"Have Hate" and no way to express it?
"We have a speical today on the ever popular 'shower' method." According to Mary Ann Jane Doe of the 'Concerned Citizens of whatever' "We have refined the shower method allowing the creation of an extremly dangerous precedents by getting close friends (or club members and even husbands) to cross dress, commit crimes by invading the opposite sex's most personal space while they are most vulnerable."
"Apparently success was achieved in our last effort" according to Whatever Jane Doe, "Not only can someone claim at some point that this was a only 'test' of a law, but it gives credence to potential criminals that this behaviour is permissible hopefully perpetuating violence and validating our incredibly outrageous claims."
"It's a win win for us haters" says Mary Ann Whatever Dope "We can lobby against human rights laws while actually promoting hate crimes and violence against woman and children!"
"Its all for a just cause. Our cause. Hate and Bigotry." says Doe Jane Whatever, "Now here is the kicker. You can even change the names of the perpetrators and continue to highlight this event as 'Evidence' of the dangers of enacting human rights laws and our husbands, club members and good ole buddies can walk away, scott free in full view of law enforcement."
'Concerned Citizens for something or another' did not return latter calls regarding possible 'Testing' of federal perjury laws.
Some links possibly related found somewhere on the web
January 17, 2008
Eye witness Mary Ann Andree told WJLA-Television
transadvocate.com Theresa Rickman Admits To Locker Room Media Stunt
Eyewitness "Ondray" recounts man in shower to Channel 7 News
Pams House Blend Theresa Rickman Admits To Locker Room Media Stunt
teachthefacts.org
Examiner.com Kelly Nicholson, general manager for the gym questioned whether the person was actually transgendered
Possibly written by kelli Anne Busey
testing of planetransgender's ablity to withstand bullshit
Could have been written on March 11, 2009
3/11/09
"Man in the Womans Shower" says witness Mary Ann Ondray er, I mean Mary Ann Andree, I mean of whatever....
"Got Hate" and no way to express?
"We have a speical today on the ever popular 'shower' method." According to Mary Ann Jane Doe of the 'Concerned Citizens of whatever' "We have refined the shower method allowing the creation of an extremly dangerous precedent by getting close friends (or club members and even husbands) to cross dress, commit crimes and invade the opposite sex's most personal spaces, while they are most vulnerable."
"Apparently success was achieved in our last effort" according to Jane Doe, "Not only can someone claim at some point that this was a only 'test' of a law, but it gives credence to potential criminals that this behaviour is permissible hopefully perpetuating violence and validating our incredibly outragious claims."
"It's a win win for us haters" says Mary Ann Whatever Doe "We can lobby against human rights laws while actually promoting hate crimes and violence against woman and children!"
"Its all for a just cause. Our cause. Hate and Bigotry." says Doe Jane Whatever, "Now here is the kicker. You can even change the names of the perpetrators and continue to highlight this event as 'Evidence' of the dangers of enacting human rights laws and our husbands, clubmembers and good ole buddies can walk away, scott free in full view of law enforcement."
'Concerned Citizens for somethin or another' did not return latter calls regarding possiable 'Testing' of federal purgery laws.
Some related links found on the web
http://transadvocate.com/autumnsandeen/archives/1493
http://www.teachthefacts.org/2008/01/there-they-go.html
"We have a speical today on the ever popular 'shower' method." According to Mary Ann Jane Doe of the 'Concerned Citizens of whatever' "We have refined the shower method allowing the creation of an extremly dangerous precedent by getting close friends (or club members and even husbands) to cross dress, commit crimes and invade the opposite sex's most personal spaces, while they are most vulnerable."
"Apparently success was achieved in our last effort" according to Jane Doe, "Not only can someone claim at some point that this was a only 'test' of a law, but it gives credence to potential criminals that this behaviour is permissible hopefully perpetuating violence and validating our incredibly outragious claims."
"It's a win win for us haters" says Mary Ann Whatever Doe "We can lobby against human rights laws while actually promoting hate crimes and violence against woman and children!"
