Sometimes it is too easy to think about LGBT issues only in adult terms. The reality is that the number of kids needing equality and civil rights protections is growing very, very rapidly. Recently I was at a conference about transgender health. The conference focused on medical, emotional, social, and spiritual health. The first day of the conference was for providers of care for these health concerns. That day I spoke to over 45 transgender pastors, priests, rabbis and other faith leaders. The second day was for the whole community. I was very deeply moved to see scores of parents in attendance with their transgender children. The “kids” ranged from 6 or 7 up through early 20’s. It was powerful and moving to see so many supportive parents.

This is not always the case. Recent research in both Detroit and New York City revealed that about 40% of the homeless youth are LGBT kids that have been thrown out of their homes or felt they needed to run away for their own well-being. They are on the streets because there are very few places that will take them in. It is a sad, hard and dangerous way to live.

The problems for kids are growing because kids are coming out sooner and sooner. Whereas the coming out age for most gay “kids” used to be college age, it is now middle school. I serve on boards for both PFLAG – [Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (and also Transgender!] and TYFA (Trans Youth Family Allies). Both groups are experiencing significant growth in their work. TYFA has already this year come alongside over 150 families with kids – most under 12 years old – who are transitioning in their gender presentation at school and home. Media coverage, legislative actions, and growing training for medical, counseling, and social work professionals are all contributing to this boom in out LGBT kids.

Unfortunately more kids out does not always translate into greater safety. LGBT kids in Michigan are increasingly subject to bullying behavior ranging from harassment to physical assault. This increase has had a dramatic negative impact on academic performance as well as general well-being. Whether or not the state legislators pass a meaningful anti-bullying bill this year, we all need to help watch out for our younger LGBT brothers and sisters. Please make sure your local school district is clear in its language and procedures for protecting all kids, including LGBT kids, in school. No child should have to fear for their safety in school. Talk with counselors, join a local PFLAG group, and contribute to organizations like Michigan Equality that are seeking to make a difference. As always, please contact us if we can be of help.

Basic LGBT equality and civil rights are all about kids too.

June is Pride Month, especially more so with a Presidential proclamation making June 2009 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. In his proclamation President Obama recalled the events of June 1969 at Stonewall that are often seen as the beginning of the Pride movement. But why, “Pride”?

One reason we use the word “Pride” is that it is the opposite of shame. Shame has been used by police, families, and religions seeking to dehumanize and marginalize LGBT people. By being out and proud, we make it clear that we will not be shamed.

Another reason for using the word “Pride” is that we want to advocate for the same rights as others and proudly seek freedom from discrimination and hate acts. We are proud of our place in society and want to be treated with the dignity and respect that we deserve. As President Obama noted in his proclamation, “LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities.”

One Pride symbol is the rainbow flag. It was popularized in 1978 in San Francisco as a reminder of the rich diversity of our community. Part of what Pride is about is proudly honoring one another. We are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and much more. Pride events celebrate not only the rich diversity of LGBT but also much more including those that identify as queer or questioning and even our diversity-challenged straight allies. The rainbow flag is meant to symbolize that inclusion. The colors were also designed to symbolize: life (red), healing (orange), sunlight (yellow), nature (green), harmony (blue), and spirit (purple/violet). So on sunny (hopefully) June days, we are out in nature in a day of harmony celebrating our healing from past hurts, our resilient spirits, and life itself.

Pride events are also political events. We gather together to express our common commitment to political equality in the workplace and in our communities. We seek inclusion in places where we have been excluded and we celebrate love and our commitment to achieve marriage equality.

That’s a beginning of an answer to “Why Pride?” I am sure that you can think of many other dimensions to the pride we celebrate. I hope you can participate proudly in a Pride event near you this month. I especially want to invite you Michigan Pride in Lansing and our rally on the steps of the Capitol. Be loud and proud and take a moment to introduce yourself.

Proudly Yours,
Julie

P.S.
For those planning on participating in the commitment ceremony on the Capitol steps or in a separate ceremony, please register at http://www.michiganpride.org/Events/CommitmentCeremony.aspx  . It helps with the planning. Thanks!

