Maryland Senate: NO Trans-Crow Law! NO Slavery!

The time has come for the Transexual Menace to rise up.

The Maryland Judicial Proceedings Committee is now considering a "transgender anti discrimination" bill stripped of public accommodations provisions. What does that mean to you and I, the average trans person? It means you would be allowed workplace protections but none for public accommodations.

You may soon be existing in a society much the as it was during the Jim Crow era. Transgender people could work at but would be subject to arrest just for being in or using a"Place of public accommodation" which is defined as an inn, hotel, motel, restaurant, cafeteria, lunchroom, lunch counter, soda fountain,a motion picture house, theater, concert hall, sports arena, stadium, or other place of exhibition or entertainment.

The majority trans peoples income is lower than 18,000 which indicates most of us work in public service jobs, with public accommodations the only option.

Or fired by your employer for not following the enhanced dress code. Or thrown out of emergency shelters if you demand to be housed with the gender congruent with your expression. HRC is calling on its entire membership to enslave transgender people. HB235 would make you a second class citizen living at the whim of the ruling class.... In other words, a slave.

Regardless of where you live this bill is a threat to you because it is being pushed by HRC.

Every Maryland transgender group opposes this bill, but our voices have been censored so the Senators will never know how much we were against this legislation, unless you act. Equality Maryland as it has all but banned dissension from its Facebook page while simultaneously lording over us their victory in Maryland's House.

The Washington Blade, like most gay publishers deletes most dissenting opinions to its articles pimping Equality Maryland's dis empowerment and assimilation of transgender people.

We must take action now. The Senate hearing could take place as early as Wednesday the 30th.

Please call these Senators and tell them No to Trans-Crow. No to HB235.

Brian E. Frosh, Chair (410) 841-3124, (301) 858-3124
Lisa A. Gladden, Vice-Chair (410) 841-3697, (301) 858-3697

JAMES BROCHIN Democrat, District 42, Baltimore County (410) 841-3648, (301) 858-3648 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3648 (toll free)

JENNIE M. FOREHAND Democrat, District 17, Montgomery County (410) 841-3134, (301) 858-3134 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3134 (toll free)

JOSEPH M. GETTY Republican, District 5, Baltimore County Carroll County (410) 841-3683, (301) 858-3683 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3683 (toll free)

NANCY JACOBS Republican, District 34, Cecil & Harford Counties (410) 841-3158, (301) 858-3158 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3158 (toll free)

VICTOR R. RAMIREZ Democrat, District 47, Prince George's County (410) 841-3745, (301) 858-3745 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3745 (toll free)

JAMIN B. (JAMIE) RASKIN Democrat, District 20, Montgomery County (410) 841-3634, (301) 858-3634 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3634 (toll free)

CHRISTOPHER B. SHANK Republican, District 2, Washington County (410) 841-3903, (301) 858-3903 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3903 (toll free)

NORMAN R. STONE, JR. Democrat, District 6, Baltimore County (410) 841-3587, (301) 858-3587 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3587 (toll free)

ROBERT A. (BOBBY) ZIRKIN Democrat, District 11, Baltimore County (410) 841-3131, (301) 858-3131 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3131 (toll free)

HR235 Vote March 24th on the Maryland Transgender 'equality' bill without equality

*UPdated March 28th 2011

HR235 has just been voted out of the subcommitte Friday the 25th March 2011. It needs to crossover into the Senate by March 28 (no sessions this weekend which mean a vote on Monday the 28th.) Then go to the Judicial Proceedings Committee for a vote and to the floor of the Senate for a floor vote by the April 11th.

It is also reported that there are some amendments to the bill not yet annotated on the bills official page. It is presumed these changes are going to be added to appease legislators not yet committed and not the Maryland transgender community represented by Transmaryland and Trans-United or local journalists who have voiced loud objections to the removal of public accommodations provisions

Dana LaRocca, a Maryland transgender woman sums it up nicely;

"HB235’s omission of public accommodations is a flaw that will not easily be remedied in the future. All previous anti discrimination bills have included public accommodations protections and that omission in this bill will in the future be seen as a legislative intent to create a second class of citizenship for transgender Marylanders. I understand that it is considered an easier bill to win in its current form. The transgender community is not interested in an easy win. We are interested in justice. By denying equal access to public accommodations HB235 denies the dignity of an entire class of persons."

"Out of respect for the dignity of human persons HB235 must be rejected and we must not consider such legislation until such time that it includes the same protections for transgender persons as the law does for all other classes of citizens. We are all entitled to the same goods inherent in social practice. That is what social justice means."

On behalf of the half dozen Maryland transgender activists who HRC is throwing it multi million dollar corporate might against I ask the people who are entrusted with our freedom please do not pass HB235.




This is so very wrong.

