NH House passes transgender rights protections

By ONE vote Baby ONE VOTE!!!!!

Glad Tweeted : NH House passes trans rights protections on reconsideration. Source Associated Press Wednesday, April 8, 2009, Via bostonherald.com

"CONCORD, N.H. - The New Hampshire House has reversed itself and passed a bill extending anti-discrimination protections to transgender individuals by a single vote."

"The House voted 181-149 to kill the bill last month, but reconsidered that vote Wednesday after a passionate appeal from House Speaker Terie Norelli to include transgender individuals in the state’s anti-discrimination law. The House debated more than three hours before voting 188-187 to send it to the Senate."

Full Article at Boston Herald NH House passes transgender rights protections

Media Resoures for Angie Zapata Murder Tial

Media Resources for the Angie Zapata Murder Trial

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Link to 'Light a Candle for Angie' Facebook campaign'

If you have further questions, please feel free to email me at jen@progressnowcolorado.org.

Thanks,

Jen Caltrider
Executive Producer
ProgressNow Colorado Education

'planetransgender' Covers Angie Zapata Murder Trial

Angie Zapata, companion and gentle soul met her violent death alone and without hope at the hands of confessed killer and gang member Allen Andrade on July 16, 2008.



Planetransgender has been given permission to re-post word for word the news as written and published by Autumn Sandeen, who will be in Colorado to cover the trial.

Autumn Sandeen transgender activist, is a distinguished and respected writer, contributing author at Pams House Blend, the only LGBT blog to be credentialed for the 2008 DNC, Transgender News and Transadvocate. Autumn honors us to be a friend and member of the Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies(DTAA)..

Beyond the emotional envelopment of this tragedy lie's deeper truths. Miss Angie's murder trial which begins Tuesday, April 14th, will mark the first time ever, an anti-transgender murder will be prosecuted as a hate crime in the United States.

We are murdered at an estimated rate of 1 in 12 obstinately because of our gender expression.

Law enforcement presently does not have the tools to identify and report hate crimes committed against transgender people and lawyers and judges do not have the laws that will allow prosecution for hate crimes without risking a conviction.

Tell your Legislators to support HR1913 Hate Crime Prevention Act" which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week. HR1913 is expected to be introduced in the Senate within the next couple of weeks, this trial is a timely reminder of the need for federal hate crimes legislation.

By kelli Busey
planetransgender
April 8, 2009

on the web

PageOneQ; Angie Zapata's killer confessed to first-degree murder as a hate crime

Angie Zapata's accused killer to be tried for for 1st degree murder

Angie Zapata's Life and Death : changed how we are treated

Angie Zapata Trial : Andrade's Murder Confession Thrown Out

Trial dates have been set for the murder of Angie Zapata.

Senator Renfroe : Respect Justice During Angie Zapata's Murder Trial

Tell Your Senator and Representative to Pass "HR1913 Hate Crime Prevention Act"

Let Your Representatives Know You Care about Hate Crimes Legislation!

Take Action!

Representative John Conyers (D-MI) along with 42 original co-sponsors re-introduced the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act - H.R. 1913. It is a transgender inclusive bill identical to the hate crimes legislation passed by the House of Representatives in 2007.

The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act would add sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability to existing federal hate crimes laws. It would also strengthen enforcement of these laws by allowing the US Department of Justice to assist local authorities in the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes cases.

When introducing the bill, Representative Conyers stated that the legislation "provides a constructive and measured response to a problem that continues to plague our nation. These are crimes that shock and shame our national conscience. They should be subject to comprehensive federal law enforcement assistance and prosecution."

Email Your Representative Today!
We urge you to write your Representatives and encourage them to support this critical piece of legislation. Those who oppose this legislation are taking advantage of this time to reach out to their representatives - it is important that we are equally active, sharing our stories with our Congress members. Please email your Representative, and take this important step to help address the violence our LGBT loved ones face

District of Columbia Recognizes Gay Marriage

Big Gay News BIG NEWS!!! via Tweeter The District of Columbia Recognizes Gay Marriage
"The D.C. Council Tuesday overwhelmingly voted in favor of legislation recognizing same-sex marriages from other states as marriage in the District — a move lauded by lawmakers as a step toward legalizing gay marriage in the city. “This is the march towards human rights and equality,” said Council member David A. Catania, at-large independent. “It is not the march toward special rights…and that march is coming here.” …

Read the full story from the Washington Times

Tweeter

Senator Burr stalls Duckworth's nomination

Source AP Senator stalls Duckworth's nomination courtesy of Reverend Allyson Robinson via twitter who wishes to express her disappointment that Senator Richard Burr stalled Tammy Duckworth's nomination.

