Savannah Dietrich, 17 Year Old Raped and Facing Jail Time For Talking About It.

***** Update 7/23/2012...Contempt charges against Savannah Dietrich have been dropped according to the AP. The rapist's lawyers deny public outrage influenced their decision however, they recognized that had they not dropped the charges the rapists would not have been able to hide behind their minor status as adults because their names would have become public domain.
The petition author Elizabeth Beier was interviewed by the AP in that article recognizing the Power of social media.

We are that power.

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

I only learned of Savannah Dietrich's story by chance, happening across a unattributed single post Tumblr page tittled She Who Loves The Rain.

Savannah's Facebook Profile and Twitter accounts are protected, save for the hashtag #TEAMDEVIN listed on her Twitter account and a link to her Facebook. Following associated #TEAMDEVIN tweets brought me to this heart wrenching You tube. Going strictly by the information from the Tumblr page which appears to have been reblogged from the Huffington Post I will repost in full here because by all accounts she wants her story to be told in full.

*After reading this there is a petition you can sign at the bottom of the post.

I’m not protecting anyone that made my life a living hell’: Teen faces jail time after lashing out on Twitter and naming the boys who sexually assaulted her17-year-old Savannah Dietrich named and shamed the boys on the social messaging site, writing: ‘There you go, lock me up. I’m not protecting anyone that made my life a living Hell.’

The Louisville, Kentucky teen told The Courier-Journal she was frustrated by what she feels is a lenient deal for her attackers.The Mail Online does not normally report the names of sexual assault victims, but Dietrich and her parents say they do not want to shield her identity and want her case to be public.

The boys’ attorneys have asked a judge to hold Dietrich in contempt for violating the confidentiality of a juvenile hearing and the judge’s order not to speak about it.Dietrich told the paper she was assaulted in August 2011 by two boys she knew when she passed out after drinking at a gathering. She learned months later that pictures of the assault were taken and shared with others.‘For months, I cried myself to sleep. I couldn’t go out in public places,’ she told the newspaper, as her father and attorneys sat nearby. ‘You just sit there and wonder, who saw (the pictures), who knows?’

Dietrich’s attorneys want her contempt hearing open to the media, arguing she has a First Amendment right to speak about her case and to a public hearing. The boys’ attorneys, however, have asked to keep the hearing closed. The contempt charge carries a possible sentence of 180 days in jail and a $500 fine. The boys pleaded guilty on June 26 to first-degree sexual abuse and misdemeanor voyeurism.

Dietrich says she was unaware of a plea agreement until just before it was announced in court. She could not say what the proposed punishment was because of the court order, but said she feels like it was a slap on the wrist. The teens are to be sentenced next month, and the judge could reject or modify the terms of the proposed agreement. When Judge Dee McDonald admonished everyone at the hearing not to speak about what happened in court or about the crime, Dietrich said she cried.‘They got off very easy … and they tell me to be quiet, just silencing me at the end,’ she said.

Afterwards Dietrich tweeted, ‘They said I can’t talk about it or I’ll be locked up. ….Protect rapist is more important than getting justice for the victim in Louisville.’

David Marburger, an Ohio media law specialist, said Dietrich should have tried to get the courts to vacate the gag order rather than simply violating it. But Gregg Leslie, interim executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said Dietrich should ‘not be legally barred from talking about what happened to her. That’s a wide-ranging restraint on speech.’ Leslie said this sort of issue is becoming more common.‘

In the past, people would complain to anyone who would listen, but they didn’t have a way to publish their comments where there would be a permanent record, like on Facebook and Twitter, for people to see worldwide,’ he said.Dietrich said she just needed to stand up for herself. ‘I’m at the point that if I have to go to jail for my rights, I will do it.’

Petition Judge Deana "Dee" McDonald, Louisville, KY: Drop charges against Savannah Dietrich

Make it Happen. Political Activism Training By Equality Texas

Attendees included two transgender people. Nikki Taylor, founder of the newly formed Fort Worth Transgender support group, bottom row second from the right, and of course myself sitting next to her in my T peep shirt grinning like a lunatic.

Most of my posts in recent years have been about gay.com or what a certain equality federation member misdeeds have been, but its time for me to come out of the transsexual menace closet.
I have been a member of and have participated in events with Equality Texas for years.

Equality federation members have a lot of latitude in how they approach equal rights issues and the methods they use to obtain that end. Sadly in the recent past some Equality Federation members have sacrificed public accommodations or at least tried to, on the alter of marriage equality or even worst, just for a feather in there caps.

Not so in Texas. In talking with Equality Texas Executive Director
Dennis Coleman at the class he reassured me the official position of Equality Texas remains unchanged regarding public accommodations.

In all reality this came as no suprise to me. Daniel Wiilams, the newly appointed field activist is one of the people I admire the most in the world and one our most impassioned allies.

