NY Times: On gay rights and policies, Obama lets senior staff take lead (www.lgbtqnation.com)

*more above*

LGBT History Law step in right direction, but lacks guidance (www.turlockjournal.com)

*more above*

Transgender people in advertising (www.xtra.ca (Canada))

*more above*

Free and Equal in Dignity and Rights (www.caribarena.com (Antigua)

*more above*

Gays call for end to homophobia (www.eyewitnessnews.co.za (South Africa))

*more above*

Ilion, New York

Credit- Aileen Sweeney

Hello!

It's the last day of the year! Hope the past year was good, and the year to come is just as good... here's what happened... Ilion, New York... Lexington, Kentucky... Gwangju, Kwangju-jikhalsi, South Korea... Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedlijk Gewest, Belgium... Council Bluffs, Iowa... San Francisco, California... Woodbridge, Virginia... Mountain View, California... Vernon Hill, Virginia... Morrow, Georgia... Abbotsford, British Columbia... Atlanta, Georgia... Massapequa, New York... Kings Park, New York... Koln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany... Boston, Massachusetts... Groningen, Netherlands... Erlangen, Bayern, Germany... Laurel, Mississippi... Berlin, Germany... Pacific Palisades, California... Taipei, Taiwan... Savannah, Georgia... Ruprechtshofen, Niederosterreich, Austria...

This month's top dog: Twin boys, one transgender, become brother and sister

You've had - and hope to have - a happy year... let's make it a good year too!  The following charities are a good idea to give to.

American Red Cross
www.redcross.org

International Red Cross/Red Crescent
www.ifrc.org

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Rainbow Fund
www.rainbowfund.org

See ya next year!

New laws promote gay history, illegal immigrants (www.contracostatimes.com)

*more above*

Sexual minorities get a 'Pehchaan' of their own (timesofindia.indiatimes.com (India))

*more above*

U.N. lists LGBT rights abuses for the first time (www.gaypeopleschronicle.com)

*more above*

In Pakistan, a transgender leader is standing for election (sdgln.com)

*more above*

The New Civil Rights Movement's Top 10 International LGBT Stories of 2011

*more above*

Three States to Enact Gay Rights Laws (kezi.com)

*more above*

US sees call for more gay-friendly senior housing (www.necn.com)

*more above*

Peace

If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another.

Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama

Tribune Take: Transgenders in politics, a good thing (tribune.com.pk (Pakistan))

*more above*

Peace

“It is, however, well known that the main national liberation organizations in this country have consistently followed a policy of non-violence. They have conducted themselves peaceably at all times, regardless of government attacks and persecutions .” - Nelson Mandela

FILM: Our most-watched films of 2011 (www.irinnews.org (UN))

*more above*

12-28-11: Being Transgender in Maryland (mdmorn.wordpress.com)

*more above*

Breast implants 'save lives': advocacy group (www.thelocal.se (Sweden))

*more above*

A year in LGBT issues (blogs.phillymag.com)

*more above*

COMMENTARY: Money talks for LGBT groups (sdgln.com)

*more above*

ezs note-  let me see... how should I put this... just as Jimmy says, GIVE!

The Catholic Church And The Sin Of Sexism (lezgetreal.com)

*more above*

Blaine Man Sentenced to 367 Months for January Murder

*more above*

Peace

'Gender equality has been debated for a long time throughout the world. Even in the EU women do not have equal opportunities. Is it because they are not as capable or as well educated? No.'  -Dr. Shirin Ebadi

The Top 12 Gay Political Stories Of 2011 (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Gay Viral Videos Of 2011: Zach Wahls, Michele Bachmann, Gay Grandpas And More (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Transgender Woman Beats the Hell Out of Transphobic Man (unicornbooty.com)

*more above*

After Legal Battle, Transgender Woman Returns To Work (www.wmtw.com)

*more above*

De Leon: Queer and Immigrant for the Holidays (news.feetintwoworlds.org)

*more above*

President of transgender association to contest elections (tribune.com.pk (Pakistan))

*more above*

Can transgender people pray? (www.federalwaymirror.com)

*more above*

We pray (thoughtsonblank.wordpress.com)

ezs note: This is one of the best, most inspiring pieces I've read this year. Whether you are a believer, semi-believer, or nonbeliever who seeks some inspiration, in my mind, this is the place to go.

Happy Kwanzaa!

Credit: Urbandogg

Hillary Clinton produces video in support of gay rights (www.zambianwatchdog.com {Zambia})

*more above*

Merry Christmas!

credit: LeeX

Houston, Texas

Credit: Affiliated Engineers

Hello!

Ho, ho, ho!  Here's Santa, gettin' on his Harley!  Here's what happened... Houston, Texas... Northampton, Northamptonshire, England... Central District, Hong Kong, S.A.R., China... Boston, Massachusetts... Kohtla-jarva, Ida-Virumaa, Estonia... Pyongjom, Kyonggi-do, South Korea... Mountain View, California... London, England, UK... Washington, DC... Loveland, Colorado... Rocky River, Ohio... Amherst, Massachusetts... Raleigh, North Carolina... Atlanta, Georgia... Kennesaw, Georgia... Croydon, England, UK... Laurel, Mississippi... West Hartford, Connecticut... Athens, Attiki, Greece... Dayton, Ohio... Ottawa, Ontario, Canada... Cheshire, Connecticut... Olimpia, Sao Paolo, Brazil... Southampton, England, UK...

This month's top dog: Grady High to host CNN forum on LGBT issues

Last moments for Christmas Eve!  Make this time a special time!  Here's some charities you might give to:

American Red Cross
www.redcross.org

International Red Cross/Red Crescent
www.ifrc.org

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Rainbow Fund
www.rainbowfund.org

Ho, ho, ho!  (Vroomm, vroomm!)

MDC member admits he is gay (their words,not mine) (www.zimdiaspora.com {Africa})

Acting While Trans: A Look Back at 2011 for Transgender Actors in the Media (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Amy Koch Affair Scandal: Minnesota's LGBT Community Apologizes To Resigned Senate Majority Leader

Promoting gay rights essential for health of Africans

*more above*

Colorado Girl Scouts give acceptance for Christmas (www.edenfantasys.com)

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

Reflections on the trial of Lawrence King's murderer (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Thai airline hiring transgender flight attendants (www.gayapolis.com)

*more above*

Girl Scout troops disband in protest over allowing seven-year-old transgender to join group (www.dailymail.co.uk {UK})

*more above*

Warren Beatty toasts transgender son (www.ctv.ca {Canada})

*more above*

Happy Winter Solstice!

source: calamitiesofnature.com

Why does the media still refer to "Bradley" Manning? The curious silence around a transgender hero (globalcomment.com)

*more above*

Hatred intensifies for 'Work It', the worst show in television history (gawker.com)

*more above*

Where you can go for help

Make a copy of this guide and use when needed.  Even when you don't need it today, you might need it tomorrow!



AIDS Legal Referral Panel (ALRP)
Provides free and low-cost legal services to people with HIV/AIDS in the
San Francisco Bay Area.
 415-701-1100 (San Francisco)
  510-451-5353 (Oakland)
www.ALRP.org


Disability Rights California
Advances the rights of Californians with disabilities.
 800-649-0154
www.DisabilityRightsCA.org

Equality California
Works with policymakers and communities to achieve equality and secure
legal protections for LGBT people, including seniors.
 415-581-0005
www.EQCA.org

Lambda Legal (Los Angeles office)
Works to achieve full recognition of the civil rights of LGBT people and those
with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
 213-382-7600
 www.LambdaLegal.org/wro

Law Help California
Helps Californians find legal aid referrals and self-help resources, with
specific assistance for seniors.
 800-551-5554 (Bay Area)
 www.LawHelpCalifornia.org

National Center for Lesbian Rights—Elder Law Project
Provides legal services, legislative support and policy work to advance
equality for LGBT elders.
 800-528-6257
 www.NCLRights.org/ElderLaw

National Center for Transgender Equality
Advances the equality of transgender people through advocacy, collaboration
and empowerment, with a special emphasis on issues facing trans elders.
 202-903-0112
 www.TransEquality.org

National Resource Center on LGBT Aging
Provides a wide array of resources for LGBT older adults, aging service
providers, and advocates.
 212-741-2247
 www.LGBTAgingCenter.org

National Senior Citizens Law Center
Protects the rights of low-income older adults through advocacy, litigation,
and technical assistance, and manages www.LGBTLongTermCare.org.
 213-674-2900
 www.NSCLC.org


Positive Resource Center
Provides comprehensive benefits counseling and employment services for
people living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS in San Francisco.
 415-777-0333
 www.PositiveResource.org

Proyecto Poderoso—a joint project of the National Center for Lesbian
Rights and California Rural Legal Assistance
Works to improve legal services for low-income LGBT people in rural
California.
 209-946-0605
 www.NCLRights.org/ProyectoPoderoso

