Equality Texas

-- PLEASE FORWARD FAR & WIDE, Thanks --

Texas Conference of the Equality Across America Network

Unite and Fight: Strategizing for LGBT Equality

May 21-23, 2010 -- Austin, Texas -- Austin Community College, Eastview campus
eaaTexas.org* http://eaatexas.org>
&
Harvey Milk Day March & Rally, Texas State Capitol, Saturday, May 22nd

The fight for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender equality is heating up.
Come join other activists and Equality Across America as we debate, discuss,
and strategize how we can carry on the fight here in Texas. Our one single
demand: EQUAL PROTECTION in all matters governed by civil law in ALL 50 STATES!

Confirmed featured speakers:

Nik Maciejewskihttp://equalityacrossamerica.org/about/Bios.html#b6>

(Equality Across America interim governing board),

Zoe Nicholson http://www.onlinewithzoe.com>

(author and longstanding activistfor women's and LGBT equality),

and more TBA.

Registration is $15 or $10 with student ID.
Registration is free for volunteers (volunteer assignments are first-come, first-served).

Details (registration page coming soon):

http://eaaTexas.org

Co-sponsored by: GetEqual-Dallas, Equality Across America-Houston, Equality
Now-Austin Community College, Equality Rising-Austin, International
Socialist Organization, jaysays.com, Join the Impact-Austin, Movimiento
Estudiantil Chicana/o de Aztlan (UT Austin), Queer LiberAction-Denton, Queer
People of Color and Allies (UT Austin), Qwee, Texans for Peace, Travis
County Green Party, and a growing list of activist organizations.

To get involved or co-sponsor, email: texasEAAconference@gmail.com

Click here http://equalityacrossamerica.org/conference> to find out more
about the Equality Across America network and
its 2010 regional conferences.



"The work begins anew, the hope rises again, and the dream lives on." -- Sen. Kennedy, August 2008

Equality Texas

*
Besides being the best candidate for the job, Annise would be the first openly lesbian mayor of any of the 25 largest cities in the United States.
*
Her election would demonstrate that sexual orientation does not matter to Texans when electing qualified public servants.
*
Annise Parker's election to office is a critical opportunity to advance equality in Houston and in Texas.

The above is from Equality Texas.
I agree. We need more openly LGBT people elected to positions of responsibility to demonstrate that there is nothing inherently wrong with Gay, Bi, Tran people. This will help to change society over the long haul. I have already cast my ballot with Annise Parker's name on it.

Jim

From Equality Texas

The following message was sent to me from Equality. FORT WORTH: CALL TO ACTION - CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 14TH

Fort Worth City Council Meeting

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 6pm

Join "Fairness Fort Worth" and Supportive Organizations

Thanks to all our Fort Worth and North Texas members who emailed Mayor Moncrief and all Fort Worth City Council Members to request an independent investigation of the raid by Fort Worth Police and TABC officers. Equality Texas members and supporters have sent thousands of letters to the Mayor and City Council Members.

Next Steps: With the Fort Worth Police Department and TABC conducting internal investigations of the raid on Sunday, June 28, 2009, and Mayor Moncrief asking the US Attorney to review the police investigation, it is critical that citizens of Fort Worth continue to demand a separate and independent investigation.

We are asking our Fort Worth and Tarrant County members, families, and friends to attend the Fort Worth City Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 14th. We need a show of support and solidarity from the Fort Worth/Tarrant County community to demand accountability and action.

Action: Show up to support the call for an independent investigation of the Fort Worth Police Department's Raid on the Rainbow Lounge.

Arrive by 6:00 pm to secure a seat or standing room. Dress appropriately for a city council meeting.Look for organizers wearing "Fairness Fort Worth" t-shirts or buttons. They will ask you to sign in with them. No signs, posters, or flags, please.

