Angie Zapata Hate Crime Murder Trial Yesterday, Today... (+)
by: Autumn Sandeen
Wed Apr 15, 2009 at 11:45:00 AM EDT
During the day, I'm microblogging/tweeting fact based statements about what's going on with the Angie Zapata Hate Crime Murder trial, and then also pointing people to what I'm writing at Pam's House Blend. Jen from ProgressNow Colorado has been adding helpful announcements (such as the one for the Angie Zapata Family Vigil) and links to other mainstream media articles on the subject.
So yesterday, it was all out-of-the-public view jury selection process. At least half of the day today will be the same.
This afternoon (at earliest), it's expected that mini opening statements will be given to potential jurors, and I should be able to be in the courtroom when the roughly 3-minute long synopsizes by both prosecutor and defense team.
At earliest, we expect opening statements to be given to the selected jurors Thursday morning.
So, this may also be a light day of news from the trial.
As the trial goes on, daytime will be for microblogging, and my evenings will be editing videos (if any), and doing that "new media reporting" -- which is reporting with a visible agenda.
My visible agendas will be 1.) reminding you, the reading public here at The Blend, that Angie Zapata was a young girl who went on a date -- no matter what happened during the date, she did not deserve to die a brutal, violent death. Angie, above all else, was a human being who didn't deserve this. And, 2.) Angie was a young, transgender woman, and the reason the admitted murderer gave in his affidavit for murdering her so brutally was because she was a transgender woman. This trial will have implications on national hate crime legislation coming up in Congress this year, so I'll be discussing why I believe hate federal crime legislation needs to be fully inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in relationship to this case.
So, I'm off to breakfast, and then off to court.
Autumn Sandeen :: Angie Zapata Hate Crime Murder Trial Yesterday, Today...
4/15/09
Torture Is A Moral Issue-Call The White House Today
The Wall Street Journal is reporting today that the Obama White House might continue the Bush Administration policy of concealing key details about the CIA's use of torture. Please call President Obama immediately to tell him that he should not act to conceal our country's use of torture!
On Thursday, the Obama White House is expected to release a series of three 2005 legal memos that authorized the use of torture as an interrogation technique. These memos are crucial in order to understand exactly what torture techniques were used and how they were approved. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that these memos may be released in a redacted form - that parts of the memos may not be made public. This is unacceptable! Our nation's use of torture cannot remain hidden. The American people need to know exactly what was done, how it was approved, and how it can be prevented in the future. Please call President Obama TODAY at 202-456-1111, and tell his staff that you think that the legal memos authorizing the use of torture should be released in their full, unredacted form. Tell President Obama that you expect him to put an end to Bush Administration secrecy.
Thank you for your help,Sincerely,
Rev. Richard Killmer
Executive Director
Voices From The Angie Zapata Family Vigil
Cross posted with full permision from Pams 'House Blend'
by: Autumn Sandeen
Wed Apr 15, 2009 at 09:15:00 AM EDT
I went to the Angie Zapata Family Vigil on Monday Night, and asked people why they chose to attend the event. Below is the video where about a half a dozen folk answer the question.
The video begins with me worrying aloud about whether very many trans people and their allies were going to attend -- I worried for nothing, as at least fifty trans people, allies, and members of Angie Zapata's trial family (sorry, typo) attended. Then, in sort of a "second" intro to the video (shot in my hotel room) I introduce the concept of the video, explaing that I asked people at the vigil "What motivated you personally to attend this vigil?" The video is about seven-and-a-half minutes long.
Justicia racial para Zapata : Racial Justice For Zapata
Inglés para el traductor de Google español miniaplicación a la derecha
Violence is extreme against our gender and racially diverse community.
The disproportionate number of under reported, incorrectly or unreported crimes against transgender people of color is sickening. This sad fact is being brought to the forefront of national attention by Angie Zapata's violent death. This horrific event has unified the transgender community and allies in awareness and action.
I am a white Anglo Saxon transgender woman who until I transitioned was among the largest ethnic majority in America. I have a innate view of people that does not note ethenticity automatically. I was born with this blindness and can not attribute this blessing to an endeavour of my own. But as a result, until Monica Roberts and Ethan St. Pierre brought this to my attention I was blissfully oblivious to this incredible disparity. AS HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS WE MUST FOCUS our activism on the most vulnerable.
