Monday, February 16, 2009

Domestic partnerships advance to full Senate Prospects for landmark legislation improve dramatically in one day

By Gwyneth Doland 2/16/09 4:21 PM

SANTA FE — After a dramatic set of votes in the Senate Judiciary Committee, domestic partnership legislation moved toward consideration by the full Senate minutes ago.

Sen. Bernadette Sanchez, an Albuquerque Democrat, cast the critical vote allowing the bill to proceed.

Read the full New Mexico Independent story at the link below:

http://newmexicoindependent.com/18774/domestic-partnerships-move-to-full-senate

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Albuquerque Pride Seeks Volunteer Pageant Director

Are you a highly motivated, results-oriented team player looking for an opportunity to use your creativity and planning skills in an exciting non-profit organization?

Albuquerque Pride, INC is a non-profit organization dedicated to(insert mission statement). We are looking for a talented volunteer to direct our annual Pride Pageant.

Job Description:
Each year Albuquerque Pride, INC produces our Pride Pageant in order to crown royalty for the annual Pride Festival. T his year, the Pride Pageant will be held May 8th and 9th at the Radisson Hotel, in Albuquerque. The successful candidate would be responsible for staging and directing the pageant.

Education and Training:
High school; art, design, entertainment, and/or business backgrounds

Required:
This position requires creativity and innovation; exceptional leadership, organizational, planning and tracking skills, superior attention to detail; outstanding interpersonal and collaboration skills; excellent written and verbal communication skills; and strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Individual must be comfortable working in a close knit team environment.
Typical activities include:
· Creating a script/staging pageant competition
· Selecting and recruiting volunteers for crews, performers, musicians, etc.
· Managing time and organizing people and space
· Attending production meetings with producers
· Conducting rehearsals
· Communicating and liaising with all parties involved, including contestants, the creative team, the production team and producers

Desired:
Candidate should have an interest in Albuquerque Pride, INC and be dedicated to assisting us in accomplishing our goals and missions. Previous experience in pageant directing is highly desired. Prior employment as a director or assistant director is highly desired. An understanding of basic lighting and sound requirements is preferred. Previous20choreography experience is beneficial.

Applicants must submit a resume to abqpride@aol.com no later than March 4th to be considered for the position.




Albuquerque Pride June 11-13, 2009
2009 International Theme:
" Your rights, Our Rights, Human Rights"

House Committee Appointments Announced! Some Positive Signs.

Austin, Texas (February 12, 2009) - The new Speaker of the Texas House, Rep. Joe Straus of San Antonio, has just announced standing committee appointments for the 81st Legislative Session. Straus, who is generally considered to be a moderate Republican, ascended to the Speakership with the support of the majority of Democratic house members. Naming the committee appointments was widely believed to be the first real test of Straus’ leadership and his bipartisanship.

Equality Texas is encouraged by the Speaker's appointments.

Straus has named several ardent pro-equality advocates as chair or vice-chair of legislative committees likely to review equality legislation. These include: Rep. Senfronia Thompson as Chair of Local & Consent Calendars, Rep. Pete Gallego as Chair of Criminal Jurisprudence, Rep. Elliott Naishtat as Vice-Chair of Public Health, Rep. Patrick Rose as Chair of Human Services, Rep. Mark Strama as Chair of Technology, Economic Development & Workforce; and Rep. Scott Hochberg as Vice-Chair of Public Education.

Other pro-equality advocates were appointed chair or vice-chair of committees that are unlikely to see bills in our legislative agenda. These include: Rep. Garnet Coleman as Chair of County Affairs, Rep. Donna Howard as Vice-Chair of Culture, Recreation & Tourism; Rep. Allen Vaught as Vice-Chair of Defense & Veterans Affairs, Rep. Jessica Farrar as Vice-Chair of Land & Resource Management, Rep. Rafael Anchia as Vice-Chair of Pension, Investments & Financial Services; Rep. Mike Villarreal as Vice-Chair of Redistricting, and Rep. Yvonne Davis as Chair of Urban Affairs.

