For Immediate Release: October 20, 2006
From: The National  Transgender Advocacy Coalition (NTAC)
Contact:  NTAC Chair, Vanessa  Edwards Foster; Houston, Texas
Contact Email: _ntacmedia@..._ (mailto:ntacmedia@...)
_media@..._ (mailto:media@...)
Contact Phone:  832-483-9901
Website: _http://www.ntac.org_ (http://www.ntac.org/)

HRC Corp. Equality Index Not Viewed as Equal

On September 19, 2006, the Human Right's Campaign (HRC) published their
yearly Corporate Equality Index (CEI) Survey.  The index indicated that 138  of
the largest companies have scored 100 percent perfect scores and that 68
percent implemented at least one wellness benefit for transgender  employees.

This news was met with a resounding applause from many in LGBT circles. As
the people around the community patted each other on the back for another job
well done while celebrating advances in corporate diversity, other voices rose
  to counter the celebration.

For the transgender community, the survey’s results were cause for concern
rather than for celebration.  The concern was that the structuring of the
questions led to answers that covered basic care, but avoided addressing whether
physician-mandated transgender-specific health care issues were covered.   As
a result, any answer on basic questions received a full 5 point grade.
Meanwhile these same employers could still have health policies in place to 
deny,
say, hysterectomies if it was deemed transgender-related.

The CEI Survey contains a statement by HRC that set the criteria used to
score the survey as follows:

“Some transgender people are denied health insurance coverage for certain
treatments and procedures because of "transgender exclusion" clauses in health
insurance plans and, furthermore, limitations on what procedures are deemed
"medically necessary." HRC recommends that, whenever possible, employers make
available company provided health care coverage for medically necessary
treatments and procedures, as defined by the Harry Benjamin International Gender
Dysphoria Association's (HBIGDA) Standards of Care for Gender Identity
Disorders. These procedures can include mastectomy, hysterectomy, phalloplasty,
vaginoplasty and other related procedures.

Based upon HRC's recommendations to companies, we anticipated that, in  order
to receive a perfect score, they would require employer's health plans
provide coverage for medically necessary treatments and procedures as defined by
the HBIGDA Standards of Care.

For example, one of the questions on the survey asks if the company  excludes
transgender employees from medically necessary surgical procedures such  as a
hysterectomy. If your answer is no, your company gets 5 points.

As an example, if a Female-To-Male transsexual employee is diagnosed with
cervical cancer and the employer's health care plan offers coverage for a
hysterectomy for other similarly situated employees, this employer may be among
the 68 percent who implemented “at least one wellness benefit for transgender
employees.”  Does this reflect that the employer has health benefits that
provide transgender employees coverage for  "medically necessary"  procedures
related to gender identity under the HBIGDA Standards of Care?   No. What it
means
is that transgender employees would not be denied treatment  that would be
available for all other employees.

The controversy is that survey will lead the reader to believe that all
health care for transgender employees is covered, especially based upon the
reference in the survey question to the HBIGDA Standards.  In reality, that  may
or
very well may not be the case.  Based on the survey, one can’t  discern the
employers who might cover transgender-related health care from the  ones who
will simply offer basic treatment.

“The CEI survey results pertaining to transgender health care are deceptive
and reward and encourage employers to meet a meaningless standard,” said NTAC
Board member Ethan St. Pierre.  He pointed out that “instead of
congratulating 68 percent of employers for offering a health care benefit to 
transgender
employees, the GLBT community should be outraged that 32 percent of  employers
deny” even the most basic medical care to transgender employees which  they
offer to other employees.

“HRC has an opportunity to set a meaningful standard for employers which
could actually lead to coverage for medically necessary procedures for
transgender employees,”

NTAC calls upon HRC to revise the CEI survey questions to recognize those
employers who offer health care plans to their employees that do not contain
exclusions for medically necessary treatments and procedures mandated by the
HBIGDA Standards of Care.  “Wouldn't it make sense for HRC to measure how 
many
employers have health plans which provide coverage for treatments regarded  as
medically necessary according to the HBIGDA Standards of Care?” St. Pierre
commented.

For now the question remains: what portion of the 68 percent of employer's
health plans provide coverage for medically necessary procedures which are
directly related to an employee's transgender condition?  Then we can all
congratulate those who have truly implemented meaningful health policies and
encourage others to do likewise.

- 30 -

Founded in 1999, NTAC - the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition - is a
civil rights organization working to establish and maintain the right of all
transgendered, intersexed, and gender-variant people to live and work without
fear of violence or  discrimination.




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

For Immediate Release: July 8, 2006
From: The National  Transgender Advocacy Coalition (NTAC)
Contact:  NTAC Chair, Vanessa  Edwards Foster; Houston, Texas
Contact Email: _ntacmedia@..._ (mailto:ntacmedia@...)
_media@..._ (mailto:media@...)
Contact Phone:  832-483-9901
Website: _http://www.ntac.org_ (http://www.ntac.org/)

Transgenders Claim FEMA Sex Change Scandal Was Fabricated, Fraudulent

Last month, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) testified before a
House Homeland Security subcommittee to spotlight $1.4 billion fraudulent waste
of Emergency Assistance Funds (EAF) to Hurricane Katrina victims. The
unprecedented level of Federal Emergency Management Agency fraud was blared over
television newscasts and emblazoned on newspaper headlines: "FEMA funds paid for
  a sex change."

However, the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition (NTAC) is now publicly
calling the media and authorities on this claim, demanding proof that this
occurred and calling the press on this claim "fabricated" and "fraudulent." In
reviewing both House subcommittee testimony and the GAO report (_www.gao.g
ov/new.items/d06844t.pdf_ (http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d06844t.pdf) )  that
uncovered the fraud there was no reference of a sex change, nor any surgery  of
any
type being paid for by FEMA funds.

"It appears [the sex change] story was prime red meat for conservatives
looking to turn attention away from the President, and onto Katrina victims and
FEMA," said NTAC President Vanessa Edwards Foster. "It also appears there's no
veracity to the story that EAF funds were used for gender reassignment
surgery.  These press claims are what's fraudulent."

House Homeland Security Investigations subcommittee chair Rep. Michael
McCaul (R-TX) called the discovered waste "criminal" but never mentioned 
anything
about sex changes. However Rep. Charles Dent (R-PA) did note the sex  change
claim shortly after the House testimony, commenting, "I don't understand  how
this could happen."

How the sex change allegation originated remains unclear. The June 14, 2006
story by Larry Margasak of the Associated Press noted a sex change in a
laundry  list of items scammed from FEMA. While outlets as diverse as Washington
Post,  Los Angeles Times, ABC News, MSNBC, Bloomberg Report carried the story,
the more  conservative news outlets such as Wall Street Journal or Fox News made
no  mention of the sex change accusation.

When questioned about the story, the GAO's Office of Public Affairs stated
"there was no reference to that allegation … because we cannot confirm  it."

"The press reported on fabricated claims of sex changes paid with FEMA
funds, but no media ever mentioned $2,000 paid to a Christian Broadcast Network
from EAF payments," Foster of NTAC commented. The GAO report listed $2,000 paid
to Colorado-based LeSEA Broadcasting Network.

After anguishing over the initial FEMA news reports, NTAC Vice President
Courtney Sharp said she "was shocked to discover that the [GAO] report didn't
mention anything about anyone misusing funds to have gender reassignment
surgery."

A New Orleans resident who lost nearly everything during Katrina, Sharp  said
she listened as co-workers and friends disparaged the person who used FEMA
funds to obtain a sex change. "[It] was extremely hurtful to realize that
someone had embellished the GAO report and was probably using the negative
stereotypes about transgender people [for] media attention."

