Here’s the statement released this week by HRC
And here’s a link to TEP’s new blog GRAND DIVISIONS and what they have to say about it.
What do I think about it? As a lesbian parent I look at our smiling, talented, beautiful, smart, funny, 21 year old daughter and say… Love is the answer.
John McCain, like his hero Teddy Roosevelt, speaks abstractly about women’s rights — but when it comes to carrying the legislative stick, his actions don’t measure up to his words.
I just heard that I have a press pass to the BIG TENT in Denver during the Democratic Convention next month. Charging the camera for youtube videos and planning on how to get my gear into one bag for the airplane. (Carry 0n) I don’t want it twirling around on the turnstile in baggage claim without me. Scary…
It just so happens it is also my sister’s birthday and guess what? She lives near Denver!!!! Just try to find an empty hotel room that week. Dust off the couch sis ’cause I’m a ‘comin’! STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS…VAL
Look for blogging here, podcasting at www.avalonfarmcast.com and video at www.youtube.com/avalonfarms
Here’s a description of my home away from home AKA: THE BIG TENT:
The Big Tent will be the place to be for new media journalists, bloggers, reporters, and non-profit leaders covering the Democratic National Convention in Denver this summer.
We’re creating a 9,000 square foot, two-story structure that will house the work space for journalists, bloggers and new media, a Digg Stage with prominent national leaders, as well as a Google Retreat with a YouTube kiosk where you can make your own YouTube videos. The Big Tent will be open throughout the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 25- 28.
In the New Media Lounge, your pass will be a ticket to to enjoy all the benefits of the blogger / new media lounge, including free WiFi, work space, television-coverage, as well as free food and drinks. And you get to hang out with some of the top bloggers, new media journalists, and non-profit leaders in the country.
Things are hoping here on the farm. The tomatoes are coming in so I’ll start canning this week. Cucumbers are still ready daily by the basket full. I checked on selling surplus at the local farmer’s market and plan to get a permit this week. There’s no way I’ll need to put up all that I planted. We’ve had a lot of rain so everything (including the weeds) is growing. So far we’ve had 2 hay cuttings too. A third will be ready in 4-5 weeks. The barn’s full, so it’s time to buy a tarp to store the rest outside under cover.
The blackberries are ready and I’ve picked 3 quarts of wild ones and froze them for now. Some were thumb size. Last year I gave some jam away for christmas presents and I have several people waiting for another jar. I’ll try making some up for the market too.
I have way too much lemon basil and not sure what to do with it so if anyone has any recipes let me know…
I found some glass oil decanters and filled one with extra virgin olive oil, fresh dill and garlic. I’ll let it sit for 3 months and then use it to dip bread in.
Green beans are also ready (kentucky wonder pole beans) Today I’m canning two plastic shopping bags full. They need the pressure canner.
I’ll try to catch up on horsey news soon when I have more time…Val
** US court shuns gay marriage case **
The US Supreme Court says it will not hear a challenge to a Massachusetts high court decision legalising gay marriage.
** Gay marriage around the globe **
Where in the world can you get married if you are gay?
** EU backs gay man’s pension rights **
The EU’s highest court rules that same-sex couples in legal unions may be entitled to a deceased partner’s pension.
Racist, violent, troglodyte Jesse Helms had quite a life. Here’s the top 6 God awful things he accomplished. Pretty impressive, especially when compared to Gandhi.
The hearing came after Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California was picketed last year after House leaders removed transgender employees from a jobs discrimination bill that offered protections to gays, lesbians and bisexuals. Supporters of the legislation want the House to reverse that decision next year.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2008
1:54 PM
CONTACT: ACLU
(212) 549-2568; media@aclu.org
ACLU Sues Old Dominion Freight Lines Over Firing Of Transgender Trucker
KNOXVILLE, TN - June 18 -The American Civil Liberties Union filed a sex discrimination lawsuit today against Old Dominion Freight Lines for illegally firing a truck driver for impersonating a female after she informed the company that she was transitioning from male to female. A prior EEOC investigation into the firing sided with the driver, Kaylee Seals, finding there was reasonable cause to believe that Old Dominion discriminated against Seals based on sex and sex stereotyping.