ACLU of Maryland accessory to EQMD oppression of Transgender Community

After numerous unsuccessful attempts at contacting the ACLU of Maryland this facebook post and tweet mentioning their unconscionable support of inequality Maryland got a reaction. I think I finally struck a nerve.

My tweet:

@ACLU_MD supports #eqMD horrific #HB235 despite MD transgender groups opposition http://goo.gl/GKJCy and experience http://wp.me/plmvK-gu

My Facebook post:




ACLU of Maryland responds "Please contact our legislative team with your concerns: curtis@aclu-md.org"

I will Contact Curtis and ask him why the ACLU of Maryland is supporting EQMD despite their self admitted censorship of transgender objections to HB 235. This action by The ACLU of Maryland is contrary to their opinion on freedom of speech.

Statement to House subcommittee, May 2010



I will ask Curtis why the ACLU of Maryland is supporting a bill that the a minority clearly opposes. NOT being the oppressed ACLU of Maryland is not in a position ton dictate to transgender people what their concerns are.

The first paragraphs of the ACLU testimony at the House hearing.

"The ACLU of Maryland strongly supports HB 235 as providing long overdue protection to
Maryland’s transgendered residents. It should receive a favorable report from this committee."

"The state’s current antidiscrimination law prohibits discrimination based upon race, color,religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or disability, but provides no protection for transgendered individuals, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination in all areas of civic life. The bill closes this loophole."

NO it OPENS a 'loop hole'.

What HB235 does is places the onus on future legislative efforts to show exactly why transgender people should be treated as equal in societies public accommodations when they were clearly denied that right under previous legislation. This legislation is not better than than nothing it is worst than nothing.

EQMD tries to justify HB235 by suggesting the near future social climate in Maryland will be more conducive to passing public accommodations amendment. EQMD crafted the previous exclusionary amendment a decade ago. Why would we believe they would ever come back' for us now that the Marriage issues remains unsolved. This self serving lie only condemns generations of transgender people to generations of servitude and second class citizenship.

The last ditch defense offered by eqMD of this fail is debunked because HB235 does not protect transgender people in homeless shelters


ACLU, get out of bed with equality Maryland. Maryland Transgender people DO NOT want HB235!

Transgender Marriage Rights Under Attack in Texas

Senate Bill 723 would disallow proof of sex change as appropriate documentation for marriage.

Texas Family code as amended in 2009 currently allows the use of an original or certified court order of name change or sex change for purposes of marriage in the state of Texas. Senator Tommy Williams (R-Woodlands) has authored a bill that would disallow such proof, effective September 1, 2011.

This legislation is a direct attack on civil rights garnered by transgender Texans in 2009 and effectively erases gender diversity from legal protection and public discourse.

What are some things you can do?

In the Austin area: Go by the Senate Committee on Jurisprudence meeting on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 1:30 pm room 2E.20 (Betty King Cmte. Rm.) of the Capitol and submit a testimony card AGAINST SB 723.

Please contact the members of the Senate Jurisprudence Committee and tell them to leave the law the way it is, vote NO on SB 723.

Chair Chris Harris 512-463-0109

Vice-Chair Jose Rodriguez 512-463-0129

John Carona 512-463-0116

Robert Duncan 512-463-0128

Mario Gallegos 512-463-0106

Joan Huffman 512-463-0117

Carlos Uresti 512-463-0119

Special thanks to:

Tara Smith Texas Trucker extraordinaire somewhere on the highways of America.

Daniel Williams at: legislativequeery.com

transgriot.blogspot

Transgender Education Network of Texas


For more information on this bill:

http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/82R/billtext/html/SB00723I.htm

http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/82R/analysis/pdf/SB00723I.pdf#navpanes=0

Tommy Williams is the Senator who wants cities that do not enforce ICE immigration policies during traffic stops to lose state funding.

Senator Tommy Williams tearing apart Texas families one at a time.

Barney Frank ENDA AGAIN Anytime now: Better be with Public Accommodations

Barney Frank AKA the "men with penises in the women's shower" congressman has just announced that the 2011 version of ENDA is about to be "reintroduced" in Congress "at any time now". This means the current version has already been written and he is gathering co-sponsors now.

I sincerely hope the Congress of the United States does not try to pull the stunt that Equality Maryland is doing by backing a transgender "anti Discrimination" bill without public accommodations provisions.

I hope that Mr. Barney Frank and his political backer HRC have taken heed of the outrage in Maryland and across this country. We will know "anytime now".

Some comments reflect a ignorance or a wish to revise transgender history. Lets set something straight now. The 2010 ENDA failed because of public accommodations Despite assurances from NCTE Barney Frank says there will be Gender police.

EQMD mounts HRC assisted ATTACK on Transgender People ACT NOW!

Equality Maryland's director Morgan Meneses-Sheets is using all of EQMD's membership might to bulldoze the Maryland Transgender community 6 feet under placing this headstone to commemorate our murders.