So the class? It was fun, informative and energizing. Daniel travels nearly every weekend conducting these, focusing on getting to places which otherwise would have never had a LGBT political activism class, like colleyville, Texas.

I'm going to schedule a appointment with my districts Representative. It's time to make that change I want to see globally, happen locally.

What of your Equality Federation Member? What is their position on Public Accommodations?

Live in Texas and are interested in attending a political Activism Class?
Check out the where and when on the EQTX Event Calender

Contact Daniel Williams, EQTX Field Organizer for details at:

DanielWilliams@equalitytexas.org

Transsexual Genocide: Busting Transgender Refugees For having Condoms

The Human Rights Watch reports that US police practices are fueling the HIV epidemic. The thin shield of Latex is all that protects the most vulnerable of our society, refugee transgender sex workers from a death sentence.

Cites hand out millions of condoms and then the cops bust the very people who need them the most, using them as evidence in court people are prostituting themselves. I'm not defending a illegal activity that so often claims the lives of our community, but I will say this.

If the goverment wants transgender people dead they are getting there wish and doing it in a legally and socially acceptable way. AIDS/HIV to a refugee with no option other than sex work is a death warrant.



T House on Line writes

"New York City has pushed aggressively since 1971 for condom use distributing over more than 100 million free condoms, thus turning the NYC condom into a legendary icon with its own slogan, “NYC Condom: Get some!”. As technology has advanced over decades, access to condoms are now at the tip of the finger as now there is even an iPhone application that helps guide users to locate the nearest condom distribution site. Sadly enough, in this same time frame the NYPD has destroyed or confiscated thousands of condoms found in the possession of suspected workers in the sex/escort industry, using condom possession as a weapon to justify arrest.

It seems a little overwhelming as San Fransisco, New York city and Pittsburgh are currently using condoms as evidence so we must act locally taking one brick out of this wall.

There is currently legislation pending in the NY Assembly that would institute policies discontinuing this genocidal practice.

This legislation has repeatedly failed time and again due to lawmakers who delight in knowing they are responsible for murdering our family so they mist be identified for this to stop. We can advocate globally as a community and make A1008 pass this year. Please sign the petition "Tell New York State Legislators: Condoms Aren't a Crime!"

Meet Trans Woman Choi Han bit 최한빛 Top Model Video

최한빛 is now known as the first Korean transgender model who made the cut for the final 32 in the Asia-Pacific Supermodel Contest 2009 Choi Han Bit. After having undergone a sex change in her freshman year of college, Choi has received legal regonition as a female.

"Small Town Security" New TV Series Camel toes, Trans Men, Controversial? Oh Yeah

AMC’s new unscripted series, Small Town Security, focuses on a small, family-owned private security company located in rural Georgia. Executive produced by Ken Druckerman and Banks Tarver from Left/Right (This American Life, Boomtown, Mob Wives), Season 1 consists of eight, half-hour episodes.

Small Town Security airs Sundays at 11/10c.

The "Lieutenant" is played by a Dennis Croft, left, a trans man who has no interpretation discussing his past and sexual orientation. All very, very controversial in a rural Georgia Town.

The Advocate has a excellent interview with Croft you might want to check out...

Muxe of Oaxaca Zapotec cultures Cultivated Present day Equality for Transexuals

When TGirl Fan, a member of the Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies who lives in Cd. Rio Bravo Mexico posted the article "Mexican Word of the day = MUXE". I beleive his intent was to educate us and the greater world there are cultures within present day Mexico's rigid gender expetations that not only are accepting, but are enouraging of transgender and transsexual people.

One commenter on the Youtube video observed: This is a pre-Hispanic custom, is not recent and are respectable and respectful. There is a very comprehensive documentary of a Mexican director and won several international awards for its approach and objectivity, it is a community that is part of our culture and roots, were the Spanish brought criticism and discrimination Queñes why offend? who are we to be so hard?

Esto es una costumbre prehispánica, no es recien y son personas respetables y respetuosas. Hay un documental completísimo de una directora mexicana y ganó varios premios internacionales por su enfoque y objetividad, pues es una comunidad que forma parte de nuestra cultura y raices, fueron los españoles quenes trajeron crítica y discriminación porqué ofender ?? quienes somos para ser tan duros ??



From the You Tube discription......According to myth, God entrusted San Vicente with a difficult task. On his back he carried a sack full of Muxes, and had to leave one in every town of the Zapotec kingdom.?

But when the Saint reached Juchitan he tripped, and all the Muxes he carried in his sack fell out. Since then, this town in the South-East of Mexico has experienced an unexpected - not only for Mexico but for the entire world -? sexual liberation. Homosexual men who wish to dress as women freely do so, and live a more or less similar life as their heterosexual fellow citizens. Not only do the Muxes not hide their difference on the streets of Juchitan, they actually project it in every way. Their fellow citizens simply go on their way, not impressed, provoked or angered by the sight of a man in women's clothes, hairdos and make-up. The Muxes claim they belong to the community of the "intrepid", of "those who do not fear death", and celebrate their desire and joy to be women every year in a festivity attended by the whole community.

