Word of the Gay: "Pronoun Dance"

A "pronoun dance" is when a person avoids using gender specific language in the event that they are unsure of the persons gender identity.

New York Senate Judiciary Committee to Vote on Gender Identity Protections

The New York Senate Judiciary Committee is set to vote tomorrow on the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), the bill (S.2406) has previously passed the State Assembly twice but faces obstacles in the more conservative Senate.

The bill if passed would outlaw discrimination on the basis of gender identity/expression in New York state. Currently it is legal in New York to be fired from your job, kicked out of your home or be denied credit or public accommodations (like service in a restaurant) simply for being transgender.

To pass the Judiciary Committee 12 votes are needed, insiders say GENDA already has 11 supporters and needs one more to move on to a full senate vote.

UNCONFIRMED VOTES

DeFrancisco -- Onandaga County (518-455-3511 Email)

Saland -- Columbia, Dutchess Counties (518-455-2411 Email)

LaValle -- Suffolk County (518-455-3121 Email)

Winner -- Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tompkins, Yates Counties (518-455-2091 Email)

Lanza -- Richmond (518-455-3215 Email)

Leibell -- Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester Counties (518-455-3111 Email)

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Contact your state senator if you are resident of New York state to vote in favor of the legislation.

Word of the Gay: "Identity Sphere"

An "identity sphere" is the concept that gender identity and expression is too fluid to fit in a linear model. The sphere allows for gender formations to flourish without the ranking of one expression as being better than another.

Exxon-Mobil Continues to Fuel Discrimination Against LGBT People

ExxonMobil continues to stand steadfast against including LGBT people in their non discrimination policy. Mobil had such a policy which was reversed when Exxon Corp merged with them. The shareholders refuse to acknowledge LGBT people and have consistently voted down a proposal for an inclusive non-discrimination policy.

This year shareholder support for adding LGBT protections to the non-discrimination policy went down by a whopping 18 percent. In total 78% of Exxonmobil shareholders are opposed to adding sexual orientation and gender identity/expression to their policy.

It is imperative that we continue to let them know of our concern as well as to ensure a community wide boycott.

E-contact Form for Exxon-Mobil

Demand McDonald's Offer Protections Based on Gender Identity/Expression

The worlds largest fast food chain McDonald's has been under the spotlight after an Orlando manager refused to hire a seventeen year old transgender woman Zikkeria Bellamy because of her gender identity. The manager harassed the teen by leaving a voice-mail saying: "You will not get hired, we do not hire faggots" The manager of that location has since been fired, but the corporate policy still does not include protections on the basis of gender identity/expression.

McDonald's issued this press release regarding the incident:

"McDonald’s has a strict policy prohibiting any form of discrimination or harassment in hiring, termination, or any other aspect of employment in the organization. The restaurant requires all employees to comply with local, state and federal employment laws." (GLAAD)

Please urge McDonald's to alter their corporate policy regarding employment practice to include protections on the basis of gender identity/expression.

Also, be sure to sign our act.ly petition to McDonald's on Twitter.

Open Forum: How Do You Self-Identify?

I'm bringing this post back because it was so popular and I'd like to get more of an idea of where my readers are coming from and who they are.

It would be interesting to know how most people who participate here identify. Don't feel the need to classify but if you wish to opine...

Sexual Orientation: Are you gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, asexual, questioning, pansexual, straight?

Gender Identity: Are you male female, intersex, m2f, f2m, androgyne, genderqueer, questioning?

Word of the Gay: "Genderism"

"Genderism" operates under the premise that there are only two genders and that they are tied to our birth sex.

Nashville to Take Up BL2009-502 Non-Discrimination Ordinance Tonight

The Metropolitan Nashville Council is scheduled to vote tonight on the second reading of a nondiscrimination ordinance (BL2009-502) that would prohibit the Nashville Metro government from discriminating in its employment practices on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity after having been deferred earlier this month. If the ordinance passes tonight, it will face a final vote before becoming law on Sept 1st.

Please use the council member feedback form to contact ALL the members and urge them to pass this bill.

Crossposted via Lez Get Real.

Word of the Gay: "Gender Blind"

"Gender Blind" is a term used when activities or services are provided to people regardless of their gender identity.

Do What's Right Ohio! - Pass the Equal Housing and Employment Act

In the state of Ohio people can be fired simply on the premise that they are or perceived to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. There are no statewide protections for employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

Equality Ohio and Progress Ohio are looking to change that next Wednesday, June 17th in what is being billed as Ohio's first ever vote on a specifically pro-LGBT piece of legislation. The Equal Housing and Employment Act (HB 176) amends Ohio's existing Civil Rights Code to include sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

Learn more at Do What's Right Ohio and be sure to contact your legislator.