While many of our well-qualified legislative supporters are absent from the places we’d like to see them, it was unreasonable to expect that the Speaker would rule based only on a pro-equality agenda. However, in most of those committees which will likely review equality-related legislation, we are confident that Equality Texas can work with those committee chairs to receive fair, reasonable, and timely hearings on our legislative agenda.

We have renewed hope for the chances of several bills in our legislative agenda (some filed, some yet to be filed). In a few cases, we have more concern about the prospects of a bill's success. However, it can easily be stated that committee appointments are no worse than the last several sessions, and likely a great deal better. Speaker Straus has stated that he has no taste for the wedge issue politics that have marked the last several legislative sessions. His list of committee chairs mostly reflects this.

Some of the committees have supportive membership, but historically non-supportive chairs - as in the case of Higher Education Chair Rep. Dan Branch. Branch's Dallas district is one of several house districts which defeated the 2005 marriage amendment, however Branch's voting record has been out-of-step with his district on legislation related to equality issues. It is conceivable that one of our legislative agenda bills, HB 861 providing for competitive insurance benefits for employees of the University of Texas and Texas A&M University Systems, could come before Branch's committee. If it does, it will be necessary to educate Rep. Branch and change his mind about the importance of equality to his constituents.

This is just one example of the importance of constituents coming to Equality Texas Lobby Day. Rep. Branch needs to see that his constituents support equality for all Texans. Every State Representative needs to see constituent support for equality. Lobby Day is on March 2, 2009.

Separation of Church, State & Hate

Separation of Church, State & Hate: Religious agenda's devised to divide, not provide!
By Mekah Gordon, Ph.D.

Commentary: Opinions expressed are of the author and not necessarily SW LGBT Press or Normal Heart Community Ventures.

I've found it exceedingly easy to offend hypocrites, and thus shake them from their stoic perches.
It just takes a little bit of truth to power and the courage to be unpopular.
Dr. Mekah Gordon, Ph.D.

A lawful precedence must be established within all public and political domains, to enforce the Constitutional decree for the Separation of Church and State, without the deliberate interference from the incessant persecution from religious zealots. Their mean spirited addiction to selfishly write the "Rules" for a 21st Century free society must come to an end!

Why do certain followers of the Christian faith, relish in their unprogressive and provocative attacks toward other human beings, who interpret living one’s life as a freedom of choice, rather than based on another’s dictation of "self-righteous moral values?”
Who are they, to judge others? Are their lives more admirable, than those they criticize?
How is their devotion to this religious belief substantially justified?
Christianity was established on a foundation to embrace the teachings of acceptance and love by Jesus. However, in spite of everything he stood for, these “devotees” are still blind and void of compassion, understanding, sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Instead of pointing a pious judgmental finger, as well as voting against and denying Basic Human Civil Rights to any United States citizen, I’d suggest focusing on eliminating the malignant immorality within your own flock.
Begin, by recognizing that the Vatican has been suppressing the numerous prolongations of child abuse by Priests, in churches throughout the world, silently “paying off” these victims, who had the courage to come forward.
Focus on the factual revelation, that in order to cover up the appalling mental anguish suffered by innocent children, past and present, which was/is being inflicted by these sinister Priestly Pedophiles, the Vatican shamefully devised to condemn an entire diverse community, hoping to avoid an enormous internal scandal.

The hypocritical, unkind, self serving and perverse manifestation to relinquish the rights of others, is nothing more than a convenient smoke screen, under the guise of religions voracious appetite for power and control!

As United States Citizens, Taxpayers, Contributors to Society, Veterans, and first and foremost, Human Beings, we should NEVER have to "ask" for Equality!

STOP Religious Interference, from consistently manifesting their unconscionable, shamefully fascist and venomous discriminatory dictatorial agenda, preventing anyone they deem "different" from acquiring ALL the Freedoms as United States Citizens we are entitled to!


