Blogs

Mrs. Nikki Araguz is the widow of a Wharton Co. fire fighter killed in the line of duty.  In a compound tragedy, Mrs. Araguz’s in-laws are attempting to void her marriage, claiming that she is a transsexual woman and as such her marriage is unlawful and only they should inherit Mr. Araguz’s estate or benefit from his insurance and pension. 

Argentina has become the first country in Latin America to embrace same-sex marriage nationwide by legalizing it. Despite the bitter debate throughout the country over the new ruling, nearly 70% of Argentines support same-sex marriage.  Read more at  tinyurl.com/2bby73v

Google has obviously decided to be on the right side on history when it comes to providing health benefits to its employees. Read the story of ground breaking decisions that set the bar high for companies who believe in fair and just treatment of all its employees. 

mashable.com/2010/07/01/google-lgbt-health/

Texas GOP wants new anti-gay laws

The 2010 State Republican Party Platform of Texas calls for re-criminalizing sodomy, amending the U.S. Constitution to forbid marriage among same-sex couples and making it a felony to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. "We believe that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society, contributes to the breakdown of the family unit, and leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases," the document states. 

On June 10th, Atticus Circle launched its first Young Professionals Happy Hour in Austin, Tx. We had a great time,  made some new friends and found some new LGBT allies. Read about it at www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/outandabout/entries/2010/06/12/atticus_circle.html  and 

tinyurl.com/2bwl3uy

Last night the US Dept. of State announced new guidelines for issuing passports to transgender people. Beginning immediately, applicants for a gender marker change on their passports will need to submit certification from a physician that they have received "appropriate clinical treatment" for gender transition. Most importantly, gender reassignment surgery is not required under the new policy. Read more at transequality.org/

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights groups and allies join outcry against anti-immigrant measure in Arizona

More than 20 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality groups and allies today issued the following joint statement: 

Votes next week could make or break the fate of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal efforts in 2010. Your call to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (202-225-0100), or to your representative could make the difference. 

Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) is expected to offer an amendment to the House version of the Defense Authorization bill that would overturn DADT. Similar action is also expected in the Senate Armed Services Committee on May 27th. 

A broad coalition of religious leaders spoke out recently against the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that prevents some of the brightest women and men from serving their country.

Atticus Circle's founder, Anne Wynne, talks about the need for the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell on OutCast, KOOP Radio 91.7 FM in Austin, Tuesday, May 4th at 6:45 P.M.