Procter & Gamble Embraces the "T" By Including Gender Identity

The world's largest consumer products maker Procter & Gamble has amended its anti-discrimination policy to include gender identity and expression.

The policy was recently amended to read: "We at P&G recognize the power that comes from people of diverse backgrounds and experiences coming together around a common goal. Our policy forbids any discrimination, harassment or intimidation because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or other non-job-related personal characteristic. Employees are encouraged to bring questions or concerns in this area to their management. Strict disciplinary action for violations of this policy will be taken, including termination of employment" (Wash Blade).

Thank P & G for voting to expand protections for transgender and gender variant individuals.

Tennessee Hate Crimes Bill Moves Forward

Last week the Tennessee House Criminal Practice Subcommittee passed a bill that would add gender identity or expression to the states hate crimes legislation.

The bill now moves forward to the full House Judiciary Committee, please urge the following members to vote in favor of HB 0335:

Kent Coleman (D-Murfreesboro), Chair, rep.kent.coleman@capitol.tn.gov
Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol), Vice-Chair, rep.jon.lundberg@capitol.tn.gov
Janis Sontany (D-Nashville), Secretary, rep.janis.sontany@capitol.tn.gov

Eddie Bass (D-Prospect), rep.eddie.bass@capitol.tn.gov
Karen Camper (D-Memphis), Bill Co-sponsor, rep.karen.camper@capitol.tn.gov
Vance Dennis (R-Savannah), rep.vance.dennis@capitol.tn.gov
Chad Faulkner (R-Luttrell), rep.chad.faulkner@capitol.tn.gov
Henry Fincher (D-Cookeville), rep.henry.fincher@capitol.tn.gov
Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown), rep.brian.kelsey@capitol.tn.gov
Judd Matheny (R-Tullahoma), rep.judd.matheny@capitol.tn.gov
Mike Stewart (D-Nashville), Bill Co-sponsor, rep.mike.stewart@capitol.tn.gov
Eric Watson (R-Cleveland), rep.eric.watson@capitol.tn.gov

The House Judiciary Committee will vote on HB0335 next Wednesday, April 29.

H/T to Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition

Urge Congress to Pass Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act

The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 (H.R. 1913) would add sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability to existing federal hate crimes laws. It would also strengthen enforcement of these laws by allowing the US Department of Justice to assist local authorities in the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes cases. The bill is identical to the hate crimes legislation passed by the House of Representatives in 2007 and is transgender-inclusive.

Send a message to your elected representative and urge them to support H.R. 1913.

H/T to Planet Transgender

Word of the Gay: "Genderfluid"

"Genderfluid" is the dynamic mix of male and female attributes that make up ones gender identity. Some "genderfluid" people constantly display characteristics of both genders, while others feel and express themselves differently from time to time.

Diversity Lesson 101: Queer

Queer is a complicated and "radical" term that has been used disparagingly, an outside of the binary way of self-identifying, and an umbrella term to describe sexual/gender minorities.

Queer Historically Seen as an Insult:
The word Queer has typically and historically been used as an insult to gay men and lesbians, it is considered a synonym to "strange", "unusual", and "different" and has been on par with hateful rhetoric such as "faggot", "dyke", "shemale", and "he/she".

Reclamation of the Term by Sexual Liberation Movement:

The term has been reclaimed by sexual/gender minorities to be an umbrella term for people who are different from the heterosexual "norm", this term now encompasses those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Asexual, and Intersexual.

Queer as a Sexual/Gender Identity:

Queer is also a way for people to self-identify with regards to their sexual orientation or gender identity. People who are Queer may feel that sexuality is not just black or white but falls into shades of gray. They do not box themselves into categories such as gay, lesbian, or straight but see sexuality as lying on a continuum with varying degrees. Queer people often describe their sexual orientation as being "pansexual" and are open to males, females, transgender, and intersexual people. Hence, Queer as a sexual orientation is different than "bisexuality" which conveys an attraction to males and females and works within the gender binary system. Sexuality for many Queer identified people is seen as fluid and changes throughout their lifespan. Their interests, passions, and behaviors change with them as they grow as individuals.

Many Queer people also do not box themselves into the gender binary system of male or female. They feel that they are genderqueer and have masculine and feminine aspects to their personality and choose to embrace their gender identity/expression in various ways.

