For those of us who observe Lent, Ash Wednesday began a time of introspection and contemplation. This evening is our Charlotte Interfaith Coalition meeting. The question was posed some months ago that if we are going to attempt to influence other churches to become Welcoming & Affirming, we must first examine our lives.
Being human, each of us carries leftover prejudices and preconceived notions. It would only be logical for us to search our own heart.
I'm in one of those melancholy moods today. I found this short video to be very moving. It seems so simple for us to learn we have more in common than we do disparity. View it here.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
After The Perfect Storm - Truth wins out
February 21st was a busy day, especially with the HRC dinner Saturday evening. I got to the demonstration against the Love Won Out conference around 11 AM. Several people from this and other fundamentalist churches came out to talk with us. For the most part it was very respectful. I had a conversation with a young man from The Fire Church. He asked what I meant by religious bigotry. We progressed to my asking if he knew what 'transgender' meant. He had heard the word but did not know. I hope he knows a little more today.
As I told the young man, why would I want "reparative therapy" when I already am created as I was meant to be? It is beyond me why, with all the problems we have right now, people are even worried about what someone's gender identity or sexual orientation might be. But I digress; I could write a book on that one subject.
The Charlotte Rainbow Action Network for Equality (CRANE)did an amazing job organizing this event, especially in view of the fact they are a relatively new organization. Crane is a grassroots organization as a result of the Prop 8 demonstration in Charlotte November 15. People like Matt Comer, Teresa Davis, Megan Gandy and many others have come together at just the right time. People finding each other and coming together is part of the sense of unity I feel these days.
I had to leave early to be at The Charlotte Convention Center for a meeting with Joe Solmonese arranged by Janice Allison. We spent approximately 45 minutes with Mr. Solmonese. As I told him, there is nothing I can say that he had not heard many times. He reiterated his support for a trans inclusive ENDA and hopes for passage later this year. Let's sincerely hope it happens. Things are reaching critical mass with many people I know in the community and it is an issue with me as well.
Someone called the meeting historic. I don't know about that but it was a unique opportunity to share from the heart.
Before the HRC dinner, Janice had a demonstration in front of The Convention Center. This was to show our support for a trans inclusive ENDA. As always, the religious right was there to protest everyone, including us.
I want to specifically mention the two ladies with whom I had a wonderful conversation. I enjoyed meeting you both. As we discovered, we have more in common than we do disparity. We know we all want the same thing. If you read this, and I hope you will, please do keep in touch. I would like to get to know both of you better. I know nice people when I meet them.
I attended the HRC dinner as a board member of Sean's Last Wish. Elke was acknowledged twice for the work her foundation is doing, once by Senator Kay Hagan. It meant a great deal to her and to us as board members.
One of the enjoyable parts of any event is networking with people and seeing folks you met earlier. I happened to meet three of the students from Winthrop University where I spoke last April for The National Day of Silence Observance. I wrote in this blog that day that I was impressed by their sense of passion and maturity.
I told them Saturday that their sense of leadership shows through even more this year. I get goose bumps when I think of all they will accomplish in the cause for human dignity as time moves on. They are incredible young men and woman whom I am honored to have known.
I was invited to the press conference Friday in preparation for the Love Won Out demonstration. Each of us spoke approximately five minutes. Local news carried Wayne Besen's comments, which is only fitting. He is director of Truth Wins Out and is a passionate individual.
You can view the news segment here.
So the events of Feb 21st are why I say Truth Won Out. There were many events, but no one group or individual taking credit or special recognition. This is part of what makes it all so special. I uploaded some photos from the day which can be seen via this link.
Friday, February 20, 2009
The perfect storm
We've had so much going on in Charlotte the last two weeks, I call it the perfect storm.
There is a Love Won Out Conference taking place in Charlotte Saturday Feb. 21st, perhaps not coincidentally, the day of the HRC dinner.
