This version: Introduced in Senate. This is the original text of the bill as it was written by its sponsor and submitted to the Senate for consideration. This is the latest version of the bill available as of Aug 13, 2009 on the GovTrack.US website.
S 1584 IS
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1584
To prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
August 5, 2009
Mr. MERKLEY (for himself, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. KENNEDY, Ms. SNOWE, Mr. AKAKA, Mr. BINGAMAN, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. BROWN, Mr. BURRIS, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. CASEY, Mr. DODD, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. FEINGOLD, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. FRANKEN, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. HARKIN, Mr. INOUYE, Mr. KERRY, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. KOHL, Mr. LAUTENBERG, Mr. LEAHY, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr. MENENDEZ, Ms. MIKULSKI, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. REED, Mr. SANDERS, Mr. SCHUMER, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Mr. SPECTER, Mr. UDALL of Colorado, Mr. UDALL of New Mexico, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, and Mr. WYDEN) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A BILL
To prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009’.
SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to address the history and widespread pattern of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity by private sector employers and local, State, and Federal government employers;
(2) to provide a comprehensive Federal prohibition of employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, including meaningful and effective remedies for any such discrimination; and
(3) to invoke congressional powers, including the powers to enforce the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, and to regulate interstate commerce and provide for the general welfare pursuant to section 8 of article I of the Constitution, in order to prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
8/13/09
We love Lucie: The Life of a transgender woman in Arkansas
A huge transgender hug go's out to the Arkansas Times of Little Rock for it's heartfelt and sensitive story about being transgender in the bible belt."They loved Lucie"Pictured right Lucille Marie Hamilton
September 30, 1988 - July 12, 2009
Also hugged is the organization CAR Center for Artistic Revolution. CAR is a 501(c)(3)-sponsored statewide organization that strives for Fairness and Equality for ALL Arkansans. CAR works from the analysis that all oppression is interconnected and seeks to dismantle oppression and build community through education, organizing, advocacy, and cultural work.
Today Facebook's Inclusive ENDA sent me its daily Legislator of the day and it was Arkansas!
These three legislators have a history of voting yes on LGBT affirmative issues. Please call them and express your support of ENDA.
Senator Mark Pryor, a Democrat, though fairly conservative on many issues, voted for the hate crimes bill. Please call him at 501-324-6336 to support S 1584.
Senator Blanche Lincoln, also a Democrat, has cosponsored a previous bill with sexual orientation and gender identity, and voted for the hate crimes bill. Please call her at 501-375-2993 to support S 1584.
Representative Vic Snyder, also a Democrat, voted yes on the hate crimes bill and on ENDA in 2007. According to Wikipedia, while in the Arkansas legislature, Snyder stepped into one of his earliest legislative controversies when he attempted to repeal the state's aged "Sodomy Laws". Ultimately, however, his efforts failed, and the sodomy laws stayed in effect until the state Supreme Court struck it down in Jegley v. Picado in March 2001. Please call him at 501-324-5941 to support HR 3017.
The other three Arkansas Representatives, Marion Berry, John Boozman, and Mike Ross, all voted against ENDA in 2007.
Representative Marion Berry (D - 01) 202-225-4076 Representative John Boozman (R - 03) 202-225-4301 Representative Mike Ross (D - 04) 202-225-3772
Facebook Legislator of the day
Source The Bilerico Project
8/12/09
Women in Congo - Weapons of War
"As seen on 60 Minutes: Women for Women International reports from DR Congo in concert with Anderson Cooper's piece for 60 Minutes, "War Against Women" featuring Women for Women International's program in the DR Congo. Also, please watch "The Greatest Silence" trailer and the film which features our Congo program as well. www.womenforwomen.org"
Gender Advocacy in its purest form. Woman helping Woman to raise themselves above the hell of war. To empower woman. To build lives that make there children proud and strong.
Jimmy Lee Deans Attacker, Bobby Singleton's trial starts August 24
Stand in Solidaidy with our brothers and sisters.Monday, August 24, 2009
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Frank Crowley Courts Building
Street: 133 N. Industrial Blvd
City/Town: Dallas, TX
Facebook "Justice For Jimmy
The trial for Bobby Singleton, one of two men who brutally beat and robbed Jimmy Dean in the early morning hours of July 17th, 2008 is set to begin Monday, August 24th, 2009 at 10am.