Colorlines The National News Magazine for Race and Politic's Blog Race Wire
Twitter Racial Justice
Transgender News [Blog/News] [CO, USA] Light a Candle for Angie Zapata
Colorado Independent Coalition unfurls ‘End Hate’ campaign ahead of Angie Zapata murder trial
planetransgender planetransgender: Human Rights First : 2008 US Violent Hate Crimes against LGBT Increasing
Remember Our Dead
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Monica Roberts TransGriotBust A Cap In 'Em?
Ethan St. Pierre International Transgender Day Of Remembrance
4/14/09
Jury selection starts to for Zapata Murder Trial
Source Colorado Independent Jury selection starts Tuesday in trial of man charged with Zapata slaying
"The 300 Weld County residents who report for jury duty Tuesday won’t know at first whether they might wind up deciding the fate of a man accused of beating to death Angie Zapata, a 17-year-old transgender woman — first with his fists and then with a fire extinguisher — last summer in Greeley."
"Some of the prospective jurors will be sent to another courtroom — randomly, using a constantly changing process to ensure no one knows which crime they could judge, according to a court official — where a second murder trial is scheduled at the Weld County Courthouse. But most will be directed to the benches of District Court Judge Marcelo A. Kopcow, where a dozen will eventually sit for nine days to hear evidence and decide whether Allen Andrade committed first-degree murder and a hate crime."
Original full article Jury selection starts Tuesday in trial of man charged with Zapata slaying
"The 300 Weld County residents who report for jury duty Tuesday won’t know at first whether they might wind up deciding the fate of a man accused of beating to death Angie Zapata, a 17-year-old transgender woman — first with his fists and then with a fire extinguisher — last summer in Greeley."
"Some of the prospective jurors will be sent to another courtroom — randomly, using a constantly changing process to ensure no one knows which crime they could judge, according to a court official — where a second murder trial is scheduled at the Weld County Courthouse. But most will be directed to the benches of District Court Judge Marcelo A. Kopcow, where a dozen will eventually sit for nine days to hear evidence and decide whether Allen Andrade committed first-degree murder and a hate crime."
Original full article Jury selection starts Tuesday in trial of man charged with Zapata slaying
4/13/09
TCU delays housing program for LGBT students
BREAKING NEWS: TCU delays housing program for LGBT students
Source 'Instant Tea' blog by Dallas Voice News Editor John Wright;
"Officials at Texas Christian University have postponed plans for a living-learning community geared toward LGBT students and their supporters."
"The two TCU students who proposed DiversityCity Q — Shelly Newkirk and Su Harz — said Monday they were disappointed with the decision. Harz said she thinks the administration caved to outside pressure, and she noted that DiversityCity Q was the only living-learning community that had generated any media attention."
"Newkirk said a demonstration is planned Friday at TCU to push for an LGBT resource center on campus. But she said the demonstration was planned prior to Monday’s decision, and she doesn’t want it to turn into a protest. The demonstration will be from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., beginning at the Bass Building and ending at the Sadler Lawn."
Full story at Dallas Voice Blog INSTANT TEA
Tell Amazon to Stop Discriminating Against LGBT Books
Tell Amazon to Stop Discriminating Against LGBT Books
Targeting: Amazon Customer Service and Jeff Bezos (CEO, Amazon.com)
Started by: Ben Rattray
Started by: Ben Rattray
It was recently revealed that Amazon has been stripping the sales rank of gay and lesbian books, labeling them as "adult" content and removing them from search rankings. At the same time, books about heterosexual porn stars, Playboy centerfolds, and techniques on how to "cure" homosexuality remain ranked.Please tell Amazon this discrimination is unacceptable and must be stopped immediately, and that as a public company they should release a transparent set of guidelines on how books are classified on the site.
For more information, see: http://gayrights.change.org/blog/view/amazoncoms_epic_fail
Petition Link
First Transgender Hate Crime Trial Opens in Zapata Murder Case
Source: Public News Service, CO, USA
Greeley - A landmark trial begins this week in Weld County, Colo. It is believed to be the first murder prosecution under hate-crime laws that involves a transgender victim. The case is last year's brutal killing of Angie Zapata, an 18-year-old transgender woman who was attacked in her Greeley apartment. The suspect in the case is charged with a number of crimes, including first-degree murder and a "bias-motivated" or hate crime. "
"Colorado was the first state in the nation to pass a hate-crime law, in 1988. Mindy Barton, legal director at the GLBT Community Center of Colorado, says it was amended in 2005 to include sexual orientation and gender identity."
"To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that these charges have been filed in an anti-transgender-specific case."
