GENDA Overwhelmingly Passes NY Assembly For Ninth Consecutive Time!

In the wake of the historic press conference in which Attorney General Loretta Lynch and head of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division Vanita Gupta countersued the state of North Carolina for the unjust HB 2,  in New York State they were celebrating the announcement that the Gender Expression Non Discrimination Act (GENDA) has passed the New York State Assembly for the ninth consecutive time.

GENDA if passed would protect New Yorkers from discrimination based on their gender identity or expression in employment, housing and education..

Once again, the vote wasn't close in the Democratically controlled New York State Assembly, in which they hold a 103-47 supermajority,.  GENDA (A-4558b/S-0061b) passed on a 81-46 vote.

"This legislation represents the Assembly's continues commitment to protecting all New Yorkers from discriminatory practices," said NY Assembly Speaker Carl Hastie.  "It is unconscionable that neither the federal or state government have declared discrimination against transgender individuals illegal.  This bill addresses that injustice."

'Transgender rights are human rights," said Chairman Richard Gottfried, sponsor of the bill. "it's an embarrassment to New Yorkers that 18 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws barring discrimination on the basis of gender identity, while GENDA can't even get a vote in our State Senate.  While North Carolina and other states try to roll back progress by attacking transgender rights, New York should stand up for common sense, fairness and justice,"  

But the problem for GENDA has consistently been since 2007 that the bill has gone to the Republican controlled New York Senate, and hasn't even gotten a floor vote because it keeps getting killed in committee..

Hopeful this will finally be the year in which Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) uses some of that political capital and his bully pulpit to get it done like he did on gay marriage.

It is now in the New York Senate's Investigations and Government Operations Committee.  The entire nation will be watching to see if this will be the year that GENDA actually gets out of committee and gets and up or down vote in the GOP controlled  Senate.

The TX Values Transphobes Are Planning To Swarm The FWISD Board Meeting Today

Pissed off because the Fort Worth Independent School District decided to clarify its policies impacting trans students,  the transphobic ignorati stirred up by my transphobic Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Texas Haters Values are planning to swarm tonight's FWISD board meeting that starts at 5:30 PM to vent their spleens at Superintendent Dr. Kent Scribner and the FWISD school board for their policy they quietly approved and announced at their April 19 board meeting...

Their plans are to pack the room with haters and send hate mail to the FWISD board, so let's have some fun spoiling those plans.  

Our transphobic Lt. Governor will also be in the FWISD house to demand the resignation of Superintendent Scribner and the repeal of the policy.

According to my sources in the DFW area, both those events Patrick is demanding have as much chance of happening as the Cowboys moving to San Antonio to play their games at the Alamodome this season.


Local folks in Fort Worth and the DFW Metroplex who support the new policy and our trans kids are asked to show up wearing RED before the 5:30 PM meeting start time.    If you want a seat in the chamber, I suggest you get there an hour before that, especially if you want to deny seats to the haters who will probably be busing in from exurban hate megachurches or driving in from the surrounding teabagging exurbs.

If you can't make it to FWISD headquarters to show your support for the school board, you can e-mail the members . The haters are calling for people across Texas and the USA to do so, so they have opened the door for us fair minded citizens and the national and international trans community to reciprocate.

I think the FWISD board would appreciate getting some friendly supportive calls and e-mails, so if you have time, please send these FWISD board members thank you e-mails for standing up for the rights and humanity of ALL their students because we know the faux faith based opposition is sending them facts free hate mail as you read this.

Here are some facts debunking the bathroom lies to help you as you compose those supportive e-mails.

. FWISD Board President  Jacinto “Cinto” Ramos, Jr – jacinto.ramos@fwisd.org

1. Tobi Jackson – tobi.jackson@fwisd.org
   Christene Chadwick Moss – christene.moss@fwisd.org
   Theophlous Aron Sims, Sr. – ta.sims@fwisd.org
   Judy Needham – judy.needham@fwisd.org
   Ann Sutherland – ann.sutherland@fwisd.org
   Norman Robbins – norman.robbins@fwisd.org
   Matthew Avila – matthew.avila@fwisd.org
   Ashley Paz – ashley.paz@fwisd.org

The FWISD administration building is located at 2903 Shotts Street in Fort Worth.  The meeting will be livestreamed, and if you live in the DFW area you can see it live on Charter cable channel 192 and , AT&T U-Verse channel 99

If you wish to speak before the board or find out what their policies are to do so, I would suggest calling the Office of the Board of Education at 817-814-1920.
.
Here's hoping that Dan Patrick and Texas Values don't get what they want in the optics of a parade of haters on the local news ignorantly blasting the school board and Superintendent Scribner for the trans inclusive policy.

