Susan Stryker author of 'Screaming Queens' Interview

Transgender historian and film documentarian Susan Stryker is interviewed by our own Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies member and author] Autumn Sandeen of Pam's House Blend at the 4th Annual California Transgender Leadership Summit.

Stryker is one of the two film documentarians behind the documentary Screaming Queens. The interview in it's entirety can be found at Pams House Blend

Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies

Americans Killing Gay people in IRAQ وقف إعدام العراقيين مثلي الجنس

IRAQ LGBT a U.K. based LGBT rights group operating in exile is claiming that the result of the American lead occupation is that the goverment and religious elements in IRAQ are committing genocide against LGBT people. The Vatican and many extremist religious elements in the United States and the U.K. have denounced of the recent UN declaration calling for decriminalization of homosexuality which has resulted in religious credence to genocide.

Iraq To Begin Executing Gays

"The UK-based exile group Iraq-LGBT claims that the U.S.-installed government in Iraq is about to commence executing gay people for their sexuality. More than 100 prisoners in Iraq are facing execution – and many of them are believed to have been convicted of the ‘crime’ of being gay, the UK-based Iraqi-LGBT group revealed this afternoon."

STOP EXECUTIONS OF GAY IRAQIS "Urgent action is needed to halt the execution of 128 prisoners on death row in Iraq. Many of those awaiting execution were convicted for the ‘crime’ of homosexuality, according to IRAQI-LGBT, a UK based organisation of Iraqis supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in Iraq."

النظام العراقي الحاكم بدعم من قوى الاحتلال الامريكي والبريطاني هو المسؤول عن تفاقم وانتشار العنف الطائفي والمذهبي

غداة دخول قوات الاحتلال الى العراق انتشرت الفوضى والفساد وفقد اي احساس بالامن والامان لدى المواطن العراقي العادي.
ومع ظهور الاحزاب الدينية المدعومة من قبل المرجعيات, وانتشار المليشيات وفرق الموت وتورط الاحزاب في قتل المواطنين وارتكاب الفظاعات من تطهير عرقي على الهوية والخلفية المذهبية .

ولم تستثنى الاقليات الدينية والمذهبية واقليات اخرى مثل مثليي الجنس الذين تم قبولهم واثبتوا انسجامهم واندماجهم في المجتمع العراقي على مر الازمان وخصوصا في عهد النظام السابق.

اما اليوم وبعد ظهور حكومات تستقي قراراتها من مرجعيات النجف, ولعل هيمنة رجال الدين في الحياة السياسية واليومية في الشارع

والمشهد العراقي خير دليل على ما الى اليه العراق اليوم

translated....

"The Iraqi regime is backed by the forces of U.S. and British occupation is responsible for the aggravation and the spread of sectarian violence and religious After the occupation forces entered Iraq to spread chaos and corruption and the loss of any sense of security and safety to the average Iraqi citizen. With the emergence of religious parties backed by the authorities, and the proliferation of militias and death squads and the parties involved in the killing of citizens and the atrocities of ethnic cleansing on a background of sectarian identity. Did not exclude religious minorities and religious and other minorities such as homosexuals who have been accepted and proved harmony and integration of Iraqi society over time, especially in the era of the former regime. But today, after the emergence of Governments derive from its terms of reference of Najaf, and the dominance of the clergy in political and daily life in the Iraqi street scene and the best proof of it is to Iraq today."

The Episcopal Church(TEC) Walking In The Path Of Christ

I am witnessing an event that has taken me emotionally and spiritually far past my ability to comprehend or even to communicate . I am in need of your help in understanding, you the ones who live this, who's spiritual wholeness is challenged and enriched.

I'll explain so you can educate me. When our The Episcopal Church invited everyone to live Jesus's life, here on this planet in our own bodies, many, many people found the path to fearsome, the deaths to many and the reward unfathomable.

But then, some people fully embraced Jesus's way of life. Giving up comfort, forsaking wealth, enduring social alienation, and all the deaths that Jesus foretold are necessary in order to put our lives in order so we may forever worship. All of this is being lived by people right here, right now in my city.

