Color Of Change Petition For GOP To Rebuke Bigotry And Tea Klux Klan

TransGriot Note: This is a petition from Color Of Change addressed to the Republican Party to get them to ride herd on their Tea Klux Klan surrogates and chill out on their condoning of racism as a political tactic.

Good luck with getting the GOP to drop the drive to become the Southern National Socialist White People's Party, but thought it needed to be posted to the blog.

****
Dear friends,

It's time to hold the Republican Party accountable.

You've probably heard about Tea Party members shouting "Nigger!" at Black Congressmen during a protest in Washington, D.C. last weekend. One of the protesters spat on Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver, while another called openly gay Representative Barney Frank a "faggot" as the laughing crowd imitated his lisp.[1]

But Saturday was just the most recent example of the intolerance and hate coming from right-wing extremists this past year. At times it's been instigated by Republican leaders. When not, it's usually condoned and seen as part of a strategy to score politically. Either way, it's completely unacceptable and has to stop.

It's time to confront Republican leadership and force them to take responsibility for the atmosphere they've helped create. Please join me in signing ColorOfChange's petition confronting Republican leaders about hate and fear-mongering in their party, and ask your friends and family to do the same:

http://www.colorofchange.org/hate/?id=2195-602167

We're calling on RNC Chair Michael Steele, House Minority Leader John Boehner and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to publicly do two simple things:

- Unequivocally condemn bigotry and hate among their supporters, and make clear that those who embrace it have no place in their party.

- Make clear that they will not tolerate fear-mongering and coded appeals to racism from officials in the Republican party, at any level.

Republican leaders publicly denounced Saturday's ugly scene, but they failed to acknowledge that this is only the latest incident in a pattern of violent rhetoric, racially charged imagery, and paranoid conspiracy theories at Tea Party rallies.[2] Many Tea Partiers aren't simply about dissent -- they use fear and hatred to assault the very legitimacy of our elected leaders. It's the worst America has to offer. Despite this, Republican leaders court the Tea Party movement while methodically supporting, exacerbating and exploiting their fear and anger for cynical political ends.[3] This is nothing less than a betrayal of American values, and it's up to us to force the Republicans to stop aiding and abetting this enterprise:

http://www.colorofchange.org/hate/?id=2195-602167

The Tea Party movement has been marked by racially inflammatory and violent outbursts since its inception a year ago. GOP leaders are trying to pass off this weekend's assaults on Congressmen Lewis, Cleaver, Clyburn and Frank as isolated incidents. But when so-called "isolated incidents" crop up again and again, a pattern starts to emerge. The examples are numerous.



At rallies held to protest tax day last year, Tea Partiers carried signs that announced "Obama's Plan: White Slavery," "The American Taxpayers are the Jews for Obama's Oven," and "Guns Tomorrow!"[4] The Republican National Committee had endorsed the rallies, and RNC Chairman Michael Steele encouraged Tea Partiers to send a "virtual tea bag" to President Obama and Democratic Congressional leadership.[5] After reports of the fear-mongering signs surfaced, Steele did nothing to distance his party from the lunatic fringe. He has even gone so far as to say that if he didn't have his current position, he'd be "out there with the tea partiers."[6]

The Tea Party's venomous rhetoric picked up steam over the summer, when angry mobs flooded town hall meetings legislators had organized as sites for rational, civil debate on health care reform. After one meeting in Atlanta, a swastika was painted on the office of Congressman David Scott (D-GA), who had also received a flier addressed to "nigga David Scott."[7] Some protesters showed up at town hall meetings carrying guns, including at least one man who was armed at an event where the President was speaking.[8] Again, Republicans responded to these tactics with silence, doing nothing to denounce them.

Our country deserves better than this. No matter what party one supports, we should all take strong action to support civil, honest, and respectful public debate. Please join me in calling on Republican leaders to denounce racist rhetoric and fear-mongering, and reject it from their party. And when you do, please ask your family and friends to do the same:

http://www.colorofchange.org/hate/?id=2195-602167

Thanks.

References

1. http://huff.to/atRmru
2. http://huff.to/9Sgf3S
3. http://huff.to/c4ZOH4
4. See Reference 2
5. http://huff.to/3nzZE
6. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/31177.html
7. http://bit.ly/8YInIb
8. http://bit.ly/LV1wb

Moni's Coming To The ATL

Next week will be a busy one for the TransGriot. I not only have the upcoming event at SUNY-Oneonta, I've been invited to participate in a discussion at the 2010 National Black Herstory Conference in Atlanta as well.

The National Black Herstory Task Force, Inc. is an award winning nonprofit providing vehicles to chronicle and celebrate the lives of women of African descent and their alliances world wide.