I also don't want our trans kids who are attending FWISD schools seeing that soul crushing spectacle of one person after another denigrating their humanity.
   

Vanita Gupta's Remarks On The NC HB 2 Federal Countersuit

After US Attorney General Loretta Lynch made her eloquent remarks body slamming HB 2 and telling the trans community the DOJ and the Obama Administration had their backs, Vanita Gupta, the head of the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ spoke.

And yes, Trans World, her remarks deserve just as much attention as AG Lynch, since it's discussing and explaining the basis for the upcoming lawsuit.

So here's Gupta's May 9 remarks concerning the lawsuit filed by the DOJ against the state of North Carolina, Gov Pat McCrory, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the University of North Carolina against the unjust HB 2.. .

***

Thank you, Attorney General [Loretta E.] Lynch, for those powerful words.  Throughout the arc of our country’s history – from tragedies of injustice to marches for equality – there have been pivotal moments when America’s leaders chose to stand up and speak out to safeguard the ideal of equal justice under law.  And history will record your inspiring words and our forceful action today as one of these moments. 

I also want to take a moment to thank the entire team throughout the Civil Rights Division and the Department of Justice, who have worked tirelessly over the last several weeks to ensure that everyone in North Carolina has the full protections of our laws.

Today, we filed a federal civil rights complaint in federal court in the Middle District of North Carolina.  Before I discuss the details of our legal argument, I want to make one thing clear.  Calling H.B. 2 a “bathroom bill” trivializes what this is really about.  H.B. 2 translates into discrimination in the real world.  The complaint we filed today speaks to public employees who feel afraid and stigmatized on the job.  It speaks to students who feel like their campus treats them differently because of who they are.  It speaks to sports fans who feel forced to choose between their gender identity and their identity as a Tar Heel.  And it speaks to all of us who have ever been made to feel inferior – like somehow we just don’t belong in our community, like somehow we just don’t fit in.  Let me reassure every transgender individual, right here in America, that you belong just as you are.  You are supported.  And you are protected.       

Our complaint brings legal claims under three different civil rights statutes.  Two of these statutes are long-standing protections against discrimination in the employment and education contexts: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.  It is fitting that these statutes – which emerged from our nation’s long struggle to banish a legacy of legal discrimination – are now being used to defend, to uphold and to reaffirm the progress that resulted from that struggle; progress that represents America at its best, at its brightest and at its strongest.        

Title IX and Title VII prohibit discrimination based on sex.  The Department of Justice has for some time now made clear that sex discrimination includes discrimination against transgender people – that is, discrimination based on gender identity.  That is consistent not only with the language of the statutes, but also with the legal interpretations adopted by federal courts – including the appellate court with jurisdiction over the state of North Carolina.  There is nothing radical or even particularly unusual about the notion that the word “sex” includes the concept of “gender.”  Transgender people are discriminated against because their gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth.  H.B. 2 denies transgender people something that all non-transgender people enjoy and take for granted: access to restrooms consistent with their gender identity.  That’s sex discrimination, plain and simple.  This view is only confirmed when proponents of measures like H.B. 2 misinterpret or make up facts about gender identity.  Here are the facts.  Transgender men are men – they live, work and study as men.  Transgender women are women – they live, work and study as women.

Our Title VII claim is brought against the state and governor of North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the University of North Carolina because of sex discrimination in employment.  Our Title IX claim is brought against the University of North Carolina because of sex discrimination in its education programs.

We also bring a claim under the Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, a more recent statute specifically designed to prevent discrimination against transgender people by entities that accept certain federal funds.  As with Title IX, entities that accepted federal funds under VAWA – including UNC and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety – pledged that they would not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender identity.  Our complaint seeks to enforce that pledge and hold those entities accountable for the discrimination required by H.B. 2.

Even as we seek that compliance, we remain committed to working with any agency receiving federal funding to develop a plan to ensure their compliance with federal law.

For the reasons I just highlighted, H.B. 2 violates the law.  But H.B. 2 also threatens the values that define us as a people.  These values are timeless.  These values say to all people that you can be who you are, and you deserve to live with dignity.

The complaint filed today seeks to enforce these laws and protect these values.  At this time, the Attorney General and I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

***

Laila Ireland Wins AMPA Military Spouse Leadership Award

May 6 was Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and how apropos was it that on Saturday night in our nation's capital the third annual American Military Partner Association's (AMPA) national gala was held in our nation's capital at the Hyatt Regency Washington Capitol Hill.