Jimmy was attacked by two men near his home on Throckmorton Street in Dallas' "Gayborhood." He was beaten in the head with the butt of a gun and repeatedly punched and kicked in the head and face, crushing his jaw and cheekbone. According to witnesses, the two assailants, Jonathan Gunter and Bobby Singleton yelled homophobic and anti gay slurs as they carried out the attack. The suspects told police that they specifically targeted a gay man, because they "believed he would be easier to rob."
Equality March Texas is asking the LGBTQA Community of Dallas to stand with Jimmy by attending the proceedings against Bobby Singleton. We must show Texas that we stand united against hate crimes, but more importantly we must show Jimmy that his community stands united behind him!
UPDATE!
HEY GUYS! This will probably be a 3-4 day trial and we really want people there for Jimmy's testimony, the closing remarks, verdict, and sentencing portions of the trial. Once we get a tentative schedule, we will pass the information on to you guys! Just keep some time cleared on your calendar for the week of the 24th! Any time you can spare, to show support, would be greatly appreciated by Jimmy. I'm sure he's pretty scared to face the man who crushed his face, so seeing supportive peeps from the LGBTQA community will be helpful. GRACIAS!
8/11/09
Illinois Family Institute: all Christians are morally obligated to "fight homosexuals"
By Kelli Anne Busey
August 11, 2009
The 'Illinois Family Institute' is engaging in a revisionist campaign to shame all Christians into opposing GLBT people for Christians past failures and specifically the Church's purported silence and complicity with Nazi's during the holocaust.
Source: 'Opposing Views' By Laurie Higgins, IFI DSA | Illinois Family Institute"Church Should Fight Homosexuality Like It Did Nazism"
**********
The Illinois Family Institute is erroneously equating the past failure of all Christians to vigorously support women's and people of color's civil rights and for turning a blind eye to the holocaust to the Churches favorable response to the present day progress of the Christian GLBT equality movement.
You can make a difference!
Source: Change.org
"The Crowne Plaza O'Hare is scheduled to host a Fall 2009 conference by the Illinois Family Institute, a radical conservative group that has compared homosexuality to nazism and slavery, and urges Christian Churches to combat LGBT people as if they were nazis. Urge the Crowne Plaza O'Hare to refuse to host this conference. Part of the Crowne Plaza's anti-discrimination policy includes a pledge not to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. Letting a group hold a conference in your facilities that actively compares homosexuality to nazism is completely contrary to that pledge."
Source: InterContinetal Hotels Group
Corporate responsibility / Our people / Our responsibilities "We recruit and promote individuals based solely on their suitability for the job without discriminating on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status or disability unrelated to the role. In some countries these principles may be modified by national legal requirements on affirmative action."
There is a petition available for you to ask that InterContinental Groups Franchisee Crowne Hotel social impact reflects it's corporate responsibility.
Voice your opposition to the Illinois Family Institutes's conference at the Crowne Plaza O'Hara fall 2009.
Petition Text;
>snip<
"On October 6, the Crowne Plaza O'Hare is scheduled to host a conference by the Illinois Family Institute, a conservative, anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) organization that has recently compared homosexuality to nazism, and has urged people to fight against LGBT people as if they were nazis or slaveholders themselves. This type of politics is not something that should be supported by the Crowne Plaza O'Hare."
"While I respect the right of political organizations to stake out positions on certain social issues, I feel that the Illinois Family Institute has gone too far by comparing homosexuality to nazism, and threatens to damage the reputation of the Crowne Plaza O'Hare. In past instances, the Illinois Family Institute has also attacked LGBT parents, LGBT churchgoers, and has supported efforts to "convert" LGBT people using tactics that have been roundly denounced by mainstream psychological and public health organizations."
"Please reconsider your decision to allow the Illinois Family Institute to host its October conference at the Crowne Plaza O'Hare. Hosting conferences from organizations that stake out political positions on issues is one thing; but hosting conferences from organizations that compare homosexuality to nazism and urges people to fight back against LGBT people is dangerous, and in the worst interests of your LGBT staff and your LGBT customers."
End of text
>snip<
Click here to for the petition site
August 11, 2009
The 'Illinois Family Institute' is engaging in a revisionist campaign to shame all Christians into opposing GLBT people for Christians past failures and specifically the Church's purported silence and complicity with Nazi's during the holocaust.
