TransGriot's Finally In DC!

Well TransGriot readers, (and Mom) made it to Washington DC after enduring a two hour delay getting to Baltimore due to  weather in the Washington-Baltimore area. 

I did have some ATC delays navigating out of Jacksonville before I finally arrived in Baltimore two hours later

And I love the fact the Metro Red Line's Woodley Park station is right across the street from the host hotel grounds.  

Yeah right, like I'm going to be spending a lot of time in the room, much less at my friend's house.  Being that I'm considered one of the activist cool kids, I have business to take care of while I'm inside I-495.  I have Friday and Saturday night panel discussions and other things to do in Washington DC that coincide with the 2012 edition of OUT On The Hill.

And yes, a few of my Facebook friends in the area made it clear they want to see me while I'm in town.

I would have loved to have been here for the pre-conference Congressional Tri-Caucus event that was held earlier today from 10-11:30 AM EDT entitled Closets Are For Clothes: Being LGBT and POC in America but to accomplish that I would have needed to leave Houston yesterday and had too many last minute loose ends to deal with Monday

I'm going to crash since it's been a long travel day and Moni needs her beauty sleep.

If I get some time, will tell y'all all about Day One of OUT On the Hill

NBJC OUT On The Hill Host Committee Gearing Up For Biggest Summit Ever

I can testify to how much work is involved in putting together a conference like OUT On The Hill, having done it while organizing the 2005 and 2006 Transsistahs-Transbrothas ones in Louisville. 

The National Black Justice Coalition has done a masterful job at the planning and execution of this event over the last two years and the 2012 one looks to be the biggest one yet.  As the reputation of the quality of it grows and word of mouth and publicity about OUT on The Hill continues to expand amongst Black LGBT people and our allies about this unapologetically Black conference of Black trans and SGL leaders, it's also time that the OUT On The Hill Host Committee get a little love as well.

OUT on the Hill Host Committee members have been working closely with other distinguished Black LGBT leaders and activists to contribute their time and talents to the event and encourage others to do the same. Host Committee members are integral to making OUT on the Hill a success.              

This year's OUT on the Hill Host Committee members include: Shaun Allende, UDC OUTLAW; Brandynicole Brooks, DC Child and Family Services Agency; Ashlee Davis, Emerging Leader; Rev. MacArthur Flournoy, Human Rights Campaign (HRC); Robby Gregg, Diversity Thought Leader; Monique Hall, DCI Group; Rev. Cedric Harmon, Many Voices; Rev. Candy Holmes, Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC); Huston Inniss, National Coalition for LGBT Health; Bakari Jones, Bois of Baltimore; Katheryn King, U.S. Bank; Stacey Long, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; Samantha Master, Morgan State University; Aisha Moodie-Mills, Center for American Progress; Rev. Darlene Nipper, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; Donna Payne, Human Rights Campaign (HRC); Jeffrey Richardson, DC Mayor's Office of LGBT Affairs; Maya Rupert, National Council for Lesbian Rights (NCLR); Twaun Samuel, Office of Congresswoman Maxine Waters; Andre Wade, National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH); Rev. George Walker, Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute/Victory Fund; Lauren Waters, Emerging Leader; and Isaiah Wilson, Office of Congressman Steve Rothman.   

Thanks Host Committee for the work you collectively put in to make OUT On The Hill a success and I'm looking forward to seeing y'all on Tuesday. 

2012 Out On The Hill-Moni's Panels

As the days get closer to September 19-22 I get more excited about the third annual Out On The Hill that will happen in Washington DC and being part of the star studded lineup for OOTH 2012..  

While there will be some outstanding panels, lobbying on Capitol Hill, policy discussion, the opportunity to attend the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation-Annual Legislative Conference at the Convention Center during Out On The Hill in addition to opportunities to meet and network with outstanding Black LGBT leaders from all over the country, I am looking forward to the two panels I'm involved with. 

One of the panels I'm taking part in happens on Friday, September 21, 2012, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM EDT and its entitled ' The System, The Reality, The Solution: Honoring and Protecting the Lives of Black Trans Women.”

Here's the synopsis of it..