In Juchitan, the dream of tolerance and the acceptance of difference has been a reality for years. Without announcements and declarations, without social movements having to fight long and bloody social and political struggles, without conflict and quarrel...

A documentary on the joy of life and love which prevailed effortlessly because San Vicente tripped...

Show Your Trans & Ally Pride T Shirt: Dallas Transgender Advocates AND Allies Action

There are some Trans peeps who don't understand Isis King intent by wearing a "Gay is OK" T Shirt. According to Isis she is simply showing her respect for our gay allies, so in response the Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies are launching a Trans Pride Tee and Trans Ally Tee Shirt Campaign. This is something we have been meaning to do for some time and given the recent misconceptions being propagated by the small but vocal separatist group, its high time we did!
You can order this or other Trans T Shirts directly from the distributor or design and proudly wear and share. Show your Trans Pride!

Custom t-shirt printing at CustomInk.com

Custom t-shirt printing at CustomInk.com

FUNDAMENTALISM vs FREE SPEECH. A Show Trial in Moscow

By Free Pussy Riot Now - Свободу девушкам из Pussy Riot!


Religious fanatics are the same everywhere, just dressed differently. - Религиозные фанатики повсюду одинаковые, только одеваются по-разному.
They tell you how you shoud live. - Они учат вас жить.
Stone you for 'immodesty'. - Забрасывают камнями за 'нескромность'.
Jail you for 'blasphemy'. - Сажают в тюрьму за 'кощунство'.
Join our cause! - Присоединяйтесь к нашей акции!
FREE PUSSY RIOT!


PUSSY RIOT AND THE THREAT TO GOD
by Nick Revell, Huffington Post 06/07/2012
PUSSY RIOT AND THE THREAT TO GOD

Don't know whether you saw this - but God appeared and spoke to someone the other day. I'm surprised it didn't get wider coverage, but that's aggressive secularism in the modern world for you. Anyway, he spoke to a member of the Russian Orthodox Church. The famously reclusive deity, dubbed the JD Salinger of the Supreme Being Community, has seen no reason to issue any kind of comment or statement on any human activity, no matter how morally questionable or indeed challenging to the whole idea of His/Her/Its very existence, for the last several thousand years. (The last appearance was possibly when he whispered in Mohammed's ear and told him that people who didn't worship Him in the same way as Mohammed did, needed to be killed immediately.)

Well, after two or three millennia of completely refraining from any further spiteful shit-stirring in human affairs, God finally showed up again about 10 days ago. Some speculate it was a pre-emptive attempt to counter-spin imminent proof of the existence of the Higgs boson, which in turn disproves the existence of God in anything but metaphorical terms: An existential crisis of such severity that God decided to contact a Russian Orthodox Priest called Vsevolod Chaplin and express his opinion on the punk band Pussy Riot. That's right, no new commandments or dietary stipulations; no additional ambiguous moral precepts open to hair-splitting and murderous multi-interpretation; no apologies or even explanations for the holocaust, homophobia or Mark Lawrenson. No, God breaks hundreds of years of silence... to slag off some musicians.

Pussy Riot are a feminist political music collective who in February, dressed in colourful balaclavas, mini-dresses, and tights, stormed into the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow to perform their song Punk Prayer, which denounces human rights abuses in Russia and calls on the Virgin Mary to save the country from Vladimir Putin.





Punk-Prayer "Virgin Mary, Put Putin Away"

(choir)

Virgin Mary, Mother of God, put Putin away
Рut Putin away, put Putin away

(end chorus)

...
Black robe, golden epaulettes
All parishioners crawl to bow
The phantom of liberty is in heaven
Gay-pride sent to Siberia in chains

The head of the KGB, their chief saint,
Leads protesters to prison under escort
In order not to offend His Holiness
Women must give birth and love

Shit, shit, the Lord's shit!
Shit, shit, the Lord's shit!

(Chorus)

Virgin Mary, Mother of God, become a feminist
Become a feminist, become a feminist

(end chorus)

The Church’s praise of rotten dictators
The cross-bearer procession of black limousines
A teacher-preacher will meet you at school
Go to class - bring him money!

Patriarch Gundyaev believes in Putin
Bitch, better believe in God instead
The belt of the Virgin can’t replace mass-meetings
Mary, Mother of God, is with us in protest!

(Chorus)

Virgin Mary, Mother of God, put Putin away
Рut Putin away, put Putin away

(end chorus)






Vladimir Putin: a man who understands the fragile nature of post-dictatorship Russian democracy better than any other Russian ruler. Which is why he never lets anyone else have a go.

