Transgender Woman Dana Beyer attacked with 'KGB-type tactics'

Dana Beyer's employer, Montgomery Maryland County Councilwoman Duchy Trachtenberg is furious about the secretive 'KGB-type' investigation being conducted by the state's ethics committee.

The ethics committee, apparently motivated by the anti transgender group "Citizens for a Responsible Government" has secretively been conducting after hours searches of the official offices and computers of her top advisor. " Citizens for a Responsible Government" were the sponsors of the failed petition drive to bring the recently passed transgender inclusive anti discrimination ordinances in Montgomery Maryland to a popular vote.

Source: Gazette.com "A County Councilwoman's senior policy adviser who helped draft the county's antidiscrimination law to protect transgendered people now is using the law in filing a complaint against the Montgomery County Ethics Commission."

"I helped craft the bill, and I'm the first to use it," said Dana Beyer, a transgendered woman who serves as senior aide to Councilwoman Duchy Trachtenberg (D-At large). "That's a delicious irony."

"Beyer filed a complaint Tuesday with the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission against the county, claiming its Ethics Commission has investigated her for the past eight months because of her "gender identity." read full story at Gazette.com

Barbra Boxer and Courage Campaign for Reproductive Rights

On November 7, the House passed the Stupak Amendment to their health care reform bill, representing one of the biggest setbacks to women’s health in recent decades – unless we stand together and stop it.

That's why I just signed the petition Senator Barbara Boxer has launched FightForWomensHealth.com, calling for the removal of the Stupak Amendment from any bill that reaches the President's desk.

The House amendment would tell women who participate in the new health insurance exchange that they can't even use their own funds to buy a policy that offers abortion coverage.

In short, the Stupak Amendment would take away health insurance coverage that women already have. This is a huge step back for women’s health.

Join me and Senator Boxer to FightForWomensHealth.com today!

Thank you!

Sarah Silverman YouTube "Sell the Vatican, Feed The World"

Live, Love, and Learn: DC Diocese Turns on Homeless

Catholic gargoyle salivating for the weakest. The homeless and destitute are easy prey when they are freezing and hopeless. Joseph Ratzinger's pseudo christian organization 'Catholic Church" knows this better than anyone as they forgo their Christian facade in threatening extortion by abandoning 67,000 homeless in the District of Columbia just before the winter if the Capitol city of the United States does not comply with it's demands. Read the whole story at Live, Love, and Learn: DC Diocese Turns on Homeless

Will Phillips Arkansas Fifth Grader Refuses to Pledge Allegiance until LGBT people are Equal

Ten year old Will Phillips, who's intelligence was recognized by skipping fourth grade, demonstrated extraordinary compassion and empathy when he recently sited a 1943 Supreme Court ruling and refused to recite the pledge of alliance. Phillips believes until all Americans are equally enjoying "liberty and Justice for all" the pledge is a empty verse.

This incredible young ally who's orientation is not gay, is enduring a homophobic backlash by his adolescent classmates and in all of places, Arkansas. The home of former Governor Huckabee recently enacted a state amendment to its constitution prohibiting adoption of children by same sex couples.

Arkansas is one of the most anti gay states and this according to Will is being proven true as the same children have over and again taunted him with phrases such as 'Gaywad'.

***Update December 3, 2009***
I have been contacted separately by Will's mother and father. Both are very grateful for the emails and phone calls in support of Will. Both are happy that Will is now focused on his school work and both are satisfied with the response from the school. It would seem at this time continued contact with the school is not necessary at this time.~kelli

Please take action "Support Will Phillips" by emailing the The West Fork School District.

Sample email:

Dr. Naccaman Williams
Chair of the State Board of Education.
E-mail: naccaman@att.net
Mailing Address: 2807 Brookshire St., Springdale, AR 72762

Deborah Harnish
President West Forks District Board
359 School Ave, West Fork, AR 72774
(479) 839-2231

Re: Protect educational integrity and protecting Will Phillips from bullying.

Dear Deborah Harnish and Dr. Naccaman Williams,

It has come to my attention that a substitute teacher in your district has attempted to intimidate and bully a student, Will Phillips, into doing something that was against that students better judgement and moral values. Phillips decision not to participate in reciting the pledge of allegiance was in fact, a constitutional right protected by a supreme court ruling.

The student Will Philips, has since then reported becoming the subject of homophobic bullying even though Will Phillips himself does not identify as gay.

I am asking that you require this teacher to apologize for attempting to intimidate Phillips, and that the school principal make a announcement that the school respects individual rights and the school will not allow harassment within it's walls. This would send a message to your students and teachers that bullying is not acceptable.

I wold also ask that you require your teachers to make a speical effort to be attentive and aware of bullying and to stop it immediately when it is apparent. These actions will save lives and allow your schools to pursue the American ideals that are set forth in the Pledge of Allegiance and so valued by Will Phillips.

Thank you
Kelli Anne Busey
Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

On the Web:

West Fork School District

Edge San Francisco article Arkansas 10-Year-Old Won’t Pledge Allegiance Until Gays Gain Equality

Arkansas Times article A boy and his flag
Why Will won’t pledge

House Committee to Take Action on ENDA Call in on November 18
Take Action!
Take action today for the next bill that will positively impact transgender people: ENDA

Sign the ENDA petition

Write to your members of Congress

Read our Toolkit on how you can take action

NCTE Website

November 12, 2009
"Now is the time that we must take action for ENDA! Whether you have never contacted your members of Congress or if you are a frequent visitor in their offices, we need you to call this week if this bill is to pass."
-Mara Keisling

Today, Chairman George Miller (D-CA) of the House Committee on Education and Labor announced that the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) will take its next steps when the committee marks up the bill next Wednesday, November 18; this is one of the final steps that precedes a vote by the full House. House leadership is optimistic about the bill that would ban from the workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, although they stress the importance that advocacy efforts for ENDA remain strong. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) is the principle sponsor of the bill, joined by 189 co-sponsors, and along with Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) has been a strong champion of this legislation.The Senate is also considering the bill and held a hearing in committee last week on the matter. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-WA) is the lead sponsor and strong advocate for the measure. When asked at a press conference last week whether there was any chance that gender identity would be stripped out of the bill, he answered simply, "No."But, even with these strong optimistic signs and committed leaders, members of Congress still need to hear loud and clear from our communities.