Grand cathedrals, sheltering stone walls of praise and once home to TEC, now sing in the houses of the hearts and souls of our saints in FT. Worth's TEC. Personal belongings were gathered as they were cast out of beautiful Church's and made to travel dusty roads to humble places. Willingly forsaken are the comfort and physical grandiose of the earthly reminders of our covenant, instead faith, love and welcoming for all is the alter and a hug the nearly unbearable hugeness of Christ's love.

I do not know how to tell you about this. I do not know how to show my gradatude. I am witnessing people walk in the path of Jesus's life now, right here in Fort Worth Texas.

I need to share with you, but am so challenged. Help me to understand. Help me to fully live the death's of rebirth. Spend some time with us. Please, offer the comfort of your spirituality, because you of the RMN, who among others, are the ones who by coming before and embracing the radical inclusion of Jesus's life, are making all of his miracle of the rebirth of hope and possibility, a reality. In our lifetime. In Fort Worth Texas.

Soulforce 'SPRING 2009 CATHOLIC ACTION'

Soulforce announces the ' SPRING 2009 CATHOLIC ACTION'

Please join us this spring in calling on the Vatican to support the safety and well being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. We are working to gain support from the Roman Catholic Church for the United Nations Declaration on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

The United States, as of Wednesday March 18th, has signed on to the declaration. This is a great shift in U.S. policy, and we hope that you will work with us continue the focus on the Vatican.
There are many ways to participate:
You can join us by coming to New York City this April and participating in the actions there. Read details and register here.

You can join the growing group of local leaders organizing solidarity actions where they live. We will work with you to support efforts in your hometown. All are welcome at any experience level. If you are interested in being a local leader or a participant, click here for a list of participating cities, ideas for action and contact information. Or email Katie Higgins directly at Katie@Soulforce.org.

You or your organization can also join the campaign by signing onto the following statement of support. Click here to read the statement and for contact information.

The background of this campaign:
For the first time ever at the United Nations in December 2008, a statement was heard on the support of equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
French Minister of Human Rights and Foreign Affairs Rama Yade began the effort in early 2008 to create U.N.-backed protections for LGBT people. The Netherlands signed on as a co-sponsor on behalf of the European Union, and on December 18, 2008 Ambassador Jorge Arguello of Argentina read out the first declaration on LGBT rights in the General Assembly.
Unfortunately, some countries have not yet signed on in support of safety for all. The Vatican's permanent observer to the United Nations, Archbishop Celestino Migliore, was among the first to oppose:
"If adopted, they would create new and implacable discriminations. For example, states which do not recognize same-sex unions as 'matrimony' will be pilloried and made an object of pressure."
Read the official statement on the declaration from the Holy See here.

We have sent a letter to the Archbishop in New York City, calling on him to take a personal stand against defamatory language regarding LGBT people and work in open and good faith to bring the Vatican toward supporting safety for all humans.
We are inviting you to work with us this spring in solidarity actions across the country and internationally to unite our voices. Based on the idea of pilgrimage, we are looking for local leaders and participants who want to help create conversations about faith and LGBT equality and get active in their community. No experience is required - just the desire to work in solidarity with activists in a localized action with global impact to make justice the standard.
Download the text of the declaration
Read some of the actions and statements of the Roman Catholic Church

We will work with you to train, organize, and implement actions in your town. Contact us to learn more and become a part of the effort.
With questions or feedback about the campaign, please contact:Haven Herrin at Haven@Soulforce.org or Kara Speltz at Kara@Soulforce.org

Soulforce Homepage http://www.soulforce.org/index.php

NH House rejects transgender rights bill

The hopes of transgender people for inclusion in New Hampshire's laws was flushed down the loo today. The N.H. House with 52 Democrats absent from roll call voted 157 to 172 not to move HB415 to the Senate.

