History in the Making

As President Obama today signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the following 29 organizations issued this joint statement:

History in the Making

It took much too long, more than a decade. And it came at too great a price: the brutal killings of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. are just two among the thousands of crimes motivated by hate and bigotry.

But this week, the president put pen to paper and fulfilled a campaign promise, the signing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, extending the federal hate crimes statute to include sexual orientation and gender identity along with race, religion, gender, national origin and disability. Our deepest hope and strong belief is that this new law will save lives. Now, lawmakers and the president have made an imperative statement to the country and the world: Our nation will no longer tolerate hate-motivated violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

We have worked long and hard for this and its passage is historic.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, there are nearly 8,000 hate crime-related incidents annually, and more than 1,200 of those incidents involve violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity. And even more alarming, while the overall occurrence of hate crimes is declining nationally, hate crimes against LGBT people have been increasing. This year alone, we saw hate crimes trials in the brutal killings of two transgender women, Angie Zapata and Lateisha Green.

As a result of this legislation, if local jurisdictions are unable or unwilling to investigate or prosecute hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity, the Justice Department can now step in. And that’s why the LGBT community never stopped working for this historic day.

This legislation not only has practical value, but is a symbol of our progress. It is the first time in the nation’s history that Congress has passed explicit protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. We could not have reached this moment without the powerful support of our allies who stood with us every step of the way. We are deeply grateful to civil rights, civic, faith and disability rights groups, as well as law enforcement and district attorney organizations that worked side by side with the LGBT advocates. We are equally thankful to Congress, President Obama and members of his administration for passing and signing this bill into law.

While today we celebrate this marker of progress, we must recognize it as only one of the building blocks to full equality and demand that it be just a first step toward equal treatment under federal law in all areas of our lives. And we must focus on the next step.

The passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act provides us with an opportunity. We must use this moment to educate and keep the momentum going so that we can continue to make progress on the local, state and federal levels. Yes, legislation takes a long time — often years of work. Yet, our community is on the cusp of passing much-needed protections.

This week, we call upon lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, families and allies to take this opportunity of increased media and public attention on hate crimes to educate co-workers, classmates, neighbors, family members and friends about our lives, and about why we need not only their friendship and love, but their vocal support for a more just and equal America for LGBT people. If your members of Congress voted in support of hate crimes legislation, call them and thank them. Then ask them to be there for us again when the vote turns to workplace nondiscrimination, military service and partnership rights.

With your help and our collective pressure, equality is within reach.

When talking about the need for hate crimes legislation, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: “The time for debate is over.”

She was right.

Just as the time has finally come for stronger hate crime protections, it is also time to pass an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, and ensure that health care, economic policy and immigration reform incorporate the needs of LGBT people.

The time for debate is over.

Signed by: Jo Kenny, AFL-CIO Pride at Work, Terry Stone, Centerlink: The Community of LGBT Centers, Gabe Javier, Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals, Marianne Duddy-Burke, DignityUSA, Toni Broaddus, Equality Federation*, Jennifer Chrisler, Family Equality Council, Evan Wolfson, Freedom to Marry, Lee Swislow, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, Rebecca Allison, M.D., Gay & Lesbian Medical Association, Chuck Wolfe, Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, Eliza Byard, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, Marjorie Hill, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign, Rachel Tiven, Immigration Equality, Earl Fowlkes, International Federation of Black Prides, Kevin M. Cathcart, Lambda Legal, Leslie Calman, Mautner Project: The National Lesbian Health Organization, Sharon Lettman, National Black Justice Coalition, Kate Kendell, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Mara Keisling, National Center for Transgender Equality, Justin Nelson, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Rea Carey, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Paul Kawata, National Minority AIDS Council, Kyle Bailey, National Stonewall Democrats, Greg Varnum, National Youth Advocacy Coalition, Sharon Stapel, New York Anti-Violence Project, Jody Michael Huckaby, PFLAG National, Aubrey Sarvis, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Michael Adams, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE)

*Equality Arizona is a proud member of the Equality Federation and are proud of all the individuals and organizations involved.

