Emergency Rally Thursday on Capitol Hill to Save ENDA

Activists from GetEQUAL will hold an emergency Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA) protest on Capitol Hill tomorrow at noon. The action is part of a series of events during the week to pressure the congress to vote on this important piece of legislation which will bar discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.

“We’ve heard all we can stand to hear from leaders in Congress, they promised a vote this calendar year and we expect them to honor their word,” said Robin McGhee, co-founder of GetEQUAL. “As the window continues to slowly close on available legislative calendar dates to vote on ENDA in the House and in the Senate, we will continue to hold Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid accountable for the direct promise they made to the LGBT community. Our community has done the work to lobby and educate members of Congress on the need for a fully inclusive ENDA and now is the time to stop the talking and start the voting” (Echelon).

WHAT: Emergency Capitol Hill Protest to Save the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)
WHEN: Thursday, May 20th, 2010
WHERE: Corner of Independence Ave SE & 1st ST SE (by the Library of Congress)
TIME: 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm (ET)

Pilgrimage to Riverside - Journeying Toward Equality

The Pilgrimage to Riverside is a group of people who are going to several states to create awareness of the LGBT civil rights movement within circles of faith. The premise is that "social change can either begin or be blocked by the Church," and this group wants the Church to be at the forefront of fighting for justice.

For more information about this campaign you can visit http://pilgrimagetoriverside.com/

Rock for Equality on April 11th

Rock for Equality is a national event to demand economic fairness in Social Security benefits for America’s same-sex couples. Estimates suggest in the past decade alone LGBT families have been deprived of more than 2 billion dollars in Social Security benefits. The event is taking place in Los Angeles on April 11th but will also be held virtually nationwide to demonstrate support for an end to economic injustice.

Social Security Benefits which are denied to same-sex couples fall into four categories:

1) Spousal Retirement Benefits* – allow a low-income spouse to be eligible for either their own benefit, or an amount equal to one-half of their higher earning spouse’s benefit. It is common for one partner to earn more and pay more into Social Security than the other. Once both partners have retired, one, for example, may qualify for benefits of $500 a month and the other for $2,000 a month. The one who has qualified for $500 is automatically qualified for $1,000 instead which is equal to half of the larger earners benefit. When retirement comes, the lower earner gets a boost, so that the couple can retire with some security. This benefit is not available to same-sex couples.

2) Spousal /Dependents Disability Benefit under SSDI * - provides for a spouse and dependents to qualify for benefits on a disabled worker’s earnings record in the same way as with retired workers (see above). This benefit is not available to same-sex couples. Even the children of same-sex couples may be at risk. (The Department of Justice has issued an opinion on this, but this area of law is still unclear.)

3) Survivors Benefits* – allow a widow or widower to be eligible to claim their own Social Security benefit, or an amount equal to the benefit to which their deceased spouse was eligible. So, upon retirement, if a couple qualifies for $500 for one person and $2000 for the other, together their monthly benefit would be $2,500. Upon the death of the person getting $2,000, the survivor can receive $2000 per month, instead of $500. Although the household income will go down by $500, the survivor can adjust by economizing on living expenses for one person instead of two, and live with some security. This is true in all cases except when the survivor was in a same-sex partnership. In those instances, the survivor has to get by on only $500 per month.

4) Death Benefit* - Upon the death of a spouse, Social Security provides a modest benefit of $255 for burial expenses, etc. But not if the survivor was in a same-sex partnership.

Event details:

Date: Sunday, April 11, 2010
Starting Location: L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center at 1625 N. Schrader Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028-6213

Sign-In and Issuing of “Social Security Cards”: 9:30 a.m.

Kick-off Rally: 10:00 a.m.

One-Mile March to Social Security Building Begins: 10:45 a.m. (time approx.)

Protest demonstration and Rock-in: 11:30 a.m. to Noon at the Social Security Building, 1122 N. Vine St Los Angeles, CA 90038

Concluding Program: Noon to 12:30 p.m. (time approx.)

People interested in participating virtually should sign up here.

Organization Spotlight: Equality Across America

Equality Across America exists to support grassroots organizing across the United States to achieve full equality for the LGBT community.

'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!

