31 December 2013

2014 - it's almost here!

In fact, in some parts of the world, it's already here!  Now, let me tell you about New Year's Day.  To be honest, it's really not my favorite holiday.  After going through Thanksgiving and Black Friday and the monthlong pre-Christmas rush and Christmas itself (not to mention, for some, Chanukah or Kwanzaa) I've had quite enough, thanks.  The fact that some merchants hawk their wares in September doesn't make most filled with good cheer.

That said, I do believe that there is one resolution we can all make.  It doesn't involve running the Boston Marathon.  Nor does it involve doing 100 chin-ups.  It does not involve swearing off alcohol (though you might want to cut back a wee amount - *ahem*.)  It does involve writing an e-mail to your Congressperson.  Then, you send it off.

You never know what that little e-mail will do for you.  Somewhere, transgender people in your state, in your country, in your hemisphere, in your world will thank you. I most certainly will thank you.

30 December 2013

Transgender immigrants often end up with "survival convictions"

Valeria Fernández
http://www.sdgln.com/



*more here*

New Years Honours: Funny Girls owner Basil Newby honoured (UK)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/


*more here*

Transgender female Robert Lancaster in LPGA pursuit

http://www.torontosun.com/


*more here*

ezs note:  The use of the name 'Robert Lancaster' is the decision of the Toronto Sun, not of me.  There was no other name in the article, so I had to use that one.  Please don't be mad at me!

In Their Own Words: LGBT Advocates on the State of Transgender Issues

Parker Marie Molloy
http://www.advocate.com/


*more here*

Choosing Social Work as a Transgender Career

Stephanie Mott
http://www.huffingtonpost.com


*more here*

27 December 2013

GLAD Lauds CT Insurance Dept. Bulletin on Health Coverage for Transgender Patients

http://www.therainbowtimesmass.com/



*more here*

ezs note:  YESSSSSSSSS!!!  'BOUT FREAKIN' TIME!

New number for Lancashire LGBT community for help (UK)

http://www.lep.co.uk/


*more here*

SunServe's new hire will serve transgender community

Nicole Brochu
http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/


*more here*

The most intriguing new LGBT characters of 2013

GLAAD's Entertainment Media Team
http://sdgln.com/


*more here*

Calif. schools prepare for transgender rights law

http://www.redbluffdailynews.com/


*more here*


24 December 2013

Jenya Kushin: Youth suicide is preventable

Jenya Kushin

http://www.gazettenet.com/

*more here*

ezs note:  Make the holidays brighter!  If you need help, see a competent counselor NOW!  

'Trans Bodies, Trans Selves,' Transgender Resource Guide, Available In 2014

James Nichols
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/


*more here*

TRANSGENDER RIGHTS: Effort to repeal law may face close call

 DAVID OLSON
http://blog.pe.com/



*more here*

Fallon Fox, transgender MMA fighter: Passing is everything

http://chicago.gopride.com/


*more here*

Transgender man’s suit claims Georgia jail ignored rape by corrections officer

 NINA GOLGOWSKI
http://www.nydailynews.com/


*more here*

ezs note:  Fortunately, this vile 'corrections officer' is getting what he deserves.  If you are a corrections officer who is a witness to such things, please turn him in.  Inmates deserve fair treatment too!!!

19 December 2013

Why trans people have won a major victory in the Scotland equal marriage fight (Scotland)

Nathan Gale
http://www.gaystarnews.com/


*more here*

Op-ed: Pope Francis Has Not Made Good on Transgender Rights

Parker Marie Molloy
http://www.advocate.com/


*more here*

Why Is Fox's Hannity Promoting A Group That Got Caught Lying About Transgender Kids?

 LUKE BRINKER
http://mediamatters.org


*more here*

The Good (Inte)review (UK)

 Margaret Manning
http://thegoodreview.co.uk/


*more here*

N.J. bill to allow transgender people to get get new birth certificates heads to Chris Christie's desk


http://www.nj.com/


*more here*

18 December 2013

Christian Group Upset That Transgender, Gay People Are Signing Up For Obamacare

 Michael Allen
http://www.opposingviews.com/


*more here*

ezs note:  Oh, god... this is too hilarious!  But don't feel too bad, straight mothers, fathers, sisters, or brothers... we don't discriminate!  Obamacare is for everyone who needs it!

The Netherlands Passes Landmark Gender Identity Law

J. Lester Feder
http://www.buzzfeed.com/


*more here*

LSU poll finds Louisiana opposes gay and transgender discrimination

 Julia O'Donoghue
http://www.nola.com/


*more here*

ezs note:  WOW!!  Way to go, Louisiana!!!