“The System, The Reality, The Solution: Honoring and Protecting the Lives of Black Trans Women” -- For some of the most likely targets of hate crimes – Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people – the options for survival are slim. For transgender women of color, in particular, the odds are even less in their favor. The Black and civil rights communities are shamefully silent when victims of violence are both Black and transgender. Stories like CeCe McDonald’s represent a larger system of violence and institutional biases. Her case is part of an ongoing string of attacks and mass murders against trans women of color. But even in the mist of adversity, this community of resilient, powerful sisters has managed to come together and demand a seat at the table. The purpose of this town hall is to discuss the current state of the Black trans community – specifically as it reflects the current policies of our government, the social climate of our nation and the lived experiences of Black trans women. Attendees will leave with an understanding of the systems in place as well as resources available and actions to take in order to see substantial progress in this community. This town hall meeting will feature an unprecedented briefing of prominent Black trans women who are activists, media personalities and experts as they discuss why it is important to be intentional about including the “T” as we develop the national Black LBGT agenda.

The invited panelists for it include Rev. Carmarion Anderson, Kokumo Kinetic, Danielle King, Valerie Spencer, Bali White with our moderator for it being Laverne Cox 


On Saturday, September 22, 2012, 10:15 AM - 12:15 PM. EDT I'll be part of the session “Bloggers' Roundtable: How the LGBT Equality Movement Has Impacted Black America and the Media Landscape."

“Bloggers' Roundtable: How the LGBT Equality Movement Has Impacted Black America and the Media Landscape” -- Since the president’s historic endorsement of marriage equality, civil rights leaders and celebrities—from the NAACP to Jay Z—have come out in support of marriage for gay and lesbian couples. Recent opinion polls suggest a record shift in support of marriage equality among people of color. But despite the prevailing media narrative, research has long shown that the Black community isn’t monolithically homophobic or transphobic. In fact, polling of African Americans has previously indicated that when it comes to issues of harassment and violence (hate crimes, bullying in schools, etc.) more than 50 percent feel that it’s a very big problem for gay and lesbian people. This session will feature a fishbowl style discussion where prominent Black LGBT bloggers discuss how the conversation has changed in new media. Attendees will leave with a more nuanced understanding of media representation and public opinion of African Americans as it pertains to LGBT equality.

Still not too late to register for the third annual edition of Out On The Hill.

NBJC Newsletter-Out On The Hill 2011 Recap Edition

The latest edition of the NBJC Newsletter is out, and if you're wondering why I'm so excited for the third edition of Out On The Hill to begin September 19-22, check out this one recapping the events of Out On The Hill 2011.   You may even see a certain blogger from Texas in a photo or two

And no, it's not too late to register for Out On The Hill.   If you do, you'll be glad you did.   

I'm taking part in two panel discussion during this edition of Out On The Hill in addition to finally getting to meet Laverne Cox after we missed each other while I was in New York.  

And yes, NBJC family, I'm deliriously happy I get to spend quality time with you once again and everybody else inside I-495 (AKA the Capitol Beltway).

And while I'm there I have an activism related announcement I'll be making during that weekend, so stay tuned.

See y'all September 19-22.

2012 Out On The Hill-Countdown To Owning Our Power

Now that the calendar page has flipped to September, the days are rapidly counting down to the third annual edition of the National Black Justice Coalition's Out On The Hill conference. 

I'm looking forward to being with my trans and SGL family and friends as we own our power in inside I-495 once again from September 19-22..

If you haven't registered yet, might be a good idea to do so since Out On The Hill is going to be chock full of informative panel discussions, forums, lobbying events and opportunities for you to meet and talk to Black LGBT leaders and as Sharon Lettman-Hicks loves to say, own your power.. 

If you think I'm kidding about that, check out this event schedule. 

Last year was my first Out on the Hill which I was covering in my role as a blogger.  The cool thing about it is that it takes place during the  Congressional Black Caucus Foundation-Annual Legislative Conference event which I also got to attend for the first time. 