So what's the American Military Partner Association?  It  is a 501(c)(3)  organization founded in 2009 by the same gender loving partners of active duty service members that has grown to 45,000 members.

AMPA's mission is connecting, supporting, honoring, and serving the partners and spouses of America’s LGBT service members.   Since its founding, AMPA has become the nation's largest resource and support network for the partners, spouses, families and allies of America's trans, bi, lesbian and gay service members.

Ever since last year's LGBT Pride Reception, Army Cpl Laila and her Air Force Senor Airman spouse Logan Ireland have been getting increasing visibility and attention as just two representatives of the over 15,000 trans Americans who are serving in the US Armed Forces.

And what's ever cooler about Laila and Logan is they are a married trans military couple featured in the documentary Transgender, At War and In Love.

We hope that later this month open trans military service will finally become a reality for the Irelands and our trans siblings proudly serving in our nation's military.

At Saturday's AMPA Gala, Laila received the American Military Partner Association's Military Spouse Leadership Award.

Here's video of Laila's AMPA Military Spouse Leadership Award acceptance speech at the AMPA Gala.



Congratulations Laila!  It was well deserved,.and thank you, Logan and all our trans siblings for your service for us and our country.

AG Loretta Lynch Drops The Legal Hammer On NC

"Let me also speak directly to the transgender community itself.  Some of you have lived freely for decades.  Others of you are still wondering how you can possibly live the lives you were born to lead.  But no matter how isolated or scared you may feel today, the Department of Justice and the entire Obama Administration wants you to know that  we see you; we stand with you; and we will do everything we can to protect you going forward.  Please know that history is on your side.  This country was founded on a promise of equal rights for all, and we have always managed to move closer to that promise, little by little, one day at a time.  It may not be easy – but we’ll get there together. "
--US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, May 9, 2016

In response to North Carolina filing a federal lawsuit today to defend their unjust Hate Bill 2 and Gov. Wallace Pat McCrory's laughable claim they are being 'bullied' by the federal government, US Attorney General Loretta Lynch dropped the legal hammer on North Carolina by counter-suing them and emphatically making it clear that the DOJ and the Obama Administration stood with the transgender community in this human rights fight. it.

Here's the link to the full text of the original remarks as prepared for delivery and the video..

***

Good afternoon and thank you all for being here.  Today, I’m joined by [Vanita] Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice.  We are here to announce a significant law enforcement action regarding North Carolina’s Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, also known as House Bill 2.  

The North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 2 in special session on March 23 of this year.  The bill sought to strike down an anti-discrimination provision in a recently-passed Charlotte, North Carolina, ordinance, as well as to require transgender people in public agencies to use the bathrooms consistent with their sex as noted at birth, rather than the bathrooms that fit their gender identity.  The bill was signed into law that same day.  In so doing, the legislature and the governor placed North Carolina in direct opposition to federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex and gender identity.  More to the point, they created state-sponsored discrimination against transgender individuals, who simply seek to engage in the most private of functions in a place of safety and security – a right taken for granted by most of us.  

Last week, our Civil Rights Division notified state officials that House Bill 2 violates federal civil rights laws.  We asked that they certify by the end of the day today that they would not comply with or implement House Bill 2’s restriction on restroom access.  An extension was requested by North Carolina and was under active consideration.  But instead of replying to our offer or providing a certification, this morning, the state of North Carolina and its governor chose to respond by suing the Department of Justice.  As a result of their decisions, we are now moving forward. 

Today, we are filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against the state of North Carolina, Governor Pat McCrory, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the University of North Carolina.  We are seeking a court order declaring House Bill 2’s restroom restriction impermissibly discriminatory, as well as a statewide bar on its enforcement.  While the lawsuit currently seeks declaratory relief, I want to note that we retain the option of curtailing federal funding to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the University of North Carolina as this case proceeds.

This action is about a great deal more than just bathrooms.  This is about the dignity and respect we accord our fellow citizens and the laws that we, as a people and as a country, have enacted to protect them – indeed, to protect all of us.  And it’s about the founding ideals that have led this country – haltingly but inexorably – in the direction of fairness, inclusion and equality for all Americans.