Public News Service - CO
April 2009
Criminal Justice
GLBTQ Issues
Download audio
Greeley - A landmark trial begins this week in Weld County, Colo. It is believed to be the first murder prosecution under hate-crime laws that involves a transgender victim. The case is last year's brutal killing of Angie Zapata, an 18-year-old transgender woman who was attacked in her Greeley apartment. The suspect in the case is charged with a number of crimes, including first-degree murder and a "bias-motivated" or hate crime. "
"Colorado was the first state in the nation to pass a hate-crime law, in 1988. Mindy Barton, legal director at the GLBT Community Center of Colorado, says it was amended in 2005 to include sexual orientation and gender identity."
"To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that these charges have been filed in an anti-transgender-specific case."
Public News Service - CO
April 2009
Criminal Justice
GLBTQ Issues
Download audio
Vigil for Angie Zapata April 14 2009
Vigil for Angie Zapata
Support Angie's family during this difficult time and raise awareness of hate crimes against transgender people
Tuesday, April 14 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
North side of Lincoln Park (Greeley, CO)
10th Ave. & 8th St.Greeley, CO 80631
RSVP @ Progressive Colorado
One Iowa's 'Virtual Rally for Common Concern!'
Virtual Rally for Common Concern!
Opponents of equality are at it again! Once again on Monday, extremists will protest the unanimous Iowa Supreme Court decision and push additional measures to undermine the Court’s historic decision! Monday’s protest follows a similar protest last Thursday that saw
opponents of equality disrupt the House Chambers with chants and political gamesmanship.
In response, One Iowa is calling on Iowans across the state to participate in a virtual rally asking our elected officials to continue work on issues of common concern to all Iowans. In the midst of a budget shortfall, job losses, and last year’s devastating floods, our elected officials should put aside divisive politics and continue to work for all Iowans!
Participate NOW in the Rally for Common Concern:
CALL AND EMAIL YOUR LEGISLATORS
Opponents of equality are at it again! Once again on Monday, extremists will protest the unanimous Iowa Supreme Court decision and push additional measures to undermine the Court’s historic decision! Monday’s protest follows a similar protest last Thursday that saw
opponents of equality disrupt the House Chambers with chants and political gamesmanship.
In response, One Iowa is calling on Iowans across the state to participate in a virtual rally asking our elected officials to continue work on issues of common concern to all Iowans. In the midst of a budget shortfall, job losses, and last year’s devastating floods, our elected officials should put aside divisive politics and continue to work for all Iowans!
Participate NOW in the Rally for Common Concern:
CALL AND EMAIL YOUR LEGISLATORS
Even if you’ve already done so, our legislators need to hear from you again! Call legislators today after 8 AM, by contacting the Iowa House switchboard at 515-281-3221 and the Iowa Senate switchboard at 515-281-3371. You can find your legislators here. Also email your legislators and tell them to put aside divisive politics and work on issues of common concern!
TAKE ACTION ONLINE!
TAKE ACTION ONLINE!
Signatures will be delivered to House leadership later in the day.
Second, change your facebook, myspace, and twitter picture to One Iowa’s ‘blue dot’. Follow the link, save the photo and upload it as your profile picture for the day.Lastly, change your status to
Second, change your facebook, myspace, and twitter picture to One Iowa’s ‘blue dot’. Follow the link, save the photo and upload it as your profile picture for the day.Lastly, change your status to
“One Iowa Rally for Common Concern:
Avoid divisive politics and focus on what really matters! http://eqfed.org/ct/M12XkwM1MEzw/“ For twitter users please follow OneIowa and add the hashtag #OIRCC to your message.
DONATE TO THE FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOOD BANKSupporters are encouraged to donate canned food items to their local food pantry before or after work. In Des Moines, canned food items can be dropped off at Ritual Cafe on 1301 Locust St.
While many Iowans are struggling just to put food on the table, it’s time for our elected officials to drop divisive politics and focus on what really matters!
DONATE TO THE FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOOD BANKSupporters are encouraged to donate canned food items to their local food pantry before or after work. In Des Moines, canned food items can be dropped off at Ritual Cafe on 1301 Locust St.
While many Iowans are struggling just to put food on the table, it’s time for our elected officials to drop divisive politics and focus on what really matters!
4/12/09
Queers United: Is Amazon Censoring LGBT Books?
Queers United: Is Amazon Censoring LGBT Books? Check in with Queers United, are LGBT books disapearing from Amazon?