Source: 'Opposing Views' By Laurie Higgins, IFI DSA | Illinois Family Institute"Church Should Fight Homosexuality Like It Did Nazism"
**********
The Illinois Family Institute is erroneously equating the past failure of all Christians to vigorously support women's and people of color's civil rights and for turning a blind eye to the holocaust to the Churches favorable response to the present day progress of the Christian GLBT equality movement.
You can make a difference!
Source: Change.org
"The Crowne Plaza O'Hare is scheduled to host a Fall 2009 conference by the Illinois Family Institute, a radical conservative group that has compared homosexuality to nazism and slavery, and urges Christian Churches to combat LGBT people as if they were nazis. Urge the Crowne Plaza O'Hare to refuse to host this conference. Part of the Crowne Plaza's anti-discrimination policy includes a pledge not to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. Letting a group hold a conference in your facilities that actively compares homosexuality to nazism is completely contrary to that pledge."
Source: InterContinetal Hotels Group
Corporate responsibility / Our people / Our responsibilities "We recruit and promote individuals based solely on their suitability for the job without discriminating on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital status or disability unrelated to the role. In some countries these principles may be modified by national legal requirements on affirmative action."
There is a petition available for you to ask that InterContinental Groups Franchisee Crowne Hotel social impact reflects it's corporate responsibility.
Voice your opposition to the Illinois Family Institutes's conference at the Crowne Plaza O'Hara fall 2009.
Petition Text;
>snip<
"On October 6, the Crowne Plaza O'Hare is scheduled to host a conference by the Illinois Family Institute, a conservative, anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) organization that has recently compared homosexuality to nazism, and has urged people to fight against LGBT people as if they were nazis or slaveholders themselves. This type of politics is not something that should be supported by the Crowne Plaza O'Hare."
"While I respect the right of political organizations to stake out positions on certain social issues, I feel that the Illinois Family Institute has gone too far by comparing homosexuality to nazism, and threatens to damage the reputation of the Crowne Plaza O'Hare. In past instances, the Illinois Family Institute has also attacked LGBT parents, LGBT churchgoers, and has supported efforts to "convert" LGBT people using tactics that have been roundly denounced by mainstream psychological and public health organizations."
"Please reconsider your decision to allow the Illinois Family Institute to host its October conference at the Crowne Plaza O'Hare. Hosting conferences from organizations that stake out political positions on issues is one thing; but hosting conferences from organizations that compare homosexuality to nazism and urges people to fight back against LGBT people is dangerous, and in the worst interests of your LGBT staff and your LGBT customers."
End of text
>snip<
Click here to for the petition site
8/10/09
Faith leaders applaud APA resolution
MEDIA CONTACT:
Pedro Julio Serrano
Communications Coordinator
(Office) 646.358.1479
(Cell) 787.602.5954
pserrano@theTaskForce.org
Faith leaders applaud APA resolution
WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 — The National Religious Leadership Roundtable, convened by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, responded to the American Psychological Association’s (APA) resolution, adopted at the organization’s annual convention, that states that mental health professionals should avoid telling clients that they can change sexual orientation through therapy or other treatments.
Statement by the Rev. Rebecca Voelkel
National Religious Leadership Roundtable
“The American Psychological Association has clearly articulated that ‘reparative therapies’ don’t work, in fact they can be very harmful. This resolution is welcomed news for all who support the full humanity, morality and worth of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, especially those of us who do so because of our religious understandings.
“At the Task Force, we have worked with more than 3,400 congregations to create environments that are supportive and affirming of LGBT people. In addition to these, there are many, many supporters of LGBT people within many religious traditions, even those whose official policy is anti-LGBT. This is important because, while it may be the most psychologically healthy move for some to leave their religious denomination of birth, for others, faith, family, ethnicity, race and culture are inextricably linked and leaving is not an option. For these folks, finding those allies and supporters within their tradition is critical to spiritual and mental health.
“Additionally, the report makes some important statements about the relationship between science and religion. Being deeply religious does not necessarily mean being anti-LGBT. In fact, this report shows that religious practice and belief can and does translate into support for LGBT people. The truth is that religion and science do not have to be opposed to one another. In fact, science can be an enormously important tool for understanding the grandeur and wonder of God’s creation. In this case, science helps us understand more fully the gift of sexuality — one of God’s greatest gifts.”
Read the release from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Pedro Julio Serrano
Communications Coordinator
(Office) 646.358.1479
(Cell) 787.602.5954
pserrano@theTaskForce.org
Faith leaders applaud APA resolution
WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 — The National Religious Leadership Roundtable, convened by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, responded to the American Psychological Association’s (APA) resolution, adopted at the organization’s annual convention, that states that mental health professionals should avoid telling clients that they can change sexual orientation through therapy or other treatments.
