A few days ago, the Matthew Shepard Act -- adding sexual orientation and gender identity/expression to the federal hate crimes statute -- was attached to the $680B Department of Defense 2010 authorization bill, which Obama had threatened to veto due to an egregious outlay for a F-22 building program. Unfortunately, such politicking begets more politicking, especially when the budget of the DoD is probably one of the more contentious things you can touch after 7 years or so war in two countries:
The F-22 funding was stripped today from the Senate bill 58-40. Though it makes Obama happy, the money was approved by the House. Even if the new bill passes as is, the two chambers have to reconcile the differences. Who knew any of us queers woudl care about a couple of fighter planes quite so much?
The ACLU has come out against the Senate version of the bill, saying that the Senate version lacks "the strong protections for speech and association" found in the House version.
Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), who is, btw, against the Matthew Shepard Act and voted against its passage, added three new amendments to the bill, in a move that seems to be directed at killing it. The three amendments would allow the death penalty for some hate crimes cases, would require the Justice Department to revise its standards of a hate crime, and would create an additional set of punishment for crimes involving servicemembers. The HRC tells us why these additions are absurdities.
Friend of the blog "Maybe it's just me..." has a list of who voted for and against the Act in the Senate. All the Senators from Ohio and Indiana voted for it, whereas Bunning (KY) voted against it and McConnell.. umm didn't vote?
After months of refusing interviews due to overwhelming depression and therapy, Larry King's teacher speaks to the LA Times. King, you might recall, was the foster child who was viciously murdered by his classmate after months of torment over his gender expression. Her tale is simultaneously enlightening and heart-wrenching, telling of the utter devastation such a terrible act of violence has not only on the victim and the victim's family, but on everyone around:
"Look Larry, you can't shove this into people's faces," [Dawn] Boldrin recalled warning the 15-year-old who had a habit of taunting those who made fun of him. "That's as wrong as them saying there's something wrong with you."
That was the last time she felt whole as a teacher, a mother and a wife, Boldrin said in a recent interview at her Camarillo home, the first time she has talked to the media about what happened that day.
Within minutes, one of Larry's classmates, Brandon McInerney, stood up in the lab, pulled out a gun and shot him twice from behind as Boldrin shouted, "What the hell are you doing, Brandon?"
Boldrin was both protective and supportive of King, even giving him one of her daughter's gowns to know that he was loved and that people around him supported his gender. It's hard to make in through the interview without tearing up quite a bit.
Thanks to just about everyone on Twitter today for this.
The rumors are a-flyin' this week that the Matthew Shepard Act -- or, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (HR1913 and S.909) -- will be voted on this week in the Senate. DailyKos is reporting it, the right wingers are up in arms about it, and it seems that Judy Shepard is in Washington, DC this week.
All signs point to yes, which means one thing:
It's time to make the phone calls to your Senators.
It's as simple as this: go to OpenCongress.org's Senator Page, click on your state, and make the phone call, or make the email. Takes about 45 seconds. DailyKos is saying that they have received well over 300,000 right wingers fighting against the bill that would add gender identity/expression and sexual orientation (oh, and disability -- did you know that one?) to federal hate crimes protections. It's so important to protect ourselves, and this is just one more tool added to the arsenal.
If it passes the Senate -- it has already passed the House -- President Obama has promised to sign it.
A string of anti-LGBTQ crimes seems to have struck the country, from soldiers to trans-identified individuals, and it's worth taking note that the spree seems not to be limited to just "out there." The Buckeye Regional Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO) monitors all sorts of activities. I was recently contacted on Twitter about three separate attacks in Central Ohio (read: Columbus-area) around July 4th. From their website:
BRAVO, has received 3 reports of anti-LGBT attacks in multiple neighborhoods around several LGBT Bars on Friday night of the 4th of July weekend. The description of the attackers in each incident is very similar and BRAVO strongly believes that these attacks are related and were perpetrated by the same group of assailants.
In all 3 assaults the victims were jumped by a group of 6-7 young men, in well lit and populated areas. The attacks took place between midnight and 2:00 AM. The assaults involved beating, kicking, and punching with "brass knuckles". Injuries included concussions, stitches, abrasions, bruises, and head injuries; medical attention was required in all cases. Anti-LGBT language was used in all 3 of the attacks.