The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee didn't vote on the nomination Thursday because North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr asked that the panel hold off. Burr, the top Republican on the committee, wants Duckworth and the White House to answer some of his questions. Burr's spokesman, David Ward, would not say on Friday what the questions concerned.

"The committee chairman, Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, called it a "disappointing setback."

"Tammy Duckworth is a talented and qualified nominee who has already given so much for her country and the veterans she serves," Akaka said."

"Duckworth, a major in the Illinois National Guard, lost both her legs and partial use of one arm in a rocket-propelled grenade attack in 2004. She ran for Congress in 2006, but lost."

Senator stalls Duckworth's nomination

Vermont Overrides Same-Sex Marriage Bill Veto

Breaking News: Vermont Overrides Same-Sex Marriage Bill Veto

April 7, 2009 - Vermont's legislature has voted to override Gov. Douglas' veto of the state's marriage equality bill. Vermont will become the fourth state to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.

AP Vermont legalizes gay marriage with veto override

Burlington Free Press Vermont legalizes gay marriage

Chicago Tribune Vermont becomes 4th state to legalize gay marriage after lawmakers override governor's veto

ACLU of TEXAS : stop voter suppression

Source ACLU TEXAS

You can act this week to stop voter suppression - a move by the Texas Legislature to turn away voters from the polls with a bill they call Voter ID.To hear our legislators talk, truckloads of people are showing up at the voting booths impersonating real voters.

Oh how I wish it were true that the urge to vote had really swept over our state with such enthusiasm.The House will take up this ridiculous legislation Tuesday. House backers are trying to portray their bill as kinder and gentler than the one the Senate passed in March but however you look at it, Voter ID is a stunt to intimidate would-be, legitimate voters. Voter ID would require photo identification when casting a ballot. Under current law, your voter registration card is enough.The Texas House Elections Committee will meet Tuesday - the second of two days of hearings - to hear public testimony on this divisive Voter ID bill.

I am asking you to be at that hearing to express your opposition with your presence. If you have a story to tell about voter ID, please email me.Supporters of Voter ID say the bill would prevent voter fraud. But as I have often said, show me proof that voter fraud is a problem in Texas. The Texas Attorney General's own lengthy, and costly investigation in recent years has yielded only about a dozen possible instances of voter fraud - all associated with absentee ballots - and no convictions.For these reasons, I ask you to stand with us on Tuesday and oppose the bill that seeks to silence the loudest voice we have, our vote.

Stand with uson Voter ID
What: House Elections Committee public hearing

When: Tuesday, April 7 at 1 p.m.

Where: John H. Reagan Building, Room 120105 W. 15th Street in Austin

Terri Burke

Executive Director

ACLU of Texas

EQMD : Last Chance to Speak for Transgender Protections

Urge Your Senator to Support Transgender Anti-Discrimination Legislation

URGENT ACTION *MARYLAND HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS* URGENT ACTION

Legislators on the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee continue to stall a vote on SB 566. Twice legislators have found excuses to hold the bill over. Tuesday the bill will come up again in committee. Tell your state Senator to do everything in his or her power to support a full Senate floor vote on this basic human rights legislation. Click here to take action.

Queers United: Governor Culver: Don't Amend the Iowa Constitution!

Queers United: Governor Culver: Don't Amend the Iowa Constitution! Please visit with Queers United to take action!

Demand HATE CRIMES Legislation NOW!

We've just gotten word from our legislative action team that a comprehensive hate crimes bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives. This very same bill has been before Congress many times before, but here's what's different: this time, we have a chance of seeing it become law. Your representatives need to hear from you right now.

Click here to send them a short message urging them to pass comprehensive hate crimes legislation.

This is our chance to secure federal protections for the LGBT community from vicious attacks and hate. But there's no guarantee we'll win without your action today.

Our opponents also know that we have the votes to get this bill passed and with the Obama administration poised to see it through, they'll be fighting with everything they've got to make sure we lose.

We cannot let that happen. By taking action today, you can help make sure the LGBT community is protected and has the resources to seek justice when victimized by hate crimes. Please, take action now, then urge everyone you know to get in touch with their representatives. Now is our moment and we need your voice.

Caothloic wirlwind drawing christians closser?

