Massachusetts. Local and national chapters of women's and children's advocacy groups and legal orginazations testified before the Massachusetts legislature on July 13th to repudiate the claims of extremist right wing religious groups that the passage of a transgender rights bill would give sexual predators access to women's bathrooms.
The following groups, among others, are on record presenting testimony that debunks the fallacies presented by the far right wing. The Massachusetts chapter of the National Organization for Women (Mass. NOW), the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), the City of Boston Women’s Commission, the City of Cambridge Women’s Commission, the League of Women Voters, the Massachusetts chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, the National Council of Jewish Women, the Victim Rights Law Center, and the Women’s Bar Association.
Some extremist right wing groups that claim religious affiliation have been attacking proposed transgender inclusive legislation by attempting to falsely label them a 'bathroom bill". This is a fear mongering tactic which in reality attacks woman's civil rights with misogynistic bigotry. This video is the latest from the inappropriately named group the 'Massachusetts Family Institute'.
1. Groups that use religion as a weapon to debase humanity are doing grevious harm to Christianity.
2. These lies have been perpetrated by men who are afraid that woman's rights will erode there power and status.
dym-sum blog #209: “Bathroom Bill” Propaganda Goes Too Far in Massachusetts
Bay windows Women’s and children’s groups rebut ’bathroom bill’ rhetoric
8/6/09
Boycott Payless Shoe Source and Christian Siriano
Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies
Press Release
Contact:
Kelli Anne Busey
kellibusey@yahoo.com
http://dallastaa.ning.com
Tell Christian Siriano and Payless Shoe Source that
'Hot Tranny Mess' = 'That's So Gay' = 'That is So Wrong'.
Tell Payless Shoe Source that you will not shop there until they discontinue selling the shoe line by Christian Siriano who's insistent repeating of defamatory language such as 'Hot Tranny Mess' and 'Fierce' have earned him monetary gain and a temporary spotlight at the expense of gender variant people.
Gay and lesbian people nationwide having had there fill of being ridiculed by hetero people repeating endlessly phrase's such as 'that's so gay' initiated an educational campaign that talked of the real dangers to school children. When impressionable youth are taught that gay and lesbian children are some how of less value, the gay and lesbian children become the targets of increasingly harmful taunts until it ends in events like the horrific murder of Lawrence King.
Now we are calling on gay, lesbian and allied people to show the same respect for transgender people. Allow us the same dignity that you demand. Stop using the hurtful defamatory phrase "hot tranny mess". IT HURTS. Not just transgender people but gender variant youth such as Lawrence King.
Press Release
Contact:
Kelli Anne Busey
kellibusey@yahoo.com
http://dallastaa.ning.com
Tell Christian Siriano and Payless Shoe Source that
'Hot Tranny Mess' = 'That's So Gay' = 'That is So Wrong'.
Tell Payless Shoe Source that you will not shop there until they discontinue selling the shoe line by Christian Siriano who's insistent repeating of defamatory language such as 'Hot Tranny Mess' and 'Fierce' have earned him monetary gain and a temporary spotlight at the expense of gender variant people.
Gay and lesbian people nationwide having had there fill of being ridiculed by hetero people repeating endlessly phrase's such as 'that's so gay' initiated an educational campaign that talked of the real dangers to school children. When impressionable youth are taught that gay and lesbian children are some how of less value, the gay and lesbian children become the targets of increasingly harmful taunts until it ends in events like the horrific murder of Lawrence King.
Now we are calling on gay, lesbian and allied people to show the same respect for transgender people. Allow us the same dignity that you demand. Stop using the hurtful defamatory phrase "hot tranny mess". IT HURTS. Not just transgender people but gender variant youth such as Lawrence King.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie say no wedding until everyone has the same right
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie say they will not be married until everyone has the same right and Brad gos on to say it wouldn’t bother him if one of his kids were gay.