It will be a long evening as there are 77 agenda items. Be prepared. "Fairness Fort Worth" spokesperson Jon Nelson is scheduled to speak under the "Public Comment" part of the agenda. (With respect to parents wishing to bring their children, please arrive and stay for the first hour or so and then leave if children need to eat or go to bed.) * It will not be required or necessary to speak, but it is important to have a large number of supporters present. We encourage families, parents, friends, faith leaders, and straight allies to attend to reflect the diversity of support. * Fort Worth City Hall, Council Chambers, 1000 Throckmorton, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Your presence alone will affirm to Mayor Moncrief and to each City Council Member that you are concerned about your community and that you want action.

YOU make equality happen!
EL PASO: CALL TO ACTION - CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 14TH

El Paso City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 8:30am

PUENTES LGBT RESOURCES will provide public comment in support of diversity training for local law enforcement agencies

Last Thursday, the ACLU of Texas and Equality Texas called for an official investigation into the El Paso Police Department's response to the June 29th incident at an area Chico's Tacos restaurant. "We’re extremely concerned that the actions of the restaurant employees and the El Paso police may have violated the law," said ACLU of Texas legal director Lisa Graybill. "The City of El Paso prohibits restaurants from refusing service to anyone based on their sexual orientation, and the police should have enforced that ordinance.”

Paul Scott, Executive Director at Equality Texas, noted that "While neither state nor federal law explicitly prohibits discrimination against LGBT individuals in public accommodations, the City of El Paso, like other major Texas cities including Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth, went above and beyond to adopt an anti-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBT individuals. This makes what reportedly happened in El Paso all the more disappointing. Additionally, the continued reference to the unconstitutional sodomy statute by law enforcement officers is further proof that the Texas Legislature needs to repeal this statute and get it off the books." Read the full press release here.

Next Steps: The ACLU of Texas and Equality Texas are working together on outreach efforts to help Texans better understand their rights. Meanwhile, PUENTES LGBT RESOURCES will be advocating for increased diversity training for law enforcement officials. PUENTES LGBT RESOURCES will be providing public comment at Tuesday's El Paso City Council meeting.

Action: You can show your support for PUENTES' advocacy efforts merely by your respectful presence in the council chambers. The meeting begins at 8:30am, however the public comment portion of the meeting will likely be later in the day. No signs, banners, or flags, please. The full agenda is viewable online here.

El Paso City Hall, Council Chambers, El Paso, TX 79901 (Public parking at Durango & Franklin).
AMARILLO: SUMMER CAMP POOL PARTY

SUMMER CAMP!

"SUMMER CAMP THE WAY IT WAS MEANT TO BE"

Benefiting Equality Texas and Equality Texas Foundation

Saturday, July 25, 2009 from 2pm - 6pm

At the home of Joseph Madrid & Steven McDaniel

6723 Sandie Court, Amarillo 79109

$30 in advance - $35 at the door

BUY TICKETS NOW - HERE

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE HERE or call 512.474.5475

SPONSORS

Steve McDaniel & Joseph Madrid Whitney Kelly & Jim Kemp

David Allee & Junior Ramos Dave Blakely and Bruce McAda Kirby Curry and Ronnie Nanos Diane Farrington-Curtis and Shanna Foust Peeples Terry Gibbs Jennifer Hinkle and Holly Mitchell, MD John Hintz D. Clay Holcomb and Nelson Williams Sheldon Johnston and Jay Youree Jay Kirk Rex Lusk Tom Persechino Saul Reyes and Tony Brockman The 212 Club: David Torres and Kevin Locke The UPS Store (Hillside and Bell): Sheri Sorrell Robert Carr Vincent and Brodey Carter
NORTH TEXAS: BLACK TIE DINNER TABLE SELECTION PROCESS CONTINUES

Equality Texas Foundation is once again a beneficiary of the Black Tie Dinner that supports 18 local beneficiaries and HRC, its national beneficiary.

The support from Black Tie Dinner is instrumental in continuing our work in North Texas with our Equality Project trainings, Pride in Faith programs, and our collaborative work to educate Texans about the critical importance of education and advocacy to achieve equality in Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Denton, and across the entire state.

If you attend Black Tie or know someone that does, then you can directly impact the work of Equality Texas Foundation as we continue to expand our outreach and make equality happen here in Texas!

