31 January 2012

LGBT history month (UK)

Credit:  Facebook

Black history month (US)

Credit:  AP

Reform of laws on HIV sought (www.thehindu.com (India))

(more above)

11-Year-Old Girl to be Institutionalized Because TRAAAAANS! (unicornbooty.com)

*more above*

ezs note:  YOU can make a difference-- sign the petition!

Canada transportation rules: Could they prevent transgender people from flying? (www.washingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Arab Emirates ‘cure' video under fire from LBGT activists (chicago.gopride.com)

*more above*

Transgender People Concerned About Airport Screening Regulations in Canada

*more above*

28 January 2012

Actress' claim to be gay by choice riles activists (www.timesunion.com)

*more above*

Atlanta, Georgia

Credit:  CWCnews

Hello!

Weird January weather we're havin'!  Here's what's happening... Atlanta, Georgia... Riyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia... London, London, City of, England, UK... Berlin, Germany... Nebo, North Carolina...  Sydney, New South Wales, Australia... Wesley Chapel, Florida... Turin, Piemonte, Italy... Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Belgium... Spokane, Washington... Taipei, T'ai-pei, Taiwan... San Francisco, California... Council Bluffs, Iowa... Tifton, Georgia... Deerfield, New Hampshire... Heanor, Derbyshire, England, UK... Durham, North Carolina...  Reading, Pennsylvania... Mountain View, California... Seattle, Washington... West Hartford, Connecticut... Quezon, Nueva Ecija, Philippines...

This month's top dog (arf,arf!) School board approves surveillance, transgender policies

I'll bet we can do it!  Here's the favorite 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

The Anger Over ‘Tranny,’ From Neil Patrick Harris to RuPaul to Dan Savage (www.thedailybeast.com)

*more above*

OUT@NBCUniversal and Rain Team Up for Superbowl Sunday Benefit (losangeles.broadwayworld.com)

*more above*

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan To Address Gay Rights Conference (www.ontopmag.com)

*more above*

Tony Perkins Blasts 'Star Wars: The Old Republic' For Including Gay Relationships (www.ontopmag.com)

*more above*
                                                                              Credit:Benson              

27 January 2012

Changes to Trans Health Program spark concern (www.xtra.ca)

*more above*

LGBT-Themed License Plates Could Hit The Streets Of California (losangeles.cbslocal.com)

*more above*

First lady Katie O’Malley regrets words about gay marriage foes (thedailyrecord.com)

*more above*

CNIC woes: For transgenders, their guru is their guardian (tribune.com.pk (Pakistan))

*more above*

LGBT History Month 2012 (www.highgatepeople.co.uk(UK))

*more above*

California legislators choose LGBT leader (www.examiner.com)

*more above*

26 January 2012

Gearing up for ‘Change’ (www.washingtonblade.com)

*more above*

NAACP president says group supports extending rights to transgender residents in Maryland (www.washingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Maryland First Lady Katie O'Malley blames "cowards" for gay marriage failure last year (www.therepublic.com)

*more above*

David Kato: A Hero of Hope (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Identity, spirituality explored (www.gcsunade.com)

*more above*

Debate continues for countywide domestic partnership registry (www.cfnews13.com)

*more above*

Trans advocates criticize Tennessee Rep. Floyd (lgbtweekly.com)

*more above*

U.S. issues new guidance for LGBT asylum claims (www.washingtonblade.com)

*more above*

Romney, conservatism, raising a family and the gays (www.washingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Filling in the Data Gaps on Black Gay and Transgender Americans (www.americanprogress.org)

*more above*

Ireland to Host European Transgender Forum (www.gaelick.com(Ireland))

*more above*

The right voice (www.thehindu.com(India))

*more above*

Transgender persons being enrolled as Pak voters (zeenews.india.com(India))

*more above*

25 January 2012

Chances at Romance Publishes Groundbreaking Romance Novel Featuring a Transgendered Heroine (www.marketwatch.com)

*more above*

SPLC accuses county schools of violating gay rights (www.tuscaloosanews.com)

*more above*

Girl Guides of Canada considering transgender members (www.torontosun.com)

*more above*

Bill would bar prisons from paying for inmate sex changes (www.independentmail.com)

*more above*

Kylie at Mardi Gras (southern-courier.whereilive.com.au(Australia))

*more above*

A Generation Sacrificed, Again (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Maryland's Martin O'Malley Supports Transgender Protections Bill (www.ontopmag.com)