Three members of Pussy Riot - Maria Alyokhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Ekaterina Samutsevich - were arrested shortly after the protest and have been in detention ever since. If they get convicted they face a seven year sentence. Mind you, given the illegality of their arrest and continued postponements of trial dates, it looks like they face a seven year sentence even before they are convicted. In fairness to the Russian authorities, though, there is a hearing going on as I write; proceedings were suddenly rushed forward to ensure both speedy carriage of justice, and that the defence lawyers have not nearly enough time to properly review the prosecution case.

To Be Transgender & A Refugee In the USA

Crossing over on Tumblr

Crossing over on Twitter

Source: Crossing Over Doc.com

"Each year, thousands of Mexican nationals immigrate illegally to Los Angeles in search of better opportunities and a better life. They work in the shadows, undocumented, hoping that their efforts will pay off and that someday they will live in the light. For the transgender individuals among them, the shadows are more pervasive and difficult to overcome. Though many are eligible for political asylum, few are aware of it, and as a result many turn to the sex industry—often falling prey to its many dangers—simply to survive."

"Crossing Over is the story of three strong, transgender women who immigrated to the United States to escape a lifetime of sexual and mental abuse, and found that if they wanted a better life, they’d have to fight for it."

"This is a film about a community of strength and support, about women who fight for themselves and each other, and about finding the strength to be true to oneself no matter what the obstacles. The juxtaposition between the proud, colorful moments from the lives that these women have managed to craft for themselves and the quiet moments of darkness that continue to pervade will remind us of what they have undergone to become the women they are today."

Yet Another Turkish Transgender Woman Slain Amid Rising Right Wing Violence

Seçil Anne's throat was slit and her face showed deep cuts according the the KA OS GL report:

"

Neşe Dilşeker, born in 1966 and known as “Seçil Anne”, was a resident in Antalya for 15 years and was found dead at her own house around 23:00 on July 10, 2012. Her death came in sight after her friends could not reach her and reported that to the police."

"Police officers who entered Dilşeker’s house found her dead body with her throat cut. It was also reported that Dilşeker had deep wounds on her face as well. After investigations in the crime scene, Dilşeker’s funeral was taken to Forensic Science institution."

"It is known that the Antalya Police Station has not yet reached the suspect. Cameras around Dilşeker’s house and neighborhod are taken into scrunity. The Police Station is running a broad investigation including the testimonies of her ex-boyfriend and close friends."

"In This Church There Will Be No Out Casts" Episcopalians OK Trans Ministry

I loved being a Acolyte growing up at St Paul's.

I loved the anticipation of worship in the rectory hall, I loved our ministers recusing themselves in preparation for the service. I loved that some of our ministers even years ago were woman. I loved when the doors opened to the sanctuary and the first few steps of the procession. I loved winding to the back of the church proudly holding the candle.

I loved the smells of Sunday in our old, old Episcopalian church.

I loved getting to the alter, doing the few jobs we were assigned and not tripping on my robe.

I loved settling in behind the ministers and choir opening the prayer books and examining them so I would be sure to know when my next duties were to be. I loved understanding the message and to to do that I learned to listen carefully as the minister painted a grand portrait in living color of the days sermon to the children before their dismissal to Sunday school.

I loved the choir. Their voices would raise to the very tip top of our church making my heart soar with them.

But my favorite part of the service was and still is communion. I absolutely loved the message of inclusively, nonjudgmental hope extended to all in the invitation. To me those few moments were exactly as Jesus had wanted them to be and I held as a sacred honor my duties.

I loved it when the priest would ask us to greet our neighbours because that always meant hugs, laughter and love.

I loved sitting beside my mother and listening to her sing. She had this connection with Jesus that makes my heart ache with love even as I write this now.

I would always move closer to the back of the church when babies were baptised as I was. It was a connect, a reaffirmation even as I knew I was moving away in adolescent disregard in spirit and deed.

Today I love that the St Pauls still believes in everyone.

I love the Episcopal Church even more today if that's possible. I am crying in joy. Today the Episcopal Church Approved Transgender People for Ordination.

Josie Romero 11 Year Old Trans Girl First Doctor Visit

Meet Josie Romero an eleven year old transgender girl from Tucson Arizona. All of us can attest to the trepidations we felt during our first OGBYN visit as adults. Can you imagine how stressful it would be to be a adolescent in that position knowing your answers will forever shape your life? The next set of videos chronicles Josie's first visit doctors visit...

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Stand Firm Call to Action in revulsion of Episcopal GC Transgender Canonical Changes

General Convention Updates [No Rest For the Wicked, Not Even On Sunday] Via Stand Firm

I received this article in a email call to action prefixed with the above title from Stand Firm the de facto media outlet for the followers of the virulently anti trans Fort Worth Bishop Ikers in response to the Episcopal Church's GC vote to become inclusive to transgender and all gender diverse.

Although Stand Firm states it is not a official mouthpiece for Bishop Iker's Dioceses of Fort Worth the publication is essential in disseminating information and call to action for Republican Episcopal Conservatives followers of the radically anti LGBT Iker.