The radical right is already in full swing on this fight, energizing their base to call and put pressure on Congress, spreading their untruths and stereotypes about who we are. Their voices must not outnumber ours. It is up to us to communicate the urgency of this bill, and to do that we must pick up the phones and call. "Never before in the history of our movement has there been a time when it is so critical that we all are active advocates for transgender rights. It really is that important," notes Mara Keisling, Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. "We are at a moment when our rights are not guaranteed but they are within our reach if we speak up about the urgent need for the employment protections contained within ENDA. We need you to take action."NCTE is participating with a wide range of other LGBT groups in the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights call in days in support of ENDA. Our day to call is Wednesday, November 18. We hope you'll be a part of this important effort and you'll encourage your friends to call.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Next Wednesday, Nov. 18, or whenever is convenient for you, call the Capitol Switchboard at 202.224.3121 and ask to speak to your Representative (have your zip code handy and they'll help identify your member of Congress). When you are connected with your Representative's office, give your name and your city and then let them know:

I am calling in support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H. R. 3017/S. 1584), which will protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from job discrimination. No one deserves to be fired from their job because of who they are. Please vote yes for ENDA

If you get voicemail instead of a person, feel free to leave a message-the messages are listened to and count just as much as if you reach a staff member. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you've called in the past, no problem ... call again or write or visit.For extra credit, when you are done, hang up and call the Capitol Switchboard again, let the operator know what state you are calling from, and they will connect you with your Senators. And please, forward this message to your friends, family members and allies.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
There are many ideas about how you can take action on NCTE's ENDA webpage. Visit it today. The more we all do, the more likely we are to pass this vital legislation. It is up to us.
About NCTEThe National Center for Transgender Equality is a national social justice organization devoted to ending discrimination and violence against transgender people through education and advocacy on national issues of importance to transgender people. By empowering transgender people and our allies to educate and influence policymakers and others, NCTE facilitates a strong and clear voice for transgender equality in our nation's capital and around the country. The National Center for Transgender Equality is a 501(c)3 organization.

[Walking With Integrity] Calling all Clergy and Faith Community Leaders

Thursday, November 12, 2009 7:12 PM
From: "Integrity USA"

Within weeks, the U.S. House of Representatives will consider passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), a bill to prohibit workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Religious voices are instrumental in persuading legislators to support the fair treatment of all workers by passing an inclusive ENDA.

If you are a member of the clergy or a leader in your faith community, please sign the online letter (http://goldenruleatwork.org/) in support of equality in the workplace.

Then, take a minute to forward the letter to your colleagues locally and nationally.

More than 30 major religious denominations and insinuations have already signed onto an organizational letter in full support of ENDA. United by a spiritual obligation to treat others with the respect we desire for ourselves, the interfaith community is calling on Congress to pass federal legislation protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) employees. In 29 states it is currently legal to fire, refuse to hire, or deny a promotion to lesbian, gay, and bisexual workers; discrimination based on a person’s real or perceived gender identity is still tolerated in 38 states. It is long past time we ended this injustice.
Take action and find out more online at: http://goldenruleatwork.org/

Engage your community further by participating in the national faith community call-in day on Thursday, November 19th. This call-in comes on the heels next week’s expected review of ENDA by the House Education and Labor Committee. Pick up the phone and call your Member of Congress at 202-224-3121 to demand equality with the House’s passage of H.R. 3017 (ENDA).

Open invitation to Fort Worth Mayor Moncrief and Council Members to Attend Fort Worth TDOR 2009

Open letter to Mayor Moncrief, City Council Members and Police Chief Halstead.

Subject: Invitation to the Tarrant County/ Fort Worth Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR).

Location: Carr Chapel on TCU
Address: 2855 S. University Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76129
Date: November 20, 2009 Time: 7:30 pm

I am Kelli Busey, one of the three transgender people to speak during the comment section prior to the voting on M&C G-16757 proposal amending City code 17 to include transgender people in the anti discrimination ordinance.

During my comments I invited all members to attend the TDOR and noted that many members signifing by a nod, an understanding of the significance of the TDOR.

Mayor Moncrief prefaced the public comment section with a appeal that the comments be limited to amending Ordinance 17. Most of the Gay and Lesbian supporters who commented did so, making a distinction between sexual orientation and gender identity. Most of the opponents signified their ignorance, by not doing so.

Most of the opponents of a potential yes vote do not understand who transgender people are, have a misunderstanding of the Bible or have relied on others sadly to misinform them. The opponents of a yes vote more often than not prefaced there comments with statements that including transgender people in Fort Worth's anti discrimination policy as contrary to their biblical teachings, a potential threat to their freedom to practice religion, a threat to the freedom of speech, an added burden to local business because of legal costs defending employment decisions, as undesirable to family communities and and most erroneous and disingenuous of all, a threat to woman and children in public places.

All of these perceived threats have been shown to be untrue in Dallas since it's including in 2002 of transgender people in it's anti discrimination policies and across the country in hundreds of inclusive cities.

Why this invitation to you is so very important. I found disturbing the incorrect terminology used by both the council members and our opponents, to describe us as "Living a life Style Choice" and that our mysterious decision was contrary to all they had been taught during their upbringing. These statement would lead one to believe that the Council is, by no fault of it's own, ignorant about transgender people and that they believed we had a option as to our who we are. I assure you we do not.

Whether you voted yes or no I hope that by you attending the Tarrant County TDOR that an enlightenment process may begin. I am sure with the intensity that our opponents displayed every councilmember will be called to stand with informed conviction behind your stated desire to eliminate discrimination in your cities non discrimination policy of any minority in the past or present.

Most unsettling was the opponents comments that they wished to bring this manner up for a popular vote.

Never in history has a majority granted a minority equality by popular vote.