Flush. Sometimes it's impossible to tell what party affiliation the arms are that are dragging us down.
HB415 Roll Call

01/08/2009 H Introduced and Referred to Judiciary; HJ 12, PG.227
01/22/2009 H Public Hearing: 2/5/2009 2:00 PM LOB 208
03/09/2009 H Subcommittee Work Session: 3/12/2009 9:00 AM LOB 208
03/10/2009 H Executive Session: 3/17/2009 11:00 AM LOB 208 (Contined 3/18&19/09 11:00 AM LOB 208 If Needed)
03/18/2009 H Committee Report: Without Recommendation for Mar 24 RC
03/25/2009 H Special Ordered to Mar 25 Without Objection
03/26/2009 H Special Ordered to Mar 26 Without Objection
03/26/2009 H Motion for Ought to Pass (Rep Butler)
03/26/2009 H Floor Amendment #1070h (New Title) (Rep Wendelboe) Failed, RC 79-251
03/26/2009 H Ought to Pass: MF RC 157-172
03/26/2009 H Motion for Inexpedient to Legislate (Rep Packard): MA DIV 181-149

New Hampshire General Court - Bill Status System HB415

AP on Fox 44 NH House rejects transgender rights bill

New Hampshire House Votes for Marriage Equality.

Today the House voted 186 to 179 to pass HB436 to extend marriage equality to gay/lesbian couples.

The bill lost by one vote on the first attempt but after voting on several other motions, the House reconsidered the vote and passed the measure 186 to 179.

The bill now moves on to the Senate.

This was a very close vote and we succeeded only because so many of you contacted your elected officials.

The opposition is mounting a full fledge attack, radio ad's, phone banks and door to door canvasing.

We need to match their efforts call for call, and that will take resources.

Please give generously!

The vote on anti-discrimination based on gender identity and expression will take place this afternoon.

Mo Baxley

Help us spread the word, please
Tell a Friend

Donate today!Help us work toward marriage equality in New Hampshire with a secure on line donation:
Contact Us
NHFTMPO Box 4064Concord, NH 03302
603.223.0309
info@nhftm.org
Vermont Legislative

Mo Baxley
Executive Director, NHFTM

¡Actúa! : Protesta asesinato de defensor de Álvaro Miguel GLBT/ Protest murder of Alvaro Miguel Rivera

Protest the murder of GLBT defender Alvaro Miguel Rivera

On March 6, 2009, unknown men killed the human rights defender Álvaro Miguel Rivera in the city of Cali, Colombia.
Álvaro was the representative of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) organization, Tínku. He was also a member of Planeta Paz, a national peace network, and of the Polo Rosa, the LGBTI section of a left wing political party. Álvaro was far and foremost a committed activist who worked for the rights of the LGBTI community and people living with HIV. In the past, threats against his life had already made Álvaro flee Villavicencio, a city in Eastern Colombia.

Take Action send Colombia the message that the word is watching at

International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission http://www.iglhrc.org/cgi-bin/iowa/article/takeaction/globalactionalerts/875.html

Translate Page
http://translate.google.com/translate_t?hl=en#
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transgendernews/message/36238 [PR] [Colombia]Protest the Murder of LGBT Human Rights Defender

The Pope is Not Pro-Life : Two Truth Wins Out

Signaling a meaningful change from President George W. Bush's disastrous policies, the Obama administration last week endorsed a United Nations statement calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality. The primary opponents of this measure were radical Islamist countries and the Vatican, representing a new unholy alliance across the globe.

The previous day on his way to Africa, the Pope spoke to reporters about the role condoms play in the prevention of HIV. Unbelievably, the Pontiff said they make the epidemic worse.
"You can't resolve it with the distribution of condoms," the Pope told reporters aboard the Alitalia plane headed to Yaounde, Cameroon, where he began a seven-day pilgrimage on the continent. "On the contrary, it increases the problem."

Read this hard hitting editorial in full at Anything But Straight www.waynebesen.com

Thank Senator Schumer for Supporting GLBT Equality

Thank Senator Schumer for Supporting Marriage Equality and Calling for the Repeal of DOMA
This week New York ’s senior U.S. Senator – Charles Schumer – announced his support for marriage equality and for the full repeal of the so called “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA). As Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate's Democratic Conference, Senator Schumer is now the highest ranking member of the U.S. Senate to endorse marriage equality for our families.
When announcing his support, Senator Schumer said, “It’s time. Equality is something that has always been a hallmark of America and no group should be deprived of it. New York , which has always been at the forefront on issues of equality, is poised appropriately to take a lead on this issue.”

Click here to read our press release, where we thank Senator Schumer for his support for marriage equality and for the full repeal of DOMA

Click here to take action

HRC Board : ENDA Policy Statement March 25, 2009

By Kelli Anne Busey
March 25, 2009
planetransgender

HRC published a statement on March 25th regarding it's policy on a gender inclusive ENDA past and present. HRC emphatically states it will not embrace the policy of 2007 when it abondoned it's support of transgender people.