Yes Iker, I was at your Church a few years ago and that was me who one of your goons deflected from the communion rail. Your article tries to give the impression gods love is the reason cradle Episcopalians like me are abandoning our beloved church. How can you live with knowing its you who is destroying gods good will and inviting the devil to manifest his presence physically?

Stand Firm Call to Action in revulsion of Episcopal GC Transgender Canonical Changes A couple paragraphs from the Stand Firm article that say it all....

[Commentary] What does this mean, practically? Parishes who are in search processes, and who are looking for a good priest, cannot “not consider” those who “differ from majority societal gender norms” simply because of that disorder. To name two examples: those men with perfectly good xy chromosomes but who imagine that they are really women, and then undergo surgery and take hormones in order to further foster their beliefs or who simply cross-dress or otherwise “differ from majority societal gender norms” cannot be “not considered” because of that disorder in gender identity. The words “gender identity and expression” are extraordinarily broad and vague—and they are meant to encompass a variety of “expressions.”

Stand Firm goes on to condemn us all for love and acceptance.....

It has been clear for some years now that the people leading us at the national level—90% of bishops, lay and clergy deputies to General Convention, and those serving on national commissions and committees—are not competent, healthy, or ordered in their theology or foundational worldview. It is one thing to love sinners [as we all are], and to love those with mental illness [as many of us have]. It is another thing to re-name pathologies as “good and healthy”, to enshrine those with such pathologies as leaders of a church, and to force others to pretend as if disordered affections or gender identities are functional and wholesome.

An Amazing Interview With Julie Bindel

META magazine's interview with Julie Bindel on July 7th, 2012.



Frankly I am surprised. Of course we differ greatly on some topics such as delaying puberty in adolescents. I also think she played the victim card then went and blew up a whole lot of good will with her description of trans people who called her on her transphobia in 2008 and again in 2011 when she was nominated for all things, the Stonewall Diversity Award...but as she said, those are years past.

Some will say she was simply on her best behaviour during the interview adapting to the changing social norms and I could see a cauldron of anger swirling just below the surface of this woman. But that being said, I would say I am in agreement with Bindle on a number of topics.

We need to take a pluralistic view, accept that others disagree and find common ground.

RadFems monolithic view of men bad, woman good is ridiculous but somehow, just somehow we need to make peace with Radfems. Lord knows I have tried and failed, maybe someone else would be successful.

The only ones who will benefit directly from the Trans Radfem conflict are those who hate us and make no differentiation between cisgender and transsexuals, and believe it or not, some from within our own community who find satisfaction in the fanning the flame of the current conflagration.

Like Julie said, we journalists have the potential to greatly influence social understandings, and the winners are the ones who rise to the top.

A Conversation With... Isis King and Janet Mock

Two of the most prolific transgender advocate roll models of our generation come together for a 10 minute conversation.



Published on Jun 30, 2012 by itlmedia

America's Next Top Model's first transgender contestant, Isis King, sits down with People.com staff editor and transgender advocate, Janet Mock, for a conversation about representations of transgender people in media.

I'd like to show some love too. Thank you Janet. Thank you Isis. We are blessed.

All Out.ORG: Ukraine Parliament Going on Vacation Before "Gay Propaganda" Vote Is Not A Victory

This is good, but it wasn't a victory, just serendipity.

I received a email from All Out.org thanking me for signing the petition and essentially claiming the lions share of the credit for the Anti LGBT Russian style "Gay Propaganda" bill not being made into law, for now anyways. Then they asked for money, over and over.

"Thank you. Law 8711, Ukraine's proposed gay-gag rule, has been shelved for now. Because of the efforts of All Out members around the world who signed, called, tweeted, shared and stood with local Ukrainian activists, a bill that would have silenced millions has been stalled and hopefully defeated."

All Out is right in that the petition did help immensely but the claim that it was the reason the bill was not enacted is disingenuous.

Even if Gay magazines publish the story with that spin on itover and over it doesn't make that any truer.

There is a struggle inside Ukraine over Russian people's immigration into the country and language which is threatening to tear it apart, again. The Parliament went on vacation instead of recognizing the speakers resignation in protest of a law recognizing Russian as an official language.

All Out.Org, do what's in the best interest of your members, don't be seduced by fund raising and self promotion.

All Out.org, don't deceive your members and become all HRC on us. Stay grass roots, Stay Real.

Police Release Sketch Of Texas Teen Murderer

Portland Police Department statement:

PRESS STATEMENT
July 4, 2012 5:30 PM

Portland police continue to investigate the murder of Mollie Judith Olgin and the aggravated assault of Mary Kristene Chapa.

The following sketch was developed with the assistance of an eyewitness to the attack. The single suspect is an Anglo male in his 20s, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 140 lbs, skinny build with brown hair.

Persons who believe they may know the identity of this suspect are urged to call police
department at (361) 777-4444. Reports may be made anonymously.

