In anticipation of the upcoming HRC Gala, we will be doing a segment tonight on the radio to help get the word out. We will be discussing the HRC Gala on "Queer Voices" starting shortly after 9pm.
Queer Voices is Houston's only GLBT radio program and airs every Monday from 9-11pm on KPFT 90.1FM.
Hope you can tune in!
Bryan Hlavinka
Monday, April 27, 2009
By Jim Legare
Somehow I knew when I woke up today that Arpil 27th, 2009 would be a special day. And it is. Today the Iowa Supreme Court made a decision that bolsters our rights (mine and yours). Allow me to digress a little so that I may provide the view from the sky.
Rights seem to be those nebulous things that no one seems to care about. But they do. Unfortunately, the people who are battling to take our rights away seem to understand their importance more than the people who are being stripped of their rights (me and you).
Returning to the subject of our recent victory (mine and yours), there is a document of great importance that can be called, in every sense of the word, historic. The Constitution: the highest source of law in the land. Although, there is the very critical matter of how it is interpreted. As the saying goes: “The Devil is in the details.”
The Founding Fathers wished to take care of this Devil; send him off with great dispatch, you understand. The point was to avoid tyranny. The insightful writers of the Constitution understood a little about the nature of tyranny; why it just keeps coming back, etc. That is why we have a system of courts to interpret this great Constitution. (The U.S. and the Sates) They are living documents, not dead like the Sea Scrolls.
The plot in the Constitution is way better than the Dead Sea Scrolls. Trust me.
In the case that was decided by the Iowa Supreme Court, they were interpreting the State Constitution. It was that nasty Equal Protection clause thing that has snagged so many same-sex marriage nay-sayers.
Here we witness the State Constitution operating, through the action of the courts to guide it, on the same principle as the US Constitution. The laws of Iowa cannot take rights away from an individual, in an unreasonable way, with out a compelling interest that cannot be satisfied any other way. The judges finally must decided the case in a way that is informed with the knowledge of the purpose of the laws. These are not laws for the sake of laws. They are not dead. Their purpose must be interpreted.
That is what this case sought to resolve.
According to the ACLU, gays and lesbians (us) can now be married in Iowa. How did this fine day arrive? Why would waking up this morning be different from any other? Read the ACLU Blog of Rights. It provides facts that reveal the State of Iowa’s long history of standing up for people’s rights. It has a link to the case that was decided in The Supreme Court of Iowa (not as important as the US Supreme Court, but its getting up there.)
The case: No. 07-1499, was filed April 3rd, 2009. The district court summary judgement ruling holding state statute limiting civil marriage to a union between a man and a woman unconstitutional was affirmed. See the Polk County Recorder. This case was officially entered by the Polk County Registrar.
Better yet, read the ACLU Blog. Our rights cannot blog themselves. They need us.
Our rights are invisible and they will disappear faster than the mist over the Appalachian Mountains unless we come to their defense. The enemies of freedom understand this. The question is, will we wake up in the morning and smell the coffee in time.
Jim Legare
Rights seem to be those nebulous things that no one seems to care about. But they do. Unfortunately, the people who are battling to take our rights away seem to understand their importance more than the people who are being stripped of their rights (me and you).
Returning to the subject of our recent victory (mine and yours), there is a document of great importance that can be called, in every sense of the word, historic. The Constitution: the highest source of law in the land. Although, there is the very critical matter of how it is interpreted. As the saying goes: “The Devil is in the details.”
The Founding Fathers wished to take care of this Devil; send him off with great dispatch, you understand. The point was to avoid tyranny. The insightful writers of the Constitution understood a little about the nature of tyranny; why it just keeps coming back, etc. That is why we have a system of courts to interpret this great Constitution. (The U.S. and the Sates) They are living documents, not dead like the Sea Scrolls.
The plot in the Constitution is way better than the Dead Sea Scrolls. Trust me.
In the case that was decided by the Iowa Supreme Court, they were interpreting the State Constitution. It was that nasty Equal Protection clause thing that has snagged so many same-sex marriage nay-sayers.
Here we witness the State Constitution operating, through the action of the courts to guide it, on the same principle as the US Constitution. The laws of Iowa cannot take rights away from an individual, in an unreasonable way, with out a compelling interest that cannot be satisfied any other way. The judges finally must decided the case in a way that is informed with the knowledge of the purpose of the laws. These are not laws for the sake of laws. They are not dead. Their purpose must be interpreted.
That is what this case sought to resolve.
According to the ACLU, gays and lesbians (us) can now be married in Iowa. How did this fine day arrive? Why would waking up this morning be different from any other? Read the ACLU Blog of Rights. It provides facts that reveal the State of Iowa’s long history of standing up for people’s rights. It has a link to the case that was decided in The Supreme Court of Iowa (not as important as the US Supreme Court, but its getting up there.)
The case: No. 07-1499, was filed April 3rd, 2009. The district court summary judgement ruling holding state statute limiting civil marriage to a union between a man and a woman unconstitutional was affirmed. See the Polk County Recorder. This case was officially entered by the Polk County Registrar.