As was expressed to me in the ongoing conversations I've had with Mozella Galloway, President and Co-Founder of the National Black Herstory Task Force, women of African descent includes transwomen as well.

I'm honored and proud to be taking part in this March 26 discussion. It will another opportunity to discuss trans issues in front of an audience composed primarily of African descended people.

The event is free and runs from 2-8 PM EDT on the Emory University campus.

The theme for this 13th Annual conference is “Empowering Our Communities: Self-Determined, Unified, Resourceful and Educated”. My panel discussion on 'The Basics of Gender Identity and Expression' will take place in the Whitehead Biomedical Auditorium.

The address is 615 Michael Street in the ATL, so if you wish to say hello to the TransGriot, this will be your chance to do so.

Looking forward to seeing you ATL peeps there.

Call Speaker Pelosi-Respectfully Demand Vote On ENDA

As you read this, activists are sitting in Speaker Nancy Pelosi's offices in San Francisco and Washington DC refusing to move until a vote happens on ENDA or they are arrested.

To support those activists engaged in civil disobedience tactics, can you call Speaker Pelosi's office right now and demand that ENDA (HR 3017) come to the floor for a vote?

ENDA is important because studies show that LGBT workers endure high unemployment, underemployment and harassment. We have to lie and hide in order to get and keep a job. In 30 states across America, there is no law against firing someone based on his or her sexual orientation, and the same is true in 38 states for gender identity.

Just several hours ago I posted a story about a New York group documenting trans hiring discrimination.

Here's the number to Speaker Pelosi's DC office: 202-225-4965

Let's get this party started on ENDA.

Application Period Open For Williams Institute Small Grants Program

The Williams Institute advances sexual orientation law and public policy through rigorous, independent research and scholarship, and disseminates it to judges, legislators, policymakers, media and the public. A national think tank at UCLA Law, the Williams Institute produces high quality research with real-world relevance.

The Williams Institute’s Small Research Grants Program is designed to encourage new empirical research focused on the LGBT population. Applicants from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, including social sciences like economics, sociology, demography, social psychology, law, and public policy are encouraged to apply.

This initiative is designed to foster sound empirical analyses focused on the LGBT population; and to develop a better understanding of the need for and impact of public policies that affect the LGBT population. Advanced-level graduate students are strongly encouraged to apply. Similarly, more senior scholars interested in expanding their research agenda to include LGBT-related issues are welcome.

Application deadline is April 15, 2010 with the awards being announced by April 30, 2010.

More information about the grants are available here.

'Black And Gay In America' Panel Discussion At U of L

I've talked about from time to time how my people need to have a serious inside the family dialogue on GLBT issues.

This Wednesday on the University of Louisville campus, blkout, the campus GLBT group for African descended students will host a panel discussion in conjunction with the Delta Theta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. as part of their PHIner Womanhood Week.

The topic is 'Being Black and Gay in America' with the keynote speaker being one of my fave U of L professors, Dr. Kaila Story, the Audre Lorde Chair for Race, Class, Gender and Sexuality.

It will take place at the Red Barn on campus and starts at 7 PM.

It should be an interesting and informative discussion, especially with Dr. K being part of it.

The TransGriot will definitely be in the house for that one.

Louisville's 'LGBT Community In The 1980s' Forum To Be Held February 16

Louisville, 1981. The Humana Building was yet to be built. There was no Kentucky Center for the Arts. The Watterson Expressway was still a four-lane nightmare. The airport was an antiquated remnant of the 1950s called Standiford Field.

Old Louisville was still struggling to spiff itself up. Cardinal Boulevard was called Avery Street, and it was only two lanes. The tall apartment building across from the Confederate Monument was called Confederate Towers. Its address was on Confederate Place.

Belknap Campus was half the size it is today. There was no student center. Ekstrom Library was brand new. Where the athletic fields sit today, several low-lying warehouses and factories stood.

In that same year, what was Louisville’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community doing?

Metropolitan Community Church was nearing its 8th anniversary, and there were two small social and support groups. The city had two major gay bars: the Downtowner and the Badlands Territory (to be renamed the Discovery that year). And that’s it. No political groups, no health organizations, no other social or support groups, not even student groups: nothing.

Fast forward to the end of the decade.

In 1989, the LGBT community convinced the old Louisville Board of Aldermen to pass an ordinance banning discrimination against people with AIDS. In 1990, that same community convinced the Board of Aldermen to pass a hate crimes ordinance that included the category of sexual orientation (though not gender identity). In 1991, the Fairness Campaign was launched, initiating eight years of efforts before a local LGBT civil rights ordinance was finally passed.

