Changes in Law for LGBT Californians

December 30, 2010
Equality California worked hard to sponsor four pieces of legislation that will help many LGBT Californians when they take effect this Saturday, January 1: Authored by Senator Mark Leno, SB 543 will allow LGBT youth to access mental health services without their parents' consent, ensuring they get the care that they need when they need it -- without having to come out to their parents first. Authored by Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal, AB 2199 repeals the reprehensible requirement that California seek the "causes and cures of homosexuality." Authored by Assemblymember Fiona Ma, AB 2700 will allow same-sex couples who are both domestic partners and married to dissolve their partnership and their marriage with the same process if they choose to separate. Authored by Assemblymember Hector De La Torre, AB 2055 will grant same-sex couples who are about to enter into a domestic partnership the same unemployment benefits as opposite-sex couples who are about to wed. We made a lot of progress in 2010, and with your help I know we can do the same in 2011. And we must. LGBT youth need us to make their lives better now.  More than 85 percent of them report harassment at school, and more than 33 percent of them report attempting suicide. 2011 will be the year that we make huge strides forward for LGBT youth. Equality California is sponsoring a bill in the new legislative session, authored by Sen. Leno, which will ensure all students learn about the contributions of LGBT people and the movement for LGBT rights in their social science classes. We're also sponsoring a bill to strengthen anti-bullying laws with Assemblymember Tom Ammiano. This work cannot happen quickly enough. But we need your help to do it. Make a year-end gift to help us build support for our pro-equality legislation. With your support and commitment, we can protect LGBT youth and advance the rights of all LGBT people. Please give today to support our work. The board and staff of Equality California are truly grateful for your support and wish you and your loved ones much happiness in the New Year. Jim Carroll Managing Director Equality California	Celebrate the Nation's First Transgender Judge Victoria Kolakowski will be sworn into the Alameda Superior Court on January 4, 2011, in downtown Oakland. Her campaign was endorsed by Equality California, and we worked hard to turn out our members to vote in her race. You are invited to attend her induction and to celebrate her historic win. Click here for event details.

Ret USAF Colonel Dan Tepfer's reflections on signing of DADT repeal

 

Retired USAF Colonel Dan Tepfer's Reflections on the Signing of the Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

 

This morning I had the great honor of attending President Obama's Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell bill signing ceremony. When my daughter came out and I became more and more involved in PFLAG, I realized that advocacy was where I could work best. Then late in 2008, Steve Ralls, challenged me to put my money where my mouth was; I should advocate for repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. As I became more and more involved, I remembered that while on active duty, my boss (a full colonel) said that if I needed his help to get something done, that I could always refer to him. In effect I was to put on his eagles and plow ahead to get what I needed. It was now 20 years later and I had my own eagles (as a retired USAF Colonel) and I decided to use them. I feel that the op eds, the letters to the editor, the appearances representing PFLAG to such events as Diversity Day luncheons, or to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) event on the Capitol steps was my way of using my "eagles" to cry for repeal. What could be stronger then a retired senior United States Air Force officer calling for repeal?

This morning there was loud cheering and shouting when the President was introduced. What a great feeling! The President started by telling the story of how a solider saved his friend at the battle of the Bulge in 1945. The saved soldier did not learn until a reunion many years later that he had been saved by a gay soldier. He then introduced the VIPs on the stage. Members of congress were there, Marine Sgt. Eric Alva, but it was Rep. Murphy (D-PA) who got a standing ovation for his effort to reintroduce repeal just last week. When he introduced Admiral Mullen, President Obama quoted the Admiral's comments last spring that "people in the military sacrifice a lot, but they should never have to sacrifice their integrity." The admiral also had earlier gotten a standing ovation when he was introduced by the VP.

Often I have felt that I did not do enough in the fight for repeal. I was there when someone, or an organization asked me to give an update on the repeal or explain how things were going, to represent PFLAG, or their chapter at an event. I spoke out, posted regularly on my Facebook page. But I was not involved 24/7 as so many others have been. It was not something if not repealed was going to have a great impact upon me as it was to so many others there today. But as I greeted people this morning and as I mentioned a name or saw someone I have met along the way, that recognized me and who introduced me to their friends, I realized that I had done something to help make this happen. I had a stake in the success of the repeal, however small. As the tears dropped from my cheek, I felt proud to be on the right side of the fight.

