Transgender Hate Crimes: Victims, Their Families & Advocates Speak Out

Transgender people face pervasive discrimination, harassment and violence. Leslie Mora and Carmella Etienne—victims of hate crimes in two separate incidents in Queens—are witnesses to the violence that is perpetrated against people because of their gender identity or expression. In its most extreme form, such violence can turn deadly, as it did in the case of Lateisha Green,a young African American woman who was shot and killed, and whose death lead to New York State’s first hate crime trial and conviction stemming from the death of a transgender person.

On Wednesday, October 7th, at 7pm, TLDEF clients Leslie Mora and Carmella Etienne will join Lateisha Green’s family in speaking about their experiences as victims of hate-motivated violence. Michael Silverman, executive director of the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, and Andy Marra, senior media strategist at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, will discuss the status of gender identity and expression in federal and state hate crime laws, as well as strategies to educate the public through the media on issues of gender identity and expression.
WhatTransgender Hate Crimes: Victims, Their Families & Advocates Speak Out

Where: Brooklyn Law SchoolForchelli Conference Center205 State Street, Brooklyn (map)

WhenWednesday, October 7th7:00 pmCo-SponsorsAnti-Violence Project, Brooklyn Law School, Empire State Pride Agenda, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), Make the Road New York, New York Association for Gender Rights Advocacy (NYAGRA), and Queens Pride House.
Dinner and refreshments will be served.This event is free and open to the public.

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Texas District Judge Rules Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

District Judge Tena Callahan's ruling was immediately challenged by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott who maintains that Texas laws prohibiting same sex unions and marriages also deny same gender couples from dissolving these legal unions in Texas.

Judge Callahan believes that becuse federal law was written to protect all Americans it should pertain equally to all.

According to the the Dallas Morning News 'He [Judge Callahan] cited wording in the state Family Code that "the law of this state applies to persons married elsewhere who are domiciled in this state. And he noted that "Black's Law Dictionary defines a person as a 'human being.' "

on the web

Wall Street Journal Law Blog .Dallas Judge Shoots Down Texas’ Ban on Gay Marriage

AP Story Dallas judge clears way for gay divorce

by kelli Busey planetransgender

LDS Church turning away from Gay congregants

A Plea for Reconciliation

Although I am not a member og the LDS I would like to sign the petition for reconciliation. I was deeply affected by the incredible outcry of LDS members who visited my blog in disbelief after prop 8 was passed.

Parents caring for infants from the inner sanctum of the LDS walls, became fear stricken. Bewildered they visited planetransgender in the thousands with hopes of understanding WHY was I publishing Church addresses? WHY were there mobs of angry people just outside their church doors?

In their church sponsored ignorance they cradled their babies fearful of the future and suddenly the walls seemed to tremble. Tragically soon some will hold there children again and cry out in anguish WHY? WHY did my church spurn my child, my life, my hope? My child full of love now lays lifeless and we are destitute without his love.

These losses I mourn from far away and yet today the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints walk further distant, turning their backs, cold and silent as the mountain peaks.

All I can offer today is this tiny voice asking for reconciliation. I ask the LDS to please, step back towards your children, your hope. Today.

RECONCILIATION PETITION REQUEST TO THE FIRST PRESIDENCY OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Salt Lake Tribune Is LDS Church taking a step back on gay issues

STATISTICS COMPARING UTAH WITH THE U.S. GENERAL POPULATION report says Utah students attempt suicide less than their peers nationally-- 7 percent versus 8 percent.

Now the bad news: The actual rate of suicide in Utah is much higher than the national average.

Of the 15 to 24 year olds who died in 1997, 20 percent killed themselves. That makes suicide the state's second-leading single cause of death behind car accidents.

Brittany Novotny Challanging Sally Kerns in Oklahoma District 84 Race

Transgender woman Brittany Novotny, a lawyer from Oklahoma says its time for legislative action on issues not addressed by incumbent Sally Kerns in her past three terms. Ms. Novotny does not wish that her transgender identity be the focus of the election but recognizes that Kern's hate inspiring diatribes are a contributing factor in her decision to run.

KSBI-TV "Rep. Sally Kern thinks Brittany Novotny has chosen to run against her because Kern is known for her anti-gay comments. And Novotny says she's right."

"The way that plays into it, I feel like she's been in the legislature focusing on issues like that that aren't really facing Oklahoma voters right now," said Brittany Novotny, District 84 Candidate."



Brittany Novotny facebook
Follow on Twitter brittanyokc

Brittany Novotny official web site http://brittany4hd84.com/

Freedom to marry under attack in Maine.

An important message sent on behalf of No on 1 - Protect Maine Equality Campaign

Freedom to marry under attack in Maine.
The freedom to marry is under attack in Maine. We need your help!In less than six weeks, Maine voters will decide on a statewide referendum that could deny same-sex couples the freedom to marry. As usual, anti-gay extremists are doing everything they can to strip LGBT people of this fundamental right. Despite their efforts, polls show the election is very close.But with so much at stake, the No On 1 campaign in Maine needs every one of us to pitch in and make sure that voters in Maine hear from us. It's time to hit the phones!Sign up here to be part of the September 27th Maine Day of Action.