What happened in Louisville’s LGBT community in the 80s that enabled such a decade of growth and progress in the 90s and beyond? Why the 80s, and not the 70s or the 90s? What lessons did the community learn in the 80s, what challenges? What victories did it have, and what defeats? In short, why was the community so sedate in 1981 and so noisy ten years later?

“Busting Out: Louisville ’s LGBT Community in the 1980s” hopes to answer those and other questions. Seven leaders from that era will participate in a forum to be held at Strickler Hall, Room 102, on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 from 7-9 PM . The public is invited to attend and ask questions.

For more information, contact Brian Buford at the University of Louisville’s Office for LGBT Services (brian.buford@louisville.edu) or David Williams, founder of the Williams-Nichols Archive and Library for LGBT Studies at the University of Louisville, at KyArchives@aol.com.

Rudd Transgender Scholarship Deadline Set For March 1, 2010

TransGriot Note: Announcements from the Houston Transgender Unity Committee. Been a long time (2001) since I attended a Unity Banquet.

The Houston Transgender Unity Committee has set Monday, March 1, 2010, as the postmark deadline for applications for the Peggy Rudd Transgender Scholarships. The nonprofit organization will award two scholarships for $1,000 each at the annual Houston Transgender Unity Banquet on Saturday, May 1.

Transgender individuals who are attending or will attend accredited institutions of higher learning are eligible. The application is available at www.htuc.org.

The year 2010 will mark the fifth anniversary for the Peggy Rudd Transgender Scholarship Fund, established by educator and author Dr. Peggy Rudd and her spouse, Melanie Rudd.

The Houston Transgender Unity Committee formed in 1990 to bridge the gap between the groups and organizations representing transgender persons in the Houston area, to promote unity among the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, and to educate and advocate with open and honest advocacy. Representatives from Houston-area transgender groups serve on the Unity Committee.

Tickets will soon be available for the Unity Banquet, which is one of the premiere single-night transgender events in the nation. Proceeds from the ticket sales support the Rudd Transgender Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $50 in advance ($60 at the door) and can be purchased on line through the Unity Committee website (www.htuc.org). The banquet will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Brookhollow.


Unity Banquet sponsorships are available at a range of levels, from $75 to $2,000 to underwrite the Brenda Thomas Education Table, named in honor of Thomas (1943-2006), the transgender and HIV activist and educator and longtime Unity Committee executive director. Interested individuals and companies may contact the committee at www.htuc.org.

A silent auction held during the banquet will raise additional funds to support Unity Committee programs.

In addition to the Unity Banquet and the Rudd Scholarship Fund, Unity Committee programs include the Brenda Thomas Memorial New Year's Day Social, Unity Month, Pride month activities in June, and Transgender Day of Remembrance in November. Unity Committee representatives frequently speak to schools, businesses, and organizations.

LGBT Americans Outraged At Delay In Basic Job Rights

TransGriot Note: A joint press release from several GLBT rights organizations.

In light of continuing delays in the House of Representatives, we must state clearly and unequivocally: Passing basic job protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people must happen now. At a time when our government is deeply focused on the critical issue of employment, it is inexcusable to delay action on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Each and every job lost to prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity needlessly compounds the unemployment challenges facing our nation. We call on Congress for the immediate passage of ENDA.

For decades now, we have called upon Congress to pass legislation to address the basic right of LGBT people to work free from discrimination at our jobs, and now Congress tells us we must wait another year. In 29 states, it remains legal to fire people based on sexual orientation and in 38 states, discrimination based on gender identity remains legal. In failing to take swift action to pass ENDA, our government allows unfettered bigotry to go unchecked, leading to the loss of jobs, fear in the workplace, economic instability, and personal hardship, while allowing employers to lose competent experienced workers. ENDA is urgently needed by our communities.

The majority of Americans consistently state their support for employment protections and voters have affirmed similar state and local measures. There is absolutely no reason for Congress to continue to delay this non-controversial bill or drop LGBT issues to the bottom of their agenda. We will not be denied basic rights any longer. Nothing is more important than protecting peoples’ jobs so ENDA must pass now. Further delays are absolutely unacceptable.

***

Matthew Coles & James Esseks, Co-Directors, American Civil Liberties Union LGBT Project

Terry Stone, Executive Director, CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers

Toni Broaddus, Executive Director, Equality Federation

Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director, Family Equality Council

Lee Swislow, Executive Director, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

Jarrett Tomás Barrios, President, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

Joe Solmonese, President, Human Rights Campaign

Rachel T. Niven, Executive Director, Immigration Equality

Earl Fowlkes, President/CEO, International Federation of Black Prides, Inc.

Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director, Lambda Legal

Christian Berle, Director of the Log Cabin Republicans National Office

Sharon J. Lettman, Executive Director/CEO, National Black Justice Coalition

Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights

Mara Keisling, Executive Director, National Center for Transgender Equality

Rebecca Fox, Executive Director, National Coalition for LGBT Health

Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund

Michael Mitchell, Executive Director, National Stonewall Democrats

Gregory Varnum, Executive Director, National Youth Advocacy Coalition

Selisse Berry, Founding Executive Director, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates

Jody Huckaby, Executive Director, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) National

Jo Kenny, Interim Director, Pride at Work AFL-CIO

Masen Davis, Executive Director, Transgender Law Center

Additional organizations may be added.

Louisville Area TDOR Events

TransGriot Note: Thanks to Tina Storm for compiling the schedule for the 2009 Louisville TDOR events. I will be leading the November 19 workshop luncheon and discussion.

Thanks once again to More Light and the Women’s Center at the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary for being our lead sponsor and gracious host since 2002.


November 10
Movie Night hosted at LPTS Women’s Center 7:00 PM
Normal
Starring Jessica Lang and Oscar nominated Tom Wilkinson

November 12
Transgender 101 Seminar hosted at the Women’s Center 5:00 PM
Speaker to be announced.

November 17
Movie Night hosted at LPTS Women’s Center 7:00 PM
Transamerica
Two Academy Award nominations Starring Felicity Huffman

November 18
Survivors Prayer Vigil hosted at the Metropolitan Community Church 6:00 PM Prayer Service for transgender murder survivors and the TG Community

November 19
Workshop Luncheon: Panel Discussion hosted at LPTS 12:30 PM
In the Winn Center McAtee A & B

November 19
Transgender Day Of Remembrance Exhibit, Performance and Reception hosted by the Office of LGBT Services in the University of Louisville's Cultural Center.
Events start at 5:30 PM. Performance starts at 6:30 PM with reception at 7:30 PM

November 20
Early Morning Meditation Service hosted at LPTS
8:00 AM in the Caldwell Chapel

November 20
TDOR Memorial Service with reception to follow at LPTS
8:00 PM in the Caldwell Chapel


November 21 - 29
Gallery Exhibit: Transgender Images/Transgender Lives, Rogilio 6:00 - 9:00 PM Pedro Photographic Artist, Mari Mujio Transgender Oral Historian;
At: Clare Hirn Studio, 552 East Market St., Louisville, KY


For directions and updated information please visit: www.siennatg.org or http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=167074236257&index=1


This year's TDOR events are sponsored by More Light and the Women’s Center at LPTS, Transformations, Sienna, Diversity Consultants, Metropolitan Community Church, office of LGBT Services at University of Louisville, and SoTheatrical.

Interviewing Isis Tomorrow For Podcast!

Tomorrow's latest episode of the Womanist Musings talk show will have none other than my sis Isis King.

We'll be talking about being a role model at twentysomething, the many things happening in her life post-ANTM and how she's adjusting to it.

I'm looking forward to this show and hope you are as well. The live feed for this episode of our show starts at 8 PM EDT tomorrow, October 25.

You can call us at (347) 326-9452 or join in our chat room. We do monitor it and if you're lucky, we'll pull a few questions for her our of the chat room to ask her.

So check out our Womanist Musings podcast tomorrow featuring our guest Isis King.

Color Online Shows Me Some Love

Thanks to Color Online for profiling me as part of a feature they do there highlighting various bloggers.

It was the TransGriot's turn in a post entitled COLA: Transgriot: Expanding Our Ideas of Gender & Equality.

I deeply thank and appreciate the love from Color Online's editor for doing so.

If you peeps wish to see it, you can check it out via this link.

Equal Opportunity For Trans Athletes Meeting

On October 25-26 there will be a groundbreaking think tank taking place in Indianapolis, IN that will be co-sponsored by the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the Women’s Sports Foundation Initiative.

The think tank is entitled: It Takes a Team! Education Campaign for LGBT Issues in
Sport will gather to address equal opportunity for transgender student-athletes.

Participants will include top sports leaders from across the country, athletic directors, researchers, medical and legal experts on transgender issues, student-athletes and NCAA officials.

With increasing numbers of young people identifying as transgender in high school and college, sponsors said the event will provide an opportunity to discuss best practices and develop model policies for high school and collegiate athletic leaders to ensure the full inclusion of transgender student-athletes.

And it's about time they did so.

Hmm, that's right up I-65 from me. I may have to drive up for that one.