4/11/09
Dallas Catholic Leader To Lead Prayer Vigil for Soulforce Action
Press Release
date
For immediate Distribution
Prayer and Vigil Supporting Soulforce Catholic Action 2009
Date/Time
Location
Dignity/Dallas
dignitydallas.org/
Jon Garinn, Co-Pastor
214-621-9530
garinns@sbcglobal.net
PO Box 190133
Dallas, Texas 75219
Soulforce
Katie Higgins
Director of Operations: Soulforce Q
Soulforce Q (Young Adult Activism):
2000 Grand Avenue, Unit 2, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Tel: 469-867-5725 Fax: 612-236-4696 Q@soulforce.org
Soulforce
kelli Busey
Dallas Soulforce email
Dignity/Dallas Catholic Ministers to Lead a prayer vigil and rosary in support of Soulforce's request for conversation with United Nations Vatican observer, Archbishop Celestino Migliore, in New York regarding the Vatican's opposition to a proposed U.N. declaration calling for an end to discrimination against homosexuals.
The Vigil and Rosary Prayer is a call for all Catholics to call on the Church to support fundamental human rights and opposes every form of “unjust discrimination” which includes “not just the death penalty, but all violent or discriminatory criminal laws against homosexuals,” as is the doctrine according to the Rev. Federico Lombardi, S.J., Vatican spokesman.
“This proposal is long overdue,” says the Rev. Jon Garinn, Dignity/Dallas co-pastor. “It calls for an end to the practice of criminalizing and punishing people for their sexual orientation, which is something the Vatican has long favored.”
Location
Date
Time
Dignity/Dallas is a community of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Roman Catholics, their family and friends. We are members of DignityUSA, a national organization that speaks on behalf of GLBT Catholics everywhere.
dignitydallas.org/
"The purpose of Soulforce is freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance."
http://www.soulforce.org/index.php
date
For immediate Distribution
Prayer and Vigil Supporting Soulforce Catholic Action 2009
Date/Time
Location
Dignity/Dallas
dignitydallas.org/
Jon Garinn, Co-Pastor
214-621-9530
garinns@sbcglobal.net
PO Box 190133
Dallas, Texas 75219
Soulforce
Katie Higgins
Director of Operations: Soulforce Q
Soulforce Q (Young Adult Activism):
2000 Grand Avenue, Unit 2, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Tel: 469-867-5725 Fax: 612-236-4696 Q@soulforce.org
Soulforce
kelli Busey
Dallas Soulforce email
Dignity/Dallas Catholic Ministers to Lead a prayer vigil and rosary in support of Soulforce's request for conversation with United Nations Vatican observer, Archbishop Celestino Migliore, in New York regarding the Vatican's opposition to a proposed U.N. declaration calling for an end to discrimination against homosexuals.
The Vigil and Rosary Prayer is a call for all Catholics to call on the Church to support fundamental human rights and opposes every form of “unjust discrimination” which includes “not just the death penalty, but all violent or discriminatory criminal laws against homosexuals,” as is the doctrine according to the Rev. Federico Lombardi, S.J., Vatican spokesman.
“This proposal is long overdue,” says the Rev. Jon Garinn, Dignity/Dallas co-pastor. “It calls for an end to the practice of criminalizing and punishing people for their sexual orientation, which is something the Vatican has long favored.”
Location
Date
Time
Dignity/Dallas is a community of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Roman Catholics, their family and friends. We are members of DignityUSA, a national organization that speaks on behalf of GLBT Catholics everywhere.
dignitydallas.org/
"The purpose of Soulforce is freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance."
http://www.soulforce.org/index.php
4/10/09
TCU LGBT & Allied Students Rally in Support of DiversCityQ & NEED YOU !
Texas Christian University Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender !QStudents Rally!
"Due to the recent news media coverage regarding the DiversCityQ Living Learning Community, opening in the Fall at TCU, there is a need to show support for LGBT students, not just at TCU but nationwide. As expected, there has been a lot of negative comments regarding LGBT support at TCU from Christian individuals, in addition to some LGBT students, seeing this move as segregation. I know during lunch on a Friday, but if you can, please come out & show your support to the community so those that may not be out, can know that there is a support system. ".
Event: Demonstration of Support
"'Come out' as an ally and supporter!"
What: Rally
Host: Iris Reaction
Start Time: Friday, April 17 at 11:45am
End Time: Friday, April 17 at 12:30pm
Where: Bass Building-Sadler-BLUU Commons
Google maps TCU Bass Building
To see more details and RSVP, follow the facebook link below:
Rally Iris Reaction
Join us for a march across campus in an effort to publicly show support for the LGBTQ community and the efforts to establish a resource center.