On Sunday, September 27, join thousands of volunteers from across the country who are calling Maine voters.
All you need is a phone and a computer with an internet connection. No long distance fees, no dialing – the web-based software does it all. But it can't sign you up! So do it – sign up here and dial for freedom.
For the past five years, the Task Force has been working side-by-side with our partners in Maine to prepare for this moment. Learn more about our work in Maine.

Relgious broadcaster (NRB) Only opposing voice to ENDA HR 3017

House Labor and Education Committee testimony establishes systemic State and Local governmental discrimination against LGBT people and disproves claims that religious right wing would be unfairly targeted.

Mr Parshell who represents NRB "Christian broadcasters" testified that HR 3017 would would unfairly subject the profit and not for profit religious radio stations his organization represents to additional litigation. Mr. Parshell stated he represents a wide diversity of faith communities presumably hoping to present religion as a whole as being opposed to ENDA.

ENDA uses the time proven tittle 7 scope to protect religious organizations. In 1998 the FCC ruled to cover religious broadcasters be they non profit or for profit.

Rabbi David Saperstein testified that ENDA enjoys a wide support of religious organizations.

MR. Miller, Chairman of the Labor and Education Committee, after hearing Vandy Beth Glenn recounting how she was summarily dismissed from her Georgia State job for being transgender breathed hard and said "We need this law."

Professor William Eskridge testified passionately that his dismissal at the University of Virginia was due to his sexual orientation. The irony of Professor Eskride testimony was that while being summarily dismissed at the University of Virgina the belief at that time in Congress was that LGBT people were degenerates, sexual predatory and prone to be disruptive of civil proceeding! That belief was substantiated by testimony in committee much like the current testimony debunking those same beliefs.

Federal Communications Commission 1998 News Release
FCC MODIFIES EEO ENFORCEMENT FOR RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS
The FCC said that religious broadcasters may establish religious belief or affiliation as a job qualification for all station employees.

NRB Press Release September 23, 2009NRB SAYS GAY RIGHTS BILL WILL "CRIPPLE" FAITH BASED GROUPS

Rabbi David SapersteinNewsweek’s 2009 list as the most influential rabbi in the country



Witnesses:

U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA)

Hon. Stuart J. Ishimaru
Acting Chairman
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

William Eskridge
John A. Garver Professor of Jurisprudence
Yale Law School

Vandy Beth Glenn
fired from her Georgia state legislative job when she told her supervisor she was transitioning from male to female

Camille Olson
Partner
Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Craig Parshall
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
National Religious Broadcasters Association

Rabbi David Saperstein
Director
The Religious Action Center

Brad Sears
Executive Director
Williams Institute
UCLA School of Law

by kelli Anne Busey September 23, 2009

H.R. 3017 ENDA, LIVE Committee Web Cast Sept 23

Watch live [CLICK HERE] via web cast today's hearing on ENDA in the Committee on Education and Labor. You can watch it live beginning at 10am on the committee's website by clicking on the link above and then selecting "Live Webcast" on the page. NCTE's staff is at the Capitol right now to attend the hearing.

Behind the wittiness's you may see Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies member Reverend Allyson Robinson and behind her is Mara Keisling of the NCTE.

One of the witnesses, Vandy Beth Glenn, was fired from her job for being transgender. We can all support her by making sure that congressional offices are hearing from others, like Vandy Beth, who are standing up for justice and equality.

We need to involve as many people as possible to make sure members of Congress hear us loud and clear about the urgency of passing ENDA.

Thanks to
National Center for Transgender Equality

Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition (TTPC) Fundraiser

The TTPC will hold it's fifth annual fundraiser on Saturday, October 17, 2008, 7 pm at the Holy Trinity Community Church. The keynote speaker will be Jeanne Richardson
State Representative (pictured right). Representative Richardson is a proponent of LGBT equality and has recently sponsored the House Hate Crimes (HB335) and Birth Certificate (HB334) Bills.

Details and a RSVP may be found at the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition web page.

Pass ENDA in 2009! "Tell Congress to Pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act NOW!"

From Equality Federation:

"Tell Congress to Pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act NOW!"
Click here to take action

"On September 23, the House Education and Labor Committee will hold a hearing to discuss ENDA, the federal employment nondiscrimination bill that would ban discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans. It is past time for Congress to pass ENDA -- please take action NOW to help us get the support we need. We must tell our Representatives and Senators how important these protections are to LGBT people".
Click here to take action

"To pass ENDA in Congress in 2009, we must speak up loud and clear! We must flood their offices with calls and emails!"

Click here to take action

"Contact your Representative and Senators to ask them to take swift action to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Do it today. They need to hear that this bill is our top priority. Then send this message to friends and family and ask them to do the same."

Sincerely,

Toni Broaddus
Executive Director
Equality Federation

My Worst Nightmare Lunch with Coworkers and the "Maury Show - Man or Women?"

Imagine when approaching your break room for lunch to be greeted with shouts "oh no I won't do that, he's really guy' and a non stop cascade of laughter and jeers as coworkers compared factual features and body types of contestants as they tried to 'trick' the studio audience into believing they were born woman.
Maury Show - Man or Women?


To a cisgender man or woman this maybe great fun. To a transgender person who has just started working part time after being unemployed and homeless for 8 months, this is your worst nightmare.

