Today’s guest blogger is Sarah Trew, one of Michigan Equality’s summer interns.

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Sarah Trew. Over the past few months, I have been behind the scenes at Michigan Equality, helping out with a variety of things from events to data entry. For some this may sound like any garden-variety internship, but believe me, it wasn’t. While working for Michigan Equality, I gained many valuable experiences, some professional, others personal, and a sense of empowerment that would not have been accessible elsewhere.

On my first visit to Lansing to discuss the specifics of my internship I was needless to say, nervous, but once I arrived I found myself in a very comfortable atmosphere. After outlining what my job would entail, I realized that this was my chance to make a change to my world. As a college student fresh out of her sophomore year, feeling completely exhausted from the previous semester and unsure about the future, I took this opportunity to step away from my worries for a short time.

My most memorable experience from this summer was without a doubt Michigan Pride in Lansing. I found myself in an atmosphere of complete acceptance. It was refreshing to be an environment where LGBTQ couples where able to be out and open and express their love for each other freely. If only our entire world could be this way! When I first began my internship at Michigan Equality this summer, I felt like I would have very little impact. This thought was completely removed from my mind by the end of the summer when I realized that I, a 20-year-old intern, could indeed have a great impact on my environment. I feel that this should be our goal as a community, and as a society in general. However, this goal cannot be accomplished single-handedly. The only way for us to accomplish this daunting, yet entirely attainable goal is to join together in our pursuits.

In conclusion I would like to thank you all for your help, support, and time this summer. Whether you volunteered at one of our events or just kept yourself updated on current issues, all of us here at Michigan Equality are very grateful for your interest and contributions. I hope to see you around when I return periodically throughout the year.

All the best, Sarah Trew Michigan Equality Intern Summer 2009

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Please welcome guest blogger, Ms. Bridie M. Johnson!

Even though our community has had some gains nationally, we have also had some setbacks. We in Michigan face tough times economically and in our daily lives. From reports last summer, we know that hate crimes have increased in Michigan. The economy makes us uncertain.

At the same time, we have hope for the future: our next generation of LGBT leaders, our youth. I direct youth programs at one of only three LBGTQ youth homeless social service agencies in the country. I work with youth that are at risk or currently homeless due to abandonment or rejection because of being LBGTQ. They may also be abused/neglected wards and/or considered by mainstream society to be juvenile delinquents. Each day I see the faces of potential leaders, but their future/our future is at risk.

We need to make sure young LGBTQ youth move safely through adolescence and have strong families to prepare them to encounter a world that can be violent and discriminating just because of who we are. As LGBT adults we urge young people to be out, but we need to make sure we are there for them when we do. And all children need to have a secure family environment in which to grow.

How do we do this? First, we are working to ensure that LGBT youth have a safer school environment. Second, we must ensure that all children can have the opportunity to have a loving family and legally recognized parent child relationship. We need to advocate for second parent adoption. Finally, we need to work for not only second parent adoption to be in place, but we need true equality in the formation of a family-marriage equality.

The next generation is our hope, but we need to make sure they grow up to be leaders in an environment that secure, safe and affirming. That work begins today, not tomorrow. Join us in building the future now.

Bridie M. Johnson, MSW joined Michigan Equality’s Board of Directors in June 2009. She is the Director of Programs at the Ruth Ellis Center in Highland Park, MI. One of only three similar agencies in the nation, the Ruth Ellis Center provides long-term and short-term safe space for run away, homeless, and at risk Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, questioning youth and young adults of all sexual orientations in Detroit and Southeastern Michigan.

Ruth Ellis, an African-American LGBT civil rights advocate who, since 1915, had fought for the rights and equality of the LGBT community and African-Americans in the United States. In her honor, The Ruth Ellis Center was founded in Detroit, Michigan. For more information about the Center visit www.ruthelliscenter.org.

Late yesterday was a very historic moment for our country and our LGBT community. It was the first time that both houses of Congress passed a bill that included “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” in the language of a bill. The specific bill is the hate crimes bill (sometimes called the Matthew Shephard Hate Crimes Prevention Act). Among other things, the bill identifies acts of violence committed against people because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity as hate crimes. Once the bill becomes law, it means that if a local law enforcemen t agency is unable or unwilling to prosecute a hate crime, the federal government can come in and assist or even take over the case. This bill is an important first step in reducing the violence against people in the LGBT community.

Having lobbied in Washington, D.C. for the passage of the House version of this legislation, I have a personal interest in this bill becoming law. It’s not law yet. The Senate version was attached to a defense appropriations bill that is very likely to pass the Senate within the next week. The House and Senate appropriations bills than must be reconciled in a committee of members from both houses. The house Hate Crimes Bill was passed separately and is not in the House version of the appropriations bill. It is important to call your Senators and Representative to urge their colleagues involved in the reconciling process to keep the Hate Crimes Bill in the reconciled legislation.

It is also important to call the White House. While President Obama has indicated he would sign the Hate Crimes Bill, there are some items in the Senate defense appropriations bill that might cause him to veto the legislation.

Please take a few moments to call or email The White House and your congressmen to express your strong support for this bill. Many who believe hate crimes against gay, lesbian, and transgender people are okay are already calling and/or emailing. Your voice is very important.

Thanks for your continued support and unity with Michigan Equality.

All the best,
Julie Nemecek, Co-Director

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