This is not the first time that we have seen discriminatory responses to historic moments of progress for our nation.  We saw it in the Jim Crow laws that followed the Emancipation Proclamation.  We saw it in fierce and widespread resistance to Brown v. Board of Education.  And we saw it in the proliferation of state bans on same-sex unions intended to stifle any hope that gay and lesbian Americans might one day be afforded the right to marry.  That right, of course, is now recognized as a guarantee embedded in our Constitution, and in the wake of that historic triumph, we have seen bill after bill in state after state taking aim at the LGBT community.  Some of these responses reflect a recognizably human fear of the unknown, and a discomfort with the uncertainty of change.  But this is not a time to act out of fear.  This is a time to summon our national virtues of inclusivity, diversity, compassion and open-mindedness.  What we must not do – what we must never do – is turn on our neighbors, our family members, our fellow Americans, for something they cannot control, and deny what makes them human.  This is why none of us can stand by when a state enters the business of legislating identity and insists that a person pretend to be something they are not, or invents a problem that doesn’t exist as a pretext for discrimination and harassment.

Let me speak now to the people of the great state, the beautiful state, my state of North Carolina.  You’ve been told that this law protects vulnerable populations from harm – but that just is not the case.  Instead, what this law does is inflict further indignity on a population that has already suffered far more than its fair share.  This law provides no benefit to society – all it does is harm innocent Americans. 

Instead of turning away from our neighbors, our friends, our colleagues, let us instead learn from our history and avoid repeating the mistakes of our past.  Let us reflect on the obvious but often neglected lesson that state-sanctioned discrimination never looks good in hindsight.  It was not so very long ago that states, including North Carolina, had signs above restrooms, water fountains and on public accommodations keeping people out based upon a distinction without a difference.  We have moved beyond those dark days, but not without pain and suffering and an ongoing fight to keep moving forward.  Let us write a different story this time.  Let us not act out of fear and misunderstanding, but out of the values of inclusion, diversity and regard for all that make our country great. 

Let me also speak directly to the transgender community itself.  Some of you have lived freely for decades.  Others of you are still wondering how you can possibly live the lives you were born to lead.  But no matter how isolated or scared you may feel today, the Department of Justice and the entire Obama Administration wants you to know that  we see you; we stand with you; and we will do everything we can to protect you going forward.  Please know that history is on your side.  This country was founded on a promise of equal rights for all, and we have always managed to move closer to that promise, little by little, one day at a time.  It may not be easy – but we’ll get there together. 

I want to thank my colleagues in the Civil Rights Division who have devoted many hours to this case so far, and who will devote many more to seeing it through.  At this time, I’d like to turn things over to Vanita Gupta, whose determined leadership on this and so many other issues has been essential to the Justice Department’s work.. 
***
Thank you Attorney General Lynch, the DOJ and the Obama Administration, which has once again proven they are the undisputed champs when it comes to advocating for trans human rights.

This is more concrete evidence of elections mattering and who you vote for being more important than ideological purity.  Do you actually think we would have gotten this type of unequivocal defense of our humanity and human rights from a Romney or Trump administration AG?

Hell no.  It's why voting for the Democratic presidential nominee, whoever she is and Democratic candidates up and down the ballot will be critical to continued progress on trans human rights issues.

Geraldine Roman Elected To Philippine Congress!

It's official!   You can now call her Congresswoman-elect Roman!  
49 year old Geraldine Roman has made Philippine and world trans history by becoming the first out trans person elected to the Philippine Congress!

She was favored to win her race thanks in large part to her mother preceding her in the First District of Bataan House seat and serving for nine years, and her father being also a political heavyweight in their native Bataan region.

She didn't disappoint on election day.

With 95% of the vote counted, Roman is cruising to a comfortable win over her opponent Danny Malana in their First Legislative District of Bataan race to get her first three year term as a Philippine congress member

Dindi Tan, a trans advocate in the Philippines and a former board member of the QC Pride Council there, is just as excited about the historic election of Roman as much of the international trans community is.

She is hopeful that Roman's election to the Philippine Congress results in more positive changes LGBT rights wise in her nation

"For a country that has yet to catch up with the significant LGBT rights developments and inroads around the world, the election victory of Congresswoman-elect Geraldine Roman is an inspiration by itself for a community that has long yearned for its own voice in the halls of Philippine Congress,"said Tan.  

"Her election is a breath of fresh air and is welcomed with great optimism by the Philippine trans community. Her being the first openly trans woman voted into Congress is a clear testament that the tide is slowly shifting to our favor. For the longest time, the Philippine LGBT community has persevered in lobbying for a national law on anti-discrimination. It has taken us 16 long years and counting. We hope that with the election of young blood political movers like Roman, we are rest assured that the lobby will take on an easier path," Tan continued.