Sharp said she now feels the public was "bamboozled" by the news  report.

"There's an inherent media bias in this story," NTAC's Foster continued.  "If
you have transsexuals having sex changes it's great press - even if it is
uncorroborated! But a confirmed report of emergency victims' funds paid to a
faith-based broadcaster is deemed not press-worthy." While acknowledging many
Americans have no problem with faith-based groups receiving money, she noted
that they would likely not be keen on funds intended for needy victims in an
emergency being given instead to a broadcast group to spread the gospel.

"I smell a rat behind the fabrication of this news report. It's very Karl
Rove," Foster commented.  "It uses an unwitting transgender community to
bludgeon Hurricane Katrina victims." She called the uncorroborated claim in the
press "despicable."

"Ten months after Hurricane Katrina, residents of the Gulf Coast continue  to
struggle to rebuild their lives," NTAC's Sharp observed. "The impact has been
  truly unimaginable. Like the majority of residents, transgender people are
responsible, productive, law abiding members of the community and they are
also  playing important roles in rebuilding the devastated areas.

"The media attack on the transgender community," Sharp finished, "served as
my fifth personal "tidal surge" post-Katrina."

Whether originating from Congress, the press or an administration press
operative, NTAC urges the responsible party to own up to, and publicly apologize
for unfairly portraying the transgender community, and for deceiving the
American public.

- 30 -

Founded in 1999, NTAC - the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition - is a
civil rights organization working to establish and maintain the right of all
transgendered, intersexed, and gender-variant people to live and work without
fear of violence or  discrimination.








[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

* Is He Shotworthy?
* Bi Activists Drop a Google Bomb
* OUTzoneTV: Bravo to Air Poly Movie
* New Report on LGBT Smoking
* May 18th is AIDS Vaccine Awareness Day
* DNC Drama Continues

IS HE SHOTWORTHY?
http://temenos.net/gay/health.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
In December of 2005, a national group of gay men
decided to take things into their own hands and
develop a new sexual health website with a spin.

BI ACTIVISTS DROP A GOOGLE BOMB
http://temenos.net/bi/
- - - - - - - - - -
This pride season, bi activists want to remind you
that Brenda Howard, a bisexual woman, was the
'Mother of Pride', and they hope to use a
'google bomb' to help make that happen.

OUTZONE TV: BRAVO TO AIR POLY MOVIE
http://temenos.net/tv.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
The Bravo Network is launching a new website
targetting the LGBT community, and they will
launch this effort with a special airing of the
documentary 'Three of Hearts', which
tells the story of a poly relationship between
two men and a woman.

NEW REPORT ON LGBT SMOKING
http://temenos.net/health_smoking.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
A new report released by Rainbow Health
Initiative takes a closer look at smoking in the
Minnesota LGBT Community.

MAY 18TH: AIDS VACCINE AWARENESS DAY
http://www.aidsvaccineclearinghouse.org
- - - - - - - - - - -
Marking AIDS Vaccine Awareness Day this year,
AVAC has created a new online AIDS Vaccine
Clearinghouse, a comprehensive and interactive
source of AIDS vaccine information on the Internet.

DNC DRAMA CONTINUES
http://www.outfordemocracy.org/dnc.htm
- - - - - - - - - -
LGBT community leaders reacted strongly
to comments made by Howard Dean on
Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting
Network.  Pandering to the religious right,
Dean misrepresented the DNC Platform
as it pertains to marriage. Get the ongoing
info at Out for Democracy.

_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

* New Tools for Transgender Seniors
* International Conference on Bisexuality
* Federal Marriage Amendment Vote Expected
* GLSEN: Are Our Schools Safe?
* Does Size Matter? Biggest Gay Cruise Ever
* Yahoo Group: LGBT Buddhist

New Tools for Trans Seniors
http://www.temenos.net/seniors/trans.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Loree Cook-Daniels, Executive Director of the
Transgender Aging Network, has authored a
chapter of a new book on LGBT Aging.  The
chapter focuses on common issues transgender
seniors face.

International Conference on Bisexuality
http://www.temenos.net/bi/index.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
The 9th International Conference on Bisexuality,
Gender and Sexuality will take place June
15th-18th in Toronto.

Federal Marriage Amendment Vote Expected
http://temenos.net/action.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
The Federal Marriage Amendment would
not just ban marriage equality for same sex
couples, but experts believe this amendment
could also invalidate domestic partner and
civil union laws. Find out how you can take
action to stop the FMA.

GLSEN: Are Our Schools Safe?
http://www.temenos.net/youth/index.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
  A new report shows that lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgnder (LGBT) students
are more than five times more likely to
skip school because of safety concerns
than the general population of students.

Does Size Matter?  Biggest Gay Cruise Ever
http://www.temenos.net/travel.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
In 2007, the largest, newest, and most
innovative cruise ship ever built is ours
for the largest gay cruise in history.
Find out more here.

Spotlight YGroup: LGBTI Buddhists
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lgbtbuddhist/
- - - - - - - - - -
Join this active discussion list with over
two hundred lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and
intersex (LGBTI) Buddhists.

_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

* May Lobby Day Events
* L Word: Talking About Breast Cancer
* Erasure Goes Acoustic on Union Street
* Unveiled: Story of Lesbian Immigrant
* YGroup: OUTwatch

MAY LOBBY DAY EVENTS
http://www.temenos.net/events.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Three organizations are planning lobby day
events in May: The National Center for
Transgender Equality (NCTE), the Service
Members Legal Defense Network (SLDN),
and the National Association of People
with AIDS (NAPWA).  Find out how you
can get involved here.

L WORD: TALKING ABOUT BREAST CANCER
http://www.temenos.net/health.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Many of us were probably surprised and
very upset by the passing of Dana Fairbanks
on the L Word. Yes, she was just a fictional
character, but the impact allowed the threat
of cancer to hit home.

ERASURE GOES ACOUSTIC ON UNION STREET
http://www.temenos.net/music.shtml
- - - - - - - - - - -
After two decades of chart-topping pop music
and over-the-top performances, Vince Clark
and Andy Bell have decided to unplug. Trading
in the keyboards for a guitar, the duo recorded
Union Street, bringing soulful new depths and
acoustic textures to 11 songs spanning their
entire career.

UNVEILED: STORY OF LESBIAN IMMIGRANT
http://www.temenos.net/movies.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
This German film now available on DVD tells
the story of a woman who is forced to flee
from Iran after her love for another woman is
exposed.

YGROUP: OUTWATCH
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/out-watch
- - - - - - - - - -
Join this yahoo group for the latest
LGBTI entertainment and celebrity news.

_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

* The Dalai Lama's Message of Support
* New Options for LGBT Seniors
* Meet Out Celebrity Stylist Greg Upshaw
* DesiQ 2006 Conference
* Spotlight Y!Group: Feingold Pride

THE DALAI LAMA'S MESSAGE OF SUPPORT
http://temenos.net/faith/buddhist.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
A new statement from the Dalai Lama expresses
concern at "reports of violence and discrimination
against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
people" and "urges respect, tolerance and the
full recognition of human rights for all."

NEW OPTIONS FOR LGBT SENIORS
http://www.temenos.net/health.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
As the baby-boomer generation moves into
it's senior years, and increasing number of
LGBT Community Centers acrosss the
country are offering programs for LGBT
Seniors.

