3/5/09

Ugandan Anti GLBT Seminar Condemed by IGLHRC and SMUG

For Immediate Release, March 4, 2009
Contact Media: Hossein Alizadeh, 212-430-6016, halizadeh@iglhrc.org
Source : Walking With Intergity


(New York, March 4)- The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) condemned a seminar designed to attack lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Ugandans under the cloak of religion. The 3-day seminar in Kampala, which opens Thursday, March 5, features an array of U.S. speakers known for their efforts to dehumanize LGBT people and for their belief that homosexuality can be "cured." The speakers include Scott Lively, Don Schmierer, and Caleb Lee Brundidge—leading voices in the crusade by religious extremists to roll back basic human rights for LGBT people in the United States. Brundidge is affiliated with Extreme Prophetic Ministry in Phoenix, Arizona. Schmierer is on the board of the so-called "ex-gay" organization Exodus International. Lively is well known for his belief that the Nazi Holocaust never happened.

"The American religious right is finally showing its hand and revealing the depth of its support for homophobia in Africa," said IGLHRC's Executive Director Cary Alan Johnson. "This seminar will increase violence and other human rights abuses against LGBT people, women and anyone who doesn't conform to gender norms. This newest form of colonialism is deplorable and must be stopped."

The seminar is hosted by the by Family Life Network (FLN), a Ugandan non-governmental organization founded in 2002 that claims to be committed to the "restoration of Ugandan family values and morals." The FLN opposes access to safe, legal abortions. It also opposes the use of condoms and promotes abstinence-only programming as its approach to HIV prevention. The FLN makes the sensationalized claim that homosexuality is "spreading like wildfire in schools." The event organizers have invited parents, teachers, government workers, politicians, counselors and faith leaders. The seminar costs 25,000 Ugandan Shillings a day (approximately $12.60) to attend. Books and materials are extra.

"This seminar is just another way of encouraging hatred and abuse," said a spokesperson from SMUG." We condemn their discriminatory words and actions that only lead to violence. Suffering is all that they are bringing to Uganda—all in the name of God."

"There is a lot of misunderstanding about human sexuality," said Ugandan Bishop Dr. Christopher Ssenyonjo, who was expelled from the Anglican Church for supporting gay people. “This workshop is going to bring more conflict, greater hostility, increased intimidation. We need love ... in the long run, love will overcome."

The U.S. religious right has a history of exporting homophobia to Africa With support from anti-gay organizations and faith leaders such as Family Watch International and Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, Pastor Martin Ssempa from Makerere Community Church has attacked not only gay men and lesbians, but also women's rights and HIV activism. Pastor Ssempa has stated, "there should be no rights granted to homosexuals in this country." In 2007, he organized a multi-denominational rally against LGBT rights in Kampala, where one cleric called for the "starving to death of homosexuals."

In response to this ongoing pattern of violence and abuse, SMUG launched its Let Us Live in Peace campaign, aimed at decreasing violence against LGBT Ugandans. The campaign was launched shortly after human rights defenders Victor Mukasa and Oyo Yvonne filed a lawsuit against the Attorney General related to an illegal raid on Mukasa's home. The plaintiffs won their case in December 2008—a landmark victory by organizers in a country that still punishes homosexuality by life in prison and has repeatedly made efforts to silence human rights leaders. FLN organizers cite this victory in the promotional materials for the seminar, saying that it shows that a "well organized homosexual machinery" is taking over Uganda, "wreaking havoc in individuals, families and the society."

3/4/09

Brave New World a New Mormon Lesbian Friend

New Brave Friend Sasha who's post on her blog at http://www.cardcarryinglesbian.com/

3/3/09

Why I am working for same sex marriage


Many transgender people feel it is a vindication of their
prognostication that because Gay and Lesbians are struggling for
marriage equality and there is no concrete evidence of unconditional
commitment by the Human Rights Campaign to support a gender inclusive
ENDA that HRC has no intention to 'return' for us.