Read on at Greg in Hollywood Brad Pitt defends not getting married and says it wouldn’t bother him if one of his kids were gay
I am proud to have Brad and Angelina as allies and wouldn't mind it at all when they finally are married their first born is a transgender woman:)
Read on at Greg in Hollywood Brad Pitt defends not getting married and says it wouldn’t bother him if one of his kids were gay
I am proud to have Brad and Angelina as allies and wouldn't mind it at all when they finally are married their first born is a transgender woman:)
8/5/09
ENDA introduced into Senate
A gender expression and sexual orientation inclusive ENDA has been introduced into the Senate by Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine).
Visit Queers United for advocacy links.
Visit Queers United for advocacy links.
APA repudiates gay-to-straight "reparative " therapy
"NEW YORK – The American Psychological Association declared Wednesday that mental health professionals should not tell gay clients they can become straight through therapy or other treatments."
"Instead, the APA urged therapists to consider multiple options — that could range from celibacy to switching churches — for helping clients whose sexual orientation and religious faith conflict."
"In a resolution adopted on a 125-to-4 vote by the APA's governing council, and in a comprehensive report based on two years of research, the 150,000-member association put itself firmly on record in opposition of so-called "reparative therapy" which seeks to change sexual orientation."
"No solid evidence exists that such change is likely, says the report, and some research suggests that efforts to produce change could be harmful, inducing depression and suicidal tendencies."
Read on at Psychologists repudiate gay-to-straight therapy
"Instead, the APA urged therapists to consider multiple options — that could range from celibacy to switching churches — for helping clients whose sexual orientation and religious faith conflict."
"In a resolution adopted on a 125-to-4 vote by the APA's governing council, and in a comprehensive report based on two years of research, the 150,000-member association put itself firmly on record in opposition of so-called "reparative therapy" which seeks to change sexual orientation."
"No solid evidence exists that such change is likely, says the report, and some research suggests that efforts to produce change could be harmful, inducing depression and suicidal tendencies."
Read on at Psychologists repudiate gay-to-straight therapy
Lesbian Senator's Transgender Husband Picked to Lead Pride
Correction: This post incorrectly stated that Mr. Hosie is co patron of the 2009 Perth Pride. The article should read Mr. Hosie was co patron of the 2008 Pride. Last updated 8/11/2009
Perth Australia. Aram Hosie a transgender man and powerhouse gender advocate was named a co-patron of the Perth 2008 Pride festive. As if that's not enough Mr. Hosie's partner Louise Pratt a out lesbian Senator is currently representing the state of Western Australia!
This is truly inspirational.
Perth Australia. Aram Hosie a transgender man and powerhouse gender advocate was named a co-patron of the Perth 2008 Pride festive. As if that's not enough Mr. Hosie's partner Louise Pratt a out lesbian Senator is currently representing the state of Western Australia!
This is truly inspirational.
8/4/09
Dallas to hold candlelight vigil for LGBTQI youth murdered in Tel Aviv center shooting
North Texas stands in unity with Israeli LGBT victims
The Resource Center Dallas, the Reform synagogue Congregation Beth El Binah and the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas will hold a candlelight vigil and memorial August 5 (Wednesday) at 7 p.m. to remember the young Israeli victims of a mass shooting at a community center and pray for the wounded. The safety of LGBT youth is of utmost concern – this could happen at any center anywhere in the world.
On August 1, a masked assailant dressed in black from head to toe opened fire on a gay teen center’s support group meeting in Tel Aviv, Israel, killing two members of the group: 16 year-old Liz Trubeshi, and the support group leader, 26 year-old Nir Katz. At least ten others were wounded. The gunman managed to find the secret location of the support group’s meetings, and many of the kids were not yet out to their parents before the shooting. Thousands in Tel Aviv protested the senseless murders on Sunday, and crowds gathered in other Israeli cities as well.