The President is Honored by the flagship of cathoholism by being invited to speak as the fetured speaker at Notre Dames Commencement Ceremony.

The Catholic Church reacts with outrage!

Unheard of? Unhearlded? Yes and Yes.

This is the first time that the Catholic Church has objected to the President of the United States being on one of it's Campuses.

This is the first time the presidents skin is black. This is the first time that a president's agenda was contray to the offical Vatican's theocracy.

This is the first time that the Vatican in modren times has so ademently and unialaterly opposed human rights, human life, and human diginity in order to justify its unbending theology. My oppinon and not those of any group I attend or represent, as a writer I have the freedom to express them.

I am publishing views that are diametrly opposed to mine for fairness and freedom of thought.

The thoughts of Michael J. Bayly author of 'Wild Reed' http://thewildreed.blogspot.com/2009/03/what-notre-dame-controversy-is-really.html

Set the record straight, defend transgender people

On April 7thWe just learned that our opponents at the Family Institute will be holding a rally on the steps of the capitol the same day as the Transgender Equality Lobby Day!

We need a strong turnout to counter opponents' lies. Can you join us? Please RSVP to Matt today and have your voice heard. We need you!

Come to the capitol and speak out at Lobby Day:Tuesday, April 7th10 AM - 1 PM Legislative Office Building Room 1D Contact Matt to RSVP, matt@lmfct.org or 860-525-7777x304

Legislators are hearing outrageous bigoted claims that transgender people should not be allowed in classrooms and that somehow basic protections for our community will increase the number of sexual predators. These are the SAME OLD TRICKS that our opponents tried to use when the gay rights bill was passed in 1991. Once again we have to set the record straight!

Come to the capitol, talk to your legislators, and show our elected officials that these slanders toward transgender people have no place in Connecticut. Thanks for being a part of our campaign. Let's make Connecticut the state where ALL people have equal rights. We hope to see you Tuesday! Please RSVP to Matt at matt@lmfct.org or 860-525-7777x304 so we have a headcount of attendees.

Sincerely, LMF Field Team

Take Action for Vermont Marriage Equality

Vermont House Passes Marriage Equality Same-sex marriage bill advances

Forwarded from New Hampshire Freedom To Marry (NHFTM)

MONTPELIER — Vermont ’s House of Representatives gave preliminary approval tonight to a historic same-sex marriage bill, setting up a showdown with Gov. Jim Douglas.After nearly four hours of passionate debate from supporters and opponents of the measure, the House approved the bill by a vote of 95-52 shortly after 9 p.m. The legislation, S.115, gives same-sex couples the right to marry in Vermont .The bill will be brought up again Friday for final approval, then return to the Senate, where changes to language must be approved. Should the Senate OK those changes, the bill will head to Douglas ’ desk and a promised veto.That veto — which Douglas declared last week he would deliver — would not kill the legislation. Instead members of the House and Senate will try to override the veto by securing a two-thirds majority of support in each chamber. The Senate would need 20 votes; the House would need 100 with all members in attendance.

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s): Governor John Lynch (if you live in New Hampshire)Your State Senator (if you live in New Hampshire)

Below is the sample letter:

Subject: The time is now, support HB436

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

I am writing to you today regarding House Bills 436. I am writing to you to request your support for this bill and to ask how you intend to vote on this bill. Regarding HB436, I believe in granting marriage equality to gays and lesbians. I want to end discrimination and the segregation of gay/lesbian families by urging you to pass HB 436 and marriage equality. Excluding gay/lesbian couples from marriage or segregating them with separate institutions, like civil unions -- marks them and their children as less worthy than other citizens.Children of gay/lesbian couples are harmed when their families are treated as less worthy. HB436 upholds freedom of religion. This bill is about civil marriage, and leaves decisions about religious ceremonies to faith leaders.NH's motto is "Live Free or Die." I believe that most people, when called upon, will do the right thing. In this case, please do the right thing and support marriage equality. Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
[your name automatically inserted]

Click Here to take action!

VICTORY IN IOWA : court says gay marriage ban unconstitutional

The Iowa Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the Constitutional ban on same sex marriage is unconstitutional. Polk County Attorney John Sarcone said that this ruling was not going to be contested meaning the ruling could go into effect in three weeks providing no other parties contest the decision.

The Iowa ruling could potentially have enormous effect on the pending California Supreme Court decision regarding same sex marriage. This finding took into consideration that human rights are afforded all people equally under constitutional guarantee and may not be removed by a popular vote or because a majority of the populations religious views demands it.