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN)
Works to guarantee equality of treatment and opportunity for LGBT servicemembers and provides resources on issues affecting LGBT elder veterans.
 202-328-3244
 www.SLDN.org

Swords to Plowshares
Provides counseling and case management, employment and training, and
housing and legal assistance to veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area.
 415-252-4788
 www.STP-SF.org

Transgender Law Center
Utilizes direct legal services, public policy advocacy, and educational opportunities to advance the rights and safety of diverse transgender communities.
 415-865-0176
 www.TransgenderLawCenter.org

Credit: Navigating the System: A Know-Your-Rights Guide for LGBT Elders in California
please download the guide for specific information  (California only when specified)

Domestic violence charity seeking transgender worker (pressitt.com {UK})

*more above*

Prudential named a best place to work by the Human Rights Campaign (www.thestreet.com)

*more above*

Silencing communal conversation (forward.com)

*more above*

Massachusetts newspaper mocks transgender people: 'If they want, they can change it back' (thinkprogress.org)

*more above*

Utah: 73% think gays deserve protection, but 54% think it's a choice (www.gayapolis.com)

*more above*

Happy Hanukkah... Chanukah... *sigh*

credit: idowhatiwant

Three teenagers receive part-funding for first year at university (auckland.scoop.co.nz {New Zealand}))

*more above*

Crossdressing comedy no laughing matter (gaynewsnetwork.com.au {Australia})

*more above*

Human rights complaint launched against NWT minister (www.cbc.ca {Canada})

*more above*

Chaz Bono, Jennifer Elia split (www.nypost.com)

*more above*

News briefs - six Ohio firms hit 100 on harder HRC equality list [among others] (www.gaypeopleschronicle.com)

*more above*

CWA (Central Texas) leader calls for boycott of Macy's (lezgetreal.com)

*more above*

Marriott hotels gets high gay friendly rating from the Human Rights Campaign (www.gayapolis.com)

*more above*

LGBT history project (www.hastingsobserver.co.uk)

*more above*

Peace

Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
Howard Thurman
Permanent Prayer for Peace

LGBT film festival in city ends (ibnlive.in.com {India})

*more above*

Gay couples happier and healthier if legally accepted (www.ibtimes.com)

*more above*

Peace

 A cure for War? Furiously spending the same daily amount of money toward making friends. Being an indispensable source of food, shelter, peace, and cultural support dedicatedly spending 9 billion dollars a month on helping people would be a formidable enemy of evil.
 Vanna Bonta quotes

Child's father, a 'former Republican', knows meaning of family values (bostonglobe.com)

*more above*

Boston, Massachusetts

Credit: SBnation

Hello!

To my Jewish friends, happy Hanukkah! ...um, Chanukah!  (crap, I always mess this one up...)  Here's this week... Boston, Massachusetts... Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Belgium... Atlanta, Georgia... Kings Park, New York... Easton, Pennsylvania... Wilhelmshaven, Niedersachsen, Germany... Croydon, England, UK... Stillwater, Minnhesota... Malmo, Skane Lan, Sweden... Groningen, Netherlands... Chaun, Kangwon-do, South Korea... Deerfield, New Hampshire... Sezana, Bohinj, Slovenia... Portland, Oregon... Dallas, Texas... Cebu, Cebu City, Philippines... Taipei, Taiwan... Virginia, Beach, Virginia... Jersey City, New Jersey... West Hartford, Connecticut... Ankara, Turkey... Oak Lawn, Illinois... Corona, New York... Chelles, Ile-de-France, France... San Luis Obispo, California... Brooklyn, New York... Bratislava, Slovakia... Seattle, Washington... Laingsburg, Michigan... Mountain View, California... Canton, Ohio...

This month's top dog: Grady High to host CNN forum on LGBT issues

Hey, it's the last days before we celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa!  Make someone's fortunes are down on their luck are happier.  Donate to one of these charities:

American Red Cross
www.redcross.org

International Red Cross/Red Crescent
www.ifrc.org

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Rainbow Fund
www.rainbowfund.org

Hollywood vigil for slain transgender woman (latimesblogs.latimes.com)

*more above*

ezs note:  Please take a good look at the suspect.  If you know who it is, please call the LAPD right away!

Peace

credit: Adelle Laudan

11th Circuit rules for transgender employee in sex discrimination case (www.lexology.com)

*more above*

Filipinos hail UN gay rights report (www.mindanaoexaminer.com {Philippines}))

*more above*

Elizabeth Warren announces support for LGBT rights (www.baywindows.com)

*more above*

UN urges global LGBT protections (www.democracynow.org)

*more above*

A UN milestone: LGBT rights are human rights (www.undispatch.com)

*more above*

UN calls for protection gay rights worldwide (af.reuters.com {Africa})

*more above*

Thailand's transgender flight attendants PC Air takes on groundbreaking crew (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Anchorage municipality clerk verifies signature for initiative protecting gay, transgender rights (www.therepublic.com)

*more above*

Help fight against LGBTQ bullying (my.hsj.org)

*more above*

Peace

The End and the Beginning
by Wisława Szymborska

After every war
someone has to clean up.
Things won't
straighten themselves up, after all.

Someone has to push the rubble
to the sides of the road,
so the corpse-filled wagons
can pass.

Someone has to get mired
in scum and ashes,
sofa springs,
splintered glass,
and bloody rags.

Someone must drag in a girder
to prop up a wall,
Someone must glaze a window,
rehang a door.

Photogenic it’s not,
and takes years.
All the cameras have left
for another war.

We’ll need bridges back
and new railway stations.
Sleeves will go ragged
from rolling them up.

Someone, broom in hand,
still recalls how it was.
Someone else listens
and nods with unsevered head.
But already there are those nearby
starting to mill about
who will find it dull.

From out of the bushes
sometimes someone still unearths
rusted-out arguments
and carries them to the garbage pile.

Those who knew
what was going on here
must make way to
those who know little.
And less than little.
And finally as little as nothing.

In the grass which has overgrown
causes and effects,
someone must be stretched out
blade of grass in his mouth
gazing at the clouds.

Transgender icon Carmen Rupe dies (news.smh.com.au {Australia})

*more above*

Fox News invites anti-LGBT guests to mock, smear transgender Macy's guests (www.lgbtqnation.com)

*more above*

Twin boys, one transgender, become brother and sister (www.firstcoastnews.com)

*more above*

Transgender Taser victim fighting potential charges (www.windycitymediagroup.com)

*more above*

Guatemala: discrimination undermines AIDS prevention (www.ipsnews.net)

*more above*

CNN dialogues, Outwrite, fundraiser set for Dec. 14 (www.atlantaintownpaper.com)

*more above*

Eyewitnesses tell how Sonia Burgess was pushed under train (www.bbc.co.uk {UK})

*more above*

Transgender patients outed by the health care system (www.montrealgazette.com)

*more above*

LGBT employees welcome at big banks and law firms, report says (latimesblogs.latimes.com)

*more above*

Peace

source: Deepak Chopra

2012 buyers guide (issuu.com)

*more above*

ezs note:  This is a powerful guide.  Why? You can spend your hard-earned money on good people who are rated 85-100, and avoid the pitiful zeroes.  (Hello? Chick-fil-a?)

Transgender people: the new civil rights frontier (ideas.time.com)

*more above*

*note*

ezs note:  What do you get here?  Hmm... let's see...  transgender news from US, Canada, various places in South America, England, France, The Netherlands, Isle of Man(!), Scotland, Greece, Spain, Russia, New Zealand, Australia...whew!

If you can, a donation would be most kind. The "donate" button is located on the right side of the screen,  below the globe.   Thanks.

Things to think about in the Buddhist world (www.patheos.com)

*more above*

Google, Yahoo, Ebay, Dell, Apple, Gap earn top marks on HRC gay index (www.ontopmag.com)

*more above*

Casablanca, Morocco

Credit: Suzy-Q

Hello!

Peace and love, Jim... here's what's happening... Casablanca, Morocco... Groningen, Netherlands... Swidnik, Lubelskie, Poland... Glasgow, Glasgow City, Scotland, UK... Minneapolis, Minnesota... Faaborg, Syddanmark, Sweden... Brampton, Ontario, Canada... Taipei, Taiwan... London, England, UK... Istanbul, Turkey... Twickenham, Richmond, England, UK... Tulsa, Oklahoma... Boston, Massachusetts... Farmington, Minnesota... Jonquiere, Quebec, Canada... Austin, Texas... Eskisehir, Turkey... Atlanta, Georgia... Makati, Manila, Philippines... Burbank, California... Riyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia... Johnson City, Texas... Morganton, North Carolina... Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Belgium... Kovenig, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany... Chicago, Illinois... Council Bluffs, Iowa... Newark, New York... Dublin, Georgia... Kings Park, New York... Brockton, Massachusetts...