It is my hope that each and everyone invited and all the public will attend the the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Thank you,
Respectfully,

Kelli Anne Busey
Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies
http://Dallastaa.ning.com

Press release Tarrant County Transgender Day of Remembrance 2009
http://bit.ly/1G7Ztf

Facebook RSVP (optional)
http://bit.ly/1Nnckk

Cc. Mayor Mike Moncrief Telephone: 817-392-6118, Fax: 817-392-6187, E-mail: mike.moncrief@fortworthgov.org | Mayor Pro Tem Danny Scarth (District 4) Telephone: 817-392-8804 Fax: 817-392-6187 E-mail: District4@fortworthgov.org | Councilmember Sal Espino Telephone: 817-392-8802 Fax: 817-392-6187
E-mail: District2@fortworthgov.org | Councilmember W.B. 'Zim' Zimmerman Telephone: 817-392-8803 Fax: 817-392-6187 E-mail: District3@fortworthgov.org | Councilmember Frank Moss Telephone: 817-392-8805 Fax: 817-392-6187 E-mail: District5@fortworthgov.org | Councilmember Jungus Jordan Telephone: 817-392-8806 Fax: 817-392-6187 E-mail: District6@fortworthgov.org | Councilmember Carter Burdette Telephone: 817-392-8807
Fax: 817-392-6187 E-mail: District7@fortworthgov.org | Councilmember Kathleen Hicks Telephone: 817-392-8808 Fax: 817-392-6187 E-mail: District8@fortworthgov.org | Councilmember Joel Burns Telephone: 817-392-8809 Fax: 817-392-6187
E-mail: District9@fortworthgov.org | Jeffrey Halstead
Chief of Police fwpdweb@fortworthpd.com

Sponsor: Rev. David Wynn, revwynn@yahoo.com; Curtis Smith, curtisls7@yahoo.com; Dr. Rita Cotterly, PhD., drritac@gmail.com. Kelli Anne Busey, kellibusey@yahoo.com or Stephen V. Sprinkle, s.sprinkle@tcu.edu

Fort Worth Votes For Transgender Protective Ordinance

Marathon meeting results in transgender protections.

November 11,2009 Fort Worth, Texas. City council members voted 6 to 3 to adopt a ordinance to prohibit discrimination in places of public accommodation, employment and housing on the basis of transgender, gender expression and gender identity.

After an intense debate with both sides having been allowed to voice their views mayor Moncrief called for a vote with resulting in 3 no and 6 yes votes.

Gay and Lesbian supporters of transgender rights braved the gathering of placard vocal religio-bots that are commonly found wherever LGBT people gather, but this time we did not allow them to make us angry. We understood the stakes and placed duct tape over our mouths as a reminder what our reason for being there was and the futility of shouting. The forum inside would require us to be clear minded and level headed to succeed.

What was absent from our supporters were GLBT CLERGY?!? GLBT people and the council were left to hear one after another good "Christian" describe how they found our "life style choice" morally offensive and how they did not want that present for there children.

Pastors, do not wonder why your churches are empty, you were not there and the uncontested misconceptions, lies and hate we heard that night is nearly all that most LGBT people know of religion.

After enduring the hate and lies we were all rewarded by having our LGBT civil rights movement progress.

Thank you to the wonderful Gay and Lesbian community of north Texas!

Transgender Christ on a path less taken

I am following in the path of Jesus on his journey on a path less taken. I am both peaceful and desperate to serve, understand and live both in his joyful testament and sorrowful pain. Therefore as he blesses my life when I pray I am also with him in his desperation.

Before I was aware that the holy spirit existed, I was called to a gathering from all corners of the earth of people who profess their love of God and Christ thru the Methodist faith. In that gathering were powerful people who banded together and agreed to once again conditionally accept as laity only, sexual minorities. Much to my surprise, one of the main reasons I felt so compelled to follow those events, the threatened defrocking of transgender ministers, was never even taken up.

I was lead to beleive the misogynistic untruth that only by the grace of those who led that Church, transgender ministers were granted a temporary reprieve and due to a lack of preparation they had not been persecuted. I breathed a sigh of relief in this knowledge that the Ministers I had come to somehow defend with my newly found spirit, would be allowed to return to their beloved flocks.

As time went on I became aware that Christ was looking over me. To my awe and fear I felt a vision of him sometimes pleased and sometimes dismayed, always in front of me, always observing. I prayed that I could always please Jesus and be rewarded by his affirming presence and when I displeased him that I would know this by his vision and I would know to mend my ways.

Then one day I no longer saw Jesus as physical presence, but became aware he is inside of me accompanied by the spirit. The absence of his physicality terrified me. How am I to know I am living in his word? So I began to study the Bible and finding passages where God blessed eunuchs. And the more I read, the more I learned that transgender people were acknowledged and blessed by Christ and his awareness of the difficulties that others would experience in understanding us. I also read that before I was born the holy spirit compelled men to search out and welcome transgender people with Christs radical inclusion.

No longer do I depend on the Cisgender to allow me communion with God. No longer do I accept their exclusionary images as divinely acquired!

Acts 26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." The southern desert road was one that was one that was less traveled because of it's lack of water and harsh weather. Much as many of us believed when first coming to terms with who we are is what the heteronormative people conditioned us to think, we had a indomitable curse In reality we were called to travel this same road less traveled by the spirit.Acts 8:25,39

Jesus teaches welcomes and acknowledges the difficulties ciscegender people would have in understanding us in Mathew 19:11 and 12. Acts 11: But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given 12: For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it."

CALL TO ACTION: Ft Worth GLBT Queer Liberaction Driven Off Soap Box

Bigoted religious right wing extremists vow to block LGBT people from entering Fort Worth Council meeting. Another Republican shoutdown?

Whats at risk
Adversaries of woman and LGBT people who will be in attendance.

Tarrant County Republicans urge attendance and Episcopal split leaves anti Gay Episcopal transphobic Diocese of Fort Worth with money and power.

Council meeting information:
Date: Tuesday November 10th 2009
Time: 5:00 pm
Place: Fort Worth City Hall
Address: 1000 Throckmorton St. Fort Worth
free parking across the street at lot A
Google Map

According to Richard Thomas McPhee: "Tonight at Queer Liberaction's Milk Box gay and lesbians were harassed by a number of religious evangelists. The group was spreading some of the most vial messages [I] have ever heard. The group is planning to block [our] attendance at the upcoming Fort Wort City Council Meeting. The group is organizing to block the new proposals of the diversity task force in Fort Worth. As a gay man I've never felt so much hate as I did tonight. I'M CALLING ON EVERYONE TO PLEASE COME OUT ON TUESDAY AND HELP SILENCE THESE BIGOTS."
Queer Liberaction Face book

According to Daniel Equality Cates organizer of "Equality March Texas" and Justice for the Rainbow Lounge, "WE NEED YOU THERE!" Cates explains, "Reports this evening are that a large group of Christian activists descended on the Queer Liberaction Milk Box Event in Sundance Square, Fort Worth. According to those who were there, the Milk Box participants were forced to close up shop for fear that things would turn violent."

