Trans Woman Andrea Jenkins Elected to Minneapolis City Council
She’s the first transgender person elected to a major city’s governing body and the first trans person of color elected to any office in the U.S.
www.advocate.com/politics/2017/11/07/trans-woman-andrea-jenkins-elected-minneapolis-city-council
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Eric.Parker posted a photo:
Dyke March. Toronto, 2017
Only the street shots – thestreetzine.blogspot.com/
Virginia Transgender Democrat Makes History, Ousting Bigot Delegate Who Wrote Transphobic ‘Bathroom Bill’
Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William), who wrote Virginia’s hideous anti-transgender “bathroom bill”, has lost his seat to Danica Roem, now the first openly transgender elected official in the state and the first elected to a state legislature in the U.S.
The race between Roem, 33, and Marshall, 73, focused on traffic and other local issues in Prince William County but also exposed the nation’s fault lines over gender identity. It pitted a local journalist who began her physical gender transition four years ago against an outspoken social conservative who has referred to himself as Virginia’s “chief homophobe”earlier this year introduced a “bathroom bill” that died in committee.
“For 26 years I’ve been proud to fight for you, and fight for our future,” Marshall said in a message posted on Facebook Tuesday night. “Though we all wish tonight would have turned out differently, I am deeply grateful for your support and effort over the years.
“I’m committed to continue the fight for you, but in a different role going forward.”
As Towleroad’s Michael Fitzgerald reported earlier this year:
In 2010, discussing his attempt to ban LGBT people from Virginia’s National Guard, Marshall said:
“If I needed a blood transfusion and the guy next to me had committed sodomy 14 times in the last month, I’d be worried.
“It’s a distraction when I’m on the battlefield and have to concentrate on the enemy 600 yards away and I’m worried about this guy who’s got eyes on me.”
In 2012 he said that “homosexuality is not a civil right” and has claimed that opponents of religious freedom laws are discriminating against heterosexuals.
Earlier this year, he introduced what has been described as one of the most dangerous bathroom bills in the country. Mother Jones reports that the proposed legislation went a step further than other states by requiring schools to out students to their parents within 24 hours if they asked “to be recognized or treated as the opposite sex.”
In May, Roem – who beat out Steve Jansen, Andrew Adams and Mansimran Kahlon to win her party’s backing – said:
“Let me make this really clear for you: When the people of the 13th District elect a transgender woman to replace the most anti-LGBT legislator in the South, it will be an act of certainty, and it will be a defining moment that will resonate across the country.”
However, she told the Washington Post that she is more concerned with the important issues. Marshall, she said, “is more concerned with where I go to the bathroom than where his constituents go to work…I’m running a race on improving transportation rather than ensuring discrimination.”
Welcoming Roem’s selection, Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, CEO of Victory Fund, said:.
“Danica Roem is a leader in a national movement of trans candidates who are determined to become a voice for their community in the halls of power. This historic primary win sets up a general election battle where voters will choose between ‘Bigot Bob’ Marshall – the most anti-LGBTQ member of the Virginia state legislature – or Danica, a proud trans woman who is committed to representing all people in her district. I am confident voters will choose leadership over divisiveness and make Danica the first out trans candidate to win and serve in a state legislature.”
Stephen Farnsworth, an expert on Virginia politics and a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, said that although Roem is in with a shot, it will be incredibly hard to predict how exactly this contest will play out.
He noted that while Marshall “has managed to win despite having a target on his back election cycle after election cycle,” Roem’s best chance is to emphasize constituent service issues rather that national social agenda issues.
The post Virginia Transgender Democrat Makes History, Ousting Bigot Delegate Who Wrote Transphobic ‘Bathroom Bill’ appeared first on Towleroad.
Virginia Voters Reject Trump’s Politics of Hate by Electing Northam, Fairfax, Herring and Roem
Today, HRC celebrated the outcome of Virginia’s statewide election where HRC-endorsed candidates Ralph Northam, Justin Fairfax, Mark Herring and Danica Roem have all claimed victory in their respective races.
“By electing Ralph Northam for governor, Justin Fairfax for lieutenant governor, and Mark Herring for attorney general, Virginia voters have resoundingly rejected Donald Trump’s and Mike Pence’s politics of hate and fear,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “HRC was proud to endorse these pro-equality candidates who are committed to moving Virginia forward as a welcoming and inclusive place. We congratulate Northam, Fairfax, and Herring on their important victories and look forward to working closely with them to advance LGBTQ equality in the commonwealth.”
HRC released an earlier statement hailing Danica Roem’s historic victory in the Virginia District 13 election. Unseating anti-LGBTQ Delegate Bob Marshall, Roem’s electoral victory will make her Virginia’s first out transgender public official and the nation’s only out transgender state representative.