LGBT Seniors

Listen up as Emmy Award winning host Donna Rossi investigates the lives of LGBT seniors with Deidra and Garen Bagdasarian of newly founded Bliss Senior Care Homes in Mesa, Arizona. Get the latest on what is changing with assisted living and the current stats on the treatment of LGBT Seniors. Also, hear what folks are saying about SAGE, Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders, a segment produced by Farm House Studios.

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“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!

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!

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

Planned Parenthood Defender of Reproductive Rights

Listen up as Emmy award winning host Donna Rossi talks about the “V” word. That’s right we’re sitting down with Grassroots organizer Hillary Pinney of Planned Parenthood as she walks us through her experience with planning the 2009 V-day at ASU and the fight for reproductive rights of women everywhere. Don’t miss out on hearing about the partnership between Equality Arizona and Planned Parenthood as well as a whole lot of Vagina.

Stream live from 12:00pm to 12:45pm at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/equalityarizona or download the podcast at http://equalityarizonaradio.podbean.com/2009/03/19/planned-parenthood-defender-of-reproductive-rights/

Coffee and Community

As a lesbian business owner, having been able to experience the warm and positive feelings of our LGBTQ community, I was drawn to create a space in which we could be ourselves, where we would always feel safe and welcome. I, along with two other business partners sought out to create that environment at the Fair Trade Café & Gallery. In return members of our community have shown their support for the café and have continued doing so even through a recession and light rail construction. I have no doubt we are still here and continuing to grow because of the strong support of the LGBTQ community.

Coming out at the age of twenty-five, I didn’t have to go through my family disowning me, at least the ones I care to claim, through it all I had the support of amazing gay and lesbian friends who overall made me feel welcomed and valued within the LGBTQ community. Shortly after coming out, I met my fantastic and caring partner who I am completely committed to and in love with and who always supports me in all of my endeavors, no matter how crazy they are. My life took an unexpected turn a month after finishing my Masters in Social Work, I mortgaged my house and bought a coffee shop that was in serious financial trouble.

I don’t think that being a gay business owner makes my life any more exciting
than that of a straight business owner, but one thing I do know is that it gives
a sense of purpose will beyond selling coffee.

The Fair Trade Café supports local and global organizations who provide services for those in need, create sustainability, protect the environment and more. If you would like to learn more about Fair Trade please visit www.azfairtrade.com/cafe. The café has allowed me to make a much bigger impact than I would ever have been able to as a single individual.
Our relationship with the LGBTQ community is very symbiotic, we support each other and hopefully will keep continuing to do so. I have not yet encountered any difficulties brought on by my being gay and I know because of that I am incredibly lucky. I know that even just a few years ago, this could have easily made us a target. But today, thanks to the work of Equality Arizona, we hold our place within the community with pride.

Speaking of pride….

The Fair Trade Café will be partnering with Equality Arizona to raise some funds at Pride this year. We will be selling our coffee, tea and other goodies Saturday and Sunday. So if you are going to be there, please stop by and visit us! Let’s continue to support each other. Together we can only grow stronger.

Thank you for everything you have done to support us. It allows us, in turn, to continue to support our community,

Michele White

A Personal Look at "For the Bible Tells Me So"

Sunday I will spend part of the afternoon watching the film “For the Bible Tells Me So” at the Liberal Catholic Church in Casa Grande and being a panelist for a discussion after the film. A growing rural area halfway between Tucson and Phoenix, Casa Grande is in search for an identity that is not about being a suburb of either Tucson or Phoenix.

I needed to preview the film and give myself plenty of time this week to process its content and prepare to the best panelist I could be on Sunday. So in goes the DVD which starts with a tearful Anita Bryant wiping a fruit pie from her face and praying for the homosexual that hurled it at her from across the room.

For 95 minutes I was taken on an unexpected journey. I didn’t expect to feel physically sick, I bawled like a baby, I let out several of those guttural activist grunts, I was educated, I cheered, I was challenged in my own prejudices about religion and I was angry.

