2010 Census is Nearly Here and It's Time to Queer It

If you've been watching the Olympics (and probably even if you haven't) you've seen the ads for the upcoming census. This enormous project has a huge influence on how federal money flows to the states, how civil rights laws are enforced and other crucial social and civil issues.

LGBT communities need to be part of the count

Equality Federation is a member of the Our Families Count Partnership which wants to bring more LGBT visibility to this snapshot of America. You can hear Che Ruddell-Tabisola, from Our Families Count on the Windy City Queercast on why it's important for all of us to get counted.

The Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) has joined in partnership with the US Census and OFC to get their congregants and communities counted.

If you're on Facebook (and who isn't?) become a fan of Queer the Census. And be sure to be counted in 2010.
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Friday Roundup

This is Indiana Equality's weekend of Love is Equal dinners.

TransOhio is sponsoring the film City of Borders at the 34th Cleveland International Film Festival.

Equality North Carolina celebrates SAGE's new federal grant and ambitious new initiatives.

Basic Rights Oregon calls our attention to two strong trainings coming up soon.

And Tennessee's Grand Division has an interesting quote of the day. read on

Around the States

Equality Texas reflects on Creating Change and how to create change at home.

Equality South Dakota highlights NYT Op Ed on the curious silence of the Right on DADT.

Equality California's guest blogger, one on the 18,000 couples married before Prop. 8, tells her heart-warming story.

Equality Florida notes panel discussion on employment discrimination. read on

Friday State Roundup

TransOhio's February newsletter is available online.

Equality California remembers Lawrence King in the second anniversary of his murder.

Basic Rights Oregon offers an anti-racism toolkit for LGBT equality organizations and activists.

Equality Florida launches the Council of 1000.


And Equality North Carolina tell you how to oppose DADT. read on

Support for Ending DADT From the Most Surprising People

Last week we saw top military officers calling for an end to Don't Ask, Don't Tell. But this week, we didn't expect support from conservative (and generally anti-LGBT) Fox News.
(via Andrew Sullivan's Daily Dish) read on

Freedom to Marry Week 2010

It's the thirteenth anniversary of Freedom to Marry Week. in 2010 there are five states that have marriage equality - Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, and New Hampshire. The District of Columbia is on the way to join them.

Freedom to Marry has information about the celebrations going on across the country and a great FAQ about marriage equality.

Celebrate, tell your stories February 8 - 14 and every other day of the year for equality.
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Morning Around the States

Indiana Equality promotes a Mass Call Out to advertise LGBT resources at Indiana University.

The Tennessee Equality Project's Grand Divisions Blog uncovers opposition to transgender inclusive anti-discrimination policy at Middle Tennessee State University.

Equality Florida covers President Obama's speech in Tampa, supporting equal benefits for same-sex couples.

Empire State Pride Agenda notes the first Congressional Hearing on DADT in 17 years and an analysis of the Prop. 8 trial from Slate.com

Finally Equality California and California Church IMPACT support a bill by state senator, Mark Leno, that allows clergy to refuse to perform same-sex marriages. This bill is expected to reassure those faith communities who are afraid that marriage equality will force them to go against their beliefs. read on