Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20th)

KENTUCKY EQUALITY FEDERATION
UNITED NATIONS

WORLDWIDE OPERATIONS

Marlene Bennedeck Dumont
Office of the Secretary-General
ILGA Trans Secretariat

Jordan Palmer
Office of the President
President

Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20th)

"Even today, a high price is still paid for transgressing the gender that society imposes according to the person’s biological sex and for breaking the rules imposed by the majority," said ILGA Trans Secretariat Marlene Bennedect Dumont.  For a few years now, the Transgender Day of Remembrance has been commemorated on November 20th. In this date, we remember the comrades of all genders who have passed away due to the irrational hatred of those who believe that disruption of gender boundaries must be punished with death.

We have adopted officially this day in order to remember the death of Rita Hester, which led the following year to the creation of the website "Remembering our dead”, a project that also included a candlelight vigil in 1999 in San Francisco, USA. Since then, this event is held in many cities worldwide."

This date is important to give visibility to the consequences that exclusion and discrimination imposed by the social majority can have on a trans person (transgender, transvestites, transsexuals, cross-dressers and other gender dissidents), marking her or him with stigma. The organizations representing these people and asking for respect for their human rights should continue denouncing this situation, benefiting from this Day to express demands to their States, and to increase the visibility of problems affecting trans people. In most cases, these persons are forced to become sex workers, an activity which renders them vulnerable to Hiv/Aids and which exposes them to becoming victims of violence – often resulting in loss of lives as a result of hate crimes.

"When we speak out for full equality and protections under law, we send a message to everybody, including the bullies and our lawmakers, that we are all human," said Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer. "Violence against LGBTI people has increased by nearly 15%; minorities and transgender women were more likely to be targeted. Of those killed, 70% were minorities and an alarming 44% were transgender women."

These hate crimes on the basis of the gender identity assumed by trans people (transgender, transvestites, transsexuals, cross-dressers and other gender dissidents) are happening everywhere in the world. Today, Trans organizations committed to the defense of the rights of their collective, denounce these deaths through alerts and reports. These are collected in the Handbook of Intolerance kept by the ILGA Trans Secretariat and in the "Trans Murder Monitoring Project” of the European Union Trans Conference (TGEU). In such a way we can inform the world about global social practices that must be eradicated everywhere, since they undermine all values and dignity of the person, says Belissa Andía, of Instituto Runa de Desarrollo y Estudios sobre Genero in Peru.

The situation experienced by these persons worldwide is indeed alarming. They are excluded from education, employment, justice, health services, etc. These spaces and services, to which they are entitled as human beings and citizens, are denied to them due to transphobia. Even when they can access them in some cases, they are subject to discrimination, because they are different from the majority, because they allegedly violate the rules established by the rest of the society. This discrimination is often imposed by religious beliefs that condemn diversity.

Nowadays several international groups are advocating for the removal of the term "transsexual" from the next version of the World Health Organization (WHO) catalogue of mental illnesses. They request that this condition be recognized as part of the complex sexual identity of human beings. Any trans person –so as many non-trans persons– can attest that being trans is not something that needs psychiatric treatment: it is the process whereby a person self defines his or her gender.

According to feminist activist Silvia Buendía "Homosexuality is a sexual orientation, a person who is sexually attracted to someone of the same sex. The transsexual or transgender condition is totally different: it concerns a person born with a certain biological sex, but who starts a process of identification to another gender when growing up.

The price that is paid for breaking the barriers of sex and gender is way too high. We must all do something to stop this.

SIGN NOW:

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-> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

Presbyterian Church rules AGAINST biblical authority in gay marriage case

The highest judicial commission of the Presbyterian Church (USA) published a final decision this week in an internal disciplinary case holding that the Rev. Laurie McNeill did not commit any offense by "marrying" her same-sex partner.

The Presbyterian court, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, chose not to use definitions of marriage in Scripture, the Confessions, or the Presbyterian Directory of Worship when affirming her continued leadership position as Teaching Elder or Minister. Despite stipulated evidence that Rev. McNeill had "married" her same sex partner and was living with her in New York, the PCUSA court officials determined that because there was no direct evidence of sexual activity (pictures or a witness), there was no proof of a sexual relationship.

"The fact of a woman marrying another woman isn't enough to offend Biblical values -- now we need pictures or videos of sex?" said Attorney Whit Brisky. "This is not the first time I have found judicial commissions shying away from deciding cases on the basis of Scripture." Brisky represented the Newark Presbytery's prosecuting committee in this case and has assisted in defending Biblical doctrine in the Presbyterian Church for over a decade.

