Financial and Legal Planning for LGBT Families

People always ask why we as advisers are constantly bugging them about getting their financial and legal affairs in order. We always reply, well, that's what you pay us for--to nag you. Actually, in all seriousness, people are busier than ever these days. We all have a lot of competing demands on our time. As advisers, we can help people use their time efficiently to implement financial strategies for savings or retirement, and make sure all the necessary paperwork is in place to protect their loved ones.

In this economy, it's especially important to seek advice on financial matters. People are more likely than ever to make investment decisions based on emotion, rather than based on following through with a well-considered plan. We could say that this approach applies to legal protections as well. When people are worried about a shrinking economy and its effect on their standard of living, they're less likely to prioritize planning to protect their families and loved ones. Their good intentions of implementing wills and powers of attorney somehow never get carried out. But it's precisely in times like these when such planning is most important. As advisers, we'll help our clients keep a clear head and keep their eye on their goals.

As always, there are changes in financial practices and in the law that people need to know about. They may be asking “what do I do now?” with my investments and financial plan. People want to know about the changes in the laws around various parts of the country regarding same-sex marriages, second-parent adoptions, domestic partnerships, and other issues of concern to our community. We designed our upcoming workshop on Wednesday, May 6th specifically to address these issues and to give people an opportunity to ask their own questions about financial and legal planning matters in this changing environment. It gives us great joy to help people focus on important plans and protections to put in place to further their future goals. Also, with so much misinformation circulating around in the media and elsewhere, we're happy to help people stop worrying about issues that turn out to be unimportant.

Please join us for a free workshop on Wednesday, May 6th from 7:00PM to 8:30PM at the Hilton Suites on 10 E. Thomas Rd. Phoenix. For more information or to RSVP, call Kristine Cheney at 602.604.6216.

We hope to see you there and to help protect you and your family legally and financially in these harsh economic times,


Melissa A. Myers, CFP®, CLU
Camelback Retirement Planners/Commonwealth financial network
2720 E. Camelback Road, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602.424.7503
602.424.7520 fax

HR 1913 Passes the House

HR 1913 (The Matthew Shepard Act) was passed today by an impressive margin sending a strong statement about equality and inclusiveness for all communities. This bill will allow prosecution of violent crimes based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. It is the first fully inclusive bill to be introduced during this Session. The fate of the bill now rests in the hands of the Senate. Powerful speeches flooded the floor of the house today. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) spoke of the importance of “tolerance, equality and justice.” Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Florida) declared "people need not live in fear because of who they are.” “Hate crimes are an assault on people’s dignity and humanity” stated Rep. Joseph Cao (R-Louisiana). These statements echoed the support for this legislation that is shared by nearly 300 civil rights, education, religious, religious organizations and thirty one state Attorneys General.

The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, H.R. 1913, when passed will:

• Extend existing federal protections to include "gender identity, sexual orientation, gender and disability"
  
• Allow the Justice Department to assist in hate crime investigations at the local level when local law enforcement is unable or unwilling to fully address these crimes
  
• Mandate that the FBI begin tracking hate crimes based on actual or perceived gender identity
  
• Remove limitations that narrowly define hate crimes to violence committed while a person is accessing a federally protected activity, such as voting.
  

Want more information? Check out the links below for more resources.

More information about this legislation, search for Bill HB 1913.
Information about hate crimes here in Arizona.
Hate crime research.

“For the Bible Tells Me So” Making an Appearance in Yuma and Sedona

Equality Arizona has been proudly collaborating with First Fun Features, to bring the awarding winning documentary “For the Bible Tells Me So” to the state of Arizona. Equality Arizona is working to bridge the gap between the religious and lgbt community through education and the life experiences shared in this award winning documentary.

We are excited to announce showings in Sedona on Wednesday, May 6th at 7:00PM and Yuma, Saturday May 16th at 5:00PM. These showings were made possible with the help and cooperation of the Sedona Public Library, The Amancio Project, Yuma County Gay Rights Meetup and VISIONS – A Place of Spirit.