Simply, being a table captain for Equality Texas Foundation or designating your table and its seats means that your locally designated funds will support our mission directly. We could not continue to do our work without your support and the support of Black Tie Dinner.

The 2009 Online TABLE CAPTAIN Process launched on June 15th. Table Captains register by creating a log-in account and either they, or their guests, can make payment for their seats or the full table through the secure online system.

As in the past, the number of Table Captain tables is subject to availability. The key difference this year is that Table Captain table selection is based on the table payment completion date; and as in prior years, after Sponsor table selection. Table Captains are encouraged to register and organize their tables quickly to obtain the best table selection position available.

Thank you for being a table captain. Please let us know if you intend to intend to be a Table Captain for us or if you intend to designate your seats to Equality Texas Foundation - HERE.

Volunteer for Black Tie Dinner on behalf of Equality Texas Foundation

All beneficiaries are required to provide volunteers for the event to qualify to be eligible for funds raised at the Dinner.

These much-needed funds are used to conduct research, educate Texans about issues of equality, and to coordinate efforts of LGBT and allied organizations across the state.

Sign up now and we'll contact you about specific shift times and the different duties before, after, and during the dinner.

SIGN UP NOW
DALLAS: EQUALITY PROJECT TRAINING WEEK OF AUGUST 3RD

Equality Texas and the Human Rights Campaign will conduct a joint training session in Dallas the week of August 3rd in order to prepare attendees to make district lobbying visits to their elected officials - both Federal and State.

Equality Texas will provide its Equality Project training, with talking points and voting histories for Texas State Representatives and State Senators. HRC will provide lobby training with talking points and voting histories for United States Congresspersons and Senators.

Date, time and location will be released soon.

Lobbying & Advocacy (not deductible, but funds our work at the Texas Capitol) Single gift Monthly giving

Public Education (tax deductible) Single gift Monthly giving

Thank you for supporting our work!

From Equality Texas

Equality Texas Calls on Fort Worth Members and Supporters to contact Mayor Moncrief and Fort Worth City Members for Immediate Investigation of Rainbow Lounge Raid on Saturday, June 26th.

Late Saturday evening, June 26th, Fort Worth Police Officers and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) officers entered into the Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth for an alcoholic beverage code inspection. What resulted was the arrest of seven (7) patrons, one being critically injured during the raid.

With the raid happening on the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall, we are reminded that we need to advocate for the equal treatment of all citizens and this case, we call for an immediate and public investigation into the circumstances surrounding this raid, including the apparent large number of police and TABC officers and paddy wagon. With one patron currently in ICU as a result of injuries sustained during the raid and arrest, the investigation needs to cover the use of excessive force and whether these injuries were the result of excessive force or were incidental to the arrest.

We ask Mayor Moncrief and all Fort Worth City Council Members to request a Public Investigation and to make a public statement. City Council member Joel Burns, District 9, has already issued a joint statement requesting an investigation. Statement on Equality Texas Blog HERE and next column. Equality Texas is in contact with Representative Lon Burnam's and Senator Wendy Davis' offices, and they have scheduled meetings with TABC to address these issues as well.

YOU make equality happen!

Equality Texas has called on its North Texas members and supporters to contact Mayor Moncrief and the Fort Worth City Council Members to demand an immediate and public investigation.

We will continue to update our members. Please visit our website and blog at www.equalitytexas.org.

We thank all of the activists and supporters in North Texas that are on the ground making demanding action! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Chad Gibson who is in ICU after sustaining injuries in the raid.

From Equality Texas

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Chuck Smith, Deputy Director

Equality Texas

512-474-5475

CA Supreme Court Rules on Constitutionality of Prop 8

Also Rules on Validity of Marriages Performed from June through November 2008

Austin, Texas (May 26, 2009) – The California Supreme Court today issued its decision on the constitutionality of Proposition 8, the November 2008 ballot measure that rescinded marriage equality in California. The Court ruled that Proposition 8 is constitutional, while also upholding the validity of approximately 18,000 marriages of same-sex couples performed between June and November, 2008.

Equality Texas will participate Wednesday morning in a briefing hosted by Equality California and the National Center for Lesbian Rights to discuss the effect of the court's ruling on Californians and possible next steps to reinstate marriage equality in California.