In 2009, the Rev. Laurie McNeill "married" her same-sex partner while on vacation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She returned to announce her union to the church in which she held leadership and the Presbytery of which she was a part. At her ordination, Rev. McNeill vowed to fulfill her office in obedience to the Scriptures and to be instructed by the Presbyterian Confessions. In 2009, she gave statements to the press that she was aware that the PCUSA did not recognize her marriage, and that "marrying" her partner in Massachusetts would likely result in disciplinary charges being brought against her. As she anticipated, charges were brought against her in the Presbytery of Newark for participating in a same-sex ceremony, which violated the denomination's constitution.

Rev. McNeill moved to dismiss the charges in the Presbytery PJC claiming that the Directory of Worship only governed what happened in Presbyterian worship services. In response, the prosecution argued that Presbyterian worship, service, and witness are inextricably connected and, citing Scripture and the Confessions, that the Directory of Worship therefore governs the worship of Presbyterians in any context.

"Another implication of this decision is that since the Commission has limited the Directory of Worship, including its definition of marriage, to Presbyterian worship services only, Presbyterian Teaching Elders can now freely conduct same-sex 'weddings' in UCC or Episcopal worship services, can bless weddings in the name of Allah rather than that of the Triune God, and can depart from the baptismal formula of 'Father, Son, and Holy Spirit' as long as it is not in a Presbyterian worship service," said Brisky.

To the PCUSA, Brisky said, "It was an honor to represent the faithful Presbyterians who brought this charge. As a Christian attorney, I look to Scripture to find God's truth. Unfortunately, many orthodox Presbyterians have left the denomination, giving the Progressives who are left more influence. I see my responsibility as first, standing up for the truth of Scripture, and second, supporting those orthodox who still remain."

Brisky published a report on the progression of the case and arguments presented to the presiding PCUSA court officials. These can be viewed at Mauck & Baker Presbyterian Church Biblical Values. He is a Member of the Mauck & Baker law firm, which is nationally known for representing religious institutions, businesses, and individuals in zoning, religious freedom, real estate, and litigation matters. Because of their Biblical orientation as a law firm, these values are acted out in the cases they take on.

The Family Foundation of Kentucky and the American Family Association of Kentucky are probably very disappointed!

-> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

Why we do not eat

By: Jordan Palmer

The Chick-Fil-A controversy is creating a rift within the LGBTI community in Kentucky, and according to a Baptist blogger for CNN, R. Albert Mohler Jr., "[this is] a clear sign that religious liberty is at risk and that this nation has reached the brink of tyrannical intolerance."

Well, I don't agree with Mr. Mohler's assessment, but over the past month Kentucky Equality Federation has received a lot of complaints, especially from LGBTI people seeing other LGBTI people and campus gay-straight alliance leaders eating at Chick-Fil-A locations.

I have reluctantly, not in the best of health, taken the position of president of Kentucky Equality Federation again, and, by doing so, became the ex officio president of Marriage Equality Kentucky and the Kentucky HIV/AIDS Advocacy Campaign. As a founder of Kentucky Equality Federation and its president again (only until Mr. Joshua Koch returns from his pending military deployment), I feel the need to clarify our position as well as the position of our component member organizations.

On August 15th, a former volunteer for a LBGTI center shot a security guard at a Family Research Council office while apparently trying to gain access to their senior staff, volunteers, interns, or their president.

Kentucky Equality Federation condemns violence in all forms. We must not sink to their level, and we will not condone any violence against opposing non-profits or non-government organizations, even if said organization is a hate group. As someone who receives their fair share of death threats and discussing them with U.S. Attorney Kerry Harvey, as he indicated to me, the people who make threats are not the ones you must fear. Rather, it is the ones who do not make threats you must worry about because they carry out these attacks.

Regardless of the petty "cliques" that already divide Kentucky’s LGBTI community, I say to all, take a step back and clear your heads.

Chick-Fil-A donates to the Family Research Council. The Southern Poverty Law Center classifies the Family Research Council as a hate group and Kentucky Equality Federation agrees with their classification. As Senior Fellow Mark Potok stated: "The council [Family Research Council] earned the designation for spreading false propaganda about the gay community, not for its opposition to same-sex marriage. They routinely push out demonizing claims that gay people are child molesters and worse - claims that are provably false."

The Family Research Council was actually started by Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family, another anti-equality hate group. Though Kentucky Equality Federation does not agree with violence, the Family Research Council and Focus on the Family have no remorse for the legislation they stop to bring equality to communities, and they are absolutely certain they are correct in their destructive courses of action because they honestly believe they have superior morality. When you consider, however, that Chick-Fil-A, as well as the Family Research Council, could have fed over 5,000 homeless Kentuckians or other citizens across America for the $25,000.00 they spent lobbying the U.S. Congress not to condemn or interfere in the republic of Uganda’s “kill the gays legislation,” which would have legalized and encouraged a common everyday occurrence in the Middle East, African nation-states, Russia, and South America. They have a right to speak what they will, but we take issue when they provide moral cover for sexual genocide.

