11/17/09
Barbra Boxer and Courage Campaign for Reproductive Rights
On November 7, the House passed the Stupak Amendment to their health care reform bill, representing one of the biggest setbacks to women’s health in recent decades – unless we stand together and stop it.
That's why I just signed the petition Senator Barbara Boxer has launched FightForWomensHealth.com, calling for the removal of the Stupak Amendment from any bill that reaches the President's desk.
The House amendment would tell women who participate in the new health insurance exchange that they can't even use their own funds to buy a policy that offers abortion coverage.
In short, the Stupak Amendment would take away health insurance coverage that women already have. This is a huge step back for women’s health.
Join me and Senator Boxer to FightForWomensHealth.com today!
Thank you!
11/16/09
Live, Love, and Learn: DC Diocese Turns on Homeless
11/15/09
Will Phillips Arkansas Fifth Grader Refuses to Pledge Allegiance until LGBT people are Equal
This incredible young ally who's orientation is not gay, is enduring a homophobic backlash by his adolescent classmates and in all of places, Arkansas. The home of former Governor Huckabee recently enacted a state amendment to its constitution prohibiting adoption of children by same sex couples.
Arkansas is one of the most anti gay states and this according to Will is being proven true as the same children have over and again taunted him with phrases such as 'Gaywad'.
***Update December 3, 2009***
I have been contacted separately by Will's mother and father. Both are very grateful for the emails and phone calls in support of Will. Both are happy that Will is now focused on his school work and both are satisfied with the response from the school. It would seem at this time continued contact with the school is not necessary at this time.~kelli
Please take action "Support Will Phillips" by emailing the The West Fork School District.
Sample email:
Dr. Naccaman Williams
Chair of the State Board of Education.
E-mail: naccaman@att.net
Mailing Address: 2807 Brookshire St., Springdale, AR 72762
Deborah Harnish
President West Forks District Board
359 School Ave, West Fork, AR 72774
(479) 839-2231
Re: Protect educational integrity and protecting Will Phillips from bullying.
Dear Deborah Harnish and Dr. Naccaman Williams,
It has come to my attention that a substitute teacher in your district has attempted to intimidate and bully a student, Will Phillips, into doing something that was against that students better judgement and moral values. Phillips decision not to participate in reciting the pledge of allegiance was in fact, a constitutional right protected by a supreme court ruling.
The student Will Philips, has since then reported becoming the subject of homophobic bullying even though Will Phillips himself does not identify as gay.
I am asking that you require this teacher to apologize for attempting to intimidate Phillips, and that the school principal make a announcement that the school respects individual rights and the school will not allow harassment within it's walls. This would send a message to your students and teachers that bullying is not acceptable.
I wold also ask that you require your teachers to make a speical effort to be attentive and aware of bullying and to stop it immediately when it is apparent. These actions will save lives and allow your schools to pursue the American ideals that are set forth in the Pledge of Allegiance and so valued by Will Phillips.
Thank you
Kelli Anne Busey
Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
On the Web:
West Fork School District
Edge San Francisco article Arkansas 10-Year-Old Won’t Pledge Allegiance Until Gays Gain Equality
Arkansas Times article A boy and his flag
Why Will won’t pledge
11/12/09
House Committee to Take Action on ENDA Call in on November 18
Take Action!
Take action today for the next bill that will positively impact transgender people: ENDA
NCTE Website
November 12, 2009
"Now is the time that we must take action for ENDA! Whether you have never contacted your members of Congress or if you are a frequent visitor in their offices, we need you to call this week if this bill is to pass."
-Mara Keisling
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Next Wednesday, Nov. 18, or whenever is convenient for you, call the Capitol Switchboard at 202.224.3121 and ask to speak to your Representative (have your zip code handy and they'll help identify your member of Congress). When you are connected with your Representative's office, give your name and your city and then let them know:
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
There are many ideas about how you can take action on NCTE's ENDA webpage. Visit it today. The more we all do, the more likely we are to pass this vital legislation. It is up to us.
About NCTEThe National Center for Transgender Equality is a national social justice organization devoted to ending discrimination and violence against transgender people through education and advocacy on national issues of importance to transgender people. By empowering transgender people and our allies to educate and influence policymakers and others, NCTE facilitates a strong and clear voice for transgender equality in our nation's capital and around the country. The National Center for Transgender Equality is a 501(c)3 organization.
[Walking With Integrity] Calling all Clergy and Faith Community Leaders
Thursday, November 12, 2009 7:12 PM
From: "Integrity USA"
Within weeks, the U.S. House of Representatives will consider passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), a bill to prohibit workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Religious voices are instrumental in persuading legislators to support the fair treatment of all workers by passing an inclusive ENDA.
If you are a member of the clergy or a leader in your faith community, please sign the online letter (http://goldenruleatwork.org/) in support of equality in the workplace.
Then, take a minute to forward the letter to your colleagues locally and nationally.
More than 30 major religious denominations and insinuations have already signed onto an organizational letter in full support of ENDA. United by a spiritual obligation to treat others with the respect we desire for ourselves, the interfaith community is calling on Congress to pass federal legislation protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees. In 29 states it is currently legal to fire, refuse to hire, or deny a promotion to lesbian, gay, and bisexual workers; discrimination based on a person’s real or perceived gender identity is still tolerated in 38 states. It is long past time we ended this injustice.
Take action and find out more online at: http://goldenruleatwork.org/
Engage your community further by participating in the national faith community call-in day on Thursday, November 19th. This call-in comes on the heels next week’s expected review of ENDA by the House Education and Labor Committee. Pick up the phone and call your Member of Congress at 202-224-3121 to demand equality with the House’s passage of H.R. 3017 (ENDA).