Web Cast viewing of California Supreme Court Arguments March 5 2009

There will only be 20 seats available for the general public at the Supreme Court so where are the rest of us 20 million going to be?

Some of us will try to watch it online, but as we have experienced, the server will probably be overwhelmed and the signal lost, so here are some options.

On your computer Web Cast from Cal Channel.com starting at 9:00am PT and ending about noon PT.

West Hollywood Auditorium

Watch on the Jumbotron at the United Nations Plaza in San Francisco outside San Francisco City Hall

In California local channels

West Hollywood at L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center Locations RSVP needed

MARCH 4th Californians Rally on the Eve of Justice

March forth on the eve of Justice!

There are numerous gatherings, vigils and marches scheduled for March 4 2009 which is the day before the California Supreme Court begins hearing arguments to invalidate Prop 8

There are planned events statewide. For locations, times and details visit these sites;
San Francisco Pride
SF Pride Facebook
EVE OF JUSTICE
Marriage Equality.org

To read the parties' filings and the dozens of amicus 'friend of the court' briefs filed on behalf of Civil Rights Organizations, Bar Associations, Academics, Women's Groups, Faith and Religious Groups, and many others go to www.courtinfo.ca.gov

Equality should not be put up for a popular vote.

• Prop 8 is a radical and unprecedented change to the California Constitution that puts all Californians at risk.
• Prop 8 defeats the very purpose of our constitution, which is to protect minorities and to make sure the law treats everyone equally.
• This is the first time the initiative process has successfully been used to change the California Constitution to take away a fundamental freedom from a particular group and to mandate government discrimination against a minority.
• If prop 8 is upheld, the courts will no longer have a meaningful role in protecting minority groups or women, since any decision prohibiting discrimination could be reversed by a simple majority.

By kelli Busey
March 03, 2009
planetransgender

Texas Virtual Lobby Day

Texas Equality Virtual Lobby Day March 2, 2009

Can't Make It To Austin For Lobby Day?

NO PROBLEM!

Equality Texas will make this a breeze!

Send Email To Your Legislative Representatives

http://eqfed.org/campaign/EQTX_Virtual_Lobby_Day

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):

Your Representative (if you live in Texas)

Your State Senator (if you live in Texas)

Show Your Transgender Support

Non-Discrimination: HB 197
Relating to the prohibition of employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression

By Rep. Roberto Alonzo and HB 538 by Rep. Mike Villarreal, because putting an end to discrimination in a state that values hard work and individual effort is simply the right thing.

Safe Schools for All Students - HB 1323 by Rep. Mark Strama, because Texas should provide a safe learning environment for all students.

Hate Crimes Act Enforcement - HB 616 by Rep. Marc Veasey, because it is time to look at the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act.

Hospital Visitation & Medical Decision Making - HB 353 by Rep. Eddie Rodriguez and HB 1455 by Rep. Donna Howard.

Competitive Insurance Benefits - HB 861 by Rep. Elliott Naishtat.

Visit with

http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx

to find what stage these bills are at in the approval process.

Julie Bindel Clearing House

"This blog is for people to add links to quotes from Julie Bindel about transgender issues"
Transgender and queer folk in the UK have been experiencing transphobia tenfold what we endure in the states. Our Nemesis Joe Solmonse masks his transphobia behind the good intentions of the majority of HRC members.
The UK's major lesbian and gay advocacy group, Stonewall makes no such effort. They honor openly transphobic people such as Julie Bindel.
In UNITY we will overcome.

Perú: Exija la investigación en ataque contra Travesti

Perú: Demand Investigation into Attack on Transgender street worker

Found on Blabbeando Blog a TV news magazine show filed this piece on an attack captured by television cameras: Members of a neighborhood watch group in Tarapoto, Peru, attack transgender street worker, cut her hair off, take her clothes off and make her 'do tricks' by beating her with sticks until she falls on the ground.

Las autoridades de Perú deberían respetar y proteger los Derechos Humanos de todos los ciudadanos sin discriminación por orientación sexual e identidad de genero.