"The group is planning to block LGBT attendance at the upcoming Fort Wort City Council Meeting. The group is also organizing to block the new proposals of the diversity task force in Fort Worth."

"We need EVERYONE to rally together! If you are available PLEASE make plans to be at Fort Worth City Hall by 5pm! Dallas folks- this means you too!"

Statement from Kelli Busey, author of this blog, planetransgender and co-administrator of the Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies (DTAA).

I URGE all members of the DTAA in the DFW to attend the council meeting on Tuesday 10th. There are wealthy forces who are organized and determined to deny LGBT people our most basic rights. We must stand up now or risk forever losing this opportunity for gay and lesbian rights and the funding of sexual reassignment surgery as currently being considered by the Fort Worth Council.

Smile by Kalki कल्कि द्वारा मुस्कुराओ

Smile is a short 3 minute film by Kalki Subramaniam, Chennai, India. The rare joyous moment of transsexual women. Filmed and edited by Kalki. This video is a Sahodari Foundation presentation. http://www.sahodari.org. Made in 2009

Goldman Sachs Hoards H1N1 Vaccine Endangers Woman and Children

Wall Street Corporation Goldman and Sachs which received billions in bailout dollars are now receiving hundreds of H1N1 vaccine doses to inoculate employees while depleting supply available for hospitals and people at risk.

Sign Credo petition Tell Goldman Sachs: Hands off the H1N1 vaccine.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

"In particular, NBC reports that Goldman Sachs has received 200 doses of the vaccine -- the same amount as Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Wall Street banks, like many other companies, put in requests for the vaccine but seem to have had something of a leg up on securing doses."

"Dr. Nancy Schnyderman, NBC's chief medical editor, chimed in on this seeming disparity:

"I think they probably played by the rules, there are corporations all over the country who put in there dibs...But, what a sore eye for Wall Street. Wouldn't have been lovely if they had said, look we put it in our dibs, we played by the rules, but we're going to donate our 200 doses."
Some corporations seem to be getting the doses before doctors and hospitals. Here's more from Schnyderman:

"If we know that the distribution is the weak part of this entire thing, why not put doctor's offices and hospitals at the top of the line, and say to corporate America, no matter who you are, you're you're going to have to go through clinics and hospitals like everyone else." Source: Huffington Post
Credo petion Tell Goldman Sachs: Hands off the H1N1 vaccine.

Live Web Casting the Senate ENDA hearing November 5, 2009

Committee: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Title: Employment Non-Discrimination Act: Ensuring Opportunity for All Americans
Date: Thursday, November 5, 10:00 a.m.
Place: SD-430

Click HERE for the Video and Audio http://help.senate.gov/Hearings/2009_11_05/2009_11_05.html

Fort Worth / Tarrant County Transgender Day of Remembrance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Curtis Smith
Telephone: 817-845-2124
Email: curtisls7@yahoo.com

TARRANT COUNTY TRANSGENDER REMEMBRANCE
11th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance

Location: Carr Chapel on TCU
Address: 2855 S. University Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76129
Date: November 20, 2009 Time: 7:30 pm
Facebook

Since 1998, each November 20th is set aside to memorialize those who were murdered due to anti-transgender hatred, prejudice or ignorance. Tarrant County will commemorate the 11th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance at the Carr Chapel on November 20th beginning at 7:30 PM. The community is welcome to attend this service sponsored by Brite Divinity of TCU, Agape MCC, Trinity MCC, Sexuality Education Center and the Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies (DTAA).

The TDOR will be an opportunity to express love and respect for all people. It will remind participants that they are all a part of the human family, daughters and sons, cisgender(non-transgender) and transgender people together. Allies of the gender diverse will stand alongside us in this ceremony to memorialize, honor and look forward to a day that differences and gender variance can be celebrated without fear of violence.

Agape MCC has many transgender people in regular attendance at their worship services including their Senior Pastor, Rev. David Wynn, a transgender male. They also host a cross-dressing men‟s group monthly. “Agape MCC has always held a strong commitment to providing sanctuary for gender diverse people,” Rev. Wynn declares. Rev. Wynn clarifies, “In many ways transphobia appears to be the „last acceptable form of prejudice‟ in the culture today, thus setting up transgender people to be victims of violence and those who are seen as expendable.” Rev. Wynn‟s goal of the service is, “To honor those who have paid the highest price for fearlessly being who they are and providing an enduring voice against transphobia. Our transgender community at Agape reflects our entire community in affirming Jesus' radical inclusion and God's unconditional love for all of creation.”

Curtis Smith, Pastoral Leader of Trinity MCC Arlington, reports that his church has been participating for the last 6 years. Smith explains, "Trinity's transgender and questioning church members are a cherished people in Christ‟s communion. We feel enlightened by the TDOR and our ongoing "Would Jesus Discriminate" campaign as to the historical reservations our Gay and Lesbians congregants previously felt towards transgender people. We feel it is important for our members to respect all people and offer them an open communion.” "Last year," Pastor Smith recalls, "Trinity MCC participated in the 2008 TDOR with Agape MCC by praying for victims as a bell was rung after each name was read of those who had died in that year to anti- transgender violence. It was a very somber and moving part of last year‟s TDOR service,” Smith said.

The Remembering Our Dead Web Project estimates that 2 people a month, on average are killed from violence against transgender people. Not that every person commemorated self-identified as transgender but each was a victim of violence based upon bias of gender variance. "Because intolerance and violence against the Transgender Community is often ignored, we remember those who have gone before us and we dedicate ourselves to life – living it responsibly, respectfully and lovingly. Life really comes down to treating others as we wish to be treated,” exclaims Dr. Rita Cotterly, PhD., Director of the Sexuality Education Center.

The Matthew Shepard/James Bryd Jr Hate Crimes Prevention Act recognizes that there is much work to be done locally as there are only 13 US states with Hate Crime Laws that include Gender Identity, Texas not being one. A provision of this law is that it authorizes and funds the federal government to step in and prosecute hate crimes in states that are disinclined to do so.

Texas has had 20 recorded transgender deaths attributed to anti-transgender violence, with 3 of those occurring in DFW, only surpassed by New York and California. Internationally there have been 95 Deaths from January to October 22, 2009 which average 19 per month. Names, statistics, locations and causes of deaths can be found on the Transgender Day of Remembrance website at www.transgenderdor.org.