Statement by the Rev. Rebecca Voelkel
National Religious Leadership Roundtable
“The American Psychological Association has clearly articulated that ‘reparative therapies’ don’t work, in fact they can be very harmful. This resolution is welcomed news for all who support the full humanity, morality and worth of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, especially those of us who do so because of our religious understandings.
“At the Task Force, we have worked with more than 3,400 congregations to create environments that are supportive and affirming of LGBT people. In addition to these, there are many, many supporters of LGBT people within many religious traditions, even those whose official policy is anti-LGBT. This is important because, while it may be the most psychologically healthy move for some to leave their religious denomination of birth, for others, faith, family, ethnicity, race and culture are inextricably linked and leaving is not an option. For these folks, finding those allies and supporters within their tradition is critical to spiritual and mental health.
“Additionally, the report makes some important statements about the relationship between science and religion. Being deeply religious does not necessarily mean being anti-LGBT. In fact, this report shows that religious practice and belief can and does translate into support for LGBT people. The truth is that religion and science do not have to be opposed to one another. In fact, science can be an enormously important tool for understanding the grandeur and wonder of God’s creation. In this case, science helps us understand more fully the gift of sexuality — one of God’s greatest gifts.”
Read the release from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
ENDA: Close, but more work needed August 10, 2009
ENDA: Close, but more work needed
We are coming into the second week of August, and support for ENDA among legislators is slowly inching up. Here's the status
.**HOUSE**In the House, where we need 218 yes votes, there are 171 confirmed yes, and another 36 who will probably vote yes, though they have not yet confirmed this, making a total of 207 likely yes votes. Not enough. 76 Representatives are unconfirmed either way, and these need to be persuaded by you. Yolu can see the spreadsheet with this info at http://www.facebook.com/l/;bit.ly/Q5YMJ
**SENATEIn the Senate, where we need 60 yes votes because of the likely Republic filibuster that requires 60 votes to stop, there are 46 confirmed yes votes, and another 11 likely yes votes, making a total of 57 likely yes votes. Not enough. 53 Senators are unconfirmed either way, and these need to be persuaded by you.
You can see the spreadsheet with this info at http://www.facebook.com/l/;bit.ly/14TDll
**WHAT YOU CAN DO**The key fight is going to be in the Senate. Please take whatever time you can to call the Senate swing votes, which you can find here: Senate - http://www.facebook.com/l/;bit.ly/45WGMc
Please post any information you have on our Wall so I can update the spreadsheet.
Thank you for your support of an inclusive ENDA.
Jillian
Co-Chair, Inclusive ENDA--------------------
8/9/09
Women’s and children’s groups debunk right wing's ’bathroom bill’ fallacy
Massachusetts. Local and national chapters of women's and children's advocacy groups and legal orginazations testified before the Massachusetts legislature on July 13th to repudiate the claims of extremist right wing religious groups that the passage of a transgender rights bill would give sexual predators access to women's bathrooms.
The following groups, among others, are on record presenting testimony that debunks the fallacies presented by the far right wing. The Massachusetts chapter of the National Organization for Women (Mass. NOW), the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), the City of Boston Women’s Commission, the City of Cambridge Women’s Commission, the League of Women Voters, the Massachusetts chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, the National Council of Jewish Women, the Victim Rights Law Center, and the Women’s Bar Association.
Some extremist right wing groups that claim religious affiliation have been attacking proposed transgender inclusive legislation by attempting to falsely label them a 'bathroom bill". This is a fear mongering tactic which in reality attacks woman's civil rights with misogynistic bigotry. This video is the latest from the inappropriately named group the 'Massachusetts Family Institute'.
1. Groups that use religion as a weapon to debase humanity are doing grevious harm to Christianity.
2. These lies have been perpetrated by men who are afraid that woman's rights will erode there power and status.
dym-sum blog #209: “Bathroom Bill” Propaganda Goes Too Far in Massachusetts
Bay windows Women’s and children’s groups rebut ’bathroom bill’ rhetoric
The following groups, among others, are on record presenting testimony that debunks the fallacies presented by the far right wing. The Massachusetts chapter of the National Organization for Women (Mass. NOW), the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), the City of Boston Women’s Commission, the City of Cambridge Women’s Commission, the League of Women Voters, the Massachusetts chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, the National Council of Jewish Women, the Victim Rights Law Center, and the Women’s Bar Association.