We are also human beings; let us live! (India)

Deepa Soman
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/


*more here*

Jenna Talackova Looks Gorgeous In Elle Canada Photo Shoot

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/


*more here*

17 December 2013

Sacramento School District to Vote on Trans-Inclusive Policy

 PARKER MARIE MOLLOY
http://www.advocate.com/


*more here*

A Transgender Volunteer for the Salvation Army

JENNIFER FINNEY BOYLAN
http://www.nytimes.com/


*more here*

How Obamacare Helps the LGBT Community

Gautam Raghavan, Matthew Heinz
http://www.whitehouse.gov/


*more here*

Southern Poverty Law Center files suit against Moss Point School District

 MARY MARGARET HALFORD
http://www.sunherald.com/


*more here*

This Just In: The LGBT news blog for Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013 (various articles)

http://sdgln.com/


*more here*

13 December 2013

Japan court issues landmark ruling on transgender parent’s rights

http://www.lgbtqnation.com/


*more here*

ezs note:  Yay, Japan!

Church invites transgender choir to perform today (India)

Karishma Kuenzang
http://www.indianexpress.com/


*more here*

ezs note:  At last... a nice Christmas story!  Thank you, Bishop Matthew!

The hedge fund honcho who despises transgender kids and the gays

Ken Williams
http://sdgln.com/


*more here*

ezs note:  It's almost Christmas Day. C'mon, you can send an extra five or ten (or more) dollars to the Human Rights Campaign to counter Fieler's insane campaign.  The address is www.hrc.org.  Make Christmas a bit merrier!

New school policy protects transgender students

Frances Dinkelspiel
http://www.berkeleyside.com/


*more here*

HHS to Reevaluate Ban on Gender-Confirming Surgeries

Parker Marie Molloy
http://www.advocate.com


*more here*

ezs note: cross yer fingers...

12 December 2013

LGBTs to continue development activities despite court verdict (India)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/


*more here*

Younger Americans Back Transgender Worker Protections

Scott Bland
http://www.nationaljournal.com/


*more here*

Two Transgender Women Killed—So Why Can't This City Call Them Hate Crimes?

Matthew Fleischer
http://www.takepart.com/


*more here*

Bay Area schools adapting to changing times

Doug Oakley
http://www.contracostatimes.com/


*more here*

Transgender woman suffers from disability, Brooklyn judge rules

Charisma L. Miller
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/


*more here*

11 December 2013

Buyin'!

Credit:  http://www.markevanstech.com/


Tis' the season to be buyin'!  Yeah, I know, it's a bit cheesy, but it's also serious.  The products here are LGBT-positive, so you know they're friendly.  I make no other claims regarding their quality, but, c'mon, there must be at least one you can use!

Oreo
Betty Crocker
Levi's
Cheerios
American Apparel
Walt Disney World
Starbucks
Wheaties
Tide
Microsoft
The Home Depot
Pampers
Pepsi
Safeway
Crest
Old Navy
Girl Scouts
Macy's
Target
JC Penney
Pillsbury
Walgreens
Ford
Gap
Green Giant

(thanks to www.huffingtonpost.com)
Happy shopping!

Transgender model Carmen Carrera makes no secret of wanting to be an Angel for Victoria's Secret (Australia)

MARIA LEWIS
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/


*more here*

Coalition Still Short in Bid to Repeal Calif. Trans Student Law

Parker Marie Molloy
http://www.advocate.com/


*more here*



Grand Rapids rates below average for LGBT equality

 David Czurak
http://www.grbj.com/


*more here*

ezs note:  If you wish to view the full Human Rights Campaign article, go to www.hrc.org.

DU seeks third gender status for transgenders (India)

Shaswati Das
http://www.hindustantimes.com/



*more here*

Best workplaces for lesbian, gay employees named

http://www.democratandchronicle.com


*more here*

10 December 2013

Hello!

I recently read a story about two transgender woman who were murdered in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. These stories always sadden me, but this one hit me especially hard.  Her name was Betty Skinner.  A 52-year-old woman, she was disabled.  She lived in a senior housing complex.

Just like me.

Tell your Congressperson that there are people who are transgender people of all ages, all races, and all abilities.  Tell them that they are just as deserving of police protection as anyone else.  And if, god forbid, a transgender person is murdered, they deserve a thorough investigation into their murder.

We deserve nothing less. We are human beings.