Dr. Stephen V. Sprinkle, PhD., of Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University will be in attendance. On the Unfinished Lives Project website, Dr. Sprinkle reports, ""We must remember that the recent passage and signing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law will not magically stop the killing. Record numbers of LGBTQ Americans, especially young transgender people of color, are dying violently all across the land. But the high water mark of hatred has been scotched with the stroke of a pen on the day President Obama kept his promise and signed the bill. The end of the beginning of full equality for my people has come. And we who believe in justice will not rest until it comes fully, so that all of us may love whom we choose without fear of violence."

Kelli Anne Busey will be in attendance. Kelli, a woman of faith, authors planetransgender.blogspot.com and is founder and co-administrator of the Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies. Kelli says "I believe that our Transgender Day of Remembrance is a critical component of our advocacy." She elaborates, "The TDOR is emotional and spiritual because it educates and endears us with our current and potential allies as we lend a human touch to the horrific murders of transgender, gender queer, questioning, friends and lovers."

The Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies (DTAA) are locally based non-denominational activism group with members worldwide. DTAA membership believes that the world and especially the LGBT community is a, "Place for everyone. No Exceptions." The DTAA was conceived while protesting the expulsion of transsexual entertainers from the Crews INN bar and hosted the first formal conversation with the openly gay Episcopal bishop, Bishop Gene Robinson. Since that time the DTAA has moved on to insure that the Dallas's publicly funded homeless shelter 'The Bridge' policy and training manuals were amended so that weather related deaths such as that of Austin‟s Jennifer Gale's, could not be attributable to hostile shelter conditions.

Both Agape MCC and Trinity MCC Arlington are members of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches which is the world's largest and oldest Christian denomination with a primary affirming ministry to gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons. Known as "The Human Rights Church," local MCC congregations are located in 28 countries. Both churches are currently participating with three other North Texas MCC churches in the “Would Jesus Discriminate? WhyWouldWe.org” campaign.

The Sexuality Education Center‟s director, Rita Cotterly, PhD, is well-known locally and nationally in the fields of human sexuality and sexuality education. She provides individual and group counseling, support groups and educational programs. Dr. Cotterly has conducted numerous sexuality educational sessions for a variety of organizations and educational programs on AIDS prevention, sexual orientation, safer sex, sexual ethics, and spirituality and sexuality.

XXX

For more information about this topic or to schedule interviews please call, Rev. David Wynn, revwynn@yahoo.com; Curtis Smith, curtisls7@yahoo.com; Dr. Rita Cotterly, PhD., drritac@gmail.com. Kelli Anne Busey, kellibusey@yahoo.com or Stephen V. Sprinkle, s.sprinkle@tcu.edu

Kalamazoo VICTORY! Voters say YES to Equal Rights, YES to 1856!

"Ordinance 1856, passed by 61.8 percent, or 7,671 votes to 4,731, with all precincts reporting. The ordinance, which was approved twice by the Kalamazoo City Commission, makes it illegal for a landlord or employer discriminate against someone because of their sexual orientation and gender identity." Posted on Topics by Thomas Jackson.

This victory represents the very best of the human rights movement. When the City Commission realized there was injustice to be righted they did not hesitate to stand up for democracy and when their document did not pass the scrutiny of opponents of equality they did not flinch and rewrote their Ordinance.

The Kalamazoo city Commission's Ord. 1856 makes it clear that it is a law of equality and does not infringe on anyones right to freedom of speech or the right to worship as you wish. The population of Kalamazoo Michigan made it clear, their home is the land of the free and home of the brave!

Vote YES on 1856 Kalamazoo's Non-Discrimination Ordinance

Today is the day to make a stand for fairness and equality for all people in Kalamazoo – Vote YES on Ordinance 1856!Polls are open from 7am to 8pm. Please call the One Kalamazoo office at 269-903-2277 if you need a ride and click here to find out where to vote:www.onekalamazoo.com/vote

The hard work and efforts of hundreds of volunteers has gotten us to this point – and now it is in your hands. We need EVERY pro-fairness voter to get to the polls today if we want to win. Make sure you vote, and make sure your friends and family who live in Kalamazoo vote YES today too.

P.S. We still need your help! If you have a couple free hours today, stop by the One Kalamazoo office at 344 N. Rose Street (Rose and Kalamazoo)!

Atlantic Daily Dish HRC's Job ONE = Job Preservation

Quote of the day courtesy of Q-Tips Andrew Sullivan The Dally Dish

Did HRC Have To Wait for Matthew Shepard Act Before Doing Anything Else? "HRC might, one day, have a hand in enacting the remaining types of gay rights legislation, like ENDA, UAFA, and killing DOMA and DADT. But their delays and weak pressure increasingly appear to be based more on the organization's commitment to having a purpose in the coming decades than on ensuring gays have their rights right now," - Queerty.

Well, I am so astonished and disappointed in HRC that you could bowl me over with a feather. Barney Frank is recognizing the efforts of transgender people in advocating for our rights. HAS THE WORLD GONE MAD?

No its all about Joe keeping a $200,000 pay check. This transgender people have been sure of ever since the first 'Gala' ball' began celebrating HRC's money grab while Frank flushed transgender people in his political toilet.

"This is more fun than than raiding niggers with crack" (APD officer while raiding "fag" bar)

Updated Nov.3 2009

Eagle Trial set for Feb. 4th 2010

Eagle staff were in court early this morning and everyone was the hoping the City of Atlanta would do justice by dropping the trumped-up license and permit charges.

After two postponements, the Eagle trial date is set for February 4, 2010. This is unacceptable, and community members are currently planning a demonstration.

Please continue to encourage anyone present during the raid to contact attorney Dan Grossman to discuss their rights and legal options:
AtlantaEagleLawyer@gmail.com, (404) 654-0326
People can remain ANONYMOUS and still exercise their rights, please help get that information out to the community at large.

Visit ATLANTAEAGLERAID.COM Facebook for more information.

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These statements and others by arresting officers, were heard by the patrons of the Eagle, an Atlanta gay bar while being forced face down in broken glass, beaten, harassed, intimidated, threatened and imprisoned for 19 hours without charges for an alleged violation of city code that normally results in a $1,000 fine to bar owners.