Better yet, read the ACLU Blog. Our rights cannot blog themselves. They need us.
Our rights are invisible and they will disappear faster than the mist over the Appalachian Mountains unless we come to their defense. The enemies of freedom understand this. The question is, will we wake up in the morning and smell the coffee in time.
Jim Legare
Pride Houston: Volunteer
Help the organization Pride Houston. They are seeking volunteers. The following is copied and pasted from an e-mail from Frankie Quijano, the Volunteer Director of Pride Houston.
Hello,
So many exciting things have been going on with Pride. Pride has moved! Relax we only moved our office. We are now located at 401 Branard Street, Suite 100. Pride Houston is proud to sponsor the Montrose Softball Team called "The Dream Team". Have you come out to watch the team or just go and have a good time on a Sunday? Many new events are coming up this month and many more will be coming soon. You didn't just think we had a Parade and Festival did you?
Houston Pride Idol Auditions
On Sunday, May 3 from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM will be the Houston Pride Idol auditions. We are looking for 5-8 volunteers to help with contestant management, event set up and organizing the paperwork needed to pull this event off.
Office Administration
As you know we are a 100% volunteer run organization and it takes time and effort to get things done around the office. So we are planning a few office administration dates to do things like fold letters, stuff envelopes, data entry and basic office stuff. The dates are on Saturdays, May 9, 16, 23 from 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM. We are looking for some willing and able volunteers to help us.
Festival & Parade needs YOU!
It is now less than 56 days until the Festival and Parade, Saturday, June 27 and already the wheels are turning on how to make this year the best ever. Everyone shows up on that special day and have a great time but did you really thing that we put it together the day before? It takes a lot of hard work months before that day to plan everything so everyone has a good time.
Our Committees could use some dedicated volunteers to help plan and coordinate the activities for that day. Things that committee members could be doing is handling vendors/sponsors, assisting exhibitors, assisting with entertainment, directing volunteers, planning logistics, being route monitors along the parade, directing floats and more.
Some of the skills we are looking for in committee members are those who have extensive experience in event planning, customer service, organization, vendor management, negotiation and managing budgets. Customer service is one of the most important skills as you will be making sure that everything is right for our vendors, sponsors, exhibitors and parade entries. So if you are interested in joining the the Festival or Parade reply to this email and I can see if we can set up an interview to see where your skills will be best suited for. Every little bit helps and it begins with you.
If you are interested in volunteering you just need to fill out a volunteer application by clicking the link above or you can reply to this email and we can get you started soon. If you just want more information on any of the above events or have any questions regarding volunteering for Pride Houston please feel free to contact me. Thank you for all that you do.
Sincerely,
Frankie Quijano
Volunteer Director
Hello,
So many exciting things have been going on with Pride. Pride has moved! Relax we only moved our office. We are now located at 401 Branard Street, Suite 100. Pride Houston is proud to sponsor the Montrose Softball Team called "The Dream Team". Have you come out to watch the team or just go and have a good time on a Sunday? Many new events are coming up this month and many more will be coming soon. You didn't just think we had a Parade and Festival did you?
Houston Pride Idol Auditions
On Sunday, May 3 from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM will be the Houston Pride Idol auditions. We are looking for 5-8 volunteers to help with contestant management, event set up and organizing the paperwork needed to pull this event off.
Office Administration
As you know we are a 100% volunteer run organization and it takes time and effort to get things done around the office. So we are planning a few office administration dates to do things like fold letters, stuff envelopes, data entry and basic office stuff. The dates are on Saturdays, May 9, 16, 23 from 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM. We are looking for some willing and able volunteers to help us.
Festival & Parade needs YOU!
It is now less than 56 days until the Festival and Parade, Saturday, June 27 and already the wheels are turning on how to make this year the best ever. Everyone shows up on that special day and have a great time but did you really thing that we put it together the day before? It takes a lot of hard work months before that day to plan everything so everyone has a good time.
Our Committees could use some dedicated volunteers to help plan and coordinate the activities for that day. Things that committee members could be doing is handling vendors/sponsors, assisting exhibitors, assisting with entertainment, directing volunteers, planning logistics, being route monitors along the parade, directing floats and more.
Some of the skills we are looking for in committee members are those who have extensive experience in event planning, customer service, organization, vendor management, negotiation and managing budgets. Customer service is one of the most important skills as you will be making sure that everything is right for our vendors, sponsors, exhibitors and parade entries. So if you are interested in joining the the Festival or Parade reply to this email and I can see if we can set up an interview to see where your skills will be best suited for. Every little bit helps and it begins with you.
If you are interested in volunteering you just need to fill out a volunteer application by clicking the link above or you can reply to this email and we can get you started soon. If you just want more information on any of the above events or have any questions regarding volunteering for Pride Houston please feel free to contact me. Thank you for all that you do.
Sincerely,
Frankie Quijano
Volunteer Director
Maverick Welsh for City Council District H
Vote for Maverick Welsh;
Endorsed by the GLBT Political Caucus.
Supported by African-American Leaders.
Possesses needed skills for City Council.
Early Voting Info
Endorsed by the GLBT Political Caucus.