Further statements will be made as conditions warrant.

PuSsY RiOt ON Hunger Strike ** FREE PUSSY RIOT **

Three alleged incarcerated members of the Feminist Punk Rock band "Pussy Riot" have gone on hunger strike according to the Moscow Times. They are protesting the 2 days their lawyers had to prepare a defense after being handed a 2,800-page indictment for a Punk Prayer held at a Russian Orthodox Church.

Putin and the Russian Orthodox wants this travesty of injustice ended as quickly as possible.

Нормальная реакция цивилизованных людей на творящийся в России беспредел. Faith No More показали, что они тоже неравнодушные ЛЮДИ.

The normal reaction of civilized people by in the face chaos in Russia. Faith No More have shown that they too are people who care.

In Moscow......


In Brooklyn New York.....


In London.....


On 25 November, an article attributed to Alexander Litvinenko was published by the Mail on Sunday Online entitled Why I believe Putin wanted me dead...

In his last statement while dieing from poison administered my Putin's assassins Alexander Litvinenko said about Putin:

"...this may be the time to say one or two things to the person responsible for my present condition. You may succeed in silencing me but that silence comes at a price. You have shown yourself to be as barbaric and ruthless as your most hostile critics have claimed. You have shown yourself to have no respect for life, liberty or any civilised value. You have shown yourself to be unworthy of your office, to be unworthy of the trust of civilised men and women. You may succeed in silencing one man but the howl of protest from around the world will reverberate, Mr Putin, in your ears for the rest of your life. May God forgive you for what you have done, not only to me but to beloved Russia and its people."

The howling continues.....

Watch Argentine President Cristina Fernandez Sign New Transgender ID Law

Source IB Times UK Youtube Channel To great cheer the Argentine President Cristina Fernandez signed the decree and then personally delivered the first new National Identity Cards to a handful of transsexual persons featuring their new pictures, names, and perhaps most importantly, the gender with which they identify. Speaking in Spanish, she said.

"I want to say something about all of you. Today you are going to have the same rights that I and millions of Argentines have had from the day we were born. This is the society that we want. A society of reparation for everything you've had to go through to reach this point."

Declaration of Transgender Independence

Declaration of Transgender Independence

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to arise and demand the political and social rights other Citizens enjoy, a decent respect to the opinions of humanity requires that they should declare the causes that impel them such.

We hold these truths to be self-evident. Regardless of gender identity, expression and sexual orientation, all people are created Equal – that they have been endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these Rights, governments are instituted among people, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to that end, it is the Right of the People to use the electoral process to change such government and institute new representation that will secure these rights and positively affect their safety and happiness.

Prudence, indeed, would dictate that representatives long in office and that have served the people well should not be changed for light and transient causes. Indeed, experience has shown that people are willing to tolerate and suffer positions of their representatives as long as such evils are sufferable.

However, when such abuses and usurpations of Civil Liberties arise providing evidence to dehumanize any one group, it is the right and duty of the People to cast aside such representation in favor of new guardians that would secure the future and the liberties of all.

Such has been patient suffering of the Transgender Community, and such is now the necessity to replace those Oppressors with New Representation. The history of the Transgender Community is a history replete with injury and usurpation designed to dehumanize and eradicate a people within a society. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

* The Transgender Community has been trivialized and ridiculed before the General Populace.

* The Transgender Community has been casually abused, both physically and emotionally, often without punishment to the abuser.

* Psychological warfare against the Transgender Community has been committed to affect a disassociation between the Community and the General Populace.

* Censure of the Transgender Community for expressing the desire to be treated with the same respect as other Citizens.

* Allowing the Abuse of Freedom of Speech to inspire and incite violence and maltreatment against transgender people.

* Deprivation of liberty against the Transgender Community for expressing their nature.

* The committing of Murder against the Transgender Community with the purpose of eradicating an entire Community within the General Populace.

In every stage of these oppressions, we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms. Our petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. Any representative whose vote and actions have given concurrence with these oppressions is unfit to be a representative of a Free People. And, thus, must be removed from office using the electoral process to place New Representation in its stead.

We, therefore, the Transgender Community, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, declare that we are a Free People – Equal with all other citizens and subservient to none. We state now and for all time that we have the right to Fair Treatment under the Law; Retention of employment and housing; Medical Treatment as deemed necessary and prudent; to Love and marry those Whom We Choose and do all other Acts that a Free People may of right do.



And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, our Time and our Sacred Honor.


Signatures:


Shauna Marie O'Toole, Author
Pam Zastrocky
Zachary T. Shay
Barbara Bouwens Miller
Planetransgender
Diana Lynn
Maur DeLaney
Kristi Boyer
Dana Kay
Gen ID
Jennifer Chavez
Zythyra Y2gender
Bonnie J. Keller
Tg Lynns Place
Hannah Equality Miller
Janet L O'Brien

Massachusetts Toothless Transgender Law Goes Into Force Sunday

Fail. Caved. Gave up. All these terms come to mind when considering the Massachusetts Transgender Equal Rights law that does not protect transgender peoples right to be in public places. Why would I condemn a law many see as a step forward? Because on the ground, unemployed or in the workplace, this law means squat.

