Texas Police Chaplain Speaks out Against Capital Punishment in Our Broken System

In light of the scheduled execution of a innocent man in Georgia Troy Davis I am cross posting a facebook note posted by the Rt. Rev. Robert D. Hall

"Just about every single exoneree who has walked off death row has done so in spite of the system, not because of it." -Rev. Robert D. Hall

"The time to halt executions in Texas is now. The flaws of the Texas death penalty system have become too obvious to ignore any longer. Six times in the past seven years the public has learned about persons wrongly convicted and sentenced to death row. Bogus forensic science accounted for some of those accounts. In the most tragic cases, Innocent men were executed before their names could be cleared. Until society is able to guarantee that the system will not put another innocent person to death, an irreversible form of punishment cannot be used. Texas must put a moratorium on capital punishment."

In another state a man waits his murder which is what what will be committed if Troy Davis is not allowed a fair trial. Everyone who had placed Davis at the crime scene have recanted their testimony. There is no physical evidence he committed that murder. It is time to stop this country's prosecutors who's only desire is a conviction, not the truth.


Read Father Hall's note in its entirety A Flawed System Calls for a Moratorium on Texas Capital Punishment"

Video: Fox News Megyn Kelly Tears Apart Transphobic Dr.Keith (Chaz is a Man) Ablow

I can't remember the last time I stood up on my chair and applauded Fox News but you Ms.Kelly ROCKED this haters world with truth and love. Thank you!!

H/T to towleroad.com


Original Keith Ablow (hard) Op-ed

STP2012 Designates October 22nd International Day of Action

Stop Transgender Pathologization (STP)

The International Day of Action for Trans Depathologization will take place this year on Saturday, October 22nd 2011. We invite all activist groups around the world to participate in this call for action and go out into the streets for trans depathologization.

To participate, please contact: contact@stp2012.info

Apart from this international day of action, STP 2012 will continue working, in collaboration with other activist networks, in international forums in favor of trans declassification, and through participating in groups and work commissions. We will also continue to participate in regional and international meetings, symposiums and conferences, with the objective of spreading the word about STP 2012 and creating spaces for debate regarding trans depathologization.

International Stop Trans Pathologization Campaign - STP 2012, July 2011
www.stp2012.info
Contact: contact@stp2012.info


Communique_July2011 PDF

Jenifer Rene Pool Speaks about HRC, ENDA & Public Accommodations Provisions.

Originally, I supported Houston City Council candidate transgender woman Jenifer Rene Pool unquestionably.

She was recommended by a Gay political activist, a dear friend and ally who I trust implicitly whom now lives in Houston. I spent weeks talking to nearly all the political organizations and activists in Houston each and every one gave Jenifer Pool sterling recommendations. I was So impressed with her I wrote a factual news worthy article exposing a conspiracy to deny Pool an endorsement by the Victory Fund and attempts to divide the LGBT vote by Lesbian Council Member Sue Lovell.

I talked to everyone except Transgender and Transsexual people. It quickly became apparent to me I had made a major mistake. Because Jenifer had come so highly recommended by the Gay and Lesbian community I had not consulted a single Trans person. Nada. Zip. Not one.

So I posted The 64 Dollar Transgender Political Question, Will Jenifer Pool Remain Faithful to us? with a similar note on Facebook asking for feedback.

And feedback I got.

I was one of the transgender community who protested HRC after being betrayed in 2007 over ENDA so I am more than empathic with the anti Gay.com sentiments expressed on that note by sister and brother advocates. But I am also more than willing to take undue credit for HRC relenting and adding us to their mission statement. Also coming to light in that note is the angst within the Transgender community regarding the history of transgender identified candidates allowing HRC to co-opt the transgender message and taking credit for work we did to for that candidate.

So there is a hesitancy to endorse a transgender candidates. Because in the past they have more often than not hitched their wagons to HRC's money horse after our initial support eventually pitting the transgender community's health, saftey and political future against HRC's powerful agenda. Such was the case just this year in Maryland. We prevailed in that instance despite HRC's Trans token tom's best efforts.

But we transgender people who protested were not the only ones to bring about change during the ENDA upheaval. Not only was my group The Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies added as a supporter of United ENDA so also was the Houston GLBT Caucus and hundreds of other TLBGQIA groups.

But the 64 Dollar Question still remained unanswered so I took a cue from sister blogger Monica Roberts who commented "verify, then trust..."

So I called Jenifer again and asked her to talk about this crucial topic. I explained my personal involvement protesting the HRC post 2015 and asked with baited breath if Jenifer understood the anger of the comments on my Facebook note.

