The Upcoming Coppin State African American Transgender Forum

TransGriot Note: Thanks to Sandy Rawls for sending me the info concerning this upcoming forum. A I mentioned at the beginning of this year, transpeople of African descent are tired of the vanilla flavored status quo and the 2K10s will be a decade in which a might people will awaken and begin to take control of their own destiny, just as our cis ancestors did.

And now, the press release about the upcoming Coppin State event.

The purpose of this event is to foster dialog and productive conversation on ways to improve lives in the African American Transgender Community. The Transgender community, regardless of race or orientation, faces a multitude of obstacles and challenges.

More than often, we see and hear about African American trans people finding it exceptionally difficult to live healthy, productive, and successful lives.

During this forum, we will explore our challenges and our victories, as well as facilitate a solution-based dialog to further build a healthier, dynamic and unified community.

The African American Transgender Forum At Coppin State University-Working Together to Build a Stronger Community

Admission: FREE
Contact: Sandy Rawls 443-447-3238

Location: Coppin State University
2500 West North Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21216-3698

Date: September 25, 2010
Time: 8:30am – 3:00pm
Lead Sponsors: Trans-United and Maryland Black Family Alliance

Co-sponsors: The Portal, ACLU of Maryland, Equality Maryland, (W.A.R) Women Accepting Responsibility, Baltimore Black Pride

Proposed Schedule:

8:30am - 9:10am – Registration and light breakfast
9:15am– 9:30am – WELCOME: Elbridge James and Sandy Rawls
9:35am – 9:45am – Building a stronger community-Sandy Rawls
9:45-9:55- Our Hopes, Our Dreams, Our Victories-Tona Brown

First Panel:
10:00– 11:45am –OUR ISSUES – Housing, Education, Sex Work, Hate Crimes

MODERATOR Sandy Rawls-Executive Director of Trans-United/Baltimore City HIV/AIDS Commissioner

Lindsey Harrington-Youth Group Facilitator at Trans-United/ TransS.P.I.R.E
Lisa Garnett- HIV/AIDS Prevention, and Treatment Director at Trans-United
Lauren Stokeling-W.A.R Women Accepting Responsibility
Aeon Farr- Morgan State University student/ Community Outreach coordinator at Trans-United

12:00pm – 12:45pm – LUNCH

Second Panel:
1:00pm – 2::30pm - OUR STORIES- How they contribute to solve issues in the Transgender community

Brian Watson -Program Director/Transgender Health Empowerment-Washington DC
Nevett Steele-Attorney, LGBT Community Activist
Mark McClaurin- HIV/AIDS specialist and Activist
Tonia Poteit- PA, MPA (Medical Public Health) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health)
Dr. Luke Johnsen HIV/STD Specialist /Baltimore City Health Department

2:45pm – 3:00pm – Closing Remarks, Working Together to Build a Stronger Community
Sandy Rawls, Elbridge James, Lea Gilmore

Black LGBTI Americans & Allies Honoring President Obama's Advocacy Event

TransGriot Note: From Ashley Love about a DC event for President Obama

President Barack Obama has done more for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender and intersex Americans in the first year alone of his presidency than any other president. Many LGBTI African Americans and allies are disappointed by LGBT Inc’s personal attacks on a fierce advocate such as our president because change has to be inspired, not forced. To show our solidarity and support of our first African American Preside...nt, we need to come forward and be vocal about the real changes that have taken place.

This weekend has been a historic event with the first convergence of over 100 African-American LGBTI leaders from around the country at the Congressional Black Caucus with the National Black Justice Coalition's OUT on the Hill event! In that spirit, I am asking that we come and celebrate together at Busboy's & Poets, a venue located in a historical neighborhood where Black intellectuals, artists and activists have come together for over a century to take a stand for social justice and to combat racism.

Sunday, September 19 · 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Washington DC. "Busboys & Poets"
Address: 14th & V. 2021 14th St, DC.

For more info contact Ashley Love: ashleylapr@yahoo.com

TransGriot Update: Speakers for tonight's event are MAGNET organizer Ashley Love and IFGE Executive Director Denise LeClair. There will be a special message from Kylar Broadus, Board member of the National Black Justice Coalition.

Upcoming Philly TDOR Panel Discussion

I was invited to be part of the panel for last year's inaugural discussion, but regretfully couldn't attend due to a TDOR scheduling commitment elsewhere.

A gentle reminder that if you want me speaking at your TDOR events, better move fast because speaking slots are filling up.