I have a problem with this statement. HRC is still attempting to rewrite history. HRC is still trying to play the innocent victim. The sexual orientation ENDA had ZERO chance of passing the Senate or be signed by the president and they knew it. The move to abandon transgender people was despicable and we will not, and can not forget.

HRC if people see you as a revisionist that adds fuel to the fears you are also an assimilationist organization. Come clean and you will win hearts.

As a co-captain of the HRC haters club I am highly sceptical of the resolve that HRC will display in the future as it faces the potty mouthed right wingdings on the national front but then.....I can not deny the recent effectiveness of our combined efforts.Go Equality Federation!

I'd say give them a shot. Who knows?

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

HRC Board ENDA Policy
3/25/2009

"It's the policy of HRC that the organization will only support an inclusive ENDA. In 2007 House leadership informed us that there were insufficient votes to pass an inclusive bill, so they decided to vote on a sexual orientation only bill. We made a one time exception to our policy in 2007 because we strongly believed that supporting this vote would do more to advance inclusive legislation. We will not support such a strategy again. We look forward to Congress sending President Obama a fully inclusive ENDA for his signature."

On the web at HRC.org News

Take Action for Transgender Equality in Maryland

Countdown - Take Action NOW for Trans Rights
Gender Identity Legislation Still Alive - Take Action! Legislation that would ban discrimination against transgender people in housing and employment is poised for a vote this week in committee. Please take action now to urge your legislators to vote yes on House Bill 474 and Senate Bill 566. Click here to send an email today. We truly need your support to make this proposed civil rights legislation state law.

This action alert will send a email to your legislators if you live in Maryland.

kelli's note~Equality Maryland has distinguished it's self as a true advocate for transgender causes. Please support Equality Maryland!

Support the TEXAS "Freedom from Workplace Discrimination Act"

Sign this petition End Workplace Discrimination!
Equality Texas is joining with State Representative Mike Villarreal (D-San Antonio) in his efforts to secure a public hearing for his bill, HB 538 - "The Freedom from Workplace Discrimination Act". This bill would prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
Please sign this petition in support of the bill and calling for a public hearing in the House Committee on State Affairs.
All the petitions will be delivered by Rep. Villarreal to the Honorable Burt Solomons (R-Carrollton), Chair of the House Committee on State Affairs. Our goal is to obtain 2,000 signed petitions in order to persuade Chairman Solomons to schedule a public hearing on this bill.
Please take action. YOU make equality happen.

Sign this petition

Gainesville Florida VOTES to KEEP Human Rights : WE WIN, WE WIN, WE WIN!!!

EQUALITY IS GAINESVILLE BUSINESS WINS!!!

Despite fear mongering and misinformation from opponents of transgender and gay rights the people of Gainesville Florida stood shoulder to shoulder and have spoken LOUD and CLEAR by voting 58% against amendment 1.

This landmark victory in the historically progressive city of Gainesville serves as a beacon of hope for all who will stand firm in the face of bigotry and discrimination.
People of Florida and the country rejoice in Victory!!!!

On the web

Gainesville, Fla., anti-discrimination laws kept

"GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Voters have turned down a measure that would have stripped Gainesville, Fla.'s anti-discrimination protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents."

"With all precincts reporting Tuesday, the vote was 58 percent against changing the law."

"A group, Citizens for Good Public Policy, had sought to replace the city's protections with the Florida Civil Rights Act."

"The act does not include anti-discrimination laws to sexual preference or gender identity."

"The winning group, Equality is Gainesville's Business, says the allegations played on the public's fears and the changes were merely an attempt to remove protections from Gainesville citizens."


Equality Is Gainesville's Business

Equality is Gainesville’s Business VOTE TODAY!

Gainesville’s March 24th election is here! Today is your final opportunity to say NO to Discrimination in Gainesville!!!

March 24, 2009
Polls are open from 7 AM – 7 PM.

Click here to find out where you should vote

Call if you need a ride to the polls: 352-433-4183

If you have problems voting, call us: 352-327-3359

Please urge your friends, family and neighbors to vote NO on Charter Amendment 1 and bring them to the polls today! Tell them why you think Charter Amendment 1 is bad for Gainesville.