Jenifer Pool replied "No I do not" and my heart stopped. I thought oh good god, not again but Jenifer explained "Of course I attended the 2008 Houston Gala, I was on the HRC diversity steering committee at the time doing my best for an inclusive ENDA. In that capacity I facilitated writing a letter to the national leadership but our influence on the national organization was of course limited." Pool goes on to explain "And at the time I was also president of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus and because of my insistence we joined United ENDA.

Now it was time for the 64 Dollar money question.

I asked Jenifer if she would support a transgender "equality" bill without public provisions accommodations. We as a community need to know if she would support one such as HR235 in which HRC assisted Equality Maryland unsuccessfully tried to force on us earlier this year. Jenifer Pool replied "No I would not. A transgender protection bill without public accommodations provisions is not an equality bill at all."


There you have it. The answer to the 64 Dollar Questions.

Never before to my knowledge has there been a transgender politician so forthcoming and accessible. When I called Rene Pool last afternoon once again she was a delight to speak. Her answers are offered without hesitation and clearly she was speaking from her heart.

Never before has a transgender political candidate held views so in line with our community’s best interests. Never before has a transgender candidate had such an opportunity to gain the highest elected position ever held by one of us.

And as it turns out, I am still unquestionably supportive Jenifer Rene Pool. So much so that she can add the Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies to her growing list of endorsers. I am that sure of this.

But this is all just an opportunity. We can make this our reality if you give Jenifer Rene Pool half a chance. Will you give her a chance?


Jenifer Rene Pool for City Council at Large Position 2

Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies Endorses Jenifer Rene Pool

The 64 Dollar Transgender Political Question, Will Jenifer Pool Remain Faithful to us?

Recently I posted a Facebook note in which I intended to engage political activists, organizations, allies and enemy's alike in a conversation about the non endorsement of Jenifer Rene Pool by the Victory Fund.

What I got wasn't what I wanted.

I had talked to every political action group in Houston who gave Pool thumbs up in spades except one, Transgender and transsexual people. A classic case of me not seeing the trees for the woods.


In retrospect I see my error. I was so focused on her political viability I ignored the most important question. Will this transgender candidate do as many before her have and become a mouthpiece for gay.com or will she break the mold and keep her transgender ties not allowing herself to become a pawn in HRCs assimilist agenda?

Seems in my angst I even unfriended a young transsexual advocate because she kept asking questioning my support of Pool who is a HRC proponent on that same Facebook note. Again I was wrong and I owe Ashley Love an apology for that.

We need to come to terms with our past with HRC and find a way to move forward.

The truth is I protested at the Houston Black Tie and at New Orleans. I also managed that year to get a groups of transgender protesters inside both the Austin and Dallas Black Tie's to represent and protest. I was angered by HRC's acquiescences to Congressman Barney Frank's splitting ENDA HR2015 effectively blocking trans people from workplace equality. I was angry and upset that there were transgender people in attendance. I was upset that there were half a dozen mounted riot cops and a dozen other foot and bike cops hounding our every move.

And I am aware Jenifer Rene Pool was partying it up at that same Black Tie.

So I asked a longtime Trans friend who wishes to remain anonymous, do you think Jenifer Pool will forsake her transgender community as so many others have done before her?

"Unfortunately, HRC's sock puppets are the only ones of us who get any support. And if any of them ever gets elected, I fear the HRC spin on it (as I do with Jenifer): OUR trans candidate won with all OUR support, etc. They'll do anything to drive unknowing trans people & families into their camp via whatever trickery it takes. They so badly want to revise history and whitewash over their history."

So, I don't have a answer to that 64 dollar question and am as hesitant as the next trans activist who endured HR2015 to endorse her.


What I do know is this. Jenifer Rene Pool is a amazingly qualified council candidate and possibly in line for Mayoral run at some point with this win. I know she is being unfairly discriminated against by the Victory Fund and her chances diminished thanks to the labor of an extremely vindictive lesbian Houston council member, Sue Lovell.

And I do know that as we increase our political bankroll (interactions, and media respectability) transgender politicians will be less likely to forget about the value of our political capitol but as one of the smallest and most marginalized minorities we have one tough row to hoe.

Will HRC try to spin Jenifer Rene Gale into a gay.com success? Undoubtedly. The real 64 dollar question then is this. Are we going forsake political involvement and commitment for fear of becoming humiliated by HRC again or are we going to increase our visibility, activism and outreach and take an active role in shaping our destiny and denying HRC that easy revisionist assimilist grab?

So what do you think?

Transgender Child In Coma From Alleged Bat Attack Police need your help

There is a transgender woman in the hospital we just don't know what happened" Detective Mark Jamieson told during our phone conversation.

He continued "The alleged attack happened may have taken place on this quite residential road as reported. We are looking into it and if we do find evidence it happened we will investigate if it was in fact a bias crime."