What is the impact of the California ruling on Texas law? The ruling has absolutely no effect on Texas law. California is no longer a leader on the issue of marriage equality. Despite this ruling, the tide is turning across the country as more and more states provide equal access to marriage. At the time of the ballot measure on Proposition 8, California and Massachusetts were the only states to allow equal access to marriage. Iowa, Connecticut, Vermont and Maine now provide for marriage equality, and lawmakers in New York, New Jersey, and New Hampshire are considering marriage equality legislation.

"We will support our friends in California when they go back to the ballot to overturn Proposition 8," said Paul Scott, Equality Texas Executive Director. "We know they will ultimately be successful because more people now understand how harmful it is to take away equal rights from families," Scott added.

With six (6) days left in the 81st Regular Session, Equality Texas remains focused on the Texas Legislature. "All politics is local," said Paul Scott. "Our legislators care not about San Francisco, but about San Antonio. They care not about Fresno, but about Los Fresnos. We have had a very successful legislative session - with zero anti-equality bills and 17 pro-equality bills filed. But, there is so much more work to be done in Texas. If people want to get teed off about the California decision, I would ask them to get more involved in Equality Texas and our efforts to win equal treatment under the law in Texas," Scott concluded.

Groups around the state have planned "Day of Decision" events in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Additional information about these events is available at http://www.dayofdecision.com/


Equality Texas advocates and lobbies for the elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. Equality Texas envisions a state where all Texans are treated equally, with dignity and respect.



For more on Equality Texas, visit www.equalitytexas.org or call 512-474-5475.





-30-

Austin Politcal Rally

I went to Austin for the political rally with Equality Texas. I got a chance to speak with my Representative, Ellen Cohen Monday. I am her constituent. Also, she spoke at the Double Tree Hotel where we had a social gathering for the Equality lobbyists. I attended, somehow managing to look refreshed after my long drive from Houston.

I tried to speak with Senator Rodney Ellis. I am his constituent as well. Unfortunately, he was busy. We presented the Equality materials to an aid. And explained the pros of supporting the bills that we endorsed.

I am in House District 134.

The Capital Extension is like a maze, in my opinion. But, Equality provided maps.

Also, I got a chance on this trip to photograph the dome and the beautiful Red Buds which were in bloom.

House Bill 353:
This is the Hospital Visitation and Medical Decision Making Bill. Equality Texas supports this bill. Representative Ellen Cohen is the Joint Author on this Bill. Domestic Partners will have the right to stay with their loved ones in the hospital.

House Bill 538:
This is the Freedom from Workplace Discrimination Act. Equality Texas supports this Bill. The Joint Author is Ellen Cohen. It would prohibit discriminatory practices in employment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.

House Bill 616:
This is the Hate Crimes Study Bill. Equality supports this Bill. I think this is in committee; Criminal Jurisprudence. This is in reference to the James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act. The prosecutions have not been happening and the study is designed to find out how the James byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Act can be more effectively implemented.

House Bill 861:
This is the Competitive Insurance Benefits (CIB) Bill. Equality supports this Bill. This is in committee, Insurance.

House Bill 1323:
This is the Anti-Bullying/Harassment Bill. Equality supports this Bill. This is in committee, Public Education. It is a Bill written to provide a safe learning environment that is free from bullying/harassment. It doesn't matter why the harassment is taking place. This provides a way for the State of Texas to add reporting standards for incidents.

House Bill 1455:
This is the Right to Decide Act. Equality supports this Bill. This relates to a designated medical power of attorney. It would make it potentially costly to challenge a power of attorney and discourage frivolous challenges.

I am happy that I got a chance to thank Representative Ellen Cohen for supporting Equality Texas. Obviously, if no one in the State Capital supports the bills we are trying to get through, no progress will be made.

It is refreshing to have someone in your corner.

In addition to attempting to lobby; I got to schmooze with fine people, visit an exciting and vibrant city, and see a magnificent pink dome.