Intersecting Consequences: The Fight Beyond Marriage

Michigan Equality welcomes Ms. Crystallee R. Crain as our featured Equal Speak Guest Blogger.

On Tuesday, May 26, 2009, the California Supreme Court denied homosexuals the rights to recognized as equal citizens. Proposition 8 has been upheld by the courts but they have promised to keep the 18,000 marriages granted before ballot measure passed in November.

In comparison to their heterosexual counterparts, LGBT people have to fight daily for their rights and recognition of the equality our federal and state constitutions have promised.  This decision puts a stain on the California state constitution and on the United States by altering the meaning of equal rights and equality. These types of decisions are being made at the expense of peoples lives and families. It should be a reminder to all of us who believe that our small victories thus far have been a sign or a symbol of progress. We should be proud of what has been done thus far, but we are far from a victory dance.

Upholding the Prop 8 decision proves once again that people, especially minorities, are not protected by their own Constitution. The Constitution that has a mandate of equality is losing weight over time. What kind of world are we creating when a fickle majority can take away the rights of a minority group? Who is next?

The question of equal protection within an individual state or the federal Constitution is an issue our country has battled with for decades. We live in a nation where LGBT individuals have no choice in legal protection for a long term commitment with any partner.

For me, the issue doesn’t just stop with marriage. This goes deeper than that. This is an issue of rights and protecting ourselves from individuals and organizations that do not want certain types of people obtaining equal rights in society. This mens LGBT people, people of color, women and any other group in society that rattles the white, able-bodied heterosexual majority.

I believe that marriage is the beginning of a battle for rights that people of color, LGBT folks, disabled individuals, women and other so-called minorities will have to fight. Whether it’s the right to marry or the right to adopt – I see the concept of rights diminishing before our eyes.

Looking forward, in California, we can see a potential ballot measure in 2010 to overturn the marriage amendment.  I urge other states around the country to follow suit. Michigan has an opportunity to do so with the potential changes being debated for a new Constitution. Critics on both sides see the potential for further damage to be done to the rights and laws put in place. However, we cannot let fear stop us from taking proactive steps to create the just and equal living conditions we debate about each day.

Perhaps in 2010 Michigan’s equality advocates, young people, lawyers and politicians will be organized enough to make strides in our own constitutional change – constitutional change that will demand equality.  For now, Lambda Legal is working to implement a California Marriage Watch program to help protect the approximately 18,000 married couples in California from being discriminated against.

In 1967 a similar battle over marriage equality was fought over interracial marriage, particularly among blacks and whites in the United States. Then, like now, the lesson to be learned lies within the question of morality, equality and the just practice of our constitutional rights.

Either fight for marriage equality (among others) could be narrowly named as just related to racial and a bias against those with a varying sexual or attractional preferences. This wouldn’t be doing justice to the victories we have had and this perspective is far too narrow for our intersecting experiences, past and present.

What can you do to help win the fight?

• VOLUNTEER for a pro-equality organization
• DONATE to an organization that has made marriage equality a priority
• JOIN a social networking group and invite your friends to become part of the movement
• SPEAK your truth – tell everyone you know that you support marriage equality
• BE VISIBLE at pro-equality events like Michigan Pride

Crystallee R. Crain
Activist, Advocate & Educator

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Crystallee R. Crain is a doctoral candidate in the Transformative Studies Department at the California Institute of Integral Studies and is writing her dissertation on the intersections of race, attractionality and gender for African American Lesbian and Bi-attractional women.Ms. Crain recently finished a Visiting Instructor position in the Social Sciences division at Lake Superior State University where she hosted a Michigan Equality Community Forum. Ms. Crain is a board member of SPICE and has worked closely with a variety of LGBT organizations in Michigan.

Michigan Equality is in strong support of marriage equality and we believe it can even happen here in Michigan. In a 60-minute interview with David Meitzler, Executive Producer of Closets Are For Clothes, I shared my thoughts on marriage equality coming to Michigan as early as 2012. (That’s me with that big thing in front of my face!). The show can be heard at wcbn.org, the website of 88.3 FM in Ann Arbor. The show is also available on iTunes (free Podcast).