"Its all for a just cause. Our cause. Hate and Bigotry." says Doe Jane Whatever, "Now here is the kicker. You can even change the names of the perpetrators and continue to highlight this event as 'Evidence' of the dangers of enacting human rights laws and our husbands, clubmembers and good ole buddies can walk away, scott free in full view of law enforcement."
'Concerned Citizens for somethin or another' did not return latter calls regarding possiable 'Testing' of federal purgery laws.
Some related links found on the web
http://transadvocate.com/autumnsandeen/archives/1493
http://www.teachthefacts.org/2008/01/there-they-go.html
3/10/09
Queers United: Take Action to Support Civil Unions in Hawaii
Queers United: Take Action to Support Civil Unions in Hawaii
From Queers United;
The civil unions bill has already passed the Hawai'i State House of Representatives, but it has hit a roadblock in the State Senate. It's not too late for the Senate to take action and pass this legislation, but we need your help. We need your voices, speaking in favor of equality, to let the State Senate and Governor Lingle know that many residents of Hawaii reject discrimination and support civil unions. Please sign the attached petition in support of the civil unions bill.
Follow the link above to sign the petition now to demand civil unions and pass this on to friends.
From Queers United;
The civil unions bill has already passed the Hawai'i State House of Representatives, but it has hit a roadblock in the State Senate. It's not too late for the Senate to take action and pass this legislation, but we need your help. We need your voices, speaking in favor of equality, to let the State Senate and Governor Lingle know that many residents of Hawaii reject discrimination and support civil unions. Please sign the attached petition in support of the civil unions bill.
Follow the link above to sign the petition now to demand civil unions and pass this on to friends.
HEROES OF FAITH HERO: REV. JAMES REEB
Written by Brianna My Hero project
James Reeb was born on January 1, 1927 in Wichita, Kansas. He was a Unitarian minister who was very active in the fight for civil rights in the 1960s. Rev. James Reeb is my hero.
I believe that a hero is an individual who does something to positively influence the world. A hero is passionate and honest about what he/she does and always puts the needs of others in front of his/her own. Heroes do not take the easy routes in life. They stay committed to what they know to be true, no matter what obstacles they may face.
Rev. James Reeb fits my definition of a hero in many ways. Reeb was a white man living during the African American civil rights movement. Because of the color of his skin, James Reeb could have chosen to perpetuate his white supremacy by not speaking out against the injustices of that time. Rev. Reeb did not take the easy route.
The murder of Jimmie Lee Jackson gave the civil rights movement another spark. A march from Selma to the state capitol building in Montgomery, Alabama was organized by members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to be on February 1, 1965. This march led to the arrest of 770 people. Two more marches soon followed this one. The second one was led by Martin Luther King. James Reeb was one of the dozen white UU ministers who had come to support Martin Luther King after a horrible confrontation with the state troopers called "Bloody Sunday." After the group of 1,500 people, including Rev. Reeb and Martin Luther King, had crossed the Pettus Bridge, the crowd was stopped by a wall of state troopers. In order to avoid further confrontation, King decided to turn back. Soon after the march, on the evening of March 9th 1965, Rev. James Reeb was attacked by a group of white men in Selma, Alabama. Two days later, Rev. Reeb died of his injuries. The death of Rev. Reeb triggered a national outcry against the racism in the South. Rev. James Reeb took a stand against something that he felt very passionately about. He risked his life by marching with and supporting Martin Luther King and sadly, like many others, his life was taken. During the time of the African American civil rights movement, it was considered very controversial for a person of any race to demand and fight for equality. I find it especially admirable that Martin Luther King and Rev. James Reeb chose to be non-violent in their battle for civil rights.
I attend a Unitarian Universalist Church that is named after Rev. James Reeb. He is an important person in the history of civil rights and I admire his strength in standing up for what he believed in and knew to be true. I use the stories of Rev. James Reeb as a way to give myself strength and hope knowing that he had the courage to take the harder route in life. My congregation and I strive to emulate the strength and courage that Rev. James Reeb, and many others from this time in history, have shown.