My active duty experience was before DADT. But early in my career, I remember being cautioned that if we were engaged in any homosexual activity we would be subject to dishonorable discharge. And if we were hiding the fact that we were homosexual we were subjecting ourselves to a position of being blackmailed for the classified information we were working with.

In closing, I will say that gays and lesbians were here yesterday, they are here today, and they will be tomorrow. Gays and Lesbians are serving now, they were serving yesterday and they will serve tomorrow. And after the repeal of DADT, some will serve openly, but none will serve in fear of losing their jobs and careers.

Watch the signing here:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40777922/ns/politics-white_house/

 

 

 

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Resolution of the UN Faith Coalition for LGBT Human Rights

Posted in United Nations Human Rights Advocacy by Rev. Dr. Cindi Love on December 20th, 2010

Resolution of the UN Faith Coalition for LGBT Human Rights
December 2010

Whereas, the international Yogyakarta Principles of 2006 state, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Sexual orientation and gender identity are integral to every person's dignity and humanity and must not be the basis for discrimination or abuse."

Whereas, many faith traditions support human rights, including freedom from imprisonment and execution for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

Whereas, more than 70 countries criminalize sexual orientation and seven allow the death penalty based on sexual orientation;

Whereas, countries in Eastern Africa are increasingly treating gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people as criminals;

Whereas, fundamentalist Christians and Muslims are promoting discrimination and persecution of LGBT people;

Whereas, basic human rights such as the right to marry and maintain custody of children and inheritances upon death are just a few of the civil liberties denied to LGBT people in many areas of the United States of America;

Whereas, all of these realities create a climate of lies and fear that promotes hatred and violence against gender non-conforming people and against those who love someone of the same gender;

Therefore, Be It Resolved, this 18^th Day of December, 2010, that the UN Faith Coalition for LGBT Human Rights fully affirms and supports the proposed action by Susan Rice, U.S. Ambassador of the United States to the United Nations to amend the Resolution by the Third Committee on Extrajudicial, Summary and Arbitrary Executions which excludes protection of people who are vulnerable due to sexual orientation.

Susan Rice, the U.S. Ambassador of the United States to the United Nations has publicly stated her intention to propose an amendment to the Resolution by the Third Committee on or before December 20 to the General Assembly to restore the prohibition of the violent targeting and extrajudicial killing of people who are vulnerable because of their sexual orientation.

While we understand and respect that there will always be differences in understanding of human sexuality within society, we unequivocally assert that laws that criminalize people for sexual orientation and gender identity do not just violate human rights, they hinder social cohesion, economic development and public health. These laws diminish the trust and cooperation among nations, among communities, among families and co-workers that is fundamental to progress in all human endeavors.

Be It Further Resolved, that the UN Faith supports the member nations of the United Nation who determine to vote affirmatively to include sexual orientation and respectfully call for those members who cannot vote affirmatively to abstain.

Be It Further Resolved, that we call upon the United Nations to adopt and affirm the Yogyakarta Principles to bind international legal standards with which all States must comply. We call upon faith leaders and institutions to support these principles and internationally agreed standards of human rights.

Be It Further Resolved, that we call for the United States of America to work with its fellow Core Group Members of the United Nations to urge Countries which still have laws criminalizing sexual orientation or gender identity to repeal them and to develop a sustained and serious plan of action to decriminalize LGBT people around the world.

Be It Further Resolved, that we call for a model similar to that of the Responsibility to Protect to apply to the lives of LGBT people.

The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) represents an important step forward in the long historical struggle to save lives and guard the wellbeing of people endangered by conflict.  It holds that states have the responsibilities as well as interests and duty to shield their own populations from murder.  This approach is bold and important.

Repeatedly, our consciences have been seared by the horrors of genocide and today we are challenged again by that possibility when protections are publicly and officially removed from a class of people

We are reminded of our shared responsibility for the international community's failure to act in the face of genocide in the 20^th century.  Our new century can and must be better than the last—more deeply rooted in humane values, more committed to universal rights.

The Responsibility to Protect was adopted by all 192 UN member states at the world summit in 2005; the Security Council reaffirmed the commitment and the related principle of protection in Resolution 1674.

Be It Further Resolved, that we call for preventative diplomacy and internal mediation which prevents anti-LGBT violence.  We call for strengthening of the United States and the United Nations to engagement in the internal human rights architecture and specific intervention in any country where fines, imprisonment and the death penalty are in place or being considered for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies.