Several speakers will talk about the need for the safety of LGBT youth. Diane Litke, president of congregation Beth El Binah, will lead Kaddish, the traditional Jewish prayer for the dead, and Mishaberach, a prayer for healing. Congregation Beth El Binah and the Jewish Federation will announce a fund for the needs of the victims, their families and the center. Representatives from Youth First Texas and Resource Center Dallas are also expected to speak. The group will then walk in a candlelight procession from the Center to the corner of Cedar Springs and Throckmorton. Similar vigils have also been held in San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
(RCD)
Resource Center Dallas operates the Nelson-Tebedo Health Resource Center and John Thomas Gay & Lesbian Community Center. Its mission is to serve the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and North Texas communities by providing: health, HIV, and social services; education and advocacy; and support to GLBT individuals and organizations. Last year, the Center’s programs served over 50,000 people in Dallas and north Texas. August 4, 2009
Contact: Resource Center Dallas, (214) 528-0144 office
A candlelight vigil and memorial for the gay teens murdered and wounded at a gay teen center support group meeting on Saturday in Tel Aviv, Israel.
When: August 5 (Wednesday), 7 p.m.
Where:Google Map Resource Center Dallas, 2701 Reagan St., with candlelight procession to corner of Cedar Springs Rd. and Throckmorton St. Dallas.
Resource Center Dallas
Youth First Texas
Reform synagogue Congregation Beth El Binah
Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas
The Resource Center Dallas, the Reform synagogue Congregation Beth El Binah and the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas will hold a candlelight vigil and memorial August 5 (Wednesday) at 7 p.m. to remember the young Israeli victims of a mass shooting at a community center and pray for the wounded. The safety of LGBT youth is of utmost concern – this could happen at any center anywhere in the world.
On August 1, a masked assailant dressed in black from head to toe opened fire on a gay teen center’s support group meeting in Tel Aviv, Israel, killing two members of the group: 16 year-old Liz Trubeshi, and the support group leader, 26 year-old Nir Katz. At least ten others were wounded. The gunman managed to find the secret location of the support group’s meetings, and many of the kids were not yet out to their parents before the shooting. Thousands in Tel Aviv protested the senseless murders on Sunday, and crowds gathered in other Israeli cities as well.
Several speakers will talk about the need for the safety of LGBT youth. Diane Litke, president of congregation Beth El Binah, will lead Kaddish, the traditional Jewish prayer for the dead, and Mishaberach, a prayer for healing. Congregation Beth El Binah and the Jewish Federation will announce a fund for the needs of the victims, their families and the center. Representatives from Youth First Texas and Resource Center Dallas are also expected to speak. The group will then walk in a candlelight procession from the Center to the corner of Cedar Springs and Throckmorton. Similar vigils have also been held in San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
(RCD)
Resource Center Dallas operates the Nelson-Tebedo Health Resource Center and John Thomas Gay & Lesbian Community Center. Its mission is to serve the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and North Texas communities by providing: health, HIV, and social services; education and advocacy; and support to GLBT individuals and organizations. Last year, the Center’s programs served over 50,000 people in Dallas and north Texas. August 4, 2009
Contact: Resource Center Dallas, (214) 528-0144 office
A candlelight vigil and memorial for the gay teens murdered and wounded at a gay teen center support group meeting on Saturday in Tel Aviv, Israel.
When: August 5 (Wednesday), 7 p.m.
Where:Google Map Resource Center Dallas, 2701 Reagan St., with candlelight procession to corner of Cedar Springs Rd. and Throckmorton St. Dallas.
Resource Center Dallas
Youth First Texas
Reform synagogue Congregation Beth El Binah
Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas
Status of ENDA As of August 3, 2009
Status of ENDA as of August 3, 2009
Jillian T. Weiss
Co-Chair, Inclusive ENDA
Our calculations show that there are 204 confirmed Reps in the House, and we need at least 218 for a bare majority. 33 states have unconfirmed representatives. We're close, but not there yet.
The difference between passage in the House and not passage is people from those 33 states showing their support of ENDA with a telephone call. Here's the list of unconfirmed Reps with telephone numbers and contact info: http://bit.ly/NUFUd
The 33 states with unconfirmed Representatives are AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, GL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MS, NV, NJ, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, and WV.