MEET CELEBRITY STYLIST GREG UPSHAW
http://www.temenos.net/stars.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
He went 'Dancing on the Ceiling' with Lionel
Ritchie and he did the 'Bad' tour with Michael
Jackson (back when Michael was 'bad' in a
good way and not 'bad' in a creepy way), and
for the past sixteen years he's gone on tour
with Stevie Wonder.  Find out more about
out celebrity stylist Greg Upshaw.

DESIQ 2006 COMING TO SAN FRANCISCO
http://www.temenos.net/events.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Trikone is proud to host DesiQ2006, a
conference on South Asian lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender issues.  Find
out more here.

SPOTLIGHT Y!GROUP: FEINGOLD PRIDE
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/feingold-pride
- - - - - - - - - -
Join this brand spankin' new Yahoo Group for
LGBT supporters of Russ Feingold.

_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

* Know Your Rights at the Prom
* LGBT Leaders Praise Russ Feingold
* American Idol: Cowell & The Closet
* George Takei's Equality Trek
* YGroup: Dante's Cove w/ Josh Berresford

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AT THE PROM
http://temenos.net/youth/index.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Are you planning to take a same-sex
date to the prom this year?  Lambda
Legal has some information you need
to know about heading to the prom.

LGBT LEADERS PRAISE FEINGOLD
http://temenos.net/action.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
LGBT community leaders praised Russell
Feingold, following the announcement of
his full support of marriage equality for
same sex couples. Feingold becomes
the fourth U.S. senator to support
marriage equality

AMERICAN IDOL: COWELL & THE CLOSET
http://temenos.net/music.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
A new FTC complaint filed by former
Clay Aiken fans raises the question:
Did Simon Cowell & RCA records pressure
Clay Aiken to stay in the closet?  Former
Idol contestants who are gay may shed
some light on the matter.

GEORGE TAKEI'S EQUALITY TREK
http://temenos.net/stars.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Star Trek's 'Sulu' George Takei is teaming
up with the Human Rights Campaign for
an April speaking tour.  Get the facts here.

YGROUP: DANTE'S COVE
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dantescove/
- - - - - - - - - -
The hot boys of Dante's Cove are heading to
Hawaii to begin filming season three. One of
my personal favorites, Joshua Berresford,
is an active member of our Dante's Cove
Yahoo Group and often answers fan
questions online.  New cast member, Erin
Cummings, is also a member of our group.

_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

* Gay Stars Get Local in Fighting HIV
* Rosie & Keli: All Aboard!
* UCC: God is Still Speaking
* FTM CampOUT 2006
* Stonewall Dems Seeks Executive Dir.
* YGroup: Bisexual Community

GAY STARS GET LOCAL IN FIGHTING HIV
http://temenos.net/stars.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Gay Celebrities Chad Allen, Marcellas
Reynolds, and Rupert Everett are stepping up
to support local AIDS Service Organizations
in their communities. They will be riding,
walking, and even bowling to raise money to
fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

ROSIE & KELI: ALL ABOARD
http://temenos.net/tv.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
'All Aboard', the full length documentary
about the first LGBT family cruise organized
by Rosie & Keli O'Donnell, was recently
featured at Sundance.  You can see it
on HBO next month.  Get the details here.

UCC: God is Still Speaking
http://temenos.net/faith/index.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
The United Church of Christ's has a
hilarious new advertisement in their
'God is Still Speaking' campaign, which
is inclusive of LGBT Americans.  You
won't see the ad on the major networks,
however.  They seem to think it's too
'controversial'.

FTM CAMPOUT 2006
http://www.temenos.net/events.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Just imagine four days & three nights in
the woods with transmen, butch boyz,
other masculine gender outlaws and
their supporters.  Everyone is welcome
at the 2006 CampOUT being held in
Needmore, Indiana.

STONEWALL DEMS SEEKS ED
http://www.temenos.net/action.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
The search is on for the next Executive
Director of the Stonewall Democrats.
Find out more here.

YGROUP: BISEXUAL COMMUNITY
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bisexualdiscussion
- - - - - - - - - -
This active discussion list for the Bisexual
Community has over 350 members?  Join
today and find out what they've been talking
about.

_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

DFA GRASSROOTS TOURNEY
- - - - - - - - - -
See Our Ranking in the Tourney:
http://dfalink.com/brackets.php?equality
- - - - - - - - - -
Help us Win the Tourney By Joining at:
http://dfalink.com/group.php?id=351
- - - - - - - - -

The DFA Grassroots Tourney is underway to grow
the DFA-link community. I'm happy to say our group,
Out for Democracy, is still in the game. We made it
the top 64, and we defeated our head-to-head
competition to make it to the top 32, but now we
need your help to win our current match and make
it to the top 16.

To help us win, simply join our Out for Democracy
DFA-link Group before Wednesday, March 29 @ Noon
EST. For those who are new to the game.

*DFA LINK is a great new tool of Democracy for
America, to organize progressive democrats across
the country

*OUT FOR DEMOCRACY is the LGBTI Network of DFA
Link Folks, progressive LGBTI Democrats and
their allies.

Please join today and help us make it to the
next round, and help guarantee an active LGBTI
Voice within Democracy for America

DFA GRASSROOTS TOURNEY
- - - - - - - - - -
See Our Ranking in the Tourney:
http://dfalink.com/brackets.php?equality
- - - - - - - - - -
Help us Win the Tourney By Joining at:
http://dfalink.com/group.php?id=351
- - - - - - - - -


_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

* A Call to Investigate Boy Scouts of America
* Tevin Campbell Returns to Public Eye
* The Cost of the Florida Adoption Ban
* Spotlight Group: LGBTI Africa
* Task Force Leadership Awards May 6th

A CALL TO INVESTIGATE BOY SCOUTS
http://www.temenos.net/a_scouting.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
This week Scouting for All called for an
investigation into the finances of the Boy
Scouts of America. Scouting for All believes
the Boy Scouts may be taking donations
intended to fund it's non-discriminatory
'Living for Life' program and redirecting those
funds into it's discriminatory Scouting
programs against the wishes of donors.

TEVIN CAMPBELL RETURNS TO PUBLIC EYE
http://www.temenos.net/music.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
After facing personal and professional chalenges,
child musical prodigy Tevin Campbell returns
to the public eye appearing in the Broadway
Show 'Hairspray'.

THE COST OF THE FLORIDA ADOPTION BAN
http://www.temenos.net/family/
- - - - - - - - - -
A new report released by the National Center
for Lesbian Rights documents what happens
when children are left in the foster care system
rather than being placed with qualified gay and
lesbian parents.

SPOTLIGHT GROUP: LGBTI AFRICA
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lgbti-africa/
- - - - - - - - - -
This group is open to everyone from Africa
and from around the world who are interested
in advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bi,
trans, and intersex (LGBTI) people in Africa.

TASK FORCE LEADERSHIP AWARDS MAY 6TH
http://www.thetaskforce.org/dcla2006
- - - - - - - - - -
The 17th Annual DC Leadership Awards
takes place May 6th at the Omni Shoreham
Hotel in Washington, DC.  The event will
feature Sen. Russell Feingold and honor
Brokeback Mountain author Annie Proulx.
Make your plans to attend now!

_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

* Faith Based Organizing Takes Center Stage
* World Religions & the Struggle for Equality
* Gay Mormon Faces Excommunication
* Spotlight Group: LGBTI Interfaith
* Spotlight Site: Equality Ride

FAITH BASED ORGANIZING TAKES CENTER STAGE
http://www.temenos.net/action.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
The religious right has used their faith to push an
agenda of discrimination and bigotry. In the 2004
election, they played a key role in passing mean
spirited and divisive same-sex marriage bans in
eleven states. This year, however, mainstream
religious organizations may be the key to turning
the tide in our favor.

