Houston Memorial for Myra Ical Hosted by Transgender Foundation of America

A public memorial and candlelight vigil will be held by the Transgender Foundation of America on Monday, January 25 at 6 pm to honor Myra Ical, a trans woman whose body was found last Monday in the 4300 block of Garrott St near Richmond Avenue.

The memorial will include two moments of silence, one for Ms. Ical and another for other transgender Houstonians who have been murdered whose crimes remain unsolved, as well as a moment of noise-making to recognize that it is silence that allows the perpetrators of crime to go unpunished.

Houston Police have no leads in the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Transgender Foundation of America at 713-520-8586.

Monday, January 25, 2010
6:00pm - 6:30pm
Vacant Lot at Garrott St and Richmond Ave
4300 Richmond St
Houston, TX

Crossposted via Planetransgender.

Houston Mayor Proclaims Trans Day

Houston Texas Mayor Bill White has proclaimed July 25th "Transgender Center Day" in honor of the organizations first year anniversary.

The daylong event included a barbecue, socializing, networking, and a brief program that was attended by local politicians and a state representative, who presented the center with proclamations and certificates.

The Transgender Center, one of the first of its kind in the country, has become a face for the trans community beyond Houston, advancing trans causes and issues in the state. It offers many services for trans people including support groups, workshops, health care, housing referrals, and community events (Advocate).

This is the kind of change and leadership we want to see from our elected officials.

Write, call, or email the Mayor to thank him for his bold and encouraging move.

Mayor Bill White
City of Houston
P.O. Box 1562
Houston, TX 77251

Phone: 713.837.0311
mayor@cityofhouston.net

HB 1323 Stop the Bullying in Texas

Representative Strama's anti-bullying bill (HB 1323) may be coming up for a vote in the Texas House of Representatives this week.

Help protect Texas children from bullying, by urging legislators to support this bill.

Texas Virtual Lobby Day

Today is Texas Virtual Lobby Day and it is an opportunity to send email to your legislative representatives. The following is a list of bills provided by Planet Transgender that you can and should bring up in your conversations.

• Non-Discrimination: HB 197 Relating to the prohibition of employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression By Rep. Roberto Alonzo and
  
• HB 538 by Rep. Mike Villarreal, because putting an end to discrimination in a state that values hard work and individual effort is simply the right thing.
• Safe Schools for All Students - HB 1323 by Rep. Mark Strama, because Texas should provide a safe learning environment for all students.
• Hate Crimes Act Enforcement - HB 616 by Rep. Marc Veasey, because it is time to look at the James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act.
• Hospital Visitation & Medical Decision Making - HB 353 by Rep. Eddie Rodriguez and HB 1455 by Rep. Donna Howard.
• Competitive Insurance Benefits - HB 861 by Rep. Elliott Naishtat.

Click here to send a letter your state senator and representative

Texas Independence Lobby Day March 2nd

Don't miss this opportunity to share your concerns and your lives face-to-face with the Texas lawmakers elected to represent you.

Opening Welcome Reception on Sunday, March 1st from 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Doubletree Hotel Austin - University Area, located at 1617 North IH-35
Cash bar and free hors d'oeuvres

Lobby Day Schedule on Monday, March 2nd

8am – 9am Breakfast & Registration (TBA)
9am - 10am Group photo & Press conference (Capitol South Steps)
10am – 11am Lobby Training (Capitol Extension Auditorium E1.004)
11am – 12pm Team Lobby Visits (Assigned Capitol offices)
12pm – 1pm Lunch (provided); Capitol City Men's Chorus Performance (Capitol Rotunda)
1pm – 2pm Team Lobby Visits/Lobby Your Legislator (Assigned Capitol offices)
2pm – 3pm Thank you letters/debrief (Capitol Extension Auditorium E1.004)
Host Hotel

Doubletree Hotel Austin - University Area, located at 1617 North IH-35
Special room rate of $109, plus local taxes
Queen/Queen, or King. Free Wi-Fi
For reservations, call 512-479-4000; Specify "Equality Texas Discount Rate"

Date: 3/2/2009 from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (Central Time)

Hosted By: Equality Texas
Lindsay Marsh, Field Organizer
Lindsay@EqualityTexas.org
512-474-5475

Crossposted via Planet Transgender.