This incident also revealed yet another secret Washington, D.C., group, "The Family," which several U.S. Congressman wrote to Kentucky Equality Federation (view) about because we are a member of the International Lesbian, Gay, Trans and Intersex Organization, "ILGA," and a United Nations non-government observer with consultative status. Kentucky Equality Federation, along with ILGA expressed its outrage to the U.S. Congress, the United Nations, and Queen Elizabeth II, the head of the Commonwealth of Nations.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton acted, as did United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, by pulling HIV/AIDS relief efforts from those nation-states since the United Nations employs LGBTI people. Ban Ki-moon, as the leader of the United Nations, also warned member-states about the treatment of their LGBTI populations, reminding them that LGBTI people are protected by the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Is this "superior morality?" No. Kentucky Equality Federation first donated to Kentucky's homeless youth in April 2009 (press release). As far as being a hate group, the Family Research Council is "guilty as charged," and so is Chick-Fil-A, as their president indicated.

As president of Kentucky Equality Federation, I personally urge you not to eat at a Chick-Fil-A location. By eating at Chick-Fil-A, you give additional royalties to a restaurant chain that donates to a group that that uses propaganda, misinformation, and lobbyists to place obstacles in our path and rally against our very right to exist. They are even willing to spend money to eradicate us, as if we were some sort of plague.

Though Chick-Fil-A publically announced their religious beliefs, other companies that share their beliefs include Forever 21, Tyson Foods, Hobby Lobby, ServiceMaster, Interstate Batteries, and Walmart. (source)

I am not straight, gay, bisexual, transgender, Black, White, intersex, lesbian, or any other word someone would choose to label or define me. I am human. For some, though I will never understand how, it is easy to dismiss other humans and deny their fundamental civil liberties by placing a label on them.

The choice of eating at a Chick-Fil-A location is ultimately the decision of each person based on their conscience, but those who do, in my opinion, have lost perspective as to why we are boycotting Chick-Fil-A. Be aware that any money spent with such enablers is being spent to support the killing and increased misery of our allies here and around the world. As a community, we must remain united and check our personal opinions and attitudes at the door. Until we can do this and fight united, the equality and fairness that is denied to us shall always elude us, visible in appearance, but always just shy of our grasp.

---> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

Lexington anti-gay and anti-abortion Billboard ordered removed by the owner

Months ago, Kentucky Equality Federation began an extensive search for the owner of the Billboard on Lexington's New Circle Road.

Kentucky Equality Federation founder and Board member Jordan Palmer contacted Viacom Outdoor as well as Bluegrass Community and Technical College. Kentucky Equality Federation Chairman of the Board Brandon Combs contacted the Fayette County PVA, the Kentucky Department of Revenue and other agencies to find the owner.

Initially, tax records revealed nothing, but the owner was found. They ordered the removal of the Billboard with an apology:

Kentucky Equality Federation:

Ms. Mcdowell- I'm am reaching out to you on behalf of the Kentucky Equality Federation Board of Directors. I was direct to you by Ms. Jo Southworth with RJ Corman.

There is a billboard that, according to Ms. Southworth, CSX owns in Lexington Kentucky. It is off of New Circle Road, near Opportunity Way. It is leased, by you, to Kentucky Outdoor Advertising, Inc. out of Bowling Green, KY.

Essentially, I want this billboard's current advertisement removed. It states: "Homosexuality is an abomination [and] Abortion is murder" with Biblical references under each statement.

According to CSX's own webpage, they are committed to non-discrimination against both gender and sexual orientation.

Attached are some pictures so you can locate the information and agreements you need, of the advertisement, etc. Please contact me at the below listed cell phone. I would like to discuss this matter as soon as possible.

Here is the original news story:

http://www.lex18.com/news/some-upset-by-controversial-billboard-along-new-circle-road-in-lexington/

If you follow the story, you will see that the billboard was put in place, stolen, and replaced. It has caused a media frenzy, and nothing has been done to correct the problem.

__________________________________
Brandon Combs, MS:SSEM, ASHM
Board of Directors, Chairman
Kentucky Equality Federation

CSX Responds:

Dear Mr. Combs, This has reference to your email of July 24, 2012 to Ms. Ana McDowell on behalf of the Kentucky Equality Federation Board of Directors regarding a billboard located on CSX Transportation, Inc. property in Lexington, Kentucky.