Our community, myself included, has been outraged after reading the original Seattle Times account of an attack on a transgender child with learning disabilities in Seattle. We are on the verge of adopting a lynch mob mentality the crime against this transgender child is that heinous.

However Detective Jamieson appeals for a calm rational approach instead.

Detective Jamieson continued "However the alleged crime was reported three days after the fact. The news reports that followed included information we were not give and the parents of the child have not been in communication with us since. There is a article just published in the Seattle Times which presents a more fair and balanced account Police unsure if attack on transgender woman a bias crime."

I mentioned to the Detective that the transgender umbrella includes those with autism and that being said, these children face incredible barriers to living authentically which only serves to fuel our community protective feelings.
Detective Jamieson is aware and empathetic but reiterated the best thing we can do is act responsibly, not jump to conclusions and care with your heart about this child regardless if she is trans or not.

Police report PDF

If you have any information concerning this please contact:

Detective Mark Jamieson
Public Affairs

Seattle Police Department
PO Box 34986, 610 5th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 684-5521 office
(206) 375-6471 cell

InterSex & Transgender Australians Must Register as Sexual Deviants to get Testosterone Blocker Androcur

Criminalizing the Transgender and Intersex people down under.


InterSex and Transgender Australians must register as sexual deviants and risk being put on the sex offender registry to be prescribed the testosterone blocker Procur which is also sold under the generic names Cyprohexal and Androcur. From A.E. Brain and the oii Australia.


Clipped from from the Sex and gender diversity Report of initial consultation

However the lower cost spironolactone according to one comment on the The Dawn Chorus is available without ruining your life by registering as a sexual deviant and sex offender.

My question is why hasn't this gross injustice been remedied?

CDC Report Black and Hispanic Transgender Woman Have Highest Rate of New HIV Infection

Source August 12, 2011 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HIV among Transgender People

"Approximately 90% of MtF and FtM people newly diagnosed with HIV infection were black or Hispanic. Newly diagnosed transgender people were more likely to have been in their teens or twenties than their non-transgender counterparts. Also, among newly diagnosed people, 50% of transgender women had documentation in their medical records of substance use, commercial sex work, homelessness, incarceration, and/or sexual abuse as compared with 31% of other people who were not transgender."

"Findings from a meta-analysis of 29 published studies showed that 27.7% of transgender women tested positive for HIV infection (4 studies), but when testing was not part of the study, only 11.8% of transgender women self-reported having HIV (18 studies). In one study, 73% of the transgender women who tested HIV-positive were unaware of their status. Studies also indicate that black transgender women are more likely to become newly infected with HIV."


Not surprisingly, low self esteem and a need of validation are among the main factors for the high rate of HIV infection in the transgender community. It's important to talk about and not something for the "religious" right to use as a weapon to validate there contention we would just disappear should infected transgender people be ignored and untreated. That's part of the final solution they are fervently trying to legislate in Uganda's reanimated "Kill Gay" bill.


The CDC has also released a study of New Resources on HIV amoung Woman and Transgender people

You are Transgender Cathey Brennan. Live with it and stop the Hate!

Who we are today is a sum of what we were and whom we have envisioned ourselves to be yesterday. Be proud of that addition/subtraction. You are art in progress.

Sadly, that philosophy is not appreciated by the Westboro Baptist Church, any number of right wing hate groups or a person named Cathey Brennan. Recently Brennan blindsided the transgender community with a letter to the UN seeking to dis empower and disfranchise transgender people purportedly to protect the fringe group Womyn-born womyn from everyone else under the transgender umbrella.

So what are Womyn-born womyn? Essentially its a group of people who have formed a exclusionary club and will stop at nothing to point out exactly how different they are from us, even from people that they share a common past with.

Wait a minute, what? Brennan is transgender or why would she identify as Womyn-born womyn? Cathy Brennan is transgender but transphobia knows no bounds.

It has occurred to me I have never seen the AFA's Bryan Fischer and Cathey Brennan in the same room at the same time. Their hateful memes use the exact same tactics.

Deconstruction of the transgender identity, establish that transgender woman are men and vilify the new identity as a perverted criminal who only desire is finding a way to rape your daughter in the bathroom. Time after time we face that same lie. Brennan is just one more hater to use it.

I have had personal knowledge of Brennan's transphobia. During a Facebook discussion about a Maryland 'equality' bill that would have legalized our exclusion from the proper restroom Brennan became so disruptive I warned her she would be baned if she didn't stop. Her answer was to call me a weirdo. At the time her antagonism was explained away by some in our community but no more.

Brennan seriously needs therapy for her transphobia before she hurts herself and other transgender people.

As have marched towards equality it has become more and more apparent to cisgender woman just how much we have in common. They are some of our most adamant supporters as it become undeniably apparent we are all woman fighting for the same thing, equality and respect and in that sense we are all transgender.