HB235 without public accommodations protections is a killer. Equality Maryland knows this, has shut dissenting transgender and marriage advocates out and has mounted a massive HRC sponsored drive to plant that headstone on our graves!

Nationwide CALLOUT to trans people call these delegates whether you live in Maryland or not TODAY! Help us counter the massive burial power of GAY.COM!

The committee vote could come as early as today!

Committee Chair Peter A Hammen (D, Dist. 46, Southeast and South Baltimore)
(410) 841-3772, (301) 858-3772)
peter.hammen@house.state.md.us

Committee Ranking Member ROBERT COSTA (R, Dist. 33B, Anne Arundel Co)
(410) 841-3551, (301) 858-3551
bob.costa@house.state.md.us

Subcommittee Chair Dan Morhaim (D, Dist. 11, Baltimore County)
(410) 841-3054, (301) 858-3054
dan.morhaim@house.state.md.us

Subcommittee Ranking Member Nicholaus Kipke (R, Dist. 31, Anne Arundel Co)
(410) 841-3421, (301) 858-3421
nicholaus.kipke@house.state.md.us

Delegate John P Donoghue D, Dist. 2C, Washington County
410) 841-3125, (301) 858-3125
john.donoghue@house.state.md.us

Delegate Shawn Z. Tarrant, D, Dist. 40, Baltimore City
(410) 841-3545, (301) 858-3545
shawn.tarrant@house.state.md.us

Delegate Veronica Turner (D, Dist. 26, Prince George's County)
(410) 841-3212,(301) 858-3212
veronica.turner@house.state.md.us,

Delegate ERIC M. BROMWELL (D, Dist. 8, Baltimore County)
(410) 841-3766, (301) 858-3766
eric.bromwell@house.state.md.us

Delegate Nathaniel Oaks (D, Dist. 41, Baltimore City)
(410) 841-3283, (301) 858-3283
nathaniel.oaks@house.state.md.us

Equality Maryland slams door SHUT on Transexuals after HB235 Protest

Transmaryland hosts DC protest of HB235 with participants of NCTE lobby day as reported by She Wired and Trans Forming Media

In response to the protest equality Maryland shut down the transgender Baltimore "working groups" until after the legislative session ends. This unprecedented act of censorship by any federation member was preceded by equality Maryland banning members and deleting opposing messages on its facebook page. These two combined actions effectively eliminates all voices but those who fully support HB235 without public accommodations and the failed marriage bill strategy.

Prior to this announcement there have been two "meetings" held by eqMD about HB235. One was unannounced and the second one any and all transgender opponents of HB235 were shouted down by eqMD staffers.

These two sham meetings are what equality Maryland has touted as its source of input from the greater transgender community They are to be discontinued according to a message received by a participant of the preceding 'Gender Identity work group meetings'.

The message from equality Maryland:

Due to scheduling conflicts, the transgender issues working group meeting originally scheduled for tonight has been postponed.

Thank you for coming out to Baltimore these past few weeks, lending your time and your voices to the ...discussion.

We believe these meetings have been constructive. We are committed to continuing these conversations after the legislative session so we can best formulate a coordinated, long range educational and legislative agenda.

We look forward to continuing this important dialogue. The next meeting will be scheduled for Wednesday, April 13th at 7:30 PM in the Equality Maryland offices. At that time we hope to have a system in place that will allow folks to join via a conference call. We'll keep you posted as the date draws closer.

(emphasis added by kelli Anne Busey)


We are of course aware that some members of the group disagree with the strategy behind HB 235. For those who are interested in supporting this legislation, please consider getting in contact with our deputy field director, Aimee Martin at aimee@equalitymaryland.org.(all others, fuck off and die)
We're committed to winning bulldozing over these vital protections for the transgender community now, and hope you'll join us.<
We look forward to seeing you on April 13th. (after the legislative session ends)

Sincerely,

Morgan Meneses-sheets
Executive Director

(L-R) Trans Maryland's Media Director Jenna Fischetti, IFGE's ED Denise Leclaire, Trans Maryland organizer Donna Plamodom all atttend Trans Maryland's education rally last night at The Supreme Court, opposing HB235's tainted version


Equally troubling is the revelations that equality Maryland did not make the decision to pull the marriage bill before the Vote. Apparently out of state interests manipulated that decision.
.
Most troubling to transgender people is HRC's control of the issue.

We are fully aware that HRC would like nothing more than to get ENDA enacted and be rid of the transgender menace. The hold up on ENDA is of course public accommodations! HB235 sets a extremely alarming precedent by eliminating public accommodations as a component of states civil rights and could be used as a example in national bills.

Undoubtedly HRC and its sock puppet NCTE would love that.

