LA Gay and Lesbian Center Homeless Youth Need You This Christmas

A speical message from Jane Lynch

Serving on the Board of Directors of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center is one of the things I'm most proud of in my life. I do it because there are still far too many people—especially young people—who are harassed, abused or abandoned because of who they are. That's why I'm asking you to join me in making an urgent donation to the Gay & Lesbian Center today.

This year the demand for the Center's services for homeless LGBT youth doubled. More than 900 youth routinely depended on the Center for warm meals, a safe place to stay, clothing, counseling and much more.

Unfortunately, as the demand has increased, donations have fallen. At a time when young LGBT people need us more than ever, the Center is facing a $79,000 budget gap in private donations.Let me assure you, whatever you give will be put right to use to help young people like Theresa. This 17-year old recently told us, "If I weren't here at the Center, I would probably be in jail or dead."That's why the Gay & Lesbian Center is so important. Nothing matters more than getting young people off the streets and giving them the compassionate support they deserve. Won't you give what you can to support our efforts?

Though we've already expanded our services by adding 6 emergency beds and expanding the hours at our Jeff Griffith Youth Center, we're still struggling to .meet the increased demand from homeless LGBT youth.We're also seeing an increase in the number of people with HIV/AIDS who have lost their jobs and health insurance—and who are turning to the Center for free and low-cost medical care.That's why we need your help. We can't do this alone.

Your gift today is absolutely critical—we must close this funding gap to meet the needs of the more than 20,000 people who depend on the Center month after month. Please help us close the gap and keep our LGBT safety net strong by making a generous, tax-deductible gift today.A gift of just $35 will provide another day's worth of services for a homeless youth at our drop-in center; $75 will give a young person one night's shelter from the streets. Whatever you can give will make a vital difference, especially at this time of year.There are thousands of LGBT kids out there right now with nowhere else to turn. Please join me in giving them a safe place to turn this holiday season by making a generous gift today.

Affirmation Declaration: Shine Jesus Shine Set our Hearts on Fire

I have loved this song from the first time we sung it. Now it takes on a special meaning as we join together in the "Affirmation Declaration"that all people are worthy of loveingkindness in the face of mounting opposition to our belonging in providence by the signers of the "Manhattan Declaration".



Set our hearts on fire as we sign the "Affirmation Declaration"

Christian Affirmation Declaration Refutes Infamous Manhattan declaration

The Affirmation Declaration is a statement that expresses the convictions of Christians all over the world. It was written in response to the now famous Manhattan Declaration, to correct egregious errors contained in the document, errors that have been preached in the pulpits of many local churches for far too long.
With the growing notoriety and support for the Manhattan Declaration, our Affirmation Declaration reflects an urgent need to respond to the portion of the Manhattan Declaration dealing with issues related to sexual orientation—specifically, homosexuality and same-sex marriage. We strongly disagree with the contention that same-sex attractions and the oft-resulting romantic activities are immoral.
Because of the large number of people affected by this serious issue one way or the other, we felt it expedient to respond formally, both by submitting our Declaration to the drafters of the Manhattan Declaration, as well as by releasing our Declaration to the public, allowing Christians to show their support for love and affirmation, just as so many have shown their support for the propagation of false doctrines of oppression and inequality against the GLBTI (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Intersex) community.
We also desire to let the world know that not all Christians are locked in what we believe to be an ancient worldview regarding homosexuality. We want to give people hope—hope to know that God loves them just as they are; hope to know that their gay loved ones are not destined for Hell; hope to know that although some Christian churches will never accept them or their same-sex unions, a great many will.
May the signatures we garner serve as a fire that will never burn out, lighting the way through the darkness of bad theology, and setting Christ's Church back on the right track as it relates to matters of sexual and gender orientation, and gender identity.

Sign The Declaration • Spread The Fire
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. [35] By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
John 13:34-35

McDonald's tells applicant Zikerria Bellamy: "We do not hire faggots."

TLDEF press relese

New York, New York — Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund today filed a Complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations against an Orlando McDonald's restaurant for refusing to hire 17-year-old Zikerria Bellamy because she is transgender.