We must not wait for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity or ethnic cleansing before we act.  The decision to implicitly and explicitly give a license to States to tolerate or implement atrocities against gay and lesbian people is a craven decision which disregards the dignity and worth of all persons.

Humanitarian policy concerns must build up the institutions that make a society resilient in the hour of crisis; including communities, churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, schools, independent media, civil society organizations and governments.  These institutions must not sponsor discrimination, persecution and genocide.

Transcript of remarks by the President and VP at signing DADT Repeal Act of 2010

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT 
AND THE VICE PRESIDENT 
AT SIGNING OF THE 
DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL REPEAL ACT OF 2010 
  
Department of Interior 
Washington, D.C. 
  
 

9:10 A.M. EST 
  
  
     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Hey, folks, how are you?  (Applause.)  It's a good day.  (Applause.)  It's a real good day.  As some of my colleagues can tell you, this is a long time in coming.  But I am happy it's here. 
  
     Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.  Please be seated. 
  
     It was a great five-star general and President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who once said, "Though force can protect in emergency, only justice, fairness and consideration, and cooperation can finally lead men to the dawn of eternal peace."   
By repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" today, we take a big step toward fostering justice, fairness and consideration, and that real cooperation President Eisenhower spoke of.   
  
This fulfills an important campaign promise the President and I made, and many here on this stage made, and many of you have fought for, for a long time, in repealing a policy that actually weakens our national security, diminished our ability to have military readiness, and violates the fundamental American principle of fairness and equality -- that exact same set of principles that brave gay men and women will now be able to openly defend around the world.  (Applause.)   
  
It is both morally and militarily simply the right thing to do.  And it's particularly important that this result was fully supported by those within the military who are charged with implementing it.  And I want to pay particular respect, just as a personal note -- as we used to say, I used to be allowed to say in the Senate, a point of personal privilege -- Admiral Mullen, you're a stand-up guy.  (Applause.)  I think they like you.  (Applause.)   
  
He already has enough power.  Don't -- (laughter.)   
  
     And it couldn't have been done without these men and women leading our military.  And certainly it could not have been done without the steady, dedicated and persistent leadership of the President of the United States.  (Applause.)   
  
     Mr. President, by signing this bill, you will be linking military might with an abiding sense of justice.  You'll be projecting power by promoting fairness, and making the United States military as strong as they can be at a time we need it to be the strongest. 
  
     Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States of America, the Commander-in-Chief, Barack Obama.  (Applause.)   
  
     AUDIENCE:  Yes, we did!  Yes, we did!  Yes, we did! 
  
     THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you!  Yes, we did.   
  
     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Thank you, Mr. President! 
  
     THE PRESIDENT:  You are welcome.  (Applause.)   
  
     This is a good day. 
  
     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Yes, it is! 
  
     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.) (Laughter.)   
  
     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  You rock, President Obama!   
  
     THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Laughter.)   
  
You know, I am just overwhelmed.  This is a very good day.  (Applause.)  And I want to thank all of you, especially the people on this stage, but each and every one of you who have been working so hard on this, members of my staff who worked so hard on this.  I couldn't be prouder. 
  
     Sixty-six years ago, in the dense, snow-covered forests of Western Europe, Allied Forces were beating back a massive assault in what would become known as the Battle of the Bulge.  And in the final days of fighting, a regiment in the 80th Division of Patton's Third Army came under fire.  The men were traveling along a narrow trail.  They were exposed and they were vulnerable.  Hundreds of soldiers were cut down by the enemy.   
  
And during the firefight, a private named Lloyd Corwin tumbled 40 feet down the deep side of a ravine.  And dazed and trapped, he was as good as dead.  But one soldier, a friend, turned back.  And with shells landing around him, amid smoke and chaos and the screams of wounded men, this soldier, this friend, scaled down the icy slope, risking his own life to bring Private Corwin to safer ground.   
  
     For the rest of his years, Lloyd credited this soldier, this friend, named Andy Lee, with saving his life, knowing he would never have made it out alone.  It was a full four decades after the war, when the two friends reunited in their golden years, that Lloyd learned that the man who saved his life, his friend Andy, was gay.  He had no idea.  And he didn't much care.  Lloyd knew what mattered.  He knew what had kept him alive; what made it possible for him to come home and start a family and live the rest of his life.  It was his friend.   
  