Some extremist right wing groups that claim religious affiliation have been attacking proposed transgender inclusive legislation by attempting to falsely label them a 'bathroom bill". This is a fear mongering tactic which in reality attacks woman's civil rights with misogynistic bigotry. This video is the latest from the inappropriately named group the 'Massachusetts Family Institute'.
1. Groups that use religion as a weapon to debase humanity are doing grevious harm to Christianity.
2. These lies have been perpetrated by men who are afraid that woman's rights will erode there power and status.
dym-sum blog #209: “Bathroom Bill” Propaganda Goes Too Far in Massachusetts
Bay windows Women’s and children’s groups rebut ’bathroom bill’ rhetoric
8/6/09
Boycott Payless Shoe Source and Christian Siriano
Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies
Press Release
Contact:
Kelli Anne Busey
kellibusey@yahoo.com
http://dallastaa.ning.com
Tell Christian Siriano and Payless Shoe Source that
'Hot Tranny Mess' = 'That's So Gay' = 'That is So Wrong'.
Tell Payless Shoe Source that you will not shop there until they discontinue selling the shoe line by Christian Siriano who's insistent repeating of defamatory language such as 'Hot Tranny Mess' and 'Fierce' have earned him monetary gain and a temporary spotlight at the expense of gender variant people.
Gay and lesbian people nationwide having had there fill of being ridiculed by hetero people repeating endlessly phrase's such as 'that's so gay' initiated an educational campaign that talked of the real dangers to school children. When impressionable youth are taught that gay and lesbian children are some how of less value, the gay and lesbian children become the targets of increasingly harmful taunts until it ends in events like the horrific murder of Lawrence King.
Now we are calling on gay, lesbian and allied people to show the same respect for transgender people. Allow us the same dignity that you demand. Stop using the hurtful defamatory phrase "hot tranny mess". IT HURTS. Not just transgender people but gender variant youth such as Lawrence King.
Press Release
Contact:
Kelli Anne Busey
kellibusey@yahoo.com
http://dallastaa.ning.com
Tell Christian Siriano and Payless Shoe Source that
'Hot Tranny Mess' = 'That's So Gay' = 'That is So Wrong'.
Tell Payless Shoe Source that you will not shop there until they discontinue selling the shoe line by Christian Siriano who's insistent repeating of defamatory language such as 'Hot Tranny Mess' and 'Fierce' have earned him monetary gain and a temporary spotlight at the expense of gender variant people.
Gay and lesbian people nationwide having had there fill of being ridiculed by hetero people repeating endlessly phrase's such as 'that's so gay' initiated an educational campaign that talked of the real dangers to school children. When impressionable youth are taught that gay and lesbian children are some how of less value, the gay and lesbian children become the targets of increasingly harmful taunts until it ends in events like the horrific murder of Lawrence King.
Now we are calling on gay, lesbian and allied people to show the same respect for transgender people. Allow us the same dignity that you demand. Stop using the hurtful defamatory phrase "hot tranny mess". IT HURTS. Not just transgender people but gender variant youth such as Lawrence King.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie say no wedding until everyone has the same right
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie say they will not be married until everyone has the same right and Brad gos on to say it wouldn’t bother him if one of his kids were gay.
Read on at Greg in Hollywood Brad Pitt defends not getting married and says it wouldn’t bother him if one of his kids were gay
I am proud to have Brad and Angelina as allies and wouldn't mind it at all when they finally are married their first born is a transgender woman:)
Read on at Greg in Hollywood Brad Pitt defends not getting married and says it wouldn’t bother him if one of his kids were gay
I am proud to have Brad and Angelina as allies and wouldn't mind it at all when they finally are married their first born is a transgender woman:)
8/5/09
ENDA introduced into Senate
A gender expression and sexual orientation inclusive ENDA has been introduced into the Senate by Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine).
Visit Queers United for advocacy links.
Visit Queers United for advocacy links.
APA repudiates gay-to-straight "reparative " therapy
"NEW YORK – The American Psychological Association declared Wednesday that mental health professionals should not tell gay clients they can become straight through therapy or other treatments."
"Instead, the APA urged therapists to consider multiple options — that could range from celibacy to switching churches — for helping clients whose sexual orientation and religious faith conflict."