Essentially, Love Won Out is a proponent of gay reparative therapy and is sponsored by Focus On The Family. Logic says if they think they can rehab our gay friends, they can do the same for/to transgender people. I have a good friend who was victim of a of this therapy. She has a powerful story to tell. Needless to say, reparative therapy does not work any more than you can change your eye color.
Last night at our Lesbian & Gay Community Center, Wayne Besen, director of Truth Wins Out gave a presentation. You can view their website here.
Truth Wins Out gives the other side of the story, the simple fact that people are created to be who they are. I had been discussing an interview with Fox News to take place during the next two weeks. They came by The Center prior to the presentation last night for a brief interview. My point always is that it's okay to be who you are, no matter who you are. Why would anyone choose a lifetime of hiding their true self everyday with the constant fear of being outed and losing family, friends and job? It would not be logical.
Charlotte Rainbow Action Network For Equality (CRANE) has organized a peaceful, silent demonstration Saturday morning in front of the church where the Love Won Out Conference is taking place.
I was invited to a press conference this morning, along with several pastors and community leaders to share our personal story. For me personally, my faith comes before anything else. I realized long ago that if I consider myself a Christian first and a transsexual second, everything that is right for me will happen. That has always been true and I could not imagine myself living a more satisfying life than I do, even though it seems to get more amazing as time passes.
Saturday will be a busy day. We have the demonstration at the church at 11:30 AM. At 5 PM, I will join another peaceful demonstration at Westin Hotel across from The Charlotte Convention Center where most of the HRC guests will be staying. This is organized by Janice Allison.
The purpose is to show our displeasure with HRC for joining Barney Frank in the fall of 2007 in backing a version of ENDA that was not transgender inclusive. The remarks Mr. Solmonese made at the dinner Feb. 9 in New York City are in my post of several days ago. One word that comes to mind is 'malarky'.
When I think of those remarks, the firing of Ms. Luckey by the City of Charlotte, along with my own situation, which is very personal, as well as friends who are under and unemployed, I did not hesitate to join this demonstration. My doing this will surprise some transgender friends, I'm sure.
I will attend the HRC dinner as a board member of Sean's Last Wish. Even with the issues over ENDA, attending with Elke and the other board members was never in question. I like to think my life is defined by more than being a transgender woman. There a host of other things we all do in life.
Saturday will be a busy day, two demonstrations and a formal banquet followed by networking at the lounge in the Westin later, all without a nap, as I told someone.
I want to mention again the denial of Stephen Moller's parole last week. I had the honor of being in the hearing room with Elke and the family. It was one of the more emotional experiences I have had. Elke was allowed to speak. She did so with eloquence and strength as always. She has been a source of a lot of my strength as I have often said.
Below are several photos of the candlelight vigil on the steps of the State Capitol in Columbia, SC and outside the morning of the hearing. You can click on the photos to enlarge.
We had a silent vigil outside the building where the hearing was held at 7:30 AM Wednesday February 11th. Leslie and others were making signs.
After the parole was denied, Elke spent most of the day speaking with the media.
There is a Love Won Out Conference taking place in Charlotte Saturday Feb. 21st, perhaps not coincidentally, the day of the HRC dinner.
Essentially, Love Won Out is a proponent of gay reparative therapy and is sponsored by Focus On The Family. Logic says if they think they can rehab our gay friends, they can do the same for/to transgender people. I have a good friend who was victim of a of this therapy. She has a powerful story to tell. Needless to say, reparative therapy does not work any more than you can change your eye color.
Last night at our Lesbian & Gay Community Center, Wayne Besen, director of Truth Wins Out gave a presentation. You can view their website here.
Truth Wins Out gives the other side of the story, the simple fact that people are created to be who they are. I had been discussing an interview with Fox News to take place during the next two weeks. They came by The Center prior to the presentation last night for a brief interview. My point always is that it's okay to be who you are, no matter who you are. Why would anyone choose a lifetime of hiding their true self everyday with the constant fear of being outed and losing family, friends and job? It would not be logical.
