'Faces of Equality' - Facebook Campaign for LGBT Folks and Allies

A new Facebook campaign called 'Faces of Equality' has started to show that there are many different types of people who support LGBT equality. The group aims to show that queer supporters and allies come in all forms and that we are diverse when it comes to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and sexual orientation.

Join, post your stats, post pictures, post for equality!

Blog Spotlight: Straight, Not Narrow

Straight, Not Narrow is a wonderful blog written by a husband and wife who are dedicated to GLBT equality and spirituality. The blog hopes to help straight people accept and affirm their GLBT brothers and sisters, and also seeks to promote healing among the GLBT community. The site offers great news articles, commentary, prayers, and inspirational worship videos.

Open Forum: Thank Our Allies

Our straight allies are our friends, support system and a source of inspiration as we struggle for true understanding and equality. Today's open forum is an opportunity to publicly thank our LGBTQIA allies who make a difference in our lives. If you are a straight ally, feel free to post about what drives you to be an agent of change for the queer community. If you are queer let us know how straight allies have made a difference in your life, and how important they are to you!

How to be a Trans Ally

Saw this article over at Lesbian Life on how to be a trans ally.

1. Don't Assume.

You might not know if a transgender person is in your presence. If speaking to a group, try to be inclusive.

2. Don't tolerate anti-trans remarks or jokes.

If someone makes a transphobic joke or remark, call them out on it. Challenge transphobic thinking.

3. Use the preferred pronoun.

If a person says she identifies as female, use "she" and "her" regardless of what that person's body or appearance is. If you are not sure which pronoun to use ask the person, "What pronoun would you like me to use?"

4. Respect Confidentiality.

If a person comes out to you as transgender, transsexual or questioning, ask that person who else knows and who you can talk to about it.

5. Listen.

Every trans person's experience is unique. If someone is having a hard time coming out or experiencing discrimination, you can help a lot by just listening.

6. Know your limits.

Admit when you've reached the limit of your knowledge. Ask for guidance or find an appropriate resource.

7. Don't try to Label someone.

If someone tells you they feel like they are "trapped in the wrong body" don't tell them they are necessarily a transsexual. People who are struggling with their gender identity often need the space to figure out for themselves how to identify.

8. Don't assume You Know What Their sexual Orientation is.

Sexual orientation and gender identity are not directly connected. Someone who is transitioning may also be questioning their sexual orientation or may choose to identify in a different way then they have previously.

9. Look at yourself.

Examine your own ideas of gender stereotypes and challenge those around you to do the same.

10. Stay Open

Remember transgender people are individuals who deserve respect and understanding.

Thank You California Teachers Association!

"California's largest teacher's union has given another $1 million to defeat a Nov. 4 ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriage in the state. The contribution recorded Tuesday makes the California Teachers Association the largest institutional donor to the No on 8 campaign. CTA also gave $250,000 in August to Equality for All, a coalition of gay advocacy and civil rights groups opposing Proposition 8.

Union spokeswoman Sandra Jackson says CTA's 800-member policy body voted overwhelmingly to oppose the gay marriage ban. Jackson says the issue concerns educators because "teachers teach the importance of equal rights for all." She says CTA leaders made the second contribution this week because the No campaign seems to be struggling" (Mercury News).

Please take the time to call, mail, or e-mail them a thank you letter for ardently supporting the fight against proposition 8.

CTA State Headquarters
P.O. Box 921, Burlingame, CA 94011-0921
1705 Murchison Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010
Phone: 650/697-1400 Fax: 650/552-5002
e-mail: webmaster@cta.org

Los Angeles Mayor Donates and Fights Against Prop 8!

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has donated $25,000 to defeat the marriage amendment in California that seeks to take away the rights of same-sex couples. He also took his time out to send a state wide message urging people to defeat the measure.

Thank the mayor for supporting marriage equality and for making an effort to fight proposition 8.

mayor@lacity.org

200 North Spring Street, Room 303
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Phone: (213) 978-0600
Fax: (213) 978-0750

Activist Tip: Come Out as a Straight Ally

Today's activist tip is directed towards our straight friends and family. Coming out as an ally on behalf the LGBT community can sometimes be daring and challenging pending on the environment you are in. Straight allies are key towards our collective battle for equality. When you speak out as a straight person in favor of LGBT civil rights, it goes to show that the fight for equality is not just about black or white, gay or straight, or man or woman, but purely about human dignity and human rights.

Straight people outnumber gay people and the more voices being heard the more succesful our respective campaigns. Also, someone who may be on the fence with regards to marriage equality, adoption, transgender concerns, and/or other aspects of LGBT life will be able to relate to and be more likely to be convinced by a fellow straight person who sides with equality.

So, to our straight brethren show your rainbow wristband, spark conversations about equality, sign those petitions, and speak up when you hear homo/transphobia. Be out, proud, and loud for those of us who don't have a voice or whose voice is shunned by our adversaries.

Check out PFLAG's Guide to Being a Straight Ally

Word of the Gay: "FABGLITTER"

"FABGLITTER" was coined by the now defunct magazine Anything That Moves. It stands for "Fetish, Allies, Bisexuals, Gay, Lesbians, Intersex, Transgender, Transsexual Engendering Revolution." The acronym has never made its way into common usage.