And Brennan, I don't want to exclude anyone from the opening paragraph. Take it to heart. Give up the anger. Grow past your hate and into the sunshine.

Victory Fund Torpedo’s Transgender Jenifer Rene Pool Thanks to Lesbian Sue Lovell

"Transgender people and our allies should see this as a slap in the face." -Ray Hill Houston Political Icon

The Endorsement of the Victory Fund is seen by most LGBT people as crucial in a political campaign and its absence would be indicative of a fatally flawed campaign, strategy or politician.

The who, where, why, and what does Sue Lovell have to do with it.

Jenifer Rene Pool, a transgender woman, is running for Houston’s Texas's City Council at Large Position 2 and if she should win it will be a historic achievement. Jenifer Pool would then hold the highest elected position ever achieved by a transgender American. She has the backing of every LGBT organization dedicated to helping campaigns of LGBT Americans except one, The Victory Fund.


What are the Victory Fund qualifications?

To be considered for endorsement, candidates must:

"be openly gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender;
demonstrate community support and a realistic plan to win;
demonstrate support of federal, state or local efforts to advance LGBT civil rights via the legislative or regulatory process*; and
demonstrate support of federal, state or local efforts to safeguard privacy and reproductive freedom.*


Jenifer Rene Pool endorsements for City Council at Large Position 2 include:

The Houston Area Stonewall Democrats and the group Democracy for Houston.

Also endorsing is the Houston Stonewall Young Democrats who's president Robert Shipman offered this about their endorsement. "We screened four candidates and Jenifer Rene Pool was among the top two. We chose Pool because of her long history of helping and volunteering for the GLBT community, political viability and integrity."

In another phone conversation Houston GLBT Political Caucus president Noel A. Freeman explained that their endorsement of Jenifer Pool was decided through a rigorous interview process including and a comprehensive 48 point questionnaire. Freeman said "As a nonpartisan organization we vet the candidates thoroughly regardless of political affiliation or how they identify within the GLBT community. Jenifer simply is the best person for the job."

Jenifer Rene Pools professional qualifications:

Pool was appointed by Houston's previous Mayor Bill White as a City Commissioner of The Building & Standards Commission. During her service on that commission it became apparent to Pool there were changes needed in order for it to function properly and following her recommendation current Mayor Annise Parker formed the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Building and Standards to study and recommend amendments to the city ordinances reorganizing the Building & Standard Commission. Pool was appointed by Mayor Annise Parker to that Blue Ribbon Task Force and after reorganization was reappointed by Parker to serve on the Building & Standard Commission and the Police Advisory Commission.

Jenifer Rene Pools Political and Volunteer work for the LGBT community:

Jenifer Pool is a former three (3) term president of the GLBT Political Caucus, where her communication and organizational abilities brought the Caucus to the forefront of community involvement. She is a current board member of the Houston Transgender Unity Committee and recipient of their Lifetime Achievement Award. Jenifer Pool is a steering member and past Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee of the Human Rights Campaign-Houston and a regular DJ on the Queer Voices on Houston's Pacifica Radio.

The Pool Campaign is among the top two for funds raised.

In a phone conversation Jenifer she offered this about her campaign "our campaign slogan is "Integrity and Dependability" and we are proud to stand by that". I asked Jenifer if she was prochoice the only remaining possible reason the Victory Fund would not endorse her and Pool explained "I have been on record for some time being in favor of a woman's right to choose." Jenifer Pools Campaign Manager Clay Sands added "Hands down Jenifer is clearly the most qualified candidate. She has paid her dues on behalf of our community and her actions speak for themselves."

Clearly Jenifer Rene Pool has met the requirements set by the Victory Fund through years of LGBT community volunteer work, professional and political selfless commitment to our community. So what exactly or whom is working against her endorsement by the Victory Fund?

Sadly it turns out it's one of our “own”.

The orchestrating ringleader of the effort against Jenifer Pool's endorsement by the Victory Funds and her defeat is Lesbian Sue Lovell (right) who presently holds the council position Jenifer Pool is campaigning for. Lovell who will not be able to campaign for the council seat again because of term limitations.

It has been said that Sue Lovell is a dirty vindictive politician and is doing these dirty tricks out of spite. Seems her angst dates back to when Jenifer's camp endorsed Obama and Lovell's Hillary Clinton.

"The Victory Fund endorses qualified, committed openly LGBT candidates who can WIN at the ballot box. (Epithesis by the Victory Fund)

Originally I began looking into this when an anonymous source told me Sue Lovell had been heard saying "Jenifer Rene Pool is unelectable". which would be the undeniable proof of Lovell’s alleged anti Transgender campaign. I didn't find anyone willing to be quoted saying they heard Councilwoman Lovell say that, but what I found was far worst. I found a conspiracy against Pool powered by Lesbian transphobic misogynistic Lovell enabled by gay sexist elitism tailored to do one thing, defeat Jenifer Rene Pool.