"In a resolution adopted on a 125-to-4 vote by the APA's governing council, and in a comprehensive report based on two years of research, the 150,000-member association put itself firmly on record in opposition of so-called "reparative therapy" which seeks to change sexual orientation."
"No solid evidence exists that such change is likely, says the report, and some research suggests that efforts to produce change could be harmful, inducing depression and suicidal tendencies."
Read on at Psychologists repudiate gay-to-straight therapy
"Instead, the APA urged therapists to consider multiple options — that could range from celibacy to switching churches — for helping clients whose sexual orientation and religious faith conflict."
"In a resolution adopted on a 125-to-4 vote by the APA's governing council, and in a comprehensive report based on two years of research, the 150,000-member association put itself firmly on record in opposition of so-called "reparative therapy" which seeks to change sexual orientation."
"No solid evidence exists that such change is likely, says the report, and some research suggests that efforts to produce change could be harmful, inducing depression and suicidal tendencies."
Read on at Psychologists repudiate gay-to-straight therapy
Lesbian Senator's Transgender Husband Picked to Lead Pride
Correction: This post incorrectly stated that Mr. Hosie is co patron of the 2009 Perth Pride. The article should read Mr. Hosie was co patron of the 2008 Pride. Last updated 8/11/2009
Perth Australia. Aram Hosie a transgender man and powerhouse gender advocate was named a co-patron of the Perth 2008 Pride festive. As if that's not enough Mr. Hosie's partner Louise Pratt a out lesbian Senator is currently representing the state of Western Australia!
This is truly inspirational.
Perth Australia. Aram Hosie a transgender man and powerhouse gender advocate was named a co-patron of the Perth 2008 Pride festive. As if that's not enough Mr. Hosie's partner Louise Pratt a out lesbian Senator is currently representing the state of Western Australia!
This is truly inspirational.
8/4/09
Dallas to hold candlelight vigil for LGBTQI youth murdered in Tel Aviv center shooting
North Texas stands in unity with Israeli LGBT victims
The Resource Center Dallas, the Reform synagogue Congregation Beth El Binah and the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas will hold a candlelight vigil and memorial August 5 (Wednesday) at 7 p.m. to remember the young Israeli victims of a mass shooting at a community center and pray for the wounded. The safety of LGBT youth is of utmost concern – this could happen at any center anywhere in the world.
On August 1, a masked assailant dressed in black from head to toe opened fire on a gay teen center’s support group meeting in Tel Aviv, Israel, killing two members of the group: 16 year-old Liz Trubeshi, and the support group leader, 26 year-old Nir Katz. At least ten others were wounded. The gunman managed to find the secret location of the support group’s meetings, and many of the kids were not yet out to their parents before the shooting. Thousands in Tel Aviv protested the senseless murders on Sunday, and crowds gathered in other Israeli cities as well.
Several speakers will talk about the need for the safety of LGBT youth. Diane Litke, president of congregation Beth El Binah, will lead Kaddish, the traditional Jewish prayer for the dead, and Mishaberach, a prayer for healing. Congregation Beth El Binah and the Jewish Federation will announce a fund for the needs of the victims, their families and the center. Representatives from Youth First Texas and Resource Center Dallas are also expected to speak. The group will then walk in a candlelight procession from the Center to the corner of Cedar Springs and Throckmorton. Similar vigils have also been held in San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
(RCD)
Resource Center Dallas operates the Nelson-Tebedo Health Resource Center and John Thomas Gay & Lesbian Community Center. Its mission is to serve the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and North Texas communities by providing: health, HIV, and social services; education and advocacy; and support to GLBT individuals and organizations. Last year, the Center’s programs served over 50,000 people in Dallas and north Texas. August 4, 2009
Contact: Resource Center Dallas, (214) 528-0144 office
A candlelight vigil and memorial for the gay teens murdered and wounded at a gay teen center support group meeting on Saturday in Tel Aviv, Israel.
When: August 5 (Wednesday), 7 p.m.
Where:Google Map Resource Center Dallas, 2701 Reagan St., with candlelight procession to corner of Cedar Springs Rd. and Throckmorton St. Dallas.
Resource Center Dallas
Youth First Texas
Reform synagogue Congregation Beth El Binah
Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas
The Resource Center Dallas, the Reform synagogue Congregation Beth El Binah and the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas will hold a candlelight vigil and memorial August 5 (Wednesday) at 7 p.m. to remember the young Israeli victims of a mass shooting at a community center and pray for the wounded. The safety of LGBT youth is of utmost concern – this could happen at any center anywhere in the world.