To put this into context. Imagine that you are one of the many ethnic people who were in the break room and were compelled to remain quite as coworkers bet on a contest if your parents and family were "Real Americans" by determining if their backs were wet or dry. Winner remains, losers shipped to a 'resettlement' camp or homelessness.

Or maybe you were a informed intelligent person in the break room or perhaps a closeted homosexual. Either way you could not hold my gaze as I stood in front of the TV and explained why I was so insulted by this show.

Do the last two scenarios seem a little ridiculous? That is true. Human rights have been earned and laws enacted that require society to respect ethnicity. It is expected and required.

Closeted homosexuals are so scared to be 'outed' they are among the most homophobic, transphobic and shameful of all and remain indiscernible to most.

Transgender people do not have that respect yet. Unlike LGB people most of us do not have the option of invisablity. However, transgender people are striving towards workplace equity with ENDA. Unfortunately there will be Judases like these people on the Maury Show who would sell their humanity for money and a chance for momentary fame.

Until societies mores change I will be compelled to stand up for my dignity and human rights whether it is in a break room, a transphobic Church or a bigoted politician.

Today I am meeting with HR to explain my mysterious I behaviour in the Lunch room that day. I will answer why I shut the TV off after what may have seemed to some in the room as irrational behaviour.

Wish me luck.

Fred Karger founder of "Californians Against Hate" Subpoenaed!

Picture courtesy of Latter Day Chino The as yet unanswered notice to reveal the NOM funders as required by law.

Prop. 8 Supporters Subpoena Activist Who Revealed Contributors

Source dailyjournal.com

"SACRAMENTO In its continuing efforts to protect the identity of those who bankrolled the campaign to pass Proposition 8, lawyers for The National Organization for Marriage have issued a subpoena for one of the leaders behind the opposition, Californians Against Hate founder Fred Karger, who led boycotts and created websites outing top contributors."
"The subpoena compels Karger to produce the group's financial records and all communications and documentation regarding affiliated websites and the dissemination of donor information. It also directs him to appear for a deposition on October 13th."
"This is harassment and they are trying to silence me," said Karger, who points out that he's not a party to the case. "I'm a citizen activist, and my organization is just me, funded entirely by myself versus the power of a group who has millions and millions of dollars behind it."

Source: Mike Tidmus Blog NOM subpoenas Fred Karger

"According to a press release sent a few minutes ago by Californians Against Hate, the group’s founder, Fred Karger, has been hit with a subpoena ordering him to produce the organization’s financial records and correspondence and to appear for a 13 October deposition. Clearly Karger’s complaints, filed in California and Maine, have the National Organization for Marriage’s collective knickers in a knot. This is, obviously, nothing more than a blatant attempt by NOM’s Maggie Gallagher to throw her considerable weight behind a shameless legal maneuver intended to suppress her opposition and conceal the sources of NOM’s substantial and mysterious funding."

Support the upcoming ENDA Congressional Hearing on 9/23/09

Join the "Hearing on Inclusive ENDA" Facebook group, and get info on how to contact the committee members in and near your state.

Go to the Facebook page for more information.

We are rapidly moving towards a vote. Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of their party.

Jillian T. Weiss
Co-Chair, Inclusive ENDA

Memnosyne Foundation

World peace!



What we do this moment directly affects people around the globe. It is our responsibility to make this a GOOD Thing! Please watch this video and pause to reflect. Did that coffee purchase mean? What does that extra tank of gas a week do? What can we do? Did 9/11 have to happen?

When in history can we recount acts of violence precluded violence?

http://www.memnosyne.org/

Courage Campaign: Urge your Congressmember to co-sponsor the Respect Marriage Act

From: The Courage Campaign

"The Defense of Marriage Act unfairly singles out legally married same-sex couples for inequitable treatment, denying those couples the protections and responsibilities cited over 1,100 times in federal statute that otherwise apply to married couples."

"Ask your Representative to co-sponsor the Respect Marriage Act, which would repeal DOMA as an important first step towards full equality. Remind them that we won’t stop until we reach full equality for all Americans."

Click Here to speak out for Equality!

Ohio House of Representatives passed H 176, the Equal Housing and Employment Act.

Anti-Discrimination Law Passes Ohio House of Representatives
History is made in Ohio

Today, with a vote of 56 to 39, the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 176, the Equal Housing and Employment Act. The historice vote marks the first time in Ohio that a vote on the floor of the Ohio General Assembly has occurred on legislation protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. The bill now moves to the Senate.

This win would not have been possible without years of hard work and dedication to change from activists across Ohio . Congratulations and thank you to everyone who played such a vital role in making today a reality.

Please take a moment to find your legislator's name below and click on the link to either thank them or express your disappointment.

Voting YES were (Democrats) Stewart, Belcher, Bolon, Book, Boyd, Budish, Brown, Carney, Celeste, Chandler, DeBose, DeGeeter, Domenick, Dodd, Driehaus, Dyer, Foley, Garland, Garrison, Gerberry, Goyal, Hagan, Harris, Harwood, Heard, Koziura, Letson, Luckie, Lundy, Mallory, Moran, Murray, Newcomb, Okey, Otterman, Phillips, Pillich, Pryor, Sayre, Schneider, Skindell, Slesnick, Sykes, Szollosi, Ujvagi, Weddington, B. Williams, S. Williams, Winburn, Yates, Yuko. (Republicans) McGregor, Blair, Dolan, Hite, Lehner. Click here to thank them.