Charlotte Rainbow Action Network For Equality (CRANE) has organized a peaceful, silent demonstration Saturday morning in front of the church where the Love Won Out Conference is taking place.
I was invited to a press conference this morning, along with several pastors and community leaders to share our personal story. For me personally, my faith comes before anything else. I realized long ago that if I consider myself a Christian first and a transsexual second, everything that is right for me will happen. That has always been true and I could not imagine myself living a more satisfying life than I do, even though it seems to get more amazing as time passes.
Saturday will be a busy day. We have the demonstration at the church at 11:30 AM. At 5 PM, I will join another peaceful demonstration at Westin Hotel across from The Charlotte Convention Center where most of the HRC guests will be staying. This is organized by Janice Allison.
The purpose is to show our displeasure with HRC for joining Barney Frank in the fall of 2007 in backing a version of ENDA that was not transgender inclusive. The remarks Mr. Solmonese made at the dinner Feb. 9 in New York City are in my post of several days ago. One word that comes to mind is 'malarky'.
When I think of those remarks, the firing of Ms. Luckey by the City of Charlotte, along with my own situation, which is very personal, as well as friends who are under and unemployed, I did not hesitate to join this demonstration. My doing this will surprise some transgender friends, I'm sure.
I will attend the HRC dinner as a board member of Sean's Last Wish. Even with the issues over ENDA, attending with Elke and the other board members was never in question. I like to think my life is defined by more than being a transgender woman. There a host of other things we all do in life.
Saturday will be a busy day, two demonstrations and a formal banquet followed by networking at the lounge in the Westin later, all without a nap, as I told someone.
I want to mention again the denial of Stephen Moller's parole last week. I had the honor of being in the hearing room with Elke and the family. It was one of the more emotional experiences I have had. Elke was allowed to speak. She did so with eloquence and strength as always. She has been a source of a lot of my strength as I have often said.
Below are several photos of the candlelight vigil on the steps of the State Capitol in Columbia, SC and outside the morning of the hearing. You can click on the photos to enlarge.
We had a silent vigil outside the building where the hearing was held at 7:30 AM Wednesday February 11th. Leslie and others were making signs.
After the parole was denied, Elke spent most of the day speaking with the media.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Transgender woman fired by City of Charlotte, NC files suit
I intentionally don't talk a lot about ENDA, primarily due to the fact I am not an expert and defer to those who are. Some people also feel "the horse has been rode to death".
However, sometimes things happen to bring it all to the forefront and point again to the importance of a transgender inclusive ENDA. Nine days before the HRC Gala in Charlotte February 21st, a newspaper reports the firing of a transgender woman by The City of Charlotte. You can read the article here.
The following is an exerpt of an article in Gay City News recounting the remarks by Joe Solmonese at the HRC dinner in New York City February 9th:
"In talking about ENDA, Solmonese delicately made the case that success on a version of the bill that includes protections for transgendered Americans was possible because HRC was willing to compromise in accepting a non-inclusive version when it passed the House in late 2007. After voicing his confidence that a stronger version of the measure would be enacted, he said, "Why? Because we had the guts and the will to start this fight and we more than any other organization have devoted the resources and the ground troops to finish it, and we will do that this year."
The article can be read in it's entirety here.
This stuff hits a nerve in a major way. The local news tonight quoted The City of Charlotte as stating there are no laws protecting this woman. This is our reality. I wish to acknowledge Donna Rose for bringing Mr. Solomonese' remarks at the NYC HRC Gala to attention via her excellent blog.
However, sometimes things happen to bring it all to the forefront and point again to the importance of a transgender inclusive ENDA. Nine days before the HRC Gala in Charlotte February 21st, a newspaper reports the firing of a transgender woman by The City of Charlotte. You can read the article here.