"While we celebrate her victory, we also give meaning to the political statement that her election entails-- that politics in the Philippines is slowly becoming more and more embracing of the LGBT agenda. By breaking the glass ceiling in politics, she has paved the way for others like us. We look forward to working with her in Congress and in pushing for more gender-inclusive policies and the advancement of the rights of LGBT people."  

"This is such a history-in-the-making for the LGBT movement on this side of the globe,." added Tan. 

Roman is now part of an elite sorority of out trans feminine politicians internationally who have been elected to their national legislatures that includes Georgina Beyer (NZ), Vladimir Luxuria (Italy), Anna Grodzka (Poland), Michelle Suarez Bertora (Uruguay) and Tamara Adrian (Venezuela)

In her remarks to me concerning this historic win, Naomi Fontanos, the executive director of GANDA Filipinas was also excited and optimistic about the upcoming term of Congresswoman-elect Roman.

"Yes. I am very happy that herstory was made today with Ms Geraldine Roman winning the congressional race in Bataan. While it is radical that she is the first openly out transwoman to be elected in Philippines Congress,she is also undeniably a product of a political dynasty that has dominated local politics in Bataan for a long time.' said Fontanos.

"This is a historic moment though, and I want to focus on the many good things that Ms Roman can bring to the Lower House of the Philippine Congress. I laud the fact that she has openly stated that she would make legal gender change part of her legislative agenda," she added.

Roman is the sixth out trans person worldwide to have accomplished that feat, and the second in the Asia-Pacific region after Georgina Beyer of New Zealand, who was the first out trans person in the world to do so in 1999..

And while Congresswoman-elect Roman is officially representing her constituents in the 1st Legislative District of Bataan, she is also by default the defacto representative of all TBLG people in the Philippines as well.

Congratulations Congresswoman-elect Roman!.   May you be successful in representing not only the voters of the 1st Legislative District of Bataan, but also your Filipino TBLG siblings across the country.

TransGriot Update: Roman won her race in a landslide:  106,315 votes to 64,643 votes for her opponent Danny Malana  

Clinton Wins The 2016 Guam Democratic Caucus

Who said that Sec. Hillary Clinton couldn't win a caucus?

The Guam Democratic Caucus was held Saturday, with 12 total delegates up for grabs.   And surprise surprise, Clinton took that caucus by a healthy 59.5-40.5% margin.

That was good news with the West Virginia Primary coming up tomorrow and the Kentucky and Oregon primaries looking on May 17.

Clinton still has a 300 pledged delegate lead, and is on the verge of getting the 2383 pledged delegates and superdelegates to clinch the Democratic presidential nominations, and not a whole lot of contests remaining on the calendar.



 

The SNL Church Lady Humorously LambasTED My Canadian Senator

Y'all know I have no love for Sen. Damien Thorn, oops Ted Cruz, who I call on these electronic pages the junior senator from Alberta in addition to other sarcastic nicknames when I'm in the mood for calling out his perennial Shut Up Fool award winning behind. .

In the wake of his withdrawal last from the Republican presidential primary after being humiliaTED in the Indiana Republican primary by Donald Trump, NBC's Saturday Night Live brought back former SNL castmember Dana Carvey and his iconic Church Lady character to lampoon my junior senator.

Well isn't that special?   Sure is, and I heartily approve of the SNL skit whacking the defeaTED transphobic Republican presidential candidate.

Here's the video of it if you missed it.

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President Obama Recognizes Trans Mothers In His Mother's Day Proclamation

I'm going to miss President Obama for a lot of reasons when he leaves office January 20.   But the biggest reason I'm going to miss him besides being the first occupant of the Oval Office that reflects my cultural heritage is because he has been the best president ever on trans human rights issues.

And as an unapologetically Black trans person, I am bursting at the seam proud of the first Black POTUS being a staunch ally when it comes to trans issues.

Just 24 hours after he mentions the trans community in his remarks to the Howard University Class of 2016, in his 2016 Presidential Mother's Day Proclamation he recognizes the existence of trans mothers.

Guess some peeps at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue have been reading TransGriot when it comes to this issue.

Here's the proclamation.

***

MOTHER'S DAY, 2016

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

On Mother's Day, we celebrate those who are the first to welcome us into the world.  Performing the most important work there is, mothers -- biological, foster, or adoptive -- are our first role models and earliest motivators.  They balance enormous responsibilities and shape who we become as adults, their lessons guiding us throughout life.  Regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status, mothers have always moved our Nation forward and remained steadfast in their pursuit of a better and brighter future for their children.