Voting NO were (Republicans) J. Adams, R. Adams, Amstutz, Bacon, Baker, Balderson, Batchelder, Blessing, Bubp, Burke, Combs, Coley, Daniels, Derickson, Evans, Gardner, Goodwin, Grossman, Hackett, Hall, Hottinger, Huffman, Jordan, Maag, Mandel, Martin, McClain, Mecklenborg, Morgan, Oelslager, Ruhl, Sears, Snitchler, Stautberg, Stebelton, Uecker, Wachtman, Wagner, and Zehringer. Click here to express your disappointment

Absent: Boose, Fende and Patten

Celebrate with us tonight beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Union, 782 N. High St., Columbus
sign up for Equality Ohio Action Center.

Democratic National Committee appoints first transgender member

"Barbra Casbar-Siperstein is among the six LGBT nominees the DNC approved at a meeting in Austin, Texas. Others include Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, Victory Fund co-founder Terry Bean and Dallas County [Tex.] sheriff Lupe Valdez. Siperstein, who was also elected vice chair of the DNC’s Eastern Regional Caucus, reflected upon her appointment during an interview with EDGE last week."
Source: Boston Edge

Last Chance to speak up for Harvey Milk Day!

This bill would require the governor proclaim May 22 each year as Harvey Milk Day. It would encourage public schools and educational institutions to conduct suitable commemorative exercises on that date.
Capitol Office
(automated line)
916.445.2841
Fresno Office
559.477.1804
Los Angeles Office
213.897.0322
Riverside Office
951.680.6860
San Diego Office
619.525.4641
San Francisco Office
415.703.2218



Dustin Lance Black, Oscar-winning writer of the screenplay for Milk, testifies before the California Senate Education Committee on behalf of SB 572 | The Harvey Milk Day bill authored by Mark Leno and sponsored by Equality California. Add your name to the petition to Governor Schwarzenegger urging him to sign this important legislation.
eqca.org/HarveyMilkDay

Eight Years Later: A Week of Media Action Against the War in Afghanistan!

ON EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY OF AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF MILITARY FORCE IN AFGHANISTAN, PUBLIC STRONGLY OPPOSES THE WAR: COALITION OF ACTIVISTS CALL ON LEADERS FOR WITHDRAWAL
Thousands join CODEPINK, United For Peace & Justice, Peace Action West, MADRE and Community Leaders Medea Benjamin, Jodie Evans,Tom Hayden, Barbara Ehrenreich and Paul Haggis in Calling for Change
WASHINGTON D.C. - On the 8th Anniversary of the Authorization for Use of Military Force in Afghanistan, with public opinion opposing the war at an all time high, CODEPINK, United For Peace & Justice, Peace Action West, MADRE, Brave New Films and a coalition of progressive and antiwar organizations call on leaders for an exit strategy and near-term withdrawal.
Catalyzing the shift in public opinion toward a change in policy, the coalition is speaking out across the country supported by thousands of members. A petition to Take Action Against the War is being circulated widely signed by hundreds of community leaders, including longtime leader and activist Tom Hayden, CODEPINK founders Jodie Evans and Medea Benjamin, author Barbara Ehrenreich, filmmaker Paul Haggis and many more (view the petition at: http://bit.ly/rNDFS).
“The tide has turned on the war in Afghanistan, we need to raise our voices over the din of distraction, so that turning tide can bring our troops home and much needed peace and development to the people of Afghanistan” said CODEPINK co-founder Jodie Evans. “This week we aim to shake the ground below those who profit from and push for war and remind Congress a majority of the U.S. citizens want military engagement in Afghanistan to end, NOW.”
This week of action comes at a pivotal moment, as President Obama considers authorizing more troops for Afghanistan. Congressional leaders including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Carl Levin are expressing opposition to increased troop levels and according to a new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey, 57 percent of Americans now oppose the war in Afghanistan. “Our military is overstretched, our wallets are empty and there are no military solutions to these conflicts," said CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin. "We can save money, save lives and honor the will of the American people by focusing on negotiated solutions and bringing our troops home.”
The coalition and petition call on leaders to oppose escalation of troops, adopt an exit strategy based on all-party talks, regional diplomacy, unconditional humanitarian aid, and timelines promising an American and NATO military withdrawal from Afghanistan The Petition to Take Action Against the War will be delivered to Congress Thursday, just one day before the September 18th anniversary of the AUMF - the bill that authorized the invasion of Afghanistan.
CODEPINK Founders Medea Benjamin and Jodie Evans are available for interview. Contact Dana Balicki, 202.422.8624, dana@codepinkalert.org For more information go to http://www.codepinkalert.org/article.php?id=4895.

Equality Utah: Municipal Primary Election Tomorrow. Get OUT and Vote!

Tomorrow is the Municipal Primary Election and we want to remind you to GET OUT and VOTE! We have released a list of candidates that are supportive of the Common Ground Initiative, and we hope that you will support these candidates in tomorrow’s Primary Election!
Recommended Candidates
If you do not know where to vote, please call our office at 801.355.3479, and we will help you find your polling location.