On July 10, 2009, Ms. Bellamy applied online for a job at a McDonald’s restaurant in Orlando, Florida. On July 28, after managers at McDonald’s learned that Zikerria is transgender, she received a voicemail message from one of the managers telling her, "You will not get hired. We do not hire faggots." She was never allowed to interview for a job. Read the press release at transgenderlegal.org

Belize: Protect Student Jose Garcia from Discrimination and Expulsion

Join the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and United Belize Advocacy Movement (UNIBAM) in calling on the Ministry of Education of Belize and other authorities to take legal action to ensure that Jose Garcia is not prevented from attending school because of his sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression and to protect him from harassment and discrimination.
Expelled!
On October 1 and 5, 2009, Jose Garcia, a 19-year-old student at Baptist School of Adult and Continuing Education in Belmopan, Belize, received letters from the school threatening to dismiss him is because "he acts like a girl," "dresses effeminately," "uses the female bathroom," and "carries a purse as his school bag." On October 20, Jose received a letter from the school principal, Norman Willacey, asking that Jose withdraw from the school and seek counseling. Later, he told Jose, "You have me so embarrassed. I don't want to see you here in the compound. If you [don't] leave right now I will call the police!"
Authorities seem to be unwilling to act to protect Jose Garcia's right to education. The Public Information Officer of Belmopan, Arlette Gomez, has stated that it is their aim to ensure that Mr. Garcia's constitutional rights are not being infringed upon and that the guidelines of the Education Act and Rules are being followed. The Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, has also stated that the school is "bound to follow the constitution, otherwise anybody can take them to court." Nonetheless, the Minister has offered no concrete protection for Jose Garcia, stating that "it is a Baptist High School, there is not much the Ministry can do."
"I am not hurting anybody because of the way I dress."- José García
Discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in education systems is a serious problem all over the world that has not been addressed at all. Harassment, mistreatment, violence, and other human rights violations threaten students' physical or emotional well-being, influence how well students do in school, make it difficult for students to achieve their career goals, and excludes thousands of students all over the world entirely from education systems.
All people have the right to education under international human rights law without discrimination based on, and taking into account sexual orientation and gender identity (Yogyakarta Principle 16). Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention against Discrimination in Education, all of which Belize is party to, ensure the right to education of all. Additionally, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture (CAT), and the ICESCR are explicitly interpreted to include protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity (Human Rights Committee: Toonen v. Australia; Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights General Comment 20; Committee Against Torture General Comment 2).
Furthermore, the right to education without discrimination exists in Belize law as well. The preamble to the Belize Constitution states that "a just system should be ensured to provide for education and health on the basis of equality," and the Education Act dictates that "[s]chools shall be free of gender, racial and other biases (Art. 25 (2))." Jose Garcia's rights to education and non-discrimination under international and Belize law are being violated by his expulsion, threatening all other rights underpinned by equal access to education, including his right to work, to housing, and to health.

Send a message »
Please send your letters to:
Sr. Patrick Faber
Minister of Educationemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=moeducation.moes@gmail.com
Sr. Wilfred Elrington
Attorney Generalemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=agministrybze@yahoo.com
Sr. Elvin Pender
Minister of Youth, Sports, Information and Broadcastingemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=info@pressoffice.gov.bz
Sr. Simeon Lopez
Mayor of Belmopanemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=bmpcitco@btl.net
Sra. Arlette Gomez
Public Information Officer of Belmopanemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Arlette.gomez@moe.gov.bz
Please send a copy to:
Caleb Orozco
UNIBAMemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=orozco.caleb@gmail.com
Fernando D'Elio
IGLHRCemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=fdelio@iglhrc.orgemail: http://us.mc456.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=communications+action.alert@iglhrc.org
Sample Letter
Mr. Patrick FaberMinister of Education of Belize
Minister Faber:
I am writing to express my deep concern over the expulsion of Jose Garcia, a 19-year-old student, from Baptist School of Adult and Continuing Education in Belmopan on October 30, 2009 because of his perceived gender identity and sexual orientation. I call on you to protect his and all students' right to education without bias or discrimination.
All people have the right to education, under international human rights law, without discrimination based on, and taking into account sexual orientation and gender identity (Yogyakarta Principle 16). Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Article 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention against Discrimination in Education (CDE), all of to which Belize is a party, ensure the right to education to all. Additionally, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture (CAT), and the ICESCR are explicitly interpreted to include protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity (Human Rights Committee: Toonen v. Australia; Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights General Comment 20; Committee Against Torture, General Comment 2).
The right to education without discrimination exists in Belize law as well. The preamble to the Belize Constitution states that "a just system should be ensured to provide for education and health on the basis of equality" and the Education Act dictates that "[s]chools shall be free of gender, racial and other biases (Art. 25 (2))." Jose Garcia was threatened and expelled by his school simply because he was perceived to be too "feminine" with no remedy or protection. A bias-free educational system cannot support such discrimination.
Discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in educational systems is a serious problem that needs to be addressed at all levels. Harassment, mistreatment, violence, and other human rights violations threaten students' physical or emotional well-being, influence how well students do in school, make it difficult for students to achieve their career goals, and excludes thousands of students all over the world entirely from education systems.
We respectfully request that:
The state ensure that Jose Garcia can return to his school or any other where he feels safe and protected from harassment and discrimination to complete his education.
The state lead and conduct programs and campaigns to sensitize principals, teachers, students, and others involved into the education system on the issues of sexual orientation and gender identity as well as discrimination based on those grounds, to allow all young people to learn a tolerant, non-discriminatory environment.
We trust you will treat this request with the attention it deserves.
Sincerely,
Name:Organization:Country:E-mail address:
Send this letter »