In Sedona, the film will be shown at the Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Rd Sedona, AZ, doors open at 6:30PM and the film begins at 7:00PM. The Yuma screening will be held at VISIONS – A Place of Spirit, 447 S Main Street, in historic downtown Yuma with doors open at 4:30PM and film at 5:00PM.

Screenings will be followed by an open and frank discussion with faith and community leaders about the impact and implications of the film and how this divide might be bridged in Arizona.

Click here to RSVP for a screening. All are welcome with an open mind and a $5 suggested donation to help cover costs. We hope you will attend and help us bridge the divide!

Comedy & Improv Show, Featuring Vickie Shaw & Jennie McNulty

The Prescott Pride Center and QsquaredYouth are pleased to present a night of stand-up comedy and improv with A-list comedians Vickie Shaw and Jennie McNulty. Vickie and Jennie will perform separate stand-up sets and then join forces to engage the audience in some hilarious improv fun. We guarantee you'll be laughing out loud when this pair of sensational comics hits the stage. Both women were recently voted into the Top 10 Funniest Lesbians in America!

Vickie Shaw is in a comedy class by herself. Her style is slow-paced (she's southern), incredibly endearing (she's southern), and sharp (don't mess with her-she's southern). Vickie has starred in her own one-woman show on MTV Network's LOGO channel and in the award-winning film, "Laughing Matters More." She's been featured on Comedy Central's "Premium Blend" and has headlined comedy shows and pride events across the country.

Jennie McNulty can currently be seen on the LOGO channel's comedy special, "One Night Stand-Up." She's a regular at Harrah's Casino in Las Vegas and performs nightly in Provincetown over the summer. Jennie has headlined at comedy clubs throughout the US and Canada and has even entertained US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Tickets for Vickie and Jennie's Prescott show are $20 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/, (877) 278-4842 or at the Prescott Pride Center (cash/check only), 111 Josephine Street, Prescott, AZ, (928) 445-8800. This performance contains mature themes, so parental discretion is advised.

For more information on the comedy show, please contact the Prescott Pride Center at (928) 445-8800 or QsquaredYouth at (928) 713-7722. To learn more about the comics, visit http://www.vickieshaw.com/ and http://www.jenniemcnulty.com/. For bookings or interviews, call Taylor Santo at (408) 202-5564.

Thanks and we hope to see you there,

The Prescott Pride Center and QsquaredYouth

The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network

Listen up as Emmy Award winning host Donna Rossi digs deep into the harassment and bullying faced by lgbt students with co-chair of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network of Phoenix, Matthew Heil. Hear discussions on the recent suicides of two lgbt students due to bullying and the launching of GLSEN’s new Think B4 You Speak Campaign. Listen to the podcast on Podbean!

My Easter visit with President Obama

When then Senator Obama visited Arizona during the Presidential Democratic primary I had the opportunity to meet him during a VIP event. My 80 year old Mom was spending the day at work with me so I took her along. He made a predicable stump speech before going out to greet the thousands of supporters awaiting his arrival. During the gathering after he finished his remarks Sen. Obama fielded a few questions from our small group. They were predictable “softball questions” on immigration, the economy, education and health care. Raising my hand I got the last question. Mom holds her breath.

I simply asked, “Senator Obama, if you are elected President would you invite LGBT families onto the White House lawn for the Easter egg roll?” Honestly, he was surprised by my simple question, as were the others in the room. You see, Mom and I were invited guests to a gathering of predominately African-American community and religious leaders. What came next gave me hope that he “got it”.

Obama said, “You mean they aren’t invited now?” I said, “No sir we are not and frankly it’s not just the lawn we have been shut out of when it comes to the way our country disrespects lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.” Obama then took that opportunity to do what he did so many other times during the campaign. He took what could have easily been a yes or no answer and spoke directly to the religious leaders about their voice and personal responsibility to say there is no room in our communities for discrimination. I had hoped his comments of inclusion, respect for all families and taking care of each other would motivate those in the room to defeat Prop 102 and of course, if he won the Presidency would actually pass federal policy that mattered.