*more above*

Matthew Shepard's father confronts Tennessee about teen suicides, bullying, hate crimes (www.metroweekly.com)

*more above*

Texas judge jails transgender widow of fallen firefighter for being late to court appearance (www.therepublic.com)

*more above*

24 January 2012

Oberst: Don't block anti-bias law (www.omaha.com)

*more above*

LifeLine role a mix of pressure and pleasure (www.stuff.co.nz (New Zealand))

*more above*

Lesbian Air Force Colonel "Honored and Humbled" to Be Invited to Join First Lady at State of the Union (www.metroweekly.com)

*more above*

Mitt Romney Discloses Contributions to Antigay Groups (www.advocate.com)

*more above*

Boy Scouts Of America Embraces 'No Name-Calling Week,' Anti-Bullying Event Established By LGBT Organization (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Palm Beach County broadens anti-discrimination protections (weblogs.sun-sentinel.com)

*more above*

Jack Gantos wins 2012 Newbery Medal (articles.chicagotribune.com)

*more above*

Gary Johnson, Former New Mexico Governor, On Why He's Gay Voters' Best Presidential Choice (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above* 

IU’s GLBT Alumni Association gathers Jan. 27-29 for annual celebration (newsinfo.iu.edu)

*more above*

Baird promotes tolerance for gays in clever effort to hide anti-gay agenda (fullcomment.nationalpost.com(Canada))

*more above*

20 January 2012

Jumping Beyond the Broom (www.americanprogress.org)

*more above*

Sweden's Transgender Sterilization Law Slammed By International Activists, Politicians (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

ezs note: I signed the petition... did you?

Weeklong queer fest starts today (timesofindia.indiatimes.com(India))

*more above*

Campus, Museum of Tolerance explore collaboration

*more above*

The New Civil Rights Movement Nominated For GLAAD Media Award (thenewcivilrightsmovement.com)

*more above*

Groundbreaking Global Report on LGBT Tourism Released Created Through UNWTO-IGLTA partnership (www.etravelblackboardasia.com(Australia))

*more above*

Rainbows for Cuba! (www.thedailyactivist.com)

*more above*

Guarne, Antioquia, Colombia


Credit:  Flickr

Hello!

A bit of warm before the storm!  Here's what happening...  Guarne, Antioquia, Colombia... Jakarta, Jakarta Raya,Indonesia... Bronx, New York... Wesley Chapel, Florida... Tomball, Texas... Woburn, Massachusetts... Boston, Massachusetts... Council Bluffs, Iowa... Burlington, Ontario, Canada... Atlanta, Georgia... Farmington, Minnesota... Wells, Maine... Terre Haute, Indiana... Toronto, Ontario, Canada... Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil... Monroeville, Pennsylvania... Redmond, Washington... Saint Paul, Minnesota...  Palembang, Sumatera Selatan, Indonesia... Mexico, Distrito Federal, Mexico... Norwalk, Connecticut... Kingston, Saint Andrew, Jamaica... Woodland Hills, California... Manila, Philippines... Groningen, Netherlands... Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk, Belgium... Bangalore, Karnataka, India...Mountain View, California... Washington, District of Columbia... Croydon, England, UK...

This month's top dog:  'Transphobic' tampon advert causes outrage

We ALL 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

19 January 2012

Boston doctor finds treating transgender youth a transforming experience (www.jta.org)

*more above*

Gov signs transgender rights bill (www.wwlp.com)

*more above*

Protesters glitter-bomb Santorum rally (www.charlestoncitypaper.com)

*more above*

GLAAD to host queer-inclusive panels at Sundance (qsaltlake.com)

*more above*

GLAAD Announces Nominees for Outstanding Comic Book 2011 (www.comicsalliance.com)

*more above*

Lady Gaga up for GLAAD award (www.iol.co.za(South Africa)

*more above*

17 January 2012

Gay Catholic Group Responds to Pope's Homophobic Comments (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Park Ridge church becomes ‘reconciling congregation,’ welcomes LGBT community (parkridge.suntimes.com)

*more above*

In LGBT Debates, Discomfort Is Part of the Point (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Pee in Safety! (prospect.org)

*more above*

ezs note:  Okay, okay, this article may give you a few yuks, but if you or a friend really has to go, this blog has some very useful information.  Particularly, www.safe2pee.org has some very useful information.  Let me know how it goes.

Honduras is test of new U.S. policy on gay rights (www.miamiherald.com)

*more above*

Thai airline employs transgender flight attendants (www.globalpost.com)

*more above*

Proposed Baltimore Law Would Allow Transgender People to Use Bathroom of Their Choice (www.opposingviews.com)

*more above*

16 January 2012

14 January 2012

Menasha, Wisconsin

Credit:  Menasha Contractors

Hello!

