Dallas LGBT's to Protest ExxonMobil Gas Stations

Texas activists from GetEQUAL plan protests outside three ExxonMobil stations in Dallas on Friday, May 14. The company refuses to add sexual orientation and gender identity to it's non-discrimination policy. Exxon acquired Mobil ten years ago and removed LGBT protections, stripping partner benefits and non-discrimination policy language.

The company get a zero from the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index.

The rallies will take place outside ExxonMobil stations at 3716 Maple Ave, 4239 Lemmon Ave. and 2503 Lemmon Ave. in Dallas, Texas.

Austin March Against Hate 2/27

Citizens of Austin Texas will be holding a rally this Saturday in response to the attack on Matt Morgan and Emmanuel Winston. The two men are part of a gay softball team and were attacked by four men shouting anti-gay slurs after leaving a bar dressed in their jerseys.

'Austin March Against Hate’
Saturday February 27th at 2pm.
March from Oilcan Harry’s at 211 West 4th St. to City Hall.

*Participants encouraged to wear their jerseys if they belong a local gay team, and the softball teams 'Shady Ladies' jerseys will also be sold to show support.

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

Gay Men Face Discrimination Over Kiss in El Paso

A group of gay men are claiming they were subject to unfair treatment at the Chico's Taco's restaurant chain in El Paso, Texas. Two of the men were kissing, and were told to leave by security guards.

The men reported this to local media:

"We went, sat down to eat our food and security guards came and said that if they kept doing that, they were going to throw us all out of the restaurant."

Carlos said he then asked them why? Their response, according to Carlos: "They said 'we didn't allow that gay stuff to go on here.'" (KVIA)

The restaurant has responded to the media with "no comment" and the All American International Security team stands by their two guards, claiming the men were loud.

The two men proceeded to seek help from the police department who responded that:

"It was against the law for two males and two females to kiss in public, that they could cite us for homosexual activity." (KVIA)

While the anti-gay law does remain on the books, it has been struck down in 2003 and no longer enforced. The police department maintains that the new officer misinterepreted the law.

Demand that Chico's Taco's and the AAIS apologize for this incident and implement a program to train their employees to respect diversity training inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Chico's Taco's
4230 Alameda Ave
El Paso, TX 79905
(915) 533-0975

All American International Security
915-778-9880
P.O. Box 27109; El Paso, Texas 79926-7109
info@bradfordsecurity.com

Candlelight Vigil Planned as Police Chief Floats 'Gay Panic' Defense in Violent Bar Raid in Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth police are being accused of harassment and brutality on the 40th anniversary of Stonewall.

The raid on the Rainbow Lounge bar in Fort Worth, Texas resulted in seven arrests for "public intoxication" and a massive head injury to one of the patrons of the bar.

"Monday, police chief Jeff Halstead said the officers' actions are being investigated. However, he also said that officers that entered the bar during the scheduled inspection were touched inappropriately. 'You're touched and advanced in certain ways by people inside the bar, that's offensive,' he said. 'I'm happy with the restraint used when they were contacted like that" (Towleroad).

Tonight, there is a candlelight vigil at 8:30 pm at the Rainbow Lounge (651 South Jennings Ave), where the raid occurred, in honor of injured victim Chad Gibson.

IF YOU LIVE IN FORT WORTH: Call Mayor Moncrief at 817.392.6118. Leave a message requesting to him to call for

Take action to let Fort Worth Municipal Officials know you demand a comprehensive investigation.

The Dallas Principles - Premable for LGBT Equality

On May 15-17, 2009 in Dallas, Texas twenty-four thinkers, activists, and donors gathered to discuss the immediate need for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender people in the United States. Collectively they prepared The Dallas Principles.

The following eight guiding principles underlie our call to action.

In order to achieve full civil rights now, we avow:

1.Full civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals must be enacted now. Delay and excuses are no longer acceptable.

2.We will not leave any part of our community behind.

3.Separate is never equal.