See http://bit.ly/NUFUd for phone numbers and contact info. If you haven't already, please call your unconfirmed Representative to ask them to support the inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, HR 3017.
Please post your call on the Facebook Inclusive ENDA wall so we know you did it, and tell us what happened. (Like, I left a message, or I confirmed their support)
Thank you.
Jillian T. Weiss
Co-Chair, Inclusive ENDA
8/2/09
Gunman Kills LGBTQI at Tel Aviv Youth Center Police ask For Help
A lone gunman entered a LGBTQI youth center in Tel Aviv, Israel and open fire. He killed 3 children and wounded 10. The police are searching for him and asking for help from anyone who was in the area.
If you know anything about this atrocity Click Here for a contact form at the bottom of the BBC article.
From kelli~ I volunteer at our local LGBTQI youth center and was there last night. I will pray for our youth in church this morning. God bless you.
If you know anything about this atrocity Click Here for a contact form at the bottom of the BBC article.
From kelli~ I volunteer at our local LGBTQI youth center and was there last night. I will pray for our youth in church this morning. God bless you.
7/31/09
Fort Worth Texas to Consider Transgender Protections
Source Dallas Voice FW to consider trans protections
"FORT WORTH — The Fort Worth Human Relations Commission this week voted unanimously in favor of a resolution calling for the city to amend its anti-discrimination policy to include protections for transgenders."
"The resolution now goes to the new City Manager’s Diversity Task Force, and then on to the City Council for final approval."
Original full story at Dallas Voice FW to consider trans protections
"FORT WORTH — The Fort Worth Human Relations Commission this week voted unanimously in favor of a resolution calling for the city to amend its anti-discrimination policy to include protections for transgenders."
"The resolution now goes to the new City Manager’s Diversity Task Force, and then on to the City Council for final approval."
Original full story at Dallas Voice FW to consider trans protections
7/29/09
How The Religious Right Wing Distorts Legit Research
Found on Pam House Blend "How religious right groups distort legitimate research to demonize the gay community (+) "
by: Alvin McEwen Wed Jul 29, 2009 at 07:23:46 AM EDT
"The religious right have skillfully crafted a body of inaccuracies about the lgbt community backed by misinterpreted studies. And this body is easily transported to almost every other so-called traditional value groups across state and country lines. It can also be used by legislators who already have anti-gay biases but are looking for "justification" for their prejudices."
Read more.....at Pam's How religious right groups distort legitimate research to demonize the gay community (+)
by: Alvin McEwen
7/28/09
Nine Weeks For Equality
By Kelli Busey, planetransgender, July 28, 2009
The National Center for Transgender Equality campaign 'Nine Weeks For Equality' provides us an effective, timely roadmap for advocacy. This program will help facilitate our movement towards passage of an inclusive ENDA. One of the first of the nine actions listed is writing a blog article. Each time we place our agenda on the Internet it contributes to an understanding of who we are and what we need.
I started writing planetransgender in 2007. I was furious with Congressman Barney Frank's incomprehensible dissection of transgender people from the equality movement during the 2007 ENDA debacle and HRC's despicable acquiescence.
Early on in my rage, I was fortunate to befriended by the writer of Queers United blog. Under his tutelage, acclaim and admonishment he nurtured my raw desire for effective advocacy. I began to concentrate on attracting and integrating with the larger communities, LGBTQI and straight. Now occasionally new understandings are sometimes discovered and nurtured here. If I am successful our new allies will continue to be interested in our mutual needs as we continue finding new ways to communicate, constantly increasing our diversity and strength.
There are nine other actions listed and who knows, next week I might even try another one.