Iowa will become the third State to offer Gay Marriage following Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Lambda Legal has scheduled a news conference for Friday morning.

AP News release Iowa court says gay marriage ban unconstitutional

by Kelli Busey
April 03, 2009
planetransgender

Notre Dame Hosts Obama Despite Catholic Hierarchy Protests

Press Release
For Immediate Release
Dallas Transgender Activists and Allies

April 02 2009
Contact
kellibusey@yahoo.com

The Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies applauds Notre Dame University for exhibiting determination of free will by initiating dialogue about stem cell research and birth control.

Presently the official policy of Catholicism is not to honor or even to hold discourse with those who disagree with Church theology. The invitation to President Obama as the commencement speaker has been confirmed by Notre Dame despite loud choreographed disapproval. The Obama administration favors a mix of technology and faith when approaching birth control and the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Entire populations in Africa are being forced to adhere to abstinence only programs by government and religion and are suffering on a scale previously unknown. The Dallas Advocates and Allies condemns this practice as genocide as gay men in some African countries are refused treatment or even preventive education. President Obama's policy is not acceptable by most of Notre Dame alumni yet favored by nearly all of the graduating class.

Back ground information click here


Show Notre Dame that regardless of the difference of our beliefs we appreciate open dialogue by sending The Rev. John I. Jenkins, the university’s president a email.

Below is a sample email, feel free to copy and paste it on this link to Rev. Jenkins

Rev. John I. Jenkins, President Notre Dame University

Thank you for your resolve in extending your invitation to President Obama to be the May 17 commencement speaker. We understand that without conversation there only can be conflict and misunderstanding. You have distinguished Notre Dame as a fearless leader for Catholic progressive thinking.

Whether the President speaks directly to these controversial issues at the Commencement ceremony will not lessen our admiration.

We deeply appreciate your courage.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

Above is a sample email, feel free to copy and paste it on this link to Rev. Jenkins

Dallas Texas GLBT Job Fair April 1 2009 at SMU

Bringing diversity to the workplace.

Job Expo 2009 will be April 1 (Wednesday), 2-6 p.m. at the Fincher Building, Cox School of Business (6212 Bishop Blvd.), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75205. Free parking is available for Expo attendees along Bishop Blvd. Click here for SMU campus map: the Fincher Building is #42.

Hosted by the Office of Diversity, Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University.
Job Seekers: Whether you are looking for a better job, re-entering the workforce or you are just starting your career, GLBT Job Expo provides an opportunity to meet with employers looking to hire you.

Employers: Diversity in your business makes sense. By showing that you value and promote diversity demonstrates a commitment that goes beyond market share and employment. GLBT Job Expo provides an opportunity for you to meet and hire eligible candidates eager to make your companies shine. Click here to have your company be part of the 2009 GLBT Job Expo.
The GLBT Job Expo is part of the Center's commitment to raising awareness of how all people benefit by supporting each other and working together.

2009 GLBT Job Expo participants include:

City of Fort Worth
McKesson Corporation
Prudential
Wells Fargo
Raytheon
North Texas LEAD
Dallas County Sheriff's Department
Texas Instruments
American Airlines
University of Texas at Arlington
Southwest Airlines
Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas
Liberty National Life Insurance
OBOX Solutions
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Center for Non-Profit Management
Dallas ISD Alternative Certification
Metro PCS
HEB Central Market
Farmers Insurance
City of Dallas
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Frito-Lay
CVS Caremark
State Farm Insurance
SMU Continuing and Professional Education

posted by Kelli Busey
I'm job hunting so I'll see you there!

North Texas Presbyterians vote to ease rules on gay clergy

Posted by Thomas Squiers on "Walking With Integrity" original source By SAM HODGES / The Dallas Morning News samhodges@dallasnews.com

"In a break from the past, North Texas clergy and lay leaders of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have voted to ease the way for ordination of openly gay pastors, deacons and elders."

"Clergy and lay leaders of Grace Presbytery – the regional body covering 177 churches in North Texas and other parts of the state – voted Saturday to remove constitutional language requiring that ordained officers maintain “fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness."

”The vote was 203-182 in favor of the change, with six abstensions, said Rob Allen, spokesman for Grace Presbytery."

"The issue has come up in previous years, and Grace Presbytery has voted in favor of maintaining the barrier to ordination of gay pastors, deacons and elders."
Full Story at Dallas Morning News