4.Religious beliefs are not a basis upon which to affirm or deny civil rights.

5.The establishment and guardianship of full civil rights is a non-partisan issue.

6.Individual involvement and grassroots action are paramount to success and must be encouraged.

7.Success is measured by the civil rights we all achieve, not by words, access or money raised.

8.Those who seek our support are expected to commit to these principles.



Preamble:

President Obama and Congress pledged to lead America in a new direction that included civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. We now sit at a great moment in our history that inspires the nation to return to its highest ideals and greatest promise. We face a historic opportunity to obtain our full civil rights; this is the moment for change. No delay. No excuses.

Nearly forty years ago, a diverse group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people stood up to injustice at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. In doing so, they submitted themselves to bodily harm and criminal prosecution. Their demand was simple -- equal protection under the law.

Still today, full civil rights has eluded the same community that rioted forty years ago. Instead, untold sums of resources have been spent to divide our nation and turn our lives into a political football.

At several junctures in American history, the stars have aligned to deliver the promise of equal protection under the law to those previously denied. At this unique time in history, our nation must once again exercise the great tradition of making its people equal.

Justice has too long been delayed. A clear path toward full civil equality for the LGBT community is overdue and must come now.

Using fear and misunderstanding to justify discrimination is no longer acceptable in this nation. Those content with the way things are will be judged harshly by history. Those who do not actively advance these ideals or offer excuses will be judged just as harshly. Those who attempt to divide our community or to delay and deny action on civil equality, waiting for the right moment to arrive, will be held accountable.

We reject the idea that honoring the founding principles of our country is controversial. We believe in the inherent human dignity of all people. No longer will we submit our children, our family, our friends and ourselves as a political tool for any Party or ideology. A new day has arrived.

No Delay. No excuses. Learn more and take action at Dallas Principles.

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.

Union Bar Reaches Agreement with GLBT Community

Representatives from Union Bar and Lounge met with leaders from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community Monday after it was reported gays were denied entrance. They reached a resolution that actions that led to the perception of discrimination were unintended.

“Due to a miscommunication between management of Union Bar and Lounge and the door staff, we acknowledge that actions by the door staff caused an unintended perception of discriminatory actions towards the gay and lesbian community. We wholeheartedly did not want or intend for this to happen. We also acknowledge that this unintended action caused hurt and bad feeling within the gay and lesbian community towards Union Bar and it staff. We also extend this apology to all of our regular gay and lesbian customers who may have been hurt by this misunderstanding.”

“We deeply appreciate Union Bar and Lounge coming to us to clear up this incident,” said Kris Banks, president of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus. “We accept Union Bar’s explanation that miscommunication was at the heart of the problem. We understand that there was no discriminatory intent, but circumstances led to a strong perception that we were excluded because of our sexual orientation.’

“Our community is sensitive to discrimination, an understandable sentiment given the unfinished nature of our civil rights movement. Discrimination still exists, and should be addressed with legislation like House Bill 2215. We were happy to hear that the owners of Union Bar and Lounge are supporters of this legislation 100%."

“We are happy for resolution and call for the GLBT community to move on and continue working for equality. We urge the community to cease negative bombardment, especially highly inappropriate harassment and threats.”

The Union Bar and Lounge will continue to work with the GLBT community and intends to hold a fundraiser in the near future.

Crossposted via Planet Transgender.

Houston Bar Refuses To Admit Gays

The Union Bar Lounge in midtown Houston, Texas refused to serve nearly 100 gay patrons, leaving them to wait in the rain while the bar was empty and heterosexuals were being ushered inside.

Patrons started lining up at about 9:40 p.m. and were told to wait in line and not allowed inside, even as straight-appearing people were waved through. As the line grew and patrons waited in the rain, employees at the door told those who were that they were maintaining a “ratio.” Later, the bar employees simply indicated they had the right to refuse anyone.

“I was shocked to be a victim of that kind of discrimination in a city like Houston in 2009,” said Neal Falgoust, a Houston law student. “I have never experienced anything like that before in my life.”