Perception is 99% of social Conscript. The haters won. Sure they aren't celebrating openly, we are still alive after all.

Point to consider. Im September of last year I was hired to work in a warehouse in a small Texas town. Its a huge state of the art electronics distributor, a place you might assume to have enlightened people employed.

The second day I was there I learned of a rumor that I was seen using the men's room. The next thing I knew I was being questioned by HR as to whether hiring me had been a good idea. It's been a uphill battle since then with myself continually having to be on the defensive, essentially fighting for my life.

Employment revolves around public accommodations. Without a job having housing or credit protections doesn't mean mean jack shit.

No high falutin lawyer came to my defense even if they could have. But there are Lawyers who defend the Transgender Equal Rights In Massachusetts: Likely Broader Than You Think.

I am not a lawyer but the reality for Massachusetts transgender people in Public Accommodations is this. The public now knows for some reason unlike any minority before you, you were judged unworthy, unequal and untrusted enough not to be thought of as fully human. Not to be granted the same dignity.

I'd rather die than live a life so judged.

Advanced Screening Of "Hit & Miss" Chloë Sevigny's Dick Is Out

I now I have bashed this concept from the beginning only having seen the trailer, but now that I seen the first episode...I am fascinated in a dark sort of way. It doesn't just challenge social concepts it runs them over like a tank with guns blazing.

They didn't waste any time getting to the real money shot at 2:50 mark following the gratuitous killing seen (yawn) and a peek at her tits and ass (yawn). The real money maker is Chloë Sevigny getting ready for the shower as she turns to the camera with her dick hanging out.

My only question is this, what now? More murder? More gratuitous dick and tit scenes?

Just when you thought your sense of morality couldn't be more challenged..transsexuality more perverted...there's more..



The scene when Chloë Sevigny finds her "hormone" pills stolen she reacts in rage punching a hole threw a door. Just for the record cisgender people, speaking strictly for transgender woman, this is a awful presentation. Often many of us are can't afford our hormones but it would be completely out of character for us to react with violence.

Secondly, when we resume HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) there is a deep sense of becoming whole again but unlike how Hit & Miss portrays us we are NOT DRUG ADDICTS as that scene suggests.

Sevigny said wearing the fake penis made her cry every day..."Then looking in the mirror... it was weird. I was lonely and I felt really unattractive. I was confused about my desirability - was I desirable? - in having put that on, and having men see me with that on."

Sevigny hoped her part would raise awareness of what it means to be transgender, and she succeeded in part anyways. She became personally aware of what trans people feel when we see our reflection pre op. but I think the only one who would make this connection would be transgender people. To Joe and Josephine Cisgender it just justifies their unabashed staring at my crotch, regardless how uncomfortable I am about that.

Chloë you're money shot is your fake penis. Our existence depends on taking the focus off our crotch in into our hearts and souls. In that regard you have done us a major disservice

Great cinematography mixed with a real perversion of transsexuality and a appealing bulldozing of social conscripts. As much as I have booed this I have to say, its a ground breaker.

Police Didn't Protect The Istanbul Trans Pride. It was Cameras.

Watching Turkey's Trans Pride March videos since its beginning in 2010 there is one point that's undeniable. Each year the Turkey's Trans Pride March has progressively become less a celebration of gender diversity and more of a protest. 2010 it was a party....



The second year of the Turkey Trans Pride the drums became louder, more central and rhythmic, a noticeable shift from celebration to a political statement. Although it was still a party there was a noticeable shift to militarization.



Finally, this year on the Trans Pride, permitted march held as the final LGBT Pride event, had to take the square that was being occupied by another goverment sanctioned march, of all things a right wing group.

What was the chances this was just conquencidence? Highly unlikely.



I don't understand what the highly distraught young person was saying but I would guess this person recognize someone in the right wing crowd that had committed violence against one of us. And the police knew it too by the looks on their faces had no intention on investigating.

It's also clear that the Turkey "Riot Police" had no orders to protect the Trans Pride. They were all looking around at each other with a look like "what do they want us to do".

And the right wingers? They didn't move away from the police, they moved away from the cameras like any common thief of murderer will. The police and the fascists, those are the people that are responsible for or have knowledge of who is murdering us in Turkey.

100 Russian Cultural Icons Demand "Free Pussy Riot"

More than 100 prominent cultural figures have addressed a letter to the Supreme Court and Moscow City Court calling for the release of the three jailed Pussy Riot rockers.

Among the signatories were figures who openly supported President Vladimir Putin in the last election, including Chulpan Khamatova, a popular actress and co-founder of the Gift of Life charity, and actor and theater director Yevgeny Mironov.