This month's top dog: Grady High to host CNN forum on LGBT issues

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but let's give anyway!

American Red Cross
www.redcross.org

International Red Cross/Red Crescent
www.ifrc.org

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Rainbow Fund
www.rainbowfund.org

See you!

LGBT education is not sex education (stlouis.injuryboard.com)

*more above*

Debate fierce over protections for transgendered people (columbia.patch.com)

*more above*

Council of Europe Secretary General condemns persistent discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender population in many parts of Europe (www.hrea.org {Europe})

*more above*

Acceptance is protection: how can parents support gender nonconforming and transgender children?

*more above*

More on Jim Burke

ezs note:  This morning we attended the funeral of Jim Burke III. It was after a night of little rest, my thoughts being with this kind man, whose death was much too soon... much too soon.

I recently read an article in The Cenacle, where Jim wrote an article opposing the death penalty.  I was quite impressed with it.

As it turns out, Jim's thirtieth letter also turned out to be his last.  Because of the very kind permission of Ray Soulard, I have excerpted a portion of Jim's letter.

Peace and love, Jim.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finally, the death penalty is not, I repeat is not, a deterrent.  The very fact that murders in this country occur on a daily basis proves  that use of the death penalty is based on the revenge motive, and this also depends on the time and place of the crime and the trial.  The execution of citizens  by the states in this country is used to cover up the failure of our society as a whole to educate people equally and give all people to better themselves.  When hopelessness and despair set in, the recidivism rate of prisoners increases correspondingly, from the upper to the middle to the lower socio-economic strata.  Figures from the U.S.  Department of Justice have confirmed this data as recently as 2009.  The politicians in this country, as well as the Supreme Court, have become embarrassed and frustrated about their inability to stop the violence and so-called capital crimes.  Their solution has been to put the convicted to death as cleanly as they think is possible, by lethal injection in most cases.

I hope I live to see the day when our culture will transcend revenge, and rise above hate.  Peace and love for all humanity would enable us to realize our potential, which is God-like.  John Lennon had it right after all. IMAGINE!

JBIII

--------------------------------------------------------------------

To see more of The Cenacle, please see http://www.scriptorpress.com

13 Minnesota employers receive highest rating for workplace inclusiveness (www.twincities.com)

*more above*

Hate crime laws extended (www.budepeople.co.uk)

*more above*

High rate of harassment of black lesbians and transgender men in South Africa (www.msmagazine.com)

*more above*

Hillary Clinton vows to support global fight for gay rights (globalspin.blogs.time.com)

*more above*

ezs note: see the complete remarks Secretary of State Clinton made in this article.

Macy's fires employee for refusing to let transgender customer use the women's dressing room (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Advocates hope passing of Howard transgender anti-discrimination bill will aid statewide movement (www.baltimoresun.com)

*more above*

Escalating police violence and transgender people (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Black lesbians live in terror (www.iol.co.za {South Africa})

*more above*

Jim Burke - rest in peace, my friend

Source: unknown

Formal support group for gay Defence force (www.radionz.co.nz {New Zealand})

*more above*

Peace

I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that Source in you. Let us work together for unity and love.

Mahatma Gandhi

Cyndi Lauper and more celebs come together for the 'Home For The Holidays' benefit concert (www.ontheredcarpet.com)

*more above*

Massachusetts signs law prohibiting gender identity discrimination (www.lexology.com)

*more above*

ezs note: This article may seem a wee bit old, but please read it anyway.  There is more detail here than in other places.

Royal Oak, Michigan

Credit: April Segedi

Hello!

Ah, yes... Christmas songs, over and over and over (sigh)... here's what happened this week... Royal Oak, Michigan... London, England, UK... Wesley Chapel, Florida... San Ramon, California... Rochester, New York... Groningen, Netherlands... McArthur, Ohio... Orinda, California... Columbia, South Carolina... Trenton, New Jersey... New Haven, Connecticut... Nottingham, England, UK... Kings Park, New York... Yerseke, Zeeland, Netherlands... Izmir, Turkey... La Plata, Maryland... Atlanta, Georgia... Branford, Connecticut... Brooklyn, New York... Tulsa, Oklahoma... Madison, Alabama... Albuquerque, New Mexico... Council Bluffs,Iowa... West Hartford, Connecticut... Spotsylvania, Virginia... Charleston, Illinois...

This month's top dog: LGBTQ discussions

Aw, just kiddin' about the Christmas songs... they're great, really!  (Well, there is one song...)  There is one way you can feel a whole lot better... give to those less fortunate!

American Red Cross
www.redcross.org

International Red Cross/Red Crescent
www.ifrc.org

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Rainbow Fund
www.rainbowfund.org

Happy happy!

Troy mayor Janice Daniels under fire for anti-gay marriage slur (ontopmag.com)

*more above*

Khloe Kardashian sued by transgender for assault (www.ibtimes.com)

*more above*

Butt implant fake doctor victim lets Anderson Cooper feel the 'rocks in her face' (www.radaronline.com)

*more above*

Idit Klein: Transgender Jews: Breaking down one wall, praying at another (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Lambda Legal to federal court: grant asylum to trans woman living with HIV/AIDS (/www.windycitymediagroup.com)

*more above*

Russia 'gay propaganda' law slammed by LGBT film festival group in new clip (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Transgendered man wins right to a marital divorce (www.huffingtonpost.com)

International transgender days commemorates and celebrates (www.thelamron.com)

*more above*

World AIDS day events on Central Coast (www.kionrightnow.com)

*more above*

Transgender character grounds the New Theatre Project (www.pridesource.com)

*more above*

Anti-bullying workshop held at LAMP (www.insidetoronto.com {Canada})

*more above*

2011- a queer review (www.thevitalvoice.com)

*more above*

Court appears ready to hand legal victory to transgender woman (www.ajc.com)

*more above*

ezs note:  Yay!

Bullying behind bars: PA's juvenile detention center fail to protect LGBT youth (www.philadelphiaweekly.com)

*more above*

This community marched to positive values (www.thehindu.com {India})

*more above*

Transgender woman reports rape in DC shelter (www.washingtonblade.com)

*more above*

Transgender awareness - talk by Vanessa Lacey (dcu.ie {Ireland}

*more above*

Grady High to host CNN forum on LGBT issues (midtown.patch.com)

*more above*

Oregon immigrant rights to throw party for LGBT rights (causaoregon.blogspot.com)

*more above*

Rainbow Alliance panel draws diverse crowd (www.snctimes.com)

*more above*

Butt implant transgender fake doctor injected cement into woman's face (www.radaronline.com)

*more above*

Barney Frank announces plans to retire (www.shewired.com)

*more above*

LGBT patients (www.medscape.com {UK})

*more above*

Property disputes may have led to transgender Sonia's murder (www.dnaindia.com {India}))

*more above*

Meet Jazz, an impressive 11 year old transgender girl (jezebel.com)

*more above*

Transgender girl Jazz tells her story in OWN's 'I Am Jazz' (www.ontopmag.com)

*more above*

A queer carnival in Dehli (news.in.msn.com {India})

*more above*

'Dancing With the Stars' alum Chaz Bono about being Chaz (thesop.org)

*more above*

Groningen, Netherlands

Credit: Eric Kieboom

Hello!

It's a balmy 60 degrees out!  (Fahrenheit)  Well, whadda you want?  Here's what happened... Groningen, Netherlands... Dallas, Texas... Gilroy, California... West Hartford, Connecticut... Toongabbie, New South  Wales, Australia... Atlanta, Georgia... Bacolod, Philippines... Petaling Jaya, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia.... Erie, Pennsylvania... Niagara Falls, Ontario... Crewe, Cheshire, England, UK... Kings Park, New York... Woodland Hills, California... Evanston, Illinois... Brossard, Quebec, Canada... Los Angeles, California... Boston, Massachusetts... Council Bluffs, Iowa... Mountain View, California... Herndon, Virginia... Baumholder, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany... Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India... Bangalore, Karnataka, India... Albuquerque, New Mexico... Ridgefield Park, New Jersey... Redmond, Washington... Miami, Florida... Waterbury, Connecticut...

This month's top dog:  SDSU-IV to hold first lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender flag raising ceremony

Be certain that a pal o' mine really says ho, ho, ho!  Be generous to those less fortunate...

American Red Cross
www.redcross.org

International Red Cross/Red Crescent
www.ifrc.org

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Rainbow Fund
www.rainbowfund.org

Thank you! 

Transgendered and homeless, youth struggles to build a life (www.nytimes.com)

*more above*

ezs note:  Normally, I let things stand as they are, but this one takes the cake.  You have a choice: shoot a rocket to Mars - for 2.5 billion dollars - to get a few scrapings off the surface - or get decent housing, clothing, dental care, and food for those most in need.