This year's panel discussion will take place on Thursday, November 18 from :00pm - 9:00pm EST. It will happen at Safeguards, 1700 Market Street, 18th Floor in Philadelphia, PA.

The theme for this year's discussion will be- Generation to Generation - Bridging the Gap Toward Transcendence - SPEAK ABOUT IT!

Premise and Topic:
Identity and the circular motion of change between generations. How to bridge the divide in our community toward growth beyond terms. In alignment with the famous quote by Audre Lorde: "There are no new ideas".

For additional information about this upcoming 2010 TDOR event you can contact Dionne Stallworth via e-mail at prismchild@yahoo.com

Hearts and Ears, Inc Presents An Evening of Music Featuring Tona Brown

On November 20, 2010 Violinist and Vocalist Ms. Tona Brown will be performing in a charity concert at the First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church at 6:00 PM EST.

All proceeds will go towards Hearts and Ears, Inc. a non profit organization supporting mental wellness and recovery for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning community.

Guest artists to perform during the concert include organist Ms. Desiree Hines, Pianist Ryan Shookman and cellist Kevin Jones.

The church is located at 210 West Madison Street in Baltimore, MD.

Ticket Prices are $20.00 (RSVP) and $30.00 at the door.

For information about this concert event please call 410-523-1695. If you would like to volunteer we could use your help!

Looking forward to seeing you there for what will be an enjoyable evening of music.

U of L To Host Statewide Fairness Coalition Fall Summit

Even though I'm now 1000 miles from Louisville and the state of Kentucky, I still am in contact with many of the people and organizations I gave time to, helped and was a part of for the almost 8 years I lived there.

Received this e-mail recently about this upcoming Kentucky specific event while I was moping about not being there for Carla's Lawn Party.

Since I still have a lot of peeps from Da Ville and the Bluegrass state checking in and even dropping comments on this blog from time to time, thought I'd post it.

I attended the spring Statewide Fairness Summit in Frankfort, and now it's time for the fall edition to happen and plot the next steps toward getting a statewide Fairness law.

The Statewide Fairness Coalition Fall Summit 2010 will will take place September 25 from 9:00am EDT - 5:00pm EDT on the University of Louisville campus just south of downtown.

Figures y'all would have it in Da Ville after I leave.

Just as with the spring event, it's FREE Registration with breakfast and lunch provided.

Students are enthusiastically wanted and encouraged to attend. Supporters from across the state are needed to strategize for Statewide Fairness with Coalition members ACLU-KY, Fairness Campaign, Kentucky Commission on Human Rights, Kentucky Fairness Alliance, and Lexington Fairness!

Since this is occurring during U of L's Pride Week celebration, there will be a special student event. So if you're a college student thinking about attending ask for the details about the Friday night special student event as part of U of L's Pride Week.

Travel and lodging assistance is also available for students withing to attend as well.

You can register for the event by e-mailing Laura@Fairness.org as expeditiously as possible. If you're a college student, note that in your e-mailed registration as well.

I won't be there, but I'm confident the folks in my other hometown will put on an informative and great event.

Kolakowski For Judge September 14 Oakland Event

TransGriot Note: Announcement from Superior Court judicial candidate Victoria Kolakowski.

Make sure to save the date! Our big Oakland event will be on Tuesday, September 14 starting at 5:30 p.m. PDT at Shashamane (2507 Broadway, where Mix It Up East Bay meets)

It's hosted by Board of Equalization Chair Betty Yee, Assemblymember Sandre Swanson, Oakland City Attorney John Russo, Oakland Councilmember Ignacio De La Fuente, Peralta College District President Abel Guillen, Frieda Edgette, Richard Fuentes, Edie Irons, Michael Lighty and the California Nurses Association, Molly McKay and Dr. Davina Kotulski, Rebecca Saltzman, and Sean Sullivan. And there is still time to join the host committee!

RSVP to the campaign at (510) 465-2988 or e-mail events@kolakowskiforjudge.com. Donations may be made securely online at http://kolakowskiforjudge.com/

For more info, visit the Facebook event.

NOH8 Photoshoot October 4 At Texas A&M University

Thanks to one of the wonderful people I met during July's Texas Transgender Non discrimination Summit, Texas A&M's Lowell Kane, was made aware of the NOH6 Campaign making its way to Aggieland for the FIRST OFFICIAL NOH8 photoshoot in the state of Texas!

See, we're not all right wing knuckle-dragging know-nothing GOP voting bigots in the Lone Star State. But I digress.

Back to the regularly scheduled post.