A copy of the letter was published Wednesday in Moskovsky Komsomolets.

In all, the list of Pussy Riot supporters includes 103 musicians, actors, filmmakers, singers and other cultural figures.

"We do not believe that the actions of Pussy Riot constitute a criminal offense," the letter said. "The girls did not kill anyone, they did not rob, did not commit violence, did not destroy or steal anyone's property."

The letter asks for the women, two of whom are young mothers, to be freed from custody.

"We see no legal basis or practical reason for the further isolation of these young women, who do not pose any real danger from society," the letter said.

Ekho Moskvy has a list of the 103 signatories gathered so far, and they are looking to add names to the list.

Three members of the Pussy Riot punk group have been in detention since shortly after an impromptu February performance at the Christ the Savior Cathedral that incensed church and state officials. Their detention was extended last week until at least July 24 while they await trial. They face up to seven years in prison.



The above is cross posted in full from The Moscow Times


I posted the letter in Russian and the English translation provided by PussyRiot.org

Please sign Amnesty International Petition "Free Pussy Riot"

Интеллигенция призывает освободить Pussy Riot

Appeal of actors and artists of the Russian Federation

14 Year Old Transgender Asher Needs His Family, Thats You And Me.

Fourteen year old transgender Asher needs a change. He needs a nurturing accepting educational environment and believes that it awaits him at the Arthur Morgan School in the Blue Ridge Mountains. He needs us, his family now especially since he has no father in his life.

All I know about this school is what Asher tells us and I believe him, and I know how magical those mountains and people are from personal experience. When I was growing up I needed a different environment just as Asher does now and I found that by hiking the blue trail thru those mountains, summer and winter spring and fall, this city kid made the trip south. Sometimes I was accompanied and guided by the most fearless mountain people I have ever meet, sometimes alone I found the challenges I craved and the satisfaction of doing what no one thought I could, on the Blue Ridge.

Source: indiegogo.com Hi! I'm Asher, I'm fourteen, and I'm transgender. I'm raising money to get to this really awesome Quaker boarding school in North Carolina.

If you wanna learn more about me and my desires for education, then please keep reading...

Being fourteen isn't easy, not for anyone. Puberty, middle school, and all that crazy stuff. For trans kids like me, it's even more complicated. At two, I found this out about myself. This has never been easy at my other schools, but luckily, my mom has been very supportive and has learned a lot about trans issues over the years. I am so grateful for this. If I hadn't been raised around a bunch of queers, or if my mom was trans-phobic, I honestly don't know where I would be. I have felt very affirmed and accepted by a lot of adults in my life, and this has helped me so much.

The school I currently go to is not a great fit for me. I think they try to be good allies to me, but they don't know much about trans stuff, and I don't feel safe coming out as trans when most of the teachers and staff are not so prepared to support me. This makes it much harder for me to make good, trusting friendships with kids at school, so I wind up feeling pretty isolated, and this causes more stress and loneliness and frustration in my life. Its been a pretty depressing year so far.

As I've been looking for a way to create a better future for myself, I found this place called Arthur Morgan, a small boarding school in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I got to go visit a couple months ago and it was everything I hoped for and more! Surrounded by beautiful mountains and woods, we sang songs every morning, there were cows and chickens and sheep, the other kids were super mature and fun, the classes were very small, and INTERESTING! They served great homemade snacks between classes. For PE, we hiked in the woods and played fun, athletic games. It felt really good to me there, surrounded by mountains, forests, and lots of animals. I applied and they accepted me... YAY! Although the school has never had an out trans student before, they're very excited about welcoming me to the community. The staff is doing workshops to learn how to be good allies for me, and any other trans kids they get in the future. I really feel like this sort of outdoor education within a small community will bring out the best in me, and help me build a solid foundation for the rest of my life.

I'm seriously wanting to go to this seriously awesome school, and it's seriously expensive. Well, not so bad for a boarding school... but its still a whopping $25,000! I'm getting about a 7,000 dollars scholarship from the school, and my mom is pitching in at least five thousand. Now all that's left is ONLY thirteen thousand dollars! Not so bad, right? Well YES, I'm dreamin' big here, but why not? Which is why I'm needing LOTS of SUPPORT from LOTS of PEOPLE! AND, I'm offering some SWEET perks (check 'em out>>>)

Even if you can't afford to donate to my campaign, you can still help! You can SPREAD THE WORD by forwarding this to your friends, POSTING IT TO YOUR FB WALL, telling people you work with, announcing it at potlucks, and whatever else.


Any help you can offer me will make a huge difference in my life. These are important years, for me and the whole world. Going to middle school in a healthy environment surrounded by people who accept me for who I am will not only give me a better life next year, but will also influence who I become in the world. Thanks for reading this, and I totally appreciate whatever you feel inspired to contribute.

That's it folks!