CSX is very proud of its reputation and takes matters such as this serious. CBS Outdoor Systems, Inc., a third party, manages signboards for CSX across our system and under our agreement with them, they are to remove any offensive advertisements within thirty (30) days of being notified. CBS contacted the signboard owner immediately, who in turn has now removed the advertisement.

We apologize for the offensive message and certainly appreciate it being brought to our attention.

Karen P. Clarke
Manager – Leasing

Official Kentucky Equality Federation Statements:

July 05, 2012: Kentucky Equality Federation responds to the return of the Lexington homophobic billboard. Lexington's Billboard Controversy Continues.

May 26, 2012: Lexington's billboard - homosexuality is a sin; abortion is murder

--> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

Fast-food chain Chick-Fil-A opposes gay marriage and funds anti-gay organizations

Fast-food chain Chick-Fil-A no longer backs gay marriage, the company says it's backing out of gay marriage debate after president's candid comments.

A post Thursday on the official Chick-Fil-A Facebook page said, 'Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.'

The official statement follows backlash from president Dan Cathy’s admission that the company is “guilty as charged” when it comes to opposing gay marriage.

Dan Cathy oversees one of the country's most successful businesses. As president and chief operating officer of Chick-fil-A, Cathy leads a business with 1,608 restaurants that had sales of more than $4 billion dollars last year. They sell chicken and train employees to focus on values rooted in the Bible.

In an interview with the Baptist Press this week, Cathy said Chick-Fil-A is “very much supportive of the family - the biblical definition of the family unit.”

To that end, the company has donated millions of dollars to organizations such as Focus on the Family and the Marriage & Family Foundation, which fight against gay marriage.

"We don't claim to be a Christian business," Cathy said in a recent visit to the State of North Carolina. He attended a business leadership conference many years ago where he heard Christian businessman Fred Roach say, "There is no such thing as a Christian business."

"That got my attention," Cathy said. Roach went on to say, "Christ never died for a corporation. He died for you and me."

"All throughout the New Testament there is an evangelism strategy related to our performance in the workplace. ... Our work should be an act of worship. Our work should be our mission field. As long as we are stateside, let's don't think we have to go on mission trips by getting a passport. ... If you're obedient to God you are going to be evangelistic in the quality of the work you do, using that as a portal to share [Christ]," he said.

When asked if Chick-fil-A's success is attributed to biblical values, Cathy quickly said, "I think they're inseparable. God wants to give us wisdom to make good decisions and choices." Quoting James 1:5, he spoke of how often he asks God for wisdom.

"Frequently Jesus challenged us to just ask ... we're simply not asking as often as we should. We need to be more faithful to depend on a God who does love us and wants to have a relationship with us, and wants to give us the desires of our hearts."

When questioned about Chick-Fil-A's "Closed on Sunday" policy Cathy responded, "It was not an issue in 1946 when we opened up our first restaurant. But as living standards changed and lifestyles changed, people came to be more active on Sundays."

The policy has not changed over the years as malls began changing their policies by opening on Sundays.

"We've always put in our lease that we will be closed on Sundays," Cathy said. "We've had a track record that we were generating more business in six days than the other tenants were generating in seven [days]."

"While developers had no identity whatsoever with our corporate purpose to 'glorify God and be a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and have a positive influence on all that come in contact with Chick-fil-A,' they did identify with the rent checks that we wrote to the mall, that were based on our sales.

Facebook Post:

The Chick-fil-A culture and service tradition in our restaurants is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect – regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender. We will continue this tradition in the over 1,600 Restaurants run by independent Owner/Operators. Going forward, our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.

Chick-fil-A is a family-owned and family-led company serving the communities in which it operates. From the day Truett Cathy started the company, he began applying biblically-based principles to managing his business. For example, we believe that closing on Sundays, operating debt-free and devoting a percentage of our profits back to our communities are what make us a stronger company and Chick-fil-A family.

Our mission is simple: to serve great food, provide genuine hospitality and have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.

--> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

AIDS risk higher for gay, bisexual black men according to experts

The Washington Times published the following today, at first glance the article appears to be prejudice until you realize they are only giving statistical facts and urging additional education, testing, and treatment for the Black community.  The items in block-quotes are additions and did not appear in The Washington Times article:

Black men who are gay or bisexual are "at the center" of the U.S. HIV/AIDS epidemic and should be a primary focus of testing, service and treatment efforts, a federal official and advocates said Wednesday.

In 2008, a study in New York City said 4 out of 10 gay men are not out to their doctors about their sexuality - meaning they are far less likely to get tested for HIV. Several years ago, The Kentucky Channel had a special report about the Black community and AIDS in Kentucky.