Our mission is to enlighten and inspire people of all ages with an ever-growing internet archive of hero stories from around the world. Now more than ever, children, teachers, and parents yearn for messages of hope and courage to face the challenges that lie ahead. The MY HERO web site hosts thousands of stories of remarkable individuals written by children and adults alike. These stories serve to remind us that we all have the potential to overcome great obstacles and achieve our dreams by following in the footsteps of our heroes.
Please visit with the My Hero project
Urge Maryland's Governor to Push for Transgender Anti-Discrimination Legislation
From Equality Maryland Take Action
Governor O'Malley's leadership can make the difference in the House and Senate Committees passing transgender anti-discrimination legislation this year. Transgender people experience bias far too often in employment, housing, healthcare, and public accommodations. When discrimination prevents or hinders a person from gaining or keeping employment, many other problems develop. Rent doesn't get paid, which leads to eviction. Data shows that 42% of transgender people in the DC Metro Area are unemployed and 19% do not have their own living space. Transgender individuals may also be denied access to social services like shelters or rape crisis centers; refused treatment, ridiculed, or denied recognition of their gender identity by health care professionals; or refused service at restaurants or stores.
Click for the Equality Maryland Action Alert
Governor O'Malley's leadership can make the difference in the House and Senate Committees passing transgender anti-discrimination legislation this year. Transgender people experience bias far too often in employment, housing, healthcare, and public accommodations. When discrimination prevents or hinders a person from gaining or keeping employment, many other problems develop. Rent doesn't get paid, which leads to eviction. Data shows that 42% of transgender people in the DC Metro Area are unemployed and 19% do not have their own living space. Transgender individuals may also be denied access to social services like shelters or rape crisis centers; refused treatment, ridiculed, or denied recognition of their gender identity by health care professionals; or refused service at restaurants or stores.
Click for the Equality Maryland Action Alert
"Jennifer Gale" blood drive Twin Cities Criminal Defames Gay and Transexual people
Reported by My Fox Twin Cities Video found top right or at this link
Fake posters found in the Twin Cities area purportedly seeking donors for a Red Cross blood drive intentionally defamed both Gay and Transgender people. Fox news correctly reported a 'Derogatory' term was used to describe gay men, but the name of the church, 'Jennifer Gale' was not recognized by Fox news as defamatory towards transgender people.
The author of this poster intentionally choose to use the name of a recently deceased homeless transgender activist so as to include transgender people in this insulting message.
Fake posters found in the Twin Cities area purportedly seeking donors for a Red Cross blood drive intentionally defamed both Gay and Transgender people. Fox news correctly reported a 'Derogatory' term was used to describe gay men, but the name of the church, 'Jennifer Gale' was not recognized by Fox news as defamatory towards transgender people.
The author of this poster intentionally choose to use the name of a recently deceased homeless transgender activist so as to include transgender people in this insulting message.
One in 50 US Child Homeless-Texas Ranks Worst at Number 50
March 10, 2009 by Kelli Busey planetransgender
Texas ranks last overall according to a report released March 10 by the National Center on Family Homelessness "America’s Youngest Outcasts: State Report Card on Child Homelessness".
The report is the first comprehensive compilation of data which enables a state by state comparison. Families that find themselves without secure housing are reluctant to enter the prison like state funded emergency shelters out of fear of being broken apart.
Many families now forsake this option and live on the streets and these numbers are rising exponentially in the face of spiraling double digit unemployment.
Children are the innocent victims suffering lifelong effects from insecurity, unavailability of education and medical care, social interaction issues, malnutrition and violence.
In short, Texas(50), Louisiana(46), Mississippi(41) and South Carolina(39) four of the five states that the republican governors have threatened to refuse extended unemployment benefits offered by the federal government are also rated among the very worst in the report.
These four states have all the necessary ingredients to produce a societal failure of unimaginable proportions. Drug usage, violent crime and a out of control rise in the prison population is already in evidence in Texas, it being
number one in the percentage of imprisoned per population.