Ethics Board rules for Dana Beyer: Complainant "Maryland Citizens for responsible government" Unethical

The Montgomery ethics panel dismissed charges brought against transgender woman Dana Beyer then a policy advisor to Councilwoman Duchy Trachtenberg (D-At large).

The discredited group which brought the charges, "Maryland Citizens for Responsible Government" (CRG) also produced the Not in My Shower campaign and was of the same ilk as those who perpetrated the ridiculous discredited Rio Sport and Health Club shower man in the shower hoax.

This manufactured event in lieu of any actual occurrences was reported by ABC 7 which abdicated its integrity by reporting it as factual news of a man invading womens privacy with "Controversial Law on Gender Identity Tested"

Those same type of people that produced the country club video produced this egregious video preying on the worst fears a mother could have. Who could forget the Gainesville pervert bathroom video?



"CRG" had alleged Dana Beyer had used her position to intimidate opponents collecting petition signatures to overturn the county's transgender non discrimination law at a supermarket.

"The ethics commission ruled that there was no persuasive evidence that Beyer used her position for personal gain or to stop people from collecting the signatures, according to the 17-page finding issued Friday."

"The commission also found that those making the claims against Beyer showed "palpable and unapologetic disdain for transgendered individuals," which made the testimony not credible."

We will continue to Teach the facts debunking one lieing cowardly hate mongering transphobic extremist at a time.

Equality Maryland Silences past Board President and accuses Advocates of Threatening Legislators

Equality Maryland accuses transgender and equality advocate allies of making threatening calls to their staff and making threats of physical violence against delegates to the Maryland House of representatives!

Equality Maryland alleges that:



These self destructive blanket accusations were made by EQMD to justify its censoring of dissension by deleting comments and banning former members. These unsubstantiated accusation are libellous and sure to disenfranchise even more of its membership who have become increasingly aware of EQMD's oppression.

The FAQ – Censorship, HB 235 and the EQMD Facebook page makes accusations that threats were made not only by marriage advocates who questioned their controversial strategy but transgender people who object to HB235.

Equality Maryland claims it began its censorship after the marriage "vote was taken". This is untrue. Equality Maryland began its censorship of the entire LGBT community on February eighth after Baltimore journalist Danna LaRocca questioned Equality Maryland not about HB235, but its commitment to racial diversity.

Equality advocate David Toth, former Board President of Equality Maryland from Oct 2004 to Jan 2011 is now being censored as well.

The below comment by David Toth on the EQMD note was copied by a friend prior to it being deleted by Equality Maryland........

David B Toth: I have to agree somewhat with T.A. The community would like answers as to why EqMD along with the LGBT caucus and national partnes made this decission. What makes sending it back to committee so "right." There are so many people who put ...alot of effort in volunteering, and than those of us who have put money and time in other ways (even if not seen by all the staff), do you think that they deserved to have the House take a vote, even if it would not pass, to see where the Delegates stand on the issue. Either way the bill was going to die and have to be reintroduced next year."

In this screenshot Mike Toth comment's about the above deleted comment to a person who's was already censored!

Equality Maryland's FAQ stated they are deleting comments because they are "racists" or "threats of violence or intimidation towards our staff, legislative allies, and volunteers."

Once again unsubstantiated allegations of violence made against Equality Maryland. This time the deleted comments were supposedly made against Morgan Meneses-Sheets, Executive Director.



IT IS TIME FOR THIS TO STOP!!!!



Equality Maryland you are also invited to attend the March rally against HB235 organized by Maryland residents of Transmaryland attended and supported by our national community.

Indeed this is just one more effort by eqMD to quash the will of the transgender people but this time they have stepped too far over the line.

If Equality Maryland could prove these accusations of threatened violence, the LGBT people would ostracize the offenders, never to return to our community and I as a member of EQMD would stand by Morgan Meneses-Sheets in doing so!

But in absence of that.......

Many marriage equality advocates like myself now agree Morgan Meneses-Sheets must resign. Freedom of speech, marriage equality, our very civil rights movement is under attack. Marriage equality and transgender civil rights are suffering.

Morgan Meneses-Sheets must resign.

Donna Simone Plamondon Maryland Transgender Woman's HB235 Testimony

Donna Simone Plamondon
Public Hearing on the Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Bill
HB235
Annapolis, Maryland
March 9, 2011

I and many other members of Maryland’s transexual and intersex communities feel slighted and offended by the omission of public accommodations to HB235. We respect the efforts of our allies, our legislators, Equality Maryland, the NGLTF, the NCTE and transgender community, however, the omission of public accommodations shows a lack of understanding of what transexual and intersex means.
TRANSEXUALS and INTERSEX persons always IDENTIFY with the sex opposite their sex assigned at birth and EXPRESS that IDENTITY in a consistent manner every day of their lives. TRANSEXUALS and INTERSEX persons have undergone (or are undergoing) counseling and medical therapies under the supervision of therapists and medical professionals according to the International Standards of Care as recommended by World Professional Association for Transgender Health
.
TRANSEXUALS and INTERSEX people are recognized as having a medical condition by both the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association as evidenced by their individual resolutions supporting the legal recognition of their IDENTIFIED and EXPRESSED gender. After significant progress in therapy even the Federal Government recognizes the need for gender marker changes on passports and identification. Even the government of IRAN recognizes transexuality as a medical condition and covered by their national health care – and has for over 30 years.