Peruvian authorities should respect and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Complete story at Blabbeando Blog

Click here to Take Action!
Our Emails have brought this injustice to attention worldwide. It is your email that will help end the silence and bring about justice.

Click here to Take Action!

Brooklyn NY Party! : A 'Fish out of Water' Film Fundraiser

Date From February 28, 2009 10:00 PM
Until March 01, 2009 4:00 AM

Location Monkey Town
58 N. 3rd Street
Brooklyn, NY [map it!]

Order Tickets at Brown Paper Tickets
The first and only fair-trade ticketing company!

Price $10.00

Info Line 312-771-8546
Website fish out of waterfilm.com

Contact Kristen Kaza
Chicago, IL
312-771-8546
kristen@fishoutofwaterfilm.com

Description
Chicago production company Yellow Wing Productions hosts "Bait & Tackle: A 'Fish out of Water' Film Fundraiser" for their upcoming documentary at Brooklyn's Monkey Town Saturday, February 28th at 10:00pm to raise funds for the films upcoming release. The evening will feature performances by DJ Chaz Requina (Palms Out), DJ Patrick Wimberly (Chairlift) and Elizabeth Harper & the Matinee, as well as the New York City premiere of the film's extended preview. Featured art will be for sale with proceeds benefiting the film, and the first 50 guests will receive a gift bag.

"Were so excited to bring Fish out of Water to New York," says Ky Dickens, the film's Director and Executive Producer. "Were looking forward to connecting with its GLBTQ community and their allies to get their support for our film."

Fish out of Water, Chicago's Yellow Wing Productions first documentary, tackles the seven Bible verses used to condemn homosexuality and justify marriage discrimination. With slapstick animation and quirky interviews taken everywhere from truck stops to mega-churches, Fish out of Water delivers a voice to the oppressed and informs the misled.

The evening will feature a special extended trailer created exclusively for the Bait & Tackle event, as well as live DJ sets and a performance by Elizabeth Harper & the Matinee. Harper, who Time out New York calls "A beauty with a voice like a sleepy winter afternoon," will put on a special midnight set as the evenings entertainment highlight.

Monkey Town is located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at 58 North 3rd Street. (L Train to Bedford Avenue.) Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. This is a 21+ event. Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com. For more information about Monkey Town, visit monkey town.com.

For more information about Fish out of Water or the Bait & Tackle fundraiser, contact Kristen Kaza: kristen@fishoutofwaterfilm.com 312-771-8546 or visit www.fishoutofwaterfilm.com.

###
NOTE: No one under 21 years old will be admitted.

Fish Out Of Water Facebook Page Fish Out Of Water Facebook Page

Facebook Event Page Fish Out of Water Facebook event page

NYC Alert: Fish Out of Water Party! Think Pink Radio.com

Calander on line North Jersey.com

***************************************

Gainesville residents divided over discrimination amendment

http://www.alligator.org/articles/2009/02/25/news/local/090225_transgender.txt

New York Post Old Style KKK or New Style Freedom of Speech?

The New York Post published a cartoon of a policeman holding a smoking gun and a dead monkey on the pavement. You know the one. I will not publish it, to do so, in my opinion would only perpetuate the commercialization and objectification of black people by cheap sensationalism. It's time to call a racist a racist. There has to be an accounting.

That said I hope you will join the Young Turks on Alternet in a intelligent conversation and form your own opinion.

My opinion is the New York Post drawing is racist trash. And I think we are capable and responsible to of raise our morality above this.

I have joined the color of change and signed the petition demanding that we hold the New York Post accountable.

By kelli Busey
February 25, 2009
planetransgender

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

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.
.
"Hatred in the name of Jesus is a despicable thing," said Zion Lutheran Pastor Randy Milleville.