The 10 best........10 worst states.
1. Connecticut.....50. Texas
2. New Hampshire...49. Georgia
3. Hawaii..........48. Arkansas
4. Rhode Island....47. New Mexico
5. North Dakota....46. Louisiana
6. Minnesota.......45. Nevada
7. Wisconsin.......44. North Carolina
8. Massachusetts...43. Florida
9. Maine...........40. Kentucky
10. Vermont........41. Mississippi
Take Action
With the release of the new report America’s Youngest Outcasts: State Report Card on Child Homelessness, the National Center on Family Homelessness challenges advocates, policymakers, funders, and service providers to end to this tragedy. Join this effort to ensure that all of our nation’s children have homes to call their own.
Click on this link to learn about ways to get more involved.
Full report at homelesschildrenamerica.org
Texas ranks last overall according to a report released March 10 by the National Center on Family Homelessness "America’s Youngest Outcasts: State Report Card on Child Homelessness".
The report is the first comprehensive compilation of data which enables a state by state comparison. Families that find themselves without secure housing are reluctant to enter the prison like state funded emergency shelters out of fear of being broken apart.
Many families now forsake this option and live on the streets and these numbers are rising exponentially in the face of spiraling double digit unemployment.
Children are the innocent victims suffering lifelong effects from insecurity, unavailability of education and medical care, social interaction issues, malnutrition and violence.
In short, Texas(50), Louisiana(46), Mississippi(41) and South Carolina(39) four of the five states that the republican governors have threatened to refuse extended unemployment benefits offered by the federal government are also rated among the very worst in the report.
These four states have all the necessary ingredients to produce a societal failure of unimaginable proportions. Drug usage, violent crime and a out of control rise in the prison population is already in evidence in Texas, it being
number one in the percentage of imprisoned per population.
The 10 best........10 worst states.
1. Connecticut.....50. Texas
2. New Hampshire...49. Georgia
3. Hawaii..........48. Arkansas
4. Rhode Island....47. New Mexico
5. North Dakota....46. Louisiana
6. Minnesota.......45. Nevada
7. Wisconsin.......44. North Carolina
8. Massachusetts...43. Florida
9. Maine...........40. Kentucky
10. Vermont........41. Mississippi
Take Action
With the release of the new report America’s Youngest Outcasts: State Report Card on Child Homelessness, the National Center on Family Homelessness challenges advocates, policymakers, funders, and service providers to end to this tragedy. Join this effort to ensure that all of our nation’s children have homes to call their own.
Click on this link to learn about ways to get more involved.
Full report at homelesschildrenamerica.org
3/9/09
Defamatory Language as Defined by The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
http://www.glaad.org/about/index.php
ACLU of Florida : No place for discrimination in Gainesville
There is no place for discrimination in Gainesville.
Join the ACLU of Florida and Equality is Gainesville's Business in our fight against discrimination.
The far right has targeted Gainesville with its anti-gay agenda, and is trying to repeal human rights protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. This effort, which targets one of the most progressive cities in Florida, is part of a broader attack aimed at taking away protections from discrimination for LGBT people in Florida and throughout the nation. We must stop this effort and send the clear message: discrimination stops here!
Click Here to Check out volunteer opportunities, and get involved in ACLU of Florida and Equality is Gainesville's Business campaign to end discrimination.
No Discrimination Against Palestinian Refugees in Gaza
Amnesty International USA
No Discrimination Against Palestinian Refugees in Gaza
On March 6, 2009, Senator Kyl (R-WI) introduced an amendment to the Omnibus bill that would deny Palestinian refugees from Gaza resettlement protection. The US is not likely to resettle this population in 2009, and therefore, the amendment is not only discriminatory but also unnecessary. Contrary to 30 years of extending protection to refugees on the basis of need, the Kyl amendment seeks to discriminate against an entire group based on nationality alone. Tell your Senator that this discriminatory amendment must be defeated.