DC Passes on Catholic Threats and OK's Gay Marriage

Ohio Celebrates 3 Transgender Victories! Cleveland, Akron and Summit County Pass Non-Discrimination Ordinances

Last night, Cleveland City Council voted 21 - 0 to protect against discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on gender identity and expression. Akron voted 10 - 2 to do the same based on both sexual orientation and gender identity and Summit County voted 11 - 1 to pass a countywide ordinance protecting against discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Thanks to all the advocates and coalitions who have worked long and hard to see these much needed protections finally included in municipal law!

We encourage Cleveland, Akron and Summit County citizens to thank their councilpersons. You can find Cleveland councilpersons' contact information at www.clevelandcitycouncil.org. Akron councilpersons' contact information at http://www.akroncitycouncil.org/Find_your_Councilperson/ and Summit County councilpersons' contact information at http://www.co.summit.oh.us/council/index.htm

Sylvia's Place NYC LGBT Youth Shelter Annual Holiday Benefit Drive

PLEASE SAVE THESE DATES!

I hope this finds us all having survived the Thanksgiving holiday
relatively unscathed, but it is time to get down to some serious
issues...... and serious parties!.

Tuesday December 15 @ The Phoenix
Thursday December 17 @ Nowhere Bar

These are the dates for our annual food and clothing drives and
holiday parties for the benefit of Sylvia's Place, the emergency
shelter for homeless transgender, gay and lesbian youth in New York
City.

I think anyone who reads my posts and blogs is aware of the homeless
TLGB youth crisis in New York. Sylvia's Place has been doing the best
it can for many years now, but they are in seriously bad shape this
year with the city having pulled the major portion of their funding.
Sylvia's now operates only with the help of people like you.

THESE HOMELESS TLGB KIDS ARE HANGING BY A THREAD AND NEED YOUR HELP!

Desperately and urgently needed this year:

Toothpaste and toothbrushes
Personal hygiene products
Warm socks
Cold and Flu medicines-generics and store brands are fine
Basic first aid supplies
Canned and boxed food goods
Coats,jackets, and gloves-used and clean is fine
Hats and caps-used and clean is fine
Scarfs-used and clean is fine
Blankets-used and clean is fine

You can help our TLGB family, our kids, by donating any of the above
AND enjoy some great parties at the same time! Bring your items to:

Tuesday Dec. 15 @ The Phoenix
W. 13th Street btw. 1st Ave and Ave A
9 PM

Thursday Dec. 17 @ Nowhere Bar
322 E. 14th Street btw.1st and 2nd Aves
9 PM

We will make sure your donations get delivered to Sylvia's Place
promptly AND you can enjoy all the great Holiday spirit, great people,
and John's famous party food! (he's an awesome chef!) These parties
are NOT to be missed!

Can't make the parties? Not in the NYC area? That's a major bummer
and you'll certainly be missed, but you can still contribute and
donate to Sylvia's Place. You can send a small check or money order
to Sylvia's OR ship your donations there!

All donations are tax deductible and can be shipped directly to:

Homeless Youth Services

Checks and money orders should be made payable to
M.C.C.N.Y.Y. S

Sylvia's also accepts Pay Pal.
http://www.homeless youthservices. org/Generalpaypa l.html

AND DON'T FORGET THE BEST HOLIDAY GET TOGETHER OF ALL!
Christmas Night, Dec. 25, John Williams of the Nowhere Bar (and now
Phoenix as well--congrats John!) and I will be cooking dinner again
for the kids at Sylvia's and YOU'RE INVITED!

