http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/group_rss/GLBTProgressives Starting with Amendment 2 in 1992, Colorado became ground zero of the GLBT civil rights movement. This is the place for GLBT people and their allies to discuss strategies, plan events, and mobilize action. ACTION ITEMS Letters to the editor - Equality for all Write a letter to the editor to encourage everyone to take a stand for equality and against hate. Write your state officials - Equality Write a letter to your state representative and senator urging them to take a stand for equality and against hate by supporting domestic partnership legislation. Saddleback Pastor and Obama inaugural invocation selectee Rick Warren recorded a new video, originally posted to his web site, in which he accuses gays of having "Christ-ophobia"--claiming that all gays are "afraid of any Christian." Does he not know that gays and lesbians are Christians in just about the same proportion as the rest of America? http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/michaelditto/CQD4 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/michaelditto/CQD4/commentary#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:39:27 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/michaelditto/CQD4 Michael Ditto http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/f660dc8ce688a8bfdc_5fmmv2i99.jpg Michael Ditto 3 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQD4/ See this Denver Post Sunday Editorial: Next senator? Hickenlooper and enter your opinion as to whom Gov. Ritter should appoint. This hyperlink was broken on the Denver Post website shortly after I posted it here. I contacted the Post monday morning and they fixed it but just in case here is an alternate link This is the comment I made on the Editorial that just might be the reason the link broke: Aye, Hickenlooper for Senate. That way we get a good Coloradoan in the Senate that the majority of us trust and we keep Colorado's Democratic US Representatives in the House to strengthen the majority where they can help Obama make the Changes he has promised. If they do that then perhaps We will elect them to higher office. If not? OR.. Ritter could appoint Mike Miles, the superb Colorado Democrat who the Democratic party assembly actually elected to be the Senate candidate in the election where Salazar somehow ended up being the candidate. “Mike Miles wins the hearts and minds of all who hear him speak. At the state Democratic Convention in 2004, a large majority of delegates were pledged for Salazar. Yet when they heard Mike Miles speech, they switched in mass to vote for Miles. This is unheard of. This man is that good.” Ted Weverka, Boulder “Well ahead of his time, Mike Miles ran for senate in 2004 on many of the same issues that propelled Barack Obama to the White House this year.” Larry Dunn, Westminster “With this appointment, Governor Ritter has the obligation to send the most highly qualified person and the opportunity to send a person of color to the otherwise all white and mostly male United States Senate. Mike Miles should be the choice.” Dick Barkey, Lakewood “Mike Miles has a background as a leader in education, and the military and foreign service that is unique among all who are interested.” Joel Leventhal , PhD.,Lakewood “Senator Salazar has lost only one state wide election in his political career. In 2004, he lost the Democratic Party State Assembly to Mike Miles. Miles received 52% to Salazar’s 48%, pulling off one of the biggest political upsets in the state’s history.” Dr. Andrea Kutinsky, Layafette . Yet Salazar ended up as the candidate. Whats up with that? “…it’s very logical and appropriate to turn to Mike Miles in honor of the effort he gave us all in 2004 ... The fact that his home territory is the infamous El Paso County, would give Democrats an additional leg up in making significant Democratic inroads into that area of the state.” Reed Kelly, Rio Blanco Democratic Party Secretary/Treasurer. "Mike Miles could win many Republican votes, during reelection, since he is the only candidate with distinguished military service. He is also the candidate with the most foreign affairs experience, since he was an Ambassador to Poland and Russia. I believe he would also be very attractive to independent voters and minority voters, with his mixed Asian-African American ethnic heritage." Cliff West. Call the governor’s office at 303-866-2471; they are recording calls for various candidates Email the governor’s special U. S. Senate comment email address at: ussenate.comments@state.co.us Miles or Hickenlooper. We'll probably be ok with either, But Colorado's Democratic Base wanted Miles Over Salazar in 2004. Isn't it time that Ritter gave the Base, the dedicated loyalists who do most of the hard work to elect Dems, the candidate They Want? PS: I was given Ritter's Comment email address "written with the first 3 letters Capitalized" In my experience using Capital Letters anywhere in this address causes your email Not To Go Through. The Safe Address is: ussenate.comments@state.co.us .. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/kennedyjohn/CQDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/kennedyjohn/CQDT/commentary#comments Sun, 21 Dec 2008 17:15:11 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/kennedyjohn/CQDT John H Kennedy http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/5e4c96e6db734362f3_l5hmv2v71.jpg John H Kennedy 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQDT/ President-elect Barack Obama has chosen Pastor Rick Warren to give the invocation at his January 20th inauguration. Pastor Warren is on record comparing same-sex relationships to incest, pedophilia, and polygamy. In an interview airing this week about the controversy, Warren equated homosexuality to addiction, immaturity, and promiscuity. ProgressNow's question to you is should Barack Obama chose someone else to give the invocation? Watch the video and share your views by clicking here: http://www.progressnowaction.org/RickWarren