Gender-Based Violence Claims Life of Another Young Person of Color

News release:

~ Ruby Ordenana Murdered in San Francisco’s Mission District ~
~ Research Shows Trend of a Killing about Once Every 3 Months ~

WASHINGTON (March 27, 2007) – Gender-based violence has claimed the life of another young person of color. Ruby Ordenana, also know as Ruby Rodriguez, a 27-year-old Latina transgender woman was found strangled with knife-like cuts and scars on her arms in the early morning hours of March 16 in San Francisco's Mission District.

“Ruby's murder is not an exception. Gender non-conforming young people – who have often been shut out of employment, housing, and safe environments because of their gender identity or expression – are dying at a rate of about one every three months,” said Riki Wilchins, Executive Director of the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (GenderPAC). “We mourn the tragic loss of yet another young life.”

Ruby's body was found in the same area where another transgender woman was beaten and raped last summer. According to friends, Ruby, a Nicaraguan immigrant who was involved in sex work, was pulling her life together and attending support groups and English language classes.

Since 1995, over 50 young people aged 30 and under have been violently murdered by assailants who targeted them because they did not fit stereotypes of masculinity or femininity. In December 2006,GenderPAC released the groundbreaking human rights report “50 Under 30: Masculinity and the War on America's Youth” to document this tide of fatal violence and the key demographics of its victims and their assailants.

          In the course of the year that the report was researched and published, three
          additional murders of victims that fit the “50 Under 30” profile were reported in
          Memphis, Phoenix and Nicetown (PA).

"These young victims were almost all Black or Latina, transgender or gay, biologically male, and murdered in attacks of extraordinary violence,” added Wilchins. “Ruby's murder fits this sad pattern.”

If the investigation of Ordenana's murder follows the profile of victims in the “50 Under 30” report, it is most likely to go unsolved. 54% of the deaths documented in the report remain unsolved, as compared with 31% for all homicides nationally.

Rodriquez's murder came the same week as the introduction of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) into Congress, the long-awaited bill that would give the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.“

"The LLEHCPA is necessary in moving our country toward a society where hate crimes are unacceptable, and where everyone’s most basic human rights are protected: life, liberty, and the expression of self without fear of violence,” said Wilchins. “We urge Congress to remember its commitment to protect all Americans from bias-motivated violence, and to remember Ruby Ordenana, by supporting this bill.”

Murder cases in the "50 Under 30" report that were classified as hate crimes were solved nearly one-and-a-half times more often than those that were not. 72% of the report’s cases were not so classified, despite the extremely violent nature of the crimes (many deaths combined stabbing, beating, strangling and shooting). 

The annual FBI Hate Crimes Statistics report documents assaults motivated by race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability. According to the “50 Under 30” report, if tmurders based on the victim’s gender identity or expression were included in the data, they would outweigh every other category except race.

The “50 Under 30” report is available online at http://www.gpac.org/press to assist reporters and policy-makers in identifying victims from their regions.

The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition works to ensure that classrooms, communities, and workplaces are safe for everyone to learn, grow, and succeed -- whether or not they fit expectations for masculinity or femininity. To support GenderPAC, visit www.gpac.org/give.   

Tonight at Score: Planeta Macho

From Score (click to enlarge):

Jewish seminary to allow gay applicants

Jewish Theological Seminary student Ira Stup, left, wears his opinion on his suit jacket as he stands outside the Park Avenue Synagogue in New York, Dec. 6, 2006, before a group of scholars who interpret religious law for Conservative Judaism agreed to ease their ban on ordaining gays and announced their decision in a press conference at the synagogue. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

By RACHEL ZOLL, Associated Press

The seminary considered the flagship institution of Conservative Judaism said Monday it will start accepting gay and lesbian applicants, after scholars who guide the movement lifted the ban on gay ordination.

Arnold Eisen, incoming chancellor for the Jewish Theological Seminary, said the decision was made after extensive discussion with faculty and students, a survey on views of the issue within the movement and a meeting of the school's trustees.

"The larger issue has been how we can remain true to our tradition in general and to halakah (Jewish law) in particular while staying fully responsive to and immersed in our society and culture," Eisen said in a statement distributed to the school community and its supporters.

The Conservative branch holds the middle ground in American Judaism, adhering to tradition while allowing some change for modern circumstances.

The larger and more liberal Reform Jewish movement, as well as the smaller Reconstructionist wing, allow gays to become rabbis; the Orthodox branch bars gays and women from ordination.

In December, the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards voted to allow the seminaries to decide on their own whether to admit openly gay students. However, their decision also left leeway for synagogues to reject gay and lesbian clergy if the congregations believe that same-sex relationships violate Scripture.