There will be a NOH8 Campaign photo shoot at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX on October 4. 2010 from 4:00 PM CDT - 7:00 PM CDT.

The location for the photo shoot will be Texas A&M University's Rudder Theater, 200 Discovery Drive, College Station, TX.

On MONDAY, October 4th, the NOH8 Campaign will set up our studio at Texas University in Rudder Theater in College Station, TX opening up the opportunity to join the campaign to Texas area supporters!

...The photo shoot is scheduled to begin at 4 PM and end at 7 PM. We will do our best to make sure everyone in line by 7 PM will get their photo!

Anyone that would like to join the NOH8 Campaign is asked to wear a plain white shirt to match the look of the signature NOH8 photos.

Solo NOH8 photos will require a minimum donation of $40 per person while any group or couple photos will require a $25 donation per person in the photo.

Adam Bouska will be working around the clock to photograph 5-10 frames for each person that comes through. The final selection he chooses will be retouched and made available to you through the www.NOH8Campaign.com website!

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?
ARRIVE BETWEEN 4 PM AND 7 PM @

Texas A&M University
Rudder Theater
200 Discovery Drive
College Station, TX 77845-7546

~ COME CAMERA READY ~

~ WEAR WHITE ~

~ POSE & MAKE A STATEMENT! ~

**The NOH8 Campaign will apply the NOH8 temporary tattoo to your face upon arrival, and we will also supply you with the silver duct tape for the photo.**

***Due to the generosity of Texas A&M we will be able to offer a $10 Discount to ALL solo photos for anyone who presents a Student ID. (ANY student ID not just A&M) So anyone who presents a student ID at check out will only be charged $30 for their solo***

________________________________________________


Funds raised by the NOH8 Campaign will be used to continue promoting and raising awareness for marriage equality and anti-discrimination through NOH8’s interactive media campaign. This includes bringing the campaign to other cities around the country, as well as compiling the images for a large-scale media campaign. Under consideration is the expansion of our campaign to other media, including television and radio broadcast, billboards, and magazines. Contributions are also used to cover the daily operations and maintenance necessary to run this rapidly growing campaign.


The NOH8 Campaign is an approved 501(c)(3), donations will be tax-deductible up to the amount allowable by law.

TDOR 2010-Send Event Info To Ethan

Ethan St. Pierre, who takes on the sad duty of tracking trans hate murder statistics, has put out a message reminding us we are depressingly close to another Transgender Day of Remembrance observance in November.

I know this has to be gut wrenchingly hard for him as well because he lost his aunt Debra Forte to transhate on May 15, 1995.

He's asking that if you are planning a 2010 TDOR event, please send the info to him at Radicalguy@gmail.com with the pertinent details.

You can also follow TDOR Twitter updates at: http://twitter.com/Transgenderdor

I was honored to be able to speak at the LITDOR last year and once again thank the kind folks up there for giving me the opportunity to take part.

As of right now I have speaking slots available for that period, but you better move fast if you wish to have the TransGriot at your TDOR event.

Me Time2

Hey TransGriot readers!

Should have posted it earlier, but needed to take a me day to recharge and refresh the creative writing juices and do some social media interactions.

If some breaking news happens that's just too irresistible for me to not comment on, I'll get that post up as quickly as I can.

Will be back up and writing tomorrow.

Voting For 2010 Black Weblog Awards

Just a gentle reminder people that I'm a finalist in the 'Best LGBT Blog' category for the 2010 Black Weblog Awards. There's also a certain Timmy's Icecap drinking Canadian bacon loving blogger who is a finalist in the 'Best International Blog' category as well.

The voting is going on there until August 31, and winners will be announced in September.

While it's an honor to be a finalist, I would like to be the bride for once and not the bridesmaid.

So if you haven't done so already, surf on over there and cast those electronic ballots.

Thanks And Help A Sistah Out

I'm getting close to hitting the 1.5 million hit milestone on this blog, and for that I thank you loyal TransGriot readers. I deeply appreciate it.

You say that TransGriot is important to you and that you get your news from it.

But I do have something to ask you.

On the left hand side of this blog I have a donate button. In order to keep this blog add free, I'm going need to have the donations increase.

I get a little more than 2000 hits a day. If I got just 10% of you to chip in as little as $5, I would have the money I need to make some improvements such as have a backup computer, do some repairs on the now TransGriot primary computer and pay for my Internet service in advance.

Of course, if you feel like chipping in more, that's all good as well. If you can only afford to chip in $1, then that works for me as well.

