Microsoft Donates 100K to Approve R-71

The Microsoft corporation has demonstrated its continued commitment to gay rights even in the face of conservative backlash. The organization donated 100,000 dollars to approve referendum 71 in Washington state which would keep domestic partnership rights.

Thank Microsoft for continuing to being a corporate champion for equality:

Voice: 1-800-Microsoft (642-7676)
E-contact Feedback Form

Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052-6399
Attn: Customer Servic

Seattle LGBT Equality Weekend, October 10 - 11

Seattle OUTProtest has brought together a grassroots coalition of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and straight people and organizations to organize a series of solidarity events to coincide with the National March for Equality this October.

We are excited to build a grassroots movement for civil rights and equality for all, starting with approving Referendum 71 and keeping domestic partnerships legal. Please, plan to march with us in Seattle on October 11, 2009 at 2:00 pm.

March and Rally
Forty years after the Stonewall Rebellion, we march in solidarity with our brothers and sisters and allies in Washington, DC to demand equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states and to show our public support for the Approval of Referendum 71 here in Washington state.
Sunday, October 11
2:00 pm: Volunteer Park, 10th Ave E & E Prospect
5:00 pm: Rally, Federal Courthouse, 7th & Stewart

Thinking Queerly: Community Workshops on LGBT Issues
Community organizers and activists will present a series of workshops on a range of issues affecting the lgbt community including Stonewall and lgbt movement history, homelessness, hate crimes and self defense, lgbt health, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, lgbt legal issues, Gay-Straight Alliances, marriage equality, and more.
Saturday, October 10
9:30 am to 5 pm
Piggot Auditorium, Seattle University

HIV/AIDS Vigil
As the AIDS pandemic nears its fourth decade, we gather to educate and raise awareness about the continued struggles of people living with HIV/AIDS and their families, friends, and support networks as well as to demand all resources and all funding necessary for prevention, treatment, and a cure.
Saturday, October 10
Starting at 6 pm
Seattle Central Community College South Plaza, Broadway & E Pine

Generation Q Mega Mixer
Come mingle and mix with seasoned leaders and activists of the GLBTQ community at the Generation Q Mega Mixer. Young leaders (25 and under please) will have the opportunity to socialize, learn from, and quite possibly have a dance off with some of the community's most inspiring members in a relaxed social environment.
Sunday, October 11
6:30 pm
Sole Repair Shop, 1001 E Pike

Seattle LGBT Equality Weekend March & Rally
http://nationalmarch.seattleoutprotest.org/

Get involved with one of our planning committees! Contact for more time and details:
March/Rally Committee, March@seattleoutprotest.org
Workshops Committee, Workshops@seattleoutprotest.org
Outreach Committee, Outreach@seattleoutprotest.org
Mixer Committee, Mixer@seattleoutprotest.org
HIV/AIDS Vigil Committee, Vigil@seattleoutprotest.org

Biweekly General Organizing Meetings, please contact whitney@seattleoutprotest.org for time and location.

Crossposted via Seattle Indy Media.

National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance Conference in Seattle

The National Queer API Alliance will hold their conference in Seattle, Washington to connect community and build the capacity of local groups, invigorate grassroots organizing, train leaders, and challenge homophobia, racism, and anti-immigrant bias.

August 15, 2009 at the University of Washington HUB Ballroom, Seattle, WA. Open to the public!

Online registration has ended, but you can show up and register in person.

Organization Spotlight: Washington Families Standing Together

Washington Families Standing Together is a group formed to fight referendum 71 which would eliminate domestic partnership rights for same-sex couples. The website offers ways to take action, learn more, sign the petition and print handouts.

Washington Decline to Sign Referendum 71

There is a signature drive for referendum 71 to eliminate the Domestic Partnership Expansion Law of 2009 in Washington state. The new law gives many of the rights of marriage to same-sex couples, without changing the current state definition.

Oppponents of equal rights for LGBT people have phrased the question in a confusing fashion. If the referendum gets enough votes to make the ballot, LGBT people and allies would need to vote YES, because the referendum is not whether it should be repealed but whether it should be re-enacted.

Avoid the confusion, and steer clear from the anti-gay tactics of our opposition. Pledge now to decline to sign Referendum 71 and tell friends and family.

Petition for Marriage Rights in Washington State

A petition has been created by Equal Rights Washington urging lawmakers to adopt the domestic partnership expansion bill. The email also states that the freedom to marry is a basic human right and personal choice.

Send Washington lawmakers a message in support of full equality for same-sex couples.

Ding Dong the Witch is Getting an Honorary Degree?

Washington University in St. Louis is set to give an honorary degree to anti-gay, anti-feminist activist Ms. Phylis Schlafly at the graduation ceremony on May 16 in St. Louis, Mo.

Schlafly, founder of the Eagle Forum (a right-wing anti-Queer think tank) has been an opponent of LGBT rights and feminism. She has dedicated her life to being an anti-gay advocate pushing against equal rights legislation and Queer visibility within Washington U. her alma-matter.


Email the Washington University in St. Louis to let them know that having a bigot receive an honorary degree is inappropriate.

Click Here to take action on the issue!