My conclusions are founded on conversations with Houston's gay and lesbian political leaders and not because I am transgender or because I do want Jenifer to win this historic battle. Those whom I spoke to about this race are people of integrity whose sole focus's is helping campaigns of the most qualified Houstonians regardless of whether the person is Lesbians, Gay, bisexual, Transgender, Intersex or Queer.

To get an inside look into this I had the honor of talking with longtime full time
political activist founder and former president of the Houston GLBT caucus Ray Hill (right) who said although he had never heard Lovell say Pool was unelectable "I am sure she said something to that effect to Shawn Werner Director of Campaign Services for the Victory Fund."

In fact Lovell in her zeal to torpedo Pool committed political suicide by endorsing Bolivar Fraga a gay man after the Caucus endorsed Pool. Hill explained why her endorsement of Fraga was so controversial “The strength of the GLBT Caucus is that its members vote for their endorsed politicians which was key in Lovell winning the Council seat three times".

Is Lovell is so opposed to Pool she would work against her own community using her influence garnered by her long association with the Victory Fund? Many think the answer to that question is yes.

Ray Hill elaborated "Sue Lovell is going so far out of her way to support the non-endorsed candidate, a recently out politically unknown gay man who has no history of GLBT volunteer work, transgender people and our allies should see this as a slap in the face".

There is a popular misconception that the Victory Fund does not endorse a LGBT candidate if there are two or more in a race. That is not true.

Endorsement Criteria: Does Victory endorse in races where more than one openly LGBT candidate is running?

"Victory recognizes that sometimes more than one openly LGBT person will seek election to the same office at the same time. In those races, Victory’s political staff will complete a thorough review of the landscape and may endorse a single candidate, make no endorsement or endorse multiple candidates."

Sue Lovell is splitting up the LGBT community's limited political will using a very attractive articulate gay man's sex appeal to force a bonny brook runoff in November if Pool or Fraga even gets that far! That’s a dirty deed.

I appeal to all of our LGBT community to reject Lovell and examine your hearts. Would you trade your libido for your integrity?

Sue Lovell has not responded to my requests for an interview. Lovell’s Chief of Staff Ken Olive last week told me the reason Council woman Lovell could not respond to my request for an interview was because it was against city ordinances to talk about political issues during working hours.

But that’s not true. Lovell spends her publicly paid time and equipment for political purposes and it’s not the first time Lovell has fought against a LGBT candidate or singled out a person of color for no other reason than spite.

According to a just published post the Houston Press reports the City of Houston's Inspector General is looking allegations that Sue Lovell has used City computers to promote the man she has recruited to oppose Jenifer Pool, Bolivar Fraga’s political campaign. If convicted Lovell could be found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. The city's code of ordinances prohibits city officials from using "the official's position or the city's facilities, equipment or supplies for the private gain or advantage of the official or others....".

Back around the bush.

The Victory Fund returned my call leaving a voice mail explaining they "do not
comment on campaign endorsement decisions."

I can go along with that as long as they reconsider and endorse Jenifer Pool. She has every right to expect there backing and if they fail to do so explain why they are not. And so does every citizen in our community.

TAKE ACTION!! The more of us that ask these questions and demand accountability the stronger we become. They cannot ignore ALL us. Do not assume some else is making the call. Just do it!

You can contact the Victory Fund and demand they live up to their own words.
"Endorse qualified, committed openly LGBT candidates who can WIN at the ballot box.

That’s Jenifer Rene Pool.

Call the Victory Fund 202.842.8679

Victory Fund Contact Form

Comment on the Victory Fund on Facebook and write a note tagging them. Bring the conversation to them.

Copy and Tweet this!

@VictoryFund Torpedo’s Transgender @JeniferRenePool Historic Council Candidacy Thanks to Crony Lesbian Sue Lovell http://planetransgender.blogspot.com/2011/08/victory-fund-torpedos-transgender.html

and get the Victory Fund on Twitter attention!

Work for Jenifer! She deserves our support!

Like and comment on Jenifer Pool For Houston City Council 2011 Facebook page.

Visit Jenifer Rene Pool.com and volunteer!

Follow and mention @JeniferRenePool
on Twitter.

AND VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!

Inlaws & OutLaws at Plano West CineMark Its What U Get When You Fall In Love

And it's what I got for falling in love with our Lesbian, Gay and straight allies too. InLaws & OutLaws.

This showing is a WIN-WIN for the north Texas LGBT community. For us it's more than the movie its a new day. We have come to learn from CineMark Vice President Bob Shimmin CineMark is now offering same sex benefits for their employees and is including gender identity and sexual orientation in it's non discrimination policies.