Caring and loving without condition, even in our darkest moments, mothers put the interests of their kids ahead of their own.  They are inspiring embodiments of strength and determined drivers of progress, and through their example, our youth learn the values of grace, empathy, and kindness.  For generations, mothers have led the charge toward a freer, more inclusive country -- embracing the task of ensuring our Nation upholds its highest ideals so that they, and America's daughters, know the same opportunities as America's fathers and sons.

Our country's mothers deserve our unwavering support -- at home, in the workplace, and throughout our communities.  I am committed to empowering working mothers so they do not have to choose between caring for their family and earning their paycheck, and I will continue fighting to ensure those who choose to become mothers are not financially punished for doing so.  My Administration has pushed to expand child care and strengthen paid leave, including maternity leave.  We will also keep working to close the gender pay gap -- a disparity that is contrary to our values as Americans, limits the scope of mothers' futures, and affects those they provide for.  And earlier this year, we launched an effort to help low-income mothers and families afford diapers -- a basic necessity for babies -- by bringing together online retailers, diaper manufacturers, and nonprofits to reduce the high cost of diapers.

Each of us is the son or daughter of a mother.  Today, let us pay these extraordinary women the admiration and respect they deserve.  And each day, let us thank them for all they have done for us, remember those whose spirits remain with us, and support those who take on the awesome mantle of motherhood.

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 8, 1914 (38 Stat. 770), has designated the second Sunday in May each year as "Mother's Day" and requested the President to call for its appropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 8, 2016, as Mother's Day.  I urge all Americans to express love and gratitude to mothers everywhere, and I call upon all citizens to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.

BARACK OBAMA

Thank you Mr. President for recognizing the existence of trans mothers.  As for why this is a BFD to the American trans community,  it's important and it matters in a time when the Republican Party and the  conservative movement is trying to turn our existence into an election year  political wedge issue.

Happy Mother's Day 2016

Today is Mother's Day, the day on the calendar in which we celebrate the number one woman in our lives and all that she does, has done and is still doing to make us the best people we can be.   It's also a day in which we acknowledge all the people who take on the joys and challenges of motherhood.

And it's the day that we remember our mothers and mother figures who have joined the ancestors.

I also want to give a TransGriot shoutout to the special group of mothers that I know here in Houston and around the country who are raising trans children.

I've had the pleasure of meeting the amazing Jazz Jennings and her mom Jeanette, and one of the things they have in common with the other moms of trans kids I have met is they are fearless advocates not only for their kids, but for us trans elders as well.

I get a chance to interact with Gender Infinity, our local group of trans parents and the trans kids from time to time, and observe firsthand how happy these trans kids are.  I also get a chance to talk to their amazing parents as they break down to me the joys and challenges of raising a trans masculine or trans feminine child..

I know it's not easy at times raising a happy, well adjusted trans child in a world that is being stirred up by a too long list of TERF's, fundamentalist transphobes, the conservative movement, the Southern Baptist denomination, the Roman Catholic Church,  the Republican Party and other ignorati to irrationally hate on us.

I also need to send some love to all the amazing trans women who are either currently raising kids be they cis or trans or have successfully done so.

We trans elders love you, and are willing to do whatever it takes to be part of the support system you need to help raise your kids and be possibility models for them.   We also wish to work hand in hand with you to change society for the better so your kids when they reach our age will have a better world than we did to accomplish their dreams.  .

Happy Mother's Day!

H-town LGBT Community Shops At Target For A Cause

Ever since Target expressed support for the trans community and made it clear that employees and shoppers go to the bathroom that matches their gender presentation, the right wing faith based ignorati have been engaging in a white-hot orgy of rage aimed at the retailer.

The conservahaters have called for a boycott of Target because of their trans inclusive policies, and in response the LGBT community and our allies across the country have ramped up our support of a store that supports our community.

In addition to the numerous online petitions supporting Target, we took #StandingWithTarget a step further in Houston as the hatemongers gathered on a nearby corner at the entry street to the Sawyer Heights Target location to spread their faux faith based ignorance..

Surprised they weren't at the Bigot Fil-A across the street.  but that's probably where the haters had lunch.

Earlier today our Houston LGBT community had a shop in at the Sawyer Heights location just west of Downtown to not only express our thanks to Target employees for their support of the trans, bi and SGL community, but also purchase items for Montrose Grace Place, an LGBT youth homeless shelter located in the nearby Montrose gayborhood.

A list of items needed at Montrose Grace Place was handed to people wishing to participate in the shop-in event along with thank you cards to hand to the cashiers to let them know why we were in line spending their hard earned T-bills and rainbow cash.