WORLD RELIGIONS & THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUALITY
http://temenos.net/faith/index.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
The scriptural underpinning of most world religions is
more inclusive than is often depicted.  Harry Knox &
Sharon Groves take a closer at Islam, Hinduism,
Buddhism, and Christianity.

GAY MORMON FACES EXCOMMUNICATION
http://www.temenos.net/faith/christian.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
(Mormons) is preparing to take disciplinary
action against one of its own for being involved
in a legal marriage performed in another country.

SPOTLIGHT GROUP: LGBTI INTERFAITH
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lgbti-interfaith
- - - - - - - - - -
Where does the movement for LGBTI Equality
and spirituality intersect?  Right here on the
LGBTI-Interfaith Yahoo Group.  Join this group
to discuss religion, spirituality, and our
community.  Everyone welcome.

SPOTLIGHT SITE: EQUALITY RIDE
http://www.equalityride.org
- - - - - - - - - -
Today they were arrested at Oral Roberts
University.  What's next for these young,
out, practitioners of non-violent resistance?
You gotta check out their site to find out.

_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

peace be with you

The Washington State Gay-Straight Alliance Banquet and Awards
Ceremony will be on May 19th, 2006.  Our keynote speaker will be
acclaimed author Brent Hartinger ("Geography Club," "Order of the
Poison Oak") and it promises to be an exciting evening of fun,
friends, food and neat trophies!  Now is the time to nominate someone
for one of our EIGHT awards that we present:

Community Involvement Organization Award.  This award goes to an
organization that has gone above and beyond to help out in their
community.   Many of these groups sponsor events, have tables at
workshops, or even come into classrooms to do presentations.  These
groups are sometimes understaffed, volunteers, and overworked, yet
they keep contributing because they believe in their cause.

Community Person of the Year Award.  This award goes to an individual
who truly exemplifies the true spirit of tolerance.   This person
shows that service to community is not just being out there, but
trying to make a difference in what they do. These individuals take
time out of their busy schedules to help young people.

Most Inspirational GSA Award.  This award goes to the GSA group who
has overcome the most adversity in order to receive the recognition
that they rightly deserve. These GSAs have dealt with discrimination,
homophobia, harassment, and bullying, yet they have overcome all of
this because they believe that it is important to have a support
system in their school.

Most Inspirational GSA Member Award.  This award goes to an
individual in a GSA who has shown a lot of courage for the work that
they do.   This person is not only a role model, but someone that
inspires people to stand up for what they believe.

GSA Leader of the Year Award.  The recipient of the GSA Leader of the
Year Award has shown true heart and dedication to their chapter
putting in a lot of time and effort to achieve their goal.   This
person has a lot of support from their peers and people around
them.   This person possesses leadership abilities and motivates
people around them.

Advisor of the Year Award.  This award goes to an advisor who takes a
lot of their own time to help plan and coordinate GSA meetings in
their school. Not only do   they advise these groups, but they also
take time to advocate on their behalf.

GSA of the Year Award.  This award goes to a group of courageous
youth who had contributed a lot to their school and community.   They
support members in their GSA, organize different events throughout
the year (such as Day of Silence or No Name Calling Week) and help
build tolerance and acceptance in their schools.

Rob Goldsworthy Outstanding Educator of the Year Award.  This award
is named after Rob Goldsworthy, a teacher at Bainbridge Island High
School and Board member of GLSEN Puget Sound, who passed away from
complications due to AIDS.  During Goldsworthy's 12 year career at
BHS, he taught English, coached tennis and debate, and was advisor to
the high school's Gay Straight Alliance and the United Brothers and
Sisters Club.   An outstanding educator of the year follows
Goldsworthy's examples by bringing enthusiasm and creativity to their
classroom; manifesting the ability to connect to a diverse range of
students; and possessing the knowledge to making learning fun.

This award goes to someone who goes above and beyond their regular
duties to advocate on behalf of their students. They often advise
multiple clubs, are involved actively in their community, and/or hold
many positions in different organizations.   These people not only
teach young people, but support the success and growth of youth.

Nomination forms and more information about the WA State GSA Network
can be found on our website at www.wagsa.org.


David A. Hildebrand
Public Relations Director
Washington State GSA Network
1605 12th Ave, Ste 32
Seattle, WA 98122

Hello All -

The National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC), the largest national
organization advocating for GLBTQ youth, needs your help!

Our fiscal year ends on March 31st and in order to end the year on a
positive note, we need your help.  Please consider a gift of $100 or
more(we'll accept less, too :)) to ensure that we have a good
year-end.

Please read the letter below (also attached in Word) for more about why you
should give to NYAC and what NYAC does.

If you do give in response to the letter below, please let me know.  You
need not list the amount you gave; simply reply to me with your first and
last name if you give a donation of any size.

Thank you as always,

-Aaron

March 7, 2005

Dear Supporter of GLBTQ Youth,

     I want to share with you something that is very important to me: it is
an organization that I believe is really making an impact in the world. In
fact, I believe this organization is so important that I sit on the Board of
Directors and make it a priority in my charitable giving and volunteer time.


     The organization is called the National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC
for short). And although NYAC is not a household name, thousands of young
men and women who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or are
simply questioning their role in the world (GLBTQ youth) find support and
care within its embrace.

     The young men and women whom I've met in my time on the Board inspire me
each day.  I would like you to make a special gift of $100 or more to NYAC.
I believe it will be one of the best gifts you make for in return you will
receive a world that is a little bit better.

     That's a bold statement, but let me explain:

     I was lucky as a teenager; I had a family and friends who supported me �C
in almost everything I did: I had parents who paid my medical bills; I had a
great public school where I felt safe and was able to learn; I always had a
place to call home.

      But hundreds of thousands of young people don't have these luxuries.
And if these teenagers decide to come out �C and live out �C they face
seemingly insurmountable challenges impacting their health and wellbeing.
NYAC recently conducted a study that found��

�� 64% of youth reported engaging in their first sexual experience at an age
younger than 15 and 14% reported having more than 20 partners;

�� 20% reported being physically or verbally abused by a family member; and

�� 58% of the NYAC sample reported being depressed or having contemplated
suicide in the six months prior to taking the survey.

NYAC combats these statistics and makes the world a little better for these
kids.

How?...

�� NYAC helps GLBTQ teenagers get access to better information about health
care so they can make better decisions. This year NYAC launched the first
ever National Youth Health Leadership Training Institute to help empower
young people to work and take positive action in their own communities.

�� NYAC supports local GLBTQ youth centers and safe spaces for these
teenagers. NYAC works with groups from all over the country �C Philadelphia;
New York City; Washington, DC; Jacksonville, FL; Columbia, SC; and Detroit,
MI to name a few.

�� NYAC lets GLBTQ youth know they are not alone by bringing young people
from all over the country together at a National Youth Summit in Washington,
D.C. This year, more than 400 participants gathered to learn about
organizing, advocacy, community-building, and self-care.

�� NYAC fills a need in the GLBTQ community that no other organization does.
I know you probably support other groups that are fighting for marriage
rights, adoption rights, health care, etc. within the GLBTQ community. But
NYAC is the only organization that watches the youngest members of the
community. The youth whose voices would be lost without the presence of
NYAC. NYAC also works with many other organizations in the GLBTQ community
to make sure that the needs and rights of young people are always addressed.