Trinity MCC Arlington Hosts Shawn Thomas OUT Gay Christian Music Star

Out gay Christian musical sensation to bless Trinity MCC Arlington TX with a live celebration of Christ's all inclusive love!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Trinity Metropolitan Community Church (MCC)
Street: 1846 W Division #305
City/Town: Arlington, TX
View google map


Come join in the celebration and reception following the event on September 19 at Trinity MCC at 7:00 pm!

Shawn Thomas on line
Trinity MCC My Space
Facebook Event page

New Sexual Reassignment Surgery Laws in Thailand

New laws forbidding sexual reassignment surgery prior to age 18 and requiring parental consent for those between age 18 and 20 years will go into affect November 18 according to Asia One News.

Thailand will also enforce a regulation that a person seeking SRS have undergone a year 'Real Life' experience where in a transgender individual lives in their proper gender and undergoes hormones replacement therapy.

It is unclear what affect the new regulations will have on transgender people from foreign countries when they seek SRS in Thailand.

Thailand however does not have laws allowing a person to legally change there documents to properly reflect there gender which creates incredible hardship for a person in transition. Currently a transgender person is forced to identify themselves as a "Lady Boy", which according to search records at planetransgender is the term that people use when searching for transgender articles involving people from Thailand and many South East Asian countries.

According to Yollada Suanyot, chairperson of the Transgender Women of
Thailand group, the new regulations lack guidelines as to whom would make the determination if the applicant has met the criteria. In her opinion this will create further hardships for transgender people.

On the web
transgendernews

From "A T Revival" : God Made Me the Way I Am and I Accept Myself

A T Revival: God Made Me the Way I Am and I Accept Myself

"So Caster Semenya is determined to be intersex though she's always considered herself a woman."

"God made me the way I am and I accept myself. I am who I am and I'm proud of myself," she [Caster] said."

Source: Daliy Telegraph Caster Semenya has male sex organs and no womb or ovaries

I wanted to write about a athlete who's gender is being questioned, examined and evaluated and who's determination will effect the world in ways no other single could. But I hesitated. How could I approach this subject without contorting it, or worse yet, Jerry Springer sizing it?

It's actually simple. Thanks Lori D.

"God made me the way I am and I accept myself. I am who I am and I'm proud of myself," she [Caster] said."

The Trevor Project - National Suicide Prevention Week points to a preventable epidemic

Cross posted from the Thalamus Center by Fr. Marty Kurylowicz

Thalamus Center - Early Childhood Psychological Development Growing Up Gay - M Kurylowicz: The Trevor Project - National Suicide Prevention Week points to a preventable epidemic - By Charles Robbins

A new study released in August by the UCLA School of Public Health found that lesbian, gay and bisexual people are twice as likely as heterosexual men and women to seek help from mental health >professionals. This recently-revealed conclusion perfectly illustrates the already often-noted statistic determined by a Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey published in 2007: LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers – a fact we’re all too familiar with at The Trevor Project.

Sam's Pink Dress is Perfect

A Rock and a Hard Place
Sarah Hoffman's young son's preference for dresses, long hair and tiaras makes for some very difficult parenting choices.



Young Mother Sarah Hoffman's son Sam is living in the spectrum of gender diversity that does not fit neatly into our X and O world. Sarah and Sam are beginning the journey on the path less taken and we may view their life from the perspective of people who have been so blessed to be a traveling companion.

Please join with Sam and Sarah.......On parenting a boy who is different

Would Jesus Discriminate along I-30 in Texas? Why Would We?

Brother Curtis Smith, Pastor of the Trinity Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) Arlington Texas speaks up for LGBT equality!



According to Pastor Smith the "Use of religion to discriminate is not Christlike". Curtis went on to say that "while nearly everyone recognizes John 3.16, equally important is the message of John 3.17 "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

If you would like send a comment to Channel 11 news please Click Here .

I love to worship at Trinity MCC in Arlington Texas. I nearly always cry during the MCC communion when Pastor Curtis or one of the hundreds of MCC's world wide proclaim that this table is open to all to share. You do not need to be a member any church, you are not required to be baptised, all are welcome.

A place for everyone. No Exceptions.

Please, come join with us in worship at Trinity MCC Arlington Texas

Sunday Worship Services are at 11:00 am

1846 W. Division Street
Suite 305
Arlington, TX 76012
(817) 265-5454
Contact Us
-info@trinitymcc.org

Would Jesus Discriminate.org

Iranian Queer Organization (IRQO)

When Neda was murdered by goverment security the image of her lifeless body falling to the pavement created a world community of people who do not recognize any goverments perceived authority to enslave and partition LGBT people. Her death puts into context the desperate plight of free thinking people in Iran.
While I know nothing of the Persian Gay and Lesbian Organization (PGLO}
also known as the Iranian Queer Organization (IRQO), I would ask what can we do to help and how can we do nothing at all?

By kelli Anne Busey
Transgender Woman

Maine Equality Under Attack. Please do the right thing.

The next big battle is here, and we need your help.



The same anti-equality forces that spent millions and spread lies to pass Proposition 8 in California have set their sights on Maine. The National Organization for Marriage, Focus on the Family and the PR firm behind Prop. 8 have gone East to overturn the marriage equality law that passed this spring.