On August 1, a masked assailant dressed in black from head to toe opened fire on a gay teen center’s support group meeting in Tel Aviv, Israel, killing two members of the group: 16 year-old Liz Trubeshi, and the support group leader, 26 year-old Nir Katz. At least ten others were wounded. The gunman managed to find the secret location of the support group’s meetings, and many of the kids were not yet out to their parents before the shooting. Thousands in Tel Aviv protested the senseless murders on Sunday, and crowds gathered in other Israeli cities as well.
Several speakers will talk about the need for the safety of LGBT youth. Diane Litke, president of congregation Beth El Binah, will lead Kaddish, the traditional Jewish prayer for the dead, and Mishaberach, a prayer for healing. Congregation Beth El Binah and the Jewish Federation will announce a fund for the needs of the victims, their families and the center. Representatives from Youth First Texas and Resource Center Dallas are also expected to speak. The group will then walk in a candlelight procession from the Center to the corner of Cedar Springs and Throckmorton. Similar vigils have also been held in San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
(RCD)
Resource Center Dallas operates the Nelson-Tebedo Health Resource Center and John Thomas Gay & Lesbian Community Center. Its mission is to serve the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and North Texas communities by providing: health, HIV, and social services; education and advocacy; and support to GLBT individuals and organizations. Last year, the Center’s programs served over 50,000 people in Dallas and north Texas. August 4, 2009
Contact: Resource Center Dallas, (214) 528-0144 office
A candlelight vigil and memorial for the gay teens murdered and wounded at a gay teen center support group meeting on Saturday in Tel Aviv, Israel.
When: August 5 (Wednesday), 7 p.m.
Where:Google Map Resource Center Dallas, 2701 Reagan St., with candlelight procession to corner of Cedar Springs Rd. and Throckmorton St. Dallas.
Resource Center Dallas
Youth First Texas
Reform synagogue Congregation Beth El Binah
Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas
Status of ENDA As of August 3, 2009
Status of ENDA as of August 3, 2009
Jillian T. Weiss
Co-Chair, Inclusive ENDA
Our calculations show that there are 204 confirmed Reps in the House, and we need at least 218 for a bare majority. 33 states have unconfirmed representatives. We're close, but not there yet.
The difference between passage in the House and not passage is people from those 33 states showing their support of ENDA with a telephone call. Here's the list of unconfirmed Reps with telephone numbers and contact info: http://bit.ly/NUFUd
The 33 states with unconfirmed Representatives are AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, GL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MS, NV, NJ, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, and WV.
See http://bit.ly/NUFUd for phone numbers and contact info. If you haven't already, please call your unconfirmed Representative to ask them to support the inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, HR 3017.
Please post your call on the Facebook Inclusive ENDA wall so we know you did it, and tell us what happened. (Like, I left a message, or I confirmed their support)
Thank you.
Jillian T. Weiss
Co-Chair, Inclusive ENDA
8/2/09
Gunman Kills LGBTQI at Tel Aviv Youth Center Police ask For Help
A lone gunman entered a LGBTQI youth center in Tel Aviv, Israel and open fire. He killed 3 children and wounded 10. The police are searching for him and asking for help from anyone who was in the area.
If you know anything about this atrocity Click Here for a contact form at the bottom of the BBC article.
From kelli~ I volunteer at our local LGBTQI youth center and was there last night. I will pray for our youth in church this morning. God bless you.
If you know anything about this atrocity Click Here for a contact form at the bottom of the BBC article.
From kelli~ I volunteer at our local LGBTQI youth center and was there last night. I will pray for our youth in church this morning. God bless you.
7/31/09
Fort Worth Texas to Consider Transgender Protections
Source Dallas Voice FW to consider trans protections
"FORT WORTH — The Fort Worth Human Relations Commission this week voted unanimously in favor of a resolution calling for the city to amend its anti-discrimination policy to include protections for transgenders."
"The resolution now goes to the new City Manager’s Diversity Task Force, and then on to the City Council for final approval."
Original full story at Dallas Voice FW to consider trans protections
"FORT WORTH — The Fort Worth Human Relations Commission this week voted unanimously in favor of a resolution calling for the city to amend its anti-discrimination policy to include protections for transgenders."
"The resolution now goes to the new City Manager’s Diversity Task Force, and then on to the City Council for final approval."