And Lloyd's son is with us today.  And he knew that valor and sacrifice are no more limited by sexual orientation than they are by race or by gender or by religion or by creed; that what made it possible for him to survive the battlefields of Europe is the reason that we are here today.   (Applause.)  That's the reason we are here today.  (Applause.) 
  
So this morning, I am proud to sign a law that will bring an end to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."  (Applause.)  It is a law -- this law I'm about to sign will strengthen our national security and uphold the ideals that our fighting men and women risk their lives to defend. 
  
No longer will our country be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans who were forced to leave the military -– regardless of their skills, no matter their bravery or their zeal, no matter their years of exemplary performance -– because they happen to be gay.  No longer will tens of thousands of Americans in uniform be asked to live a lie, or look over their shoulder, in order to serve the country that they love.  (Applause.) 
  
As Admiral Mike Mullen has said, "Our people sacrifice a lot for their country, including their lives.  None of them should have to sacrifice their integrity as well."  (Applause.)   
  
That's why I believe this is the right thing to do for our military.  That's why I believe it is the right thing to do, period.   
  
Now, many fought long and hard to reach this day.  I want to thank the Democrats and Republicans who put conviction ahead of politics to get this done together.  (Applause.  I want to recognize Nancy Pelosi -- (applause) -- Steny Hoyer --  (applause) -- and Harry Reid.  (Applause.) 
  
Today we're marking an historic milestone, but also the culmination of two of the most productive years in the history of Congress, in no small part because of their leadership.  And so we are very grateful to them.  (Applause.) 
  
I want to thank Joe Lieberman -- (applause) -- and Susan Collins.  (Applause.)  And I think Carl Levin is still working -- (laughter) -- but I want to add Carl Levin.  (Applause.)  They held their shoulders to the wheel in the Senate.  I am so proud of Susan Davis, who's on the stage.  (Applause.)  And a guy you might know -- Barney Frank.  (Applause.)  They kept up the fight in the House.  And I've got to acknowledge Patrick Murphy, a veteran himself, who helped lead the way in Congress.  (Applause.)   
  
     I also want to commend our military leadership.  Ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was a topic in my first meeting with Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen, and the Joint Chiefs.  (Applause.)  We talked about how to end this policy.  We talked about how success in both passing and implementing this change depended on working closely with the Pentagon.  And that's what we did. 
  
And two years later, I'm confident that history will remember well the courage and the vision of Secretary Gates -- (applause) -- of Admiral Mike Mullen, who spoke from the heart and said what he believed was right -- (applause) -- of General James Cartwright, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs; and Deputy Secretary William Lynn, who is here.  (Applause.)  Also, the authors of the Pentagon's review, Jeh Johnson and General Carter Ham, who did outstanding and meticulous work --  (applause) -- and all those who laid the groundwork for this transition.   
  
And finally, I want to express my gratitude to the men and women in this room who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Services.  (Applause.)  I want to thank all the patriots who are here today, all of them who were forced to hang up their uniforms as a result of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" -- but who never stopped fighting for this country, and who rallied and who marched and fought for change.  I want to thank everyone here who stood with them in that fight.   
  
Because of these efforts, in the coming days we will begin the process laid out by this law.  Now, the old policy remains in effect until Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen and I certify the military's readiness to implement the repeal.  And it's especially important for service members to remember that.  But I have spoken to every one of the service chiefs and they are all committed to implementing this change swiftly and efficiently.  We are not going to be dragging our feet to get this done.  (Applause.)   
  
Now, with any change, there's some apprehension.  That's natural.  But as Commander-in-Chief, I am certain that we can effect this transition in a way that only strengthens our military readiness; that people will look back on this moment and wonder why it was ever a source of controversy in the first place.       
  
I have every confidence in the professionalism and patriotism of our service members.  Just as they have adapted and grown stronger with each of the other changes, I know they will do so again.  I know that Secretary Gates, Admiral Mullen, as well as the vast majority of service members themselves, share this view.  And they share it based on their own experiences, including the experience of serving with dedicated, duty-bound service members who were also gay.   
  
     As one special operations warfighter said during the Pentagon's review -- this was one of my favorites -- it echoes the experience of Lloyd Corwin decades earlier:  "We have a gay guy in the unit.  He's big, he's mean, he kills lots of bad guys."  (Laughter.)  "No one cared that he was gay."  (Laughter.) And I think that sums up perfectly the situation.  (Applause.) 
  