Both the Fort Worth Texas and Atlanta police departments choose the anniversary of the Stonewall tavern raid to "do it to fag bars". Fort Worth Police Chief Jeff Halstead's reluctant apology was weak and to this day there has been no official report, regulations governing joint TABC raids or disciplinary actions taken against the Fort Worth police officers involved in the Rainbow Lounge raid.

It should be noted the officers of the TABC at the Rainbow Lounge were fired and/or disciplined with appeals denied. The TABC stepped forward, took action and apologised and we are proud of these fellow Texans.

In common is the reluctance of both police forces to investigate or even acknowledge that criminal activities were being conducted by "elite" renegade units within there forces.


In common also, is that both departments fabricated falsehoods to justify the brutal apprehension of law abiding citizens with treatment that is normally reserved for the arrest of armed gang members during drug raids. In both occurrences these fabricated lies have been invalidated in the absence of illegal drugs or criminal activity that would have warranted the physicality or even justified targeting ether gay bars.

Source: IPS new service Eagle co-owner Robby Kelly present during the raid recalls hearing some of the officers statements and actions.

"According to one complaint, police officers were laughing and high fiving each other. "And they made the statement 'this is fun, we should do it to a fag bar every weekend'. I actually heard that," Kelley said."

"According to another complaint, one officer said, "This is more fun than than raiding niggers with crack." This complainant also said the police kicked him in the ribs while he was lying down and that he saw police grab other patrons by their necks and push them to the ground if they did not immediately get on the ground."

I wonder what that fat Atlanta Police Officer liked most? Is it beating black people, smoking and selling their crack or keeping it so that after running down a 120lb athlete they could pin point a finger nail size crumb in a bush that was "thrown" away during the chase? Yeah honey, gasping for air and sweat pouring into your eyes and in the dark you still know the exact spot in the weeds where a cookie was tossed. They were trained to do that or.........

Something must have been real fun.

Think that couldn't happen? Betcha the Eagle and Rainbow lounge patrons beleive it could. Betcha if you are a golf playing fat cat you will never experience a police raid face down in your favorite 19th hole.

Eagle On Face Book

YouTube Obama Signs Transgender Inclusive Hate Crimes Bill

President Obama Signs The Matthew Shepard/James Bryd Jr Hate Crimes Prevention Act Into Law - 10/28/09



Before signing into law The Matthew Shepard/James Bryd Jr Hate Crimes Prevention Act President Barrack Hussein Obama commented about how this law was needed for LGBT people. He could not be more right! TRANSGENDER PEOPLE THANK YOU PRESIDENT OBAMA!

Dana Beyer Poised to become First Trans Legislator

In a historic announcement Doctor Dana Beyer has put herself in contention for Maryland's 18th District seat.

"Dr. Dana Beyer wants to shake up Maryland’s leadership."

“People should vote for me because they want someone looking out for them, not just taking orders from the antiquated leadership,” she said. “We need a new approach to very serious economic difficulties if we are to reset our economy and move forward, building a better world for all.”

As transgender people we should also recognize and appreciate how successful Dr. Beyers has been in shaping and defining democracy in Montgomery County Maryland and beyond.

"On that note, Dana’s experience in fighting for LGBT equality is extensive. She serves on the Board of Directors of the National Center for Transgender Equality, the Human Rights Campaign’s Board of Governors, and Equality Maryland. She also helped found Basic Rights Montgomery, which successfully fought against an attempt to overturn Montgomery County’s transgender anti-discrimination law."

"With her local political, governmental and advocacy experience, Dana has walked the walk. Furthermore, as a physician Dana brings a special skill set, analytical approach and compassion to politics rarely seen."

"When she wins her election, Dana will become the first openly transgender individual to ever win election to any state legislature in the country – an enormous milestone. Help Dana break this barrier and serve the residents of her district by contributing to her campaign today."

Victory Fund

Dr Beyer put a Doctor in the House

American "Family" Taliban financing Uganda's Gay Genocide

"Ugandan MP Proposes Gay Death-Penalty Bill - Are American Anti-Gay Groups Responsible?"Steve Williams wonders on Care2.

I don't wonder at all. This is the fruit of "Conservative religions" labor in East Africa.

These wealthy groups in the US that operate under the guise of religion have a major stake in propagating anti LBGT sentiments in east Africa as they have recently voted themselves out of the increasingly LGBT inclusive American institutions. In Africa, they can capitalize on the governmental and religiously sanctified homophobic genocide already taking place while simultaneously establishing a new "home" for their disenfranchised Anglican Dioceses.



But there is something we can do. The International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Campaign (IGLHRC) have set up an urgent email initiative calling on the Ugandan Parliament to dismiss the bill. Click here now and help stop Uganda from passing this anti-gay law.

Methodist Reconciling Ministries blog post by UMC Rev.John Makokha, Other Sheep Country Coordinator-Kenya/Riruta Open Letter to Bishop Wandabula About Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill

BBC Uganda considers new anti-gay law

ENDA Movers and Shakers Getting The Message Send Yours TODAY!

Jillian Weiss sent a message to the members of Inclusive ENDA.

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Inclusive ENDA almost at 5,000

Dear Inclusive ENDA members:

Our group is almost 5,000 strong. People in DC tell me that we have been having an impact on co-sponsorships and support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and we are close to our goal of eliminating job discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Our work is being discussed by the movers and shakers.

Would you please help take this over the 5,000 mark? Please forward this to a couple of friends who are interested in job fairness, and ask them to join our group. They will receive an email from me about once a week, with updates on the bill. The Inclusive ENDA group can be found Here

FYI, we're currently at 212 likely yes votes in the House (we need 216) and there are 35 unconfirmed. In the Senate, there are 57 likely yes votes (we need 60), with another 15 possible yes votes. You can find more info at our spreadsheets:HERE A hearing will be coming up in the Senate on the bill, and a vote in the House is expected soon as well.

Thank you for the work you have been doing.

Jillian
Co-Chair, Inclusive ENDA Facebook
--------------------

To reply to this message, follow the link below:
Inclusive ENDA Facebook

Transgender Inclusive Hate Crime Bill Passes Senate

Source NCTE: VICTORY: Hate Crimes Bill Passes;
First Federal Bill to Protect Transgender People

(October 22, 2009, Washington, DC) "In an historic move, the United States Senate joined the House of Representatives in passing The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which will be the first federal law to include gender identity and transgender people. Once signed by the President, this law will add sexual orientation, gender identity, gender and disability to the categories included in existing federal hate crimes law and will allow local goverments who are unable or unwilling to address hate crimes to receive assistance from the federal government. President Obama has indicated that he will sign the bill into law."

