Halloween and ENDA the month

This blog could have become like a radio station, 'all ENDA, all the time'. For several weeks, our Charlotte Gender Alliance online group was mostly ENDA related. The subject warranted the time spent. As I have seen so often, much of the problem is the fact the gay community does not fully understand the issues faced by Transgender people. Congressman Frank made that clear when he said there still needs to be education on the behalf of the T- community.

The final debate will take place at a later date. I think many were surprised by the outpouring of support from many non TG groups. I also believe time will heal the misunderstanding between HRC and the TG leaders who have worked for inclusivity. Perhaps both sides will have learned from the experience.

I would have been ready for any trick or treaters tonight. I'm home recovering from facial surgery on 10/23. I did not have FFS in the sense it is practiced by Drs. Osterhout and Alter. Essentially I had a face/neck lift. As of this evening, I look like a still shot from Rocky I, but I'm healing. The staples were removed from my head this past Monday. I go back next week for removal of the remaining sutures.

I only told a few close friends what I had done. I have wondered how many people actually read this blog. I suspect not many, but perhaps I will soon find out.

ENDA the line

The last week has been tumultuous regarding the Employment Non Discrimination Act. There was hope the HRC would change it's stance and continue to support a transgender inclusive bill. That hope did not come to pass.

Certain friends of mine here in North Carolina have worked long and hard with HRC for this effort, and others. For them to tender their resignation to HRC was a heart wrenching decision. They had the courage they always have and did the right thing.

A number of people from NC, along with others, protested outside the HRC dinner this past Saturday evening while Nancy Pelosi made her keynote address. To her credit, she acknowledged the protestors and stated her support for a trans inclusive ENDA. She did this irrespective of the fact she and Congressman Frank rewrote the bill from it's original form to a separate bill for transgender rights.

The last three years, Donna Rose has been the one transgender face on the HRC board of directors at the national level. She has done a lot for our community. You can read her statement on the HRC decision.

As things evolve, the concensus is growing that HRC was forced to compromise to get any bill at all through congress. The reality is the bill has little to no chance of passage during the next year. As with most legislation involving human rights, the wheels turn slowly. Foundations must be laid before the final structure goes up. It would seem this is taking place as we watch.


My friend Nancy Wichmann redesigned our CGA website. Nancy is very good at this and I appreciate what she did for us. Charlotte Gender Alliance continues to grow. We knew we were filling a need at the right time.