2006 Kentucky Report - Aids in Kentucky:
- 47% of HIV positive people are not aware of their status and continue to have multiple sexual partners.
- Nearly 85% of all AIDS cases in the commonwealth are within the Bluegrass Region including Covington, Frankfort, Florence, Georgetown, Lexington, Louisville, Richmond, and Winchester.

Black men who have sex with men (MSM) account for one in four new HIV infections, even though they represent only one in 500 Americans, the Black AIDS Institute said in its new report, "Back of the Line: The State of AIDS Among Black Gay Men in America 2012."

This infection rate climbs quickly with age for these men: The odds of a black MSM becoming infected with HIV is about 8 percent at age 20 and nearly 60 percent by age 40.

Moreover, unless they receive treatment, black MSM "are significantly less likely to be alive three years after testing HIV-positive," when compared to white MSM, said the report.

Black MSM “continue to be first in line when it comes to need, but remain at the back of the line when it comes to assistance," said Phill Wilson, founder and executive director of the Black AIDS Institute.

“We need a new mindset,” Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told a media briefing at the Kaiser Family Foundation in the District. Black MSM “are not simply a fringe group in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Dr. Fenton. “They are, in fact, at the center of the nation’s epidemic, and we cannot achieve an AIDS-free generation, or the end of AIDS in the United States, unless we make major inroads in the fight against HIV among black gay men.” Panelists talked about stigma, homophobia and other heightened risk factors for black MSM.

Research indicates that black MSM “are no more likely to engage in HIV-related risk behaviors than other MSM,” said Ernest Hopkins, chairman of the National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition and director of legislative affairs at the San Franciso AIDS Foundation.

But they are associated with risk factors such as early sexual experience, having older sex partners, being molested as a child, being incarcerated, growing up in poverty, homelessness and suffering discrimination, said Mr. Hopkins.

Read the entire story at The Washington Times.

--> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

Rand Paul Humiliates Kentucky Again

By: Joshua Koch, Temporary President & sitting Vice President of Policy & Public Relations

Senator Rand Paul has an unenviable penchant for embarrassing Kentucky on a semi-regular basis.  Having changed his tune on a number of issues since he became affiliated with the Republican Party of Kentucky as a candidate in 2009, his latest foray into the issue of marriage equality is a source of shame for the Commonwealth.

According to various news sources, Rand Paul recently visited the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition last Friday.  There, among his social conservative friends, he decided to chime in on President Obama's recent shift on Marriage Equality.

“The president recently weighed in on marriage and you know he said his views were evolving on marriage,” Paul said. “Call me cynical, but I wasn’t sure his views on marriage could get any gayer.”

Paul has now been criticized by equality opponents and LGBTI groups, alike.  It speaks volumes that even the Republican National Committee and the Family Research Council, historic opponents of equality, cannot support his remarks publicly.  This is a public relations disaster for them because it reveals the sort of bumper-sticker sloganeering they employ to attack equality and enforce unthinking conformity among their faithful followers.

Senator Paul's remarks are juvenile and beneath the dignity of his office, but they reveal a sinister undertone among the anti-equality forces marshaling their forces around the country to ban marriage equality and so-called "gay adoption" in states around the United States, most recently in North Carolina.  This "quip" is just the tip of the iceberg, when considering the culture of hate and inequality as a whole.

Having grown up in an anti-gay fundamentalist family myself, I heard this sort of line all the time.  The sad part is that this insulting language is part of a non-rational culture which believes that any tactic is justified in defense of the ideals of the social conservative ideal.  It has a devastating impact on children raised in the movement, on the targets of the speech, and on the ability of the social conservative movement to process any issue rationally.  I know this because it did the same thing to me as a teen and young adult, until I was confronted on it by LGBTI friends, who forced me to examine my own anti-equality sentiments.

Senator Paul is an embarrassment to Kentucky and his allies, but he has exposed a major problem with the social conservative extremists:  This is the way they think and communicate on equality issues that we hold dear.  This is the way they speak when they think no one else is listening.  This is the sort of thing they say in churches and organizations to convince their followers to bully opponents.  While it is easy to lose focus on this comment, it is a symptom of a "conservative" subculture which fosters and indoctrinates the next generation in xenophobia and homophobia behind the closed walls of its own cloistered gatherings.

In Kentucky, we need to learn from this, rather than just be ashamed of it.  When people we know use this sort of slogan-spewing against equality around us, we need to confront it for the unthinking nonsense that it is.  This sort of thing seems silly and banal, until one realizes that this is the sort of thing that replaces rational thought for a great many adherents to the social conservative "traditional" dogma because this is all they are exposed to from a young age.  This is a form of intellectual abuse, now spouted blithely by a sitting US Senator.