Having been raised Catholic I am all too familiar with the abuse religious institutions heap on its congregants to maintain order, to make money and to ensure there is always an “other”. (You’ll have to see the film to understand “other”.)

The film finally ended and the song “True Colors” begins to a backdrop of photo stills and film credits. I leaned forward in my chair, exhausted, tears still streaming down my cheeks. From across the room Aspen, my dog, jumps down from the couch comes over to my chair and puts his head in my lap. He looked up at me as if to say, “I’m giving you a hug.”

I don’t know what I will say sitting on that panel next Sunday. I can’t predict that I wouldn’t repeat tonight’s emotional journey, including the various outbursts that surprised even me. I can only hope (some would say pray) that I find the same gentle kindness Aspen brought with me next Sunday when undoubtedly there will be folks in the room with their own anger, prejudices and joy to process.

I’ll let you know how it goes,

Barbara McCullough-Jones

Executive Director of Equality Arizona

Click here for a list of "For the Bible Tells Me So" viewings.

Dobson resigns as chairman of Focus on the Family

Conservative evangelical leader James Dobson resigned as chairman of Focus on the Family, an organization he founded over three decades ago. Now 72 years old, Dobson will continue hosting the Focus on the Family radio program, writing monthly newsletters, and speaking out on moral issues. Dobson stated, "One of the common errors of founder-presidents is to hold to the reins of leadership too long, thereby preventing the next generation from being prepared for executive authority... Though letting go is difficult after three decades of intensive labor, it is the wise thing to do." While Focus on the Family is best known for promoting conservative moral stands in politics the organization continuously emphasizes that they are primarily devoted to offering parenting and marriage advice. Many gay-rights and liberal groups issued statements Friday warning that Dobson is not leaving the scene. Americans United for Separation of Church and State portrayed the move as Focus on the Family "merely rearranging the deck chairs on its big, intolerant ship."

It's show time

Do you know someone who deserves an award? Do you deserve an award?

Equality Arizona is now accepting nominations for this year's awards dinner, June 13th. It's easy to nominate yourself or another deserving individual or company. Check it out.

It's cool to get one of our awards. Just think...1,000 people cheering just for you! Oh yeah, you can buy your tickets now too! Click here for the box office.

Knowledge is power, never be at a loss about what to say at the water cooler again!

Equality Arizona has unveiled its newest program the “Arizona Education and Research Project” (AERP). This enhanced online series of reports, articles and web link provides current local, national, and international data regarding a wide range of LGBT topics. As an educational resource, the AERP has been developed for the purpose of promoting informed and pro-active conversation, debate, and activism on behalf of the LGBT people.

The AERP is comprised of 3 components: 1) Results of local LGBT research studies conducted by Equality Arizona and other organizations; 2) In-depth research summaries of LGBT topics that present research facts and dispel distortions of research by anti-LGBT forces; and 3) Web links to additional training modules, coming soon.

This educational and research project will cover a wide variety of issues including, but not limited to, same-sex marriage, adoption, the “ex-gay” movement, hate crimes, same-sex parenting, employment discrimination and transgender issues. The extensive research summaries review findings of over 100 scientific studies. Additionally, the research summaries provide examples of how particular research results are distorted by the religious right and/or the media, and they provide “talking points” as suggestions for accurate discussion.

To find out more about this project, and empower yourself with knowledge follow this link: http://www.education.equalityarizona.org/ProgramsServices/ArizonaEducationResearchProject/tabid/85/Default.aspx

Chocolate for Equality

Valentines Day is just around the corner and what an opportunity to celebrate your partner while supporting you community at the same time! Carters Chocolates will be giving Equality Arizona a portion of their earnings for today only! Order today by 4:00 pm from Carters Chocolates, a deliciously supportive company who uses all natural, organic ingredients and snazzy recycled packaging. Visit carterschocolates.com, show your partner and your community that you care.

Thank you and have a Happy Valentines Day!