NBJC Names Sharon J. Lettman As New Executive Director

TransGriot Note: The National Black Justice Coalition has selected their new executive director.

So what's the National Black Justice Coalition? It's the Washington DC based GLBT oriented civil rights organization that represents the African descended GLBT community dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and ending racism and homophobia.

Here's the press release they issued this morning announcing the hiring of their new ED.

***

The National Black Justice Coalition Board of Directors announced today they have chosen Sharon J. Lettman as the organization's new Executive Director.

"We must bring our families together," Lettman said. "Gay and transgender people are our children, our brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, parents, co-workers and friends. They are a vital part of the black community, and it is time for everyone to recognize the real issues we all face when our brothers and sisters are denied full participation in the life of our community.

"What has always drawn me to this work, and to the people I've been proud to stand alongside, is the knowledge that we must work together to create the better future we seek," Lettman continued. "In my new role at NBJC, that means lifting the voices of our community, building bridges so that all who experience discrimination can understand the common ground we share, and walking across those bridges together in greater and greater numbers toward equal rights for all."

Lettman’s efforts to advance the conversation of race, religion, and sexual orientation have shown remarkable progress through the African American Religious Affairs Program she led at People For the American Way Foundation that addressed Homophobia in the Black Church. In addition, The Gill Foundation highlighted Lettman in its 2008 annual report as a “key ally” for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) equality movement. She is also on the board of directors for National Stonewall Democrats.

Throughout her career Lettman has been selflessly committed to a vast array of causes to bring about social change. She comes to NBJC after eight years at People For the American Way (PFAW) and People For the American Way Foundation (PFAWF). Most recently, she served as Executive Vice President for Leadership Programs and External Affairs at PFAW and PFAWF. Lettman oversaw the organizations’ dynamic leadership programs, including Young People For, Young Elected Officials Network, and African American Religious Affairs, in addition to the organizations’ engagement with supporters and investors, key constituency groups and coalition allies. Lettman’s belief in religious freedom and the separation of church and state gave her the insight to expand the agenda of the African American Religious Affairs programs which countered right wing efforts in African American communities, especially around LGBT equality.

As a longtime Floridian, Lettman began her impressive career as the Executive Director of the Florida Student Association (FSA) and then served as the Director of Communications for the Florida Association of Counties (FAC). Subsequently, she built a successful public affairs firm, P&P Communications. Her clients have included the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the National Education Association (NEA), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and The Schott Foundation for Public Education, among others.

Along with advising others on media and public relations strategies, Lettman is also a dynamic spokesperson and has appeared on and in a wide range of media outlets including CNN, NPR, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and The Miami Herald.

Lettman succeeds Alexander Robinson who led NBJC for five years. Dr. Sylvia Rhue has been serving as the Interim Executive Director since Robinson's departure in June 2009. NBJC's Board of Directors appointed Lettman after conducting a thorough national search. Board Chair Kylar Broadus welcomed Lettman to her new role:

"Sharon Lettman has a stellar track record in social justice and knows how to unite diverse interests to benefit the greater good," Broadus said. "Throughout her life Sharon has stood with and for those who are oppressed, and this appointment continues that tradition of advocacy. I am confident that her vision and leadership will ensure NBJC is equipped to handle the unique challenges of today's social climate, and move us towards our ultimate goal of full equality. Sharon has the background, the drive and the experience to lead NBJC into the next decade.”

Founding NBJC board member and Associate Director of Diversity for the Human Rights Campaign Donna Payne said, “Lettman is exactly the right person to articulate our needs and understand our connectedness to our families.”

A wide variety of social justice and civil rights leaders also weighed in on Lettman’s appointment to NBJC:

Prominent Civil Rights activist and former chairwoman of the United States Commission on Civil Rights Mary Frances Berry said, "Having witnessed Lettman’s leadership firsthand while she led key initiatives at PFAW, I am certain she has the ability to unify families and our community and succeed in her goal to establish a common ground around black LGBT issues. Her unwavering commitment to social justice will break barriers at the intersection of race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity.”

President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Wade Henderson said, “With Sharon J. Lettman at the helm, NBJC will build bridges to a future of expanded equal rights for Black gay and transgender people. Her unparalleled ability to bring people together guarantees a future with far less homophobia.”

Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said, “I am thrilled to welcome Sharon as the new Executive Director of the NBJC. Sharon's long history working to build bridges between a diverse group of communities will be a skill set that will make our movement stronger. Far too often racism still exists in our society, including in the LGBT community, and if we are going to achieve the equality we strive for- it will be once we all realize that we are brothers and sisters in this struggle. Sharon Lettman is the right person to help all of us realize that we are stronger together than we are divided."