One of my reasons for believing that marriage equality can reach Michigan is the tremendous momentum around the country. While the expected negative decision of the California Supreme Court could slow down some of that momentum, it won’t take it away. By the end of the summer, eight or more states may have torn down the barriers for gay and lesbian couples to enjoy the same marriage opportunities as the rest of the citizens of their states. It’s interesting to note that the whole civil union argument is rarely being voiced. Perhaps we have finally learned that “separate but equal” really means separate and not equal.

Another reason for my optimism is that the demographics are rapidly changing. While some older voters are changing their minds and joining the ranks of marriage proponents, it is the newest and youngest voters that are rapidly changing the face of American politics. They not only value diversity and inclusion, they are passionate about making it happen. If marriage equality does not come to Michigan by 2012, it won’t be long after that.

Let me be clear though, that bringing marriage equality to Michigan will take lots and lots of work. Michigan Equality and other organizations will need to work together to craft language for a voter referendum. Nearly 500,000 petition signatures will be needed to put the measure on the ballot. There will be the need for thousands of volunteers to go door-to-door and make the phone calls that get LGBT supportive voters to the polls.

Then there will be the need for money. A lot of money will be needed to offset the millions that our opponents will invest to deny LGBT people equal protection and opportunity under the law and to keep us from simply enjoying one of life’s greatest pleasures. In these tough economic times, getting the money to make it happen may be our biggest challenge. I hope you will consider a gift of whatever amount you can afford to help Michigan Equality make my optimism a reality.

Before my next blog, Joanne and I will have celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary. I hope and pray that many of Michigan Equality’s friends will soon be able to begin a legal life together in Michigan. The celebrations are worth looking forward to.

You’re Invited!

We would love to have you join Michelle and I for the All-American Lobby Day on Wednesday, May 13th. We will start at 9am at Teamsters Hall (Local 580), located at 5800 Executive Drive, Lansing, MI. Mark Brewer, longest serving Michigan Democratic Chair since the 1950’s and the senior Democratic state party chair in the country, will be providing some lobbying training in the morning. Michigan Equality will provide lunch following our meeting with Senator Glenn Anderson, the bill’s sponsor. During the day, we will be visiting our state Senators to urge them to support Michigan Senate Bill 1059. This bill seeks to bring protection to students that are often targeted for bullying or harassment. We are also encouraging those that have the time, to visit their representatives and urge them to support a similar anti-bullying bill in the House of Representatives.

The All-American Lobby Day is for everyone concerned about the safety of our kids in school. The event is sponsored by the Michigan Democratic Party’s LGBT and Allies Caucus and is endorsed by Michigan Equality. Other endorsing groups include Disability Advocates of Kent County, Project Light, Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center, PFLAG of Southwest Michigan, Human Rights Campaign, Order of St John the Beloved, Michigan Democratic Party’s Youth Caucus, University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) Democrats, American Family Committee, College Democrats of Michigan, National Organization for Women’s Michigan Chapter, Michigan Education Association, Michigan Indo American Democratic Caucus, National Center for Transgender Equality, Trevor Project (the national LGBT crisis hotline),Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality, Washtenaw County Democratic Party, the Eastern Washtenaw Unified Democratic, the Michigan Associates of Black Ministers, and Michigan Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network. U.S. Congressman John Conyers, sponsor of the Hate Crimes bill recently passed in the House, also has strongly endorsed both the bill and the lobby day.

Here’s what you can do to help:

1. Plan on coming and bring a friend.
2. Email me if you want to be included in lunch (jnemecek@michiganequality.org).
3. Contact your Senator and Representative to make an appointment.
4. If you can’t come, write or call your Senator and Representative to voice your strong support for SB 1059 and similar legislation in the house.

Michigan Equality is not opposed to other bills that seek to make our schools safer, but we believe this is the best bill currently being offered. We believe this because while it gives local control to schools for the development of safe school policies, it also provides clear guidelines. The bill does not criminalize bullying (except for the commission of acts that are already criminal). The bill enumerates well the kinds of differences that typically make students targets for bullying. These include, bullying based on religion, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, and weight. The bill also requires that policies be adopted by local schools by the end of this year. Michigan Equality is solidly behind this bill.