Finally, I want to speak directly to the gay men and women currently serving in our military.  For a long time your service has demanded a particular kind of sacrifice.  You've been asked to carry the added burden of secrecy and isolation.  And all the while, you've put your lives on the line for the freedoms and privileges of citizenship that are not fully granted to you.   
  
You're not the first to have carried this burden, for while today marks the end of a particular struggle that has lasted almost two decades, this is a moment more than two centuries in the making. 
  
There will never be a full accounting of the heroism demonstrated by gay Americans in service to this country; their service has been obscured in history.  It's been lost to prejudices that have waned in our own lifetimes.  But at every turn, every crossroads in our past, we know gay Americans fought just as hard, gave just as much to protect this nation and the ideals for which it stands. 
  
There can be little doubt there were gay soldiers who fought for American independence, who consecrated the ground at Gettysburg, who manned the trenches along the Western Front, who stormed the beaches of Iwo Jima.  Their names are etched into the walls of our memorials.  Their headstones dot the grounds at Arlington. 
  
And so, as the first generation to serve openly in our Armed Forces, you will stand for all those who came before you, and you will serve as role models to all who come after.  And I know that you will fulfill this responsibility with integrity and honor, just as you have every other mission with which you've been charged. 
  
And you need to look no further than the servicemen and women in this room -- distinguished officers like former Navy Commander Zoe Dunning.  (Applause.)  Marines like Eric Alva, one of the first Americans to be injured in Iraq.  (Applause.)  Leaders like Captain Jonathan Hopkins, who led a platoon into northern Iraq during the initial invasion, quelling an ethnic riot, earning a Bronze Star with valor.  (Applause.)  He was discharged, only to receive emails and letters from his soldiers saying they had known he was gay all along -- (laughter) -- and thought that he was the best commander they ever had.  (Applause.)   
  
There are a lot of stories like these -- stories that only underscore the importance of enlisting the service of all who are willing to fight for this country.  That's why I hope those soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who have been discharged under this discriminatory policy will seek to reenlist once the repeal is implemented.  (Applause.)   
  
That is why I say to all Americans, gay or straight, who want nothing more than to defend this country in uniform:  Your country needs you, your country wants you, and we will be honored to welcome you into the ranks of the finest military the world has ever known.  (Applause.)   
  
Some of you remembered I visited Afghanistan just a few weeks ago.  And while I was walking along the rope line -- it was a big crowd, about 3,000 -- a young woman in uniform was shaking my hand and other people were grabbing and taking pictures.  And she pulled me into a hug and she whispered in my ear, "Get 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' done."  (Laughter and applause.)  And I said to her, "I promise you I will."  (Applause.)   
  
For we are not a nation that says, "don't ask, don't tell." We are a nation that says, "Out of many, we are one."  (Applause.)  We are a nation that welcomes the service of every patriot.  We are a nation that believes that all men and women are created equal.  (Applause.)  Those are the ideals that generations have fought for.  Those are the ideals that we uphold today.  And now, it is my honor to sign this bill into law.  (Applause.)   
  
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Thank you, Mr. President! 
  
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you! 
  
AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We're here, Mr. President.  Enlist us now.  (Laughter.)   
  
(The bill is signed.) 
  
THE PRESIDENT:  This is done.  (Applause.)   
  
                                              END                     9:35 A.M. EST 

Join us at The Center, Sunday, 3 pm

ACTION ALERT

An Equal Right To Serve: A Victory Rally Celebrating The End of Don't Ask, Don't Tell Date: Sunday, December 19, 2010 Time: 3-4:30 pm Location: San Diego LGBT Community Center,3909 Centre Street, 92103 Please join us at the LGBT Community Center's Auditorium for a victory rally celebrating this landmark decision. There will brief remarks, a Taco Bar sponsored by Chris Shaw/Baja Betty's/Urban Mo's/Gossip Grill and cocktails sponsored by HRC/Svedka and champagne/beer. More sponsors to come! Join us and celebrate! Celebration Coordinators: Servicemembers Legal Defense Fund (SLDN); Human Rights Campaign (HRC); American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER); San Diego LGBT Community Center (The Center); Joseph Christopher Rocha & City Commissioner Nicole Murray-Ramirez Saturday, the Senate passed a historic piece of legislation repealing the 17 year ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." President Obama has indicated he will sign this repeal, after which certification by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that policies have been written to implement repeal and compliance with these polices is consistent with military readiness is required. The Servicemembers Legal Defense Fund and the Human Rights Campaign have issued a critical warning to service members that the repeal of DADT is not effective immediately and service members are still at risk of being discharged on the basis of their sexual orientation until certification occurs and an additional 60 day Congressional period have passed.