The National Center for Transgender Equality 'Nine Weeks For Equality'
7/27/09
Inclusive ENDA Campaign
A message from Dr. Jillian T. Weiss
Co-Chair, Inclusive ENDA
Thank you again for being part of this campaign to educate Congress about the importance of job equality. Here is some information about the status of the bill and what you can do. If you want to hear my discussion of ENDA's chances, click here for a podcast from WFHB Radio (July 20, 2009)
**STATUS OF THE BILL**
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009, HR 3017, is pending in the House of Representatives, and has the public support of 164 Members of Congress. Another 40 are likely to vote yes, but have not yet made their support of the bill public, as far as we know. This makes a total of 204 in the yes column. 218 are needed for a majority in the House. Passage is likely, but we're not yet clearly there as of today. You can get the specifics on our spreadsheet If you're in one of the swing districts (highlighted in yellow), call your Representative. (There is a link to contact info on the spreadsheet on the top right.)
The bill has not yet been introduced in the Senate. Our estimates suggest there are currently 58 likely yes votes, and there are a few Democrats whose support is unclear, and a few fair-minded Republicans who may be willing to cross party lines in favor of job equality. You can get the specifics on our Senate spreadsheet
Legislation will probably be introduced in the Senate soon, and we will want to ask our Senators to co-sponsor the legislation when that happens. Hearings will probably held in the House in early fall, featuring testimony for and against the bill, followed by a vote in the House, if party leaders determine there are enough "yes" votes for passage. If and when passed in the House, the bill will hopefully go to the Senate for a vote shortly thereafter. Whether or not it gets to a floor vote depends again on party leaders determining that there are enough yes votes for passage. If and when passed in the Senate, it will go to President Obama for signature.
**WHAT YOU CAN DO**
The most effective means of ensuring there are enough "yes" votes for passage is meeting with your legislator in your home district during the August recess. Of course we're all busy with other things, but if you want them to say "yes," you must say "yes." You can sign up for a meeting here
Telephone calls from people in the legislator's district are the next most effective means. You can find contact info for unconfirmed US Reps here, and contact info for unconfirmed US Senators here and Full contact info can be found here
You should put your legislators' phone numbers on speed dial, and make friends with the office aides. Call early and often. Put information about your legislators' position on our Wall at Inclusive ENDA so we can update the spreadsheets.
Acting together, we have made great strides toward passage. I believe that ENDA will pass, if we continue to be smart and targeted in expressing our support to our legislators by means of meetings and phone calls.
Thank you for your work in supporting an inclusive ENDA.
Jillian T. Weiss
Co-Chair, Inclusive ENDA
Queers United Protest Dr. Phil Continues Anti-Queer Crusade by Picking on "Gender Confused Kids"
Update: We have pervailed!! [From Twitter] queerunity Dr. Phil agrees to pull transphobic show, good work guys! http://bit.ly/vBFUN
Please check out Queers United Dr. Phil Continues Anti-Queer Crusade by Picking on "Gender Confused Kids"
Our campaign to get Dr. Phil to stop his anti gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender programming has been going on for several months. His shows continually promote topics such as "gender confusion", "rebellious bisexuals" and "discussion on ex-gay therapy".
Hundreds of people through this blog [Queers United] have joined in demanding Dr. Phil stop this anti-queer programming. Nonetheless this Wednesday July 29th another transphobic show is set to air titled "Gender-Confused Kids"
Please check out Queers United Dr. Phil Continues Anti-Queer Crusade by Picking on "Gender Confused Kids"
Our campaign to get Dr. Phil to stop his anti gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender programming has been going on for several months. His shows continually promote topics such as "gender confusion", "rebellious bisexuals" and "discussion on ex-gay therapy".
Hundreds of people through this blog [Queers United] have joined in demanding Dr. Phil stop this anti-queer programming. Nonetheless this Wednesday July 29th another transphobic show is set to air titled "Gender-Confused Kids"
7/25/09
Thank AAA South for Recognizing Equality!
Send AAA South a thank you!
http://ga4.org/campaign/thankAAA
During a face-to-face meeting on Wednesday, July 21, between Equality Florida and AAA South, top management at the 4th largest AAA affiliate in the country committed to recognizing all spouses, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The policy allows gay married couples to receive spousal discounts under AAA's Associate Membership program.