Earlier this month, a smaller Conservative seminary in Los Angeles, the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the University of Judaism, announced that it has accepted its first openly gay and lesbian applicants.

The New York seminary has extended the application deadline for the fall semester until June 30, so students can take advantage of the new policy.

Eytan Hammerman of Keshet, an advocacy group for full inclusion of gays at the seminary, said he knew of at least one gay student who had already submitted an application, which was put on hold while the issue was under review.

The survey JTS conducted found majorities of two-thirds or more among clergy, educators, administrators and others approved admitting gay students. However, respondents in Canada, where Conservative Judaism is more traditional, were "overwhelmingly against" ordaining gays.

Still, Eisen and others insisted the movement would not split. Leaders believe the more likely response is that individuals who object to the change will leave to worship in Orthodox synagogues.

"I do not think in the near future it will result in great changes in the school," said Rabbi Joel Roth, a faculty member and expert in Jewish law who considers ordaining gays contrary to Jewish teaching. "The only way that I worry about it hurting the school is if the result of this decision is the marginalizing of those who oppose this decision."

Roth resigned from the Law Committee when it lifted the gay ordination ban. He believes Eisen will work hard to maintain respect for conflicting views but said the true impact of the decision won't be apparent for years.

Bigoted emails from Army recruiter outrage gay man

By CHARLES HACK, Jersey Journal

Jersey City resident Corey Andrew, like thousands of other job seekers, recently posted his profile on a popular career-based web site, hoping to nab some work as a copywriter. But the response he received was anything but typical.

The posting on CareerBuilder.com brought several potential suitors, including an Army recruiter who replied in late February.

However, Andrew had no interest in joining the Army for a number of reasons, including the military's ban on openly gay and lesbian citizens from putting on the uniform. Andrew identifies himself as gay.

His lack of interest didn't stop him from asking the recruiter whether he was able to serve in the Army as a gay man. The question sparked a bizarre three-day exchange, escalating into a bigoted tirade from the recruiter and an official military investigation.

Using a military email address, U.S. Army recruiter Sgt. Marcia Ramode fired off an email in capital letters that " IF YOU ARE GAY WE DON'T TAKE YOU. YOU ARE CONSIDERED UNQUALIFIED."

To read more, click here.

Task Force marks 30th anniversary of first-ever meeting between White House and gay and lesbian leaders

News release:

Gay and lesbian leaders who attended historic 1977 meeting with
Carter White House speak out on progress made

“Anita Bryant back then wanted my resignation, as did many of the right-wing groups. More mail was generated from that meeting than from any other meeting during Jimmy Carter’s administration.”
— Midge Costanza, then-assistant to President Jimmy Carter

WASHINGTON, March 26 —  During a press conference today to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the first-ever meeting between the White House and gay and lesbian leaders, those who attended that historic gathering talked about that milestone and the progress since made — or lack thereof. The audio press conference will be available for download on Tuesday afternoon, March 27, by visiting the Task Force homepage at www.theTaskForce.org.

“Thirty years ago, I received a phone call from Jean O’Leary and Bruce Voeller, the co-executive directors of the National Gay [and Lesbian] Task Force, and what they said was, ‘It is time. It is time that a government we helped choose and a government we help pay no longer discriminate against us. We want to talk — and we want to talk in the White House,’ and I agreed that certainly the Constitution demanded that everyone be represented under those laws, and that would include gays and lesbians,” recounted Midge Costanza, then-assistant to President Jimmy Carter.

Costanza was among the nine speakers at today’s press conference. Others were Marilyn Haft, then-deputy director of the White House Office of Public Liaison, several gay and lesbian leaders who attended the 1977 meeting — Pokey Anderson, Charlotte Bunch, Frank Kameny, Elaine Noble, Bishop Troy Perry and George Raya — and Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman.

Click for photos of and more information about the attendees.

The White House meeting in 1977 was initiated by Task Force leadership. Costanza met with Task Force co-executive directors Jean O’Leary and Bruce Voeller (now both deceased) and other leaders for a briefing on critical policy issues affecting the community — many of which remain relevant, including gays in the military, immigration, religious discrimination against gay and lesbian people, and prison abuse.

While the meeting was a critical milestone for gay and lesbian people in terms of access to the country’s most powerful leadership, the criticism of the Carter White House that followed was intense.

“Anita Bryant back then wanted my resignation, as did many of the right-wing groups. More mail was generated from that meeting than from any other meeting during Jimmy Carter’s administration,” said Costanza.

But the sense that something vitally important was unfolding was profound.