By Kelli Busey
February 23, 2009
planetransgender

Sean Penn Wins for "Milk" Acceptance Speech

Sean Penn Wins for "Milk" Acceptance Speech

TransGriot: Gay Media, RuPaul Isn't A Transgender 'Expert', So Stop Trying To Pass Him Off As One

TransGriot: Gay Media, RuPaul Isn't A Transgender 'Expert', So Stop Trying To Pass Him Off As One Monica Roberts wrote on her Blog Transgriot "One of the things that's an irritant to many African descended transpeople is not only the lack of media attention we get vis a vis our white brothers and sisters, but the frequent use of people who aren't African-American transpeople as representatives to speak for us."
Visit with Monica and get a inside perspective of what it is to be a Transgender Woman of African Descent.

Rea Carey's State of the Movement address

DENVER, Jan. 30 — National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey presented the annual State of the Movement address today at 21st National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, where 2,000 activists have gathered to strategize on how to advance LGBT equality in this new political climate.

Click Here for the NGLTF site, press release and full text of her speech

Rea Carey's State of the Movement address (full speech, part 1 of 3)


Rea Carey's State of the Movement address (full speech, part 2 of 3)


Rea Carey's State of the Movement address (full speech, part 3 of 3)


Click Here for the NGLTF site, press release and full text of her speech

Kentucky Senator files gay adoption ban in the Kentucky Senate

Kentucky Senator files gay adoption ban in the Kentucky Senate

Found on United We Stand (Official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation)

"Kentucky Equality Federation has collected over 500 signatures to oppose Senate Bill 68! This is in addition to the signatures Kentucky Fairness Alliance has collected!"

"Please continue to sign the action alert to oppose Senate Bill 68. Our children are not political pawns!"

"This is not only a gay adoption ban, but it would also prevent unmarried heterosexual couples from serving as foster parent or adopting children if they are not in a 'marriage that is legally valid in Kentucky."

The bill reads: "Create a new section of KRS Chapter 199 to prohibit the approval of foster care, relative caregiver services, or adoption of a child by an applicant who is cohabiting with a sexual partner outside of a marriage that is legally valid in Kentucky; create the short title "The Child Welfare Adoption Act"; exempt children placed for adoption prior to the effective date of this Act; amend KRS 199.470 to conform."

Massachusetts Transgender Inclusive Bill in Full Swing

According to a Berkshire Eagle article Massachusetts may become the first state in the country to offer its residents full marriage equality and transgender protections under law. The bills lead sponsor Senator Benjamin B. Downing of Pittsfield, believes he has a majority of legislative support established to insure its passage in the 2009 session but success is dependant on the bills co-sponsors steadfast resolve.

As usual there is the regular potty protesters. But as usual this argument "Carries No Water" (pun intended). Criminals are abhorrent of portraying any perceived vulnerability and cross dressing in the act of a felony would put that person in prison for a very long time where pedophiles and deviants are regarded as the lowest of life. As has been proven across the country in areas where gender protective laws are in place this is a more than adequent deterrent.

Show you Transgender support by visiting.....

Queers United Praise Massachusetts For Moving Towards Transgender Equality

By kelli Busey
February 21, 2009
planetransgender

Reann Ballslee : George Mason's Uni-diversity Homecoming Queen

Now this Drag Queen has Class! Apparently 30,000 people think so too! Ryan Allen AKA Reann Ballslee when she performs in Washington DC area celebrates after being elected Homecoming Queen by the Class of 2009 at George Mason University!
According to the AP release George Mason picks drag queen as homecoming queen Ms. Ballslee says "Reann is very sassy, very silly. She's an entertainer throughout. She's not afraid to do a high kick if that's what it takes," Allen said. "She's got a little camp but is not as campy as some queens."

Homecoming gender Uni-diversity!

by Kelli Busey
February 20, 2009
planetransgender

Buttars wrist slapped but status quo is maintained. For Now....

KSL.com video on side bar to the right>>>> > > > > > >

Utah Legislator Chris Buttars latest tirade against LGBT people cost him the chairmanship of the powerful Senate Judicial Committee. This action was confirmed by the ranking Senate Majority leader Waddoups in a public statement viewed by thousands via live Internet on 2-20-09.