HRC worked aggressively in Virginia by mobilizing staff and volunteers to ensure these pro-equality candidates were victorious. HRC engaged fair-minded Virginia voters through targeted social media, emails, text alerts, direct mail, phone calls, door-to-door canvassing, and other crucial efforts.
HRC’s work in the commonwealth is part of a bold, proactive grassroots expansion called HRC Rising — a campaign announced in July to accelerate progress in states from coast-to-coast, resist the politics of hate, fight anti-LGBTQ legislation, and fuel pro-equality candidates and initiatives. The expansion is the biggest strategic investment in the organization’s 37-year history.
The HRC Foundation designated Virginia as a “High Priority to Achieve Basic Equality” in the organization’s 2016 State Equality Index. The commonwealth is one of thirty-one states that still lacks basic non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
Citing ‘Sexual Misconduct,’ USC Students Want Bryan Singer’s Name Off Cinema Program
Though Singer isn’t facing current charges of misconduct — and former accusations never amounted to formal charges — USC students are moving forward with their petition.
Homelessness Is Worst In Some Of London’s Richest Boroughs, New Research Reveal
Some of London’s richest borough have some of the highest homelessness rates in the country, new research has revealed.
In the most extensive review of its kind, homelessness charity Shelter revealed the worst boroughs around the UK for rough sleeping and people being housed in temporary accommodation.
Most of the worst performing boroughs were in London, with some of the richest coming out as the worst.
Westminster, which has an average income of £104,000, has a total of 8,054 people homeless, equivalent to one in 31 people. It’s national ranking was 3rd worst.
Kensington and Chelsea, where the average income is £158,000, had a total of 4,401 people registered homeless, equivalent to one in 36. This left it as the fifth worst borough in the country.
The borough of Newham came out worst of all, with a total of 13,607 people registered homeless, equivalent to one in 25 people.
Deserae Plante has lived in temporary accommodation since 2009 but was moved out of her accommodation in Westminster, first to Haringey and now to Romford in Essex.
The single mother told HuffPost UK she was “gutted” at how her case was handled, adding: “It’s one of the richest boroughs in the country but it still has so many housing issues.”
Plante, who has four young daughters, spoke of the effect that her experience had on her mental health.
She said: “I don’t want to go out any more, I hardly want to associate with people. I just want to keep myself to myself because I just feel down.
“I feel like I’m in a prison…I get really, really depressed because of this whole housing issue.”
She added: “We are people too, we might not have the money but we’re people too and we need to be treated equally. You shouldn’t treat someone better because they have more money than someone else. We’re all human.”
Outside London, areas such as Luton, where 1 in 52 people are homeless, Birmingham (1 in 88) and Manchester (1 in 154) also featured in the top 50.
Shelter’s research found that in total, there are 307,000 people living in temporary accommodation and sleeping rough, equivalent to one in 200 people. This is 13,000 more people than last year.
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “It’s shocking to think that today, more than 300,000 people in Britain are waking up homeless. Some will have spent the night shivering on a cold pavement, others crammed into a dingy, hostel room with their children. And what is worse, many are simply unaccounted for.
“On a daily basis, we speak to hundreds of people and families who are desperately trying to escape the devastating trap of homelessness. A trap that is tightening thanks to decades of failure to build enough affordable homes and the impact of welfare cuts.
“As this crisis continues to unfold, the work of our frontline services remains absolutely critical. We will do all we can to make sure no-one is left to fight homelessness on their own. But we cannot achieve this alone; we urgently need the public’s support to be there for everyone who needs us right now.”
www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/homelessness-london_uk_5a01b3b1e4b066c2c03a1891
Danica Roem Makes History as Virginia’s First Out Transgender Public Official
Today, HRC and Equality Virginia, the statewide organization working for LGBTQ equality, hailed Danica Roem’s historic victory in the Virginia District 13 election. Unseating anti-LGBTQ Delegate Bob Marshall, Roem’s electoral victory will make her Virginia’s first out transgender public official and the nation’s only out transgender state representative.
“Danica Roem’s historic victory is a clear warning to anti-equality lawmakers across the country that the days of attacking LGBTQ people to scare up votes are over,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “HRC was proud to mobilize voters to support Danica Roem’s trailblazing candidacy, and we look forward to working with her to help continue moving equality forward in Virginia.”
“Danica’s victory tonight is not only a victory for transgender Virginians, but for transgender Americans as well,” said Equality Virginia Executive Director James Parish. “Our great Commonwealth has had many significant electoral firsts, and it’s no surprise the diverse and welcoming citizens of Prince William County have chosen to elect the first transgender candidate to any state’s legislative body. Roem ran a smart, issues-driven campaign focused on improving the lives of her neighbors; a campaign that ran counter to her opponent’s divisive and transphobic rhetoric. I, along with Equality Virginia’s staff and board, send our heartfelt congratulations to Danica, and we look forward to working with her at the General Assembly to pass protections for gay and transgender Virginians.”