I got to meet many of the persons in the LGBT movement during this week and countless others. I was honored to be able to participate in a panel discussion at Washington's DC's City Hall concerning the violence my DC transsisters were facing.   I got to meet some of our emerging young leaders and yes, I did get to play tourist for a moment and see the MLK, Jr Memorial which is now a year old.  

I also had some thought provoking conversations with various Black leaders and allies inside and outside the trans and SGL community.  There was also the unexpected one in which I represented the national trans community at the local vigil held for Gaurav Gopalan.   

And yes, my time at Out on the Hill triggered a lot of reflection and hard solid thinking on my part about the state of the Black trans community.  I discussed our Black trans elders, and the state of the community in Texas and Houston when it was time to come back home.    

The countdown to the 2012 Out On The Hill has begun, and I',m looking forward to seeing what happens this year.

Gettng To Out On The Hill On A Dime

TransGriot Note: The 2012 edition of Out On The Hill is rapidly approaching, and for our collegiate younglings who would like to take part in this empowering event, here's a guest post from Toni-Michelle Williams, one of the members of the NBJC Leadership Advisory Council who I met at last year's Out On The Hill along with some of her Norfolk State classmates.

Attending the National Black Justice Coalition's  OUT on the Hill Black LGBT Leadership Summit last year was both an honor and a blessing. I left knowing who I was and who I wanted to be. I fell in love all over again with my Black LGBT family. As Emerging Leaders, we don't always have the means to pay for conference costs such as registration fees, lodging, and meals. That didn't stop me (and the ten Norfolk State University students I recruited). And it shouldn't stop you. Here's all you need to know about the upcoming summit and six steps for you to attend OUT on the Hill at practically no expense.

 

On September 19-22, 2012, over 200 Black LGBT leaders and activists from across the country will once again gather in the nation's capital for the 3rd annual OUT on the Hill. Attendees will participate in an inspiring week of discussion, strategizing and organizing as well as educate congressional leaders and federal agencies about Black LGBT public policy concerns.

OUT on the Hill was a liberating experience for me and my colleagues. As African American LGBT and ally students, it is important for us to gain knowledge of not only the politics of the overall LGBT movement, but the strategies specifically dedicated to the experiences of people of color. OUT on the Hill provides opportunities for Emerging Leaders to network amongst each other, while providing a safe space for us as future leaders to hold conversations that will advance our community. The summit also allows Emerging Leaders to connect with powerful Black LGBT politicians, activists, creatives and more.

OUT on the Hill is an experience that will change your life as LGBT person of color and as an Emerging Leader at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) or majority institution. It is an experience worth fighting for. By the end of the journey you will be equipped with the tools necessary to own your power.

OUT on the Hill - Video Promo

Six Steps to Gain OUT on the Hill Sponsorship from Your College/University

1. Point out the pluses. Notable conferences are typically events that college campuses sponsor. The college gains "bragging rights" (they will get to boast that their students attended special briefings at the White House and met with Members of Congress) and students return to the institution with a wealth of knowledge to share with the campus community. It's a win-win all around.  
2.  Know your target. Seek out departments that are in need of knowledge on LGBT-inclusion. These include the Student Life and Engagement, Office of the Provost, Student and Resident Affairs, Women's Center, Sociology Department, Gender and Women's Studies and the Political Science Department. Maybe there has been an increase of reports of violence against LGBT students or a new women's center recently opened. Take advantage of these opportunities to be a resource for information and cultural sensitivity.  
3. Be relatable. Connect your experiences as an LGBT person to their broader research or mission. For example, approach the School of Education with an emphasis on bullying and how LGBT students of color are disproportionately victims. Or stress the importance of advocating on behalf of homeless LGBT youth to the School of Social Work. The possibilities are endless.  
4. Identify allies. Speak to Deans and other administrators who will have access to funds that could possibly promote awareness of these causes. Look to faculty advisors of student groups and professors of LGBT-inclusive courses.  
5. Be a champion of change. Know what you and/or your student organization want to accomplish on and off campus. Then market yourselves as ambassadors of change and diversity for your college campus.  
6. Be prepared. Utilize resources and statistics on everything from hate crimes to transgender equality from national organizations such as the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Gay & Lesbian Student Education Network (GLSEN), and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. You will be able to make a better case for why your presence at OUT on the Hill is imperative.