People For the American Way President Michael B. Keegan said, “At People For the American Way, Sharon brought the African American Affairs programs into a unique position of national leadership at the intersection of race, religion, and politics, and distinguished herself as a crucial ally in the struggle for LGBT equality. I know that Sharon will be a powerful, passionate leader for NBJC, and I very much look forward to working with her in her new role.”

View her full professional biography here.

Founded in 2003, NBJC is America's only nationwide Black gay civil rights organization and the authoritative source on LGBT issues as they affect Black communities. Lettman resides in the Washington, DC area and recently married a Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force, who returned this past July from a tour of duty in Balad, Iraq.

For more information, go to: www.NBJC.org.

2009 NE Trans Pride March And Rally Today

I was one of the speakers at the inaugural event last year Northampton, MA and had a blast.

I got to enjoy the New England hospitality of some old friends, make some new ones, give a speech in front of 1000 people and squeeze in a side trip to the Basketball Hall Of Fame.

The flight home did get a little scary, though.

I was happy to hear that the second annual version of the NE Pride March and Rally will be taking place once again in Northampton as I write this.

It starts with an 11 AM march and ends with a rally that will conclude at 5 PM EDT

Two of the speakers on the program are my old friends Louis Mitchell and Ethan St. Pierre.

Hope y'all have some great (and cooler) weather for it, an even larger crowd and another successful event. Sorry I couldn't be there, but hope I am blessed to make it back in your neck of the woods next year.

NAACP And The Jena 6 Case

TransGriot Note: For those of you who question whether the NAACP is relevant, this is an e-mail blast I received yesterday about the Jena 6 case.

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


It's an American outrage that demonstrates the continuing shame of racism in our country.


Six black teenagers in a small Louisiana town are facing some of the most overly aggressive prosecution we've seen - all over a schoolyard fight with white students. The group has come to be known in the media as the Jena 6, in reference to the small town where a series of racial incidents escalated after three nooses were hung from a tree at a local high school.


Click here to add your name to the Justice for Jena petition now!


The events led to the arrest of the young men - all being charged with serious criminal offenses that could lead to decades in jail. But, the white students involved were not initially prosecuted; they received a three-day in school suspension for hanging the nooses.


In a trial that lasted only two days, an all-white jury convicted Mychal Bell, the first of the group to be tried. The public defender presented no rebuttal or witnesses, and the jury deliberated for less than two hours.


On Friday, the Louisiana Court of Appeals took an important step towards justice for the Jena 6. They tossed out Bell's conviction for aggravated battery, stating that he should not have been tried and convicted as an adult. But, Mychal Bell remains in jail awaiting a new trial. The legal fight is far from over for him and his co-defendants.


Donate to the NAACP Justice for Jena Fund.


How the NAACP is Advocating For Justice

The NAACP is mobilized to secure justice and equity for these young men.

* The NAACP, in conjunction with the American Civil Liberties Union, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Southern University Law Center, has provided some additional legal support and resources to the defendants' attorneys and remains committed to the defense of the remaining young men.

* We presented a petition of over 62,000 signatures (gathered on the NAACP website; signatures now exceed 92,000) to the Governor of Louisiana on Sept. 17 as a symbol of the thousands of citizens concerned with the unequal treatment of the defendants and the pubic acknowledgement that the hanging of the three nooses is a serious hate crime offense.

* We have demanded that the Attorney General's office investigate the prosecution and monitor the trials.

* We organized activities, including a rally and town hall, in Jena on Sept. 20 in the spirit of justice and equality. The town hall will focus on racial disparities in the education and criminal justice systems.

* We are actively monitoring the situation and remain committed to the defense of the six young men to ensure proper treatment by the court system and protection of their rights under the law.

If you can't come to Jena, you can participate in our efforts via the NAACP website by signing the Justice for Jena petition, donating to the cause, or by viewing our live webcast of the rally and town hall meeting on Sept. 20. Forward this email to your family and friends and ask them to sign the petition.
We cannot afford to be silent when so much is at stake.


Sincerely,

Dennis Courtland Hayes
Interim President & CEO
NAACP

2007 Black Weblog Awards Nominations Are Open

The nominations are now open for the 2007 Black Weblog Awards. I believe and I'm told that this is a quality blog and I've put a lot of time and effort into making TransGriot entertaining as well as informative.

Awards give those comments credibility. But since I can't submit my own blog for consideration, that task falls to you dear TransGriot reader. (Hint, hint)

From now until August 15 you'll have the opportunity to nominate TransGriot for awards covering several categories. This year there will be TWO winners per category. The winners will be announced September 5.