Transitionally Speaking: Quotes, From a Pioneering, Frontier Renaissance Woman and Visionary:

No, Patent on Love:
LOVE, has NO boundary.....
We must preserve, anyone's Basic Human Civil Rights, in having the Freedom to Choose a Life Partner.
LOVE, does Not discriminate, nor should it ever be defined, decreed, and/or restricted, as an entitlement, only, to a Man, & a Woman.

Diversity Education:
There is a pinnacle necessity, to establish Diversity Sensitivity, Understanding, and Respect Policies in ALL Governmental Agencies, in order STOP the incessant daily provocative persecution of GLBTI individuals, and/or anyone who are deemed "Different," by the Bullying, Harassment, and Hate, of unprogressive pariahs, in our world societies.

Freedom to Choose:
Absolutely NO ONE, in these United States of America, should ever have the "right" to deny and disallow anyone's freedom of choice, by proselytizing Religious beliefs within public venues and/or political arenas.
Nor, should it ever be incorporated constitutionally or otherwise decreed law of the land.
Opinions of the virtues of faith, concerning values of intent, should be restricted and proclaimed within dually sanctified Religious Houses of Worship.

Identical Liberties:
Denying Unequivocal Equality, along with Basic Human and Civil Rights inclusion, for those labeled as being "Different" within our society, is Unconscionable and Unacceptable.
Victims of violence, hatred, discrimination, bias, and unprogressive judgment, must never be subjected to and/or segregated as isolated entities, denied inalienable freedoms, from those who fervently pursue the same identical liberties!

Fear and Prejudice:
Anyone, who instigates others through fear and prejudice, utilizing this as a Political, and/or Religious tool, for a discriminatory agenda, abandoning any civil humanistic approach toward Diversity Sensitivity, Understanding, & the Respect of those deemed "Different," apparently lacks any sense of human compassion, and embrace's, a dictatorial, arrogant, & virulent mentality.

Stress Free Education:
It is the responsibility, obligation, & ultimate accountability of every School District, Teacher, Administrator, as well as it's Community, to ensure that all students receive a stress free education, without intimidation, bullying, harassment, discrimination, bias, hate, & judgment of any kind, whatsoever!


Peace and Unequivocal Equality ~
Dr. Mekah Gordon, Ph.D.
Pioneering, Frontier Renaissance Woman, & Visionary

Human Rights Advocate/Activist - Educator/Consultant - Freelance Writer-TG Issues - Former Santa Fe Regional Editor for the Southwest LGBT Press Newspaper - Member of the NMSPC {New Mexico Suicide Prevention Coalition}, Recipient, of the prestige's, "2007 Commitment to Care Award" from the Alliance for Gender Awareness - Full membership World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Formerly known as the Harry Benjamin Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA), Former Executive Director - Emerald City Foundation (501c3 non-profit), Division of RainbowVision Properties, Santa Fe.

Founder/CEO ~
S. U. R. E. Foundation®
SUREducation@aol.com
ReferencesView

22 Juego Rd.
Santa Fe, NM 87508-4298
505-466-4277

NEW MEXICO GLBTQ CENTERS PROJECT UPDATE

BY RICHARD SCRAMSTAD

In light of recent community feedback, the New Mexico GLBTQ Centers project has had to take a step back in order to proceed to ensure long term sustainability. The community needs to be more involved and supportive, and not enough time had been planned to inform and educate the community on the project. The feedback from members of the community indicated that work needs to be done in clarifying the organizational structure, securing additional funding prior to opening and re-evaluating the currently proposed building.

In June of last year, meetings were held with the City of Las Cruces, and they (the city) turned out to be very supportive. So much so, that they offered the use of city owned property for the project. This prompted the Centers organization to move up their timetable, and to consider opening the center in June of 2009. They had originally planned on the first opening to be in June 2010. A timetable closer to the original will allow them time to address community concerns and ensure the long term sustainability of NM GLBTQ Centers.