One dream lost, I’m waiting to see how the rest of the story turns out.

On the drive home, Mom said, “he is a nice young man – and handsome.” She then asked what I thought of Obama and the way he answered my question. I simply said he knows how to work a room that’s for sure – but I will still vote for Hillary.

By the way, Obama eventually did say “yes” he would ensure LGBT families are part of the White House Easter celebration. Thank you, Mr. President for keeping your word to Mrs. Jones’ little girl…who really does like Easter egg hunts.

posted by Barbara McCullough-Jones

Living with Disabilities

Listen up as guest host Meta Goforth-Zinn explores the world of those living with disabilities with special guests Rob Crawford, CEO of the Life Development Institute, and Wesley Perdue, Clinical Director and Owner of Evolve Counseling and Coaching. Learn about what it’s like to live life with a disability and the similarities in the fight for basic civil rights and protections within our community as well as those living with disabilities. Visit Podbean.com to download or subscribe to our podcasts! Or listen now

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Volunteer with Equality Arizona for Pride 2009!

Pride is Saturday, April 18th & Sunday, April 19th from Noon to 9:00PM at the Steele Indian School Park at 3rd Street and Indian School Road in Phoenix. Volunteering for one or more 4 hour shifts will grant you free entry into Pride that day! Please sign up to volunteer and help us make this a successful Pride!

We need volunteers for 8 booths, and this year we have some exciting new booths. Along with our Info & Sales booths, we will have a brand-new Beverage Zone. The Beverage Zone will include booths for Water & Soda, Beer, Margaritas, and Vodka mixed drinks. You must be 18 years or older to volunteer at nonalcoholic booths and 21 and over to serve alcohol.
Not only that, but we have partnered with Fair Trade Café and will have a coffee booth to keep everyone energized!

We need volunteers for the following shifts Saturday and Sunday:
11:00AM to 3:00PM, 1:00PM to 4:00PM, 3:00PM to 6:00PM, 4:00PM to 7:00PM, 6:00PM to 9:00PM

Please email marilee@equalityarizona.org and let Marilee know which shifts you can volunteer for Saturday and/or Sunday, and which booths you have an interest in, and let me know if you have any questions. Let's make this a Pride to remember!

-Marilee
Volunteer Coordinator

BYU Political Review

Brigham Young University, commonly referred to as BYU, is a private coeducational research university that can be found in Provo, Utah. The students of this university have set up an online site called the BYU Political Review, a campus forum for political discussion. This site is a complete creation of the students, they set it up, they run it, they edit it, they do it all, and posts that are published on the BYU Political Review are well thought out and written.

We came across an article written by Austin Smith, a student majoring in computer science from Virginia, in response to the recent failure of the Common Ground Initiative that was published on the BYU Political Review site. The Common Ground Initiative was put in motion by Equality Utah, a set of bills that would protect the lgbt community in Utah while being mindful of the reasons the LDS Church had for being so involved in California with Proposition 8. Austin calls out the students at BYU on the actions of the LDS Church,

"Upon hearing about the recent defeat of a number of bills, known as the Common
Ground Initiative, that would have given more rights to gay couples in Utah,
many BYU students may have responded with a cursory “Good!,” hastily thinking
that the sanctity of marriage has been upheld and not giving the news another
thought. Utahns’ zeal to protect the traditional definition of marriage,
however, was not under attack by these bills."

He also pointed out that the senators and representatives of Utah fell short of protecting some of their more vulnerable citizens in Utah, those who identify and belong to the lgbt community. In closing Austin voiced hope that Utah would be able to settle their differences and pass similar bills protecting the lgbt community of Utah in the future.

Read the full article!