Queers United

Transgender Day of Rememberance 11/20/09

2009-11-20T11:29:00.004-05:00

Today, November 20th marks the eleventh Transgender Day of Remembrance, a solemn time to think back and honor our transgender brothers and sisters who were murdered for being who they are. Sadly 2009 witnessed an alarming increase in trans attacks and deaths and many of these were horrific acts of brutality simply because a person has a different gender identity or expression than society expects of them.

Suggested actions for the day:
-Candlelight vigils / marches
-Visual representation of the number of deaths with:
-Cardboard tomb stones of remembered people
-Paper cutouts of remembered people
-Body outline chalkings of remembered people
-Art / photography displays
-Conversation & awareness about trans issues

For a complete listing of memorial events please visit International Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Nationwide Vigils Planned for Slain Gay Puerto Rican Teen

2009-11-19T12:22:00.006-05:00

Vigils are being planned across the nation for this Sunday, November 22 to honor slain teen Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado who was brutally murdered for being gay. Activists are demanding that the alleged perpetrator be charged under the new U.S. federal hate crimes law which includes sexual orientation and gender identity.

Vigils scheduled:

In New York City a vigil will be held at Pier 45 followed by optional mass at 5:00 pm.

In Boston - 6PM, Trinity Church, Copley Plaza [Facebook link]

In Chicago - 4PM, Division and California, procession to Humboldt Park Boat House.]

In Dallas at 6:15 pm on Sunday.

In L.A. - 8PM, Santa Monica and San Vicente [Facebook link]

In Oakland - 3:30PM, MacArthur and Lakeshore/Grand Ave [Facebook link]

In San Francisco - 7PM, Castro and Market [Facebook link]

Vigils are also planned for Atlanta, Durham, New Orleans, and Philadelphia but information on location and times is not yet available.

H/T to Towleroad.

Oklahoma City Gays Boycott Flip's Restaurant

2009-11-19T11:17:00.003-05:00

Flip's Wine Bar and Trattoria has found itself in a new battle after its owner Gail Vines a member of the Oklahoma City School Board voted twice to fire an openly gay teacher. The teacher Mr. Joe Quigley believes he wasn't fired for being gay, but for being an advocate on behalf of gay rights and supporting students efforts to start a gay-straight alliance.

A court order has demanded an immediate reinstatement of Quigley because it believes bias was involved in his firing and the court determined he was qualified to remain a teacher. The school district has gone against the courts decision and it remains to be seen what the outcome will be.

Meanwhile gay activists are boycotting Flip's because they believe the owner has anti-gay bias.

Please respectfully let the owner know your thoughts and your decision to boycott her establishment:

Flip's Wine Bar and Trattoria
5801 N Western
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
405-843-1527

Queer the Census!

2009-11-18T10:26:00.006-05:00

As it stands the 2010 census will not include a question about sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBT people need to be heard and counted so that our community is accurately reflected and catered to with respect to government research and funding. The data collected is critical for issues such as health care, economic stability and even safety.

In addition to demanding that we have data on sexuality and gender, this is the first time the census will count married same-sex couples. Please ensure that you check off the "husband/wife" or "unmarried partner" box.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force will send you a FREE Queer The Census sticker to affix to your envelope when you fill out and send your census.

Word of the Gay: "HBB"

2009-11-18T00:00:00.002-05:00

"HBB" is an acronym often used in chats and personals that stands for hot bi babe.

Transgender Awareness Week Nov 15-20th

2009-11-17T10:32:00.007-05:00

Transgender Awareness Week takes place from November 15th up until November 20th which is the Day of Remembrance, a solemn day to remember lives lost in the transgender community. The week is an opportunity to educate, engage, and get active on behalf of equal rights and fair treatment for transgender and gender variant people and their families.

Educational resources on Trans community:

Diversity Lesson 101: Transgender

Diversity Lesson 101: Genderqueer/Intergender

Activist organizations for Trans community:

National Center for Transgender Equality

The Transgender Law & Policy Institute

FTM International

Gender Education and Advocacy

Get involved locally and find events at your LGBT resource center by checking the LGBT center directory.

Word of the Gay: "Lesbian Sheepitude"

2009-11-17T00:00:00.004-05:00

"Lesbian Sheepitude" is a term used to describe when one woman is interested in another, the other may or may not be interested but neither makes the move. The colloquialism comes from the behavior of sheep; a female ewe indicates sexual interest and receptiveness by standing still.

Web Spotlight: SistersTalk Radio

2009-11-16T17:32:00.004-05:00

SistersTalk Radio is the most diverse lesbian and gay online talk radio show. They interview musicians, actors, reality TV stars, comedians, authors, filmmakers, bloggers and video bloggers.