Supported by African-American Leaders.
Possesses needed skills for City Council.
Early Voting Info
From The Caucus
The Houston GLBT Political Caucus has endorsed Maverick Welsh for City Council in the special election election for District H! Maverick has the vision of where to bring District H and the experience to know how to get it there. Check out http://www.maverickwelsh.com for more.
Early voting begins Monday, April 27. Locations include:
Election date: May 9; Early voting April 27 - May 5
Harris County Administration Building
1001 Preston, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002
Moody Park Recreation Center
3725 Fulton Street Houston, TX 77009
Ripley House Neighborhood Center
4410 Navigation Blvd. Houston, TX 77011
On top of voting, please take time to volunteer, and make sure to let Maverick know you are with the Caucus. Blockwalking and phone banking will start at 902 West Cottage, Houston, TX 77009. Take the time to make a difference! Times for volunteering include:
Monday, April 27 - 6 pm-8:30 pm
Tuesday, April 28 - 6 pm-8:30 pm
Wednesday, April 29 - 6 pm-8:30 pm
Thursday, April 30 - 6 pm-8:30 pm
Friday, May 1 - 6 pm-8:30 pm
Saturday, May 2 - 10 am-12 pm OR 3 pm-5 pm
Sunday, May 3 - 12 pm-2 pm or 3 pm-5 pm or 6pm-8:30 pm
Monday, May 4 - 10 am-12 pm or 3pm-5pm or 6 pm-8:30 pm
Tuesday, May 6 – 10 am-12 pm or 3pm-5pm or 6 pm-8:30 pm
Wednesday, May 6 -– 10 am-12 pm or 3pm-5pm or 6 pm-8:30 pm
Thursday, May 7 - 10 am-12 pm or 3pm-5pm or 6 pm-8:30 pm
Friday, May 8 -– 10 am-12 pm or 3pm-5pm or 6 pm-8:30 pm
Saturday, May 9, ELECTION DAY! - 2-hour shifts starting at 9 am until 6:45 pm
Passing Out Literature At A Voting Location
Choose any 2-hour block during voting hours
Early voting:
Monday, April 27 – Friday, May 1: 8 AM to 5 PM
Saturday, May 2: 7 AM-7 PM
Sunday, May 3: 1 PM-6 PM
Monday, May 4 and Tuesday, May 5: 7 AM-7 PM
Saturday, May 9, ELECTION DAY: 7 AM-7 PM
Please contact John Gorczynski at john@maverickwelsh.com,
713-623-1963 or 281-851-1868.
http://www.thecaucus.org/ninefornine
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Houston-GLBT-Political-Caucus/69672859152?ref=ts
http://twitter.com/HGLBTCaucus
Early voting begins Monday, April 27. Locations include:
Election date: May 9; Early voting April 27 - May 5
Harris County Administration Building
1001 Preston, 1st Floor Houston, TX 77002
Moody Park Recreation Center
3725 Fulton Street Houston, TX 77009
Ripley House Neighborhood Center
4410 Navigation Blvd. Houston, TX 77011
On top of voting, please take time to volunteer, and make sure to let Maverick know you are with the Caucus. Blockwalking and phone banking will start at 902 West Cottage, Houston, TX 77009. Take the time to make a difference! Times for volunteering include:
Monday, April 27 - 6 pm-8:30 pm
Tuesday, April 28 - 6 pm-8:30 pm
Wednesday, April 29 - 6 pm-8:30 pm
Thursday, April 30 - 6 pm-8:30 pm
Friday, May 1 - 6 pm-8:30 pm
Saturday, May 2 - 10 am-12 pm OR 3 pm-5 pm
Sunday, May 3 - 12 pm-2 pm or 3 pm-5 pm or 6pm-8:30 pm
Monday, May 4 - 10 am-12 pm or 3pm-5pm or 6 pm-8:30 pm
Tuesday, May 6 – 10 am-12 pm or 3pm-5pm or 6 pm-8:30 pm
Wednesday, May 6 -– 10 am-12 pm or 3pm-5pm or 6 pm-8:30 pm
Thursday, May 7 - 10 am-12 pm or 3pm-5pm or 6 pm-8:30 pm
Friday, May 8 -– 10 am-12 pm or 3pm-5pm or 6 pm-8:30 pm
Saturday, May 9, ELECTION DAY! - 2-hour shifts starting at 9 am until 6:45 pm
Passing Out Literature At A Voting Location
Choose any 2-hour block during voting hours
Early voting:
Monday, April 27 – Friday, May 1: 8 AM to 5 PM
Saturday, May 2: 7 AM-7 PM
Sunday, May 3: 1 PM-6 PM
Monday, May 4 and Tuesday, May 5: 7 AM-7 PM
Saturday, May 9, ELECTION DAY: 7 AM-7 PM
Please contact John Gorczynski at john@maverickwelsh.com,
713-623-1963 or 281-851-1868.
http://www.thecaucus.org/ninefornine
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Houston-GLBT-Political-Caucus/69672859152?ref=ts
http://twitter.com/HGLBTCaucus
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