"Transgender people have been waiting so many years for assistance from the federal government in addressing the rampant and disproportional violence that we face," noted Mara Keisling, Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. "Today we move one step closer to our goal of ending violence motivated by hatred. Everyone in America deserves to live free of fear and of violence. We know that the dedicated leadership and hard work of Senator Kennedy and Representative Conyers and many other legislators made the passage of this bill possible. Words can't really express our gratitude for their commitment to equality for all people."

"In the past, federal law has only mentioned gender identity in a negative context, such as explicitly excluding transgender people from the Americans with Disabilities Act. The passage of the hate crimes bill marks a significant turning pointfrom the days in which the federal government contributed to the oppression of transgender people to today when federal law takes action to protect our lives."

"The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act will have a number of positive impacts. First, it will help educate law enforcement about the frequent hate violence against transgender people and the need to prevent and appropriately address it. Second, it will help provide federal expertise and resources when it is needed to overcome a lack of resources or the willful inaction on the part of local and/or state law enforcement. Third, it will help educate the public that violence against anyone is unacceptable and illegal."

"Transgender people continue to be disproportionately targeted for bias motivated violence. Thirteen states and Washington, DC have laws which include transgender people in state hate crimes laws."

National Center For Transgender Equality

Rev. Delores Berry to sing at Trinity MCC Arlington TX

Rev. Berry, first recipient of the Rosa Parks award at the UFMCC, describes herself as a Christian, Gospel Singer, African-American and Lipstick Lesbian. Her ministry was created in the name of Jesus to proclaim the wealth of love and blessings that God is begging and willing to give to Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals, Transgender, and Heterosexuals who refuse to hate LGBT people. Her ministry offers Spiritual Inspiration, Guidance, Hope, Humor, Compassion, Wisdom and Love.


Concert information

Date: October 23, 2009
Time 7:00 pm
Admission: No cost a free will offering will be taken.

Location: Trinity Metropolitan Community Church
1846 W. Division Street
Suite 305
Arlington, TX 76012
Google Map
(817) 265-5454
Trinity MCC.org

Rev. Delores Berry.com

TransEpiscopal powerful Christian Transgender Advocacy

From TransEpiscopal web site"... is a group of transgender Episcopalians and our significant others, families, friends and allies dedicated to enriching our spiritual lives and to making the Episcopal Church a welcoming and empowering place that all of us truly can call our spiritual home."

What have they done for transgender people who are not religious or prescribe to a different faith? TtansEpiscopal is significantly influencing perceptions, changing hearts and making the world a accepting place for all humans by personally involving themselves in politics and religion at this historic time.

It is extremely important that LGBT people recognize that yes, we have been unjustly discriminated against by the major religions for millennium, but this is changing. It is safe for your heart to venture back to faith.

The spirit entered my being one day with such a force that standing on my two feet at that moment was impossible. As I crumbled my transgender friends on ether side of me physically kept me from collapsing. I am both desperate for Christ and content in waiting for him. Amazing.

Maybe you have not experienced a moment like this yet, but I promise it is waiting for you in your LGBT church and you will be changed, forever.

On Line at TransEpiscopal.com

Jesus proclaimed;

"For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."

-- Matthew 19:12

GLSEN Dallas Ally Week

Everyone needs allies.
And in school - whether it's teammates in sports, or just a friend at the lunch table - having allies improves every student's chances at success.For LGBT students, allies are harder to come by. Despite substantial societal progress, it probably won't surprise you that, by and large, it's still not safe to be gay in school. It's why thousands of LGBT or questioning young people endure silent suffering or risk harassment by being "out."It's also why GLSEN sponsors Ally Week every year: to call attention to - and increase the support for - LGBT young people who are living in fear and isolation.
Ally Week is October 19th - 23rd: Will you stand up for LGBT Students by signing our Ally Pledge today?

Since 2005 - When a small group of students on GLSEN's Jump-Start National Student Leadership Team came up with the idea - Ally Week has steadily grown. Ally Week now includes hundreds of thousands of participants who pledge their commitment to safe and effective schools for all and encourage students to take action. You can help it grow even more, by signing the pledge today.

Maybe you remember being lonely or afraid in school, or perhaps you know someone who was. Either way, this is your chance to provide critical support to thousands of young people struggling with their sexuality, gender expression or gender identity.I can't stress enough the great hope for the future students experience when they know that people like you are on their side. So, please sign up to be an ally and give that hope to thousands of LGBT students today.

Thanks for being an ally,

GLSEN Dallas

AC Cooper MEEM اندرسون 360 نساء ، والمدونين ومثليون جنسيا يؤدي التغيير في العالم العربي

Are you unafraid and fearless? LGBT people are the portal that the world may view it's self without the military's talking heads condemning each other and committing us to war.

Watch this and think. Decide.



"Bareed Mista3jil" will be launched by the Feminist Collective and IndyAct at Masrah Al Madina on Hamra Street, Beirut on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 6pm. Selected stories from "Bareed Mista3jil" will be read in English and Arabic at the launch and the book will be available for sale for the first time. The event is open to the public. For more information, please email us onbook@bareedmista3jil.com or check the Facebook event page."

"Bareed Mista3jil" is a brave new book published byMeemin Beirut, Lebanon. The book, available in both English and Arabic versions, is a collection of 41 true (and personal) stories from lesbians, bisexuals, queer and questioning women, and transgender persons from all over Lebanon. The introduction to the book is a 30-page analysis of the general themes presented in the stories."

"What sort of diversities exist in human sexuality? How do bisexuals come out? What kinds of discrimination do lesbians face? How does it affect their self-esteem and their sense of community? What are their relationships with their families, friends, and each other like? How do people of different sexualities deal with religion and faith? Is it a struggle to identify as non-heterosexual? Or do people just know? Are there gender identities other than man and woman? How has life for lesbians in Lebanon changed over the past 10 years? Is emigration their only choice?"

"This long-awaited publication comes to dispel the myths surrounding these questions and to reveal a glimpse of the lives existing invisibly and silently in different Lebanese communities. The stories are about love, pain, identity, suffering, overcoming, and the intricate complexities of the human heart. And above all, these stories are about hope."