This fall I witnessed one of the most impressive showings of this last
point. NYAC, in partnership with more than 35 colleague agencies, raised
over $100,000 to make sure that LGBT youth and families had their most basic
needs met following the devastating hurricanes in the Gulf states.

That money is now helping young people throughout the South, but it is not
helping NYAC meet the ongoing needs of young people from coast-to-coast. It
is only our gifts that will accomplish that.

I hope you have been inspired by NYAC and will support them with a gift of
at least $100.  To give and learn more about NYAC's work, go to
www.nyacyouth.org.

Love you all,



Aaron
(Aaron Chandler, NYAC Board of Directors)

P.S.  You can also mail in a contribution directly to NYAC using the address
below:
1638 R Street, NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20009


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

For Immediate Release: February  19, 2006
From: The National Transgender  Advocacy Coalition (NTAC)
Contact:  NTAC Chair, Vanessa Edwards Foster;  Houston, Texas
Contact Email:  ntacmedia@...
media@...
Contact Phone:  832-483-9901
Website:  http://www.ntac.org
NTAC Calls for Senate to Rewrite Hate Crimes Bill, Calls Current Proposal
Inadequate
As Gay and Lesbian Rights organizations renew the call urging the Senate  to
reactivate their Hate Crimes bill, one Transgender Rights group is asking
that the Senate stop and rewrite the legislation.  The National Transgender
Advocacy  Coalition (NTAC) called the Senate bill "inferior and inadequate," and
is
urging  the Senate to "take a courageous stand" instead of taking "the
coward's way  out."
Immediately after the hatchet and gunshot attacks in a Boston-area gay  bar
in late January, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) issued press release urging
the Senate to enact the LLEEA: the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act
(S.1145).
While some gay and lesbian advocacy groups seized upon the  opportunity to
urge passage of the Senate bill with the existing language, many  in the
transgender community are calling for a rewrite of the bill.  "The Senate bill's
language is inferior  and inadequate to cover hate crimes in all fifty states,"
stated Vanessa Edwards  Foster, chair of NTAC.  "If this  bill passes," she
added, "we'll have to explicitly rework it down the  road."
"Had [the Massachusetts] crime happened at a transgender bar, it would  not
be considered a hate crime under this law" said NTAC Secretary, Ethan St
Pierre.  He also noted that  Massachusetts similarly has no coverage against
anti-transgender bias  crimes.
The language of the Senate bill differs significantly from the House  version
(H.R. 2662) that passed by a bipartisan vote of 223 to 199 on September
14th, 2005.  The House bill added  "gender identity and expression" in their
bill's language (HR 2662), as well as  provisions for the FBI to expand the Hate
Crimes Statistics Act (HCSA) in order  to track bias-related violence.
Currently, bias-related violence against transgenders is either tracked  as
anti-gay
crime, anti-women crime, or sometimes not tracked under any  category.
While the Senate has passed the LLEEA previously, the language has never  had
distinct coverage for gender identity or gender expression.
"We've heard about the Senate intent to cover transgenders in Hate Crimes
legislation, but they've always attempted this by cleverly trying to hide the
language, " NTAC's Foster said.  "If  they support [transgender inclusion], why
can't the Senate take a courageous  stand and explicitly state what they
intend – what they believe in?  Trying to slide legislation through
surreptitiously is a coward's way out.  Stand up for what you believe in! 
Otherwise, let
the opposition walk all over you. "
The NTAC Chair called for conservatives opposed to the  bill to go on record
as well.  "If  any Senator truly believes that Americans should have the right
to attack and  kill because they hate any other group of people, then be
proud and state it  openly.  We at NTAC will work to  provide ample press to
communicate your principled stand to the nation."
Recently, in the wake of the Massachusetts attacks, HRC initiated a "Dear
Senator" letter calling for passage of the current LLEEA. The bill was signed by
  People for the American Way, Dignity USA, PFLAG, GLSEN and twenty-four other
  organizations asked for passage of the non-inclusive Senate version.
Thirty-two states already include sexual orientation in  their hate crimes
laws. Sixty-eight percent of Americans polled believe that  laws are needed to
protect against anti-transgender hate crimes, yet only eight  states currently
have language that includes gender identity or expression.
"[The National Organization of Women] was an early supporter of  transgender
inclusion in the Hate Crimes bill," said NOW Action Vice President  Olga
Vives. "Since transgender people are a major target of hate-motivated  violence
it
was imperative that gender identity be included in this important  policy
initiative.
"With the passage of [explicitly inclusive Hate Crimes] legislation, we  can
take down these and other barriers of discrimination and achieve our goal of
full inclusion -- for all people -- in our society."
NTAC is proud to stand with NOW and directly challenge the Senate to  write
and pass a Hate Crimes bill that explicitly protects transgenders and all
other Americans.
"President Bush once stated you're with us, or you're with the  terrorists,"
Foster continued.  "Similarly, those in Congress are either with Americans
opposed to Hate  Violence on anyone -- or you're with those who instill terror
and commit  acts of violence and murder toward the segments of society they
hate.  We'll note your stand on this issue with  your votes."
- 30 -
Founded in 1999, NTAC - the National Transgender Advocacy Coalition - is  a
civil rights organization working to establish and maintain the right of all
transgendered, intersexed, and gender-variant people to live and work without
fear of violence or discrimination.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

* alexis arquette joins surreal life cast
* marriage equality heroes in maryland
* congress members seek end to military ban
* new graduate lgbt health scholarship
* yahoo group: lgbti musicians

ALEXIS ARQUETTE ON THE SURREAL LIFE
http://www.temenos.net/tv.shtml
- - - - - -  - - - -
Alexis Arquette is bringing transgender
visibility to reality television, joining the
Season 6 cast of the Surreal Life.  Arquette
comes from a talented family, including
siblings David Arquette and Patricia
Arquette.


MARRIAGE EQUALITY HEROES IN MD
http://outfordemocracy.org/local/md.htm
- - - - - - - - - -
Meet some of the heroes who are paving
the way for Marriage Equality in Maryland.
Visit the new Maryland State Blog at
www.outfordemocracy.org.

CONGRESS MEMBERS SEEK END TO BAN
http://www.temenos.net/action.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
One year after its introduction, the Military
Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1059),
a Congressional bill to repeal "Don't Ask,
Don't Tell," is now co-sponsored by a
bi-partisan group of 110 Members of
Congress

NEW GRADUATE LGBT HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP
http://www.outhealth.org
- - - - - - - - - -
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
Health, Education and Research Trust is
pleased to announce that it has begun
accepting applications for the 2006 LGBT
HEART Scholarship Fund for the Graduate
Health Professions. This dedicated scholarship
is for LGBT-identified students in the
graduate-level health professions.

YAHOO GROUP: LGBTI MUSICIANS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lgbti-music
- - - - - - - - - -
Join this yahoo group to discuss lesbian,
gay, bi, trans, and intersex (LGBTI) music
and musicians.

_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

* rufus wainwright & michael stipe team up
* marriage equality & people of color
* transgender spirituality
* temenos summer travel guide
* fda blood donation guidelines

RUFUS WAINWRIGHT & MICHAEL STIPE TEAM UP
http://www.temenos.net/action.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Rufus Wainwright and Michael Stipe are teaming
up with Margaret Cho and Cindy Sheehan for
'Bring Em Home', a concert to support the
withdrawal of troops from Iraq.  The New York City
concert will be broadcast live on Air America Radio.