Hate Crimes Update

The U.S. Senate Hate Crimes bill is likely to be voted on before the July 4th break. Michigan’s U.S. Senators are solidly in support of this legislation. Word on The Hill is that the bill is “very likely” to pass.

Maine Too

In adding Maine to the growing list of states affirming the legal validity of gay marriage, this is what Governor Baldacci had to say: “In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions, I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.”

“Article I in the Maine Constitution states that ‘no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor be denied the equal protection of the laws, nor be denied the enjoyment of that person’s civil rights or be discriminated against.’”

“This new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs. It does not require the church to perform any ceremony with which it disagrees. Instead, it reaffirms the separation of Church and State.”

Desmond & Me

As you can see from the picture, I had the great pleasure to meet a hero of mine, Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. I was part of a small reception (45-50) and took the opportunity to thank him for the work he has done in affirming LGBT people as children of God. He made it very clear that he believes that God is on the side of gay and transgender people. His words about LGBT people express better than I ever could a perspective with which I heartily agree:

“For me, I can’t imagine the Lord that I worship, this Jesus Christ, actually concurring with the persecution of a minority that is already being persecuted. The Jesus who I worship is a Jesus who was forever on the side of those who were being clobbered, and he got into trouble precisely because of that. I think God is weeping. He is weeping that we should be spending so much energy, time, resources on this subject at a time when the world is aching.”

“I am humbled and honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who seek to end this egregious wrong inflicted on God’s children.”

A Sweet Note (Grab Kleenex if you tear-up easily)

What follows is a note that Michelle and I received this week. It came on Michigan 4-H Capitol Experience letterhead in response to our meeting at The Capitol with a group of 4-H high school students wanting to learn more about the issues LGBT people face.

Dear Julie & Michelle,

I would like to thank you for sharing your stories with us. To be
perfectly honest, I was afraid because I had never met anyone that
was gay or transgender before. I have always believed in equal rights
for everyone, but now I want to fight for it. No matter who you love,
everyone has a right to be happy. Again, I would like to thank you for
taking the teach us about the injustices going on.

Sincerely,

Olivia

Julie Nemecek
Michigan Equality Co-Director

Dear Julie Powers,

Greetings from the Upper Peninsula…  the upper Upper Peninsula. I’m writing this morning from Houghton; the end of our UP Listening Tour. Yes, there is still snow on the ground in places…  as much as 3 – 4 feet in some shaded areas. The drive up involved some snowflakes, dodging a few deer, and yielding to a slowly ambling bear that seemed to resent my intrusion onto his (her?) highway. The open waters of Lake Superior are clear, but some bays have ice floes and most inland lakes are still frozen over. As always, there is a beauty here that refreshes the mind and soul.

Michigan Equality’s Listening Tour began last week in Saginaw where I met with the Perceptions group and a few visitors…  about 30 in all. We had a very good dialogue. Many addressed the issues that are important to them and asked for Michigan Equality’s position on some legislative issues and what we were doing in other areas. I shared our work in local municipalities and townships in trying to enact inclusive civil rights ordinances so that the 80% of the Michigan population not currently covered by such ordinances can become a lower number.

On Wednesday of this week, I spoke to a standing room only crowd in a stadium style lecture hall at Lake Superior University. The numbers were padded by a couple of faculty members that gave extra credit for those that attended.   It was a very attentive crowd with good questions and comments. They were excited about Michigan Equality making the trip to listen and answer questions. Thanks Chrystalee and Derrick!

Last night I spoke to a much smaller group at Michigan Tech, here in Houghton. The group included more staff and faculty than students, but they were all very committed and wanted to know what they could do to bring change to their school and their community. I spent almost two hours strategizing with them; planning steps for greater inclusion. Thanks Rachel!

Like most areas in the world, the LGBT population of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is about 6 – 10% of the total population (depending who is counting and how they count!). A major issue here, though, is the perceived need of many – if not most – to remain closeted. Fears of harassment, discrimination, or worse make the LGBT community seem smaller than it is. One faculty member said that 15 of her 195 students (from all her classes) have come out to her, but only a couple of students are out to their classmates. In my remarks, I encouraged students to be as out as they felt they could be without endangering their lives. The more people see and hear LGBT people, the greater opportunity for understanding and support.