Singer Jazon Mraz Resolves to Speak for Equality!

Singer and songwriter Jason Mraz has written a beautiful post on his blog speaking up for LGBT equality as his new years resolution.

On his blog the Freshness Factor Five Thousand he writes:

"As a straight man I really have nothing to gain by standing up for equal rights for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexual, and/or my Transgender friends. Except for the fact that I have many friends who are still subjected to hurtful comments by a society that hasn’t yet embraced fully the nature of… nature.

Supporting a limiting system of rules for specific people to follow is prejudice. It’s the Antithesis of Christ Consciousness and (like smoking) it’s Soooo last century.

Allowing love to freely flourish will only enhance the life experience - For All.

Imagine telling cyclists to stay off the road. “These roads are for cars only! Those who dare to pedal on the shoulder will most likely get hit! Drivers will not expect to see you. It will not be the drivers’ fault if you get hurt.”

Yet, by sharing the road, the same rules get to apply to all of us. And surprisingly, we all get somewhere.

No one has to sit at the back of the bus.

A Marriage is a powerful commitment by any two people who are committed to each other’s lives being great. The God that is present in ceremony is looking itself in the eye in the form of the two worthy participants. Their commitment is the divine expression “love loving itself.” Any interference from the outside world be like a bear coming out of the woods and mauling the two lovebirds in front of the entire wedding party, the family and invited guests. Interference is messy and downright rude.

Hosting closed minded thoughts or making lewd comments about the intimate affairs of someone else does not make life great. In fact, it clogs up the judicial system, diminishes entire communities, and turns the clock backwards to our ultimate realization that we are all One - living in harmony with the Earth, with the cosmos, and with great things unseen. Thinking that others are a ‘particular way’ rather than reinventing them as new everyday makes you separate and disconnected from the really easy, peaceful solution.

Life is too short. The age of interfering with someone’s natural rights (and natural born gifts) are over.

Love is too powerful to resist. I think the whole world would be better if we just got out of our own way. It would certainly be sexier.

I understand many people who stumble onto this blog are already dialed in and ready to transform the world. Much of my community is too. But there are some who still don’t care one way or the other about the ways of being in the world. Thereby, it’s up to us to share our positive outlook on our favorite issues.

To learn more about how you can be a part of the Epic Movement for Equal Rights. Visit The Human Rights Campaign at http://www.hrc.org/ and support the True Colors Fund.

This Year I Resolve to Join the Conversation on Equality. I will Stand Up and be outspoken about Same Sex Marriage and Let Freedom Sing."

Be sure to thank Jason Mraz by leaving a comment on his blog, and joining him in the 'Conversation on Equality'

Listing of LGBT Advocacy Organizations by State

Here is a listing of LGBT advocacy organizations by state, get involved and see how you can make a difference where you live =)

AL-Equality Alabama
AZ-Equality Arizona
AZ-Wingspan (southern AZ)
CA-Equality California
CO-Equal Rights Colorado
CT-Love Makes a Family
DC-Gay & Lesbian Activists Alliance
DC-Rainbow History Project
DC-Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL)
FL-Equality Florida
FL-Palm Beach County Human Rights Council
GA-Georgia Equality
GA-Marriage Equality Georgia (MEGA)
HI-Aloha Pride Center
IA-Iowa Equality
IA-One Iowa
ID-Your Family, Friends, & Neighbors (YFFN)
IL-Equality Illinois
IN-GayIndy
IN-Indiana Equality
KS-Kansas Equality Coalition
KY-Fairness Campaign
KY-Kentucky Equality Federation
KY-Kentucky Fairness Alliance
MA-Freedom to Marry Coalition of Mass
MA-Mass Equality
MD-Equality Maryland
ME-Equality Maine
MI-Michigan Equality
MI-Triangle Foundation
MN-Outfront Minnesota
MO-PROMO
MS-Equality Mississippi
MS-Unity Mississippi
NC-Equality North Carolina
ND-Equality North Dakota
New England-GLAD
NH-New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition
NJ-Garden State Equality
NM-Equality New Mexico
NY-Empire State Pride Agenda
NY-Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley
NY-Marriage Equality New York
OH-Equality Ohio
OK-Cimarron Alliance Foundation
OK-Oklahomans for Equality
OR-Basic Rights Oregon
PA-Common Roads
PA-Equality Advocates Pennsylvania
RI-Marriage Equality RI
SC-Alliance for Full Acceptance
SC-Outsmart In the Midlands
SC-South Carolina Equality Coalition
SC-South Carolina Gay & Lesbian Pride Movement
TN-Tennessee Equality Project
TX-Equality Texas
TX-Texas Freedom Network
TX-Houston Equal Rights Alliance
UT-Equality Utah
VA-Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance
VA-Equality Fairfax
VA-Equality Fauquier/Culpeper
VA-Equality Loudon
VA-Equality Virginia
VT-Outright Vermont
VA-Equal Rights Washington
WA-Legal Marriage Alliance of Washington
WI-Center Advocates
WY-Wyoming Equality
Midwest-Rainbow Families