From Mr. Shimmin: "I hope to answer some of the questions you have about Cinemark. First, Cinemark began offering domestic partner benefits nationally on Jan 1, 2010....I have included the cover page of the 2010 Benefits Packet that was distributed to all employees in the fall of 2009 which clearly highlights the fact that domestic partner benefits were added for 2010."



I would personally like to thank Mr. Bob Shimmin for his part in helping overcome the controversies that so embroiled his company and embrace a inclusive workplace.

Inlaws & Outlaws on Wednesday, August 24th, at 6:30 pm at the Cinemark West Plano in Plano, Texas

CineMark CEO and Prop 8 Sponsor Got our Milk Money. Now it's our InLaws & OutLaws Cash Too.

***Update 8/15/2011 We have succeeded in securing the following statement from Bob Shimmin, Vice President, Food & Beverage Cinemark USA, confirming CineMark is offering same sex partner benefits. As proof Mr. Shimmin is offering the cover of their 2010 benefit package.

Mr. Shimmin wrote "I have included the cover page of the 2010 Benefits Packet that was distributed to all employees in the fall of 2009 which clearly highlights the fact that domestic partner benefits were added for 2010"

Mr Shimmin offered no further proof that CineMark has gender identity and sexual orientation policies other than the ones publicly available previously published in this article.

I appreciate that a ranking CineMark executive finally responded. I just wish it hadn't taken all this to get it done.

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

Original article

A few short years ago in 2008 information gleaned by legal actions it was discovered Plano Texas's CineMark CEO Allen Stock had made a donation of $9,999 dollars to support the passage of Prop 8.

It seemed to me then by making the maximum donation allowable Stock wanted to make it clear that he unequivocally supported Prop 8. I also wondered at that time how many other donations he had made against TBLG causes we didn't know about. However not everyone in the Gay and Lesbian community are as curious.


Disappointingly, immediately following the stripping of Californian marriage equality, CineMark in Plano Texas featured Harvey Milk the film. And despite local and nationwide protests by a minority of our community they profited from it. It was made clear to me at that time exactly how willingly a majority of our community will turn a blind eye to injustice, for convenience sake.

So just how invested is the Collin County Gay and Lesbian Alliance (CCGLA) in the success of CineMarks Harvey Milk and its current joint project, the InLaw OutLaws? It turns out the local LGBT paper's coverage of the Plano milk protest in 2008 so incensed the CCGLA you probably won't see anything questioning CineMarks employment policy again there or in any other Gay for profit North Texas publication for that matter. Seemingly inexplicitly at the time, the CCGLA website Prop 8 announcement simultaneously featured a picture of the Dallas prop 8 protest and a apologist letter from the CineMark vice president distancing his company from his CEOs hate money.

Fast forward to 2011. I received a Email from Equality Texas announcing the premier north Texas screening of InLaws/OutLaws a gay movie which according to its plot summary "..... weaves together true stories of couples and singles, gay and straight to celebrate what we have in common: we love." And of all places it is to be screened at CineMark!

I wondered, what had changed since 2008? So I posted this facebook status update that was quickly responded to by Jeanne Rubin, the InLaw OutLaw event originator.



Despite being put off by the authoritative tone of the comment, it seemed that everything is better and there is no reason for concern but given the gravity of situation and my personal investment in equality I wanted to find this out for myself.

I wondered , had the CineMark CEO made personal reparations to the LGBT community? What interactions had Stock had with our community to show he had a change of heart? At this time I have not found evidence of that. Then I wondered if CineMark has made changes in its employment policy to include equality for transgender people and partner benefits? Now that could be a game changer!

So I followed up on that meeting that took place in Plano with numerous Gay and Lesbian leaders and CineMark following Prop 8. I was assured by this source as was the Dallas Voice that CineMark would include partner benefits, sometime in the future meaning now. Curiously when I called those people who were in attendance none of them would go on record confirming they had even attended the meeting, let alone comment on CineMarks Partner Benefit policy. Why not?

Is it all about a dollar?

Well it turns out that the Vice President of the CCGLA is Jeanne Rubin who responded initially on Facebook and the man whom she represented only as a 'friend' at CineMark is now president of the CCGLA Bob Shimmin and also a Vice President of CineMark!

Still, I wanted to write a up beat positive article and I'd rather hear it from a Texas horse's mouth so I continued asking my contacts this time reaching further out about the state.

I called Equality Texas (EQTX) who would not comment on the CineMark event or its employment policy. The only thing they would offer was the showing was not an official Equality Texas event even though it appears on there web site, they promote it other places and they are the ones to benefit financially from ticket proceeds.

And like all the others I talked to EQTX directed me back to the event sponsor Jeanne Rubin.