If you have been the victim of, or are aware of, similar assaults please contact BRAVO (614 294 7867) or the Columbus Police Department. (614 645 4545)
For further information BRAVO can be reached at 614 294 7867 or 866 86 BRAVO.
Description of Perpetrator: Sex: 6-7 Males in a group Race: Caucasian, African American and Latino Age: Late Teens
STAY ALERT TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS BE AWARE KNOW THAT THIS TYPE OF CRIME IS NOT RARE
If you know of anything, please contact the above listed phone numbers, and make sure you and those you love stay safe. The fight is not over -- there are still those who wish to do us harm.
Also: if you have been a victim of a hate crime, please contact BRAVO. If you would like to contact this blog -- queercincinnati@gmail.com -- about your story, please do so.
On the one hand, we have the Fort Worth Police Department, responding to the raid of a Fort Worth gay bar called the Rainbow Lounge. Seven men were arrested and one was sent to the ICU for a brain injury. Police called it a routine bar raid, but this was police chief Jeff Halstead's response, however:
"You're touched and advanced in certain ways by people inside the bar, that's offensive," he said. "I'm happy with the restraint used when they were contacted like that."
Oh, what? So you can attack someone if you're touched inappropriately -- isn't that called the gay panic defense?
Meanwhile, in Minneapolis, a gay man was followed and gay slurs were shouted by a group of Somali youth that included "I hate gay people," and "Fuck gay people," as reported by Joe.My.God. and demonstrated in this YouTube video:
Please note the almost Zen-like restraint the gay man uses while being followed down the streets. The Minneapolis Police Department, in response to accusations that the man was seen in the video passing possible local police officials, released this statement (again, thanks to Joe.My.God.):
June 30, 2009 ( MINNEAPOLIS ) Currently, there is a video on YouTube of an incident that occurred sometime during the Minneapolis Gay Pride Festival. There has been some speculation that Minneapolis Police Officers were in that video. The Minneapolis Police Department wants to assure the public that those security officers who casually walk by during this incident were not from our department. We have a strict uniform policy and those were not our uniforms or our police officers. This is unacceptable behavior that would not be tolerated by the Minneapolis Police. Action would have been taken immediately to stop the harassment that is depicted in the video. We want all people, no matter of color, race, creed or sexual orientation to feel safe and welcome while they are in the city of Minneapolis. PIO contact for this incident is Sgt Jesse Garcia III.
Which one represents tolerance, understanding, and an attempt to make things right; and which represents idiocy and homophobia? I'll let you decide.
Hello fabulous readers! First I just want to say that I'm sorry for my late posting on our gathering at Tabby's this past Tuesday. Since then my computer has crashed and my sisters cat had to be put to sleep last night. But with that out of the way, I'm back!
Tuesday night at Tabby's was certainly an evening to remember. As we all met at the Walgreens parking lot in Clifton, I was concerned that not many people would show. I became hopeful when the fellow I was car pooling was a straight ally! As we approached Tabby's, honestly I was a bit nervous. Will they be open to us? Will there be counter-protesters? Will anyone show up?
As we walked around to the front of Tabby's, there were already about thirty-forty people outside. Channel 9, Channel 12, Channel 5, Cincinnati Enquirer, City Beat and maybe even other media outlets I'm not aware of. It was a beautiful sight! Ronnie's mom and sister were also there to join us!
As we began to walk in I started to hear this noise....the customers and staff were all clapping!! I didn't know what to do! It was a total surprise. We walked around talked amongst each other and applauded Ronnie's mom and sister as they came to greet us. (I apologize for my bad video skills...I'm still beating myself up over my camera not working properly.)
I spoke with a regular customer and asked him what he thought of what was happening. He told me that he thought it was nice that we were doing this in support of Ronnie and that he doesn't mind us being there. I thought, "great!". He then went on to explain that his brother was a "flamer" and that it embarresses him. I said to him, "Isn't it better that he be himself?" He answered, "No.". So, I moved on. I then talked to J.T. Riley who is the General Manager of the super great Irish Pub and Restaurant, The Claddagh Irish Pub off Mason-Montgomery Road. J.T. was appauled by what had happened and said "he could never imagine that happening at his restauraunt." He went onto mention that The Claddagh is a gay-friendly restaurant...so get on over there!! (There is also one in Newport - ran by a lesbian I hear). Check them out!