The following is an exerpt of an article in Gay City News recounting the remarks by Joe Solmonese at the HRC dinner in New York City February 9th:
"In talking about ENDA, Solmonese delicately made the case that success on a version of the bill that includes protections for transgendered Americans was possible because HRC was willing to compromise in accepting a non-inclusive version when it passed the House in late 2007. After voicing his confidence that a stronger version of the measure would be enacted, he said, "Why? Because we had the guts and the will to start this fight and we more than any other organization have devoted the resources and the ground troops to finish it, and we will do that this year."
The article can be read in it's entirety here.
This stuff hits a nerve in a major way. The local news tonight quoted The City of Charlotte as stating there are no laws protecting this woman. This is our reality. I wish to acknowledge Donna Rose for bringing Mr. Solomonese' remarks at the NYC HRC Gala to attention via her excellent blog.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Press Release - Stephen Moller Parole Denied
Press Release - Sean's Last Wish
For Immediate Release: February 11, 2009
STEPHEN ANDREW MOLLER's PAROLE DENIED
Columbia, South Carolina
This morning the South Carolina Parole Board denied early parole for Stephen Andrew Moller's. He will now serve the remainder of his sentence until July 07, 2009. After Moller is released he will be on probations for three years.
The Kennedy family would like to thank all the people and media that have worked so hard to bring this issue to light. Your help has some brought justice to Sean's memory.
Elke Kennedy is available for statements.
#
For more information, see: www.seanslastwish.org
Coalition Sponsors and co-organizers:
The South Carolina Progressive Network www.scpronet.com
The mission statement of Sean's Last Wish is to empower people through educational diversity programs, non-violent conflict resolution and individual involvement in the community.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
February 3, 2009
I wonder how I can go for years without catching so much as a cold and then, without warning I get zapped. Whether it was bronchitis or a virus I've not done much of anything the last ten days. Yuck. I did finally feel better today and had lunch with a friend.
One thing I did perk up for last week was the first meeting of The Charlotte Interfaith Coalition. The only adequate word I can find is 'extraordinary'.
We had nine different faith communities represented: Buddhist, Jewish and various Christian denominations. There were 25 people present, including three pastors.
Our initial meeting was a time of becoming acquainted. As we went around the room I heard stories of hurt. At the same time, I also heard hope. I heard compassion. This will be an important part of what we have to offer the LGBT community.
I just think it was so unique to have a faith based meeting with the goal of influencing other faith communities to become Welcoming & Affirming, and to also touch the broader LGBT community. We will meet once per month with limitless possibilities. I realize I speak in superlatives occasionally, but this is going to be huge.
We are not unique as my friends in Winston-Salem have been meeting the last few months. Thanks to all of you for the inspiration!
This weekend is Charlotte Gender Alliance's second meeting in the LGBT Community Center. The common denominator in everything we are doing is unity. It's not cutting edge stuff. If we want to be united, we must get to know each other. Lots of exciting things ahead.
One thing I did perk up for last week was the first meeting of The Charlotte Interfaith Coalition. The only adequate word I can find is 'extraordinary'.
We had nine different faith communities represented: Buddhist, Jewish and various Christian denominations. There were 25 people present, including three pastors.
Our initial meeting was a time of becoming acquainted. As we went around the room I heard stories of hurt. At the same time, I also heard hope. I heard compassion. This will be an important part of what we have to offer the LGBT community.
I just think it was so unique to have a faith based meeting with the goal of influencing other faith communities to become Welcoming & Affirming, and to also touch the broader LGBT community. We will meet once per month with limitless possibilities. I realize I speak in superlatives occasionally, but this is going to be huge.
We are not unique as my friends in Winston-Salem have been meeting the last few months. Thanks to all of you for the inspiration!
This weekend is Charlotte Gender Alliance's second meeting in the LGBT Community Center. The common denominator in everything we are doing is unity. It's not cutting edge stuff. If we want to be united, we must get to know each other. Lots of exciting things ahead.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