It's your choice.

Lady Gaga sends anti-gay bullying video to Toronto student (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

A boost for youth suicide prevention (www.heraldsun.com.au {Australia})

*more above*

Finally making history for all the right reasons (www.smh.com.au {Australia})

*more above*

Peace

You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist. Indira Gandhi 

Dehli set for queer pride parade Sunday (twocircles.net)

*more above*

Transgender leader Sonia Masi shot dead in Ahmedabad (www.dnaindia.com)

*more above*

World AIDS day: Manx community group to hold vigil (www.bbc.co.uk {UK/Isle of Man}))

*more above*r

Students motivated to make changes for gay youths (www.yourottawaregion.com {Canada})

*more above*

Happy turkey/tofurkey day!

Credit:  Keith Tucker

Ask Matt: Reflections on transgender marriage legalities (www.agoracosmopolitan.com)

*more above*

Finance etc.: Denver LGBT groups give thanks to Chase Bank (www.bizjournals.com)

*more above*

LGBTQ discussions (www.hvpress.net)

*more above*

Lady Gaga, Ellen DeGeneres, Adam Lambert, Ricky Martin, Chaz Bono: top LGBT on Twitter (www.ontopmag.com)

*more above*

Google praised for its new transgender health care benefits (www.ontopmag.com)

*more above*

Study shows Richmond fairness law enforcement would be budget neutral (www.wfpl.org)

*more above*

Brave new world: students transitioning gender on campus (campusprogress.org)

*more above*

Tolerant (yeah, right...) rehab sued for transgender bias (www.courthousenews.com)

*more above*

Transgender Anrdrea Jones 'flashed her breasts at DMV staff after they refused to change her gender from male to female on license' (www.dailymail.co.uk {UK}))

*more above*

Expanding the conversation (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Dehli community hall fire: Toll climbs to 15 (daily.bhaskar.com {India})

*more above*

Revolution in attitude and self mockery (www.goreyguardian.ie {Ireland})

*more above*

City may add gender identity to nondiscrimination rules (www.columbiatribune.com)

*more above*

Pens of pride: trans awareness week (strosechronicle.com)

*more above*

Openness in the exam room (www.nytimes.com)

*more above*

'I was lectured on my sexuality' (www.irishtimes.com {Ireland})

*more above*

Dancing With the Stars finale: how Chaz Bono shook off his haters (www.vancouversun.com {Canada})

*more above*

LGBT radio station in Montreal (blogs.montrealgazette.com)

*more above*

Sorrowful ceremony honors transgender people who died in past year (blog.sfgate.com)

*more above*

Peace

"The practice of blessing is a simple way to develop a constantly centered awareness. It is also a tool for growing in universal love and avoiding judgement."

Pierre Pradervand
The Gentle Art of Blessing

Work protections for trans people at starting gate (www.upi.com)

*more above*

Annette Bening's trans son settles beef with Chaz Bono (www.queerty.com)

*more above*

Transgender Day of Remembrance inspires reflection (www.agoracosmopolitan.com {Canada})

*more above*

Athens, Greece

credit: Louisa Gouilamaki

Hello...

Please remember, it's Transgender Day of Remembrance... rest in peace, dear friends... here's what happened this week... Athens, Attiki, Greece... Towson, Maryland... Yeovil, Somerset, England, UK... Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas... London, England, UK... Warrington, England, UK... Bangalore, Karnataka, India... Taipei, Taiwan... Salvador, Bahia, Brazil... Redmond, Washington... Council Bluffs, Iowa... Mirabel, Quebec, Canada.... Concord, North Carolina... Wesley Chapel, Florida... Dublin, Ireland... Grand Rapids, Michigan... Los Angeles, California... Slidell, Louisiana... Kingston, Saint Andrew, Jamaica... Denver, Colorado... Groningen, Netherlands... Madras, Tamil Nadu, India... Abbotsford, Britith Columbia, Canada... Stockholm, Stockholms Lan, Sweden... West Palm Beach, Florida... New Baltimore, Michigan... San Francisco, California... Mountain View, California... Spanaway, Washington... Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedlijk Gewest, Belgium... Atlanta, Georgia.... Hinesville, Georgia... Kings Park, New York...

This month's top dog:   Labour's first transgender candidate tells of bullying hell at hands of police colleagues

Gobble, gobble! Please help those in need! Gobble, gobble!

American Red Cross
www.redcross.org

International Red Cross/Red Crescent
www.ifrc.org

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Rainbow Fund
www.rainbowfund.org

To my US friends, happy turkey/tofurkey day!

Supreme Court ruling gives Pakistan's beleagured transgender community new hope (www.rferl.org {Europe/Pakistan})

*more above*

Community, allies remember victims lost to anti-transgender hate crimes (www.lgbtqnation.com)

*more above*

Annual march for transgender victims follows another death (latimesblogs.latimes.com)

*more above*

Labour's first transgender candidate tells of bullying hell at hands of police colleagues (http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk)

*more above*

Reminder: Transgender Day of Remembrance in Montreal (blogs.montrealgazette.com {Canada}))

*more above*

Transgender Day of Remembrace (www.fenuxe.com)

*more above*

Transgender day of remembrance events (gaysocialites.com)

*more above*

20th November: Transgender Day of Remembrance (www.gaelick.com {Ireland})

*more above*

Trans woman shot to death in Hollywood as Transgender Day of Remembrance nears (www.queerty.com)

*more above*

Somber events pay tribute to lives lost (www.advocate.com)

*more above*

Kelly Osbourne apologizes to the transgender community (www.towleroad.com)

*more above*

Fake doctor busted for bad butt injections (www.nbcmiami.com)

*more above*

ezs note:  please...do NOT  hire a fraud such as this!

Video: Transgender Day of Remembrance to be observed globally and in San Diego (sdgln.com)

*more above*

Transgender person shot and killed in Hollywood (laist.com)

*more above*

MA state legislature passes transgender rights bill (www.msmagazine.com)

*more above*

National news in brief: November 18 (www.washingtonblade.com)

*more above*

Massachusetts (finally) moves to protect sex slaves, transgender people (blogs.bostonmagazine.com)

*more above*

Transgender day of remembrance (blogs.phillymag.com)

*more above*

Legal ease: Marriage validity in California (sdgln.com)

*more above*

Transgender day of remembrance

Credit:  WeHo news

those who have been murdered this year

Greth de Ogum
(Fernando)
Adriana
Jurema
Idiana Roberta Sevilla Raudales
Marcinha
Sandra
Valentina
Alison
Kirat Pal
N. N.
Charm Ashwan
(Reinaldo Davino Da Silva)
Mica
(Jocivaldo Alves)
Pamela
Nataly Rojas
N.N.
Farlen
N. N.
Diana
Lorenza Alexis Alvarado Hernandez
Lady Oscar
Eduarda
Mirela
(Carlos Bispo dos Santos)
Erica
Luisa
Cheo Reana Bustamente
N.N.
Jelwin Tolentino
N.N.
Genesis Briget Makaligton
N.N.
N.N.
N.N.
Adriana
Krissy Bates
N.N.
Laisa
Fergie
Angela
Marcia
Mini Britany
N.N.
N.N.
N.N.
Natasha
Mariana
(Ivo Valentin)
N.N.
Alejandra Marin
Angie
Carla
N.N.
N.N.
N.N.
Geruza
N.N.
Laura Renan
Lorraine
N.N.
(Esteban Gonzalez Gomez)
N.N.
Fernanda
N.N.
Nicol Balanta
(Luis Fernando Ormero)
Moni Castro
Capenga
Poh Hiao Peng
Mireya
N.N.
Tyra Trent
Aline
(Victor Jose) Cruz Escorcia
N.N.
Jessica
N.N.
N.N.
N.N.
Priscila Loura
Val das Cracas Souza
Andrea
Casandra
(Marcal) Camero Tye
Shakira
Tininha
N.N.
La Jenny
R. Suresh
N.N.
Andrea
N.N.
(Javier Ortega Rodriguez)
N.N.
(Osimar Sebastiao de Souza Junior)
(Marcos Jose Pereira da Silva)
S.P.
N.N.
N.N.
Jessica
Leidy Garcia
Brenda Vanessa Viveros Peralta
N.N.
N.N.
N.N.
N.N.
Grace da Silva
Zharick
Paulinha Cesar de Oliveira
Rafela Thompson
Beyonce Nascimento dos Santos
Inete
(Armando Cabrera Martinez)
Kali
Naseem
Cristal Reyes
N.N.
Narin B.
Ale
Bibi
N.N.
Kimberly Rubi Bianconi Lopez
La Domenicana
(Jean Carlos Pereira)
Preta Gil Barbosa
Barbara
Naomi
N.N.
(Felipe Roberto) de Freitas Silva
Luisa Nicol Valera
N.N.
Paloma
Monica Elizondo
(Milda Rusel Aguilar Donis)
Alison Pereira Cabral dos Anjos
Alicinha da Cruz
(Roberto Confessor da Silva)
(Alexandre dos Anjos)
Levinha
N.N.
Matilde
N.N.
Karlota
Mailda dos Santos
Carla Tovar Cardenas
(Nathan Eugene Davis)
Kenia Silva Nascimento
N.N.
Karla
Casandra Hernandez
N.N.
N.N.
N.N.
Thalia
N.N.
Cinthia Gonzalez Garrido Rodriguez
Shayara Soares Santana Pereira
Val de Souza
N.N.
Lashai Mclean
Samantha
Didem
Camila Guzman
N.N.
N.N.
N.N.
Wahajat
Baby Lourenco Goncalves
Roberta Machado Amorim
N.N.
La Frutera
(Victor Manuel) Ulloa Morales
N.N.
Adriana
Camila
N.N.
Luana de Oliveria Batista
N.N.
Suzi Divino Da Silva
Simone Santos Rodrigues
Gaurav Gapalan
(Carlos Eduardo) Ferreira de Oliveira
Brigitte
(Jorge Alexis) Ortiz Hernandez
La Denisse
N.N.
Lucie Parkin
N.N.
 N.N.
N.N.
Paloma Perez
N.N.
Tierrita
Paloma Rodrigues da Cunha
Ramazan Cetin
Ceci
N.N.
Joana Faria
(Jefferson) Diogo de Cezaro
Elisa Sabatella Brasil
(Maicon Michel) Cardoso da Silva Westenhofen
(Jose Arimateia da Silva)
N.N.
Lulu
Talha
Dudu Paixao de Jesus
N.N.
N.N.
(Cristian Yoneiker) Torres Escuraima
Shelley 'Treasure' Hilliard
Malu Dos Santos
"Luis" Chichay Kano
Fogao Ferreira Rodrigues
Gabi Pereira Dantas
La Moma
Jessica Rolon
Luana de Oliveira Moreira
Muneer
N.N.