So, all in all I think it was a very succesful event. We saw the progress they were making when we came in with applause and also the signs that were posted everywhere that read:
I hope that this will show others that we will not tolerate hate, bigotry or discrimination...and most certainly not abuse. We were all Ronnie that night. It could have been any one of us. Remember that. YOU ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM THIS HAPPENING TO YOU. So help us to continue the fight against hate! If you want to learn more about how to get involved, keep reading this blog of course, and also see http://www.impactcincinnati.com/ and www.facebook.com/impactcincinnati.
Thanks everyone for coming out! (heehee)
Here are some more pictures!!
Getting ready to leave from Clifton!
Chris being interviewed! Way to represent Chris! (Cody did too!)
Dannie and Sam...love these guys! Sorry I lost you in the crowd Sam, my bad :-)
Update: Apparently the video players that Local 12 and WCPO use are the same and I can't post two videos on the same page with that same player? So... I believe you're seeing the Local12 video below, but I could be wrong, click on the links to go to the actual websites.
I heard it was a great time had by all, and there was a hugely positive response, but I'll let the people that were there tell the story.
Update: I hear there have been some crazy things popping up on y'all's screens with these videos. They're awesome. Click on the links above.
Story by WLWT, Channel 5, which has some amazing comments from highly educated and informed people like this one below:
DUH Go to a bar where you can be yourself then. Does that sound like a simple solution or is it that these people want everything and not expect people to tell them no. Go be yourself where you can openly express that not somewhere you're not wanted or accepted because otherwise all you're doing is opening up a can of Wh**p A** on yourself. You can't force people to accept this lifestyle so stop it!
So, "Come to our bar and we'll beat the shit out of you." Thanks. You're awesome.
And, of course, the Cincinnati Enquirer, which focused on the Guerrilla Queer Bar aspect of the invasion... which also has some amazing comments, like this:
I don't mind if you're gay, and I don't mind if you go to a "straight" bar because really you're just segregating it yourself. It's not the 60's and 70's anymore, anyplace is open to anyone. It's just when you get 200 or so people together in a small bar such as Tabby's, tempers are going to flair even if you're all straight or all gay. Now I'm sure something was said or done to spark this, and I'm sure even the gays were involved in it as well. I've seen this group out before, and trust me, the way they conduct themselves isn't normal. You don't have to round up a bunch of gays and lesbians to go have a good time at a "straight" bar, just go out with a smaller group and hang out, no one is going to bother you. If I have 200 gays sitting around me staring and talking about me, then of course I'm either going to say something or leave the bar...
To give you an idea of how heated this particular story, I would say a good 70% of the comments are being removed for violation of terms of service, which I believe include the threatening of violence against people. EEP!
Last week, two female presenting people, possibly transwomen or crossdressers, where attacked and robbed in Cincinnati. One was shot when the thief tried to take her purse. How did no one hear about this? (Myself included and I’m on the look out). Needless to say, it wasn’t headline news. But then again, maybe its better it wasn’t because the media did such a terrible job of covering the story. Wrong pronouns everywhere. “…Attacker shot one of the victims, who was dressed as a woman, while trying to steal HIS purse.”
If it is clear someone is presenting in one gender, why are people determined to get the pronoun wrong? People are determined to stick to their brain’s sex binary. To add insult to injury, the civic response to this is thing short of a sick-minded comedy hour.
“…if the shooter gets caught, he'll probably only be charged with a "missed da weiner."” “…don't they know it's a man under that skirt! Probably a big one too!” “You don't think that Shanequa and Shantay were out trying to make some extra money.” –Transphobic, racist and classist. Charming. “What a drag!” – Ok this one is shitty, I know, but I have to appreciate the accurate queer-vocabulary.