Waddoups stated that the Buttars right to free speech will be honored but he was "freeing" Chris Buttars and the Judaical committee so that they may work without the burden of controversy. Waddoups also said by doing this Buttars would be free to pursue his political objectives in regards to LGBT rights issues.

When Waddoups was questioned whether this was considered punishment he responded it was not. When asked if this Censure of Buttars would preclude him from repeating as he has a history of doing, anti GLBT and racist tirades Waddoups responded "I am very bad at predicting the future". Waddoups like the rest of the politicians questioned did not indicate whether they are in agreement with Buttars regarding LBGT issues.

Waddoups attemped to conclude the meeting amid heated requests he clarify why Buttars was not at least removed from his seat on the Rules Committee if not removed completely from the Utah State Senate.

Buttars wrote in the Utah Senate Blog

"I was disappointed to learn of the Utah State Senate’s Censure on Feb. 20, 2009. However, this action will not discourage me from defending marriage from an increasingly vocal and radical segment of the homosexual community."

Buttars will essentially be free to "kill them all" as LGBT bills have to first come before the Rules Committee before moving on in the Senate.

Evidently we are "radical" because we will no longer accept being traumatized by the likes of Chris Buttars, but in Utah for now, the status quo is maintained.

By Kelli Busey
January 20, 2009
planetransgender

Live Video Feed from UTAH Senate BUTTARS Statement 2-20-09

Planetransdender is carrying the Live Feed from the UTAH SENATE 2-20-09. Buttars Statement scheduled for at 9:30 M0untain time.
Click Here for Utah Senate Statement Live Feed at Planetransgender

Chris Buttars Should Resign

Utah Congressman Chris Buttars attempted to divert criticism of his latest inflammatory racial, transphobic and homophobic tirade by claiming the documentary producer had mislead him about the interview.

The Documentary producers responded that Buttars Lies.

transACTION Welcoming Transgender People to Faith

Press Release

New transgender education resource for churches from the Institute for Welcoming Resources

February 13, 2009

MEDIA CONTACT:
Pedro Julio Serrano
Communications Coordinator
(Office) 646.358.1479
(Cell) 787.602.5954
pserrano@theTaskForce.org

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 — The Institute for Welcoming Resources (IWR), a program of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, today announced the release of transACTION, a new curriculum designed for churches and religious institutions to help congregants and members understand and welcome transgender persons into their congregations and faith settings.

“Too often transgender people looking for a place to worship can’t find one to call their spiritual home because most congregations and religious institutions are not ready to welcome them as their companions in faith,” says the Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, Institute for Welcoming Resources and faith work director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. “Yet, many transgender people of faith are searching for the same things that other believers want: a loving community where worship and working for equality and justice are the focus of their faith experience.”

transACTION is designed to help churches and institutions address this issue of understanding and welcome by providing step-by-step training about the needs, apprehensions and fears of transgender people — as well as the wealth of gifts and graces they bring — while responding to the concerns of the church or religious institution.

The program can be used in three sessions: How Do We Get to Understanding, How Do We Get to Acceptance, and How Do We Get to Welcoming. All sessions include discussions and activities to go along with the information provided in the curriculum.

“We tried to make this a learning experience that would go beyond just the basics of gender identity and gender expression in order to give participants an understanding of the issues and concerns that transgender people have when trying to express their faith and spirituality in a church or any religious setting,” says Barbara Satin, author of the curriculum and a transgender advocate around issues of faith and aging.

transACTION is available for download from the Institute of Welcoming Resources Web site at www.welcomingresources.org. There are two versions of the program: a leader’s version and a participant’s version.

–30–

The mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is to build the grassroots power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. We do this by training activists, equipping state and local organizations with the skills needed to organize broad-based campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation, and building the organizational capacity of our movement. Our Policy Institute, the movement’s premier think tank, provides research and policy analysis to support the struggle for complete equality and to counter right-wing lies. As part of a broader social justice movement, we work to create a nation that respects the diversity of human expression and identity and creates opportunity for all. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., we also have offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis and Cambridge.