Thank you to everyone who helped us reach this historic day. With your support today we will defeat Charter Amendment 1 and keep Gainesville an inclusive community, free of discrimination.

The Equality is Gainesville’s Business Team

P.S. Join us Tonight as the results come in! Equality is Gainesville’s Business will be hosting a watch party at Brophy’s Irish Pub (60 SW Second Street) in Downtown Gainesville. Please arrive at 8:00pm and join us for the big news!

Pd. Pol. Adv. Paid for by Equality Is Gainesville's Business, PO Box 40, Gainesville FL 32602

Take Action : New Hampshire House to Vote on Transgender protective Law and Marriage Equality

New Hampshire USA. HB436 (marriage equality) and HB415 (anti-discrimination act for gender identity and expression) will go to a full house vote Thursday March 26. Both measures were deadlocked in a 10-10 judiciary committee vote Tuesday, indicating Democrats unwillingness to fully support the bills. Both bills move out of committee without either majority or minority report support making the prognosis for passage dismal.

HB415 gencourt.state.nh.us This bill defines gender identity and expression and adds it to the list of classes of people protected from discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, creed, color, sexual orientation or religion.

HB436 gencourt.state.nh.us This bill eliminates the exclusion of same gender couples from marriage, affirms religious freedom protections of clergy with regard to the solemnization of marriage, and provides a mechanism by which same gender couples who have entered into a civil union prior to the enactment of this bill may obtain the legal status of marriage.

Take Action whether you live in NH or not! Click Here to send a email!

By kelli Busey
March 23, 2009
planetransgender

On the web.

Joe.My.God NH Stalls On Marriage Equality

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (Glad) HB 415 An Act Adding Certain Terms Regarding Non-Discrimination To The Laws

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders NH Transgender Non-Discrimination Legislation Resources

Transgender Law.org Transgender Law

WCAX 3 NH House to vote on anti-discrimination bill


Southern Voice N.H. gay marriage bill deadlocks in committee

Obama endorses UN declaration for gay rights

Cross posted from Integrity FT Worth

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration on Wednesday formally endorsed a U.N. declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality, a measure that former President George W. Bush had refused to sign.

The move was the administration's latest in reversing Bush-era decisions that have been heavily criticized by human rights and other groups. The United States was the only western nation not to sign onto the declaration when it came up at the U.N. General Assembly in December.

"The United States supports the U.N.'s statement on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity and is pleased to join the other 66 U.N. member states who have declared their support of the statement," said State Department spokesman Robert Wood.

Read more here onUSA Today

Everyone Matters: Dignity and Safety for Transgender and Transsexual People

Alishia is a firefighter. Enoch is a university professor. Dana is a software engineer. Jesse is an HIV prevention educator. Each makes invaluable contributions in the work place and in the community. And each faces the threat of losing a job, being denied housing or health care, and suffering violence and harassment simply for being transgender.

In Everyone Matters: Dignity and Safety for Transgender People - a new video produced by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders(GLAD) Transgender Rights Proejct, Massachusetts Transgender Political Coaltion (MTPC), and MassEquality - Alishia, Enoch, Dana, and Jesse talk about their jobs, their family, their hopes, and their worries. Framed by hope and optimism, their stories nevertheless show how vulnerable transgender people still are, and highlight the need for comprehensive laws to ensure that people can obtain and retain employment, remain safe on the streets, and have access to health care and housing.

Everyone Matters allows the viewer to hear from transgender people first-hand about their lives, and makes a powerful case for the passage of transgender-inclusive anti-discrimination and hate crimes laws in Massachusetts and beyond.

Please support the passage of transgender-inclusive non-discrimination and hate crimes legislation. For more information visit Glad.org

Take Action: Demand that Colorado Radio Host Trevor Carey Disavow Remarks Condoning Violence Against Transgender People

Cross posted from radical queer news
Origin GLAAD

Contact: Richard Ferraro, Director of Public Relations
Phone: (646) 871-8011 Email: ferraro@glaad.org

Contact: Adam Bass, Media Field Strategist
Phone: (323)634-2018 Email: bass@glaad.org

In a disturbing diatribe on KNUS radio on March 14, host Trevor Carey engaged in a conversation with a caller in which both men condoned violence against transgender people, blaming slain Greeley, Colo. resident Angie Zapata, an 18-year-old transgender woman, for her own brutal murder.