TRANSEXUALS and INTERSEX people have been referred to, both biblically and in history, as members of society under the term “EUNUCH”. (In the words of Jesus Christ himself) - "For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to receive this, let him receive it". (Matthew 19:12)

TRANSEXUALS and INTERSEX persons should be protected by a public accommodation amendment and recognized as to have taken the responsible approach of seeking help from psychiatric and medical professionals to resolve a medical condition. We deserve all the dignity, respect and protections, both civil and legal, to which all citizens are entitled under the laws of the State of Maryland, Title VII of the Civil Rights act of 1964 and the United States of America.

Thank You for Your Attention.

Donna S. Plamondon

Click on the player for the full testimony.



Just a note. You will here it repeated by the proponents of HB235 that other counties, cities and states have "enacted laws identical to HB235". That is a lie. HB235 has been stripped of the ALL IMPORTANT PUBLIC ACCOMMIDATIONS PROVISIONS.

No county, city or state government has enacted a law like this. That is why Maryland transgender people are so upset with this bill.

Sandy Rawls: Being Transgender in Maryland (via Maryland Morning with Sheilah Kast)

Sandy Rawls, leader of Trans-United speaks to Sheilah Kast of 88.1FM NPR on 3.11.2011 about what it is like to be transgender in Maryland today.

The hot topic is the pending bill HB235.

Which is opposed as written by Sandy's group, Trans-United, and the other transgender group, Transmaryland, Maryland Senator Rich Madaleno, University of Maryland students, nearby LGBT equality organizations, local transgender journalists, advocates and a national bloggers......
.....not directly linked to Equality Maryland, the sole proponent.

The reason for the transgender community's opposition to HB235 a bill purported to protect us?

This bill does not include transgender people in protection as a minority under § 20-301. 2010 Maryland Code Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation

The lack of this key provision may be contributed to the delegates ignorance as Sandy points while speaking in general terms of her experience lobbying in Annapolis.

Sandy explains: "I talked to three delegates in Annapolis and all three indicated they may change their position on voting for gender anti discrimination bills but they told me I don't know what I'm voting for so the key here is education"

Education is indeed needed Sandy. We must stop this dangerous bill from becoming law and having a long term disastrous effect on the transgender community.

Dear Legislators, follow these links and get your education in gear!

Feministing, Transadvocate, Bilerico project Endablog , Оригинал сообщения Russian link to Pams House Blend Post, Trans Work Place , to name a few.

Sandy Rawls Podcast NPR Interview: Being Transgender in Maryland

Sandy Rawls

Cathy Brennan EQMD Shill thinks Transsexuals are "Weirdos"

One of the star witness for Equality Maryland as it wages a relentless war against the Maryland transgender community Cathy Brennan sent me this message on Facebook. Banning someone is my last choice but it seems calling transgender people weirdo is Cathy's first choice. And she is testifying on behalf of equality Maryland for HB235.

Brennan, bigots and haters come in all shapes and sexual orentation. Even cisgender lesbian Shills. Just saying.

Kim Petras youngest "Sex Change" Girl ROCKs THE HOUSE!

Ms Kim rockte die Welt, nachdem er die jüngste Person, die sexuelle reisignment Chirurgie jetzt komplett Felsen wieder verwenden!



kimpetras.tv

"Man Dressed Like a woman" Dragged to Death in Arkansas

Rest In Peace Ms Tye.


Another transwoman of color murdered in Akansas.


This problematic headline was quickly corrected by WREG-TV after being alerted to there error thanks to our incredible ally Laura Phillips mother of Will Phillips who at 10 years old refused to say the pledge of allegiance until ALL people were treated as equal.


 

This is my plea, trans peeps please do not use drugs. Nearly every transgender murder has connections to drug use especially in connection to murders of trans people of color. Drugs lead you to places like the one where Ms. Tye was murdered, alone without hope leaving her mother and family and friends without her.

Please take it from someone who was there.

HB235 Hearing March 9th. Be There or be excluded from the Human Race!

The Maryland House committee Health and Government Operations Committee will hold its first hearing on HB235, the ???"Human Rights bill"??? without public accommodations in Annapolis Maryland.


NO public accommodations provisions, means trans people will continue to have NO legal right to be in the spaces the human race occupies!


Attend the House committee Health and Government Operations Committee hearing in Annapolis!!!

