30 October 2013

Who I'll be voting for in West Hartford elections

Today was a "meet the candidates" day in West Hartford, and there were two surprises and one disappointment.  The way the questioning was structured really didn't allow you to hear anything but yourself  when questioning was going on, but so it goes.

 First the surprises:

When Scott Slifka (D) ran previously, I had a wry view of him; I was for the busway, he was against it.  But two years later, what's past is past.  The busway is moving forward (yay!) and he has accepted that fact. When I mentioned the issues transgender people face, he agreed wholeheartedly. He got my vote.

Whenever candidates throw their hat into the ring, you have to wonder, has this guy or gal really done the homework.  Fortunately, when Chris Barnes(R) is running, you can tell he's quite knowledgeable.  He answered the transgender issues satisfactorily, and, when was further questioned about restroom legislation, he answered at some length why he would have voted in the affirmative.  For this reason, he has my vote.

Now the disappointment:

When Leon Davidoff (D) had ran previously and won, I had high hopes.  His rambling answer to my question did not exactly bring hope to my heart, anyhow.  Sadly, I must ask him to go home.

So, my choices (in alphabetical order) are:

Chris Barnes (R)
Shari Cantor (D)
Harry Captain (D)
Judy Casperson(D)
Clare Kindall (D)
Scott Slifka (D)

Oh, by the way, VOTE!!!

29 October 2013

On November 5, GET OUT AND VOTE!!!

Credit:aroundharlem.com

In Royal Oak, Michigan, they'll be having a little vote.  You know, on such minuscule matters as whether two men or two women  want to be able to hold hands in a restaurant.  Or a transgender is able get the house or apartment she/he wants.  You know, little things like that.

In Royal Oak and 27 towns in Michigan alone, similar initiatives will be on the ballot.  Even if there is no initiative, there is the office of mayor, city or state council, board of education, judge of probate, among others.  And it doesn't matter whether you are reading this in New York City or Lenexa, Kansas - you have the best chance of making a real difference.

So on Tuesday, November 5, get out there and freakin' vote!!

Royal Oak to vote on human rights initiative

http://michiganradio.org/

*more here*

Transgender Woman Claims She Was Raped By Police Officer

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

*more here*

Murder trial begins for death of transgender woman found in Olmsted Township pond

Rachel Dissell
www.cleveland.com

*more here*

25 October 2013

JELLY BELLY CANDY CHAIRMAN DONATES THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO HARM TRANSGENDER CHILDREN

Andy Towle
http://www.towleroad.com/

*more here*

Transgender Patients in Growing Fight Over Health Coverage

Nina Martin
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/

*more here*

Right-Wingers Won't Stop Harassing Colo. Trans Teen for 'Unhealthy Behavior'

Sunnivie Brydum
http://www.advocate.com/

*more here*

Brazil Crowns Transgender Beauty Queen in Daring New “Miss T” Contest

Ana Sayfa
http://www.womencitizen.com/

*more here*

31 August 2013

Contractor Status Complicates Workplace Sexual Harassment

 Alissa Fleck
http://truth-out.org/


*more here


ezs note: If you are part of the 97 percent that believes that they are sexually harassed while at work, please contact a competent lawyer as soon as possible and describe the situation.  I don't care if you are VP of operations or a burger flipper.  You have rights.  You have dignity.  And anyone who infringes on those rights deserves to have their butt kicked.

28 August 2013

STOP THE TROLLS NOW!!

Credit: img.ehowcdn.com


ezs note: Yeah, this night really sucks.  The crowd that you went to the movie or concert with is nowhere to be found.  Buses don't run this late.  Cabs are a bitter laugh.  If subways are an option, this one's at least a mile away.  So you walk.  There's a guy up ahead.  He slowly moves forward.  You turn, not realizing it's a dead end.  Oh, shit...

There is one thing that you can do.

DEFEND YOURSELF, DAMMIT!!!

All around the nation, and in in many places around the world, self-defense classes are being held.  Many are for-profit, but towns and cities hold classes as well.  If you live in the town or city where classes are being held, many are at a reduced price.  Some are FREE.  

In the course of preparing this blog, I see far too many tragic stories.  Like the transgender woman who was murdered in Fontana, California.  Or the woman who lived, but had the crap kicked out her by some vermin.  And on, and on, and on...

Go yourself, and bring a friend. Sometimes, it's the only way to LIVE.

25 August 2013

Susan Estrich: Delusions of Gender Aside, Bradley Manning Is a Criminal

Susan Estrich
http://www.noozhawk.com/


*more here*

ezs note:  This was a toughie.  On the one hand, it's good to see Chelsea get at least some medical help.  On the other hand, it's kind of strange to give Chelsea full operative care in prison (free!) while other law-abiding citizens have to cough up 20 to 50 thousand bucks out of prison.  (I know this has to work its way through the courts, but still...)

Then there is the penal system.  I do believe that Chelsea must spend some time in prison, but 35 years is really too much.  There is a difference between Cuba or al-Qaida as opposed to Wikileaks.  It's high time that the government separated the two.

I chose Susan Estrich not because she's a conservative, but because she's a liberal, and her reasons are compelling.  And what about my opinion?  Hell, damned if I know...

Taking Real Steps To Protect Transgender Kids: A Bridge Too Far For The LGB Community?

Brynn Tannehill
http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/



*more here*




24 August 2013

UPDATE: Police identify suspect in murder of Fontana resident Domonique Newburn

ALEJANDRO CANO
http://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/


*more here

ezs update: The police now have a name.  It is Dantjier Powell, accompanied by Jamie Nicole Cotton.  If you see him, do NOT attempt to capture him - call the police instead.  And, Ms. Cotton, do the right thing and notify the police of his whereabouts.  I know it's tough, but he's no hero.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Credit: http://axiomamnesia.com

21 August 2013

Transgender woman killed in Fontana, car stolen

Joseph Serna
http://www.latimes.com/


*more here*

ezs note: If you live, work, travel through, or vacation in Fontana, California, and have seen anything regarding the murder of Domonigue Newburn, please report it to police immediately!!!  This might be especially timely, since her car was stolen.  The car is a 2004 black Mercedes C240 sedan, California license plate 7AAY925.  If you see the car, do NOT attempt to capture the man - call the police instead.

20 August 2013

Scarce Transgender Care Options for WikiLeaks Source in Prison

 ADAM KLASFELD
http://www.courthousenews.com/



*more here*

Russian Transgender Woman Beaten In Public Park Caught On Tape (GRAPHIC VIDEO)

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


*more here*

ezs commentary: This. is. illegal.  Or it would be, given Russia's byzantine code of "laws".  Please e-mail Russia's consulate and express your outrage.  It might not seem like a lot, but every bit helps.

PS: I just sent a letter to President Vladimir Putin.  The tone was respectful, but VERY firm.  No matter where in the world you are, you can do likewise!