Take Action! Send your Congress person a message via Amnesty International USA
No Discrimination Against Palestinian Refugees in Gaza
On March 6, 2009, Senator Kyl (R-WI) introduced an amendment to the Omnibus bill that would deny Palestinian refugees from Gaza resettlement protection. The US is not likely to resettle this population in 2009, and therefore, the amendment is not only discriminatory but also unnecessary. Contrary to 30 years of extending protection to refugees on the basis of need, the Kyl amendment seeks to discriminate against an entire group based on nationality alone. Tell your Senator that this discriminatory amendment must be defeated.
Take Action! Send your Congress person a message via Amnesty International USA
The 17th Annual Houston Transgender Unity Banquet - May 2, 2009
The 17th Annual Houston Transgender Unity Banquet - May 2, 2009
2009 Press Release!
The Houston Transgender Unity Committee has opened ticket sales for the annual Houston Transgender Unity Banquet, which will be held on Saturday, May 2, at the Sheraton Brookhollow (3000 North Loop West), 6:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. Tickets are $50 in advance ($60 at the door) and can be purchased through Ticketweb at the Unity Committee website, www.htuc.org. Tickets are also available at Vanity: A Trans-formation Studio (1440 Yale, 832/767-3252), the Heights boutique.
Proceeds from Unity Banquet ticket sales support the Peggy Rudd Transgender Scholarship Fund. The Unity Committee will present two scholarships at the banquet to trans-identified students pursuing higher education. The Rudd Scholarship application is available at the Unity Committee website. The application deadline is March 16.
Scott Turner Schofield, the Atlanta-based transgender performance artist, is the 2009 Unity Banquet keynote speaker. During the banquet, representatives from other local transgender groups will make presentations about their work. These groups include Helping TransGenders Anonymous, STAG/Some Transgenders Are Guys, Transgender Foundation for America TG Center, Tau Chi chapter of Tri-Ess, the Society for the Second Self, and Texas Association for Transsexual Support,
Unity Banquet sponsors (as of February 19) are Charles Armstrong Investments, Houston GLBT Political Caucus, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, Phyllis Randolph Frye, Zukowski Center for Plastic Surgery, Denise O’Doherty, and Legacy Community Health Services.
Unity Banquet sponsorships are available at a range of levels, from $75 to $2,000 to underwrite the Brenda Thomas Education Table, named in honor of Thomas (1943-2006), the activist and educator and longtime Unity Committee executive director. Interested individuals and companies may contact the committee via www.htuc.org.
A silent auction held during the banquet will raise additional funds to support Unity Committee programs.
The Houston Transgender Unity Committee is the nonprofit consortium of area trans organizations. In addition to the Unity Banquet, Unity Committee projects include Unity Month in April and Transgender Day of Remembrance in November. Committee representatives frequently speak to schools, businesses, and organizations.
“Disordered” No More: Challenging Transphobia in Psychology, Academia and Society
IFGE 2009 Conference Workshop Presented by
Joelle Ruby Ryan, Ph.D Candidate, Julia Serano, Ph.D. and Kelley Winters, Ph.D.
Transgender people have long been the whipping boy/girl for all of society to use as a source of revenue and those who question this maginalized. Challenging the continued transgender subordination and the associated industries profiteering are three scholars who's dissertations debunk and and expose the lies that have empowered profiteers and rendered helpless us who must live authentically or die.
Online report compiled by Lynn Conwayfound here.
Trans News Updates: 3-9-09 Compiled by Lynn Conway
Joelle Ruby Ryan, Ph.D Candidate, Julia Serano, Ph.D. and Kelley Winters, Ph.D.
Transgender people have long been the whipping boy/girl for all of society to use as a source of revenue and those who question this maginalized. Challenging the continued transgender subordination and the associated industries profiteering are three scholars who's dissertations debunk and and expose the lies that have empowered profiteers and rendered helpless us who must live authentically or die.
Online report compiled by Lynn Conwayfound here.