MARRIAGE EQUALITY & PEOPLE OF COLOR
http://www.temenos.net/poc
- - - - - - - - - -
A coalition of LGBTI orgnanizations has launched
'Marriage Equality Matters', a new marketing, a
campaign designed to raise the profile of People of
Color who support marriage for same-sex couples.

TRANSGENDER SPIRITUALITY
http://www.outjourney.org
- - - - - - - - - -
A new book by Justin Tanis explores how religious
communities have contributed to transgender
oppression as well as transgender liberation.  It's
a thoughtful exploration of transgender people and
communities of faith.

TEMENOS SUMMER TRAVEL GUIDE
http://temenos.net/travel_summer.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Be a part of the fun this summer.  Whether
you're headed to Family Week in Provincetown
or Blackout at Fire Island, we've got the
information you need.  Find out about
great trips like 'Camp' Camp, Gay Games
in Chicago, and more...

FDA ON GAY MEN & BLOOD DONATION
http://www.outhealth.org
- - - - - - - - - -
The FDA will be conducting a public workshop
on Blood Donation. The workshop will provide
an opportunity for public discussion on the
scientific basis for current blood donation
guidelines, including the ban on blood donations
from gay men. Have an opinion on this topic?
Find out how you can submit written comments
to the FDA online.

_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

* the life of coretta scott king
* the path of the green man
* older lesbians organizing for change
* city guides: lgbti helena
* dnc eliminates glbt outreach director
* spotlight ygroup: trans community

THE LIFE OF CORETTA SCOTT KING
http://temenos.net/action.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Rev. Penny Nixon reflects on the passing
of Coretta Scott King, and on night she
received the 'Circles of Hope' award from
the Metropolitan Community Foundation.

THE PATH OF THE GREEN MAN
http://www.outjourney.org
- - - - - - - - - -
Michael Thomas Ford has a new book out,
but it's not like anything he's done before.
Michael explores gay men, wicca, and
living a magical life in 'The Path of the
Green Man'.

OLD LESBIANS ORGANIZING FOR CHANGE
http://www.temenos.net/events.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Old Lesbians Organizing for Change (OLOC)
are planning their Biennial National Gathering.
Keynote speakers for the conference are two
amazing activists, Suzanne Pharr and
Mandy Carter.

CITY GUIDES: LGBTI HELENA
http://temenos.net/local/helena/
- - - - - - - - - - -
Check out our Helena, Montana city guide
to discover ways to connect with the
lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and intersex
(LGBTI) community.

DNC ELIMINATES GAY OUTREACH DIRECTOR
http://www.outfordemocracy.org
- - - - - - - - - -
Howard Dean has eliminated the position of
Director of GLBT Outreach at the Democratic
National Committee (DNC).  Check out
Out for Democracy for ongoing posts about
this unfortunate decision.

SPOTLIGHT YGROUP: TRANS COMMUNITY
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/transgendercommunity/
- - - - - - - - - -
Join this active online discussion group for
the transgender community and allies.


_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

* the politics of crystal meth
* lgbti community anti-tobacco efforts
* cancer facts for lesbian/bi women
* transgender health & wellness
* about this week's update & outhealth.org
* spotlight ygroups: lgbt heatlh

THE POLITICS OF CRYSTAL METH
http://www.outhealth.org/books
- - - - - - - -
In this important new book Dr Ken Cimino delves
into the underlying issues contributing to the
use of crystal meth in gay men's communities,
and shares true stories of addiction and recovery.

LGBTI COMMUNITY ANTI-TOBACCO EFFORTS
http://www.outhealth.org/tobacco
- - - - - - - - -
Why is that LGBTI people are more likely to
smoke and suffer from smoking-related diseases
than straight folks?  What is our community
doing about it?  Find out what's happening
and how you can get involved here.

CANCER FACTS FOR LESBIAN/BI WOMEN
http://www.outhealth.org/topics
- - - - - - - - - -
Several studies suggest that LGBT women get
less routine care than other women, including
breast and cervical cancer screening. Don't let
these barriers stand between you and the
care that could save your life.

TRANSGENDER HEALTH & WELLNESS
http://www.outhealth.org/trans
- - - - - - - - - -
Love your Body!  Respect your Body!  The
National Coalition for LGBT Health has
developed these great tips for transmen's
and transwomen's health.  Be sure to
check them out.

ABOUT  THIS WEEK'S UPDATE & OUTHEALTH.ORG
http://www.outhealth.org
- - - - - - - - -
This week's Temenos Update focuses entirely
on health and wellness, to mark the launch of
the new www.outhealth.org website.  Next week
we'll return to the regular updates with a wide
variety of info for the LGBTI community.

SPOTLIGHT YGROUPS: LGBTI HEALTH
- - - - - - - - - - -

Lesbian Health & Wellness
50 members and growing
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LesbianHealth

Gay Men's Health & Wellness
40 members and growing!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GayHealth

Bisexual Health & Wellness
30 members and growing
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BisexualHealth

Transgender Health & Wellness
70 members and growing
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TransHealth

Intersex Community Discussion
140 members and growing
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/intersexcommunity/


_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

* a very gay friendly police force
* travel: amazing mardi gras trips
* florida republicans fuel anti-gay group
* city guides: lgbti charleston
* spotlight ygroup: out for democracy

A VERY GAY FRIENDLY POLICE FORCE
http://temenos.net/people.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
A local police force in Britain has recently
ranked number one in the list of most
gay-friendly employers in the country.
Just over 10% of the police officers at the
Staffordshire force is lesbian or gay.

TRAVEL: AMAZING MARDI GRAS TIPS
http://www.temenos.net/travel.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Sydney?  Cozumel?  New Orleans?
Make plans now to celebrate Mardi Gras in
style with one of these amazing travel packages
designed specifically for the lesbian, gay, bi
transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) community.

REPUBLICANS FUND ANTI-GAY GROUP
http://www.temenos.net/articles/060120.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
The Florida Republican Party has invested at
least $150,000 in an anti-gay marriage organization.
The Party has contributed over 75% of the anti-gay
group's entire budget.

CITY GUIDES: CHARLESTON, SC
http://temenos.net/local/charleston/
- - - - - - - - - -
Trust me.  You'll be suprised when you see
everything that Charleston has to offer the
LGBTI Community.  I mean, who knew that
the Citadel had a gay and lesbian student
group?

YGROUP: OUT FOR DEMOCRACY
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ofd-discuss
- - - - - - - - - -
OFD is a great place for LGBTI folks
to discuss progressive politics and
activism in the Democratic Party.

_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

* save the date: 2006 events
* pride in america with ant
* city guide: lgbti asheville, nc
* y!group: black lgbti & sgl youth
* barry winchell's mom takes action

SAVE THE DATE: 2006 EVENTS
http://www.temenos.net/events.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Pull out that new 2006 calendar and make
sure you've got all the year's LGBTI events
written in.  Check out our updated events
page to find out more about: The National
Day of Silence, AIDS Vaccine Awareness
Day, National Gender Lobby Day, Creating
Change, and much more...

PRIDE IN AMERICA WITH ANT
http://www.temenos.net/tv.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Openly Gay comic ANT can currently be seen
as the host of VH1's Celebrity Fit Club.  (This
season of the show also features gay celebs
Chastity Bono & Bruce Vilanch)  The next
story he tells, however, could be yours.  ANT
will host the new LOGO show Pride in America,
telling our stories from towns and communities
across the country.

CITY GUIDE: LGBTI ASHEVILLE
http://www.temenos.net/local/asheville
- - - - - - - - - -
Whether you're settling in, or just visiting for
the weekend, Asheville NC has a vibrant
LGBTI community you'll want to connect with.
Find out more here.