Tell me more
Tweeted by nasmith25 at http://twitter.com/nasmith25
7/24/09
Kim Petras "Worlds Youngest [post op] Transsexual"
'TV interview of German transgirl Kim Petras on the Morning Show. The interview draws a more realistic picture of Kim than in the CBS show "The Insider" on April 30, 2009. Kim speaks about her past as a boy and the latest single she has released: "Die for you".'
Interview télévision de la jeune transfille allemande Kim Petras dans l'émission "This Morning". L'interview donne une image plus réaliste de Kim que dans l'émission "The Insider" sur la chaîne américaine CBS le 30 avril 2009. Kim parle de son passé en tant que garçon et de sa dernière chanson publiée : "Die for you".
Fernseh-Interview mit dem Transmädchen Kim Petras in der "Morning Show". Das Interview zeichnet ein realistischeres Bild von Kim als der Bericht in der CBS-Sendung "The Insider" vom 30. April 2009. Kim spricht über ihre Vergangenheit als Junge und die neueste Single, die sie veröffentlicht hat: "Die for you".
7/19/09
Houston's Transgender Foundation of America Prepares for Hurricane Season
Following some disastrous hurricanes in the past years the Transgender Foundation of Houston is holding meetings to help it's members prepare for the coming season. As we well know in the transgender community, we are the first most adversely affected by natural disasters.
Host: Transgender Foundation of America
Type: Meetings - Informational Meeting
Network: Global
Date: Monday, July 27, 2009
Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: TG Center
Street: 713 Fargo
City/Town: Houston, TX
View Map
MapQuest
Microsoft
Yahoo
Phone:
7135208586
Email:
cristan@tgctr.org
Description
The last two hurricanes took the Houston TG community by surprise.Many of us had a hard time finding places to evacuate to and there were even a few of us who were arrested for staying in emergency shelters. We need to be prepared this year!On Monday, July 27th at 6:30 PM (before the HTGA meeting) we will have the first in a series of TG Community Hurricane Preparedness meetings. Please come out and help the community get ready for hurricane season!
7/17/09
Episcopalians officialy Support LGBT Rights
TransEpiscopal: Transgender Episcopalians/Anglicans and Allies
Press Release:
Anaheim, CA (July 17, 2009): For the first time in its history, the Episcopal
Church has taken official actions in support of transgender civil rights and inclusion at its 76th General Convention.
"It was a true privilege to participate in the legislative process of this Church, to bear witness to transgender lives and experiences, and to urge the Episcopal Church to fully include and to stand in solidarity with us," commented the Rev. Dr. Cameron Partridge, a member of TransEpiscopal and Integrity USA. "I am thrilled to be able to say that the General Convention voted overwhelmingly to put the Episcopal Church on record in support of such legislation as the Matthew Shepherd Hate Crimes Act and the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, and analogous efforts at municipal and state levels. But I am even more moved to say how many people spontaneously shared with us how their eyes have been opened, their hearts turned, by our presence and stories here. To have someone stop me in a coffee line to say, `I had never thought about this issue before, and I'm going to take what I have learned here and share it with my little congregation in the Ozarks' means more than I can say."
Today the Convention completed approval of resolutions supporting the enactment
of anti-discrimination and hate crimes legislation protecting transgender people at
local, state and federal levels. The House of Deputies passed these resolutions overwhelmingly on Wednesday, and the House of Bishops then approved these resolutions today in near-unanimous votes.
These actions took place as the United States Congress debates both the Matthew
Shepherd Hate Crimes Act and the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, which respectively address hate crimes and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation as well as gender identity and expression.
Testifying in hearings at various levels of the Convention were representatives
of the organizations TransEpiscopal and Integrity USA, including the Episcopal Church's first openly transgender Deputy, Dee Tavolaro of Rhode Island.