“There was a point made during the meeting that Franklin Kameny had marched outside the White House 12 years earlier. Here we were in 1977, and Frank was inside the gates now. Midge welcomed him, saying, ‘Frank, I’m really glad to meet you finally. I’m just sorry that it has taken so long to come into a house that belongs to you as much as it belongs to anyone in this country.’ Elaine Noble said that some of us had been marching outside the White House gates so long, we wondered if there was an inside,” recalled Pokey Anderson.

Said Bishop Troy Perry of Metropolitan Community Church: “What I remember most about the White House meeting is that we were actually inside the White House while Anita Bryant and right-wing politicians were fighting to take away our rights. We were actually meeting with the staff of the president of the United States. I remember thinking, ‘Thank God we’re inside while that group is outside.’”

“Now we’re outside, and they own the White House,” countered Elaine Noble, who, like other speakers today, acknowledged the progress made — but also the grim reality of the current administration and the fact that much remains to be done.

“Thirty years ago on this day, the doors of the White House were opened to us. Today, in spite of exponentially positive changes in public support for our equal rights, those doors are slammed tight, as they have been for nearly 20 out of the last 30 years. Thirty years ago no federal laws protected gay people. Today, sadly, the same is true,” said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

Said Noble: “A pendulum swings, and just because we’ve had to take a few steps back, as we have recently, doesn’t mean that we won’t keep trying.”

Read more detailed remarks from all of today’s speakers.

Presidential Candidate Pledges Support for Domestic Partnerships, Ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

News release:

Gov. Bill Richardson Keynotes Human Rights Campaign Annual Los Angeles Gala

WASHINGTON - New Mexico Governor and 2008 presidential candidate Bill Richardson pledged his support for equal domestic partnership rights, fighting HIV/AIDS internationally and repealing the military's anti-gay "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy as keynote speaker at the annual Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Gala Dinner on Saturday.

'This country is tired of the politics of hatred and division. What we need in this country is someone that can bring us together," said Gov. Richardson. "Gay and lesbian families deserve respect. What we don't need are constitutional amendments designed to exclude supportive, devoted couples. We need to extend the rights due to all of us as Americans."

The HRC Los Angeles Gala Dinner was attended by over 1000 HRC members and supporters, including HRC spokesperson Eric Alva and comedian Bill Maher, who received the 2007 HRC Equality Award.

For video footage and a transcript of Gov. Richardson's speech, please visit www.hrc.org.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce networker on Tuesday night

Invitation from Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce:

Click photo to enlarge

Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce joins the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce and the British American Chamber of Commerce for one huge business networker! ~ This will be an evening of fun, food and jazz. There is a prix-fix menu for those who wish to stay and dine afterwards. $5.00 for members of either Chamber and $10.00 for all others.

                                                                                             

                Please R.S.V.P. to (305) 444-7270 or e-mail: info@coconutgrove.com  or call the MDGLCC office at 305-573-4000.                

                         

            See you there!             

                                                                MDGLCC                          

            Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce             

                         

---

                                      

                email:                 info@gogaymiami.com             

                                      

                voice:                 305-573-4000             

                                      

                web:                 http://www.gogaymiami.com             

Dinah Shore weekend

News release:

CLUB SKIRTS AND PLANET OUT ANNOUNCE THE BIGGEST DINAH SHORE WEEKEND 2007 EVER!

India Arie, Sandra Bernhard, Bitch, Betty,The L Words Katherine Moennig and Leisha Hailey all attending

Jackie Warner, Suzanne Westenhoeffer, Honey Labrador, Crystal Waters, Jenny Shimizu, Jane Lynch, Renee O’Connor also highlight the wild weekend plus many more!

LOS ANGELES -- Mariah Hanson, the founder of the modern day Dinah Shore Weekend has announced the final star-studded line-up for the upcoming Dinah Shore Weekend 2007:  The Fashion Statement Dinah taking place in Palm Springs March 28 thru April 1.

Last year’s sold out event filled every sponsored hotel and quickly became the most talked about Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend in history attracting press from around the world as well as the most beautiful women on the planet. The Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend is now considered the largest lesbian event in the world.

“The `06 Dinah far surpassed my wildest dreams” says Hanson, “It was the largest, most star studded event ever produced in the history of the Dinah. I was a bit nervous about how in the world I was going to outdo myself in `07, but this year is coming together in ways I never would have imagined. We are on to yet another blockbuster Dinah, filled with celebs, performances and our very own Dinah Fashion statement!”

Two time Grammy winner and 12 time Grammy nominee, India Arie is a studied songwriter and guitar player rooted in the R&B, soul, Motown, and blues of the past, but grounded in the post-hip-hop urban world of today. She will perform on Friday, March 30 at the White Diamonds Party in an exclusive midnight concert with her full band at the Doral Grand Ballroom. An earlier surprise concert will be hosted by Jackie Warner of Bravo's “Work Out” series.