Y!GROUP:BLACK LGBTI & SGL YOUTH
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/africanamericanlgbtyouth/
- - - - - - - - - -
Our online group for African American lesbian, gay, bi,
trans, intersex (LGBTI) and same gender loving (SGL)
youth has over 700 amazing members.

BARRY WINCHELL'S MOM TAKES ACTION
http://www.temenos.net/action.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Pat Kutteles, mother of slain soldier Barry Winchell
reacts to the recent anti-gay attack at Fort Huachuca
Army Base, calling on the Pentagon to implement
an anti-harassment plan.

_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

* understanding the gay generation gap
* ani difranco talks about lgbti youth
* no easy way to say it: stds
* city guides: lgbti pittsburgh
* featured ygroup: lgbti interfaith

UNDERSTANDING THE GAY GENERATION GAP
http://www.temenos.net/youth
- - - - - - - - - -
A new report from IGLSS examines the gap
between lgbt youth and adults: "LGBT adults tend
to project their own experiences onto today's
young people, when in fact the lives of today's
young people are often quite different."

ANI DIFRANCO TALKS ABOUT LGBTI YOUTH
http://www.temenos.net/tv.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
The January episode of the TV show 'In the Life'
focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender (LGBT) Youth.  Ani Difranco hosts
this show which airs on PBS stations
across the country.

NO EASY WAY TO SAY IT
http://temenos.net/health.shtml
- - - - - - - - - - -
It's one of the most akward conversations you
can imagine.  Telling a sex partner that you
have an STD and that they might want to
get tested as well.  A new San Francisco
website, InSpot, makes notifying your
partners a much easier task.

CITY GUIDES: LGBTI PITTSBURGH
http://www.temenos.net/local/pittsburgh
- - - - - - - - - -
From Drag Bingo to the Gay Softball team,
there's lots of fun things to do in Pittsburgh.
Check out our latest city guide and discover
great resources for the lesbian, gay, bi, trans,
and intersex (LGBTI) community.

FEATURED GROUP: LGBTI INTERFAITH
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lgbti-interfaith
- - - - - - - - - -
Join this discussion group on faith and
spirituality for the LGBTI community.  People
of all faith traditions are welcome here.

_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

* alan cumming on the l word
* hiv/aids: congress falls short
* city guides: boulder
* spotlight group: leather community
* outgroups poll: trans bathrooms?

ALAN CUMMING ON THE L WORD
http://www.temenos.net/tv_lword.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Season three of the L Word is coming in
January, and Tony Award winning actor
Alan Cumming will be appearing in six
episodes.  Check out our brand new
L Word page and find out more.

HIV/AIDS: CONGRESS FALLS SHORT
http://www.temenos.net/health_research.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Congress put the lives of hundreds of
thousands of Americans at risk today in
passing the Labor-HHS-Education
Appropriations conference report that cuts
HIV/AIDS prevention programs, flat-funds
most of the Ryan White CARE Act, and
actually increases funding for failed
'abstinence-only' programs.

CITY GUIDES: BOULDER
http://www.temenos.net/local/boulder
- - - - - - - - - -
Check out our latest city guide and discover
resources for the lesbian, gay, bi, trans, &
intersex (LGBTI) community in Boulder,
Colorado.

SPOTLIGHT GROUP: TEMENOS LEATHER
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/temenos-leather
- - - - - - - - - -
Join this active Yahoo Group with over 400
members, to connect with the LGBTI
Leather Community.

OUTGROUPS POLL: TRANS BATHROOMS?
http://outgroups.com/viewtopic.php?t=1547
- - - - - - - - - -
A city in Brazil, just outside of Rio De Janeiro,
is considering requiring many businesses to
provide a third bathroom, specifically for
transgender individuals.  The concept is
supported by the local LGBT organization.
Do you think this is a good idea or not?
Vote now and talk about it at OUTgroups.

_____________________________________________________________
Get email for your site ---> http://www.everyone.net

* transgender equality tv ads
* enter our 'producers' contest
* city guides: lgbti orlando
* hrw responds to iran executions
* spotlight ygroup: campus links

TRANSGENDER EQUALITY TV ADS
http://www.temenos.net/trans
- - - - - - - - - -
Garden State Equality has produced
and has bought time for the first tv
commercial in American history on
transgender rights.  See the ad and
find out more here.

ENTER OUR PRODUCERS CONTEST
http://temenos.net/movies_producers.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
The movie version of 'The Producers' opens
in most theaters on December 25th, but
you can enter our Producers online contest
today.  You could win your own copy of
The Producers Soundtrack.

CITY GUIDES: LGBTI ORLANDO
http://www.temenos.net/local/orlando
- - - - - - - - - - -
Check out our latest city guide and
discover resources for the lgbti
community in Orlando, Florida.

HRW RESPONDS TO IRAN EXECUTIONS
http://www.temenos.net/action.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Human Rights Watch commented on the
recent executions in Iran, stating "The
Iranian government's persecution of gay men
flouts international human rights standards.

SPOTLIGHT YGROUP: CAMPUS LINKS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/campuslinks
- - - - - - - - - -
Campus Links is a Yahoo Group for lesbian,
gay, bi, trans, and intersex (LGBTI) College
Students.  This is a great place to share
ideas on campus organizing, lgbti youth
issues, and more.


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* tv networks mark world aids day
* the producers keep it gay
* queer and bahai
* a massachusetts milestone
* city guides: lgbti denver
* south africa marriage ruling

TV NETWORKS HONOR WORLD AIDS DAY
http://www.temenos.net/tv.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Ashley Judd, India Arie, and Richard Gere are
among the celebrities to appear on
television tomorrow in shows discussing
the HIV/AIDS pandemic.  View our
World AIDS Day TV Guide for more
information.

THE PRODUCERS KEEP IT GAY
http://temenos.net/movies_producers.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Following the box office success of RENT,
expectations are high for another Broadway
Show that is hitting the Big Scene.  Find
out more about the Producers here.

QUEER AND BAHAI
http://www.temenos.net/faith/bahai.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
The conversation has already started on
our new yahoo group for lesbian, gay, bi,
trans, and intersex (LGBTI) followers of the
Bahai Fatih.  Visi our brand new Bahair
page and find out how to be a part of it.

A MASSACHUSETTS MILESTONE
http://temenos.net/a_marriage.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
HRC's Seth Kilbourn reflects on the
second anniversary of marriage equality
in Massachusetts.

CITY GUIDES: LGBTI DENVER
http://www.temenos.net/local/denver
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Check out our latest city guide and
discover resources for the LGBTI
community in Denver, Colorado.

SOUTH AFRICA MARRIAGE RULING
http://www.mask.org.za
- - - - - - - - - - - -
South Africa's highest court is hearing
a case on marriage equality, and a
ruling is expected soon.  Information
on the ruling will be posted on the
Behind the Mask website, an
amazing resource for the LGBTI
community in Africa.



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* the lgbt holiday survival guide
* carols and camp for the holidays
* out athletes
* city guides: wilmington, nc
* ygroup: lgbti christians
* poll: looking forward to the holidays?

THE LGBT HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE
http://www.temenos.net/people.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
A little preparation can make your holidays go
smoothly this year.  We've got handy tips for
dealing with family members from PFLAG; and
air travel tips for transgender folks from NCTE.
We've also got some great holiday gift ideas.
These presents support worthy causes like
HIV/AIDS, Breast Cancer, and LGBT Equality.