Black Weblog Awards Categories I believe TransGriot fits in.

3. Best Blog Post or Blog Post Series
This category is for a single post in a blog or a series of posts in a blog about a particular topic. Posts can be fiction or non-fiction, but post series must be linked by a common and identifiable theme with the ability to skip forward or backwards through the series (for judging purposes).

The May Genetic Women and Transwomen post series fits that category.

6. Best Culture Blog
This category is for blogs which talk about Black culture in a multifaceted and dynamic way.

15. Best LGBT Blog
This category is for blogs that relate to or are about the LGBT community. No pornography, please (for judging purposes).

18. Best Niche Blog
This category is for blogs of topics not included in the present Black Weblog Awards categories. (Hey, we can’t catch ‘em all!)

19. Best Personal Blog
This category is for blogs which feature the opinions of the author. Blogs do not have to adhere to a specific theme.

22. Best Political/News Blog
This category is for blogs which are about politics or current newsworthy topics.


27. Best Writing in a Blog
This category is for blogs which have exceptional writing. This category is judged not on a single post basis, but on the overall posts of the blog.

28. Black Blogger Achievement Award
This category is for bloggers that have been blogging visibly since January 1, 2003. This award can only be won once (sorry George and Lynne…we still love ya).

29. Blog of the Year
This category is pretty self-explanatory; the blog of the year has it all: great writing, frequent posts, active comments, and a strong reader base.

30. Blog to Watch
This category highlights the best “undiscovered” blog in the blogosphere; keep your eye on this one! This is for that great blog that not everyone knows about…but should!

The Black Weblog Awards have been around since 2005. It's rapidly becoming a coveted prize for those of us in the African-American blogosphere. I'd love to have TransGriot considered for one (or more) of those awards this year since I didn't find out about them in time last year to get TransGriot nominated.

So may the best blog and blogger win.

African-American/People of Color Transperson Research

Stephen "Arch" Erich, Ph.D., LCSW and Josephine Tittsworth, MSW, LBSW are conducting research on issues related to African-American, Hispanic, and others of color transgenders in relation to their Life, Satisfaction and Self Esteem.

We are collecting this information in order to examine Life Satisfaction issues related to the individual's personal life style and also the person's relation to family issues. We are also wanting to see if there is any correlation between Life Satisfaction and Self Esteem. I hope you will participate in the furthering of educating society on issues related to the transgender.

Stephen "Arch" Erich, Ph.D., LCSW has researched gay adoption extensively in the past and has been within the past four years researching issues important to the transgender community. He is the Director of the Social Work Program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Josephine Tittsworth, MSW, LBSW is an activist and researcher within the transgender community. She is the Research Chair for NTAC and has served on the board of directors of many transgender organizations. She is a post-op transsexual. She is currently a doctorial candidate at the University of Houston.

They request that if you wish to participate that you email Arch at erich@uhcl.edu to request the survey questionnaire. If you have any questions you can also call him at (281)283-3388

Please participate and help further the knowledge base on transgender issues.

J. P. Tittsworth, MSW, LBSW, AA; NTAC Board of Directors, Research Chair; GCSW-SA Senator; SGA Social Work Senator

NTAC Lobby Days May 15-17

I'm going to be pulling the blue and black power suits out of the closet, packing my black flats in my bags and heading to DC next month to take part in NTAC's portion of Transgender Lobby Week May 15-17.

NTAC, NCTE and GenderPac are all hitting the Hill that week to lobby in support of HR 1592, the transgender inclusive Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevetion Act that has been introduced in the House by the CBC's Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) and in the Senate by Sen Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Sen Gordon Smith (R-OR).

Yesterday the Employment Non-Discrimination Act was introduced in the House by Reps. Barney Frank (D-MA), Deborah Pryce (R-OH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Christopher Shays (R-CT). NTAC is currently examining the bill language to ascertain if the proposed legislation actually covers transgender people. If it does then the lobbying effort will be expanded to advocating for passage of that bill as well.

I haven't been up there since 1999 and I'm looking forward to it. This trip to DC will have a different feel to it. In addition to this being the first time I've participated in a lobby day when the Dems were running thangs on Capitol Hill, we actually have a damned good shot at making some history happen.

If you're interested in participating and haven't lobbied before, no sweat. A training session will be held on May 15 and we will have some experienced peeps to pair you up with. Lobbying is not just the province of DC based law firms, 527 orgs or corporations. You do the hiring and firing of these congresspeeps by exercising your right to vote. It is your right and duty as an American citizen and constituent to see what your congressmember is up to.