I work for human rights. I make no distinction as to who will benefit
by my work.

I have so many dear friends who are suffering so. The lives of each
of their family members have been turned upside down since the rights
of the minority which they belong to have been removed by a popular
vote.

Stop and think about who your friends are. Children and adults who by
grace are in loving families that they may have otherwise never known.

Without further definition as to who they are and who the majority is
I am compelled to action. We only have today to be true to ourselves
and friends.

Sounds familiar? We protest loudly with righteous indignation when
our allies "threw us under the bus". Now it is our opportunity to
raise above anger, above self involvement and jealousy to be the ally
that we wish to have. We can only claim this title if we care enough,
now, today.

Lets Make today our living stonewall. We can make this statement. I
will not leave you behind. I will stand with you and fight for you.
You are my friend.

You are my ally.

kelli Busey
Transgender woman of faith
planetransgender

Web Cast viewing of California Supreme Court Arguments March 5 2009


There will only be 20 seats available for the general public at the Supreme Court so where are the rest of us 20 million going to be?

Some of us will try to watch it online, but as we have experienced, the server will probably be overwhelmed and the signal lost, so here are some options.

On your computer Web Cast from Cal Channel.com starting at 9:00am PT and ending about noon PT.

West Hollywood Auditorium

Watch on the Jumbotron at the United Nations Plaza in San Francisco outside San Francisco City Hall

In California local channels

West Hollywood at L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center Locations RSVP needed

MARCH 4th Californians Rally on the Eve of Justice


March forth on the eve of Justice!

There are numerous gatherings, vigils and marches scheduled for March 4 2009 which is the day before the California Supreme Court begins hearing arguments to invalidate Prop 8

There are planned events statewide. For locations, times and details visit these sites;
San Francisco Pride
SF Pride Facebook
EVE OF JUSTICE
Marriage Equality.org

To read the parties' filings and the dozens of amicus 'friend of the court' briefs filed on behalf of Civil Rights Organizations, Bar Associations, Academics, Women's Groups, Faith and Religious Groups, and many others go to www.courtinfo.ca.gov

Equality should not be put up for a popular vote.

• Prop 8 is a radical and unprecedented change to the California Constitution that puts all Californians at risk.
• Prop 8 defeats the very purpose of our constitution, which is to protect minorities and to make sure the law treats everyone equally.
• This is the first time the initiative process has successfully been used to change the California Constitution to take away a fundamental freedom from a particular group and to mandate government discrimination against a minority.
• If prop 8 is upheld, the courts will no longer have a meaningful role in protecting minority groups or women, since any decision prohibiting discrimination could be reversed by a simple majority.

By kelli Busey
March 03, 2009
planetransgender

3/2/09

Texas Virtual Lobby Day

Texas Equality Virtual Lobby Day March 2, 2009

Can't Make It To Austin For Lobby Day?

NO PROBLEM!

Equality Texas will make this a breeze!

Send Email To Your Legislative Representatives

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):
Your Representative (if you live in Texas)
Your State Senator (if you live in Texas)

Show Your Transgender Support

Non-Discrimination: HB 197
Relating to the prohibition of employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression

By Rep. Roberto Alonzo and HB 538 by Rep. Mike Villarreal, because putting an end to discrimination in a state that values hard work and individual effort is simply the right thing.

Safe Schools for All Students - HB 1323 by Rep. Mark Strama, because Texas should provide a safe learning environment for all students.

Hate Crimes Act Enforcement - HB 616 by Rep. Marc Veasey, because it is time to look at the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act.

Hospital Visitation & Medical Decision Making - HB 353 by Rep. Eddie Rodriguez and HB 1455 by Rep. Donna Howard.

Competitive Insurance Benefits - HB 861 by Rep. Elliott Naishtat.

Visit with
to find what stage these bills are at in the approval process.