One mom brought her 14-year old to talk with me after my Sault Ste. Marie meeting. The young girl told me about a friend who was out as bisexual and the unrelenting hazing and harassment she has to deal with. The faculty stands idly by with one teacher telling the student, “There’s nothing we can do.”  While I did talk with the young woman and her mom about ways they could address this problem, that attitude and inaction have to change. That is what Michigan Equality is all about. Our Listening Tour is helping us see regional issues and needs as well as a clearer view of the big picture in Michigan. Your help is greatly appreciated and we hope you will continue to give what you can to bring about real and lasting change for LGBT people in Michigan.

Next week, I will be in Washington D.C. to lobby in support of legislation that will bring some of this equality for Michigan…  even if our own legislators won’t. We are doing, and will keep doing, what we can to advance Michigan equality.

Watch for announcements about a Listening Tour stop near you and come and say “hi”.

Moving forward for all of us,

Julie Nemecek
Co-Director

In recognition of the National Day of Silence, there will be no Equal Speak today.  Instead, we encourage you to go to Rainbow Mittens to join the discussion about LGBT rights in Michigan.

I have listened to public radio most of my life. When we did not have a television, and sometimes when we did but were a bit too energetic, my mother would sit us down in the living room, turn on the radio and say “listen and learn something.”  This great listening habit has stuck with me. No matter where I live, work or travel if there’s a radio – or internet access  – you will find me listening to National Public Radio.

I sit in the car to hear the end of news stories, talk back to the radio, pull over to call in to different shows and begin many a conversation with “I heard on NPR…”  “Fresh Air”, “The Diane Rehm Show”, “Morning Edition”, “All Things Considered”, “This American Life”,  “BBC World Service”, “Science Friday” even “Car Talk”, are more than just radio programs. They are my windows to the world introducing me to other cultures, diverse viewpoints, great books and culture which impact my daily life.

So each year I fulfill my pledge to public radio at whatever amount I am financially able to contribute at both during the fall and spring membership drives. This spring drive was no different except perhaps my way of giving. Instead of answering the call of Jack Lessenberry, Tamar Charney or Charity Nebbe during  a pledge match frenzy, I went to the website and made my pledge.  Although like most non-profit endeavors MPR/NPR receives funding from corporations and foundations, 45% of the programming is membership supported.

I am not a passive member.  I am a stakeholder, an engaged member who has become a better activist and citizen because I am an informed listener.  Why do I support Michigan Public Radio? Because membership matters to me!  Now when not watching television, I find myself sitting in the living room looking at a computer screen, checking my e-mail and “reading to learn something.”

Like MPR/NPR , many have come to rely upon Michigan Equality for action alerts, in depth analysis of court actions and representation at the capital. We know Michigan Equality is our face in the progressive community helping build coalitions, collaboration and understanding amongst Michigan’s diverse population.

Like MPR/NPR, We, Michigan Equality, are always on providing the same level of services to the LGBT community whether an ME donor/member or not. We are dedicated to building and using political power to promote equality and eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.  But most importantly Michigan Equality is here for YOU!!

With the launch of our statewide community listening forums this month, we invite you to become a stakeholder, an engaged member and a bigger voice in the future of OUR LGBT Community.  We are also planning a celebration of the “Iowa Decision” in the next week, participating in the TransGender Panel at Affirmations Community Center on April 6th, holding a community listening forum in Saginaw on April 16th, sponsoring a screening of “MILK” at Michigan State on April 16th, planning for the PRIDE Rally on the Capitol steps on June 13th – and much, much more.

Monday April 13, 2009 we are officially kicking off Michigan Equality’s First Spring Membership Drive.  From now through June 12th our board members, volunteers, staff and other “Equality Heroes” will be reaching out in person, on phone and online to recruit you for membership with Michigan Equality.

