Blogs

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.

Every weekday morning, SLDN and supporters for the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" share an open letter to the President from a person impacted by this discriminatory law. Read the letters, and share them with everyone you know (especially your political representatives) to increase public awareness of the useless suffering endured by these individuals and their families: www.sldn.org/blog/c/letters

Incredible Op-Art illustrates how gays and lesbians have long served in the military with honor. Read the edifying story of Sergeant Robert Galster told by his partner of 50 years. 

http://www.sldn.org/blog/archives/history-shatters-myths-around-open-service/

Equality California reports that, "Last night, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) released a poll showing, for the first time, that 50 percent of Californians support the right for same-sex couples to marry." Support among adults has never surpassed 45% since the question was first asked ten years ago. Read survey results on page four at  
http://www.ppic.org/content/pubs/survey/S_310MBS.pdf

How many straight parents observe the LGBT world, sympathize with it, but feel detached and unconcerned because, as they say, "None of my kids are gay." What happens the day they learn that, in fact, that's not true? Their reaction heavily determines their child's ability to navigate in a hostile society. Read article at www.insidebayarea.com/jaime-richards/ci_14671022