Brief the White House on Issues of Equality!

Stonewall Democrats is working with the Obama Administration to address a wide-range of pro-equality issues such as employment protections, hate crimes enforcement, military readiness and family policy. What are your priorities for the White House? Click Here and share them now.

"My Family" - Video Compilation of LGBTQ Families

Open Forum: Constitutional Amendment Allowing SSM?

We are always fighting off propositions to have constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage. In many locales voters have voted to define marriage as between one man and one woman within their state constitutions.

What about a fight to amend the state constitutions to allow for marriage equality? If it loses, we lose nothing. If it wins it would be unprecedented and make world history. It would be the first time voters decided to grant marriage rights to all couples.

Do you think this could work anywhere, if so, where? Why aren't there efforts by pro-equality forces engaging in these tactics? Is there a state or country where voters are most likely to vote to approve same-sex marriage and on what basis?

Activism Is More Than A Word!

Inspiring video on queer activism and our fight for liberation.

Live Long and Marry (Auction for Equality)

What is this?
Live Long And Marry is a fandom auction to benefit marriage equality. Bidding begins on July 1, 12:01 AM one minute after midnight Pacific Time, 2008, and closes on July 15, 12:01 AM one minute after midnight Pacific Time, 2008. Please do not bid until bidding opens.

What's the cause?
The auction will raise money for the fight against the California initiative which will legally destroy existing same-sex marriages and ban any further ones. If the initiative passes, it will write discrimination into the state constitution, annull existing marriages, and make Mr. Sulu cry.

How can I help?
You can bid on fanfic, original fic, vids, cookies, memorabilia, critique/betas, and much more! Or you can offer your skills and services as a writer, vidder, baker, knitter, or whatever else you'd like.

BIDDING OPENS ON JULY 1, 12:01 AM ONE MINUTE AFTER MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME, AND CLOSES JULY 15, 12:01 AM ONE MINUTE AFTER MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME.

http://community.livejournal.com/livelongnmarry/

For more info on what this is about, how to bid, and get your prize go here

Gender Equality National Index for Universities and Schools Survey!

"The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition is pleased to announce the release of its 2008 GENIUS Survey in partnership with Ernst & Young. GenderPAC works to ensure that classrooms, communities and workplaces are safe for everyone to learn, grow and succeed.

The Gender Equality National Index for Universities & Schools (GENIUS), GenderPAC’s most recent effort to end discrimination and promote awareness, encourages colleges and universities to recognize the benefits of a GenderSAFE campus - supportive equitable and protective for all students. Choosing to participate in GENUIS sends a strong public statement that bullying or discriminating based on the race, sex or gender of a student, faculty, or staff member is not tolerated at your institution"

Fill out the survey at: http://www.gpac.org/GENIUS2008survey, and make sure that we have data for as many schools as possible. Your voice will help us continue to work towards a safe and welcoming environment for every student.

1.1 Million Strong for Marriage Equality

Our opponents have collected 1.1 million signatures for a proposed anti-gay ballot initiative that would overturn the recent court ruling allowing for marriage equality in California. To reflect the new number our opposition has reached, the Human Rights Campaign has a new goal on the "Million for Marriage" campaign.

Please sign the Million for Marriage petition and send it along to friends and family.

Million for Marriage Petition