Also joining the stellar line-up this year are Sandra Bernhard who makes her first ever Dinah appearance headlining in concert at the Wyndham Resort on Friday, March 30, the hysterical comedy night with Suzanne Westenhoeffer on Thursday, March 29 and the exclusive L Word Pool Party featuring performances by Bitch and Betty on Sunday, April 1.

This year the Club Skirts /Planet Out Dinah Shore Weekend is also proud to showcase the first ever full fashion show featuring the brand new "L"ements of Style Fashion Line. The Showtime Network is partnering with a group of top designers to create a collection of limited edition apparel and accessories inspired by the hip and sexy look of the popular drama "The L Word."  The collection is on sale now. More information can be found at http://www.sho.com/site/lword/elementsofstyle.do.

On Saturday, March 31 at the Doral Ballroom in Palm Springs at 9:00pm, the Fashion event will take place and will feature an amazing contingent of celebrities modeling on stage including Honey Labrador, Jenny Shimizu, Kim Stolz, and host Amanda Bearse as well as some very special surprise stars not to be missed.

Dozens of celebrity hosts and presenters will also join in the fun throughout the weekend including stars from popular TV series “L Word”, and Bravo’s “Workout” star Jackie Warner, as well as the girls of “Dante’s Cove”, Michelle Paradise from LOGO’s new series “Exes and Oh’s”, the cast of “Curl Girls” and just added Jane Lynch to judge the “Be Seen” event and “Xena” hottie Renee O’Connor for a special meet and greet.

“The L Word” stars Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey will be special guests at the “Be Seen” special event on March 31.

MTV’s “Real World” cuties Rachel and Veronica will also return to host the wild weekend pool parties featuring the 2nd Annual Bikini Contest.

“We’re building another spectacular event. Our two biggest host hotels are now sold out. We’re triple ticket sales at this time last year and we haven’t even announced our special surprises yet! All of our sponsors have renewed and we are adding more and more each week. The Dinah just continues to break records and grow” says Hanson.

OFFICIAL EVENT WEBSITE: www.thedinah.com

Lesbian asks court to ban gay adoptions

By GREG BLUESTEIN, Associated Press

Sara Wheeler's life has become a contradiction. Once a proud lesbian, she's now a pariah in the gay community. Once in a committed relationship with a female partner, she's rethinking her sexuality.

And now she's doing something she once would have considered unthinkable — arguing that gays don't have the legal right to adopt children.

Wheeler is coming to grips with the fact that she's become an outcast for taking this step in a custody fight for her child. But she says that isn't what her fight is about: "It's about motherly rights."

Wheeler, 36, and her partner, Missy, decided to start a family together and share the Wheeler last name. In 2000, Sara Wheeler gave birth to a son, Gavin, through artificial insemination. Two years later, they decided Missy Wheeler should adopt the child and legally become his second parent.

Georgia law doesn't specifically say whether gay parents can adopt a child, so the decision was up to a judge in the Atlanta area's DeKalb County. After an adoption investigator determined that both partners wanted it, the judge cleared the request.

The couple's relationship later soured. Missy Wheeler wouldn't comment for this story, but her attorney, Nora Bushfield, said Sara became involved with someone else and wouldn't let Missy and Gavin see each other.

Sara Wheeler acknowledged the other relationship, saying "regardless of my action, it doesn't make me a bad mother."

To read more, click here.

Philippines: Police Chief Warns Gay Cops, "Don't Sway Hips"

By Anthony Cuesta, GayWired.com

The Philippine National Police warned its gay officers not to sway their hips or demonstrate provocative behavior while on duty or they risk losing their jobs.

"If they sway their hips while marching, or if they engage in lustful conduct, I think that will be ground for separation" from the service, Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao told the Philippine Star.

Still, the PNP says that homosexuals are welcome to join the police force, provided that they refrain from immoral and indecent behavior, reports the Star.

"As an institution, the PNP does not look at or interfere with one's sexual preference," Pagdilao told Manila Radio DZXL. "But it does look at its members' conduct. If they behave within the norm, I don't think we'll have a problem."

He also said cross-dressers, those who are wearing clothing commonly associated with the opposite gender within a particular society, are definitely not allowed in the police force.

The PNP was established as an institution in the late 1980s. There are 119,000 members of the PNP, 10 percent of whom are women, in the 16 regions in the country.

The Philippines has a reputation for tolerance toward homosexuality.

However, a party representing lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people was recently refused registration for May congressional elections on the grounds that it does not have nationwide chapters. Its members are appealing, reports the AP.