See you at OUT on the Hill, September 19-22, 2012. Read more about this year's summit here!  Contact NBJC's Programs Associate Je-Shawna Wholley via email at  jwholley@nbjc.org with any questions.

- Antonio "Toni-Michelle" Williams

Antonio "Toni-Michelle" Williams studies journalism at Norfolk State University and hails from Atlanta, Georgia. Her most significant leadership position is as President of LEGASI, which serves as NSU's Gay-Straight Alliance organization. Under her two year leadership, the organization's membership has significantly increased. Toni-Michelle is also a distinguished member of the National Black Justice Coalition's Leadership Advisory Council.

2012 Out On The Hill-Be There!

In just a few weeks the National Black Justice Coalition's Out On The Hill Conference will be taking place in Washington DC from September 19-22.

It's when and where Black trans and SGL leaders will have thoughtful discussions, own our power, and state unequivocally that Black LGBT people are Black people as well. 

So what's Out On The Hill?    Roll that empowering video footage.




And yeah, the TransGriot will be headed to DC to take part in some of the activities and discussions being planned for the 2012 edition of Out On The Hill.   

2012 Out On The Hill Registration Open!

TransGriot Note: From Sharon Lettman-Hicks, the Executive Director/CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition.  

As the Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the nation's leading civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, it is my privilege to personally invite you to our 3rd annual OUT on the Hill Black LGBT Leadership Summit on September 19-22, 2012 in Washington, D.C. Earlier this summer, we were proud to name CNN/ESPN's LZ Granderson as this year's OUT on the Hill National Chair. We are thrilled to announce that registration is officially open.

Hundreds of established and emerging thought leaders, activists, elected officials, faith leaders and youth will convene in the nation's capital to educate congressional leaders, the White House and federal agencies about Black LGBT public policy concerns. As our guest, you are guaranteed to leave ignited to a whole new level of action, and with the language, tools and resources needed to be politically engaged to OWN YOUR POWER on the national and grassroots level.

NBJC has organized a robust agenda of several groundbreaking events, including our now annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) Issue Forum focused on the LGBT movement's impact on Black America as well as a national town hall meeting to address the epidemic of murders of transgender women. We will also convene a Black LGBT Leaders Day at the White House, which will include presentations from the Obama Administration and an Issue Advocacy Day, which continues to serve as an opportunity for Black LGBT leaders to discuss important policy issues with Members of Congress and Congressional Leadership.

In addition to OUT on the Hill activities, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the CBCF's ALC. The CBCF's Annual Legislative Conference provides an outlet to highlight the mission of CBCF - to develop leaders, to inform policy and to educate the public - by providing more than 80 high-level, thought-provoking forums to address the critical challenges facing the Black Diaspora.

This is an important year for our community and our nation as a whole. As we approach the presidential election, it's time to claim your seat at the table.

Will you join us at this year's OUT on the Hill? Registration is open today. Early bird specials and emerging leaders rates are now available. REGISTER TODAY...space is limited and the early bird special ends on September 5.

Let's OWN OUR POWER Together,

Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks

Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer

NBJC Out On The Hill 2012 Registration Open

The third annual National Black Justice Coalition Out On The Hill Leadership Summit will take place September 19-22 in Washington DC.   I had a wonderful time meeting other Black LGBT leaders and allies during the time I was up there for the 2011 event and have blocked off those dates on my fall calendar so I can be in DC again for it.

Registration is now opening for the 2012 edition of Out On The Hill, and you might wish to get busy taking advantage of the conference discounts and early bird registration for those of you who qualify for them.

Will also keep you TransGriot readers posted about OOTH 2012 news as I receive it.

NBJC's Out On The Hill 2012 Coming Soon!

I attended The National Black Justice Coalition's second annual Out On The Hill conference last year and had as you can probably guess from the posts I got to compile during that week one fantastic week in Washington DC.

In addition to meeting many African-American rainbow community leaders, allies and the wonderful people associated with the National Black Justice Coalition, I had time when it was done to play tourist and see the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Memorial and the National Holocaust Museum before I headed back to Texas. 