When such empty jokes replace critical thought for such a large portion of our population, is it any wonder that they refuse to see the wisdom of equality and justice?

--> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

Kentucky House Bill 336 and the Family Foundation of Kentucky

By: Will Taylor, Southeastern Kentucky Regional Director

This post from the Family Foundation of Kentucky is hardly worth our attention, but apparently the Family Foundation of Kentucky is taking Kentucky Equality Federation talking points since our press release was first.

To be clear, Kentucky Equality Federation supports Sr. Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo and any Represenative who tries to protect Kentucky children.  We agree with Representative Palumbo's statement.

However, as we reported, after receiving multiple school bullying reports across the commonwealth and contacting the schools, they knew nothing about EXISTING Kentucky School Bullying laws.  So Kentucky Equality Federation's Discrimination, Hate Crimes, and School Bullying Committee decided to act with the full support of our legal representation, President Palmer, and Vice President Koch.

School bullying laws need to be stronger, we have lost too many children to suicide and anyone who would dispute that is an idiot. However, the Kentucky Education Cabinet needs to educate principals and school officials on the current law which was the point of our warning to several schools.

Kentucky Equality Federation will ensure Kentucky School Bullying laws are enforced or we will sue to schools in question. So far, cooperation from the schools has been wonderful.  In addition, I guess the Family Foundation of Kentucky missed the article today about people being arrested by the FBI for hate crimes.  We have a new U.S. Attorney who will not tolerate hate crimes.

My region of Kentucky Equality Federation does not take marching from the Louisville Fairness Campaign as suggested; we will assist them, we support them, but the marching orders for my region come from legal representation, Policy (Vice President Joshua Koch), the President (Jordan Palmer), the Board of Directors, or as I deem appropriate.

As the Regional Director for Southeastern Kentucky, I have broad discretionary authority to act without seeking permission from anyone.

How desperate and sad the Family Foundation of Kentucky must be to try to play Kentucky Equality Federation against Louisville Fairness.

--> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

Kentucky Equality Federation responds to Prop. 8 being overturned in California (for now).

Agreeing with the California Supreme Court, a federal appeals court strikes down Prop 8 in California, paving the way for the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case. The Court concludes that the law violates the 14th Amendment rights of gay couples to equal protection under the law. Gay marriage will still not be allowed in the State of California, leaving time for Prop 8 defenders to challenge the decision. The Court was very careful in its ruling, stating that the ruling only applies to the State of California and no other.

"I worked in California to defeat Prop 8 and this is a step in the right direction for the citizens of California," stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer. "Marriage is a civil right, entitled to all people. Though the Family Foundation of Kentucky will likely disagree, denial of civil rights to specific people is immoral regardless of how people try to justify it and I think our allies at Marriage Equality Kentucky would agree."

BREAKING NEWS: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/court-overturns-prop-8-california-says-state-t-181451250.html

-> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

Human Rights - Call to Action

"If you turn a blind eye and allow any government founded on our authority to trodden on fundamental civil liberties entitled to all citizens, you open a Pandora's Box to allow Governments to suppress additional civil liberties. Denial of civil rights to specific people is immoral regardless of how people try to justify it. If history has taught us anything, it is that denial of human rights to one group of people leads to the denial of human rights to another." - Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer.

Please sign the Action Alerts below and send YOUR message to the Kentucky House and Senate. Please also copy this message and SHARE it with your friends.

Petition # 1: https://www.change.org/petitions/amend-the-kentucky-civil-rights-act-to-include-sexual-orientation-gender-identity

Petition # 2: http://www.change.org/petitions/tell-the-kentucky-legislature-transgender-equality-matters-commonwealth-of-kentucky-transgender-rights

--> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

United Nations Secretary-General steps-up to the plate again for LGBTI rights and violating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights!

The United Nations has stepped-up again for LGBTI rights, worldwide. The head of the United Nations and leader of the world, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon again chastised States on Sunday.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has made clear from the beginning the protecting gay and lesbian people is a priority for his administration.

In September 2010, the Secretary General stated:

The responsibilities of the United Nations and the obligations of States are clear. No-one, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, should be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. No-one should be prosecuted for their ideas or beliefs. No-one should be punished for exercising their right to freedom of expression.

Today, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that laws against homosexuality violate the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"Let me mention one form of discrimination that has been ignored or even sanctioned by many States for far too long, discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This has prompted some governments to treat people as second-class citizens, or even criminals," he said. "Confronting this discrimination is a challenge. But we must live up to the ideals of the Universal Declaration."

United Nations member States must abide by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights or face prosecution from the United Nations International Court of Justice, or the International Court of Justice.