Trans News Updates: 3-9-09 Compiled by Lynn Conway
3/8/09
Amazing Grace
A dear friend shared this with us this morning. What a wonderfull way to start a Sunday!
Thanks to Renee at Gender Power
Thanks to Renee at Gender Power
3/6/09
Unforgivable ; Republican Governors play politics with Poverty
Our country is in real trouble right now, with unemployment spiraling out of control. President Obama's stimulus plan provides money to expand unemployment assistance. But a group of Republican governors, led by Louisiana's Bobby Jindal, is trying to score political points by blocking that assistance from reaching the people who need it. It's cynical and disgusting.
These governors are playing with people's lives. They're trying to further their political ambitions while showing they could care less about the fate of everyday folks--even in their own state.
Please join me in calling them out and forcing the media spotlight on them. I just signed ColorOfChange.org's open letter demanding they do the right thing. Together, we can help make sure that in times of hardship folks get the assistance they need. It only takes a moment:
colorofchange.org
It's incredible. President Obama's stimulus package provides money for states to extend unemployment benefits for people in dire need of help, but a handful of Republican governors--Bob Riley of Alabama, Mark Sanford of South Carolina, Rick Perry of Texas, Sarah Palin of Alaska, Haley Barbour of Mississippi, and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana--are putting politics over people.
All six governors have threatened to turn down these funds. Four are 2012 presidential contenders, and they all have a vested interest in seeing Obama fail. They're attacking the President's policies to increase their own profile and cozy up to the most die-hard conservatives. They also claim that taking the stimulus money would leave their states in debt when it runs out in three years. But that argument rings hollow--state legislatures could reduce benefits to pre-stimulus levels at that point.
While these governors posture, Black folks suffer the most. In all of these states, Black unemployment is at least twice that of Whites--and in Louisiana and Mississippi, the two Blackest states in the Union, the unemployment rate among Black people approaches three times that of their White neighbors.
Please join me in telling these Republican governors to stop putting their personal and political interests above the good of all their states' citizens. Demand that they accept all of the stimulus money designated for unemployment benefits. And please ask your friends and family to do the same by passing this message on.
colorofchange.org
These governors are playing with people's lives. They're trying to further their political ambitions while showing they could care less about the fate of everyday folks--even in their own state.
Please join me in calling them out and forcing the media spotlight on them. I just signed ColorOfChange.org's open letter demanding they do the right thing. Together, we can help make sure that in times of hardship folks get the assistance they need. It only takes a moment:
colorofchange.org
It's incredible. President Obama's stimulus package provides money for states to extend unemployment benefits for people in dire need of help, but a handful of Republican governors--Bob Riley of Alabama, Mark Sanford of South Carolina, Rick Perry of Texas, Sarah Palin of Alaska, Haley Barbour of Mississippi, and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana--are putting politics over people.
All six governors have threatened to turn down these funds. Four are 2012 presidential contenders, and they all have a vested interest in seeing Obama fail. They're attacking the President's policies to increase their own profile and cozy up to the most die-hard conservatives. They also claim that taking the stimulus money would leave their states in debt when it runs out in three years. But that argument rings hollow--state legislatures could reduce benefits to pre-stimulus levels at that point.
While these governors posture, Black folks suffer the most. In all of these states, Black unemployment is at least twice that of Whites--and in Louisiana and Mississippi, the two Blackest states in the Union, the unemployment rate among Black people approaches three times that of their White neighbors.
Please join me in telling these Republican governors to stop putting their personal and political interests above the good of all their states' citizens. Demand that they accept all of the stimulus money designated for unemployment benefits. And please ask your friends and family to do the same by passing this message on.
colorofchange.org
AFL-CIO Calls On California Supreme Court to Invalidate Proposition 8
For Immediate Release
March 5, 2009
Pride at Work, AFL-CIO
Miami, Florida – As the AFL-CIO Executive Council gathers in Miami this week, hearing addresses from Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis dealing with the economic crisis and its impact on workers across the country, the Executive Council has spoken up again for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workers by passing a resolution, in unanimity, calling on the California Supreme Court to invalidate Proposition 8.