If I can't get folks to start doing a little bit more to help support the blog, you probably will be seeing ads in the near future. While its come out of my pocket for most of the life of this blog, the negative economy has affected me as well.

I got cut back so much on my hours I became a reluctant member of the 99ers. The move also cut into my reserve savings as well and I'm not getting as many freelance writing assignments.

So, that's the sitch I'm in right now. If you want TransGriot around as a viable community resource, I'm going to need some help to keep making that happen through this rough patch I'm in.

A Houston Trans History Lesson With Phyllis

August 12 will mark the 30th anniversary of the repeal of the Houston anti-crossdressing ordinance after 3 1/2 years of lobbying by 'the godmother of the trans rights movement' Phyllis Frye.

With the only NO vote from Christin Hartung, the repeal passed and Mayor Pro Tem Johnny Goyen signature eliminated an ordinance that had been abused by HPD under its reviled chief Herman Short.

HPD used it at the time to not only harass and arrest women wearing fly front pants, but transwomen, female illusionists, the gay community, lesbians and anyone else the HPD vice squad did not approve of.

At that time women were expected to have their zippers on the side or in the back, otherwise, they were cross dressing.

And here's a sample of the oral history you'll be getting this weekend.

"On August 12th, 1980, after several delay-tags that were put on the repeal ordinance, it was again before Council. At the time, our Mayor was Jim McConn. He was out of town, as was Jim Westmoreland. McConn knew that it was coming up on the agenda, and he had told the Mayor Pro Tem for that day, Johnny Goyen, that it was alright with him. City Secretary, Anna Russell, waited until Council members Homer Ford and Larry McKaskell were on the phone. When they got on the phone, she immediately handed the repeal to Johnny.

You see, the deal is that under council rules if you're present and you don't vote no, then it's an automatic yes vote. Homer and Larry were on the phone. They didn't even know what was going on. There was only one no vote, and that was Council member Christin Hartung, she was the sole and only no vote. I still hope that somebody will beat her. Homer and Larry went to Johnny about five minutes later, and Johnny says, "oh, I didn't know that was going through." The ordinance was repealed and it has remained so to this day."

On Saturday August 14, Phyllis will tell stories similar to this one about the anti-crossdressing ordinance fight and her long battles starting in the late 70's for trans civil rights.

The TransGriot will be there for this one. So join me and the Transgender Center folks as we gather to celebrate Phyllis Frye's long fight against discrimination and celebrating this historic occasion.

Everyone is welcome, food will be provided, but bring your own beer and wine.

It will take place on Saturday August 14 from 12-5 PM at the Houston TG Center. It is located in Montrose at 604 Pacific, Houston, TX, 77006

For more info e-mail Lou Weaver: lou@tgctr.org

Upoming Trans Strategy Conference

TransGriot Note: Arianna and the folks at GIEC sent me the note about this upcoming invitation only trans event.

This is a dynamic and engaging conference for prioritizing and planning an effective strategy of vigorous ground activism/advocacy/action, to include:

*Education of the general public and institutions, especially of areas where Trans people are rarely heard of or considered, utilizing in depth heart to heart discourse, common ground engagement and positive bridge building.

*Blunting stigmatization of Trans people, as well as ending the gross misappropriation, silencing and "invisibling" of Trans people by some elements of the LGB and Cisgender sectors in society.

*Building a Trans Activism machine that can act independently, with any ally support as an added "bonus", not total dependency.

*Finally challenging Transphobic institutions, initiating supported litigation when called for.

*Launching a response and communications network for Trans people based on existing successful models and creativity.

*Officially launching Counter - Media platforms and resources that can broadcast positive and empowering images of Trans people, thus challenging the negative media image(s) of Trans people;

- increasing and raising the volume of our voices.

*ENDA - and alternatives to this if necessary.

*Creative solutions for mitigating Anti - Trans violence.

*Significant ally organizations and others, such as the ACLU, Lambda Legal, Sylvia Rivera Law Center, TIP, Radical Women,GLAD, NLGTF, GLAAD, NOW, TFA, TransUnited, TransHaven, GASS, TransAngels, Gender Justice, contributive UK/European/Asian/Latin American/African entities, MAGNET and Board members of the Guardian Angels, are just some being invited to attend.

*There will also be opportunities for individuals or groups at the conference to make presentations - please let us know at least 2 weeks in advance, provide an abstract or outline of what you would like to present.

The cost of this conference is free, although donations to be used for trans people in need, would definitely be appreciated!