In a speech to African leaders today, who accuse the United Nations International Criminal Court (ICC) is being biased against Africans, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon fired back however pointing out that the new Chief Prosecutor of the ICC is an African woman, Fatou Bensouda of Republic of The Gambia.

--> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

New Jersey Governor promises to veto same-sex marriage; Governor compares same-sex marriage to slavery.

In a comment related to his call for a voter referendum on the proposal to legalize gay marriage in the State of New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie said Wednesday, “People would have been happy to have referendum on civil rights rather than fighting and dying in the streets in the South.”

The Governor, who on Tuesday called for a referendum on the Nov. 6 ballot that would ask voters to decide if the State should legalize same-sex marriage, also said he will veto the Democratic legislation to allow it when the proposal reaches his desk.

The comment that the civil rights movement of the 1960s could have been settled through a national or southern States voter referendum stunned New Jersey Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex), who became the first Black woman to head the lower house in 2010.

“Governor Christie better sit down with some of New Jersey’s great teachers for a history lesson, because his puzzling comment shows a complete misunderstanding about the civil rights movement,” Assembly Speaker Oliver said. “It’s impossible to ever conceive that a referendum on civil rights in the South would have been successful and brought justice to minorities. It’s unfathomable to even suggest a referendum would have been the better course.

“Governor – people were fighting and dying in the streets of the South for a reason,” the Assemblywoman said. “They were fighting and dying in the streets of the South because the majority refused to grant minorities equal rights by any method. It look legislative action to bring justice to all Americans, just as legislative action is the right way to bring marriage equality to all New Jerseyans.

“The governor’s comment is an insult to those who had no choice but to fight and die in the streets for equal rights,” Assembly Speaker Oliver said. “The Governor needs to show the same courage. We do not shrug off civil rights. We do not pass on tough decisions.”

Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) also offered criticism of the governor’s comment.

“It’s difficult to understand what the governor was thinking,” Watson Coleman said. “His words defy history and were extremely insensitive to the struggle for equality of African-Americans and other minorities in this country. Fighting and dying in the streets of the South was not a choice, governor, it was the only way.

“Anyone who lived through that time or took a history class in school understands it was an incredibly dangerous and hostile period for African-Americans and other minorities in the South,” the Assemblywoman said. “Basic human rights should never be decided by a referendum. But can you imagine the outcome if civil rights in this country, during this very racially charged time in our history, had been left up to a vote?

Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), the state Democratic chairman, said, "Rosa Parks didn't get to the front of the bus through a ballot question and Jim Crow laws weren't repealed by public referendum. These civil rights were won because throughout our history, great leaders -- both Democrats and Republicans, from Thomas Jefferson to Abraham LIncoln to Lyndon Baines Johnson -- have stood up and lead the forward march of progress. To call for a public referendum on any civil right is the refuge of someone who refuses to lead.

"Governor Christie has an opportunity to leave a mark in history as a someone who, when the beacon of civil rights called his name, stood up to be counted among the leaders," Wisniewski said. "My hope is that he finds the courage to take up the challenge and joins in the great American tradition of fighting to expand our civil rights and for justice."

The Governor's Office had no immediate comment on the criticism offered by Oliver, Watson Coleman, or Wisniewski.

The Democratic-controlled Legislature has made the legalization of same-sex marriage a priority for the new legislative session.

On Tuesday, Christie said, “This issue that our state is exploring – whether or not to redefine hundreds of years of societal and religious traditions – should not be decided by 121 people in the Statehouse in Trenton. The fact is we’re discussing huge change, and I believe we need to approach this not only in a thoughtful way, not in a rushed way, but also in a way where we’re able to get the most input that we can from the public.”

Should the “New Jersey Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act" be approved in the State, New Jersey would become the seventh state to allow same-sex marriage. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York have legalized it as have 10 countries, including South Africa, Argentina, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

--> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

Lexington deprived of a progressive Senator - Senator Kathy W. Stein

How truly said for the Commonwealth, lead by Senate President David Williams, that Senator Kathy W. Stein, one of the only progressives in the Kentucky Senate will be out of a job when her current term expires.

In politics nothing is without calculated moves, it's like a game of Chess, move and counter move until you are in Checkmate. Senate President Williams saw an opportunity to get a progressive voice out of the Senate and jumped at the chance.

Senate President David Williams doesn't care what is best for the Commonwealth nor its citizens, only how he can remain in power in the Senate (much the same way former Governor Fletcher did during his last days in office).

President Williams values consist of a crude calculation of how he can remain in office. His flip-flops on important issues are by now, legendary across the Commonwealth. Let us not forget that he once asked Senator Stein to apologize for a statement she made at a rally in the Kentucky Capitol. President Williams doesn't like outspoken Women such as Senator Kathy W. Stein, much less one who will not "rollover" to his leadership and demands.