rest in peace, dear friends

If you have information about murders that took place anywhere in  the world, please 

take the time to call the police. (If the police in your area are corrupt, then tell a trusted official)  Above all, don't let them get away with it!!


(much thanks to '‘Transrespect versus Transphobia Worldwide’)

The horror of black homophobic horror flicks (sdgln.com)

*more above*

Stevenson raises awareness with Transgender Awareness Week (buffalogrove.suntimes.com)

*more above*

Transgender Equal Rights Commission praises lawmakers for advancing Equal Rights Bill (www.baywindows.com)

*more above*

Transgender widow of Wharton Co. firefighter appeals decision that marriage was invalid (www.khou.com)

*more above*

Muslim gays in Malaysia face extra punishment under Sharia (www.ibtimes.com)

*more above*

New book, 'The Lives of Transgender People' soon out (www.windycitymediagroup.com)

*more above*

Americans get trans identity? (www.care2.com)

*more above*

Michigan state LGBT group condemns flawed anti-bullying legislation (lezgetreal.com)

*more above*

New gender marker law near reality in Kyrgyzstan (www.advocate.com)

*more above*

The courage to continue (www.sctimes.com)

*more above*

Utah moms stand strong for their transgender kids (www.sltrib.com)

*more above*

Chaz Bono, Neil Patrick Harris,David Burtka honored at gay gala (www.ontopmag.com)

*more above*

Corona, New York

Credit:  Jeremy Kressman

Hello!

Okay, we've had our winter, time for spring!  (Yeah, right...)  Here's what happened last week... Corona, New York... Taipei, Taiwan... Groningen, Netherlands... Urfa, Sanliurfa, Turkey... Nagoya, Aichi, Japan... Seattle, Washington... Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India... Los Angeles, California... Council Bluffs, Iowa... Mountain View, California... Kingston, Saint Andrew, Jamaica... Croydon, England, UK... Lee, Massachusetts... Preston, Lancashire, England, UK... Washington, DC... Kings Park, New York... New Britain, Connecticut... Redmond, Washington... Slough, England, UK... Atlanta, Georgia... Saint-Etienne, Rhone-Alpes, France... Warrington, England, UK... Elk Grove Village, Illinois...

This month's top dog: The real modern family / Sex-change inmate in dress plea / California schools scrambling to add lessons on LGBT  (3-way tie)

The holidays are coming... make your gift better for everyone!  Please give to these charities...

American Red Cross
www.redcross.org

International Red Cross/Red Crescent
www.ifrc.org

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Rainbow Fund
www.rainbowfund.org

Thank you! 

Trans day of remembrance (goqnotes.com)

*more above*

Hong Kong gay pride 2011: over 2000 revelers march for LGBT rights (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

IRS rules sex change surgery tax deductible (www.nationalledger.com)

*more above*

Laxmi out of Bigg Boss (english.samaylive.com {India})

*more above*

University law students target school bullying (www.wbaltv.com)

*more above*

Cuban census may include same-sex couples (www.passportmagazine.com)

*more above*

Why we need transgender day of remembrance (blogs.montrealgazette.com)

(more above)

ezs note: What happened to this poor girl is UTTERLY REVOLTING!!  Please, if you have any information about what happened to Shelley Hilliard, please call the Detroit (MI) police now.

Members of Congress tell LGBT youth 'it gets better' (www.windycitymediagroup.com)

*more above*

Police: Mother identifies body as missing transgender teen (www.wxyz.com)

*more above*

ezs note:  I know it will give little comfort to a grieving mother, but if you have any information about who killed Shellie Hillard, please call the Detroit police now!!

New online LGBT consumer initiative announced (ftnnews.com)

*more above*

Gay rights group condemns HISD trustee's ad (blog.chron.com)

*more above*

Diversity speaker enlightens audience on transgender lifestyle (www.wcn247)

*more above*

TU (Tulsa University) lacks protections for LGBT students (www.utulsa.edu)

*more above*

Full text of Brett Ratner's apology to gay community (www.reuters.com)

*more above*

Joint commission focuses on improving care for LGBT patients (www.biomedreports.com)

*more above*

Spokane Transit apologizes to youths (www.spokesman.com)

*more above*

Chaz Bono named to Out 100 list (content.usatoday.com)

*more above*

Topeka district considers transgender amendment (www.eldoradotimes.com)

*more above*

Equality California announces early endorsements in 2012 legislative races (yubanet.com)

*more above*

I voted... DID YOU???

Credit: Collins

Transgender actress joins HBO's 'Hung' (perezhilton.com)

*more above*

Trial begins in slaying of transgender victim (www.startribune.com)

*more above*

Peace

“Do you know what is better than charity and fasting and prayer? It is keeping peace and good relations between people, as quarrels and bad feelings destroy mankind.”


Prophet Muhammad

Off the bus! Transsexuals kicked off for talking about bisexuality (blog.seattlepi.com)

*more above*,

'Two Spirits' documentary screens in SLC, Logan (www.sltrib.com)

*more above*

Eugenics and the practice of transgendering children (theconversation.edu.au {Australia}))

*more above*

Transgender exhibit to open (blogs.phillymag.com)

*more above*

This is your LAST chance to register! Do it now!

Credit:  Ben Sargent

Cork, Ireland

Credit: Jane's Weddings (Cork, Ireland)

Hello!

Let it snow, let it snow, oy, did it snow!  Here's what happened... Cork, Ireland... Mount Vernon, Oregon... Smithers, British Columbia... Campbell River, British Columbia... Kingston, Saint Andrew, Jamaica... Norfolk, Virginia... Kings Park, New York... Wesley Chapel, Florida... Concord, North Carolina... Atlanta, Georgia... Paris, Ile-de-France, France... Council Bluffs, Iowa... Mountain View, California... Lincoln, Nebraska... Key West, Florida... Geneva, Geneve, Switzerland... Kennewick, Washington... Taipei, Taiwan... Bangalore, Karnataka, India... Tulsa, Oklahoma... Laurel, Mississippi... Berlin, Germany... Washington, DC.... Logatec, Bohinj, Slovenia... Boston, Massachusetts... New Westminster, British Columbia... Karlsruhe, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany... San Francisco, California...  Plumersville, Arkansas... Paramus, New Jersey... Kent, Washington... Trenton, New Jersey... Groningen, Netherlands... Greenville, North Carolina... Minsk, Belarus... Pune, Maharashtra, India... Chicago, Illinois...

This is the last chance, friends... if you want to vote in the coming election but haven't registered yet, you MUST do so Monday!!  Make YOUR vote count!

You can help...