Working hand-in-hand with Equality Virginia, HRC worked aggressively in the commonwealth to get out the vote for Danica Roem. HRC helped mobilize fair-minded Virginia voters through targeted social media, emails, text alerts, direct mail, phone calls, door-to-door canvassing, and other crucial efforts.
HRC’s work in the commonwealth is part of a bold, proactive grassroots expansion called HRC Rising — a campaign announced in July to accelerate progress in states from coast-to-coast, resist the politics of hate, fight anti-LGBTQ legislation, and fuel pro-equality candidates and initiatives. The expansion is the biggest strategic investment in the organization’s 37-year history.
Scotland Apologizes to Convicted Gay and Bi Men, Prepares Pardon
New legislation will pardon those convicted for consensual same-sex relations.
www.advocate.com/world/2017/11/07/scotland-apologizes-convicted-gay-and-bi-men-prepares-pardon
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Robbie Rogers Retires from Soccer, Leaving No Out Gay Men in U.S. Pro Sports
Robbie Rogers, the first and currently only out gay man in professional U.S. sports, today announced his retirement from soccer.
Rogers made the announcement in a statement from the L.A. Galaxy:
“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement from the game of soccer. It is through this game that I have experienced some of my greatest achievements both professionally and personally and I am forever indebted to the numerous individuals – coaches, teammates, staff and fans – that have helped me during this journey.
I want to personally thank Mr. Anschutz, Dan Beckerman and the entire AEG family for the opportunities and continual support they have given me during my time with the LA Galaxy. I would like to thank Bruce Arena for encouraging me to return to professional soccer after I came out as a gay man. I’d also like to thank all of my LA Galaxy teammates for accepting me from the first day I stepped back into the locker room at StubHub Center.
Finally, I’d like to thank the fans for their continued support throughout my career. I’ll never forget the feeling of returning to the field in my first game back. That feeling of acceptance and support pushed me as an athlete and as a person. Having the opportunity to win an MLS Cup in my hometown, with my hometown club as an openly gay man will be something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I will remain deeply connected to this sport and its surrounding community. I leave the game full of pride of what I have accomplished as a person and a player. I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life.”
Rogers shared a separate message on social media:
As a young boy I dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player and representing my country in front of the world. But as a teenager I grew more and more consumed by fear and shame. And sadly, at some point the scared kid inside me decided that pursuing my dream meant sacrificing a part of myself and hiding my sexuality from the world instead of embracing it.
My happiest years as a player are the ones where I could walk through the stadium at the end of games down the tunnel to my partner and son waiting for me at the other end. And my only regret in my eleven year career are the years I spent in the closet. I wish I could have found the courage that so many young individuals have shared with me in the past five years to live honestly and openly as a gay person. These are the young people that inspired me to overcome my fears and return to playing. They’re still the kids that send me letters every week. To those kids, I say thank you. My proudest accomplishment in my career is helping to create a more open sport for you.
None of this would have been possible without my teammates and brothers on and off the field, without the LA Galaxy and Bruce Arena who saw me as another player and not a distraction, or without the fans who judged me for my work ethic and my play and not my sexuality. And finally, it couldn’t have been possible without my family, who loved me through all of my ups and downs and always supported my dreams and still do.
Lastly to all of the women and men who are still frightened to share their truth with the world, I’d encourage you to come out. By sharing who you are you will not only be improving your own life but inspiring and literally saving the lives of young people across the world. You deserve to take that same walk, down the players tunnel and have your own partner or loved ones waiting for you.
Again thank you to everyone who watched or help me follow these dreams. I could never have imagined the happiness I’ll take with me into retirement and into my next chapter.
Rogers famously came out publicly as gay in 2013, retiring from soccer in his coming-out letter, assuming he could not be openly gay while playing pro sports. Three months later he announced his return to professional soccer. The LA Galaxy traded Mike Magee, who won the league’s MVP award, to the Chicago Fire for the rights to Rogers. Magee also recently retired.
The Galaxy won the MLS Cup in 2014 with Rogers starting much of the season, including the MLS Cup final. Rogers previously won the MLS Cup with the Columbus Crew in 2008.
He made a number of appearances with the United States men’s national team from 2009 to 2011. He did not compete in a World Cup, though he did play in at least one World Cup qualifier.
The post Robbie Rogers Retires from Soccer, Leaving No Out Gay Men in U.S. Pro Sports appeared first on Towleroad.
Robbie Rogers Retires from Soccer, Leaving No Out Gay Men in U.S. Pro Sports