http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/michaelditto/CQDz http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/michaelditto/CQDz/commentary#comments Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:32:25 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/michaelditto/CQDz Michael Ditto http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/f660dc8ce688a8bfdc_5fmmv2i99.jpg Michael Ditto 4 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQDz/ Last week, a poll released by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) showed that more than 80% of Coloradans now support some recognition of same-sex couples in Colorado. The Denver Post responded to that news with an editorial urging Colorado's legislature to take action in the 2009 legislative session. What do you think? Is it time for Colorado's legislature to enact equality for Colorado's gay and lesbian couples? http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/michaelditto/CQDF http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/michaelditto/CQDF/commentary#comments Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:45:56 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/michaelditto/CQDF Michael Ditto http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/f660dc8ce688a8bfdc_5fmmv2i99.jpg Michael Ditto 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQDF/ In some great news for progressives and the GLBT community, a new Harris Interactive poll commissioned by GLAAD finds that Coloradans overwhelmingly approve legal recognition of same-sex partnerships . About eight out of 10 Colorado adults (83%) say that gay and lesbian couples should either be able to marry, have all of the same rights as marriage, or be able to form domestic partnerships. Only 15% say there should be no legal recognition. A slight majority of CO adults (51%) favor allowing gay and lesbian couples to legally marry. This represents greater support than among U.S. adults, where, according to the recently released national Pulse of Equality survey, opinion is evenly split. Coloradans support gay and transgender-inclusive hate crimes laws (63%) and employment, housing and public accommodations non-discrimination laws (56%) for gay and transgender people. Such proposals are similar to those already enacted in Colorado, signaling clear public support for those policies. Nearly three out of four (73%) of Coloradans also oppose attempts to ban qualified gay and lesbian couples from adopting. This finding suggests strong support for existing Colorado law that allows for second-parent adoption in the state. Two-thirds of Colorado adults (66%) favor allowing openly gay military personnel to serve in the armed forces. Looks like all of your effort in 2006 and beyond has really paid off. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/michaelditto/CQDX http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/michaelditto/CQDX/commentary#comments Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:50:55 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/michaelditto/CQDX Michael Ditto http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/f660dc8ce688a8bfdc_5fmmv2i99.jpg Michael Ditto 14 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQDX/ On Saturday, July 19 from 1-3 pm Soulforce in Colorado will launch a discussion group exploring the wide-ranging oeuvre of nonviolent theory entitled "Readings in Nonviolence". We will meet at The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado (1050 Broadway in Denver). I hope you might consider joining us. Christopher Hubble http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqmL http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqmL/commentary#comments Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:42:14 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqmL Christopher Hubble http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/4dee335ad966caf645_t4kmv2lwg.jpg Christopher Hubble 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqmL/ Dear friends, We hope you'll join us for a panel discussion featuring marriage equality activists Kate Burns and Sheila Schroeder, Ex-Gay Survivors Christine Bakke and Daniel Gonzales, and local student organizers Carly Schlotterer and Julia Johns at MCC of the Rockies (10th & Clarkson in Denver) from 1-3 pm on June 1st. Mark your calendar! ********** What is the difference between being "OUT" and being "SOULFORCE OUT"? At Soulforce's recent 10th anniversary celebration, Jarrett Lucas (Equality Rider and Director of Outreach for SoulforceQ) reflected on this question during a staff and volunteer organizer brainstorming forum. How can we continue to help and support each other as we turn our personal expressions of integrity and authenticity living as openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into a force for positive and transformative social change? We hope you'll help us answer this question when you join members of Soulforce, the Ex-Gay Survivors' movement, and local student activists for a panel discussion and town hall meeting at MCC of the Rockies (10th and Clarkson in Capitol Hill, Denver) on June 1st from 1-3 pm. Are you "OUT" or are you "SOULFORCE OUT"? Sincerely, Christopher Hubble http://christopherh-queermusings.blogspot.com cahubble08@gmail.com 303-241-3225 "When the bamboo forest goes, with it goes the sound of the flute." Hindu Proverb http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/Cqs3 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/Cqs3/commentary#comments Sun, 18 May 2008 18:23:46 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/Cqs3 Christopher Hubble http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/4dee335ad966caf645_t4kmv2lwg.jpg Christopher Hubble 275 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cqs3/ Hello friends, Sorry this is a couple days late... http://www.soulforce.org/email_campaign/email_2_14_2008.html http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqDb http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqDb/commentary#comments Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:04:18 