Kathy W. Stein has been a tremendous asset to the Commonwealth.

Though some say this maybe unconstitutional, it has been made law. Only the Kentucky Supreme Court can rule on this case, because it deals exclusively with Kentucky law, the U.S. Supreme Court cannot hear the argument just as they could not hear the arguments about smoking bans in the Commonwealth.

Hillbilly Report has her on video during a protest in Lexington, who has just lost a Senator.

Let no mistake be made, Senator Stein was removed from the Senate because she fights for equality, civil rights, and actually communicates with her constituents.

--> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

GLAAD lays off nearly 25% of its workforce; gay and lesbian non-profits continue to fail nationwide.

Just as Equality California has made major cuts and speculation continues that they will close (just as Equality Mississippi did), national organizations are also in danger:

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) laid off nearly a quarter of its workforce today as it tries to regroup for the year ahead.

The cuts come against the backdrop of an economy that still has not fully recovered, and nonprofits everywhere continue to face fund-raising challenges. But employees said they didn't see the changes coming.

GLAAD cut 11 people from its staff of 45, and a statement from the group assured that "core programs" remain intact, including National and Local News; Religion, Faith & Values; Entertainment Media; and Spanish-Language Media.

Interim president Mike Thompson attributed the cuts in part to the problems GLAAD faced last year, when former president Jarret Barrios resigned amid controversy about whether GLAAD improperly backed a proposed merger between AT&T and T-Mobile.

"It's no secret that GLAAD experienced some real challenges in 2011," Thompson said in a statement to The Advocate. "While the changes that took place subsequent to last summer's tumult were in many ways healthy for the organization, the reality is that the experience had financial impacts for the organization. Our restructuring is reflective of that."

When Thompson took over, he changed the group's position on the merger to neutral, and then backed Net neutrality efforts that AT&T had opposed. And Thompson told The Advocate that the group needed to ensure those watching that it had refocused efforts on what it's known for.

"We look forward to a stronger GLAAD, one that is focused on our mission and commitment to LGBT equality," he said today. "We believe the current structure will help us achieve those goals."

--> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.

Another Culture War at the United Nations; Iran calls Homosexuality a Western Disease to German Official

By: Richard T. Jones, Chairman of the Board

The Secretary-General of the Iranian High Council for Human Rights has described homosexuality as a western “disease,” and said that same-sex marriage was “immoral.”

General Mohammad Javad Larijani allegedly made these remarks in Tehran during a visit by a lawmaker from the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Tom Koenigs, who chairs the human rights committee in Germany’s parliament, according to a report by Radio Free Europe.

The Islamic Republic of Iran considers "Homosexuality a Western Disease."

In Iran and under strict Islamic law, homosexuality is punishable by death.

“The West says that the marriage of homosexuals should be allowed under the human rights charter, however, we think it is sexual immorality and a disease,” he was quoted as stating to his German counterpart, in Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency.

This statement is consistent with the harsh sentences and treatment of LGBT people in Iran that enforces and enacts the death penalty for same-sex acts.

Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad drew international criticism in 2007 when he said during a visit to Columbia University in the United States that there were no homosexuals in his country.

United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon chastised States in September 2010 by stating:

"The responsibilities of the United Nations and the obligations of States are clear. No-one, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, should be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. No-one should be prosecuted for their ideas or beliefs. No-one should be punished for exercising their right to freedom of expression."

Here at Kentucky Equality Federation, President Jordan Palmer issued a brief statement condemning the statement of General Mohammad Javad Larijani and urged ILGA to bring the issue before the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights. Kentucky Equality Federation is an official, voting, dues paying member of the world organization, ILGA, which has consultative status at the United Nations.

Palmer's statement also stated: "General Mohammad Javad Larijani is in self denial if he believes homosexuality is a disease. LGBTGI people are in every State of the United Nations, in every city. If the execution of homosexuals does not stop, additional sanctions should be placed on Iran in-line with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's statement. This could quickly create another culture war at the United Nations."

UPDATE:  Our friends at Hillbilly Report has researched this issue in great detail.  Excellent work!

--> Posted by a volunteer Community Blogger of Kentucky Equality Federation. This is the official blog of Kentucky Equality Federation. Posts contained in this blog may not be the official position of Kentucky Equality Federation, its volunteer officers, directors, management, supported organizations, allies or coalitions, but rather the personal opinions or views of the volunteer Community Bloggers. The opinions or views expressed in the blog are protected by Section 1 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as non-slanderous free speech; blogs are personal views or opinions and not journalistic news sites.