The shop-in ended several hours later  with 10 carts full of items valued at $5700 for Montrose Grace Place and piles of those cards at the store registers.

Thanks for everyone who organized it, and those who participated in this innovative way to support a company that is LGBT friendly and do something for a community organization like Montrose Grace Place at the same time. .

   

President Obama's Howard U Commencement Speech

The Class of 2016 was graduating from Howard University today, and didn't realize that my cousin Derek was going to be in the audience getting his bachelors degree.(magna cum laude) and heading off to Meharry Medical School.

Hey, if you haven't noticed, brains run in my family ;)

My cousin along with the 2300 other HU grads and their friends and family in attendance got the amazing honor of having President Obama give the commencement address.at their graduation.

Here's today's commencement address for those of you who missed it.

Win Attica Win!

The Kentucky Primary election is on May 17, and in this case I'll be looking at some races besides the presidential one between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders at the top of the ticket.

As many of you long time readers know, I spent nearly nine years living in Louisville, and TransGriot actually started there.  I also met and made friends with some wonderful people while I was there in Kentuckiana.

One of those people I got to know was Attica Woodson Scott.  We kept bumping into each other as I settled into my Louisville life after moving there in September 2001 and I got involved in the Louisville liberal progressive political scene and activist circles.   She's been there for me and the Kentucky trans, bi and SGL community as a staunch activist, organizer, and ally when we needed support.

And she's a cool person on top of that.

I was elated when she decided to run for the District 1 seat for Louisville Metro Council, but moved in May 2010 before I had a chance to return the favor and do some work to support her election bid.  She was subsequently elected to the Louisville Metro Council that fall and served until 2015.

While on Metro Council, she sponsored the Louisville Living Wage ordinance, efforts to ban the box and led efforts to increase affordable housing.   Attica has been an ally not only of our Louisville TBLG community, but seniors, our union brothers and sisters, and JCPS teachers.  Former state Rep. Eleanor Jordan and my former state Rep. Mary Lou Marzian have endorsed her, and Scott  has an ever lengthening list of endorsements backing her campaign

I am happy to see her take on a 34 year DINO incumbent in Rep. Tom Riner who is not an ideological fit for the diverse west side District 41 and alarmingly bragged at a recent debate about not having caucused with the Democrats since the 90's.  Riner was also responsible for hooking Kim Davis up with her Liberty Counsel attorneys and I'm surprised he hasn't jumped to the GOP.

That DINO Riner has got to go.   In addition, we haven't had a Black female state legislator representing Louisville, much less in the Kentucky House period since Rep. Eleanor Jordan (D) left her seat in 2000 to take on then Congresswoman Anne Northup (R). It's past time we had another Black female state legislator from Da Ville in Frankfort, and many peeps agree with me.  

Hope the voters of District 41 will agree with me on May 17 and give Attica Scott the opportunity to serve them in Frankfort.

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Trans United Fund 'Meet My Child' Video

The Trans United Fund has just released in time for Mother's Day a video featuring mother's talking about their trans kids and the loud and wrong anti-trans hate being put out there

The video is entitled Meet My Child, and has three moms discussing the emotions they went through when their children let them know they were trans.

It also points out that there have been 50 anti-trans bills introduced in 20 states, and also has a snippet of Sen.Ted Cruz (R-TX) pushing anti-trans hate on the campaign trail.
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Here's the video, and let's share it for these amazing moms.

Nicole Maines' TED Talk

Another one of our amazing trans advocates I've had the pleasure of meeting is Nicole Maines.  

This is the video of her TED Talk today that was focused on her growing up openly trans and coming to the point of loving and accepting herself.    She also points out that community support is important so that trans youth like herself can find their voice.

Enough introductory jibber jabber from moi, let's get to the video for it.

Our Trans Kids At Times Are Leading Us Trans Elders

There is a Biblical scripture that states, "And a little child shall lead them.'.  That scripture has become reality repeatedly in my nearly two decades as a trans advocate.

We've witnessed more than a few times this year in Trans World the all hands on deck efforts to kill unjust anti-trans bills popping up all over the country being fearlessly led by our trans kids..

We all are aware of the amazing Jazz Jennings, who has been doing this trans advocacy work since she was the ripe old age of six and has an ever lengthening list of accomplishments and awards for the work she does as her parents and family ensure she has the space and time to just be a normal teenage kid.