If you're worried about what to say, don't. You are more persuasive than any K Street pro in the eyes of your congresspeeps. All you have to do is stand tall, dress professionally and simply tell your story.

If you want to help make some history and participate drop AC a line at agcasebeer@bellsouth.net or hit up the NTAC website at www.ntac.org

You don't have to be transgender to participate. If you simply want to help I'm sure Ethan, AC and company will greatly appreciate any time or assistance you can give them in terms of making this lobby day a fun, prductive and successful event.

TransGriot note: I'm definitely planning on giving y'all the 411 on what happened while I was on the Hill exercising my constitutional rights to visit my lawmakers. I hope some of you can join us as well.

Identity Construction Among Transgender People Of Color Study

TransGriot note: I met Kylan during TSTBC 2005 and have participated in his research project. There is a huge need to get information out there about African-American transgender peeps and other t-peeps of color.

f you are a trans identified person of color I would love to hear from you and have you share your experiences. I will be traveling the US (Midwest, West Coast, and Southwest) and Vancouver, Canada in May and June, as well as New York in August. I will also be conducting phone interviews over the next year.

I am a FtM, queer, and anti-racist identified graduate student in Sociology at SIUC. My research is in the area of gender and racial stratification, how this is experienced in the transgender communities, and how this affects perceptions of self.

My research project is called "Identity Construction Among Transgender People of Color". If you have any questions about me or my research please contact me at kylan.devries@gmail.com or my faculty advisor, Professor Rob Benford at rbenford@siu.edu

This research explores the stories/narratives of Trans People of Color
(inclusive term to include all identities on the transgender
spectrum), how you perceive yourself, and how others perceive you. I am particularly interested in how racial identity affects perception of self during and after transitioning (I recognize that transitioning is subjective and may not have an end for some). Participation is completely voluntary and confidential

To participate please contact me:
Kylan M. de Vries
kylan.devries@gmail.com or kylan33@siu.edu
(618) 303-4767


This project has been reviewed and approved by the SIUC Human Subjects Committee. Questions concerning your rights as a participant in this research may be addressed to the Committee Chairperson, Office of Research Development and Administration, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901-4709. Phone (618) 453-4533. E-mail: siuhsc@siu.edu

Houston Unity Banquet Tickets Go On Sale

Renowned activist Ray Hill to keynote April 14 event


The Houston Transgender Unity Committee has opened ticket sales for the 15th annual Houston Transgender Unity Banquet, which will be held on Saturday, April 14, at the Westchase Hilton (9999 Westheimer at Briarpark), 6:30 p.m. until 1 a.m.

Tickets are $50 in advance ($60 at the door) and can be purchased through Ticketweb at the Unity Committee website, www.htuc.org. Tickets are also available at Jewel’s Boutique (2404 Taft near Fairview) and by mail (P.O. Box 542287, Houston 77254).

Some proceeds from Unity Banquet ticket sales support the Peggy Rudd Transgender Scholarship Fund. For the second year, the Unity Committee will present a scholarship at the banquet to a transgender-identified student pursuing higher education. The Rudd Scholarship application is available at the Unity Committee website.

The 2007 Unity Banquet, which is the largest single-night transgender event in the nation, is dedicated to the memory of the transgender advocate and HIV/AIDS activist and educator Brenda Thomas (1943-2006). Thomas was the Unity Committee executive director. Among her many achievements and honors, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2002 Unity Banquet and the Trinity Award, which honors transgender heroes, from the International Foundation for Gender Education in 2004.

Ray Hill, the renowned activist for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights, is the Unity Banquet keynote speaker. During the banquet, representatives from other local transgender groups will make presentations about their work. These groups include Helping TransGenders Anonymous, Houston Transgender Life Connection/Thursday Night Social Group, STAG/Some Transgenders Are Guys, Tau Chi chapter of Tri-Ess, the Society for the Second Self, and Texas Association for Transsexual Support,

Unity Banquet sponsors (as of March 1) are Charles Armstrong Investments, Nechman, Simoneaux, and Frye, PLLC, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, Dr. Pierre Brassard-Clinique de Chirurgies Esthetique St-Joseph, Dr. Suporn Clinic-Thailand, Denise O'Doherty, The Princess Company, Legacy Community Health Services, Tim Brookover & Albert Mata, The Crossings-Austin, Alley Theatre, Houston Symphony, Bruce Kieler, and John Steven Kellett Foundation.

The Houston Transgender Unity Committee is the nonprofit consortium of area trans organizations. In addition to the Unity Banquet, Unity Committee projects include the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance in November and Unity Month in March. Committee representatives frequently speak to schools, businesses, and organizations.