A Message from The Caucus

Houston GLBT Political Caucus Mailing: PO Box 66664 | Houston TX 77266-6664 Office: 1915Commonwealth @ Welch, Suite 104 | Houston TX 77006-1841 713-521-1000 | fax: 309-423-7531 | theCaucus.org

The following message was e-mailed to me:

On February 4, please join the Caucus as we endorse our candidate for the next mayor of Houston! Screened candidates include City Controller Annise Parker, former City Attorney Gene Locke and City Council Member Peter Brown. In our organization, the membership decides who we will support, so make sure your voice is heard by turning out to our endorsement meeting. Also, hear some exciting new plans for the Caucus over the next year. There will be a reception prior to the meeting starting at 6:30 pm. Come by early to socialize and grab a bite to eat.

Havens Center, 1827 W. Alabama, Houston 77098

Remember: The meeting will be held at:
Havens Center, 1827 W. Alabama!

Also:

Lobby Day, March 2nd

Don't miss this opportunity to share your concerns and your lives with the Texas lawmakers elected to represent you. Join us Sunday, March 1st for an Opening Reception in Austin. Details TBA. Monday, March 2nd Schedule: 8 – 9am Breakfast & Check-In 9am Press conference -South Steps 9:30am Photo Opportunity - South Steps 10 – 11am Lobby Training (Capitol Extension Auditorium, Room E1.004) 11am – 12pm Team Lobby Visits 12 – 1pm Lunch provided by Equality Texas, Capitol City Men's Chorus Performance in the Rotunda 1 – 3pm Finish team lobby visits and visit your legislator 3 – 4pm Thank you letters and debrief

Lobby for Equality 2009

SIGN UP TODAY:

Equality Texas

Lobby your Representatives and Senators with Equality Texas.

Meet other Texans committed to equality.

Gain a better understanding of the political process.

Take advantage of this opportunity to actively participate in the decisions of governance that affect you in your everyday life!

LOBBY DAY IS MARCH 2nd.

Write MARCH 2nd on your calender and join Equality in Austin. Make a weekend of it! Visit Texas' most vibrant city.

Merry Mixer Invitation

This message was e-mailed from Equality Texas:

Yesterday marked the 1st day of the 81st Legislative Session at the Texas Capitol.

Our lobbying efforts in Texas are the reasons why we host community driven fundraisers like the Merry Merry Martini Mixer.

Monday we issued our legislative agenda and our strategic plan for you to see how far your financial support takes us.

Take a look at what we are doing to achieve the mission of Equality Texas by clicking here!

oin us for one of the hottest events of the season and an open bar of signature martinis!

Celebrate the start of a wonderful 2009 with Equality Texas for the

Merry Merry Martini Mixer

Presented by:

Alex Martinez and Flair Event Productions

On-line, advanced tickets are $30 each; $50 at the door. Tickets selling out soon!

Tickets available on the web until Wednesday, February 4th at noon; this event has very limited entry and will sell out, so buy tickets now!

Thursday, February 5th, 2009

6:30pm to 8:30pm

Momentum Audi
2315 Richmond Avenue in Houston

The Merry Merry Martini Mixer will feature the delicious signature martinis, wine & beer, nonalcoholic beverages, hors d'oeuvres, and music!

Casual cocktail attire suggested

Proceeds from the Merry Merry Martini Mixer benefit Equality Texas, the organization that advocates and lobbies for the elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression in Texas.

Sponsorships of $500 and up benefit Equality Texas Foundation, the organization that educates and engages the public about policies and their effect on Texans of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions. All sponsorships are tax deductable to the fullest extent allowable by law. Buy your sponsorship now and receive a wonderful marketing and benefits package!

A Pro-Equality Texas

Chris Bell is the Democrat running to win a State Senatorial seat in a district that looks on the maps like a letter "S" on steroids that begins in Downtown Houston and continues to Louisiana. I have been volunteering to phone bank at their headquarters. The HRC and Equality Texas have been pouring resources into the collaboration with various organizations.

Chris Bell is the Pro-Equality candidate. His campaign headquarters are at Stella-Link and South Braeswood.

4019 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston, TX, 77025

http://www.chrisbell.com/