Don't ask Don't Tell" VICTORY! You did it!

Breaking news: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal has just cleared its last congressional hurdle. This discriminatory law will be relegated to the dustbin of history. This stain on our nation will be lifted forever. And you made it happen. Today, America lived up to its highest ideals of freedom and equality. Today, our federal government recognized that ALL men and women have the right to openly serve the country they believe in. That it doesn't matter who you are, or who you love – you are not a second-class citizen. Think of the kids out there tonight, watching this on the news – kids who are bullied for being different, who live in fear daily that their parents will hate them if they find out the truth... Think of the relief, the empowerment, the sense of possibility they'll feel, knowing that the U.S. military has said: if you're lesbian or gay, you are worthy. We want you to join us, side by side, as equals. Think of the people across the globe – some in countries where it is literally a life-or-death decision to come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender – who will hear this news and know we're one step closer toward a world where no one needs to live in fear because of who they are. And take a moment to truly comprehend the lives ruined over the last 17 years because of this discriminatory law. The soldiers, sailors, airmen, translators, doctors and more, whose military careers were ended, whose livelihoods were threatened, whose friendships were cut off, all because the forces of bigotry and fear held out for so long. They can never get those years back. But I hope they know that their sacrifice meant something. Their courage and integrity helped a nation understand what it means to serve. And that, more than anything else, helped bring about this historic change. With your help, we've spent 17 years fighting for this moment. I cannot thank you enough for the dedication you've shown to get us here. Here's a brief snapshot of what you helped HRC do to win this. Senators Joe Lieberman and Susan Collins have been our steadfast champions in this fight. Here's what Senator Lieberman said today that shows how your energy, your drive, your commitment and your focus have been behind every single step: "This historic day has been seventeen years in the making and would not have happened without the leadership of Joe Solmonese and the Human Rights Campaign." We did it. Together. Thank you. Onward, Joe Solmonese President P.S. A quick note on what happens next: the vote we won today – a critical vote to repealing this law – was to overcome a filibuster by John McCain and Republican leaders in the Senate. There may be one final vote on Sunday night or Monday and which only requires a simple majority instead of 60 votes. The bill will then go to President Obama's desk, and he has promised to sign it. In the following months ahead, the President, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will be responsible for acting expeditiously to implement a repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law. HRC advises service members that repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is not effective immediately and service members are still at risk of being discharged on the basis of their sexual orientation until the repeal is completely implemented.  Share on Facebook  Share on Twitter

© 2010 The Human Rights Campaign. All rights reserved. Human Rights Campaign | http://www.hrc.org/ 1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-3278 Phone: 202/628-4160 TTY: 202/216-1572

DMV employee resigns over letter condemning customer to hell

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DMV employee resigns over letter condemning customer to hell
By Phil Gast, CNN
December 17, 2010 -- Updated 0705 GMT (1505 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/US/12/16/california.transgender.dmv/index.html?iref=NS1

(CNN) -- A California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) employee who allegedly wrote a letter to a transgender woman and condemned her to hell has resigned, officials said Thursday.

The employee, who worked for the DMV for two years, resigned Wednesday and will not receive benefits or unemployment, according to department spokesman Mike Marando.

"This in no way diminishes the severity of the situation," Marando said, adding officials believe the DMV employee's behavior was an isolated matter.

The attorney for the transgender woman said the employee should have been fired, instead of being allowed to resign.

Amber Yust told HLN's Jane Velez-Mitchell on Wednesday night that she got the letter after she went to a San Francisco DMV office in October and successfully changed her name from David to Amber and updated the gender on her license.

According to Yust and her attorney, the DMV employee used her confidential personal information to send the letter.
Transgender female fears for her safety

"I have learned that the reason for the vast majority of gender change operations is the client's homosexual orientation," the letter dated October 22 states. "The homosexual act is an abomination that leads to hell."

Yust said she also got a pamphlet from a church, which she said contained offensive material directed at her sexual orientation and gender.

The DMV employee had been placed on administrative leave with pay pending an investigation after Yust came forward, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

George Valverde, director of the DMV, in a statement Thursday said the employee "acted well outside the course and scope of his duties. We recognized this was unacceptable and wholly unauthorized behavior by this former employee."

Yust's attorney, Christopher Dolan, said the employee refused to assist another transgender person in 2009 and kept his job.