March 9 at 1:00 p.m.
6 Bladen St.
Annapolis Md. 21401

Google Map

Sign up for the public to make a comment begins at 9:00am be there earlier!!!

Get there early otherwise you may not speak because there are going to be a lot of folks wanting to speak and limited time.

Its suggested to make 35 copies of your testimony for the committee, attorneys and the public.

Back ground from TransMaryland

HOLLABACK Demands Firing of El Guardian's Juan Terranova for Rape Threat of local activist

Been Harassed, threatened or assaulted? Take a picture of your assailant and send it to HollaBack. Just the knowledge we are so empowered will give most assholes a second thought before they give you cause to HOLLABACK!

What is HollaBack?

Hollaback! is a movement dedicated to ending street harassment using mobile technology. Street harassment is one of the most pervasive forms of gender-based violence and one of the least legislated against. Comments from “You’d look good on me” to groping, flashing and assault are a daily, global reality for women and LGBTQ individuals. But it is rarely reported, and it’s culturally accepted as ‘the price you pay’ for being a woman or for being gay. At Hollaback!, we don’t buy it.

We believe that everyone has a right to feel safe and confident without being objectified. Sexual harassment is a gateway crime that creates a cultural environment that makes gender-based violence OK. There exists a clear legal framework to reproach sexual harassment and abuse in the home and at work, but when it comes to the streets—all bets are off. This gap isn’t because street harassment hurts any less, it’s because there hasn’t been a solution. Until now. The explosion of mobile technology has given us an unprecedented opportunity to end street harassment—and with it, the opportunity to take on one of the final new frontiers for women’s rights around the world.

By collecting women and LGBTQ folks’ stories and pictures in a safe and share-able way with our very own mobile phone applications, Hollaback! is creating a crowd-sourced initiative to end street harassment. Hollaback! breaks the silence that has perpetuated sexual violence internationally, asserts that any and all gender-based violence is unacceptable, and creates a world where we have an option—and, more importantly—a response.

ihollaback.org
ihollaback Facebook

Change.org petition demand the resignation of Journalist Juan Terranova for rape threat

Open Letter to Catherine Hyde, PFLAG Mother

Catherine Hyde, the Transgender Network Coordinator for PFLAG Howard County and a mom of a 17-year-old, is planning to testify at the House Committee hearing on HB 235, the Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Act.

Catherine's support of this bill was recently announced by Equality Maryland which is persisting in championing this bill despite opposition by all Maryland transgender groups, local advocates and national outrage.



Dear Catherine,

Never in my wildest dreams had I ever thought I would write a letter opposing a PFLAG mother intending to testify at a legislative hearing, but today I find I must.

Catherine, You have been mislead by the very people whom you have trusted with your daughters very future, Equality Maryland.

The message you are prepared to deliver to the House committee in support of HB235 could ensure insure your very own child never has the legal right to use any of the places listed here:
§ 20-301. 2010 Maryland Code,
STATE GOVERNMENT
TITLE 20 - HUMAN RELATIONS,
Subtitle 3 - Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation.

In this subtitle, "place of public accommodation" means:

(1) an inn, hotel, motel, or other establishment that provides lodging to transient guests;

(2) a restaurant, cafeteria, lunchroom, lunch counter, soda fountain, or other facility principally engaged in selling food or alcoholic beverages for consumption on or off the premises, including a facility located on the premises of a retail establishment or gasoline station;

(3) a motion picture house, theater, concert hall, sports arena, stadium, or other place of exhibition or entertainment;

(4) a retail establishment that:

(i) is operated by a public or private entity; and

(ii) offers goods, services, entertainment, recreation, or transportation; and

(5) an establishment:

(i) 1. that is physically located within the premises of any other establishment covered by this subtitle; or

2. within the premises of which any other establishment covered by this subtitle is physically located; and

(ii) that holds itself out as serving patrons of the covered establishment.

But your testimony will have far worst consequences than apparent at first glance.

Catherine, your testimony will tell your daughter and all transgender children they are not considered human enough to share the same world with the human race. Think of it! Why else would a law be written that purposefully does not entitle them to be in such places?

That same question will be pounded into the minds of politicians and the public when and if amendments are brought forward. Given the opposition in Montgomery county just to the west of your house what do you think the chances of such amendment being successful? How many times do you think it will be debated? It boggles the mind.

Think of the damage you will be doing to your child's self esteem. As you know, especially for transgender youth, damaged self perception is the main reason for suicide. And what hurts a child the most is being told over and over they that they are less than and not worthy. Ask me I know.

I pray you will reconsider supporting HB235 and listen to us transgender people who are so against this bill without public accommodations. TransMaryland, Trans-United, and every transgender blogger nationwide has expressed dismay at the lack of public provisions in this bill.