American Red Cross
www.redcross.org

International Red Cross/Red Crescent
www.ifrc.org

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Rainbow Fund
www.rainbowfund.org

Thank you!

Xerox garners recognition from two national groups (www.democratandchronicle.com)

*more above*

Chaz Bono threatens legal action over tabloid death prediction (www.eonline.com)

*more above*

How many ways to be Mormon and gay? (www.religiondispatches.org)

*more above*

Gay rights activist Dan Savage glitterbombed, called 'transphobe' (lgbtweekly.com)

*more above*

Vanderbilt to observe Transgender Day of Remembrance (www.outandaboutnewspaper.com)

*more above*

Lecture explores female masculinity in German literature (www.dailycampus.com)

*more above*

New poll shows majority of Americans supporting equality for trans community (instinctmagazine.com)

*more above*

Unmasked gala fundraiser held for GLBT historical society (www.sfbaytimes.com)

*more above*

Chloe Sevigny crossdresses for transgender magazine cover (www.contactmusic.com)

*more above*

Leonardo DiCaprio in Clint Eastwood's 'J. Edgar' (www.nytimes.com)

*more above*

Seeking adoption equality... (www.metroweekly.com)

*more above*

Transgender Metra worker suing over discrimination (www.windycitymediagroup.com)

*more above*

Affordable LGBT senior housing under development in Chicago (seniorhousingnews.com)

*more above*

Why transgender identity matters (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Baptist college boots transgender student (www.sltrib.com)

*more above*

Hello!

Boo!  Here's what's happening...  Charleston, South Carolina... Atlanta, Georgia... Groningen, Netherlands... Torrance, California... Miami, Florida... Mountain View, California.... Neudorfl. Niederosterreich, Austria... Boston, Massachusetts... Salt Lake City, Utah... Council Bluffs, Iowa... Los Angeles, California... Williamsport, Pennsylvania.... Cavite, Cavite City, Philippines... London, England, UK... Taipei,Taiwan... New York City, New York... Laurel, Mississippi.... Sanford, Maine... Alburtis, Pennsylvania... Herndon, Pennsylvania... Norwalk, Connecticut... Mansfield, Nottingham, England, UK...        Bradford, England... Oxford, Mississippi... Sherman Oaks, California... 

International Healing Foundation apologizes to the LBGTQ community on its 21st anniversary (www.prnewswire.com)

*more above*

Peace

"Peace is the marriage of the people
and the planet,
with all attendant vows."
Anonymous

Bobby Montoya: Colorado Girl Scouts say yes to boy who wants to join them (www.dailymail.co.uk)

*more above*

1st ever San Diego LGBT Pride contingent in Veterans Day parade (www.windycitymediagroup.com)

*more above*

'Southern Comfort' extends at CAP21 (offoffbroadway.broadwayworld.com)

*more above*

Your towns: readers respond (blogs.montrealgazette.com {Canada})

*more above*

Commonwealth urged to decriminalise homosexuality (www.scoop.co.nz {New Zealand})

*more above*

School filtering gay, transgender sites goes to court (www.cbsnews.com)

*more above*

Howard County: council aims to make gender identity a protected class (www.baltimoresun.com)

*more above*

Nielsen: advertisers 'flocking' to LGBT inclusive shows (www.washingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Peace

The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life.

Jane Addams

Turkey jails trans activists for 'insulting police' (www.care2.com)

*more above*

'I was called a basketball, a penguin,and an Ewok': Chaz Bono blasts 'disrespectful' Dancing With The Stars judges for bullying him over his weight (www.dailymail.co.uk)

*more above*

Black transgender face startling levels of discrimination, report finds (sdgln.com)

*more above*

Transgender children welcomed by the Girl Scouts of America (www.imperfectparent.com)

*more above*

ezs note:  just a question... why do the Girl Scouts seem so welcoming, but the Boy Scouts seem so... well...

Boy wanting to be Girl Scout told 'no' (www.9news.com)

*more above*

Sexual minorities persecuted in Iran (www.voanews.com)

*more above*

Cher furious over 'Dancing With The Stars' judge's comments (blog.sfgate.com)

*more above*

Out & Equal: welcome to Dallas (www.dallasvoice.com)

*more above*

Cyndi Lauper plans all-star benefit concert (www.showbiz411.com)

*more above*

Children of gay families more likely to be poor (www.reuters.com)

*more above*

Safe Zone training open to all students (www.ndsuspectrum.com)

*more above*

A world of rainbows (www.quadnews.net)

*more above*

American Airlines offering more benefits to gay employees (www.passportmagazine.com)

*more above*

Peace

If someone thinks that love and peace is a cliche that must have been left behind in the Sixties, that’s his problem. Love and peace are eternal. –John Lennon

Homophobia exacts a chilling price as hate crimes climb (www.independent.co.uk)

*more above*

ezs note:  If you are transgender, gay, lesbian, or bisexual and are being harassed, please turn them in!  It's time for you to stop worrying, and let the trolls do it for a change!

New plays, new views (www.citizen.co.za)

*more above*

Tennessee resident inspires General Mills to abandon transphobic ad (www.outandaboutnewspaper.com)

*more above*

Cookeville, Tennessee

credit: Chuck Sutherland

Hello!

Yep, the chill is definitely in the air... here's what happened... Cookeville, Tennessee... Woodland Hills, California... London, England, UK... Council Bluffs, Iowa... El Cerrito, California... Swansboro, North Carolina... Concord, North Carolina... Guildford, Surrey, England, UK... Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Belgium... Arlington Heights, Illinois... Tamuning, Guam... Groningen, Netherlands... Bangor, Maine... Santa Cruz, California... Taipei, Taiwan... Medan, Sumatera Utara... Plattsburgh, New York... Athens, Attiki, Greece... Salt Lake City, Utah... Mountain View, California... Atlanta, Georgia... Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania... Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada... Mount Horeb, Washington... Tulsa, Oklahoma... Forfar, Angus, Scotland... Jiddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia... Denver, Colorado... Kings Park, New York... Santa Monica, California... Saint Charles, Illinois...

US residents: If you want to vote, please remember to register!

Today's topper: FDNY welcomes first transgender firefighter

I know, the holidays are upon us, but please don't forget those less fortunate.  Here's a few:

American Red Cross
www.redcross.org

International Red Cross/Red Crescent
www.ifrc.org

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Rainbow Fund
www.rainbowfund.org

Thank you!

Karger making history and proud of it (www.fosters.com)

*more above*

More schools take action to stem anti-gay bullying (www.sfgate.com)

*more above*

LGBT history month: Victoria Kolakowski, first openly transgender US trial judge (www.lgbtqnation.com)

*more above*

Transgender woman Asia Santana sentenced to prison for 2010 fatal stabbing of boyfriend Eric Nevith in Norristown (timesherald.com)

*more above*

Transgender 101 is the featured topic of week 4 of the 2011 Oak Park GLBT documentary film series (triblocal.com) (

*more above*

Presbyterian church's ordination of gays is bittersweet (sdgln.com)

*more above*

Gay friendly schools: Alliance school (lightbox.time.com)

*more above*

Bono extends family values on 'Dancing With The Stars' (www.hanfordsentinel.com)

*more above*

October 20 is Spirit Day (www.allmediany.com)

*more above*

The real modern family (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Hinsdale group rallying support for young homeless (hinsdale.patch.com)

*more above*

ezs note:  The Unitarian Universalist churches are good ones. See how your local congregation is doing, or send a check to Hinsdale UU, specifying aid for homeless transgender youth. The address is:

Unitarian church of Hinsdale
17 W. Maple St.
Hinsdale, IL 60521

Coverage denied: trans Utahn fights SelectHealth (www.cityweekly.net)

*more above*

Marsha Aizumi: ally week: a grateful mother celebrates (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

New Jersey teacher's anti-gay comments on Facebook spark world outrage; pastor defends her (www.goddiscussion.com

*moreJ above*

LGBT patients search for healing (articles.boston.com)

*more above*

Poland's first transgender MP will fight for equal rights (www.pinknews.co.uk {UK})

*more above*

Yk group tells youth 'It Gets Better' (hqyellowknife.com {Canada/territories})

*more above*

On transgender suicide prevention (gaynewsnetwork.com.au {Australia})

*more above*

Peace

Then all that has divided us will merge
And then compassion will be wedded to power
And then softness will come to a world that is harsh and unkind
And then both men and women will be gentle
And then both women and men will be strong
And then no person will be subject to another's will
And then all will be rich and free and varied
And then the greed of some will give way to the needs of many
And then all will share equally in the earth's abundance
And then all will care for the sick and the weak and the old
And then all will nourish the young
And then all will cherish life's creatures
And then all will live in harmony with each other and with the earth
And everywhere will be called Eden, once again.
-- Judy Chicago

Law for welfare of transgender under way (www.asiantribune.com {India})

*more above*

California schools scrambling to add lessons on LGBT Americans (www.latimes.com)

*more above*

Indonesia's transgender couples surrounded by fear and persecution (www.guardian.co.uk {UK/Indonesia})

*more above*

University students push for gender-neutral washrooms (winnipeg.ctv.ca {Canada})

*more above*

Council Bluffs, Iowa

credit:  The Lincoln Highway National Museum & Archives

Hello!