The DMV employee went through a discipline process and received sensitivity training and counseling after that incident, Marando said. Other DMV employees also received training on transgender situations, he said.

DADT could happen TODAY - Call your representative!

Tell your representative vote to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" this week. Call now: Rep. Bob Filner at (202) 225-8045 Then click here to report your call. Last week, the effort to repeal the military's ban on open service by gays and lesbians took a hit. A failed Senate vote was a reminder that there's still strong opposition to ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." But there is good news – some of our best allies are pushing for a vote as early as today on a House stand-alone repeal bill that still has a good chance of passing the Senate and getting to the President's desk, but it needs your help. Here's what's going to happen over the next few days: first, the House will vote on a repeal bill – the same exact language that passed in May as part of the defense bill. If the vote is successful, it will go over to the Senate and, if passed, heads to the President who has pledged to sign an end to the discriminatory law. We HAVE to have a strong vote in the House so it's critically important that you call your Representative right now. This is our last best chance to pass language repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" this year so I need you and everyone you know who supports repeal to call Congress NOW. Your call should take just 2 minutes – here's how: Call now: Rep. Bob Filner at (202) 225-8045 Tell the staffer who picks up: Hi, this is [your name] and I'm calling to urge my representative to vote for repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" – the same language that passed the House in May. It doesn't matter whether a soldier is lesbian, gay or straight. What matters is that a soldier gets the job done. When you're done, click here to let us know you called! It's critical that we keep track of how many calls we make so we can measure the impact of our efforts. Urgently, Joe Solmonese President

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The Center - LGBT happenings this week!