(Transcript from Colorado Media Matters):


CAREY: And what the transgender segment of our society needs to be telling their type is, you don't commit fraud because –

CALLER: No, that's exactly what it was.

CAREY: A), you're at least gonna get your teeth kicked in, and B) – [caller laughs] – here's a story from Greeley that turned out very tragic, and you should pay attention to this, because –

CALLER: You know, when I was growin' up in Greeley, I grew up in Greeley, that kind of stuff didn't ever, you know, surface in this town. And it's just sad, you know; my heart just weeps for all, everybody that's concerned. But, you know, we gotta go back to basics. You're a man or you're a woman, and, like you said, if you're fraudin' somebody, then you deserve to have your teeth kicked in. Not necessarily hung or you're killed, but it just – they shoulda known better, you know?
Carey sustained his gratuitously defamatory tone throughout the entire show, and his remarks during the segment – including a false representation of a conversation with a GLAAD representative – make it clear that his references to Angie and her tragic murder will continue to be disrespectful, abusive and inaccurate. The transcript and audio for the program can be found on the Colorado Media Matters website.

Carey owes the family of Angie Zapata, the transgender community and all Coloradans an apology for condoning and promoting the very hostile climate that puts transgender people in harm's way and then blames them for the resulting acts of violence committed against them.

TAKE ACTION NOW!
Please contact Trevor Carey and ask him to disavow his remarks that condone violence against transgender people. Call on KFKA and KNUS to hold Carey accountable for his remarks and establish clear standards to ensure their media platforms will not be used to condone or promote violence towards any parts of the communities they serve.

Please forward this link to any of your friends and others who may also wish to take action. When contacting KFKA and KNUS, please ensure that your emails and phone calls are civil and respectful and do not engage in the kind of name calling or abusive behavior that we are expressing our concerns about.

Trevor Carey
Host, KNUS, "Trevor Carey" and KFKA, "AM Colorado with Trevor, Troy and George"
Phone: (720) 434-2714
trevorcareywork@aol.com

Justin Sasso
General Manager, KFKA
Phone: (970) 356-1310
justin@1310kfka.com

Kelly Michaels
Operations Director, Salem Communications (KNUS)
Phone: (303) 750-5687
kelly@salemdenver.com

About GLAAD
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org.

Census Bureau : WE COUNT!

The United States Census Bureau announced that ALL same sex couples even the legaly recognized marriages in California, Connecticut and Massachusetts will be removed from the 2010 census.

Tell the goverment of the United States it exists because we the people will it to! and that WE Count!

Join with The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force in expressing your outrage over becoming a non person to the United States Goverment.

Tell Thomas L. Mesenbourg, Jr. - Census Bureau Director WE COUNT!

Gainesville proponents of Amendment 1 Deception in Desperation

The proponents of Amendment 1 are trying to influence innocently ignorant uncommitted voters with misinformation and deception. Their effort to amend the Gainesville City Charter and force fellow Floridians to live without human rights has been debunked by the voters themselves in this Gainesville Sun compilation of letters to the Sun "Voice of the Voters: Amendment 1"

"Michele Gifford: Scare tactics cover up real agenda"

"Recently I received my sample ballot in preparation for the March 24th city election. I gathered up and reread the growing collection I'd saved of past letters and op-eds thus far submitted to The Gainesville Sun on the Amendment 1 debate. Oh my goodness, those supporters, they are ever so vicious, hateful and sarcastic."

"But you know what? If Charter 1 proponents were really just concerned about protecting women and girls in public restrooms, as they all keep loudly trumpeting, why pray tell do we not see the words PUBLIC RESTROOM or BATHROOM or GIRL or WOMEN in the wording of the Charter 1 Amendment?"

"Well, of course we know why, even if they can't or won't admit it to themselves or to us. They have to cover up the ugly, real reason for this discriminatory vote they’ve forced upon us. They have to distract with scare tactics hoping to thus attract naïve voters who can be misled and fooled."

Michele Gifford,

Gainesville

Read more atVoice of the Voters: Amendment 1