12/16/08

Binghamton NY City council passes anti-discrimination bill

In a much anticipated event the Binghamton city Council acted to include protection of transgender people. According to an article by Neil St. Clair, News 10 Now

"It's another way to let people know that everyone has the same rights. In the old days, it was color, religion, whatever. Now it's size or sexual orientation. It just reinforces it," said Binghamton City Councilman Edward Collins.

The bill specifically protects transgendered and overweight individuals, along with other groups. It adds another legislative layer with respect to housing, employment and other areas of possible public discrimination.

"This law not only tracks New York State human rights law and the protections already enacted at the state level, it also extends some protections at the local level that have not yet passed at the state level," said Barrie Gewanter, New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director.

Live in NY? Want to be involved? Click here to become a New York Civil Liberties Union Activist!

By Kelli Busey planetransgender December 16, 2008 email kellibusey@yahoo.com

12/14/08

Jimmy Lee Dean Trial Date Set : Unified Community Against Gay Hate Crimes(UCAGHC) Plans Rally


Unified Community Against Gay Hate Crimes(UCAGHC) a Dallas TX group formed in response to the brutal attack on local artist Jimmy Lee Dean has announced the trial date and asked for the LGBT community to show support by attending a rally from 10am to 12pm on January 12, 2009 in front of the Frank Crowley Bldg 133 N. Industrial Blvd. Dallas TX 75207



According to Activist Michael Robinson, key witness and founder of UCAGHC,
(The) "Jimmy Lee Dean case has the opportunity to change or add new amendments to the statute that governs hate crimes cases in Texas. I am asking the GLBT community to stand up together on this very important issue that concerns us ALL. There is a group of people out there that would like to see us all dead. We need to change how hate crimes cases are filed when they go to a grand jury for review so that the D.A.'s offices can indict these cases."

The current legislation does not enable prosecutors in Texas to clearly identify a hate crime. Aggravated assault convictions carry potentially far less penalty less penalty than a hate crime conviction.

By Kelli Busey
Sunday, December 14, 2008
planetransgender

12/13/08

Why Should I?

"Why Should I?"

This is the response I received from a religious leader after he read my scathing note critiquing his behaviour during a transgender event and an invitation to continue the conversation.

I think it gave him the opportunity to slam the door shut.

Why should you care about the effect your actions are having on the gender variant?

By allowing your religion to lend credence to violence committed against gender variant people you are fueling the unbroken cycle of of violence and condemning us to horrific deaths. By being the leader of a major religion you are amplifying this message in a way that none other could, that we are less than you.

What is your motivation? Not the little voices to be sure. Or could that be why you got so angry? Is that why when I attend church some pastors look at me with such fear?
Look at me with fear! My god man, it's not my physical stature for sure. No it only could be one thing.

The Truth.

The fear is that I exposure our monetarily driven religions and the duplicity it nurtures by it's continuation of profiteering from the brutal transgender murders.

What is HRC's Motivation? Make one or two million dollars a night and hand local churches and 501's their 1 for 5 payoffs. Whats the hurry to change anything?Everyone is fat and happy.

Except you. When I show up. And the dead, and oh yeah, Jesus.

By Kelli Busey
December 13, 2008
planetransgender

12/11/08

Join The Impact Light Up The Night In Dallas December 20

Join the Impact is organizing a nationwide rally to take place on December 20, 2008.



On December 20th, we ask that you join us again for a nation-wide demonstration that will make an impact on the private sector.

National food drives, culminating with candlelight vigils will be held at commercial centers in cities across the country in remembrance of the rights that once were for 18,000 marriages, and in honor of the rights that one day will be again - for EVERYONE

WHAT IS IT?
Dallas - LIGHT UP THE NIGHT FOR EQUALITY
On Saturday, December 20th, JoinTheImpact.com asks that you join them again for a nationwide rally. Candlelight vigils will be held at commercial centers in cities across the country in remembrance of the rights that once were for 18,000 marriages, and in honor of the rights that one day will be again - for everyone.
The Dallas vigil will be held outside the Galleria and want to stress we are not protesting the Galleria. Many locals and tourists will be passing by as they carry on a 26 year tradition of visiting the Galleria during the holidays for their shopping needs. This will be a peaceful candlelight vigil in the spirit of the holidays. No protest signs please.

Please click link for directions Join the Impact

12/7/08

Fish Out of Water

Fish Out of Water - "Every thing you have ever heard about homosexuality and the Bible is going to be turned inside Out!"

Center Stage Chicago theater editor Alicia Eler interviews film maker and director Ky Dickens about her forthcoming revolutionary Ani-Doc film Fish Out of Water.

Fish Out of Water Trailer part 1



Fish Out of Water Trailer part 2


By kelli Busey
Dec. 07, 2008
planetransgender

Colorado Teens Protest Transphobic Schools


Colorado Springs Gazette.com Transgender teen decries hate at schools. A group of 25 Transgender teens and allies gathered to protest unacceptable treatment in Colorado High Schools and Colleges.

According to the protesters the shared experience of transphobia in school can be mainly attributed to a ignorant faculty who's binary conception of gender is reflected and amplified in the student bodies transphobic interactions.

When a person's gender identity is stifled by a unknowledgeable (ignorant) school faculty eventually the condition will become intolerable for the youth and can lead to the loss of that person to society.

When I attended a medical school I was humiliated by my instructors. Despite my best efforts before the semester began to introduce myself and subsequent strenuous objections I was constantly addressed with the wrong gender. I was allowed to use the faculties one stall woman's restroom, but this only increased my isolation and disenfranchisement. While in the halls the whispered degrading comments, laughter and finger pointing became increasingly frequent and blatant as students mimicked teachers unveiled bigotry making me extremely self conscious and eventually fearful for my very safety. Granted I was very early in transition and my appearance was not polished but the feeling of failure after escaping this intolerable situation was nearly unbearable. It was after all, my only life experience to that point.

Since then I have been successful in obtaining a physical appearance and mental state which nicely matches my gender and I am gainfully employed. My life has become meaningful and my passion for living intensely rewarding.

If we value all youth we must honor that obligation. All schools must work to become educated, understanding of, and sensitive to gender variant youth. It is a teachers obligation to afford equal opportunity to all not just the ones that fit effortlessly and conveniently in line with patriarchal preconceptions.

Related article Students protest dorm bigotry and violence

By kelli Busey
Dec 07, 2008
planetransgender