In Washington D.C. National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Leaders, Community Members Demand Vote on Employment Non-Discrimination Act

crossposted from www.endanow.com

In Washington D.C. National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Leaders, Community Members Demand Vote on Employment Non-Discrimination Act
May 17, 2010
tags: Employment Non-Discrimination Act, ENDA, National Week of Action
by endanow

At Tuesday press conference, LGBT rights advocates will highlight congressional inaction on ENDA as part of National ENDA Action Week

WHAT:

Press conference to demand immediate action in both the House and Senate on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), a federal bill prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It is part of a series of nationwide actions this week calling for a vote on ENDA.

WHO:

Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Jody M. Huckaby, Executive Director, PFLAG National
Frank Kameny, longtime activist who was fired from his job over five decades ago due to sexual orientation discrimination; 50-plus years later, he is tired of waiting for equality as he turns 85 this week
Mara Keisling, Executive Director, National Center for Transgender Equality
Sharon Lettman, Executive Director, National Black Justice Coalition
Michael Mitchell, Executive Director, National Stonewall Democrats
Gloria Nieto, California resident, former member of the Democratic National Committee, former executive director of the People of Color AIDS Foundation, currently unemployed
Liz Seaton, Director of Projects and Managing Attorney, National Center for Lesbian Rights
Peggy Shorey, Executive Director, Pride at Work
Terrance L., a gay man who has been closeted in previous employment
Donna P., a transgender woman from the Baltimore area who was fired from two jobs

WHEN:

Tuesday, May 18, Noon (ET)

WHERE:

National Press Club, 529 14th Street, N.W., Lisagor Room, Washington, D.C.

WHY:

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights advocates have been lobbying for ENDA’s passage for years. There is more support for ENDA than ever before in Congress, growing every day. Congress needs to prioritize ENDA for passage to secure the most basic of civil rights, the right to work, for LGBT people. LGBT rights leaders and community members are demanding an immediate vote on ENDA and are sending a united message to Congress: No more excuses, no more delays: Pass ENDA now.
read on

Mid-Week Roundup

"You can't support equality and gay bait." Equality Texas calls out homophobic behavior by Democratic incumbent in primary race.

Equality Maryland introduces a new field director.

The Tennessee Equality Project looks at gubernatorial hopefuls positions on adoption.

There's more to celebrate in Florida than close (35 votes!) win in Gainesville mayoral election. Equality Florida tells us that an equality champion has won a seat in Congress in yesterday's runoff election.

Fair Wisconsin announces four-day intensive training by ally Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute coming to Minneapolis in June.

Empire State Pride Agenda follows up on teenager's suit against school district for bullying in their weekly sweep.

And there's more,

LGBT community marches in the San Jose Tet parade, reports Equality California.

Indiana Equality let us know that Judy Shepard will be giving a free and public talk in Indianapolis.

The Philippine Supreme Court has ruled to accredit a gay political party challenging a national election (from Equality South Dakota).

Basic Rights Oregon co-hosts an Elton John tribute night. It's a benefit, so break out your rhinestone glasses for equality.

Equality North Carolina congratulates Iowa on its first year of marriage equality.
read on

Friday Wrapup

Tennessee's Grand Division blog thinks about activism.

Want to phone bank for ENDA? TransOhio tells you how.

Equality North Carolina discusses Lambda Legal's latest report on health care for LGBT people. (Spoiler: it's not good.)

Empire State Pride Agenda gives an update on GENDA campaign.

Equality California posts the thoughts of a volunteer field worker.

Equality Florida covers the weird "family-friendly" film bill out of Tallahassee.

Indiana Equality has some upcoming media trainings. read on

Midweek Roundup

Equality Maryland celebrates marriage equality in nearby DC.

Empire State Pride Agenda's news sweep catches Harold Ford's decision to drop out of senate race.

TransOhio puts out a call for scholars to develop research on LGBTQI issues in education.

Basic Rights Oregon takes a stand against racism and police violence.

Equality North Carolina looks at changes in public attitudes towards lesbians and gay men in the military.

In Michigan Michigan Equality and Triangle Foundation announce their merger.

Equality Florida covers pressure on state to repeal anti-gay adoption laws. read on

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

Hate Crimes in Florida - Powerful Video

From Equality Florida on their website read on

A Meditation on AIDS and Silences

Though World AIDS Day ended a week ago, there's no end to the ways that the disease, treatments, and policies have affected our communities. And there are silences around HIV/AIDS that the LGBT communities have yet to break. From Federation member,Gunner Scott ED of Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition. read on