Invest directly in this critical effort – give to the HRC Maine Marriage PAC.

There's a lot riding on the outcome of this vote – marriage equality for Maine and momentum for our fight nationwide.

HRC has been on the ground in Maine for months, working with local groups across the state and the NO on 1/Protect Maine Equality campaign. Will you help run this amazing new ad produced by the campaign and bolster our efforts?

Watch the ad and donate to help run it in key markets – 100% of your gift will go straight to the fight for equality in Maine.

We have less than 60 days until Mainers will vote on a Prop. 8-style initiative that would void the marriage equality law enacted this spring.

We've received word that right-wing groups have already spent $600,000 to blanket the state with anti-marriage ads. We can count on a campaign fueled by distortion and lies, just like we saw in California last year.

We need to fight back with the truth. And let me be clear: a victory in Maine is within our reach... But we need more support early in the game.

Were there lessons in California? Certainly. One key lesson was that not enough people invested early to defeat Prop. 8. We can't let that happen again.

Did you know that an early contribution is, literally, three times more valuable to a campaign than one given at the end? It's true.

Invest directly in this critical effort – give to the HRC Maine Marriage PAC.

You Tube channel ProtectMaineEquality

This isn't just about Maine. We can stop these anti-equality forces – and when we do, we'll help protect and defend marriage equality everywhere. Thank you for your help.

Warmly,

Joe Solmonese
President

Final Push to Pass ENDA September 8th NCTE Conference Call

Tonight, Tuesday, September 8, NCTE will be hosting a conference call to bring you up to date and let you know how you can help get the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) passed.

This may be our last chance to impact this bill in 2009 and we need your help.

Congress is back in session and it's time for us to consider what we've accomplished this summer and look at the steps we need to take this month as we move closer and closer to a vote. The call tonight is completely free but you will need to register (this allows us to call on you for questions and tells us how many people are present).

Please take just a minute to register now.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, September 8

Time: 8 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. CT, 6 p.m.MT, 5 p.m. PT

Click here to register today

Registration is completely free

http://nctequality.org/enda.html

Transgender Woman Brittany Novotny Challenges Homophobic Sally Kern

It's official. Brittany Novotny has made her intentions clear.

.....SOMEBODY NEEDS TO SAY IT!

And I couldn't say it better.

Source ...........SOMEBODY NEEDS TO SAY IT!

"Oklahoma may have a savior at hand. An articulate, successful transgender woman is exploring a run against anti-gay state Representative Sally Kern and her backward, hate-inciting agenda. Attorney Brittany Novotny, who is also a community activist, has set up a Website page to accept donations for her exploratory test, after filing Form SO-1 (Statement of Organization) with the Oklahoma State Ethics Commission to begin raising funds for her likely campaign against Kern. Click the above icons to go to her Facebook and Twitter Pages or go directly to her donation site by clicking on the button below."

On Twitter Brittany Novotny, On Facebook Brittany Novotny, Homepage Donate please!

"Officially named "Brittany Novotny 4 HD 84 in 2010," the candidate’s committee mailing address is P.O. Box 374; Bethany, OK 73008 and they are now accepting money. Novotny can be reached for campaign purposes at brittany4hd84@gmail.com. William Gleason of Norman, Oklahoma has been named treasurer. The LGBT community, as well as freedom-loving people everywhere, need to do all they can to help point Oklahoma into the 21st Century. We need to show the world that hate is no longer a religious value here and that empathy is now extolled as a God-like virtue. Visit Brittany Novotnoy’s Webpage today, http://www.brittany4hd84.com/, and donate what you can."

...........SOMEBODY NEEDS TO SAY IT!

Facebook Brittany Novotny

On Twitter Brittany Novotny

Donate please!

RIP San Antonio Drag Performer Niki Hunter aka James Lee Whitehead

James Lee Whitehead (a.k.a. Niki Hunter) Photos courtesy J. Johnson
by Kelli Busey

In what appears to be a accidental shooting death, James Lee Whitehead while on his way home after performing as Niki Hunter and was allegedly attacked by these three men.
"Jesse Ramon, Fernando Rodriguez and Michael Martinez were armed with handguns when they assaulted James Lee Whitehead (a.k.a. Niki Hunter) in the early morning hours of August 30. A policeman on the scene accidentally killed Whitehead when he shot at one of the assailants."

James Lee Whitehead was mortally wounded by a bullet fired by Officer William Karman, a one-and-half-year veteran of the San Antonio Police Department.

God bless Officer Karman and family and the San Antonio Police.
Source: Q San Antionio

One Kalamazoo Defend's the City's Non-Discrimination Ordinance

One Kalamazoo is the campaign formed to defend the Kalamazoo Non-Discrimination Ordinance. As a ballot question committee, One Kalamazoo will encourage voters to support the ordinance during the November 3, 2009 elections.


One Kalamazoo is a strategic campaign driven by local volunteers and expertise. Guided with aide from a Steering Committee of business and community leaders representing the diversity and values of Kalamazoo, One Kalamazoo represents the best of Kalamazoo’s values—hard work, equal treatment, fair play, and the recognition that discrimination is wrong.