So back to Jeanne Rubin I go.

After repeated requests to Rubin to provide me with the documentation that was promised to her and the CCGLA at the 2009 meeting between Gays, Lesbians and CineMark she relented, but only after I told her I will be publish regardless. Rubin offered this on the record about there partner benefit policy "You can say I understand that they do. However I am sorry this is the article you are choosing to write."

No Jeanne, I don't choose to write this. The Texas Gay and Lesbian Community rocks behind transgender causes every time we need you. The last thing I want to do was write this incriminating negitive article, but I have been left with no choice.

And since CineMark has not returned any of my phone calls from this mighty blogger, how about the USA's riche$t gay advocacy group, HRC?

As it turns out CineMark also refused to return there inquires according to Liz Cooper, Coordinator for the HRC Workplace Project which compiles the Corporate Index. She told me because CineMark has not responded to there inquires they based the employer information shown here on publicly available information, which she emailed to me.



This is nice, but a employment application does not confirms the company's employment policy toward transgender people and it says nothing at all about partner benefits. And it is not a employee handbook that the HRC website says it uses as confirmation.

Then I asked Cooper how they knew that CineMark was offering partner benefits since 2010 as she had stated since HRC's inquires were ignored? That report she said was based on word of mouth because "someone had heard" they had. Really, like someone named Jeanne or Bob perhaps?

Really? HRC could not verify any of those policies and there assurances reek of cronyism. And really, Jeanne, given your 'friendship' with CineMark's VP don't you think you could have another 'meeting' with him and confirm that CineMark does indeed have partner benefits like you 'heard'? Like they promised to do in 2009?

Or is it just to convenient to ignore it?

There was much debate if CineMark corporation should be held accountable for the private actions of it CEO in 2008 and I am sure there will be again given these revelations.

I didn't attend the 2008 protests of CineMark because I felt they were inappropriate at the time however I'm not so sure the time isn't right for protest now.

Jeanne Rubin, I do appreciate your invitation to come to the InLaw OutLaw showing and I will bring a friend if I do. And Signs. Cronyism sucks. Corporate money mongering on our graves sucks. Or something like that.

***Update! The following comments were posted on my Facebook after I posted a link to this article.



This person has not friended me so I do not have access to her facebook profile but since she identified as a employee of CineMark I presume this is her on Linked In Lynn Wolfe, Executive Assistant at Cinemark


No honestly I do not know why she thinks there is anger involved or that as a transgender woman I am not aware of what it means to live in this red Lone Star.



I'll be looking forward to receiving the conformation of CineMarks employment policy that Lynn Wolfe has promised though for the life of me, I can't understand why would take more than a day to send me a PDF file or link to it.

Prague PRIDE under attack by…the Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate

The Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate, the leader of the ultra conservative Ukrainian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church has attacked the Prague Pride with a open letter to the people of the Czech republic.
.

From Prague PRIDE – "you’d think it would be a “piece of cake” but all sorts of underlying stories are emerging and according to Czeslaw Prague PRIDE’s director, the evidence is that attitudes to LGBT people are getting worse in the Czech Republic. And with the office of the Czech President joining in, Petr Hajek used language such as “homsexuals are deviants”and when asked to distance himself the right-wing Czech Presdient Vaclav Klaus chose to endorse them."

Something you CAN do: write a blank email to the patriarchate and FILL their inbox

Suggested Title: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

Russian: “Отец, прости их ибо не ведают, что творят” Лука­­23:34 (if you think they might not speak English)
or
Ukrainian (assuming you didnt want to offend them!) Отче, відпусти їм, бо не знають, що чинять вони Лука­­23:34

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The letter using Google translate

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Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate (BCP), 3 Hemlock Wed, Lviv, Bryukhovychi, 79491, Ukraine

tel / fax: +38 (032) 234-63-41,

www.community.org.ua, www.uogcc.org.ua;

Public call the Czech nation

Passed through the press report that the Vice Chancellor Peter Hajek termed the forthcoming Prague-pride. “Coercive means deviants”. This boldly expresses the truth. Mayor Svoboda and certain CSSD party members and VV pressured the President to distance himself from his true statement of his Vice-Chancellor. Even require a public apology. Everyone knows that gay pride is a coercive means, and in all countries of the world. Moreover, everyone knows that during these marches is a very undignified expressions perversion (deviance).

Statistics concerning homosexualism (sic) are shocking:

- Homosexuals are more than 50% of known AIDS cases in the United States. (Ed: but overwhelmingly heterosexual around the world, including in Ukraine and Russia)

- Homosexuals are involved in the disproportionate number of hepatitis cases: 70-80% in San

Francisco, 66% in New York, 56% in Toronto, 42% in Montreal. (Editor Sources? Incidences in other populations?)