The march will be silent, and we'll walk from the Bass Building to Sadler, where we'll place irises on the steps to symbolize the TCU administration working with us eye-to-eye on this issue. Then we'll make our way to the University Commons where we'll place rainbow flags in the ground to 'claim our stake.'
So bring your rainbow flags and your pride and join us in an effort to promote awareness, inclusiveness, and support.
Some of the recent news media coverage regarding the DiversCityQ Living Learning Community;
planetransgender "Texas Christian Universities New "DiversCityQ" to offer inclusiveity for GLBT Community!"
Dallas Morning News "TCU to provide special housing for gay, lesbian students"
"Due to the recent news media coverage regarding the DiversCityQ Living Learning Community, opening in the Fall at TCU, there is a need to show support for LGBT students, not just at TCU but nationwide. As expected, there has been a lot of negative comments regarding LGBT support at TCU from Christian individuals, in addition to some LGBT students, seeing this move as segregation. I know during lunch on a Friday, but if you can, please come out & show your support to the community so those that may not be out, can know that there is a support system. ".
Event: Demonstration of Support
"'Come out' as an ally and supporter!"
What: Rally
Host: Iris Reaction
Start Time: Friday, April 17 at 11:45am
End Time: Friday, April 17 at 12:30pm
Where: Bass Building-Sadler-BLUU Commons
Google maps TCU Bass Building
To see more details and RSVP, follow the facebook link below:
Rally Iris Reaction
Join us for a march across campus in an effort to publicly show support for the LGBTQ community and the efforts to establish a resource center.
The march will be silent, and we'll walk from the Bass Building to Sadler, where we'll place irises on the steps to symbolize the TCU administration working with us eye-to-eye on this issue. Then we'll make our way to the University Commons where we'll place rainbow flags in the ground to 'claim our stake.'
So bring your rainbow flags and your pride and join us in an effort to promote awareness, inclusiveness, and support.
Some of the recent news media coverage regarding the DiversCityQ Living Learning Community;
planetransgender "Texas Christian Universities New "DiversCityQ" to offer inclusiveity for GLBT Community!"
Dallas Morning News "TCU to provide special housing for gay, lesbian students"
4/9/09
Texas Christian Universities New "DiversCity Q" to offer inclusiveity for GLBT Community!
BREAKING NEWS: TCU delays housing program for LGBT students
Source 'Instant' by Dallas Voice News Editor John Wright;
"Officials at Texas Christian University have postponed plans for a living-learning community geared toward LGBT students and their supporters."
"The two TCU students who proposed DiversityCity Q — Shelly Newkirk and Su Harz — said Monday they were disappointed with the decision. Harz said she thinks the administration caved to outside pressure, and she noted that DiversityCity Q was the only living-learning community that had generated any media attention."
"Newkirk said a demonstration is planned Friday at TCU to push for an LGBT resource center on campus. But she said the demonstration was planned prior to Monday’s decision, and she doesn’t want it to turn into a protest. The demonstration will be from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., beginning at the Bass Building and ending at the Sadler Lawn."
Full story at Dallas Voice Blog INSTANT TEA
Texas Christian University (TCU) is moving forward with plan's to provide a safe learning environment to Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Questioning students fall of 2009.
Source Dallas Morning News;
"TCU is apparently the first campus in the state to reserve housing for gay students and straight students who support them. And that's earning kudos from advocates for gay students."
"It just basically says that TCU wants their campus to be safe for all students and wants everyone to feel welcomed," said Shane Windmeyer, executive director and founder of Campus Pride. The nonprofit group supports gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender college students."
Full Original story at the Dallas Morning News TCU to provide special housing for gay, lesbian students
EQUALITY MARYLAND CALLS FOR A VOTE ON ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LEGISLATION
Contact Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Chairman Brian Frosh and Vice Chairwoman Lisa Gladden and urge them to vote, once and for all, on SB 566, gender identity anti-discrimination legislation. Call today.
Sen. Frosh: 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3124 (toll free)
Sen. Gladden: 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3697 (toll free)
With four days remaining until the end of the 2009 legislative session, the prospects of passing gender identity discrimination legislation are fading. During hearings in February and March, House and Senate committees were urged by transgender Marylanders who have been fired from their jobs or harassed by employers, discriminated against in rental housing, and denied access to safe social services for the homeless to clarify in law that such discrimination is illegal.