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqDb Christopher Hubble http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/4dee335ad966caf645_t4kmv2lwg.jpg Christopher Hubble 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqDb/ Step up, don't be shy! We just had the gold-medal award-winning record-breaking GOP-freaking fantastically amazing caucus turn-out of all time (so far). There are swarms of new bees buzzing! NOW, how do we keep them active and making honey for the election in the fall? Let's all think of some ideas, and don't worry about whether someone else will think they are the best ideas ever. Just...share them. The thing about ideas is that often they generate MORE ideas. And one that might not totally work where I live (rural and red) could be perfect for Pueblo or awesome for Alamosa. I'll start. We are going to harvest the emails and PO addresses our county collected at the caucuses, and use those to start a 'known active' mailing list. It was pretty expensive to mail a postcard to every Dem household in our county, but mailing a few hundred postcards before other events? Doable. An idea I want to promote down here is to start up some committees new people can join. Bake sale contributers? Someone to work a MONTHLY voter registration table? (Maybe combine those two ideas? Register people AND sell them cookies?) I once read something about how to be happy: you need something to do, something to care about and something to hope for. The way I see it, we Dems have the power to help a LOT of people get happy! So first...ideas! Your turn! http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/neonnurse/CqzV http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/neonnurse/CqzV/commentary#comments Thu, 07 Feb 2008 23:47:59 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/neonnurse/CqzV Susan the Neon Nurse http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/4d9f8366c95149b114_4l1gmvoe1.jpg Susan the Neon Nurse 2 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqzV/ Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday(tm), practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all . . . and a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great, (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only "AMERICA" in the western hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, choice of computer platform, or sexual orientation of the wishee. By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, which ever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher. (You know I didn't actually write the above, right? But I'm sending it out as part of my final Prowers Dems newsletter of the year, and I thought, what the heck, share the love!) http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/neonnurse/CqKj http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/neonnurse/CqKj/commentary#comments Fri, 21 Dec 2007 09:33:15 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/neonnurse/CqKj Susan the Neon Nurse http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/4d9f8366c95149b114_4l1gmvoe1.jpg Susan the Neon Nurse 2 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqKj/ I often wonder what I should put up on the blog, but then I just post anyway... The Denver Post recently reported on the many up-and-coming LGBT retirement homes and assisted living facilities. They offer the same bias-free and comfortable space that the queer babies (that's everybody else) look for in bars, parties, GSA's, and sometimes community centers. I often wondered, as I marched, danced, and worked to elect allied officials... what am I goind to do when I start "living out old age?"... especially considering the outside world is not as tolerant as I'd like... here's an answer...woo! On the other hand, I get to skip out on the agism prevalent in the LGBT community and dive into a potentially classist and racist situation. With homes going for $200k, who is this community really for?...hmmm... http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/cocokirby03/CqbP http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/cocokirby03/CqbP/commentary#comments Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:10:20 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/cocokirby03/CqbP cocokirby03 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/2d60ed59646767f309_e8plmvq5z.jpg cocokirby03 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqbP/ Shocking that a gay bashing could occur at CC, but good for the students for taking a stand against it. Read the story on Pols . http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/Cq2k http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/Cq2k/commentary#comments Sat, 15 Dec 2007 08:31:28 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/think/Cq2k Bobby http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/ee6099c9a5ad8f13ea_6dm6bih04.jpg Bobby 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cq2k/ Cross-posted with permission from Joe.My.God The young man who last Sunday shot and killed two people at a youth ministry training center, then killed two more and himself at Colorado's New Life Church (Ted Haggard's former home), was a cast out from the youth ministry, probably because he failed their attempts to make him "ex-gay". http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/davewolf/Cq2d http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/davewolf/Cq2d/commentary#comments Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:08:48 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/davewolf/Cq2d Dave Wolf http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/9b43c5b277561792ce_z037mvksc.jpg Dave Wolf 3 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cq2d/ After my run-in with the 2008 ballot issues, I decided to take a different turn. I attended a session entitled "Way beyond marriage: Queer Politics 101." The leaders, after seeing this void on the board, decided to inject RootsCamp