefactors would be so ignorant, transphobic or self serving to completely abdicate their responsibilities and refuse to vote for ENDA?
  
  The Congressional blue dogs of the United States Congress.
  
  
• Who in the goverment has rejected these outrageous fear mongering tactics?
  
  The local and state governments who have previously passed like protections because they feel a moral obligation to protect ALL of the citizens within in their Cities and counties!
  
  
• Who is NOT talking about this?
  
  The transgender people who are positioned in Washington to advocate on our behalf! They see this "concession" as something they can sneak past the transgender population so they can claim a historic victory!
  
  At your expense poor transwoman. Transmen are not exempt who have not had 'bottom surgery'! AS unjust as this concession may be the law MUST act equally regardless if you are a MTF or FTM.
  
  Pass or fail in Congress this is a no win. In fact it could be a draconian defeat sending transgender people back twenty years, ensnared in spiderweb designed to limit there growth and be all but prohibitive to gender questioning!
  
  This could mean death to so many yet to come.
  
  
• What can you do? We have lobbied senators and Representatives. We have talked and emailed, educated untill our jaws and fingers have gone numb and to NO EFFECT!
  
  First lets contact the transgender 'leaders' who remain silent NOW! Demand they stop putting there ambition before our well being and TALK about the real reason ENDA is FAILING us so miserably.
  United ENDA
  ENDA NOW .com