The cold is coming!  The cold is coming! Here's what's happening... Menasha, Wisconsin... Council Bluffs, Iowa... Auckland, New Zealand... Groningen, Netherlands... Piraeus, Attiki, Greece... Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk, Belgium...  Washington, District of Columbia... Los Angeles, California... Atlanta, Georgia... Morganton, North Carolina...  Royal Oak, Michigan.... Dubai, United Arab Emirates... Mountain View, California....  Sofia, Grad Sofiya, Bulgaria... Chicago, Illinois... London, England, UK... Camberley, Surrey, England, UK... Central District, Hong Kong, SAR, China...

This month's top dog:  'Transphobic' tampon advert causes outrage

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. day!

Globally, we can help... help a friend in need...

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

Have an unchilly day!

ABC Cancels Work It After Two Episodes (www.thedeadbolt.com)

*more above*

10 January 2012

Peace


I have done without electricity, and tend the fireplace and stove myself. Evenings, I light the old lamps. There is no running water, and I pump the water from the well. I chop the wood and cook the food. These simple acts make man simple; and how difficult it is to be simple. In Bollingen, silence surrounds me almost audibly, and I live in modest harmony with nature. An indescribable stillness prevailed.

In the Tower at Bollingen it is as if one lived in many centuries simultaneously. The place will outlive me, and in its location and style it points backward to things long ago. There is very little about it to suggest the present. If a man of the sixteenth century were to move into the house, only the kerosene lamp and the matches would be new to him; otherwise, he would know his way about without difficulty. There is nothing to disturb the dead, neither electric light nor telephone. (Carl Jung)

Wintour Award (www.vogue.co.uk(UK))

*more above*  

Shun homophobia (bulatlat.com (Philippines))

*more above*

Romney Likes 'Being Able to Fire People' for Being Gay (www.huffingtonpost.com)

*more above*

Tampon Ad: Missing the Points (blogs.montrealgazette.com(Canada))

* more above*

08 January 2012

Reopened Parkside pool caters for city’s transgender community (www.cambridgefirst.co.uk)

*more above*

Transgender City Manager Ousted From Lake Worth for ‘Personal Reasons’ (www.southfloridagaynews.com)

*more above*

What to do when a transgender man needs his pap smear? (www.dailymail.co.uk (UK))

*more above*

Zoologger: Transgender fish perform reverse sex flip (www.newscientist.com)

*more above*

Transgender Americans take on New York (www.bbc.co.uk)

*more above*

Cheryl Rebottaro: Why PFLAG has returned to Santa Cruz County (www.santacruzsentinel.com)

*more above*

07 January 2012

My pick is for Obama... but not without some SERIOUS reservations...

This is a candidate that I've given a great deal of thought to.  One may wonder why.  On the GOP side, the serious contenders are yahoos, or worse.  (You may bring up Jon Huntsman. I hate to say it, but according to the GOP dictionary, his picture would be under "unelectable".)  Essentially, this is a four person race.  There is Mitt Romney, whose gyrations are so bewildering, no one - Republican, Democratic, Green, what have you - can make out what he really means.  Ron Paul may be loved by a smattering of Texans, but little else.  Rick Santorum is consistent, I'll give him that - consistently psychotic, consistently bizarre.  Newt Gingrich will be sending people to the moon.  Uh-huh.

On the Democratic side is Barack Obama.

Now, a Democratic booster would say to me, "See?  Barack Obama is just so easy to pick, it's remarkably simple.  The only candidate worth their chops, Jon Huntsman, is going down in flames.  Vote Barack Obama!"  Yeah, pal, while I'm glad you can serve whatever the Democratic Party dishes out to you, for the rest of us, it just ain't that easy.

On the positive side, I am glad ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act) has expanded, DOMA (Defense Of Marriage Act) has been effectively scuttled, as has the idiotic 'Don't ask, don't tell' military policy.  Hillary Rodham Clinton's speech in Switzerland last month was a ringing call to action.

Despite this, however, Barack Obama's overall record has been worrisome at best.

First off, there is the actual record of "Don't ask, don't tell" repeal.  He waited until after the GOP won  the November election.  In its own twisted way, it was (kinda) good that that the Republicans won the House, because Obama seemed shaken out of his own bizarre funk.  Would Obama done as well had the Democrats won?  Maybe... but I doubt it.