Please listen to us Catherine. You are speaking as a mother of a child still in school from her experiences. The transgender community is speaking the words of wisdom earned from decades of experience.

Kelli Anne Busey
TransAction ConVergence
planetransgender
TIME.org

Washington Blade Lies and Deceptions Target Transgender Community

A true monument to the gay Mafia's media machine is the Washington Blades article about the Maryland bill HB235.

This planetransgender article will remain as a tribute to gay.com's insidious malevolent misinformation campaigns that are mounted whenever the gay agenda comes in conflict transgender peoples well being.

The transgender community was anticipating a major disinformation blitz by IN-eq MD once the inequality of HB235 without public accommodations hit the mainstream media.

We knew once HB235 broke into mainstream media EQMD would unleash the gay media machine dogs of war and here's what started it:


Maryland Senator Rich Madaleno March 3rd press release calling for HB235 to include Public Accommodations published by a marriage equality advocateKnowThyNeighbor.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Adam Fogel (301) 858-3137 afogel@senate.state.md.us

March 3, 2011

Senator Rich Madaleno’s statement on HB 235: Human Relations - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity – Antidiscrimination

I have been the lead sponsor or lead cosponsor of the Gender Identity Antidiscrimination Act for the past four years. In advance of the 2011 Session, I had a bill drafted that is identical to the bill I had introduced previously. This draft prohibited discrimination based on gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations. However, our advocacy coalition asked me to not introduce the bill, preferring a strategy of pursuing a House bill alone. This approach has not diminished my commitment to enacting these much needed protections, and I urge the House of Delegates to pass HB 235, with an amendment that prohibits discrimination against transgender individuals regarding public accommodations.

Providing transgender individuals with basic protections against discrimination is long overdue. Although much of the media attention this legislative session has centered on marriage equality, we cannot let that debate overshadow efforts to enact these essential protections. Protection against discrimination, including gender identity discrimination, is a basic human right. Our state laws must reflect the values of equality and equal opportunity – values that are central to who we are as Americans.

Now is the time for Maryland to join thirteen other states, Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, and Baltimore City in protecting individuals from discrimination on the basis of gender identity. In 2007, Governor O’Malley signed an executive order adding protections against discrimination to our state personnel policies. We now must pass a statewide law that protects transgender individuals from discrimination when seeking employment, housing, and public accommodations."

Many transgender advocates have posted comments on this Blade article but as of 8:00am ET none are published.

Censorship at its dirtiest lowest form oppressing a disadvantaged minority who are opposing legislation furthering degrading their condition.

Blade propagandist Chibbaro wrote

"Opponents of the bill, led by some of the same anti-LGBT groups that oppose same-sex marriage, often have cited religious beliefs as grounds for denying non-discrimination protections for transgender people."

That is a disingenuous LIE designed to equate transgender Marylander opposition to this bill with the group NOT IN MY SHOWER that had previously led the disinformation and hate inspired fight against transgender rights in Maryland.

NOT IN MY SHOWER and other right-wing anti marriage quasi religious groups have remained SILENT about HB235. They GOT what they wanted, HB235 would insure we are not in their shower.

BTW Chibbaro transgender bloggers such as myself are writing about this atrocity otherwise it would have remained the token unknown sacrifice for marriage equality that "Equality" Maryland had intended it to be.

And to all those who point out that many who oppose this bill are "out of state" as you did Chibbaro I want to remind YOU that "Equality" Maryland a federation member receives a great deal of financial support from OUT OF STATE fund raisers by the MEGA GAY.COM HRC!

I would also like to remind you Chibbaro why we out of state people are so concerned. As a former resident of Cockeysville MD I am aware of the potential fallout if the bill should see the light of day as other FEDERATION members may also grasp at this outrageous sacrifice of transgender rights to further there own gay agendas.

We knew we are underdogs and I have personally been gang attacked by gay media in the past but this is truly disgraceful.

Washington Blade lies and disinformation. YOU should be ashamed.

Kelli Anne Busey
TransAction ConVergence
planetransgender

Stonewall UK Trans/Homophobic Speaker Event to be paid with Mega Bank Barkley's Murderous Money

Stonewall UK profiting by trading with the enemy.

UK Stonewall, a GLB organization with out a transgender inclusive mission statement renowned for its transphobic speakers in 2008 and 2010 is now being funded by Barclays the worlds tenth largest bank.

This bank which hides taxable profits by loaning money to Mideast and north Africa dictators (which are now being overthrown as I type) is funding this event which honors the UK's Equality Minister and Home Secretary Theresa May as the opening speaker at their Workplace Employers Conference despite her record of opposing TLBG
rights and not helping TLBG political
refugees

This UK mega bank, Barkley once thought itself unresponsible to its moral obligations, comes in at number 22 top gay employers by Stonewall despite being recently fined $298 Million by the United States Department of Justice under Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Trading with the Enemy Act Charged, Barkley simply paid the fine and walked away without criminal charges.