There was another attack that same week in a Cincinnati suburb where a gay man was beaten on account of his sexual orientation. In response to this a huge protest has been organized by big name queer organizations. I’m not trying to hate on anyone, or show a lack of support for the survivor or those working to fight hate. All I’m saying is where’s the rally to protect the genderqueers? I realize people can’t rally around something they don’t know happened. Maybe we just need to open our scope a little wider, be on the look out a little more. Mainstream media isn’t going to do it for us. Its up to us to make sure everyone is protected and supported.
And this is how activism is done. Check out Jamie Royce's experience at Tabby's after the assault of a gay man over at Stuff Queer People Need to Know. She had not realized the event was canceled due to particularly nasty weather until she arrived at the bar and had, instead, the opportunity to speak to quite a few people there about what had happened:
The family is very grateful for the community’s support and response to the attack. The victim’s mother gave out hugs and spoke very highly of us queers. (We really are making a difference, so keep up the good work.)
The owner of Tabby’s explained to us that this attack does not reflect his establishment and apologized to the victim’s mother; he was wearing white in solidarity with the planned sit-in. Signs like this one were posted throughout the bar.
Hell to the yea, Jamie! Thank you so much for going out there in the middle of the tornadic weather on Saturday night to show your solidarity! The follow-up "sit-in" is still on, and the organizers are fiercely advertising the event on Facebook. I think, though, the focus has significantly changed... from one of "we are so angry" to "let us stand with everyone -- including the bar -- in solidarity against hate." In other words, let's go party with our supporters who seem to be equally as appalled by the assault as we are. For my part, I want to hug mom and shake the owner's hand.
Congratulations, Tabby's, you done good. Congratulations, local activists, you did right.
In response to the hate crime at Tabby's American Grill, a group of activists is going there to show solidarity with queers in Warren County. We're standing up for and with our brothers and sisters.
Tonight, at Tabby's American Grill at 2920 West U.S. Route 22, in Maineville (click here for a map), LGBTQ people will gather at 10p.m. wearing white to show that they come in peace.
The crowd will meet in the parking lot and they will enter collectively. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend, but I encourage everyone else to... and, more importantly, take pictures and send them back to QueerCincinnati@gmail.com so that we can feature the outcome here.
Just a few words:
Be safe.
Don't fight, don't take people on.
Be peaceful and be loving. This is about education and solidarity, not violence, not hate. We are not fighting hate with hate. We are fighting hate with love and affection.
Stand together... don't go out on your own. Find a buddy and stick to them.
Do not do not do not yell, scream, holler, or swear at people. You do not, under any circumstances, want to incite violence from other people. That is not the point.
Respect law enforcement officers.
Take the high road ... be civil.
Seriously, folks, I don't want have to be writing about no other hate crimes in the morning. We are peaceful people -- always remember that.
More importantly: be good customers. Drink, have fun, tip your bartenders, talk, carouse, and have a good time. Make sure that no one has any reason to treat you poorly; make sure no one has any reason to kick you out. Just go and enjoy the night with friends.
Uh. Whoa. Thanks to Cameron Tolle for the heads up, the transcript is posted below the video. From Local12:
Warren County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a disturbing attack that left a young man bloodied, his nose shattered. Investigators want to know if it is a hate crime. The victim is gay.
The assault happened at a Maineville Bar. Local 12 reporter Shawn Ley shows us why this investigation is far from over.
Ronnie Robertson's nose is broken, he has deep cuts and scratches around his eyes and cheeks. The 31 year old Mainville man is openly gay, his friends saying he's regretting not going to a gay bar Tuesday night.
Victim's friend: "The guy that was assaulted had said, that's the reason they made gay bars because it's a safer place, a safer environment to hang out."
The Warren County Sheriff's Office says Robertson received these injuries at Tabby's American Bar and Grill on Montgomery Road in Mainville, and a criminal investigation is underway, looking for everyone involved in the attack. Two women were arrested on the spot: Sarah Goldsberry, and Tammy Lingle. They are charged with felony assault, and disrupting police business.
Robertson's sister says there was no bar fight. She says her brother was attacked because of his sexual orientation.
Kelly Coffey/Victim's Sister: "I believe it was a hate crime, completely. because that's the only thing targeted that night, when someone stepped up and said, yes, I'm gay ... all night it was provoked, all night it was asked and I believe that's what it was."