In addition to today's actions, earlier this week the Convention approved two
other resolutions.
The first adds "gender identity and expression" to its nondiscrimination policy
for hiring lay employees, while the second calls for the revision of church paper and
electronic forms to allow a wider range of gender identifications.
"As we celebrate this moment and give thanks for the amazing allies walking with
us, particularly Integrity USA and the Consultation, we look forward to progressing
further toward full inclusion of transgender people —and, indeed, all people -- in all areas of ministry in The Episcopal Church."
Press Release:
Anaheim, CA (July 17, 2009): For the first time in its history, the Episcopal
Church has taken official actions in support of transgender civil rights and inclusion at its 76th General Convention.
"It was a true privilege to participate in the legislative process of this Church, to bear witness to transgender lives and experiences, and to urge the Episcopal Church to fully include and to stand in solidarity with us," commented the Rev. Dr. Cameron Partridge, a member of TransEpiscopal and Integrity USA. "I am thrilled to be able to say that the General Convention voted overwhelmingly to put the Episcopal Church on record in support of such legislation as the Matthew Shepherd Hate Crimes Act and the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, and analogous efforts at municipal and state levels. But I am even more moved to say how many people spontaneously shared with us how their eyes have been opened, their hearts turned, by our presence and stories here. To have someone stop me in a coffee line to say, `I had never thought about this issue before, and I'm going to take what I have learned here and share it with my little congregation in the Ozarks' means more than I can say."
Today the Convention completed approval of resolutions supporting the enactment
of anti-discrimination and hate crimes legislation protecting transgender people at
local, state and federal levels. The House of Deputies passed these resolutions overwhelmingly on Wednesday, and the House of Bishops then approved these resolutions today in near-unanimous votes.
These actions took place as the United States Congress debates both the Matthew
Shepherd Hate Crimes Act and the Employment Nondiscrimination Act, which respectively address hate crimes and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation as well as gender identity and expression.
Testifying in hearings at various levels of the Convention were representatives
of the organizations TransEpiscopal and Integrity USA, including the Episcopal Church's first openly transgender Deputy, Dee Tavolaro of Rhode Island.
In addition to today's actions, earlier this week the Convention approved two
other resolutions.
The first adds "gender identity and expression" to its nondiscrimination policy
for hiring lay employees, while the second calls for the revision of church paper and
electronic forms to allow a wider range of gender identifications.
"As we celebrate this moment and give thanks for the amazing allies walking with
us, particularly Integrity USA and the Consultation, we look forward to progressing
further toward full inclusion of transgender people —and, indeed, all people -- in all areas of ministry in The Episcopal Church."
Fort Worth TABC Supervisor steps down in wake of Rainbow Lounge Raid
Source Dallas Voice;
"FORT WORTH — The administrator of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission said this week that two TABC agents involved in a raid of the Rainbow Lounge on June 28 committed multiple “clear violations” of agency policy."
"In an exclusive phone interview with Dallas Voice on Wednesday, July 15, TABC Administrator Alan Steen also said the supervisor directly responsible for the two agents — a sergeant in TABC’s Fort Worth district office — announced his retirement last week in the wake of the raid and amid an ongoing internal investigation. Steen didn’t identify the sergeant or the agents by name."
Click here for Dallas Voice Article Administrator Steen acknowledges his agents violated policies, says FW supervisor has stepped down
"FORT WORTH — The administrator of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission said this week that two TABC agents involved in a raid of the Rainbow Lounge on June 28 committed multiple “clear violations” of agency policy."
"In an exclusive phone interview with Dallas Voice on Wednesday, July 15, TABC Administrator Alan Steen also said the supervisor directly responsible for the two agents — a sergeant in TABC’s Fort Worth district office — announced his retirement last week in the wake of the raid and amid an ongoing internal investigation. Steen didn’t identify the sergeant or the agents by name."
Click here for Dallas Voice Article Administrator Steen acknowledges his agents violated policies, says FW supervisor has stepped down
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