Web Spotlight: Androgyne Online

Androgyne Online is a place for people whose gender identity is both male and female, or neither. The site provides information, support, links of interest, articles and more.

"Equality For All Texans Support HB 538"

Texan House Bill 538 prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

The bill will incorporate sexual orientation and gender identity/expression into all existing labor code sections dealing with nondiscrimination, treating them equally with race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, or age.

Call your state representative directly and inform him/her know that as their constituent this bill is very important to you as well as why it is important. And ask your friends and family call their representatives.

Click here to find out who your State Representative is.

Crossposted via Planet Transgender.

Word of the Gay: "Zebra Stripe"

"Zebra Stripe" is a term describing an inborn trait or behavior that is consistent since a young age, such as sexual orientation and gender identity.

Diversity Lesson 101: GenderQueer/Intergender

We have talked extensively on the blog about how society has constructed a gender binary system of male and female, we are each expected to fit the roles of our biological sex. For the majority of people this is a non-issue and they conform well or closely to their aligned role. Some people who are intersexual do not have a clear biological sex, they are to some degree male and female internally, externally or both, and this can pose a dilemna for how they self-identify with regards to gender identity. The other group of people are transgender, they are biologically male or female but their identity does not match their body parts and so they seek to bring harmony between their mind and body through either living as or having elective surgery/hormones to bring their mind/body closer to their gender identity.

This brings us to the subject of Genderqueer AKA Third Gendered/Intergender, which has been gaining steam as a movement but also as an alternative label for self-identification. These are individuals who don't want to self-identify as male or female. Some identify more with one gender than the other but live a line of blurred gender. For example a muscular biological male who is athletic but feels comfortable putting make up on, would be an example of someone who is blurring the gender roles, or a womyn who seeks to wear a dress yet also take testosterone to develop more masculine features.

Individuals who self-identify as gender queer may consider themselves to be both male and female, androgynous, being neither male or female, or falling completely outside of the gender binary spectrum. Queer is a broad terminology that encompasses different identities and thus genderqueer can be a range of different gender identities in which people experience.

How do I deal with someone who is Genderqueer?
Please never presuppose someones gender if you are uncertain, it is better to ask how they feel comfortable with you referring to them as opposed to you putting a label on them. It can be a simple question of asking name and what pronouns they feel comfortable with.

Genderqueer Pronouns
Some genderqueer people may feel more comfortable being referred to by a more prominent gender role they seek such as he/his/him, or she/her, hers. Others however may prefer a gender neutral terminology such as "ze", "per", "zir", "sie" and "hir", "zhe", "hir", "zes" or singular "they" instead of her/his. Other individuals feel comfortable alternating between the masculine/feminine pronouns. There is not one clear cut answer since genderqueers as a group comprise of several gender identities and each person has their own unique variation.

What is their sexual orientation?
This is a common question. First, its important to note that sexual orientation and gender identity are completely seperate. You can be a butch female and be heterosexual, or an adrogynous bisexual. The way we express our gender is seperate from our sexual orientation, ex: take Ru Paul a famous drag queen who self-identifies as heterosexual. Intergender people may be straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, or asexual. Some genderqueer people prefer to see themselves as pansexuals which means they are open to all genders sexually. Thus someone who is pansexual would have no problem being in a relationship with someone who is male, female, genderqueer, or transgender.

Thank you for your openness on gender variant people and please seek to spread knowledge and love on the subject matter and on other issues of importance to the broader Queer community.

Below are some helpful links on/for the Genderqueer community:
http://www.genderqueerrevolution.com/

http://unitedgenders.org/

http://androgyne.0catch.com/

http://www.t-vox.org/index.php?title=Main_Page

Some YouTube videos on the subject:

Keep Up Pressure on APA Over the Gender Identity Task Force

The American Psychiatric Association is currently in the process of putting out their new Diagnostic Statistical Manual which deals with all aspects of psychiatric disorders and issues. Currently transgender people are unfairly labeled as having "Gender Identity Disorder" even though the research goes to show that this is not a disorder but yet a variation of the human condition. People on the task force such as Dr. Kenneth Zucker are advocates of "reparative therapy" and are promoting the notion that gender variance is a mental illness.

Please contact the APA about this and demand trans-friendly and LGBT friendly individuals be put on the panel discussing Gender Identity.

Call Toll-Free: 1-888-35-PSYCH

Click here to email officials at the APA