Last year was a very special time, not only for the kids at Sylvia's,
but for all the sisters and friends who dropped by to spend a few
moments with our TLGB family. Ina, Hedda Lettuce, many of the members
of Crossdressers International and representatives and friends from
the NYPD all came by. it was a great night for us all, and I hope you
can all manage to come by for a visit and bite to eat. More details on
will follow.

Questions? Write me. Or phone: 914.457.5925

Let's ALL make this a wonderful Holiday Season for all of us, but
especially our younger brothers and sisters.

Mona Rae Mason

Trans Events USA. org
monaraemason.com

Metropolitian Community Church, New York, NY.

NY Times Giving Shelter: Portraits of Young Lives in Limbo

Cleveland City Council to vote on ending discrimination based on gender identity or expression

Monday, November 30, 2009
Dear TransOhio friends, family and supporters!
Tonight, Cleveland City Council will vote to ban discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on gender identity or expression!
TransOhio fully supports the collaborative work of Equality Ohio, the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland, TransFamily of Cleveland and Cleveland's City Council in regards to banning discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on gender identity and expression.
"It's important to ensure that we can get laws on the books that protect Cleveland's transgender residents," says Shane Morgan, Founder and Chair of TransOhio, Ohio's statewide tra nsgender advocacy organization. "These organizations have worked tirelessly with Cleveland City Council members to ensure that all Cleveland residents, regardless of their gender identity or expression, are afforded the same opportunities for employment, housing and accommodations as their neighbors."
Your show of support is welcomed and this vote is open to the public:
Monday, November 30, 2009 7:00pm - 8:00pm Cleveland City Hall - Council Chambers 601 Lakeside Avenue Cleveland, OH
TransOhio applauds the Cleveland City Council and urges them to vote to pass this important non-discrimination ordinance.

The Family: Christian Fundamentalists Murderous Ugandan Agenda

The Family aka the fellowship, which attributes its successful seventy year anti human rights campaign to maintaining a secretive profile, is hosting Congressional representatives and other American leaders at the 'National Prayer Breakfast' to spread its vision of death for lesbian, gay and transgender people.

Listen to NPR 'Fresh Air' on WHYY The Secret Political Reach Of 'The Family'. I was horrified as to the insipid treachery of this shadow fundamentalist group and I am sure it will shock you also.

TWO Truths warns us that 'The Family' Is Directly Linked To Draconian Anti-Gay Death Bill in Uganda and it's time to lift this Vail of secrecy and reveal the atrocities the 'family' intends to unleash on you and your christian family.

All Americans regardless of religious affiliation must stand up and demand an end to the Families agenda. Those who do not are giving tacit support to murder of innocents in Uganda by paying the salaries Congressmen and Senators who expedite this merciless persecution and executions of gay, lesbian and transgender people.

This is happening today in Uganda. The family wishes the same for LGBT people in America tomorrow.

Ips news.net RIGHTS-UGANDA: "You Cannot Tell Me You Will Kill Me Because I’m Gay"

Human Rights Watch Uganda: ‘Anti-Homosexuality’ Bill Threatens Liberties and Human Rights Defenders

Change.org Meet the U.S. Politicians Who Want to See Gay People Dead in Uganda

Unified worldwide Anglican condemnation of the criminalization by Uganda of homosexuality is desperately needed as INTEGRITY URGES THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY BILL PROPOSED IN UGANDA "Our church has already spoken through Resolution D005 at General Convention in 2006 opposing legislation criminalizing homosexuality..." Michael Russell author of of D005 invites you to sign the petition and leave a prayer or comment for our leadership to perhaps read. Then send the link to all your friends.
******************************
Updated 2000hrs 11/30/2009

House of Deputies president condemns proposed Uganda anti-homosexuality legislation

Integrity USA, Canadian bishops also call for opposition

By Mary Frances Schjonberg, November 30, 2009

[Episcopal News Service] The pending Ugandan legislation that would imprison for life or execute people who violate that country's anti-homosexuality laws would be a "terrible violation of the human rights of an already persecuted minority," Episcopal Church House of Deputies President Bonnie Anderson has said.

Anderson was responding to a Nov. 16 request that Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, Archbishop Henri Orombi of Uganda and she speak out against the legislation. Anderson is the first to issue a statement. Read statement from Episcopal Life Online House of Deputies president condemns proposed Uganda anti-homosexuality legislation

*****************
Religion in Uganda Census of October 2002

The Revealer A daily review of religion and the press.