Dolly Parton Stands Up For Gay Fans

2009-11-16T13:40:00.005-05:00

Country music star Dolly Parton has come out in favor of marriage equality and treating gays with dignity and respect. In an interview with HLN's Joy Behar when asked why she has so many gay fans and whether she supports gay marriage, she responds by saying:

"Sure, why can’t they get married? They should suffer like the rest of us do.”

She also goes on to address televangelist Joel Osteen's recent comments that "homosexuality is not God's best" and maintains that we shouldn't try to change anyone, and that "if God were a religious person he wouldn't judge others".

Our ally Dolly Parton can be reached on twitter, facebook, and myspace.

Word of the Gay: "Polysaturated"

2009-11-16T00:00:00.002-05:00

"Polysaturated" is a term for a polyamorous individual not currently open to more partners either due to to the number of partners, or time constraints.

Shameless Self Promotion Sunday

2009-11-15T09:11:00.000-05:00

Please feel free to share any links to queer or queer related topics of interest. You can post a blog entry you made, a website you found interesting. Anything goes as long as it is queer in nature.

Word of the Gay: "Zie"

2009-11-15T00:00:00.001-05:00

"Zie" is a gender neutral pronoun replacing he or she that is used within the genderqueer community.

Our Families Count - Fill Out the Census!

2009-11-14T13:01:00.004-05:00

HRC has launched Our Families Count and is urging LGBT people to fill out the census so that the government can distribute funds and social services that are are needed for our community. Sexual orientation and gender identity will not be questions on the 2010 census, and will likely be included in future censuses. However, this is the first time the census will recognize and analyze the number of married same-sex couples.

Same-sex couples are encouraged to check off the "husband/wife" or "unmarried partner" box.

The census only provides two options with regards to gender, male or female. Transgender people are encouraged to check the box that most closely matches their gender identity.

Take action to contact the 2010 census and urge them to provide an accurate assessment of LGBT families, and to push to include questions based on sexual orientation and gender identity in upcoming versions.

Open Forum: The Concept of a Queer Nation

2009-11-14T12:43:00.003-05:00

While there has not been much talk or serious consideration among queer people to create a gay homeland, there has been some discussion whether joking or fantasy about the concept. A nation state owned and operated by LGBT people, where people are free to express their sexual orientation and gender identity, while being affirmed. A queer homeland would serve as a refuge for those who are discriminated against in other countries, and would bring an LGBT perspective to the United Nations delegation.

In 2004 Australian activists declared the Cato Islands the "Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea" since this deserted island was not being utilized. While this was merely symbolic it once again brought up the discussion and perhaps dreams of many LGBT people. There are even organizations such as the Gay Homeland Foundation, Gay and Lesbian Commonwealth Kingdom, Unified Gay Tribe, and Gay Parallel Republic embrace the idea of a queer nation state although lack the funding, movement, or credibility to push forward their agenda.

What do you make of the concept of a queer homeland? Would it help create a safer world for LGBT people or only further segregate queer people from the populace? Would you support or even immigrate to such a country if it was created?

Blog Spotlight: Grace the Spot

2009-11-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

Grace the Spot is an entertainment, lifestyle, pop culture and current events blog founded by two lesbians.

The Kardashian Family Stands for Marriage Equality

2009-11-13T09:50:00.008-05:00

The Kardashian family are a celebrity family with their own reality TV show 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' that airs on E! The family has been in the spotlight for many years, and two of the daughters branched off with their own show called 'Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami'.

The sisters recently posed for the NO H8 campaign photo shoot and proudly say the whole family strongly supports marriage equality.

On Kim Kardashian's blog she states:

EVERYONE should have the right to choose who they marry and that we do have the power to make a difference. What I love about the NOH8 campaign is that it symbolizes more than just people's desires to bring down Prop 8... it's about promoting love in general! Stop the H8, people! (Kim Kardashian).

The family has also been active for LGBT rights in the past. After proposition 8 passed, Kim Kardashian responded to then Miss California Carrie Prejeans anti-gay statement with her own affirming message of equality. Khloé Kardashian has also been outspoken in favor of gay rights, taking on a gay basher on her radio show, and supporting SAVE Dade a South Florida LGBT organization which hosted a Khloé Kardashian crossdresser look alike contest.

Be sure to leave a comment on their NO H8 blog post thanking them.

You can also tweet the sisters @ KimKardashian, KhloeKardashian, KourtneyKardash.

Blog Spotlight: Bipolar Bisexual

2009-11-12T16:00:00.000-05:00

Bipolar Bisexual is a blog about sexuality and mental health issues. The author discusses ways for people who are bisexual, bipolar or both to live a positive and affirming life.