Second, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. These twin wars have surpassed ten  years, with Afghanistan still counting.  There's no fudging it.  This war must end NOW.


Third, his answer (or, more to the point, non-answer) to Occupy Wall Street and the various  Occupy forces across this land.  Yes, the forces are terribly diverse.  What would have been proper, however, would be to identify the ideas of broad appeal (75% or greater) and then implement them.  I hate to say it, President Obama, but you failed.

As November approaches, the only question is on the Republican side.  Unless an earthquake happens,  Obama is safe.  For those of us who are who are on the lefty side, it would seem that Obama is as good as it gets.  (Sigh.)

There are a few things Obama can do to right his ship, however.

1.  Every day he is in the White House, from today until the election day, he will talk to local     Democrats.  It doesn't really matter whether it's from San Francisco or Podunk, Iowa.  What does matter is that they are frank - brutally frank, in fact.

2.  Similarly, he will talk to leaders of Occupy Wall Street and others in Occupy movements.

3.  I know you can't read every letter or e-letter that comes your way - but a random sample  - truly random - wouldn't hurt.

4. BUT... every flakoid who vents his/her spleen to you does not deserve equal attention.

President Obama, despite everything I've said, I do believe your heart is in the right place.  But before you accept pats on the back from the cheering section, there is one sobering fact that you must realize: there are thousands of Democrats around  the country who feel quite comfortable in following you.  Yes, you won-- but you must thank your lucky stars that you did win.  You must be humble enough to get a second opinion - and not just those who lived a Washingtonian life, but from Maine to Hawaii, and from Florida to Alaska.

It is then - and only then - that you and your administration will show true value and import.

Detroit Teen Found Dead After Helping Police (newsone.com)

*more above*

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Credit: Council Bluffs Public Library collection

Hello!

This warm, and it's January?  Nah...  Here's what happened... Council Bluffs, Iowa... West Hartford, Connecticut... Aßlar, Hessen, Germany...  Quebec City, Canada... Montebello, California... Wesley Chapel, Florida... Izmir, Turkey... Croydon, UK... Great Sutton, Surrey, UK... Woodbury, Connecticut... Trumbull, Connecticut...  New Haven, Connecticut... Bad Vilbel, Hessen, Germany... Taipei, T'ai-pei, Taiwan... Slidell, Louisiana... Groningen, Netherlands... San Francisco, California... Farmington, Michigan... Mountain View, California... Riyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia... Chicago, Illinois... Atlanta, Georgia... Hamilton, Ontario, Canada...

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

Make your new year a happy year!

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

Chaz Bono saving up for penis operation (www.digitalspy.com)

*more above*

06 January 2012

Officials Close Investigation Into ‘Fighter’ Director’s Alleged Groping (abcnews.go.com)

*more above*

Police search for man who raped transgender teen (www.abc2news)

*more above*

ezs note: If you live in Baltimore or the area, or visit there, and you have information regarding this crime, please let the Baltimore police know immediately!

Former Basketball Player Is World’s Tallest Trans Person (www.advocate.com)

*more above*

More homophobic crimes reported to police (www.southwalesargus.co.uk(UK/Wales)))

*more above*

Maryland legislature to consider gay marriage, transgender rights bills (www.lgbtqnation.com)

*more above*

TTPC plans membership meeting for Jan. 14 (www.outandaboutnewspaper).com)

*more above*

Peace

“A smile is the beginning of Peace” — Mother Teresa

Transgender Niece Tells Cops -- He Groped My Breasts (www.tmz.com)

*more above*

Rick Santorum jeered after comparing gay marriage to polygamy (www.latimes.com)

*more above*

01 January 2012

mull this one over...


"They are preserving the sanctity of marriage so that two gay men who've been together for twenty-five years can't get married, but a guy can still get drunk in Vegas and marry a hooker at the Elvis chapel. The sanctity of marriage is saved!"
- Lea DeLaria quotes

Long Beach's gay community faced good and bad news in '11 (www.presstelegram.com)

*more above*

Feature report: Gay committee will color Angeles City like a rainbow (www.pia.gov.ph {Philippines}))

*more above*

At least 20 say they ended up disfigured after 'The Duchess' performed black-market beauty procedures (miamiherald.typepad.com)

*more above*

Suicide Rate for Trans Women Denied Implants Alarming (www.advocate.com)

*more above*

Gender identity bill is a legislative priority for Maryland's governor Martin O'Malley

*more above*

Happy New Year 2012!

Credit:  Silverguy