with some sexual identity conversation. Were were a good sized group but we were able to do intros and talk about what "queer" means to us. (More on that below) I went there because I don't think a queer community exists in Denver. There aren't any spaces here for lgbt people to talk focus on community issues. I wanted to know if I was wrong. from what we talked about, the answer is no, despite there being groups on ProgressNowAction and Connexion. We've got to make some changes as a community if we're going to be considered part of the progressive movement...let's use the resources we have... http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/cocokirby03/Cq2g http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/cocokirby03/Cq2g/commentary#comments Thu, 06 Dec 2007 14:08:07 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/cocokirby03/Cq2g cocokirby03 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/2d60ed59646767f309_e8plmvq5z.jpg cocokirby03 5 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cq2g/ Funny, funny stuff, this! http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/jencaltrideraction/CqLk http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/jencaltrideraction/CqLk/commentary#comments Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:08:25 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/jencaltrideraction/CqLk Jen Caltrider http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/a0b85e36b2ab047de9_pom6b1rss.jpg Jen Caltrider 5 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqLk/ I paid attention to the 2004 election mostly because it was the first one in which I could vote. I gotta admit it wasn't that exciting. But yay for having a voice. Some people don't like that... Unfortunately the thing I remember most about the election was all the anti-gay rhetoric coming from the right wing. Parents, preachers, teachers, and community leaders galore were all over every medium talking about how Kerry was pretty much taking us to hell. I remember the intensity of it all in the weeks before the election. Apparently Romney is trying to get the jump on everyone else.  The week after the election I remember the cover of the advocate and the story about how Kerry could have dumped the LGBT community at the last minute but didn't... good times... PS.... don't shot at Walmart.... for many reasons including this one    http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/cocokirby03/CqFG http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/cocokirby03/CqFG/commentary#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:18:01 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/cocokirby03/CqFG cocokirby03 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/2d60ed59646767f309_e8plmvq5z.jpg cocokirby03 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqFG/ Dear friends, I'm writing to ask for your help. On Sep 24, Soulforce in Colorado organized a marriage equality civil disobedience during which two of my friends, Kate Burns and Sheila Schroeder, entered the Denver clerk and recorder office to request a marriage license… and refused to leave after being denied. They were both arrested and cited for trespassing (links to video of the action below). Kate and Sheila stand trial on Dec. 17 and their legal team of three attorneys working pro bono are seeking affidavits by religious leaders willing testify that they or their organizations support full marriage equality. If you or anyone you know might be interested and able to complete an affidavit by Nov 23, would you please contact me or Kate and Sheila directly (kateburns303@comcast.net). I hope you have both been well, Chris The video for the Marriage Equality civil disobedience on September 24th in Denver (Kate and Sheila arrested) is now on YouTube and Google video. Many of you are in it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7luw6WKiI_E Also, Ron Zappolo hosted Kate and Sheila on his weekly news magazine Colorado 2031. Zappolo also interviewed Focus on the Family representatives Carrie Gordon Earll and Melissa Fryrear who oppose same-gender marriage equality. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1181419119680720526&pr=goog-sl Sincerely, Christopher Hubble www.HubbleBooks.com cahubble05@yahoo.com 303-241-3225 "When the bamboo forest goes, with it goes the sound of the flute." Hindu Proverb http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqHn http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqHn/commentary#comments Thu, 15 Nov 2007 23:16:48 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/CqHn Christopher Hubble http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/4dee335ad966caf645_t4kmv2lwg.jpg Christopher Hubble 1074 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqHn/ Local Gay Musician and Friends Visit Dobson's Ministry Headquarters Soulforce "Focus on the Facts" Campaign Pursues Dialogue and Reconciliation Soulforce Press Release: November 12, 2007 For Immediate Release Contact(s): James Roy, Blue Disco Records, Ltd, 303-906-4603, james@bluediscorecords.com Christopher Hubble, Soulforce Colorado State Organizer, 303-241-3225, cahubble05@yahoo.com Video and still photos available here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/exgaysurvivordan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arQRh0Bf0MM ******************************************* (Colorado Springs CO) - In a low-key visit, Denver-based musician James Roy and a group of friends toured the Welcome Center of Dobson's mega-organization Saturday in order to learn more about the operations of his ministry first-hand. The visit was intended to remind the partisan evangelical leader and his associates that Soulforce continues to observe the hurtful anti-LGBT rhetoric which emanates from America's leading source of misinformation about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. In a personal letter to Dobson, James Roy wrote about his own commitment to being a positive impact in the lives of others. "I think it benefits us to reflect on what