Location: Soka University of America, Aliso Viejo, CA (conference area TBA)
Date: Saturday September 4th - Sunday September 5th, 2010
Time: 10:30 AM on Saturday / 12:30 PM on Sunday

If any maps, directions are needed for the area, please don't hesitate to request them.

-An electric cart for those with disabilities is available with advance reservations specifying that the cart is needed.

-Breakout sessions can be flexibly scheduled throughout the conference.

-There will be a special motivational and success training presentation on Saturday (time TBA).

-We'll also host a live "2-way" online video feed at the conference, so that remote attendees will have a chance to significantly contribute - we'll be giving out secure pass words and log-on information beforehand.

Meals and catering
-Breakfast/Brunch and Dinner on campus subsidized by the GIEC, will be available during the conference. -The Bistro Cafe on the campus of Soka University serves fresh, very well prepared great all-you-can-eat buffet meals prepared by contract chefs.

-If there are any dietary needs (such as vegetarian, vegan or modified diet) please let us know ahead of the conference.

Detailed information for hotel and residential host lodging will be arranged and announced very soon.

Scholarships will be available for those needing financial assistance to attend this event (for travel, lodging and subsidized meals)

This conference will be invitation only and security will be provided

Contact:
Email: arikitty09@gmail.com
Phone: 714-227-0252

TransGriot Update: Questions are arising as to whether this is a legitimate conference. It's not on the Soka University website for scheduled September monthly events.

Theresa Sparks For Six Campaign Kickoff Event Today

Hmm, seems like this election cycle has seen more activity than ever before from trans candidates running for elective office.

Since you know I believe it's past time we started getting our own peeps elected to public office, I'm proud to make you aware of another trans person you'll be scouring the November 2 election news for the results of her political race.

The folks in the Bay Area already know who she is, but say hello rest of the nation and loyal TransGriot readers to Theresa Sparks.

If the name sounds familiar to you, she was the former President of the San Francisco Police Commission board in addition to being very active in the local community there.

She's running to represent District 6 on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and is jumping off her campaign for that position with a kickoff event starting at 10 AM-12 Noon PDT at the Passion Café.

The address is 28 6th Street in San Francisco, CA.

Theresa commented on her FB page about her campaign:

'This campaign is about making history and more about helping to move San Francisco forward. This campaign is about jobs, the economy and helping to rebuild the City without sacrificing the values that make San Francisco great.'

You can keep up with her campaign with the Sparks for 6 FB page or her website.

Good luck Theresa and may you add the title of Supervisor to your list of accomplishments on November 2.

2nd Annual LA TG Film Fest Coming Soon

The second annual TG Film Fest will be held at the LA Gay and Lesbian Center's Renberg Theater on August 28th, 2010

The festival kicks off at 11:30 AM PDT and runs until 9 PM. The TG Film Fest will feature four ninety minute screenings of trans themed films.

The films being presented this year include one that I had the pleasure of seeing during last year's U of L Pride Festival. It's a short film by Calpernia Addams and Andrea James called Transproofed.

Transpoofed will be part of the short films being show at 7:30 PM.

Another interesting movie that will be part of the 2010 is a Todd Holland film called The Believers, which is about the 2004 Outmusic award winning San Francisco based Transcendence Gospel Choir.

Suggested donation is $20, but people without funds will not be turned away. Outside the theater, in the center's courtyard there will be a DJ and live performances from 11:30 AM to 9 PM and vendors selling art and crafts.

The LA Gay and Lesbian Center is located at 1125 N. McCadden Place in Hollywood, CA.

Moni's Headed Back To New England

Been sitting on this news for a little while.

Since it has been posted to the NETU Pride March website and we're a few weeks away from the event happening, I think it's time to share the news with my loyal TransGriot readers. I'm pleased to announce that Moni's headed back to New England for the 2010 New England Trans United Pride march and rally.

I was just one of the speakers at the inaugural event in 2008 in which Miss Major was the Grand Marshal.

This time I'm honored to be following in Miss Major's footsteps as the 2010 parade's Grand Marshal.

Last year's march in Northampton drew over 600 participants and the organizers hope to exceed that total this year.

The goal of the march and rally is to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by the trans community in order to build support in the Massachusetts legislature for pending trans civil rights legislation.

One bill on the local community's radar is Massachusetts bill H1728/S1687, “An act Relative To Gender-Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes,”.

Thanks New England Trans United for the honor and looking forward to seeing you peeps in Northampton, MA and the surrounding area on Saturday, September 11.

Will be a blast to see and hang out with old friends, meet some new ones and say howdy to all my TransGriot readers in the area.