The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, in response to urges for movement on the legislation, has placed the bill on its voting agenda four times. Each time, the Committee has chosen a path of inaction, opting to hold off on a vote. In the latest move, the committee on Wednesday, April 8 again voted to hold off on considering a vote on the bill until Friday, April 10. Committee Chairman Brian Frosh (D-16) holds the power to bring the measure for a vote.
Despite good faith efforts led by the bill sponsors, Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-21), Senator Rich Madaleno (D-18), and equality Maryland to address lawmakers’ concerns about public facilities and to appease religious organizations by exempting them from the hiring protections in the bill, the Judicial Proceedings Committee continues to stall a vote on this important bill.
“To date, no issue or concern with the legislation has been identified to which we have not responded with a reasonable solution,” said Delegate Peña-Melnyk. “At this late date, the strategy of Senate leaders is clear: hold the legislation and run out the clock on the 2009 session, which ends Monday, April 13, at midnight.”
Equality Maryland’s response is simple: No matter the outcome, Senator Frosh, take this vote. Outlawing blatant discrimination, rather than condoning it through inaction, is a moral imperative for our state. Responding to discrimination is not an issue that is too hot to handle, especially when those affected may be incapable of putting supper on the table, a roof over their head or supporting their children – especially in these difficult economic times.
It is worth noting that members of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee have been actively communicated with by broad constituencies, including advocates for the homeless, civil rights groups, the state’s human relations commission, religious organizations, and unions. Together, these groups have spoken with one voice, imploring legislators to address a documented public policy issue: transgender persons are statistically at much greater risk for underemployment and unemployment, poverty, homelessness, and resultant health disparities because of housing and employment discrimination.
We know and recognize that many people are deeply uncomfortable with how a transgender person may identify or appear, but that discomfort cannot be used as an excuse to deny an already vulnerable group of their ability to find employment or a place to live. The anti-discrimination legislation before the Maryland General Assembly does not address social mores, or force religious organizations to hire transgender people, or create hardships for businesses. It simply states that transgender people should be able to earn a living being judged on their qualifications and abilities alone, and able to access housing and needed services without prejudice barring the way.
Discrimination is a sad reality that deserves to be addressed by legislators.
Contact Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Chairman Brian Frosh and Vice Chairwoman Lisa Gladden and urge them to vote, once and for all, on SB 566, gender identity anti-discrimination legislation. Call today.
Sen. Frosh: 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3124 (toll free)
Sen. Gladden: 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3697 (toll free)
sign up for EQMD Action Center.
Sen. Frosh: 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3124 (toll free)
Sen. Gladden: 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3697 (toll free)
With four days remaining until the end of the 2009 legislative session, the prospects of passing gender identity discrimination legislation are fading. During hearings in February and March, House and Senate committees were urged by transgender Marylanders who have been fired from their jobs or harassed by employers, discriminated against in rental housing, and denied access to safe social services for the homeless to clarify in law that such discrimination is illegal.
The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, in response to urges for movement on the legislation, has placed the bill on its voting agenda four times. Each time, the Committee has chosen a path of inaction, opting to hold off on a vote. In the latest move, the committee on Wednesday, April 8 again voted to hold off on considering a vote on the bill until Friday, April 10. Committee Chairman Brian Frosh (D-16) holds the power to bring the measure for a vote.
Despite good faith efforts led by the bill sponsors, Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-21), Senator Rich Madaleno (D-18), and equality Maryland to address lawmakers’ concerns about public facilities and to appease religious organizations by exempting them from the hiring protections in the bill, the Judicial Proceedings Committee continues to stall a vote on this important bill.
“To date, no issue or concern with the legislation has been identified to which we have not responded with a reasonable solution,” said Delegate Peña-Melnyk. “At this late date, the strategy of Senate leaders is clear: hold the legislation and run out the clock on the 2009 session, which ends Monday, April 13, at midnight.”
Equality Maryland’s response is simple: No matter the outcome, Senator Frosh, take this vote. Outlawing blatant discrimination, rather than condoning it through inaction, is a moral imperative for our state. Responding to discrimination is not an issue that is too hot to handle, especially when those affected may be incapable of putting supper on the table, a roof over their head or supporting their children – especially in these difficult economic times.
It is worth noting that members of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee have been actively communicated with by broad constituencies, including advocates for the homeless, civil rights groups, the state’s human relations commission, religious organizations, and unions. Together, these groups have spoken with one voice, imploring legislators to address a documented public policy issue: transgender persons are statistically at much greater risk for underemployment and unemployment, poverty, homelessness, and resultant health disparities because of housing and employment discrimination.