New Haven, Connecticut  Rosa DeLauro (D)  CT3
Wilmington, North Carolina Walter Jones (R)   NC3
Birmingham, Michigan   Kerry Bentivolio (R)   MI11
Bushkill, Pennsylvania   Tom Marino(R)  PA10
Eastchester, New York   Eliot Engel (D)   NY16
Owings Mills, Maryland  C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D)   MD2
North Port, Florida   Vern Buchanan (R)   FL16
Hendersonville, North Carolina Mark Meadows (R) NC11
Kennesaw, Georgia  Phil Gingrey (R)   GA11
Denver, Colorado   Diana DeGette (D)   CO1

The towns and cities listed above are randomly listed through the Internet.  If you live in - not near - one of the towns or cities listed, simply place the cursor over the name of the Congressperson, click it, and you will be transported to the Congressperson's blog.  For any other location, go to www.house.gov, enter the ZIP code, and you will be shown who the Congressperson you should be in touch with.  For more than one Congressperson, enter ZIP+4.  (example: 12345-6789)  You can check the last 4 digits on virtually any mail you receive.

New Haven, Connecticut

Credit: https://www.bluestatecoffee.com

mmm...coffee... 

08 December 2013

Transgender appeal lost (Australia)

Stephen Ryan
http://www.theherald.com.au/


*more here*

Gay partner benefits growing at Fortune 500 firms

Lisa Leff  (AP)
http://www.fox19.com/


*more here*

Turning the page: Transgender woman brings LGBT awareness to Bemidji

 Crystal Dey
http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/


*more here*

Myths About Gender Confirmation Surgery

Brynn Tannehill
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

*more here*

Two violent deaths in two days worry Cleveland transgender community

 Ron Rutti
http://www.cleveland.com/


*more here8

ezs note: Two transgender people - one of whom was disabled and living a senior complex - were brutally murdered over the last few nights.  If you live in Cleveland, or have business or pleasure there, and you know about either one of these murders, please contact Cleveland police immediately!  It's time to make these vermin shake in their boots!

 Their names are Brittany Stergis and Betty Skinner. 

06 December 2013

Nelson Mandela 1918 - 2013

Credit: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/ 

Nelson Mandela

A great leader

A great friend

Rest in peace, Mr. Mandela

04 December 2013

Transgender cop files complaint against Middletown Police for “hostile environment”

Kaitlyn Schroyer
http://www.middletownpress.com/



*more here*

ezs note: Middletown, only 15 miles away... oy...



Ohio Mother Accuses Other Parents Of Harassing Transgender Child On Social Media

 Sarah Fruchtnicht
http://www.opposingviews.com/



*more here*

Hyattsville bans discrimination against transgender people

Jamie Anfenson-Comeau
http://www.gazette.net/


*more here*

16-year-old transgender student speaks to School Board about being bullied

http://www.examiner.com/


*more here*

03 December 2013

'Night Of 1000 Genders' Celebrated Gender Non-Conforming Youth In NYC

James Nichols
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/


*more here*

Rhode Island Home to 1st Transgender High School Coach

Joe Siegel
http://www.edgeboston.com/


*more here*

Got what it takes?

Credit:  http://gallery.mailchimp.com/

So, it's almost Christmas.  Time to buy presents for all the people in the family.  Or it's Hanukkah. Time to buy a beautiful brisket for family and friends.  Or just a time to relax after the bustle that comes with winter.  And it's time to think about your election.

What?

It's too early, you say.  And... me?  Little ole me? What can I bring to the table?  

Plenty.  You just haven't thought of those things yet.  Do you remember Islan Nettles, the transgender woman who was bludgeoned to death?  Or those transgenders who want to work, are desperate to work, but can't find any?  Or the transman who is about to be evicted for the sole reason of who he chooses to be.  Suddenly, you bring eloquence to the table.  One which is sorely lacking without you.

If you think that I'm saying this will be ridiculously easy, sorry, go to Fantasy Island.  The next year will be hard work.  Unless you run unopposed,  you're going to have to take some of the most ridiculous trash possible from your opponent.  And take it all with good cheer.  You may have to run on a shoestring.  A really bad, worn, about-to-fall-apart shoestring.  And if you come in second, you feel as if you lost the universe.  

You didn't, though.  We need voices like yours.  Have courage, and be our voice.

02 December 2013

'Preferred' Pronouns Gain Traction At US Colleges

LISA LEFF
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/


*more here*

An Open Letter to Katherine Svenson of the Delta County School Board

Dannie Dobbins
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/


*more here*

ezs note:  Well done, Dannie!

How The Pacific Justice Institute Plans To Continue Demonizing Transgender Children

ZACK FORD
http://thinkprogress.org/


*more here*

Hercules High fight prompts special school board meeting

http://www.ktvu.com/


*more here*




Nearly 80 Percent Of Transgender People Have Considered Suicide, Study Says

Sarah Rae Fruchtnicht
http://www.opposingviews.com/


*more here*

ezs note: If you have considered or attempted suicide, please consider seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist to help you through the rough patches in your life. There's no shame in it, and you'll feel a lot better!  One caveat though - make sure that the person is fully board certified.  If a person claims to "make you straight",walk out and don't pay the quack!