“Getting fired was one of the worst things that ever happened to me,” said Kaylee Seals. “I was always taught that you should be judged based on how hard you work. I gave my all to Old Dominion, working extremely long hours under very difficult conditions. Yet none of that mattered when my bosses learned that I was transitioning.”
Seals, 33, worked for Old Dominion for approximately 2½ years during which time she was given several awards for her service and safe driving. In November 2005, Seals, who was still living and dressing as a male at the time, was sent from Morristown, TN, to Jacksonville, FL. While there, a manager at the company began harassing Seals because she had been given a voucher to stay in a motel rather than a company bunk house. According to the manager, male employees were supposed to stay in the bunk house. Although Seals was dressed in gender neutral clothing (sweat pants and a sweat shirt), the employee began aggressively questioning Seals about her sex and her appearance. Unaware that the bunk house was even still operational, Seals readily agreed to stay in the bunk house for the remaining night of her stay.
When she returned to Tennessee, Seals informed her immediate supervisor, whom she trusted, about the harassment she received and also mentioned that she was diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder and intended to complete the transition to the female sex.. Shortly after this conversation, Seals was summoned to a meeting with the supervisor and other managers at the company. At this meeting, an Old Dominion supervisor, noting Seals’ “feminine voice” and the fact that Seals wore jewelry, accused Seals of imitating a woman in order to be able to stay in the motel. The supervisor then terminated Seals, claiming that Seals’ actions violated company policy. The EEOC did not find this explanation credible since four other male employees also received motel vouchers at the Jacksonville location during the same time period and had not been disciplined.
“No one should be fired simply because she does not fit traditional gender roles,” said Christine Sun, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Project. “Fortunately, sex stereotyping discrimination is illegal and Old Dominion will now find itself defending this case in court.”
Marisa Richmond, President of Transgender Political Coalition, added, “Transgender employees need to be able to earn a living and support themselves just like everyone else. Through this lawsuit, I hope all employers learn that they should respect transgender employees, because if they don’t, they can be held liable for illegal discrimination.”
Seals took the firing especially hard. She became severely depressed and was house bound for three months. Through the help of a co-worker, she eventually sought legal help and made a complaint to the EEOC, which found that her claim had merit. According to government statistics, only five to six percent of EEOC investigations result in a finding that there was reasonable cause that discrimination occurred.
The ACLU has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Seals against Old Dominion for sex discrimination. In the complaint filed today, the ACLU charges that Old Dominion violated Title VII federal sex discrimination laws by terminating Seals on the basis of sex and sex stereotyping.
Seals has since found employment with another trucking line but is now earning significantly less. After living as a woman for more that a year, Seals is anxious to begin sexual reassignment surgery, but due to the loss of income, is unable to afford it.
The lawsuit, Seals v. Old Dominion Freight Lines, was filed in Federal District Court in Knoxville. A copy of the complaint, photographs of Seals and additional information is available at:
www.aclu.org/caseprofiles.
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With a soundtrack as shifty as its logic, here is another captivating self-parody from the Sam Graves campaign. The shameless Missouri congressman, who has tried to paint his Democratic opponent as an unholy champion of gayness because she held a fundraiser in San Francisco, has launched another attack ad allegedly based on that city�s values.
Headed back to New Orleans tomorrow morning. It’s been fun but ready to get back home and work on the farm. Thanks to everyone taking care of the horses and the house. The weather has been really nice and the ocean is beautiful. Jen sang in the talent show and did a great job with her jazzy version of “Fever” backed up by the ship’s orchestra. Emily has her feet propped up reading a book and relaxing. Last night….see you soon! Hoping to drive all the way back thursday night. -val