The resolution strengthens a previous resolution, passed in 2005 that called for the full inclusion and equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the workplace. The most recent resolution, passed yesterday, on the eve of the day that the California Supreme Court hears oral arguments in the Proposition 8 case, states that Prop 8, “ended the right to marry enjoyed by gay and lesbian couples in California and cast a cloud over the legal status of thousands of California marriages...depriving one class of citizens of rights enjoyed by all others.”
The National AFL-CIO follows the lead of the California labor movement, which has vociferously opposed the passage of Proposition 8. In July 2008, the California Federation of Labor, in a resolution introduced by Pride At Work Co-President T Santora, mandated that unions include information opposing Proposition 8 on union slate cards and other election materials. In 2006, the California Federation Labor called for an end to marriage discrimination and for marriage equality for LGBT workers. California labor unions donated millions of dollars to the campaign to defeat Proposition 8. Most recently, over 50 unions in California signed an amicus brief, calling on the California Supreme Court to invalidate Proposition 8.
“I applaud the AFL-CIO on their continuing support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workers within, and outside, the Federation,” said Nancy Wohlforth, Pride At Work Co-President and AFL-CIO Executive Council Member. “Denying LGBT couples the right to marry has tremendous impact on the ability of LGBT workers to access full parity in the workplace. Many benefits that heterosexual workers take for granted, such as FMLA, sick and bereavement leave, healthcare benefits, and pension benefits are routinely denied to LGBT couples because they cannot legally marry. Invalidating Proposition 8 is the only way to bring LGBT workers in California full equality in the workplace and beyond.”
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is a voluntary federation of 56 national and international labor unions. The AFL-CIO union movement represents 11 million members, including 2.5 million members in Working America, its new community affiliate. Pride At Work advances the issues of importance to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workers within all labor unions, including the AFL-CIO, Change To Win Federation, and independent unions.
March 5, 2009
Pride at Work, AFL-CIO
Miami, Florida – As the AFL-CIO Executive Council gathers in Miami this week, hearing addresses from Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis dealing with the economic crisis and its impact on workers across the country, the Executive Council has spoken up again for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workers by passing a resolution, in unanimity, calling on the California Supreme Court to invalidate Proposition 8.
The resolution strengthens a previous resolution, passed in 2005 that called for the full inclusion and equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the workplace. The most recent resolution, passed yesterday, on the eve of the day that the California Supreme Court hears oral arguments in the Proposition 8 case, states that Prop 8, “ended the right to marry enjoyed by gay and lesbian couples in California and cast a cloud over the legal status of thousands of California marriages...depriving one class of citizens of rights enjoyed by all others.”
The National AFL-CIO follows the lead of the California labor movement, which has vociferously opposed the passage of Proposition 8. In July 2008, the California Federation of Labor, in a resolution introduced by Pride At Work Co-President T Santora, mandated that unions include information opposing Proposition 8 on union slate cards and other election materials. In 2006, the California Federation Labor called for an end to marriage discrimination and for marriage equality for LGBT workers. California labor unions donated millions of dollars to the campaign to defeat Proposition 8. Most recently, over 50 unions in California signed an amicus brief, calling on the California Supreme Court to invalidate Proposition 8.
“I applaud the AFL-CIO on their continuing support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workers within, and outside, the Federation,” said Nancy Wohlforth, Pride At Work Co-President and AFL-CIO Executive Council Member. “Denying LGBT couples the right to marry has tremendous impact on the ability of LGBT workers to access full parity in the workplace. Many benefits that heterosexual workers take for granted, such as FMLA, sick and bereavement leave, healthcare benefits, and pension benefits are routinely denied to LGBT couples because they cannot legally marry. Invalidating Proposition 8 is the only way to bring LGBT workers in California full equality in the workplace and beyond.”