Meem On Twitter

Anderson Cooper اندرسون 360 نساء ، والمدونين ومثليون جنسيا يؤدي التغيير في العالم العربي


Meem is a community of Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer and Questioning Women and Transgender and Transsexual individuals in Lebanon.

Louisiana Justice Keith Bardwell refuses to marry interacial couple

"I am not a Racist", "I have piles and piles of black friends" and "they use my bathroom. Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, says it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long."

AP News "Bardwell said he asks everyone who calls about marriage if they are a mixed race couple. If they are, he does not marry them, he said."

Bardwell allows them to use the white bathroom. Very progressive.

ENDA S1584 Status as of October 13 2009

Inclusive Enda Facebook compiles and frequently updates Goggle Documents with a comprehensive breakdown of Representative and Senators history with a prognosis of there future vote.

US Senate ENDA Spreadsheet

Senators with Unconfirmed positions on the Senate version of ENDA, S1584

For updates from the Inclusive Enda Campaign please visit the Bilerico Project

NY Ponders Transgender Hate Crime Provisions Meanwhile WE Holla Back!

With the passage of a New York State hate crime bill that provided prosecutors a method of insuring more than a one day incarceration for perpetrators of violence against gay people, many including myself breathed a sigh of relief.

Unfortunately, those recently enacted laws do not cover violence intended to terrorize transgender people as a class . The result of passing gay only hate crimes laws has left transgender victims like Carmella Etienne (left) unprotected, since NY gender specific crimes are unreported resulting with criminals empowered and anonymous.

The The violence experienced by transgender people in New York is but one state in a country that left to its devices, leaves transgender people behind. How much harassment, how many beatings, how many deaths will go unreported as hate crime? How many transgender people will die before we are recognized as citizens that are targets in terror.

One New York grass roots initiative to end street harassment is seeking funds from the Knight Foundation.Hollaback is entered for a $100,000 grant to implement a system to photograph and text via cell a description of the incidence which will be offered to the public including maps detailing the occurrence and statistical data as to location.

You can Hollar Back in Texas; Holla Back Texas

National Equality March - Opening Invocation delivered by the Rev. Troy D. Perry.

National Equality March Opening Invocation delivered by the Rev. Troy D. Perry, founder of the Metropolitain Community Church which I am a member.


MCC Church.org

MCC Church Facebook

President Obama HRC Black Tie Speech Transgender Inclusive?

Did President Obama's powerfull speech at the Black Tie dinner make a positive concrete commitment to transgender inclusion?

Or was Obama simply stirring the muddy waters of LGB politics to placate HRC's ego maniacal gay power brokers and allow them once again a sense that it's ok to double cross transgender people at their convenience?

Rebecca Juro's article at Bilerico project "What Barack Obama really said about transgender rights" is a excellent read prior to viewing President Obama's speech at the Washington DC National HRC Black Tie Dinner.



I believe that Obama made an incredible statement from day one of his presidency by including ALL Americans in the dynamics of shaping the national profile. This inclusive structure will serve freedom loving people for generations to come.

We have nothing to fear but fear it's self. Is change incremental? Julian Bond has a answer to that and we should be proud, so proud to have our transgender civil rights movement be recognized as allied by the NCAAP.



Incrementalism is a bitter pill to swallow for transgender people to accept since we have always been on the fringe of the political and religious herd, powerless, making us the weakest and most vulnerable.

Knowledge of the Christian religion will quickly assure you that the people who claim to speak for 'conservative' Christians are simply hate mongers and have no basis in the bible to back up their bigotry.

Haters will claim their reward when they are judged.

Do the political right wing assertions that granted equality we will victimize children in the bathroom have any foundation in reality? Really!

All we have to do is continue on as productive citizens, in our jobs and some in faith institutions. Some of us are incensed and will loudly not accept incrementalism and demand change, NOW. Those voices are essental for the progression of transgernder human rights and meanwhile, we all just keep on keeping on.

Texas Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) 2009

View Larger MapEvery third day worldwide, a transgender person is murdered because of our gender identity or expression. That is unacceptable. Murdering a gender diverse person is a hate crime specifically intended to victimize an entire segment of society.

Hate crimes targeting a specific demographic due to racial, ethnicity and gender expression is often the most horrific and murderous. Hate so unconscionable societies natural response is to protect us with laws for accountability and additional punishment of the perpetrators.

Sadly, the reality is hate crime laws serve as a deterrent offering a opportunity for reparation and are not a guarantee of indemnity.

Our sorrow is mourned and an awareness created in mid November when we and our allies gather internationally for the Transgender Day of Remember (TDOR) Face Book TDOR

Texas Transgender Day of Remembrances (TDOR)
updated as required.
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Dallas TDOR

Date: Friday, November 20, 2009
Time 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Southern Methodist University Quadrangle, at the Flagpole
Address: 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas TX, 75205
Sponsred by GEAR and OUT and Equal


Fort Worth TDOR

Location: Robert Carr Chapel at TCU
Street: Address: 2855 S. University Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76129
Date: Friday, November 20, 2009
Start: 7:30
Press Release
Facebook Page
Sponsors Bright Divinity School at Texas Christian University, Agape MCC, Trinity MCC, Sexuality Education Center, Ft Worth and the Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies


San Antonio TDOR

Date: Thursday, November 19, 2009
Time: 6:00am - 9:00am
Location: 611 E Myrtle, San Antonio, TX
San Antonio Gender Association SAGA.org will host and a press release can be found on Facebook Face Book

Austin Texas TDOR

Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Location: Front Steps of Austin City Hall
Address: 301 West Second Street, Austin 78701
Sponsred by the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT) Face Book page, Central Presbyterian Church, Equality Texas, First United Methodist Church, Gathering Place; Grace United Methodist Church; Jewish QT; Katy Koonce, LCSW; Lutherans Concerned/Austin Central Texas Chapter; MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks; OutYouth; PFLAG of Austin; Trinity United Methodist Church; and Wildflower Church.


Houston TDOR

Event: Transgender Day of Remembrance
What: Ceremony
Start Time: Saturday, November 21 at 6:30pm
End Time: Saturday, November 21 at 10:00pm
Where: Houston Holocaust Museum
Hosted by: Transgender Foundation of America
Houston TDOR Face Book page