Kelly Coffey says her friends, a mix of gay and straight people chose Tabby's to play sand volleyball - but were harassed by a man who continued to ask who in the group was gay and who wasn't & her brother finally answered. "When he admitted that he was, they lost it, went crazy and started attacking my brother and pushing him out of the bar."
So what does Tabby's owner have to say? We stopped in and was told no manager was there. We called 5 times Thursday night and still couldn't reach the owner. We do know the sheriff's office is going over the security camera tape to look at what happened and for the two other men involved.
Ohio's hate crime laws do *not* include gays and lesbians as a protected class. The Warren County Sheriff's Office says the gay bashing element of the case is "in play." Other cases in Ohio have fit the statute for charges of "ethnic intimidation."
Whoa dude. There's a lot of these popping up these days, seriously. Between the UC crime, the guy that was beaten outside of BronZ, and another one that happened on Ludlow... very disturbing. Be careful.
Allen Andrade, after being found guilty of murdering transgendered Angie Zapata on April 22, was sentenced yesterday to 60 years in prison. He was found guilty on all charges -- first degree murder, bias-motivated crime, aggravated motor theft, and identity theft. But, because he was found to be a "habitual criminal," each sentence was increased four times the maximum for each.
We won't be seeing/hearing from him for... well, forever.
I fell in love with Kathy Y. Wilson, aka "Your Negro Tour Guide," when she published a column in 2003 entitled Leviticus: Faggot, after the song by Me'Shell Ndege Ocello by the same name. Wilson wrote the piece in response to the New Years Eve murder of Gregory Beauchamp.
"Hey faggot, better run, run, run 'cause Daddy's home/ Daddy's sweet little boy just a little too sweet/ and every night the man showed the faggot what a real man should be." -- "Leviticus: Faggot," Meshell NdegeOcello
It was as though the soon-to-be murder suspects in the dark blue Cadillac said, "Oh no you don't!" Discontent to let the year subside without doing their part, they eked out the city's 65th homicide for 2002 with a few hours to spare.
Gregory Beauchamp, 21, stood on the corner of Vine and West Liberty streets on New Year's Eve with at least three friends, the caller told me. The dark Cadillac pulled to the light.
Beauchamp and his group stood there, perhaps reveling and maybe a little tipsy already. Maybe they flamed like flamboyant gay men do: Arms flailing, hips thrust forward, heads cocked back -- gay, proud, outrageous and excited about the night ahead.
Two in the group were transvestites -- "he-shes," the caller said -- and they were on their way to the Venus Club, 1314 Vine St., to bring in the New Year. They were noticeable; gay men who interpret themselves this way are conspicuous.
But on a corner in a neighborhood where black men sport the "uniform" -- jeans two sizes too big sagging nearly to their knees, hoodies, Timbos and bubble coats making them identical and profileable -- a gay man hanging with two transvestites sticks out like me at a Klan rally.
And the butch black male ego recoils at, then reviles against and finally eradicates such outlandish behavior because gay men are antithetical to his outlandish butch posturing. There's no room in the 'hood for faggots.
But ask the faggots under assault, and they'll tell you many of the homies vomiting gay-bashing hate speech at them are the same ones -- Tupac-bumpin', Courvoisier sippin' brothas -- now populating a subculture of B-Boys trolling gay clubs for head. But that doesn't make them faggots.
They receive. That makes them men.
While under the cover of darkness and with some anonymity they enjoy the game of sexual subjugation, these "men" despise what, in broad daylight, they might become. Then a cycle of violent self-loathing ensues that absolutely must be transferred onto the lowest on the food chain -- the faggot.
For a black man dwelling in the ghetto of his myopic mind, a faggot is the worst possible thing he can become. Faggot is the worst word he could ever call his enemy.
To banish a faggot with words and bullets is the ultimate form of rebellion against the powers that have conspired against him. It says this: If I'm nothing according to them, the faggot is even less according to me.
Back to life and death. The four or five young black men in the dark Cadillac yelled epithets at the group on the corner. "Fuckin' faggot-ass bitches!" I can just imagine it.