It's almost time for the third annual Out On The Hill to take place, and it will be happening September 19-22.   This year's national chair will be ESPN/CNN columnist LZ Granderson, who was one of the long list of people I had the pleasure of meeting at last year's event.

"LZ embodies what is at the heart of OUT on the Hill - informed, intentional and purpose-driven leadership," says NBJC Executive Director Sharon Lettman-Hicks. "As one of the most influential and powerful Black LGBT voices in media, his vision and guidance as National Chair will be invaluable."

Last year, Granderson moderated "From Civil Rights to LGBT Equality: African Americans and the LGBT Community at the Intersection," the first-ever, LGBT-themed Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Issue Forum sponsored by NBJC and the National Education Association (NEA).

OOTH attendees get to participate in an inspiring week of discussion, strategizing and organizing as well as educate congressional leaders, the White House and federal agencies about Black LGBT public policy concerns and meet other African-American TBLG leaders while doing so..

I definitely want to be there for this year's edition of it, and if your schedule allows you to be in Washington DC during that weekend I highly recommend attending OOTH.2012..

OUT On The Hill-The LGBT Congressional Staff Association Briefing

Dense Leclair and I took off from our undisclosed location in NW Washington DC and hit the subway enroute to the first event of the 2011 OUT on the Hill schedule at the Congressional Visitors Center.

I was also interested in finding out who was here for OUT on the Hill.  . 

The event Denise and I were attending was a scheduled 5-7 PM panel discussion sponsored by the LGBT Congressional Staff Association with the theme of 'Brother Outsider: Linking the Racial Justice and LGBT Equality Movement.'  

Denise and I got there in plenty of time although I had to go through security a few times because my low heel  boots were setting off the metal detector.   I wasn't alone because a few people had to do the same thing for various reasons. 

Note to self: don't wear those tomorrow.

I was also interested in finding out who was here for OUT on the Hill and immediately ran into Diego Sanchez and Kylar Broadus in addition to having a few of my FB friends and TransGriot readers introduce themselves to me before the panel got started.    

The panel's moderator was Robert Traynham of Comcast and the panelists for this discussion not only included Kylar, but ESPN's LZ Granderson, NAACP Washington DC bureau director Hilary Shelton, NBJC ED/CEO Sharon Lettman-Hicks, Carolyn Brown of Black Enterprise magazine, Courtney Snowden of the Raben Group and George Walker of the Victory Fund.  .

In addition to some scripted questions, they took some thoughtful questions from the audience. And yes, I wrote a question that got read to the panel and answered by Hilary Shelton and others.

The question I asked?  In light of the fact that the recent NAACP LGBT town hall had no bi or trans representation, when will African Americans  inside and outside the LGBT community have that family discussion about the transgender community and our issues?

After Shelton asked for a clarification, I along with Diego pointed out that the LA convention panel had no bi and trans representation and was heavy on the GL portion of it.  That question triggered a 15 minute discussion on trans issues which up until that point was heavily GL centric.

Since it didn't get started until 5:30, the panel concluded at 7:30 PM.   Shook hands with Hilary Shelton and had a brief discussion with him, hugged Sharon Lettman-Hicks and told her how glad I was to be here for OUT on the Hill,. had a thoughtful conversation with LZ Granderson and thanked him for the piece he wrote for CNN panning the 'Gay Is the The New Black' slogan, and talked to two students from Howard about a panel discussion on trans issues they are doing on campus soon.   

Also got to meet Stacey Long from the Task Force and Kim McLeod from GLAAD and other OUT on the Hill attendees.before I rejoined Kylar, Denise and Diego to discuss trans community and other 'bidness'.

I was also thanked by several people who attended the discussion for asking that question

Hey, it needed to be asked.  If you say an event is supposed to be TBLG, some 'B' and 'T' discussion and inclusion needs to happen, too.

And on that note, have a long day ahead of me tomorrow.  Gotta be up early tomorrow to register and be bright eyed and bushy tailed for the Out On the Hill Opening Session.

See y'all tomorrow.

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