Gay Uganda blogspot

Myriam Mercado, madre de Jorge Steven López Mercado, gracias seguidores en You Tube

Cortesía de la Voz de Dallas. El amor lo conquista todo.

2009 Transgender Murders number 101: A Sad List

The number of Transgender Deaths has doubled within one year. As of Oct 22 2009 there has been 95 deaths calculated the year before there were 47.

We are people,
We have faces,
We have families,
We have friends,
We have lives,
We have value,
We have voices,
None of this should be taken away from any of us because of who we are.

We are the unwilling victim of hate.
http://www.transgenderdor.org/ to find a TDoR event near you.

Tampa City Council votes to Protect Transgender Citizens

Source: Equality Florida

(TAMPA) "Equality Florida commends the Tampa City Council for expanding non-discrimination protections to those who live, work and visit the city. Tampa is the latest city in Florida to add “gender identity” to its human rights ordinance that bans discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodation."

"Today’s action comes at the request of the Tampa Human Rights Council led by its Chair, Phil Dinkins. Equality Florida has worked closely with the council in the months leading up to today’s vote and assisted with documenting the clear need for such protections."

“Equality Florida was born out of the struggle to expand Tampa’s non-discrimination protections so they include the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community,” said Nadine Smith. “Today’s vote, while long overdue, makes it clear that Tampa is a leader in Florida when it comes to protecting its citizens.”

"One extreme right organization launched an effort to derail today’s vote, but Equality Florida members and allied organizations including Pride Tampa Bay and the Hillsborough LGBT Democratic Caucus stepped up and sent 3,096 emails to various Tampa City Council members encouraging them to stand strong in their conviction to protect all citizens. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, BB&T Bank, PepsiCo/FritoLay and other leaders in the business community spoke out debunking wild claims by the opposition by recounting the positive impact inclusive policies have had for their companies." Full story at Equality Florida

International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission TDOR

IGLHRC Observes Transgender Day of Remembrance:
Take Action Against Abuse of Transgender People in Guatemala and Turkey
On November 20, the 11th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, take action against the recent murders of transgender women in Guatemala and call for changes in a law used to persecute transgender people in Turkey.
TAKE ACTION: GUATEMALA »

Stop Murder of Trans Women in Guatemala
This day offers a powerful opportunity to insist that trans rights are human rights, and that the global community has an obligation to stop violence against transgender people.
TAKE ACTION: TURKEY »

Change Law of Misdemeanors to End Abuse of Trans People
Transgender Day of Remembrance memorializes those who have been killed by hatred and prejudice against transgender people and raises public awareness to combat violence against transgender people. Every year, transgender people around the world face pervasive threats of discrimination, imprisonment, violence, and murder.
The tragic deaths of over 200 trans people reported in the last two years-and the countless others that go unreported around the world-are sobering reminders of transgender people's vulnerability to state-sponsored and private violence because of their gender identity and expression.
READ OUR BLOG »

Read more about the state of trans people's human rights in the past two years.
IGLHRC's mission is advancing human rights for everyone, everywhere to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. In September 2009, IGLHRC held its first strategy workshop for trans activists in the Caribbean. The workshop provided activists from the most marginalized communities with training in documentation and human rights advocacy. The Caribbean Forum for Liberation and Acceptance of Genders and Sexualities (CARIFLAGS) and the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC) co-hosted the workshop.
WATCH VIDEOS »

Watch videos of activists from the workshop speaking about the hardships and challenges they have confronted in their lives.

IGLHRC 80 Maiden Lane, Suite 1505 New York, NY 10038 phone: 212.430.6054 fax: 212.430.6060

Transgender Woman Dana Beyer attacked with 'KGB-type tactics'

Dana Beyer's employer, Montgomery Maryland County Councilwoman Duchy Trachtenberg is furious about the secretive 'KGB-type' investigation being conducted by the state's ethics committee.

The ethics committee, apparently motivated by the anti transgender group "Citizens for a Responsible Government" has secretively been conducting after hours searches of the official offices and computers of her top advisor. " Citizens for a Responsible Government" were the sponsors of the failed petition drive to bring the recently passed transgender inclusive anti discrimination ordinances in Montgomery Maryland to a popular vote.

Source: Gazette.com "A County Councilwoman's senior policy adviser who helped draft the county's antidiscrimination law to protect transgendered people now is using the law in filing a complaint against the Montgomery County Ethics Commission."