Yep, the chill's in the air... here's what's happening... Council Bluffs, Iowa... Groningen, Netherlands... Spring, Texas... Rosrath, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany... Marysville, Washington... Jersey City, New Jersey... Taipei, Taiwan... Kings Park, New York... Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Belgium... Dublin, California... Fukuoka, Japan... Phoenix, Arizona... Laurel, Mississippi... Madras, Tamil Nadu, India... Erlanger, Kentucky... Berlin, Germany... Minden, Nordrhein-Westfalen... Canton, Ohio... Mountain View, California... Nuremberg, Bayern, Germany... Sydney, New South Wales, Australia... Atlanta, Georgia... Kollam, Kerala, India... Chicago, Illinois... Alicante, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain... Klang, Selangor, Malaysia... Rome, Lazio, Italy... Charleston, South Carolina... Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile...

U.S. citizens:  DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

This month's topper: FDNY welcomes first transgender firefighter

Please help!

American Red Cross
www.redcross.org

International Red Cross/Red Crescent
www.ifrc.org

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Rainbow Fund
www.rainbowfund.org

Thank you!

Uganda gay activist wins human rights award (bikyamasr.com)

*more above*

Peace

There ain’t much glory in seeing a man with his guts hanging out.


'Zeb Rawlings' (played by George Peppard)

Sex-change inmate in dress plea (www.adelaidenow.com.au)

*more above*

Chaz Bono and Vinny Guadagnino team up for anti-bullying campaign (realitytvmagazine.sheknows.com)

*more above*

Peace

At different states of our lives, the signs of love may vary: dependence, attraction, contentment, worry, loyalty, grief, but at the heart, the source is always the same.  Human beings have the rare capacity to connect with each other, against all odds.

Soren Kierkegaard

Federal government cracking down on LGBT housing discrimination (www.gayapolis.com)

*more above*

Showtime and Lee Daniels developing drama series set in NYC ball scene (colorlines.com)

*more above*

Why Frank Kameny belongs at the Smithsonian (www.advocate.com)

*more above*

For transgender individuals, online dating is a minefield (www.theglobeandmail.com {Canada})

*more above*

Push made for LGBT curriculum (www.queenstribune.com)

*more above*

Mass same-sex marriage & commitment ceremony in Odessa (www.cbs7kosa.com)

*more above*

PU celebrated 2nd annual Coming Out Day celebration (www.wlfi.com)

*more above*

Peace

If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there'd be peace.


John Lennon

Event to help displaced London (Canada) business owner, following transgender controversy (www.metronews.ca {Canada})

*more above*

Viki Knox, Union Township New Jersey teacher, investigated for alleged anti-gay Facebook posts (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Group calls upon NY City to provide transgender people with accurate identification documents (www.pridesource.com)

*more above*

Group fighting LGBT teachings fails petition drive (www.sfgate.com)

*more above*

Score! A transgender people's victory in the state of California (colorlines.com)

*more above*

Wanda Sykes, Lady Gaga among LGBT history month honorees (www.shewired.com)

*more above*

Minnesota man convicted of raping, robbing trans man (www.advocate.com)

*more above*

Don't ask, don't tell (at work, anyway) ( www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Peace

“What is objectionable, what is dangerous about extremists is not that they are extreme, but that they are intolerant. The evil is not what they say about their cause, but what they say about their opponents."  John F Kennedy 

Anna Grodzka becomes Poland's first openly transgender member of Parliament (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

ezs note:  Wow!! Congratulations, Anna!

Peace

One of the sanest, surest, and most generous joys of life comes from being happy over the good fortune of others.
Archibald Rutledge


O

Today is National Coming Out Day (www.southfloridagaynews.com)

*more above*

Nicole Kidman's transgender film shelved (www.advocate.com)

*more above*

National Coming Out Day - spreading a message of equality for all (www.examiner.com)

*more above*

Peace

“I keep the telephone of my mind open to peace, harmony, health, love and abundance. Then whenever doubt, anxiety, or fear try to call me, they keep getting a busy signal and soon they’ll forget my number.” – Edith Armstrong

Leave your bias at the door (www.mtsusidelines.com)

*more above*

Chesham transgender appeals for people to 'understand' and not 'judge' (chesham.buckinghamshireadvertiser.co.uk)

*more above*

Conference works to address LGBT issues in Catholic schools (ncronline.org)

*more above*c

California governor signs trans rights and anti-bullying bills (www.justout.com)

*more above*

Transgender woman poised for seat in Poland's new parliament (www.telegraph.co.uk (UK/Poland)

*more above*

Peace

We live in fear. I’m very scared ... The authorities don’t do anything. If they did, we would not be living this situation. The police always patrol the same place, not where things are happening. I want them to do something so we can live in peace..SOURCE: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL 2011-10-08 14:45:00

Britain threatens aid cuts to Uganda and Ghana over LGBT repression (lezgetreal.com)

*more above*

Parenting and coming out (www.baywindows.com)

*more above*

Peace

I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments. Indeed, I think that people want peace so much that one of these days governments had better get out of the way and let them have it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower

Trans woman killed by brother who claims he has "cleansed his honour" (news.pinkpaper.com)

*more above*

SDSU-IV to hold first lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender flag raising ceremony (imperialvalleynews.com)

*more above*

London, England, UK

Credit- Getty images

Hello!

Happens every year - the last, beautiful summery weather before winter comes... here's what happened... London, England, UK... San Fernando, Buenos Aires, Argentina... Marion, Kentucky... Minneapolis, Minnesota... Midland, Texas... Kings Park, New York... Council Bluffs, Iowa... San Francisco, California... Istanbul, Turkey... Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Belgium... Columbia, Missouri... Ashburn, Virginia... Atlanta, Georgia... Fort Collins, Colorado... Taipei,Taiwan... Austin, Texas... Kingston, Rhode Island... Albany, New York... Mountain View, California... Samara, Russia... Naga, Philippines... Dehli, India... Newton, Georgia... Groningen, Netherlands... Kingston, Saint Andrews, Jamaica... Chatham, New York... Kennewick, Washington... Alburtis, Pennsylvania... Redmond, Washington... Wayne, Pennsylvania...  

This month's  topper: FDNY welcomes transgender firefighter

Make our world a wee bit better... please give...

American Red Cross
www.redcross.org

International Red Cross/Red Crescent
www.ifrc.org

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Rainbow Fund
www.rainbowfund.org

Thank you!

Dan Savage does not hate you* (thenewcivilrightsmovement.com)

*more above*

TV show reveals shocking prejudice endured by transgender couple on Rochdale estate (menmedia.co.uk {UK})

*more above*

Should gay marriage be legal in the entire United States? (www.usnews.com)

*more above*

The October 12 ally (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

'Southern Comfort' (review) (www.theatermania.com)

*more above*

MassEquality in support of Occupy Boston (therainbowtimesmass.com)

*more above*

Job training efforts grow for transgender workers (www.timesunion.com)

*more above*

Breaking the silence: Including the 'B' and 'T' in the Black LG community (www.washingtonblade.com)

*more above*

Transgender prejudice squaddie back in court for resisting arrest (www.perthshireadvertiser.co.uk {UK})

(more above)

ezs note:  Isn't it time - in fact, long past time - for police officers to act responsibly and courteously toward transgender people? They can go act like dumbass dinosaurs at home, but once on the job, their failure to treat ALL people with dignity should be fired!!!

National Coming Out Day - October 11

Credit-unknown

Transgender residents to graduate from jobs program (www.washingtonblade.com)

*more above*

Chaz Bono's place in history (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

FOX, HBO, top LGBT list (gaynewsnetwork.com.au {Australia})

*more above*

Transgender people, transitioning, and those darn standards of care (www.autostraddle.com)

*more above*

Gender expression non-discrimination act: transgender New Yorkers still waiting for equality (WTF????) (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Trans-health group's new standards of care (www.windycitymediagroup.com)

*more above*

ezs note- Once again, please read the document written by WPATH.  Yes, it's long, but very important.

Feds update transgender prison guidelines (www.windycitymediagroup.com)

*more above*

Transgender dating mixers now in Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal (www.agoracosmopolitan.com {Canada})

*more above*

A look at Obama's speech to the Human Rights Campaign (campusprogress.org)

*more above*

Hudak serves java, sympathy (www.stthomastimesjournal.com {Canada})

*more above*

Peace

“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”


Martin Luther King Jr.