Original full story at Dallas Voice FW to consider trans protections
7/29/09
How The Religious Right Wing Distorts Legit Research
Found on Pam House Blend "How religious right groups distort legitimate research to demonize the gay community (+) "
by: Alvin McEwen Wed Jul 29, 2009 at 07:23:46 AM EDT
"The religious right have skillfully crafted a body of inaccuracies about the lgbt community backed by misinterpreted studies. And this body is easily transported to almost every other so-called traditional value groups across state and country lines. It can also be used by legislators who already have anti-gay biases but are looking for "justification" for their prejudices."
Read more.....at Pam's How religious right groups distort legitimate research to demonize the gay community (+)
by: Alvin McEwen
7/28/09
Nine Weeks For Equality
By Kelli Busey, planetransgender, July 28, 2009
The National Center for Transgender Equality campaign 'Nine Weeks For Equality' provides us an effective, timely roadmap for advocacy. This program will help facilitate our movement towards passage of an inclusive ENDA. One of the first of the nine actions listed is writing a blog article. Each time we place our agenda on the Internet it contributes to an understanding of who we are and what we need.
I started writing planetransgender in 2007. I was furious with Congressman Barney Frank's incomprehensible dissection of transgender people from the equality movement during the 2007 ENDA debacle and HRC's despicable acquiescence.
Early on in my rage, I was fortunate to befriended by the writer of Queers United blog. Under his tutelage, acclaim and admonishment he nurtured my raw desire for effective advocacy. I began to concentrate on attracting and integrating with the larger communities, LGBTQI and straight. Now occasionally new understandings are sometimes discovered and nurtured here. If I am successful our new allies will continue to be interested in our mutual needs as we continue finding new ways to communicate, constantly increasing our diversity and strength.
There are nine other actions listed and who knows, next week I might even try another one.
The National Center for Transgender Equality 'Nine Weeks For Equality'
7/27/09
Inclusive ENDA Campaign
A message from Dr. Jillian T. Weiss
Co-Chair, Inclusive ENDA
Thank you again for being part of this campaign to educate Congress about the importance of job equality. Here is some information about the status of the bill and what you can do. If you want to hear my discussion of ENDA's chances, click here for a podcast from WFHB Radio (July 20, 2009)
**STATUS OF THE BILL**
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009, HR 3017, is pending in the House of Representatives, and has the public support of 164 Members of Congress. Another 40 are likely to vote yes, but have not yet made their support of the bill public, as far as we know. This makes a total of 204 in the yes column. 218 are needed for a majority in the House. Passage is likely, but we're not yet clearly there as of today. You can get the specifics on our spreadsheet If you're in one of the swing districts (highlighted in yellow), call your Representative. (There is a link to contact info on the spreadsheet on the top right.)
The bill has not yet been introduced in the Senate. Our estimates suggest there are currently 58 likely yes votes, and there are a few Democrats whose support is unclear, and a few fair-minded Republicans who may be willing to cross party lines in favor of job equality. You can get the specifics on our Senate spreadsheet
Legislation will probably be introduced in the Senate soon, and we will want to ask our Senators to co-sponsor the legislation when that happens. Hearings will probably held in the House in early fall, featuring testimony for and against the bill, followed by a vote in the House, if party leaders determine there are enough "yes" votes for passage. If and when passed in the House, the bill will hopefully go to the Senate for a vote shortly thereafter. Whether or not it gets to a floor vote depends again on party leaders determining that there are enough yes votes for passage. If and when passed in the Senate, it will go to President Obama for signature.
**WHAT YOU CAN DO**
The most effective means of ensuring there are enough "yes" votes for passage is meeting with your legislator in your home district during the August recess. Of course we're all busy with other things, but if you want them to say "yes," you must say "yes." You can sign up for a meeting here
Telephone calls from people in the legislator's district are the next most effective means. You can find contact info for unconfirmed US Reps here, and contact info for unconfirmed US Senators here and Full contact info can be found here
You should put your legislators' phone numbers on speed dial, and make friends with the office aides. Call early and often. Put information about your legislators' position on our Wall at Inclusive ENDA so we can update the spreadsheets.
Acting together, we have made great strides toward passage. I believe that ENDA will pass, if we continue to be smart and targeted in expressing our support to our legislators by means of meetings and phone calls.
Thank you for your work in supporting an inclusive ENDA.
Jillian T. Weiss
Co-Chair, Inclusive ENDA
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