Michigan Equality Members enjoy a variety of benefits including invitations to unique LGBT events, regular policy and political updates on issues/legislation impacting our lives. Most importantly members are stakeholders whose voice WILL be heard as we chart the future for Michigan’s LGBT Community.

During Michigan Equality’s First Spring Membership Drive, membership levels are based on a sliding scale based on your ability to give. The first 100 members during this drive will be recognized at the Pre-Pride Party on June 12th and have their names posted to the Equality Heroes – Hall of Fame which will be proudly displayed in our office at 201 N. Washington Square.

Although Michigan Equality receives some funding from foundations and corporations, like public radio – our most important support comes from our community. You keep us focused. You call us to task. You keep us honest. You give us hope. You are Michigan Equality.

For more information about membership, please call (517)484-5120 or email Julie Powers, Dr. Julie Nemecek or Michelle Brown.

Does equality matter to you? Do you want to be a voice in the future of the LGBT community in Michigan? Join Michigan Equality today!

Michelle E. Brown
Co-Director

By some accounts, the LGBT community has created a gigantic chasm right down the middle of the state that may soon swallow up at least three of the Great Lakes. Okay, I made up the Great Lakes stuff, but some of the voices have rhetoric that comes pretty close to that kind of hyperbole. It’s not a chasm; it’s a conversation.

The LGBT community in Michigan is like a family. A healthy family occasionally has disagreements and voices them; sometimes even harshly. A dysfunctional family tries to sweep differences under the rug. For years, our community lived in fear that if someone, somewhere voiced any differing opinion or perspective from what the loud voices were saying, our whole community would shatter . . . like some great glass house in a gigantic hail storm. With many voices now willingly expressing their organization’s view or even their personal view, we are finding that we are stronger and healthier than we thought.

The Founding Fathers of our country were a diverse group of people with many diverse opinions, but one common goal (sound familiar?). They took the richness of their diversity and used reasoned discourse to produce documents like our Declaration of Independence (affirming our God-given right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”) and The Constitution which have both stood the test of time well. I think we are at the beginning of that reasoned discourse in Michigan and I believe it will produce very positive results that will also stand the test of time.

I love my LGBT family or as one friend calls it: “framily” (the friends and family that are your real family). Joanne and I have found a loving framily that has expanded our friends and family. We lost some friends and family in our coming out but the new framily is “way better”. We are at home and we love it. That doesn’t mean we will always agree with everything every family member does or says. I’m thinking, for example, of some Pride Parade costumes I have seen. I shudder, but then move on. They’re family.

On Monday night, Michelle and I were at the Kalamazoo Community Forum for that city’s efforts to include sexual orientation and gender identity in the protected categories of that city’s non-discrimination ordinance. The opposition had a woman give a 20-minute “speech” filled with the usual misinformation (a kind word for lies), fear-mongering, and religion-cloaked hate. During her talk, there was a PowerPoint showing some of the more excessive Pride Parade photos from around the country. (I was wondering how long it took her to sort through hundreds of photos to find the ones she liked and then thought she must have had way too much fun doing it!) During the open microphone time, most of the opposition used tired old misunderstandings and misinterpretations of 0.06% of the Bible to make their point. One Portage, 16-year old talked about his petitions efforts apparently unaware that, under the law, he was both too young and from the wrong city to do so. One even talked about the proposed resolution paving the way for bestiality and pedophilia. I just shook my head at the ridiculous nature of their “arguments”.

In contrast, those supporting the resolution generally (calling someone a “homophobe” even if they are, does little to help the argument) gave a reasoned discourse for their support. An area minister spoke out about this resolution being a very apt application of Christian theology and love and had at least ten other Kalamazoo ministers stand in support. Another speaker talked about all the medical, psychological, and sociological research which supported the resolution. Straight allies, gays, lesbians, and transgender people all gave reasoned personal accounts of why this ordinance is so important - and necessary - to them; one after another until 11:45 PM.

One transgender story, talking about the pain and depression a trans man endured, hit a little too close to home and tears began to fall. I was sitting next to a new friend in my LGBT family; Alicia Skillman the Executive Director of Triangle Foundation. She reached over and put her hand on me in comfort. That’s the family I’m so happy and proud to be part of.