	December 13, 2010

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News of Note On Thursday December 9, 2010, we were all deeply saddened by the news reports that Michael Portantino, long-time publisher of the Gay and Lesbian Times, had ended his life. Michael served and supported the San Diego LGBT community and the San Diego LGBT Community Center for more than twenty-five years. His trademark passion and intense dedication to equality were his unmistakable signature. Many of us argued frequently and fiercely with Michael, and laughed with him just as often. His presence at The Center for more than two decades was palpable and his generosity and support for The Center will not be forgotten. Our hearts and thoughts are with his daughter, his brothers, all of his family and his friends. The staff, board, and volunteers at The Center share their loss and feel with them the immense grief at his passing. Rest in peace, Michael. Dr. Delores A. Jacobs, CEO San Diego LGBT Community Center Annual Community Volunteer Fair, Wednesday, Jan. 26 The Community Volunteer Fair was established in 2005 by the San Diego LGBT Community Leadership Council and is designed to provide San Diego community non-profit organizations with an opportunity to showcase their organizations and recruit for their year-round volunteer opportunities. It is also designed to make gathering information about organizations easy and painless for the hundreds of community members who make New Year's "resolutions" to volunteer. The sixth annual event will be held Wednesday, Jan. 26, 5:30-7 pm at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre Street. There is no cost either to participating organizations or to those seeking to volunteer. Organizations seeking to participate should contact Jessica Culpepper at jculpepper@thecentersd.org for an application. Those seeking to volunteer, just show up! Martinis Above Fourth Wreath Auction, Monday, Dec. 13 Don't miss the 7th annual wreath auction to benefit the Eddie Conlon Youth Fund, a 501(c)3 administered through The Center. Put your creative energies to work and see the results displayed at Martinis Above Fourth. For more information, visit www.martinisabovefourth.com/WreathAuction.htm. The Value of Volunteering In November, 115 fantastic Center volunteers donated 948 hours of their time for a total value of $20, 820. Thank you for helping make all that we do possible! Spotlight Events 50 and Better Together Holiday Party, Tuesday, Dec. 14, 5 pm Ring in the holidays with friends on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 5-8 pm at The Center. Just $5 gets you a sumptuous taco bar, the beverage of your choice and dessert. Please pre-pay to Senior Coordinator Abby Schwartz to ensure your spot. If you would like to participate in our Holiday Gift Exchange, please bring a wrapped gift valued at around $10. It's time to eat, celebrate, be merry and GAY! For more information, contact Abby Schwartz at (619) 692-2077, ext. 212, or seniors@thecentersd.org. Holiday Charity Bingo, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 9 pm Join the Outrageous Nicole and celebrity guests at Bourbon Street for Holiday Bingo benefitting Family Matters and Toys for Kids. Bring a toy or grocery gift card and your first bingo card is free! The goal is to raise enough to feed 222 parents and kids and provide 300 toys for the holidays. Cards are $5 each or $20 for 5 and there's over $2500 in prizes. The fun lasts from 9 pm to midnight, Wednesday, Dec. 15 at Bourbon Street, 4612 Park Blvd. For more information, visit the event page. Hillcrest Youth Center Holiday Party, Friday, Dec. 17 The Hillcrest Youth Center will host an informal holiday party for 14-18 year-old LGBTQ youth and their allies on Friday, Dec. 17, 5-9 pm. For more information, contact Jess at jculpepper@thecentersd.org. Family Matters Holiday Party, Saturday, Dec. 18, 4 pm Parents, bring the kids and join Family Matters for a holiday party at The Center. For those considering parenthood, come join us and see what you have to look forward to. The kids will be able to make a craft holiday gift for their parents and volunteers will help with the wrapping. Families from Dor Hadash Synagogue will join us to celebrate Chanukah. We will have a holiday tree and a visit from a very special jolly old guy from the North Pole. Dinner will be served at 4 pm. We ask that each family bring their favorite holiday sweets to share for dessert. RSVP is required to ensure we have enough supplies. For more information, contact Jane at (619) 692-2077, ext. 121, or families@thecentersd.org. This is a free event, but donations are always greatly appreciated. Hillcrest Wind Ensemble, Saturday, Dec. 18, 7 pm The Hillcrest Wind Ensemble, a program of The Center, will perform a "Magical Holidays" concert at 7 pm on Saturday, Dec. 18 at the Kroc Center, 6845 University Ave. Admission is $15; parking is free. The ensemble, under the direction of John Winkelman, will feature some of its members in a handbell choir, as well as a special French horn ensemble during the evening. For more information, visit the website. www.hillcrestwind.com.		Program Events: Youth, Seniors, Families, Men, Women, HIV Community and More   HIV Testing at The Center   HIV Behavioral Health Services & Counseling (English & Spanish)   Lunch & Learn: Holiday Candle Making, Wednesday, Dec. 15, 11:30 am   Sapphic Cinema Screens "The Wedding Banquet" Friday, Dec. 17, 7 pm   Coffee & Conversation with Lauren DeRose, Wednesday, Jan. 12, 7 pm   Interview Skills Workshop, Thursday, Jan. 20, 7 pm   LGBT Caregivers & Grief Support Group, First and Third Monday of each month, 5:30 pm   Prostate Cancer Support Group for Gay Men, Tuesdays, 6:30 pm   Women's Advisory Committee Recruiting New Members   Community Glam Disco Ball, Sunday, Dec. 19, 6:30 pm CESCal Conference, Feb. 25-27     Click on any story to see all of the latest news     Every year, during the holiday season, The Center's role in our community becomes increasingly critical. This month, each one of over 4,000 people is counting on The Center as a welcoming and safe place that truly cares about their very real challenges and concerns.  With your generous gift today, you ensure that The Center is there. . . For LGBT youth who are   having trouble at school or   who are homeless, For LGBT seniors looking for   connection or resources, For those trying to connect   with other LGBT-headed   families, For those looking for HIV   testing, For those recently discharged   from the military, For those who need food or   computer access, For those recently diagnosed   with HIV — and so much   more. Your help and support allows us to proudly be just that place. By giving this season, you make it possible for Our Center to be available to our incredibly diverse community members more than 46,000 times in the next year. That is a huge gift to all LGBT San Diegans. Every gift matters. By giving $25, $50, $100 or even $500, your tax-deductible donation makes it possible for The Center to passionately advocate for equality for all, while serving our full community, especially those who are most vulnerable.   Thursday, April 28, 2011 – Dining Out for Life Friday, May 20, 2011 – Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 – AIDS Walk San Diego Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011 – The Center's Annual Gala Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011 – Nightmare on Normal Street Know someone who is right for the job? Current opportunities include:   Licensed Biligual Staff Counselor    Unlicensed Bilingual Staff Counselor   Visit us online for more details about our current openings.
The Center is located at: 3909 Centre Street San Diego, CA 92103 Our mailing address: P.O. Box 3357 San Diego, CA 92163 Phone: (619) 692-2077 Fax:(619) 260-3092 Web: http://www.thecentersd.org

The Center is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in employment and in the provision of all services. The Center provides services without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic characteristics, political belief or activity, status as a veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state and local laws.