CAROLS AND CAMP FOR THE HOLIDAYS
http://www.temenos.net/music.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
One way to make your Christmas a little more
"jolly and gay" is to attend the Christmas
Concert of your local Gay Men's Chorus. Start
your own holiday tradition, one that gives you a
little added support during the holidays.  Find
out about a concert near you right here.

OUT ATHLETES
http://www.temenos.net/sports.shtml
- - - - - - - - -
Check out the Temenos Sports page and learn
more about a new website that profiles 'out'
athletes like Bruce Hayes, Esera Tualo,
Greg Louganis, Billy Bean, Martina Navratilova,
and more.

CITY GUIDES: WILMINGTON, NC
http://www.temenos.net/local/wilmington
- - - - - - - - - -
Wilmington may not be a large city, but it
boasts a strong and tight-knit lgbt community.
Our Wilmington city guide is the place to
start to learn more.

YGROUP: LGBTI CHRISTIANS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lgbtchristian/
- - - - - - - - - -
Join this group to connect with other lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender Christians.

POLL: LOOKING FORWARD TO THE HOLIDAYS?
http://outgroups.com/viewtopic.php?t=347
- - - - - - - - - -
Sometimes the holidays can be fun, sometimes
that can be stressful, and let's face it, sometimes
they can even be a little depressing.  Are you
looking forward to the holidays?  Vote now
and talk about it at OUTgroups.com.

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* chris beckman on getting clean
* city guides: san francisco
* new tools for lgbt youth
* legislation to lift the ban
* spotlight ygroup: bisexual youth

CHRIS BECKMAN ON GETTING CLEAN
http://www.temenos.net/health_recovery.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
You may remember Chris Beckman as the
cute gay guy on MTV's Real World Chicago,
but these days he's sharing his experience
coming to terms with drug and alcohol
addiction, and talking about whatever recovery
looks like for the younger generation.

CITY GUIDES: SAN FRANCISCO
http://www.temenos.net/local/sanfran
- - - - - - - - - -
In terms of gay friendly cities,  San Francisco
is most likely to rank at the top of anyone’s list.
The city, however, is more than just an ally to
the gay community, rather, its politics and
culture have been drastically shaped by a
long history of GLBT community involvement.

NEW TOOLS FOR LGBT YOUTH
http://www.temenos.net/youth
- - - - - - - -
Check out our youth page to discover great
tools for lesbian, gay, bi, and trans youth
including the brand new OUTyouth website.

LEGISLATION TO LIFT THE BAN
http://www.temenos.net/a_military.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
One hundred Members of Congress
now support the Military Readiness
Enhancement Act (H.R. 1059), a
Congressional bill that would repeal the
military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' ban on
lesbian, gay and bisexual personnel.

SPOTLIGHT Y!GROUP: BISEXUAL YOUTH
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/temenos-biyouth
- - - - - - - - - -
Join this yahoo group to connect with over
150 bisexual and questioning youth from
around the country.

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* complaint filed against rene portland
* 'reefer madness' comes to dvd
* new transgender equality campaign
* exploring lgbt midlife and beyond
* city guides: los angeles
* yahoo group: gay men's health

COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST RENE PORTLAND
http://temenos.net/sp_basketball.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
The National Center for Lesbian Rights has
filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human
Relations Commission on behalf of former Penn
State women's basketball star Jennifer Harris
against Lady Lion basketball coach
Rene Portland.

REEFER MADNESS COMES TO DVD
http://www.temenos.net/movies.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Based on the original cult film from 1936
and the hit musical, Reefer Madness is a camp,
raucous musical comedy about clean-cut kids
who fall into a twisted, hilarious downward
spiral of reefer, sex and mayhem. Out actor
Alan Cumming joins a stellar ensemble cast.

NEW TRANSGENDER EQUALITY CAMPAIGN
http://www.temenos.net/trans/
- - - - - - - - - -
The National Center for Transgender Equality, in
collaboration with the Human Rights Campaign,
has unveiled the first in a series of ads aimed at
educating Congress and the Washington policy
community about transgender people and
issues that affect their lives.

EXPLORING LGBT MIDLIFE AND BEYOND
http://www.temenos.net/seniors/
- - - - - - - - - -
Check out our Temenos Seniors page and
discover a new website designed for LGBT
folks facing midlife and beyond.

CITY GUIDES: LOS ANGELES
http://www.temenos.net/local/la/
- - - - - - - - - -
Check out our latest city guide and discover
resources for the lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and
intersex (LGBTI) community in Los Angeles.

YGROUP: GAY MEN'S HEALTH
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gayhealth/
- - - - - - - - - -
Join this list to discuss health issues that
impact gay men.

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* goodbye to harriet miers
* noah's arc launches on logo
* new tools for lgbt people of color
* city guides: discover lgbti phoenix
* yahoo group: lgbti books

GOODBYE TO HARRIET MIERS
http://www.temenos.net/action.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Eric Stern of Stonewall Democrats states
"Anti-gay activists have corrupted the
judicial selection process in the Bush White
House, and they are now demanding a
nominee that will serve their needs rather
than those of the American people."

NOAH'S ARC LAUNCHES ON LOGO
http://www.temenos.net/tv_noah.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
The new show 'Noah's Arc' set sail this month
on the Logo network and is quickly earning a
loyal following.  Find out more about the show
and connect with other fans.

NEW TOOLS FOR LGBTI PEOPLE OF COLOR
http://temenos.net/poc/
- - - - - - - - - -
Check out a great new site for LGBTI People
of Color and allies.  Find out more on our
Temenos People of Color Resource Page.

CITY GUIDES: DISCOVER LGBTI PHOENIX
http://www.temenos.net/local/phoenix/
- - - - - - - - - -
Check out our latest city guide and discover
resources for the lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and
intersex (LGBTI) community in Phoenix,
Arizona.

YGROUPS: LGBTI BOOK FANS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lgbti-books/
- - - - - - - - - -
Join this new Yahoo Group to connect with other
LGBTI Book fans.  Share your favorite book or
find out about new LGBTI related fiction and
non-fiction books.

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* the secrets of dante's cove
* research on children with gay parents
* advocates fcc alert: support 'rescue me'
* city guides: greensboro, north carolina
* spotlight ygroup: lgbti seniors

THE SECRETS OF DANTE'S COVE
http://www.temenos.net/tv_dante.shtml
- - - - - - - - - -
Dante's Cove follows the lives of a group of
gay and lesbian twentysomethings living
in an apartment complex on the beach.
Find out more about Here! TV's latest show
and see some hot, exclusive photos on our
brand new Dante's Cove Y!Group.

RESEARCH: CHILDREN WITH GAY PARENTS
http://www.temenos.net/family/
- - - -  - - - - -
The evidence is in: information from more
than 15 studies involving more than 500
children shows that raising children in a
same-sex household did not affect the
children’s self-esteem, gender identity, or
risk of psychological problems.

ADVOCATES FCC ALERT: 'RESCUE ME'
http://www.temenos.net/action.shtml
- - - - - - - - - - -
Rescue Me depicted the challenges that
many parents face in accepting and
understanding their child's sexual orientation.
Take action now!  Let the broadcasters and
the FCC know you support Rescue Me.

CITY GUIDES: GREENSBORO, NC
http://www.temenos.net/local/greensboro/
- - - - - - - - - -
Check out the latest city guide and discover
resources for the LGBTI community in
Greensboro, North Carolina.

SPOTLIGHT GROUP: LGBTI SENIORS
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lgbti-seniors/
- - - - - - - - - -
Retirement?  Financial Planning?  Join this
Y!Group to discuss issues impacting
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
seniors.

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