A patron who arrived at the bar early reported that the bar was nearly empty at about 9:40 p.m., when gay people started arriving and were stopped at the door.

Gay people continued to line up to the street and around the corner as people who appeared to be straight went to the front and were ushered in. Kris Banks, who stood at the front of the line, said the bar employees were asking the women who were entering with men if the men were accompanying them. If the men were with the women, they were allowed in.

“I arrived and heard that they were not allowing gay men in, so when I got to the door with three women I asked if we would be allowed in, and the door employee said ‘I was told to keep you out,’ ” said Lindsey Dionne. “This was supposed to be a social event, but now it’s political.”

That this kind of discrimination is still legal in Houston makes it more outrageous. A coalition of GLBT rights groups, including the Houston GLBT Political Caucus, the Houston Stonewall Young Democrats, the Harris County Impact Houston and Amicus at South Texas College of Law said Saturday that the incident is proof of the necessity of legal protections for sexual orientation and gender identity for public accommodations.

“Houston is the only major city in Texas without a law that prevents this kind of discrimination,” said Jerry Simoneaux, GLBT civil rights lawyer. “This incident is exactly the reason Houston should implement such an ordinance.”

The event was organized as Houston’s first “Guerilla Gay Bar,” a tongue-in-cheek event that has been popular in other cities in which GLBT individuals come to traditionally straight bars to interact with other communities. Though Guerilla Gay Bars are usually a surprise event in other cities, Houston organizers informed the bar owner in advance out of courtesy and were told they would be welcomed (Capitol Annex).

The fact that the bar was told in advance that a large gay crowd was coming was not even necessary, since when does one need to RSVP to a bar? The bar said they would be welcome, and then decided to discriminate against them.

People are already leaving negative reviews on their yelp page.

2708 Bagby St
Houston, TX 77006
(281) 974-1916
info@unionbarhouston.com
www.unionbarhouston.com

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.

Queer LiberAction in Dallas Texas

Queer LiberAction will stage a queer kiss-in on Saturday, February 7 at noon. This will take place by the Dallas Museum of Art at Ross and Harwood in Downtown Dallas.

In addition be sure to attend the big 'Freedom to Marry Day' demonstration at 11:30 am on Thursday, February 12. The festivities will begin in Founder's Plaza outside the Records Building at 509 Main St.

Queer Liberaction
lgbtliberaction@gmail.com
214-679-6321
www.myspace.com/queerliberaction

H/T to Planet Transgender.

"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.

Dallas Trans Advocates Meeting With Bishop Robinson

"Openly gay Bishop Robinson will attend a "Transgender Conversation" with the Dallas Transgender Advocates, and Allies(DTAA) to share with us his wisdom and faith and to learn of the transgender struggle for equality."

November 22, 2008 from 1:00 until 2:00pm

Sheraton Dallas Hotel
Seminar Theater
400 North Olive Street · Dallas, Texas 75201 · United States

Contact;
Kelli Busey, Dallas Transgender Advocates and Allies (DTAA)
214-226-7080
kellibusey@yahoo.com
Planet Transgender

New GLBTQ Center Opens in El Paso Texas

Check out the new GLBTQ Center that has just opened in El Paso Texas! Sadly, with the good news comes bad news. With the grand opening of the center a homophobic attack and slur has already occurred in the lobby. A man came in and physically assaulted the center director and repeatedly used the term "faggot". The center director does not want the joy and celebration of the newly built center to be marred by the homophobia of one individual and hopes this just goes to show how desperate the community is for Queer centers.



http://www.elpasocenter.org/

Dallas, Texas Gay Bar Bans Drag Queens

"David Moore, co-owner of the Crews Inn, claims he can legally keep transgender people out of his gay bar on Fitzhugh Avenue in Dallas if their appearances don’t match their photo IDs.

A demonstration of solidarity from the community is planned for the 26th of July in front of Crews Inn at 10:00pm."

H/T to Planet Transgender for the story.