- 39-59% of homosexuals are infected with intestinal parasites like worms, flukes and amoebae (Editor and the figure for heterosexuals would be?)

(Amoeba).

- Approximately 67-80% of homosexuals or licks its tongue inserted into the rectum of its partners (the

“Rimming”, anilingus, fecal sex, etc.) and biologically swallows a significant amount of feces, which is between homosexuals main cause of hepatitis infections and parasites. (Editor: Which homosexuals does this include female homosexuals? Reputable source?)

- 17% of homosexuals eating or rubs the feces of their partners. (Editor: Reputable source? Does this include Female homosexuals?)

- Urinating on himself (“golden showers”) and mutual torture of gay men from the 40th of the 20century. doubled and increased fisting astronomical degree. (Editor: Reputable source? Does this include Female homosexuals?)

- By 1992, gay bondage known as a disease and only under duresswas removed from the WHO list of diseases.

(Editor: FANTASY the accurate description is that the World Health Organisation (WHO) removed “homosexuality” from the list of mental disorders, the wording is very specific and it definitely was NOT “gay bondage” that assertion is pure fantasy)

- 43% said they had a life of 500 or more partners, 28% admitted for Life 1000 or more

(Editors: Reputable source? Male Homosexuals? Female homosexuals? Which survey, where?)

- A number of gay sexual contacts occur when they are drunk, stoned, or on venues orgy. Editor: a number certainly do but a number are also tender and cherishing and outside the influence of any alcohol and within the context of a loving relationship) Lack of a reputrable source in fact any source at all.)

- John Martaugh, Chief Police Judge Criminal Court of New York, said,

(Editor: we’ll contact him and see what he really said)

“Homosexuals in large cities contribute to half of all murders.” (Editor: Reputable link?)

- Homosexuals is attributed to 50% of suicides. (Editor: Reputable link?)

- 37% of gay sado-masochism runs, resulting in many deaths. (Editor: a full description of the statistic?)

- The homosexual is 100 times more likely to be murdered (usually by another homosexual) than the average person. (Editor: Reputable source?)

- To murder, suicide or traffic accident dies 534 times more lesbians than normal women. (Editor: Reputable source?)

- About 50% of women on death row in the U.S. are lesbians. (Editor: Reputable source?)

- 33% of homosexuals are pedophiles. Their motto is “sex before eight years THAN LATE. ”

(Editor: men who prey on children below the age of 16 are overwhelmingly heterosexual and include a significant number of Catholic priests)

The fact that Mr. Hajek called this perverse “lifestyle” only “deviation” is not an insult or exaggeration. Czech parents do not want their children to school and przněny převychovávány on homosexuals to get AIDS and die as suicides. Mr. Hajek and not with the President apologizing for what! Conversely, the citizens of Prague and the whole nation is obliged to apologize to the Mayor Liberty and those members of political parties and VV CSSD, who betrayed the truth and democracy and demoralize nation. Protecting the nation from homosexualismem is good not only for society but also for themselves homosexuals. It is a known fact that homosexuals are oppressed minority.

Practice proves that a small handful of whole society discriminates against homosexuals, changing laws and raises homodiktaturu. Brandishing the phrases about freedom of speech and democracy, but both exploits and destroys! Gender-gay ideology introduces new thinking, based on irealitě and loss of reason and discernment. Woman which asserts that man must be under the new laws in the Republic considered a man. This ideology Czech state makes Gotham. Shame on the church hierarchy in the CR, nor to defend the laws of God or human rights! This hierarchy proved zrádnická structure of God and the nation. The Word of God calls homosexuality a heavy sin and an abomination. An example, the annihilation of Sodom and Gomorrah by fire. Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate calls on all religious leaders, especially Catholics, that even with his faithful have taken a clear and biblical position on homosexualismu. Invites them to at least additionally oppose Prague-pride and support the President and his Vice-Chancellor in their position of defending the moral and spiritual values ​​of the nation.

(Editor: For an alternative look at the Bible’s attitude to “homosexuality” please read Reluctant Journey by a heterosexual Methodist priest who is also a Biblical expert.)

For Byzantine Catholic Patriarchate

+ Elijah

Patriarch

+ + Methodius OSBMr Timothy OSBMr

Secretary-bishops

Lviv, Ukraine, 08.06.2011

Cc:

- Parties CSSD and VV

- Parliament of the Republic

- President and Vice-Chancellor

- Representatives of the Church

- Mass media

Dallas response Rick Perry's "Response" a Political Capitol Catastrophe

Rick Perry's Day of Prayer with the AFA was seen as most as effort by the Texan ultra right govoner to kickstart the donations for a presedental bid. Undoubtly conseritive fundies watched carefully for polititians willing to take the stage with Perry.

 




Forbes

Dallas Voice