Surely Beauchamp, an affable and openly gay man to his friends, was accustomed to verbal assaults. This is Cincinnati, after all.
The caller said the car circled the block, returning with still more passengers. More vitriol was vomited from the car.
Then came the only thing left to do for a 'hood rat who's trying to impress his colleagues and secure his membership in this distorted brotherhood: Beauchamp was shot once in the chest. He died on that corner.
A burned-out metal skeleton matching the dark Cadillac was found later on New Year's Day, and the alleged perpetrators have scattered like roaches.
They should be proud, though. They had a hand in ensuring our city would top its previous murder record.
They added Beauchamp to the age bracket (18- to 30-year-olds) most affected by the murder rate. Plus they increased to 56 the number of men murdered in 2002.
And they killed a faggot. But there's no statistic for that.
I think she speaks about issues far more eloquently than I ever could. It's also nice to know that Beauchamp's murder may, finally, be laid to rest.
Two bills we are still watching and still waiting on:
Matthew Shepard Act (S. 909) -- The hate crimes prevention act is still sitting in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The amount of sponsors in the Senate has soared to 39 -- 12 away from complete passage. That is a jump from 34 since we last checked in, and the list now includes newly minted Senator Kirsten Gillibrand from New York.
Equal Housing and Employment Act (Ohio) -- No news, really. Equality Ohio is trying to get 25 sponsors in the Ohio House -- that's 1/4 of the total -- before they get it introduced. Word on the street is that the movement is going strongly, and they are cautiously optimistic about the prospects, it seems. (Previous QueerCincinnati.com post)
So, still waiting :-).
I think it says something that even I am getting a little bored talking about marriage. The sole purpose of this post is to talk about something else ... HA! Oh, and to remind people -- including myself -- that there are other equally if not more important than the marriage fight going on in this country. And stuff that will affect us LGBT'ers here in Ohio far sooner than marriage, I think. Good for Maine/etc., but, remember, keep contacting your representatives!!!
This list appeared on Joe. My. God., but the link was broken to the source.
Had a little trouble tracking down the list, but thanks to OpenCongress, here is the complete list of cosponsors for S. 909, the Senate's version of the Matthew Shepard Act (previously HR 1913):
Sen. Edward Kennedy [D, MA] Sen. Daniel Akaka [D, HI] Sen. Evan Bayh [D, IN] Sen. Jeff Bingaman [D, NM] Sen. Barbara Boxer [D, CA] Sen. Sherrod Brown [D, OH] Sen. Maria Cantwell [D, WA] Sen. Benjamin Cardin [D, MD] Sen. Robert Casey [D, PA] Sen. Susan Collins [R, ME] Sen. Christopher Dodd [D, CT] Sen. Richard Durbin [D, IL] Sen. Dianne Feinstein [D, CA] Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand [D, NY-20] Sen. Thomas Harkin [D, IA] Sen. Tim Johnson [D, SD] Sen. John Kerry [D, MA] Sen. Amy Klobuchar [D, MN] Sen. Mary Landrieu [D, LA] Sen. Frank Lautenberg [D, NJ] Sen. Patrick Leahy [D, VT] Sen. Carl Levin [D, MI] Sen. Joseph Lieberman [I, CT] Sen. Jeff Merkley [D, OR] Sen. Barbara Mikulski [D, MD] Sen. Patty Murray [D, WA] Sen. Ben Nelson [D, NE] Sen. Bill Nelson [D, FL] Sen. John Reed [D, RI] Sen. Charles Schumer [D, NY] Sen. Jeanne Shaheen [D, NH] Sen. Olympia Snowe [R, ME] Sen. Arlen Specter [R, PA] Sen. Mark Udall [D, CO] Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse [D, RI]
I've bolded the two of personal interest -- Ohio Sen. Brown and Indiana Sen. Bayh -- the following Senators from this area are notably absent: Ohio Sen. Voinovich, Kentucky Sen. McConnell, Kentucky Sen. Bunning, and Indiana Sen. Lugar. All are Republicans. For your convenience, I've italicized the two Republican co-sponsors... please note that both are from Maine :-). We also only had 18 Republicans vote for it in the House, so, if we assume 10%-ish votership by the Republicans, then we can expect two more to join them. Maybe NH Sen. Gregg? Maybe PA Sen. Specter? Maybe MO Sen. Bond? Maybe AZ Sen. McCain? I don't actually know, but we'll see. We also had 17 Dems vote against the Act, so... yea.