To start engaging in the online conversation, click on any of the icons on the One Kalamazoo homepage and follow, friend, or fan us.

http://onekalamazoo.com/

San Francisco "Tranny Fest" Transgender Film Festival Seeks Entries

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Ippadikku गुलाब Rose Transgender Talk Show Host

Ippadikku गुलाब

"For the first time in television history, Indian viewers will get to watch a transgender anchor. 28 year old, Rose, would be hosting a regional talk show 'IPADIKU ROSE' meaning 'Your Rose'."





"It would be a weekend show on the popular channel Star Vijay TV. Rose, at the age of 20 took a firm decision when she realized that she is a woman at heart. Ever since then, she has been keen on working for the upliftment of others like her."

Two Miss India Transgender Pageants in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI, India. Transgender people in India are among those who have suffered the most. We have been subjugated into sexual slavery and then discarded like trash after those who have developed a fetish for transgender people's lust has been sedated.
In an attempt to raise the spirit of transgender people and to change how the public views us, a non transgender man, Mr. A.J. Hariharan, (pictured left) founder secretary of the Indian
Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO) is planning Miss India Transgender 'Beauty pageant' to be held in Chennai India.

However well intentioned at that at this time the pageant would focus on physicality and ignore the spirituality and intellectual components that are truly at the core of being transgender. This would clearly do more damage that good, as well intentioned as it may be, by contributing to the misogynistic perception that only the physically "Perfect sexual Woman" is acceptable.

Transgender Activist Kalki Subramaniam, founder of the Sahodari Foundation based in Tamilnadu, India believes that although this may a step it is a miss step and not a step up for transgender people. She has objected to this pageant and is planning a transgender pageant that would focus on the beautiful soul of transgender people.

Please email Mr.A.J.Hariharan. and voice your concerns about the focus of his "Beauty Pageant".

Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO)

Sex-change for Free : Tamil Nadu India

ENDA S.1584 UPDATE 8/31/09 We 12 Need VOTES!

Dr. Jillian T. Weiss
Inclusive ENDA
Email 18 Critical Senators

We're almost there, kids. We have 95% of the gas we need to get there in the House, but only 80% of what we need in the Senate. Face it, you're going to have to get out and push at some point.

To help you, here the scoop on what's happening in the Senate, followed by email links and telephone numbers after the jump. Print this out and paste it on your wall. Play "ENDA: The Home Edition" by ticking off the Senators as they come on board. You'll get a prize if you collect all 60!
Okay, gang, here's what's going on. We need 60 votes to win against a likely Republican filibuster. There are 48 Senators with confirmed yes votes on S.1584. The game is a treasure hunt to find another twelve votes so it can pass. Can you find all twelve?

Thirteen of the Senators with unconfirmed positions have track records that include co-sponsorship of legislation containing the language of sexual orientation and gender identity. (See the Senate spreadsheet for info on that track record. Their local district telephone numbers are set out below so that you may contact them. If you click on the name, you will get a link to their email page.

(If you prefer to call them in DC, the telephone number is 202-224-3121.)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) 907-271-3735
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) 870-910-6896
Sen. Michael F. Bennet (D-CO) 719-328-1100
Sen. Thomas R. Carper (D-DE) 302-674-3308
Sen. Ted Kaufman (D-DE) 302-424-8090
Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) 812-218-2317
Sen. Richard G. Lugar (R-IN) 812-465-6313
Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) 504-589-2427
Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC) 336-333-5311
Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) 702-388-6605
Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH) 216-522-7095
Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) 605-226-3440
Sen. Jay Rockefeller, IV (D-WV) 304-253-9704

The following five Senators are also considered potentially supportive based on their track records.

Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR) 501-324-6336
Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) 850-942-8415
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) 406-756-1150
Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) 701-852-0703
Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) 304-264-4626

If at least twelve of these eighteen Senators come on board, as seems likely, then S.1584 will pass the Senate.
Email them, call them, get them on board for S.1584!
And, if haven't already, join our Inclusive ENDA campaign on Facebook. (Link: http://bit.ly/endanow)

Posted here on Bileric Poject Click Here To Email 18 Crucial Senators on ENDA

Epworth United Methodist Church To Rev. David Weekley: All Means All!

The United Methodist Church is perceived by many as a denomination that discriminates openly against LGBT people.

The Methodists, who have as recently as the 2008 conference reconfirmed its legal right as a religious institution to discriminate, have been challenged in that conscript by a small Oregon church in their affirming love for it's own pastor as he came out as the second openly transgender minister.

Much to Pastor Weekley's amazement his church of 27 years threw it's arms wide open in love and affirmation after learning of his transition. The Epworth Methodist Church's congregation is composed of people who live the incredibly difficult, but richly rewarding reconciling process in their daily lives. The memories of injustices of heart and soul are confronted daily as many faced hysterical persecution becuse of there ethnicity which resulted in 'resettlement' prior to World War Two. Because of that injustice, and what truly lays in the hearts of this congregation, they have long ago transcended bigotry!

What we might learn here could literally save our world.

Please read more about the 'Congregation embraces transgender minister as his secret is revealed' at the Beaverton Valley Times.

MLK’s 1964 address to the Methodist Student Movement

I was called to the 2008 Methodist Conference and attended with Soulforce.

Soulforce to Mark 10th Anniversary in 2008 with Direct Action at United Methodist General Conference

by Kelli Busey/planetransgender/August 31,2009

TABC Chief Moreno Fires Agents, Fort Worth Police offer appology. JUSTICE?