It's voting time again...

Yep, it's that time again.  Just one month to go until Election Day.  Now, as some of you may be aware, I'm a Democrat (strong lefty leaning), but that's beside the point.  In my old state Senatorial district, there was a guy running, who was a Democrat.  He also hated transgender folk (oh, and gays, lesbians, and bisexuals).  Normally, I'd vote for a Democrat, but not this joker.

My point is this:  although it would be folly to vote for a single issue, it would be proper to put that issue very high in your consideration.  Once again, this is your life and dignity at stake.  Please consider it as such.

Oh, and one more thing:  If you're not certain whether you've registered, get off your rump and register! Then vote!

Trans man mistreated by NYPD during 'Occupy Wall Street' protest (lezgetreal.com)

*more above*

Transgender woman tells of street abuse (www.pinknews.co.uk {UK})

*more above*

Why are museums so afraid of LGBT stories?

*more above*

Peace

Every goal, every action, every thought, every feeling one experiences, whether it be consciously or unconsciously known, is an attempt to increase one's level of peace of mind.
Sydney Madwed 

Many thanks to Hiwatari Saki

As many of you who read this blog know, I also enjoy the reading of manga.  Like other media, there's some which is fair, some good, some very good - but there are the very few which are truly stellar.  One such manga is Global Garden.  Wow.

I won't disclose too much to you, except the overarching theme of peace.  I decided to give an occasional thought to peace. It's too important not to.


Once again, thank you, Hiwatari Saki!

World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) releases new, improved standards of care

*more above*

ezs note:  Like I said before, the document (WPATH) is very important.  Either click the .pdf file, or click on the banner which reads "WPATH Standards of Care".  The document is long, but well worth it.

Congressional Black caucus annual leadership takes on HIV/AIDS (www.blackvoicenews.com)

*more above*

The politics of gender (www.indianexpress.com {India})

(more above)

FDNY welcomes first transgender firefighter (www.msnbc.msn.com)

(more above)

Google now offering choices for everyone (www.imperfectparent.com.)

(more above)

Guntersville, Alabama

credit:  Kelli

Hello!

Ah, the air is just a wee bit frosty today... Here's what happened... Guntersville, Alabama... Chicago, Illinois...  San Francisco, California... Toronto, Ontario, Canada... Novato, California... Kings Park, New York... Aldie, Virginia... Council Bluffs, Iowa... Freiberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany... Bronx, New York City, New York... Los Altos, California... Groningen, Netherlands... Ankara, Turkey... Vadares, Pays-de-la-Loire, France... Orange, California... Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpylosi, South Korea... Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada... Duvall, Washington... London, England, UK... Atlanta, Georgia... Redwood City, California... Taipei, Taiwan... Latham, New York... Bullhead City, Arizona... Dubuque, Iowa... Katy, Texas... Smyrna, Delaware... Woodland Hills, California... Inverness, Florida... Austin, Minnesota... Richland, Washington... Borghetto Santo Spirito, Liguria, Italy... Woodstock, Illinois... Izhevsk, Udmurt, Russia... Detroit, Michigan...

This month's tops:  'Melissa Joan Hart speaks out...' and 'Hello! (9/17/2011) (tie)

Our kindness can do more than we think... please give!

American Red Cross
www.redcross.org

International Red Cross/Red Crescent
www.ifrc.org

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Rainbow Fund
www.rainbowfund.org

Thank you!

CIS in no rush to mirror NCAA transgender policy (cupwire.ca {Canada})

(more above)

EU calls for end to classifying trans people as mentally ill (www.care2.com)

(more above)

New York considers covering transgender surgery under Medicaid (www.syracuse.com)

(more above)

DC man pleads guilty to shooting transgender woman (www.wtop.com)

(more above)

WPATH Standards of Care (www.wpath.org)

(more above)

ezs note:  I know it's long, but this document is extremely important.  Transgenders, parents, teachers, counselors and friends/acquaintances- all will benefit from this.  

Photo flash: 'Southern Comfort' now in rehearsal at CAP21 (offoffbroadway.broadwayworld.com)

(more above)

Northwestern Wildcats athletic department is the first to join the 'It Gets Better' project (www.go.espn)

(more above)

Lawrence (Kansas) approves gender identity ordinance (www.chron.com)

(more above)

Police arrest alleged transgender prostitute (newjerseyhills.com)

(more above)

Too young to know your gender? (thecharts.blogs.cnn.com)

(more above)

Human pappilomavirus (HPV)

Recently I saw a short study on HPV.  It was surprising, to say the least.  Studies show that, among sexually active females, 80 percent come down with HPV.  As far as I can tell, there is no related study among transgender persons, M to F or F to M.  However, there would some items that would be wise:

1.  If you are active sexually, or thinking about it, go to a doctor first.  Be frank about it.  Follow her/his advice.

2.  If you are raising a transgender child, (and,yes, there are those) talk to the doctor about what advice you should give her/him.  Ask what stages you should go through as she/he grows up.

3.  If you or your partner already has HPV, ask what medication and timing will prevent it.

Transgender woman says she has been left "half man" by NHS surgery refusal (www.pinknews.co.uk {UK})

(more above)

Dupont Circle vigil for slain engineer, theater director, draws over 200 (www.washintonblade.com)

(more above)

Excerpts from WPATH standards of care 7 (blogs.montrealgazette.com)

(more above)

ezs note:  Despite what "experts" tell you, this is the word  of eminent doctors, physicians, and psychiatrists.  In a few words, you ain't crazy.  To pursue this, the words are a bit scholarly for the layperson, but it's well worth it.

Redbridge's 'hidden' gay community boosted by police link-up (www.london24.com {Canada})

(more above)

London, England, UK

Hello!

Fall is here!  Bah humbug!  Oh, well...  Here's this week's... London, England, UK... Groningen, Netherlands... Jyvaskyla, Western Finland, Finland... Coppell, Texas... Concord, North Carolina... Effingham, Illinois... Atlanta, Georgia... Manchester, Tennessee... Council Bluffs, Iowa... Burlington, Ontario, Canada... Madras, Tamil Nadu, India... Burbank, Illinois... Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan... Redhill, Surrey, England, UK... Mountain View, California... Prague, Hlvani Praha Mesto, Czech Republic... Milan, Lombardia, Italy... Bangalore, Karnataka, India... Louisville, Kentucky... Boston, Massachusetts... Dehli, India... Chicago, Illinois... Kingston, Saint Andrew, Jamaica... Wallingford, Connecticut... Taipei, Taiwan... Copenhagen, Denmark... Kaliningrad, Russia... Austin, Texas...

This month's top dog: Cop arrested after altercation with trans woman

Hmm, what do I write... I know... give!

American Red Cross
www.redcross.org

International Red Cross/Red Crescent
www.ifrc.org

Doctors Without Borders
www.doctorswithoutborders.org

Rainbow Fund
www.rainbowfund.org

Thanks!

Rev. Dr. Janet Edwards: LGBT people in church: top 5 questions asked by opponents

(more above)

Transgender woman says city police were abusive (www.winnipegfreepress.com {Canada}))

(more above)

Q and A: City's proposed gender identity ordinance (www2.ljworld.com)

(more above)

Repeal of DADT for LGB's but not T's (www.ukprogressive.co.uk)

(more above)

Transgender worker told to get off premises of 'family friendly' farmer's market in Ontario, Canada (www.towleroad.com)

(more above)

Emory hosts international conference on transgender health (shared.web.emory.edu)

(more above)

Chaz Bono takes it one step at a time (www.suntimes.com)

(more above),

The Daily Mail's transgender rights fail (www.care2.com)

(more above)

Scientists find a way to disarm AIDS (www.reuters.com)

(more above)

Pioneer program battles transgender discrimination (www.wamu.org)

FOX news' Keith Ablow: being transgender is 'an exact parallel' to anorexia, heroin addiction (patrickhenrypress.info)

(more above)

'X' now a gender option in Australian passports (www.baywindows.com)

(more above)

UK Home Office considers gender-free passports (www.reuters.com)

(more above)

Glasgay! Re-invention - exhibition and workshop aimed at gay and trans comic fans (www.list.co.uk {UK})

(more above)

Caught on tape: intense rumble breaks out near KENS 5 news truck (www.kens5.com)

(more above)

Oak Reed transgender controversy from last year means no homecoming king or queen in Mona Shores (www.mlive.com)

(more above)

Trans-Stonewall: Chaz opens the door (www.lgbtqnation.com)

(more above)

Letters (www.nctimes.com)

(more above)

Anti-transgender violence how hate-crime laws have failed (www.truth-out.org)

(more above)

Thank you, Mom and Gerry!

Gronengen, Netherlands