If you want to get ahold of your Senators to encourage them co-sponsor the bill or vote for it, or if you want to email your co-sponsoring Senator, check out this really easy site to find out how to contact them.
Just Another Black Sheep predicts the following likely no's on the bill: OK Sen. Coburn, TX Sen. Cornyn, SC Sen. Graham, IA Sen. Grassley, UT Sen. Hatch, AZ Sen. Kyl, and AL Sen. Sessions. Who else do we add to that list? I might put some money on AK Sen. Murkowski in expectation of Palin-Murkowski primary... Sarah, I'm sure, would use it in the campaign.
The HRC is asking you to tell 10 friends to contact their Senators, as well.
Oh, and how did the local US Representatives vote in the House? (Condensed from here)
Other Points of Interest... 100% Aye Delegations (with more than one member) Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico (sort of -- one no vote recorded), Oregon, Rhode Island
100% Nay Delegations (with more than one member) Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma
Neither of those last two lists are really surprising, though, really. Make sure you contact your local rep and thank them, if they voted aye, for their support... and tell your congressperson, if they voted no, that you are disappointed (be nice, kids)!
Meet Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) who spoke today during the debate over the Matthew Shepard Act -- the federal hate crimes bill that passed the US House of Representatives 249-175-11 (yea-nay-no vote or abstained).
Ms. Foxx had her very own special YouTube moment during the debate when she said the following:
“I also would like to point out that there was a bill -- the hate crimes bill that's called the Matthew Shepard bill is named after a very unfortunate incident that happened where a young man was killed, but we know that that young man was killed in the commitment of a robbery. It wasn't because he was gay."
She added: "This -- the bill was named for him, hate crimes bill was named for him, but it's really a hoax that that continues to be used as an excuse for passing these bills."
This was said, btw, whilst Judy Shepard was in the room. Real nice.
To their credit, this is what the Democratic response was:
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), who supports the hate crimes bill, stared in disbelief before answering a question about the statement.
"It's just sad the Republican caucus has been reduced such a fringe," she said. "It's sad they would go out of their way to prevent people from getting justice."
And, so, I started to wonder, where the hell would she get an idea like this? Thank god for all of us, Ms. Foxx twitters, a fact which, btw, has not escaped the LGBT activists on the web, and a fact that she may come to regret in the morning... regardless, her tweet sends us to the speech of one Don Feder, from the Jewish World Review, who enlightens us on the wonderment that is the anti-hate crime point of view:
Take the 1998 homicide of Matthew Shepard. Was Shepard murdered because he was a homosexual? Possibly. But it's equally plausible that he died because his murderers wanted drug money, and Shepard (weighing in at 105 pounds) was an easy mark. According to a 2004 report by ABC's "20/20," that's what many close to the case believe.
Well, I'm glad that's off our chest. Although, it sends a chilling tone about future robberies... apparently, it's common practice for robbers to pick up gay men in bars, drive them around, beat them, and then tie them to a fence post a la the crucifixion. Remember, kids: carry a gun or this, too, could happen to you in a simply mugging (I have a sneaking suspicion Ms. Foxx is also a fan of the NRA, unconfirmed, so she would like the sentiment).
Of course, that side would have to ignore the queer panic defense...
So, Ms. Foxx, today I give you a special present:
For being just so-gosh-darn-special. But, you know, at least this little YouTube clip will put you up there with the likes of, oh, I don't know, Marilyn Musgrove, Sally Kern, and Jean Schmidt. And we all know how wonderful those women are.
As for the remainder of Don Feder's article, I'll say this: the majority of it is a mass of slippery slope, "end of the First Amendment" argument that we've become used to. I'm sure I've said this before, but, if not, it bears repeating: freedom of speech does not include freedom to rape, assault, or kill. And, yes, we do consider intent in murders... self defense, what?