We know and recognize that many people are deeply uncomfortable with how a transgender person may identify or appear, but that discomfort cannot be used as an excuse to deny an already vulnerable group of their ability to find employment or a place to live. The anti-discrimination legislation before the Maryland General Assembly does not address social mores, or force religious organizations to hire transgender people, or create hardships for businesses. It simply states that transgender people should be able to earn a living being judged on their qualifications and abilities alone, and able to access housing and needed services without prejudice barring the way.
Discrimination is a sad reality that deserves to be addressed by legislators.
Contact Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Chairman Brian Frosh and Vice Chairwoman Lisa Gladden and urge them to vote, once and for all, on SB 566, gender identity anti-discrimination legislation. Call today.
Sen. Frosh: 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3124 (toll free)
Sen. Gladden: 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3697 (toll free)
sign up for EQMD Action Center.
IOWA It's NOT over! Please Call Legislators NOW!
URGENT!!! It's NOT OVER, call your Legislators NOW!!!
Right-wing extremists are resorting to underhanded tactics in an attempt to undermine legislative leadership and take away the freedom to marry! While legislative leadership stood firm this morning, extremists are attempting to overthrow the House chair and push an anti-marriage amendment to the floor!
We NEED you to call your Representative in the next hour to firm up our support! Find your Representative here, then place a call immediately.
House Switchboard: 515-281-3221
Tell them to stand firm with legislative leadership and oppose this distracting and divisive move. With all the challenges Iowa is facing, it's time for our elected officials to get back to work for Iowa families!
PS - If you don't have time to call, please email your legislator now!
Right-wing extremists are resorting to underhanded tactics in an attempt to undermine legislative leadership and take away the freedom to marry! While legislative leadership stood firm this morning, extremists are attempting to overthrow the House chair and push an anti-marriage amendment to the floor!
We NEED you to call your Representative in the next hour to firm up our support! Find your Representative here, then place a call immediately.
House Switchboard: 515-281-3221
Tell them to stand firm with legislative leadership and oppose this distracting and divisive move. With all the challenges Iowa is facing, it's time for our elected officials to get back to work for Iowa families!
PS - If you don't have time to call, please email your legislator now!
GLSEN at SMU :DFW Breaking The Silence Rally
2nd Annual DFW Breaking the Silence Rally.
2nd Annual DFW Breaking the Silence Rally
GLSEN National Day of SilenceThe National Day of Silence brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. Each year the event has grown, now with hundreds of thousands of students coming together to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior.Why do we need a Day of Silence?GLSEN's 2007 National School Climate Survey found that 9 out of 10 LGBT students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school and more than 30% report missing at least a day of school in the past month out of fear for their personal safety. The Day of Silence helps bring us closer to making anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and name-calling unacceptable in America's schools.Founded in 1996, the Day of Silence has become the largest single student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. From the first-ever Day of Silence at the University of Virginia in 1996, to the organizing efforts in over 8,000 middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities across the country in 2008, its textured history reflects its diversity in both numbers and reach.
FOR PLANNING RESOURCES AND MATERIALS, PLEASE VISIT THE DAY OF SILENCE RESOURCE PAGE
Breaking the SilenceRally and ConcertIn an effort to educate the community about school violence and the need for safe school policies that protect all youth, the Dallas chapter of GLSEN, in partnership with Southern Methodist University's SPECTRUM, will be calling for community organizations to join with the Day of Silence student participants for the 2nd Annual DFW Breaking the Silence Rally.The event, designed to show support for schools that are free from violence and harassment, will be held at 7:00 p.m. on April 17 at the Doak Walker Plaza at Southern Methodist University . During the rally, Day of Silence participants from throughout the DFW Metroplex will have an opportunity to share their experience, strength and hope with the larger community. This year's event will also feature the music of Eric Himan, as seen and heard on MTV's LOGO and Sirus Radio's OUTQ Channel. Eric's music draws comparisons to male artists such as Maroon 5 and John Mayer but also female singer-songwriters, Ani DiFranco and Tracy Chapman.Hundreds of thousands of students from over 5,000 middle schools, high schools and colleges will ban together in silence on April 17 in the largest student-led action in the country calling for an end to the bullying, harassment and name-calling endured by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students.