we have in common… I am here today to take a tour to better understand you and invite you to the possibility of dialogue." In the spirit of the nonviolent teachings of Gandhi and King, at the conclusion of the tour, each participant left a single yellow rose for Dobson to symbolize their desire for dialogue. Gandhi and King were the preeminent advocates of nonviolent conflict resolution in the twentieth century. They are best remembered not only for their desire to achieve justice for their respective constituencies but also to attain reconciliation with their adversaries. Two of Saturday's participants were a lesbian couple from Denver who have adopted children together. During the tour, they asked whether they would be welcome to bring their own children during a future visit to the campus, "I was surprised and gratified when our tour guide encouraged my partnered friends to return as a family so that their children may also enjoy the many recreational resources available on the lower level of the welcome center," Lead Focus on the Facts Organizer Christopher Hubble observed. This quiet, unannounced visit was part of FOCUS ON THE FACTS, an ongoing campaign of nonviolent direct action which Soulforce launched at the beginning of 2007. Beginning in 1994, Soulforce has repeatedly attempted to engage Dobson and his associates in dialogue and has been continually rebuffed. FOCUS ON THE FACTS seeks to end religion-based oppression of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Coloradans and is modeled on Gandhi's Satyagraha campaigns in South Africa and India. In the words of Nelson Mandela, Gandhi "rightly believed in the efficacy of pitting the soul force of Satyagraha against the brute force of the oppressor and in effect converting the oppressor to the right and moral point." ****************************************** SOULFORCE is a national civil rights and social justice organization. Our vision is freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance. To learn more about Soulforce and FOCUS ON THE FACTS, visit www.soulforce.org. To learn more about JAMES ROY and his inspirational creative work, visit www.jamesroymusic.com. "It took a four-year electrical engineering degree and a taste of the corporate world before [James] realized that life is more about living than trying to meet the expectations of others. In the few years that followed, he built up a studio, founded the company Blue Disco Records, Ltd., and started capturing the world around him in high-energy songs with powerful lyrics." Soulforce recently announced a new partnership with James Roy on his latest release, Rise Above. 10% of the proceeds of this CD will go to benefit the social justice work of Soulforce. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/Cq3N http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/Cq3N/commentary#comments Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:47:02 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/christopherhubble/Cq3N Christopher Hubble http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/4dee335ad966caf645_t4kmv2lwg.jpg Christopher Hubble 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/Cq3N/ New since my last post ... and as of this morning...  The House was to vote on ENDA today but it's been pushed back to Wed or Thu. In the meantime, civil rights behemoths are coming out in support of the non-inclusive version of the bill.  Groups like HRC, it's umbrella org The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, and the NAACP submitted a letter to congress encouraging them to "pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act even if it doesn't include protections for trans-workers." According to HRC director, it's "a pragmatic and strategic decision." Not only that, but HRC polled its members and concluded that " 70% of LGBT Community Supports Passing Non-inclusive ENDA " The plot thickens...  Check here for the article and for a list of non-inclusive ENDA supporting orgs. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/cocokirby03/CqQF http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/cocokirby03/CqQF/commentary#comments Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:33:55 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/cocokirby03/CqQF cocokirby03 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/2d60ed59646767f309_e8plmvq5z.jpg cocokirby03 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqQF/ I just finished reading jared polis' post about ENDA on DailyKos. He basically says it's not strategic for the LGBT community to separate the bill nor can we be proud of divisiveness. Now I've seen every side of this argument: from people saying that nothing is going to be made into law so the community should at least push a symbolic bill  to over 300 orgs signing on to oppose anything but a trans inclusive ENDA  to Barney Franks's video chastising the community for punishing our hard earned political friends and refusing to "understand the broader political reality" to people thinking right wingers have infiltrated the left wing and have spurred the fires of controversy so nothing gets passed.  I don't know what the outcome of this fight is going to be but I know that the issue should be at the forefront of every LGBT org in the country right now.  It's on the front page of the Task Force website and I just got an action alert email from them. You have to do an extensive search to find anything about it (let alone a position) on the HRC website. Apparently they're staying neutral Here's a great article on the issue...and a current one http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/cocokirby03/CqQV http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/cocokirby03/CqQV/commentary#comments Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:22:37 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/cocokirby03/CqQV cocokirby03 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/2d60ed59646767f309_e8plmvq5z.jpg cocokirby03 2 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CqQV/