It became apparent that the time allotted for marketing and public relations programs had to be drastically reduced. Unfortunately, the time left was too short.

New Mexico GLBTQ Centers have now taken a step back to allow the proper amount of time for informing and educating the community and to request their further involvement. Memberships in the Centers project and volunteers are being requested.

Visit their website at www.newmexicoglbtqcenters.org for more information on how you can help. This is an important step in finally developing a real sense of community for all New Mexicans that identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered or questioning.

New Mexico Independent Reporting Polls Support SB12

SANTA FE — Watch domestic partnership legislation, Gov. Bill Richardson told reporters earlier this week.
Sure enough, the battle over a proposal to establish lawful domestic partnerships in New Mexico appears as if it is heating up again.
A poll commissioned by advocates of the legislation zeroes in on two lawmakers viewed as crucial to the legislation’s fate this year — Democratic Sens. Richard Martinez and Bernadette Sanchez.
Among the findings: roughly three-fifths of registered voters in each of their legislative districts support the legislation.
Read the full story at the New Mexico Independent using the link below.
http://newmexicoindependent.com/18352/poll-signals-domestic-partnerships-fight-isnt-over

Gentlemen’s Club Potluck

The Gentlemen’s Club met Saturday January 17th at the home of David Stocum and Richard Scramstad. About 30 men attended, including several new faces. Many thanks to David and Richard for being super hosts.

The next potluck will be at the home of Jesse Chavez and Greg Kopp, 503 Carver Road, on Saturday, February 21, at 5 PM. The usual appetizer or dessert format will apply.

For more information contact John at (575) 382-6914

Four Corners Events Planned

2/21 4cGLAD Annual Meeting and Potluck, Durango, Colorado
Go to www.4cGLAD.org for details

3/14 4cGLAD Spring Fling Dance, Durango, Colorado
Go to www.4cGLAD.org for details

Equality New Mexico Lobby Day

On Monday February 16th join hundreds of New Mexicans to rally in support of SB12 the Domestic Partners Rights and Responsibilities Act. Every person counts in what could be the final push in protecting ALL New Mexico Families.
Lobby day trainings will include a discussion of domestic partnership talking points, best practice tips for lobbying and an action plan to make the most of our time at the capital. All lobby day participants are encouraged to attend training before making lobby visits. This year we are able to offer two training times
EQNM LOBBY DAY SCHEDULE
7:33 A- Leave ABQ Downtown Depot
8:54 Arrive Santa Fe Depot- Walk to First Christian Church for 9:30 lobby training
9:00-9:30 -1st Training at First Christian Church 645 Weber
9:35-10:00- 2nd Training
10:30-1:00- Lobbying legislators
11:30-1:00- Lunch (We will provide food coupons for upper- crust pizza and representatives from EQNM will be at upper crust to debrief with folks)
1:15-2:00- Press Conference for Bullying Prevention
2:15-3:00- Press Conference and Rally at the Roundhouse
4:00- Fight For Fairness Get Together- Cowgirl

All Colors Youth Summit Coming In March

The New Mexico GSA Network’s annual youth arts and culture fest, in collaboration with Youth Allies and Warehouse 21, is happening Friday March 20th and Saturday March 21st at Warehouse 21 in downtown Santa Fe! (out of towners can TAKE THE TRAIN!)
Friday night is Youth Open Mic Night! So come ready to beat box, slam, spit, sing, recite, act, or play music!
Saturday we will host youth -led workshops, and Saturday night we finish it all of with a youth dance party!
Please contact Cooper if you want to:
• Sign up to be a feature performer at the open mic
• Lead a workshop (I am attaching last years workshop descriptions so you can get an idea of what's happened in the past!) share your SKILLZ!
• DJ part of the dance with your IPOD!
• Volunteer or donate food!
For more information contact Cooper Lee Bombardier at the Santa Fe Mountain Center, 505-983-6158 ext. 21 or cooper@santafemc.org.