"I helped craft the bill, and I'm the first to use it," said Dana Beyer, a transgendered woman who serves as senior aide to Councilwoman Duchy Trachtenberg (D-At large). "That's a delicious irony."

"Beyer filed a complaint Tuesday with the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission against the county, claiming its Ethics Commission has investigated her for the past eight months because of her "gender identity." read full story at Gazette.com

Barbra Boxer and Courage Campaign for Reproductive Rights

On November 7, the House passed the Stupak Amendment to their health care reform bill, representing one of the biggest setbacks to women’s health in recent decades – unless we stand together and stop it.

That's why I just signed the petition Senator Barbara Boxer has launched FightForWomensHealth.com, calling for the removal of the Stupak Amendment from any bill that reaches the President's desk.

The House amendment would tell women who participate in the new health insurance exchange that they can't even use their own funds to buy a policy that offers abortion coverage.

In short, the Stupak Amendment would take away health insurance coverage that women already have. This is a huge step back for women’s health.

Join me and Senator Boxer to FightForWomensHealth.com today!

Thank you!

Sarah Silverman YouTube "Sell the Vatican, Feed The World"

Live, Love, and Learn: DC Diocese Turns on Homeless

Catholic gargoyle salivating for the weakest. The homeless and destitute are easy prey when they are freezing and hopeless. Joseph Ratzinger's pseudo christian organization 'Catholic Church" knows this better than anyone as they forgo their Christian facade in threatening extortion by abandoning 67,000 homeless in the District of Columbia just before the winter if the Capitol city of the United States does not comply with it's demands. Read the whole story at Live, Love, and Learn: DC Diocese Turns on Homeless

Will Phillips Arkansas Fifth Grader Refuses to Pledge Allegiance until LGBT people are Equal

Ten year old Will Phillips, who's intelligence was recognized by skipping fourth grade, demonstrated extraordinary compassion and empathy when he recently sited a 1943 Supreme Court ruling and refused to recite the pledge of alliance. Phillips believes until all Americans are equally enjoying "liberty and Justice for all" the pledge is a empty verse.

This incredible young ally who's orientation is not gay, is enduring a homophobic backlash by his adolescent classmates and in all of places, Arkansas. The home of former Governor Huckabee recently enacted a state amendment to its constitution prohibiting adoption of children by same sex couples.

Arkansas is one of the most anti gay states and this according to Will is being proven true as the same children have over and again taunted him with phrases such as 'Gaywad'.

***Update December 3, 2009***
I have been contacted separately by Will's mother and father. Both are very grateful for the emails and phone calls in support of Will. Both are happy that Will is now focused on his school work and both are satisfied with the response from the school. It would seem at this time continued contact with the school is not necessary at this time.~kelli

Please take action "Support Will Phillips" by emailing the The West Fork School District.

Sample email:

Dr. Naccaman Williams
Chair of the State Board of Education.
E-mail: naccaman@att.net
Mailing Address: 2807 Brookshire St., Springdale, AR 72762

Deborah Harnish
President West Forks District Board
359 School Ave, West Fork, AR 72774
(479) 839-2231

Re: Protect educational integrity and protecting Will Phillips from bullying.

Dear Deborah Harnish and Dr. Naccaman Williams,

It has come to my attention that a substitute teacher in your district has attempted to intimidate and bully a student, Will Phillips, into doing something that was against that students better judgement and moral values. Phillips decision not to participate in reciting the pledge of allegiance was in fact, a constitutional right protected by a supreme court ruling.

The student Will Philips, has since then reported becoming the subject of homophobic bullying even though Will Phillips himself does not identify as gay.

I am asking that you require this teacher to apologize for attempting to intimidate Phillips, and that the school principal make a announcement that the school respects individual rights and the school will not allow harassment within it's walls. This would send a message to your students and teachers that bullying is not acceptable.

I wold also ask that you require your teachers to make a speical effort to be attentive and aware of bullying and to stop it immediately when it is apparent. These actions will save lives and allow your schools to pursue the American ideals that are set forth in the Pledge of Allegiance and so valued by Will Phillips.

Thank you
Kelli Anne Busey
Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

On the Web:

West Fork School District

Edge San Francisco article Arkansas 10-Year-Old Won’t Pledge Allegiance Until Gays Gain Equality

Arkansas Times article A boy and his flag
Why Will won’t pledge