TABC fires and suspends and amends policy. Fort Worth police offer Apology. Justice unfinished.

By kelli Busey/planetransgender/August 28, 2009.

Heavy disciplinary action was announced today by the Chief of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). According to the August 28 TABC Press Release Chief of Field Operations Joel Moreno has fired agents Christopher Aller, Agent Trainee Jason Chapman and Sgt. Terry Parsons.

TABC officers not exempt.

Fort Worth District Lt. Gene Anderson has been notified that he will receive three days suspension without pay and six months probation and Captain Robert "Charlie" Cloud has received a written reprimand.

Fort Worth Police Officers Exempt from the law.

The Fort Worth Police officers instigated this illegal action while wearing uniforms misidentifying them as state police. According to the report, which is contrary to all other accounts, filed by Officer Gober they were sexually molested and assaulted while they initially enter the Rainbow Lounge.

This STINKS of cohersion, outright LIES and latent homosexuality exploding into extreme Violence.

The TABC officers while far from guiltless they were simply the victims of there own homophobia and allowed themselves to be buffoned by the Fort Worth Police into breaking the law. Now are they the (Fall Guys)?

No Fort Worth Police regulations were broken because there were none in place governing TABC joint actions according to Fort Worth Chief Halstead.

Police report available( here as .pdf)

At this time planetransgender is not aware of any disciplinary actions taken by The Fort Worth Police how ever Chief Jeff Halstead has issued an apology and promised to institute new regulations by September that should curtail unapproved, unsupervised and arbitrary use of armed force and brutality against LGBT people in the future.

For that I am grateful. But Chief Halstead's police officers were at a minimum as fully involved as the TABC agents. Concrete action by the FT. Worth police? They hired another cop purportedly as a liaison.

Break my head=hire more cops. Where is the justice?

On the web

Joe.my.god

TABC Press Release

TABC Chief Moreno Takes Action Following Rainbow Lounge Investigation

Transgender Resources in Dallas Texas

Resources for transgender, Queer, Intersexed, and Questioning people in Dallas Texas. We are a dynamic, powerful community so frequent updates will be required to maintain this page and input is invited.

Discrimination is against the law within the city of Dallas in the workplace, housing, the City emergency shelter 'The Bridge' and public areas based on gender expression.

Fair Housing Office - Human Rights Compliance 'definitions'
"Sexual Orientation – means an individual’s real or perceived orientation as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or transgender."

The Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies working with city managers crafted a transgender inclusive policy for emergency shelter at "The Bridge" which is managed by the
Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance The Bridge personal are required to honor your self described gender expression and treat you with dignity and the respect you deserve.

If you feel you have been discriminated against for your gender expression at "The Bridge" please email me kelli@yahoo.com and/or John Wright News Editor wright@dallasvoice.com

My home group Alcohol anonymous GLBTIQ(AA)sponsored by Lambda Legal

Gear, Gender Education Advocacy Resources sponsors the Transgender Helpline / 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, 6 – 8:30 p.m. 214-528-0144

Counselors for Transgender, Questioning and Gender Queer

Feleshia Porter Gender Identity, Gender Transition, Sexual Identity, Self-Esteem, Relationships, Individual & Group Therapy

Substance abuse

Pride Institute LGBT mental health and chemical dependency. [note. The local care facility was closed but many people are successfully referred to and treated at the remaining Pride facilities.]

Youth Groups

YouthFirst Texas Youth First Texas is the only non-profit organization in Dallas exclusively committed to providing social services, education opportunities, and recreational activities to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Questioning (GLBTQ) Youth through age 22.

GLESN Dallas The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Network strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

COLAGE is a national movement of children, youth, and adults with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) parent/sCOLAGE is a national movement of children, youth, and adults with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) parent/s. We build community and work toward social justice through youth empowerment, leadership development, education, and advocacy.

Transgender Organizations - Metroplex
[compiled 2005 some links maybe outdated]

Religious institutions who are transgender and/or welcome TIQ people Transgender Churches In the DFW

Affordable Hormone (HRT) clinic

Transgender Health Night / 3rd Monday of each month, 6:00pm at Nelson-Tebedo Health Resource Center (click for map). Low-cost lab work and access to medical staff (referral may be required at a doctor's discretion).

Radio Sin Fronteras 'Sin Fronteras' (Without Borders): A bilingual radio program with Music (English, Spanish, World Beat), News, Commentary, lnterviews, Gossip y pues--todo de mas!

Dallas Fort Worth Tri-Ess Chapter - Based in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. Heterosexual crossdresser organization. Includes meeting, membership, contact information and a calendar of events.


Dallas chapter: Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Glaad Dallas Glaad's name could easily be Gal+b+T+I+Q+Qad. But for sanity's sake Glaad works!

Dallas office Lambda Legal

Dallas Human Rights Campaign (HRC) web site

The Gay and Lesbian Task Force national conference Think Big and Live Large at Creating Change in Dallas Texas! Feb 3-7 2010

Transgender law.org

North Texas Gender Friends

Gender Power

The Premier Media Source For LGBT Texans The Dallas Voice

.Vanity Transformations Studio is in Houston but has a online services avalable also.