2/24/09

First Texas Transgender Caucus and Lobby Day


First Transgender Caucus and Lobby Days!

Why is THIS Lobby Day SO important for the Texas Transgender community?

HB 538 prohibits employers, employment agencies and labor unions from using an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity as the basis for employment decisions, such as hiring, firing, promotion or compensation, or from subjecting an individual to different standards or treatment based on that individual's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

This Bill has been submitted to committee. It's passage is especially critical since during the present economic downturn transgender people will suffer first and longest. The Texas Legislature only meets Bi Annually and we have momentum for Equality.

Sunday, March 1st
5:30 - 7:30 pm Opening Welcome Reception (Doubletree Hotel Austin -University)

7:30 - 9:00 pm Transgender Caucus (Wildflower Room, Doubletree Hotel)

Monday, March 2nd Lobby Day

8:00 – 9:00 am Breakfast & Check-In (First United Methodist Church, 1201 Lavaca St.)
9:00 am Press conference on the South Steps
9:30 am Photo Opportunity on the South Steps
10:00 – 11:00 am Lobby Training (Capitol Extension Auditorium, Room E1.004)
11:00 – 12:00 pm Team Lobby Visits
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch provided by Equality Texas at First United Methodist Church
1:00 – 2:00 pm Team lobby visits and Constituent visits with your Legislators
2:00 – 3:00 pm Debrief and write thank you letters (Capitol Extension Auditorium, Room E1.004)

Register with Equality Texas to attend Lobby Day

Click Here for general Info at Equality Texas

Click Here for Detailed FAQ's about the Transgender Caucus and Lobby Days

2/23/09

Buffalo bands together defeats Westboro Baptist

On a street corner in Buffalo New York in the raw February wind gathered everyman and woman. Some wore angel wings, some with American Flags and homemade signs held high.

All were banded together in solidarity to shield a Church from the Westboro Baptist Church hate mongers who thought a memorial for human rights advocate Alison Des Forges was taking place. Des Forges died in the crash of Flight 3407 from Newark to Buffalo on February 12, 2009.



The three Westboro members left after a few moments.
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"Hatred in the name of Jesus is a despicable thing," said Zion Lutheran Pastor Randy Milleville.

By Kelli Busey
February 23, 2009
planetransgender