Then there are trans kids like Capri Culpepper, Nicole Maines, and Gavin Grimm who were thrust unexpectedly in the national spotlight because they were forced to confront anti-trans bigotry aimed at them.  They fought back and filed with the help of their parents lawsuits that were ultimately successful in redressing the transphobic wrongs aimed at them.   Gavin Grimm's case against his VA school district is ongoing, but it may be the key in killing the odious Hate Bill 2 in North Carolina..

There are the trans kids who make news by making trans history or attempting to do so.  Becoming the first trans persons to become a homecoming king or queen at their schools in their various home states, playing sports, or simply being the first out trans students to graduate from their high schools.

There are the trans kids who become the faces of lobbying efforts to kill unjust anti-trans legislation like Kendra Heathscott was in South Dakota or efforts to pass trans inclusive administrative policies like Zeam Porter was in Minnesota...

In our fight to get people to realize that there is nothing wrong with being our trans selves, some of our best advocates to convey that message have been our trans kids.

Jazz now has help across the country from an amazing array of trans kids, trans teens and young trans adults who are emphatically pointing out that we exist, we aren't going away, and all they want are the same things that any kids cis or trans who are in their peer group want.

Trans kids just want to be able to live their lives to the best of their abilities, and make their dreams come true.. And it has been as a trans elder a beautiful thing to watch transpire..

The trans kids are gonna be more than alright.  They are in many cases not waiting for us to pass the leadership torch to them, they are stepping up to handle their leadership business themselves.

Marisa Richmond Nominated For Nashville Human Relations Commission

Was elated to hear that Dr. Marisa Richmond was nominated by Nashville Mayor Megan Barry yesterday to serve on the Metro (Nashville) Human Relations Commission   This commission is tasked with investigating discrimination complains in Nashville and Davidson County.

If she is confirmed, she would become the first openly trans person to serve on any Metro commission or board in an official capacity.

The confirmation votes for Dr. Richmond will take place in the Rules-Confirmations-Public Elections Committee and the full Metro Council on May 17.   If you like in the Nashville metro area, both meetings will be open to the public.

Congratulations Marisa on a well deserved nomination!

Shut Up Fool Awards- 2016 Mother's Day Weekend Edition

Sunday is Mother's Day, and it's on that day we celebrate to woman who brought us in this world, threatened to take us out of it if we were misbehaving, and played a major role in molding us into the human beings we  are today.   Some of us are still blessed to be able to pick up the phone and call or visit them, while others of us are left with photos and memories of the woman who loved and nurtured us.

Motherhood is not an easy job, and a special shoutout goes on this Mother's Day weekend to all the mothers who are raising trans kids.  It's not  easy to raise a child in the face of a world that is demonizing them and telling them every day they shouldn't exist, but they manage to not only do so, but raise a well adjusted child in the process.

Another TransGriot shoutout goes to all the trans women out there who are raising and have successfully raised kids.  Much love and props to you for doing so.

Happy Mother's day to all my TransGriot readers.   May you celebrate many more of them.

And now, let's move on from celebrating motherhood to calling out fools only their mothers could love.  It's time for this week's edition of the TransGriot Shut Up Foll Awards

Honorable mention number one is for all the BernBots still not #FeelingTheMath and holding on to the fantasy that Bernie Sanders will win the Democratic presidential nomination and spreading their Hillary hate all over the Net.

People, you're losing, nobody in the Democratic Party wants a DINO who HATES our party as its nominee.

Honorable mention number two is another group award for  all the Republicans stunned that Donald Trump became their nominee

Honorable mention number three is Missouri state Rep Tila Hubrecht (R) who stated that 'rape has a silver lining if it results in childbirth.'

Wonder if she'd feel the same way if she was the person who was sexually assaulted or a member of her family.

Honorable mention  number four  is indicted Texas AG Ken Paxton (R).  Despite having to deal with his own messes, he took time out of his busy schedule to write a letter to Target and engage in some trans bashing over their trans friendly policies.

Time to kick the TX Teapublicans out of office.

This week's SUF loser winner is a group award for the North Carolina Republicans.  

They were sent a DOJ letter May 4 warning them they faced losing billions in federal funding if they didn't repeal HB 2 by Monday, and they are still doing their best George Wallace imitations.and laughingly claimed they needed time to study their options..

They also had the nerve to get indignant about being served with that DOJ letter

It only took y'all 12 hours to propose, pass and Gov. McCrory to sign Hate Bill 2, so spare us and the world the crocodile conservatears and bull feces..

We'll see how recalcitrant they'll be on Monday when they are looking at losing $861 million in school funding and $1.4 billion for the UNC system..

North Carolina Republicans, shut up fools!