Start 'A Day in Hand' Chapter in Your Area

2009-11-12T12:22:00.004-05:00

A Day in Hand is an international movement supporting the right of same-sex couples to display their affection publicly in the same fashion that many heterosexual couples do on a daily basis. Simple gestures like hand holding, kissing, and cuddling, are ways that couples are romantic with each other. Society makes it very uncomfortable and at times potentially dangerous for same-sex couples to show their love publicly. The Same-Sex Hand Holding project seeks to put an end to this form of societal injustice and intolerance.

Gay, bi or straight, hold a partner or friends hand in public and show support for gay couples love and visibility. There are events every month throughout the world but anyone can show their support at any time!

There are even worldwide chapters that have been formed:

For London In Hand contact David / email: info@adayinhand.com

For California In Hand contact Tami / email: california@adayinhand.com

For Minnesota In Hand contact Philip / email: minnesota@adayinhand.com

If you would like to start A Day In Hand Helping Hand chapter in your area please email: info@adayinhand.com

Joy To The World!

2009-11-12T09:59:00.002-05:00

Joy Behar is a comedian, writer, actress, and commentator. She has been a co-host on ABC's The View and recently got her own show on HLN called The Joy Behar Show. Behar has been a friendly, smart and outspoken voice for the LGBT community over the years, always standing up for us. Her new show has not been on the air long but is being called a "gay show" by some because so many of her segments include or discuss LGBT people or issues.

Whether it's discussing marriage equality, the movie MILK, or speaking with openly queer people, Joy Behar has been a remarkable straight ally to the LGBT community.

Please thank her for her commitment to discussing and supporting LGBT issues.

Contact Joy Behar on twitter.

Web Spotlight: QueerUK

2009-11-11T16:02:00.003-05:00

QueerUK is a guide and forum for the gay community within the United Kingdom. Features on the web portal include a message board, latest news, a guide, blogs, photos and more.

Equal Love - Nov 28th Australian Marriage Rallies

2009-11-11T11:37:00.009-05:00

The Australian Senate is due to release a landmark report on same-sex marriage and activists across the nation will be demonstrating on November 28th for marriage rights through the Equal Love campaign two days after the expected report comes out. The rallies will either express enthusiasm and call for government adoption of the report or will express outrage at the reports findings.

Rallies will be taking place in the following five cities:

Melbourne

November 28, 1pm
State Library

Sydney

November 28, 1pm
Sydney Town Hall
www.caah.org.au

Adelaide

November 28, 11am
Parliament House

Canberra

November 28, 1pm
Garema Place, Civic

Brisbane

November 28, 1pm
Queens Park, City
(Opp. Treasury Casino)

In the mean time sign the petition to the Prime Minister demanding marriage equality.

Veterans Day Action to End DADT

2009-11-11T10:24:00.002-05:00

Letters to the editor are a great way to engage local media and raise awareness about our efforts to get rid of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” A particularly effective letter to the editor can get thousands of people talking about the issue and have effects well beyond the pages of the paper. The letters to the editor section is one of the most read parts of a newspaper!

Join Servicemembers Legal Defense Network's action alert to write an editorial now. Their website will automatically connect you to multiple local newspapers to write an op-ed.

Endorse the Florida Competitive Workforce Bill

2009-11-10T10:19:00.002-05:00

The Florida Competitive Workforce bill adds "sexual orientation and gender identity and expression" to Florida's civil rights law that bans discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations.

Take a stand today. Sign on to this letter of support as an individual, organization and/or company and spread the word.

New Toolbar Feature

2009-11-09T22:17:00.005-05:00

Hey folks,

We have a handy dandy new toolbar below if you haven't realized. It's pretty snazzy if I say so myself. You can now translate the website into a variety of different languages, bookmark us, and can use the share feature to spread our campaigns on social networks and news sites.

I hope you find it useful and I'd love to hear any thoughts about the new feature :)

Thanks for your continued support and readership!

Action Alert: Marriage Vote Scheduled for New York

2009-11-09T17:26:00.003-05:00

The New York State Senate is scheduled to debate and vote on the issue of marriage equality tomorrow. The outcome is unpredictable at the moment, with some democrats and republicans opposed, in favor, or unsure of their vote. It is essential that you urge your senator to vote in favor of full equality for their LGBT constituents.

The following is a list of key "swing" senators to contact courtesy of Queerty.

Undecided

John Bonacic, R-Mt. Hope
Brian Foley, D-Suffolk
Ruth Hassel-Thompson, D-Bronx/Westchester
Owen Johnson, R-Suffolk
Andrew Lanza, R-Staten Island
Roy McDonald, R-Saratoga
Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens
John Sampson, D-Brooklyn
David Valesky, D-Oneida

Wouldn't Say

Joseph Addabbo, D-Queens
James Alesi, R-East Rochester
Kemp Hannon, R-Nassau
Vincent Leibell, R-Westchester
Thomas Morahan, R-Rockland

Take action by falling out this form by the New York Civil Liberties to contact your senators and senate leaders to affirm marriage fairness.