From the US Justice website

"According to court documents, from as early as the mid-1990s until September 2006, Barclays knowingly and willfully moved or permitted to be moved hundreds of millions of dollars through the U.S. financial system on behalf of banks from Cuba, Iran, Libya, Sudan and Burma, and persons listed as parties or jurisdictions sanctioned by OFAC in violation of U.S. economic sanctions."

"Criminal activity of the type we found at Barclays does more than deceive our financial institutions, it threatens the security of our country," said District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr."

PROTEST STONEWALL'S CRIMINAL SUPPORT AND TRANSPHOBIC HOMOPHOBIC OPPONENT of TLBG ANEMESTY

From the Facebook event Protest Stonewall's Hypocrisy organized by the UK group OUTRAGE which incidentally has NO transgender actions listed I could find

"The UK LGB charity" Stonewall has now published its Top 100 Employers 2011 showcasing Britain's best employers for gay staff. It names the Home Office as the best place to work for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

Hypocrites Stonewall has now gone a step further and given Equality Minister and Home Secretary Theresa May the honour of opening their Workplace Employers Conference.

This is the same person refused to intervene in the High Court case of a Lesbian Asylum Seeker fleeing torture in Uganda, the same week gay rights activist David Kato was murdered for his beliefs in the same country.

Most LGBT people don't need to be reminded of the May's long history of voting for homophobia during her time as an MP. She claims she is sorry bit her refusal to allow persecuted LGBT people to stay in the UK, leaving it to the courts causing years of heartache of despair shows she has not changed at all.

With the Home Office receiving the award for best place to work for LGB people, Stonewall however picked a winner that leaves us with a bitter taste. Theresa May is NOT suitable for the role of Equality Minister, let alone address some of the most influential people in the country at a leading 'equality summit' - which is also sponsored by BARCLAYS BANK which funds violent dictators and arms manufactures around the globe.

London NoBorders condemn this decision of Stonewall and would like to remind them of their key priorities and the historical background of their chosen name.

Gay Mafia Watch has more on this.

I created the facebook page "Equality MaRRyland" that's already showing up in Facebook searches for "EQMD."

" LIKE" us if you give us the respect all other minorities demand. HATE us if you just want us to shut up.

Equality Marryland

Maryland Students Today and 55 years ago: Still fighting for Public Accommodations

Fifty five years ago then a college student Dr. Helena Hicks, pictured right, participated in the first ever lunch counter sit in at Reeds, a Maryland department store, protesting black peoples denial of equal access to public accommodations.

Transgender people are still fighting for that same right today. Incredibly, the foe promoting our second class citizenship is "Equality Maryland" a federation member!

On this podcast of The Marc Steiner Show Hicks talks about why Maryland students 55 years ago committed this civil disobedience and why the preservation of this memory is so important.



Hicks recalls “We could go in Read’s and buy a pack of cigarettes or a pack of gum, but you’re hungry and you can’t sit down. It might be cold, it might be raining, it might be snowing and you can’t sit down and drink a hot cup of coffee or cocoa or tea or anything,”

As we all know these courageous acts of defiance ignited the conscious of people of good faith of all colors and eventually resulted in the civil rights act of 1964

Helena Hicks wants to keep developers from tearing down the building that Reeds was housed in so to preserve our memory of this struggle that allowed almost every minority to live as first class citizens.


Today Maryland students are still engaged in the battle for public accommodations. They are asking their state legislators to remember the lessons learned decades ago with blood:

"The 'Gender Expression Non-discrimination Act' bill being introduced into the Maryland house of delegates this session has a serious issue. An issue so big that, if passed, could put full trans equality in the state out of reach for *years*."

"The bill lacks public accommodations protections while providing housing, employment, and credit protections. What this means in practical terms is that trans people can still get thrown out of restaurants, domestic violence shelters, forced off of buses, really most anything."

"Imagine the civil rights act of 1964 without protections in restaurants, bathrooms, buses, etc."

"And if the bill DOES pass without public accommodations, then that protection will be nearly impossible to get because any attempt to bring it to the floor will be met with 'Bathroom bill' and basically get laughed out of committee."

Lessons forgotten! Has Morgan Meneses-Sheets forgotten the value of human dignity?


In a recent conversation with Morgan Meneses-Sheets, Executive Director of Equality Maryland
she incredulously harrumphed when I asked her what reality would be like now if public accommodations had not been included in the civil rights acts.

Yet amazingly she is persisting in promoting Maryland HB235 a transgender "equality" bill without public accommodations.

HB235 is resurrecting the concept of humanity that those who voted against that legislation in 1964 believed in. They believed that people of color, as transphobes do today, could work for them and support their business but that they could not share in their public spaces.


Maryland students understand, why can't Morgan Meneses-Sheets?