And please tell me y'all snagged the RV y'all had for the 2008 event.

TransForm New Hampshire Conference Coming Soon

Many of us remember last year, when the New Hampshire Senate, the only female led and dominated legislature in the country if not the world passed a marriage equality bill.

But that same legislative body couldn't, wouldn't or didn't want to expend the effort to open their minds and hearts to protect trans people in their state. On a 24-0 vote turned down at transgender rights bill because 'it had flaws' they never elaborated on.

It appears the New Hampshire trans community is mobilizing in the wake of that bitter loss. As part of that process, the TransForm New Hampshire Conference will take place July 23-25, 2010 in the state's capital city of Concord, NH.

There is a $25 registration fee for the event and during that period people from the Nutmeg State and beyond its borders will gather to watch films, performance artists, and workshops that will help educate people, formulate policy, get better organized and discuss ways to petition their legislators to pass laws so that transpeople can 'live free or die' in New Hampshire and beyond.

Here's a statement from Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire Gene Robinson concerning the event.

'Equal rights for Transgender People is the next front in the equal-rights-for-all effort. But more of our citizens need to understand the experiences, challenges and needs of their trans neighbors. This conference is an extraordinary opportunity to hear national leaders as well as local activists, speaking to the experience and needs of our trans citizens. Even gay and lesbian people are often uneducated and unfamiliar with the complexities of our trans brothers and sisters who have been so supportive of our efforts for full equality. Run, don't walk, to sign up for this great conference!

Featured speakers for the event include Anthony Baretto-Neto, Allyson Robinson, , Peterson Toscano, Kim Pearson, Executive Director and Co-Founder of TransYouth Family Allies, and many more.

The event is sponsored by TransMentors International, in partnership with the New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union,

MAGNET'S Panel Discussion Tonight

MAGNET'S panel discussion entitled Women Demanding Change Now: The Dehumanization of Transsexual Women through the Gay Male Hollywood Lens will be taking place in a few hours on the Left Coast.

It will be moderated by MAGNET's Ashley Love run from 7-9:30 PM PDT at the Plummer Park Community Center, Room #6. It's located at 7377 Santa Monica Blvd.(Cross street is Martel) in West Hollywood, CA 90046.

Media Advocates Giving National Equality to Transsexual & Transgender People (MAGNET) is an anti-defamation organization dedicated to educating the media about transsexual and transgender issues. It also has as part of its mission pushing for more authentic and positive portrayals of trans people in the media.

It's definitely something that's sorely needed, and those of you in the Los Angeles area can check out what's promises to be a lively panel discussion.

2010 Fairness Over Louisville

The second annual 'Fairness Over Louisville' event will be taking place on Saturday, July 24 at the Frazier International History Museum downtown.

Special guest speaker this year will be MSNBC News political analyst Contessa Brewer.

The event is hosted by many of my friends and colleagues in the Louisville and Kentucky progressive community such as Michael Aldridge, Brent Beard & Dr. Steve Lebder, Brian Buford, Scott Burchett & Travis Myles, Khalilah Collins, Julia Crittendon, Rev. Aletha Fields & Rev. Y. Loni Floyd, Greg Fischer, Ernie Flores, Brad Hampton, Chris Hartman, Dennie Humphrey & The Monkey Wrench, Tim King & Kevin Noland, Carol Kraemer, Dr. Travis Lay & Ren Scheuerman, Sam Marcosson, David Mills & Tom Trudgeon, Stuart Perelmuter, Gil Reyes, Attica Scott, Dr. Kaila Story, John Tompkins, Jessica Underwood, Carla Wallace, Nick Wilkerson, Dawn Wilson, and Sherry Yeager.

Miss y'all.

But back to the announcement post.

The Frazier International History Museum is located at 829 W. Main in downtown Louisville.

'Fairness Over Louisville' for you TransGriot readers in the Kentuckiana area will start at 8 PM EDT and run until midnight and this event benefits the Fairness Campaign.

Suggested donation is $20, but I don't think they'll mind if you wish to donate more.

Hope it's off the charts successful.

MAGNET Changes Name Of Upcoming Media Panel

After consultation with LGB allies, MAGNET has changed the title of the upcoming July 15 panel discussion taking place in the Great Hall at Plummer Park in West Hollywood, CA.

Some of the allies have objected to the 'Gay Male Media Mafia' term used in the initial title, so after consultation it has been changed to 'Gay Male Hollywood.'

The full explanation of why MAGNET did so is contained in this post from their blog.