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is a voluntary federation of 56 national and international labor unions. The AFL-CIO union movement represents 11 million members, including 2.5 million members in Working America, its new community affiliate. Pride At Work advances the issues of importance to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workers within all labor unions, including the AFL-CIO, Change To Win Federation, and independent unions.
Same Sex Kiss Day!
Newest Tweeter friend SameSexKiss has a wonderful idea.
Here is........THE PLAN!
Show up at a Starbucks on Tax Day at 7:15 AM, 12:15 PM, 5:15 PM, or 8:15 PM , buy a cuppa joe, then..... share a kiss with your sweetie, or a friend, or even a long-time crush! RAWR!
INFO
LGBT couples have yet to be granted the same rights to file our taxes jointly on a Federal level, and we can still be fired for being openly gay in the workplace. That's why you're encouraged to be seen on Tax Day, April 15, 2009, spreading your love with a KISS!
Got no one to smooch? Not comfortable kissing in public? Not Gay? Check out SameSexKiss for lotsa options!
3/5/09
EQMD : Urge Committees to Support Transgender Anti-Discrimination Legislation
Urge Committees to Support Transgender Anti-Discrimination Legislation
Urge Committees to Support Transgender Anti-Discrimination Legislation
Transgender people experience bias far too often in employment, housing, healthcare, and public accommodations. When discrimination prevents or hinders a person from gaining or keeping employment, many other problems develop. Rent doesn't get paid, which leads to eviction. Data shows that 42% of transgender people in the DC Metro Area are unemployed and 19% do not have their own living space. Transgender individuals may also be denied access to social services like shelters or rape crisis centers; refused treatment, ridiculed, or denied recognition of their gender identity by health care professionals; or refused service at restaurants or stores.
Every person in our state deserves an equal opportunity to make a life for his or herself free from discrimination and violence. Discrimination against transgender Marylanders is wrong, far too prevalent, and must be stopped.
The lack of protections based on gender identity and expression has gone on long enough. Edit the below text to tell your state legislators to cosponsor this common-sense legislation.
Talking Points
The Washington Transgender Needs Assessment survey estimates that 42% of transgender people in the DC Metro Area are unemployed; 31% have incomes of less than $10,000/year; and 19% do not have their own living space. The most common barriers cited by those who lack housing are their economic situation (38%), housing staff insensitivity or hostility to transgender people (29%), estrangement from birth family (27%) and lack of employment (23%).
Similar bills in other states have been non-controversial. The New Jersey bill adding protections for transgender individuals was signed into law in December 2006, passed by a margin of 33-3 in the Senate and 69-5 in the Assembly. According to a Gonzales poll taken in August 2006, more than half of Maryland voters favor making it illegal in Maryland to discriminate against transgender people.
Discrimination in housing and public accommodations is a large problem for transgender people.
Many are evicted or forced to leave home.
Landlords may not want to rent to a transgender person.
Public facilities such as stores, restaurants and bars may ask transgender people to leave because of the perception that other customers may be upset.
Transsexual individuals often lose their jobs during or after their gender transitions.
Without protections from workplace discrimination many transgender Marylanders will continue to be pressured to hide their true gender identity to keep their jobs.
Urge Committees to Support Transgender Anti-Discrimination Legislation
Equality Maryland supports Freedom of Association and Assembly Protection Act of 2009
Does that qualify Equality Maryland a threat to society?
The people who ordered the Maryland State Police to spy on Equality Maryland apparently think so. According to EQMD Executive Director Kate Runyon these activities include monitoring email lists, keeping files on currant and past members and posing as activists in order to gain access to ongoing activities.
The apparent spying began after Equality Maryland spoke out in favor of the Freedom of Association and Assembly Protection Act of 2009. These bills mandate that law enforcement use of covert techniques and compiling of criminal intelligence dossiers about Marylanders' political views and activities be based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.
From Equality Maryland
Every person in our state deserves an equal opportunity to make a life for his or herself free from discrimination and violence. Discrimination against transgender Marylanders is wrong, far too prevalent, and must be stopped.
Urge Committees to Support Transgender Anti-Discrimination Legislation
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