Partner Organizations for BREAKING THE SILENCE:SMU's SPECTRUMCathedral of Hope UCCDFW Bi NetGender Education, Advocacy & Resources (GEAR)League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) 4871 - The Dallas Rainbow CouncilOut Takes DallasP-FLAG Dallas Chapter Promise House QueerliberactionResource Center of Dallas SMU's Women's Center for Gender and Pride Initiatives The Women's Chorus of Dallas
2nd Annual DFW Breaking the Silence Rally
GLSEN National Day of SilenceThe National Day of Silence brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. Each year the event has grown, now with hundreds of thousands of students coming together to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior.Why do we need a Day of Silence?GLSEN's 2007 National School Climate Survey found that 9 out of 10 LGBT students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school and more than 30% report missing at least a day of school in the past month out of fear for their personal safety. The Day of Silence helps bring us closer to making anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and name-calling unacceptable in America's schools.Founded in 1996, the Day of Silence has become the largest single student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. From the first-ever Day of Silence at the University of Virginia in 1996, to the organizing efforts in over 8,000 middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities across the country in 2008, its textured history reflects its diversity in both numbers and reach.
FOR PLANNING RESOURCES AND MATERIALS, PLEASE VISIT THE DAY OF SILENCE RESOURCE PAGE
Breaking the SilenceRally and ConcertIn an effort to educate the community about school violence and the need for safe school policies that protect all youth, the Dallas chapter of GLSEN, in partnership with Southern Methodist University's SPECTRUM, will be calling for community organizations to join with the Day of Silence student participants for the 2nd Annual DFW Breaking the Silence Rally.The event, designed to show support for schools that are free from violence and harassment, will be held at 7:00 p.m. on April 17 at the Doak Walker Plaza at Southern Methodist University . During the rally, Day of Silence participants from throughout the DFW Metroplex will have an opportunity to share their experience, strength and hope with the larger community. This year's event will also feature the music of Eric Himan, as seen and heard on MTV's LOGO and Sirus Radio's OUTQ Channel. Eric's music draws comparisons to male artists such as Maroon 5 and John Mayer but also female singer-songwriters, Ani DiFranco and Tracy Chapman.Hundreds of thousands of students from over 5,000 middle schools, high schools and colleges will ban together in silence on April 17 in the largest student-led action in the country calling for an end to the bullying, harassment and name-calling endured by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students.
Partner Organizations for BREAKING THE SILENCE:SMU's SPECTRUMCathedral of Hope UCCDFW Bi NetGender Education, Advocacy & Resources (GEAR)League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) 4871 - The Dallas Rainbow CouncilOut Takes DallasP-FLAG Dallas Chapter Promise House QueerliberactionResource Center of Dallas SMU's Women's Center for Gender and Pride Initiatives The Women's Chorus of Dallas
4/8/09
Three Equality Riders Face Waxahachie Judge Today
This past fall many of you supported the third annual Soulforce Q Equality Ride as it visited fifteen schools throughout the South. And much like previous years, some places were receptive and hospitable while others shut their doors. Sadly, Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas falls into the latter category.
In addition to policing gender expression, Southwestern explicitly states that "homosexuality and lesbianism may incur a fine from $50 up to $250 and could result in an appearance before the Student Conduct Committee and possible termination from the university." (These regulations can be found under the Residential Life section of their website.) The school is also home to Cutting Edge, a student organization that declares itself "a ministry to the homosexuals." Even still, leaders at Southwestern decided that there was no room for us or for dialogue about their beliefs and practices. In fact, they chose to preclude our voices altogether. We were directed to an empty parking lot where a small group of representatives greeted us briefly and explained that they were the extent of our welcome.
Three Equality Riders, however, decided to push the boundaries set by administrators. Zak Rittenhouse, Manny Lampón, and Nicholas Rocco DeFinis began to walk towards the student center in hopes of attending morning chapel and engaging their peers. Consequently, they were arrested and had to spend twelve hours in jail. A court date was then set for April 8, 2009.
This Wednesday, Zak, Manny and Nicholas are due before a Waxahachie judge in connection to the stand they took that day. As they prepare for trial, we ask that you keep them in your thoughts. Messages of solidarity can be sent to Q@soulforce.org. You can also visit their Rider pages to make a donation to help cover legal costs. More information about our visit to SAGU can be found on our blog dated October 29. And to read about the 2008 Equality Ride in greater detail and browse photo albums, please visit the official website, EqualityRide.com.
Thank you,
Jarrett Lucas
Equality Ride Co-Director
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