Have you called yet? Now is the time, if you haven't. E-mail, if you have to, in support of federal hate crimes protections.
The House of Representatives votes todayon the Matthew Shepard Act (HR 1913). Hold you breath, kids... 10 years later, it may finally be done.
This is all over the web this morning, thanks to Bilerico for the complete statement from Pres. Obama yesterday:
This week, the House of Representatives is expected to consider H.R. 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. I urge members on both sides of the aisle to act on this important civil rights issue by passing this legislation to protect all of our citizens from violent acts of intolerance - legislation that will enhance civil rights protections, while also protecting our freedom of speech and association. I also urge the Senate to work with my Administration to finalize this bill and to take swift action."
A question: will this be the first time a President something pro-gay into law outside of HIV/AIDS?
Came through the Cincinnati gay news wire (ie, Mother Chanak) this morning:
Cincinnati, Ohio- April 2, 2009: Equality Cincinnati's mission is to work for full equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in Greater Cincinnati and to prevent discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity. That's why we feel it is imperative to release a statement that on a hate crime that occurred on March 22, 2009. Late that night, a gay male was attacked outside of Bronze [sic], a popular Cincinnati gay bar. The details of the attack are that less than a minute of stepping outside of the gay bar, the victim was approached by three men. The men attempted to rob him but found no money. One of the attackers then said the victim, "You're a pretty fag" and took out a knife and sliced the victim's cheek approximately 2 inches in length and nearly through the entire cheek. The victim began profusely bleeding and ran into the bar and 911 was called. The victim was then taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital and his injuries were treated. Police reports were filed with District 5 police; however, the incident has not been identified as a hate crime. Equality Cincinnati met with the victim and listened to his experience. Equality Cincinnati will be working with the police to discuss what further avenues need to be taken so that this violent incident is classified as a hate crime--an action which is important to the victim and our community in appropriately naming and reporting the violence. Also in response to this incident, Equality Cincinnati is lining up volunteers who will be launching bar and club outreach throughout the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community to ensure that LGBTQ patrons are reminded of safety precautions and numbers to call for help and support. In the meantime, we ask that you be aware of your surroundings and use the "buddy-system" when entering and leaving our gay community's bars, clubs, and restaurants. If you experience a hate crime or any harassment, please report it to the police and Equality Cincinnati www.equalitycincinnati.org.
It is also important to remember that hate crime laws in Cincinnati only cover misdemeanor crimes, and many areas across the country have no hate crime laws against the LGBT community. On Thursday, April 23, 2009 HR 1913, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, (known as the Matthew Shepard Act) cleared its first hurdle in Washington , D. C, winning approval from the House Judiciary Committee by a 15-12 vote. It will be going to the House Floor for a vote that could happen as soon as next week. Please contact your local Congressperson and ask them to support this bill. Contact information for your Congressperson can be found at https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
I'm all for the creation of the Pink Pistols in town -- queers with guns. Hell to the yea. (Or, perhaps, a better suggestion: Queer Self Defense Classes -- even awesomer, and probably more legal.) Also: I'm all for hate crimes legislation. As I've said before (somewhere, I'm not quite sure), one of the purposes of illegalization is to indicate that something is so morally reprehensible as to be against the law. However, it's important to remember that you are not protected because the law is in place. Be careful out there.
Sad, though, that we have to seek protection in our own enclaves.
Allen Andrade has been found guilty of murdering Angie Zapata, with the hate crimes indictment tacked on for killing her due to her gender identity/expression.
Thanks to all of the QueerCincinnati.com readers! The current incarnation has moved. Click here for the new site and please update you bookmark to "http://queercincinnati.wordpress.com"
2009 Local Elections
Candidates -- Cincinnati City Council
Democrats Laketa Cole (inc.) Jeff Berding (inc.) Greg Harris (inc.) Cecil Thomas (inc.) Wendell Young Laure Quinlivan Nicholas Hollan Tony Fischer Bernadette Watson
Republicans Chris Monzel (inc.) Leslie Ghiz (inc.) Amy Murray Charlie Winburn George Zamary
Charterites Chris Bortz (inc.) Roxanne Qualls (inc.) Kevin Flynn
