Openly Transgender Mayor!

This election marked the first African-American President. The first time in 40 years an Oregon Senate candidate beat an incumbent Senator. And in tiny Silverton, Oregon, residents have elected the man who's believed to be the first ever openly transgender mayor in the United States. KGW report on transgender mayor
Stu Rasmussen served two terms as the Mayor of Silverton in the 1990s. But he hadn't admitted to being transgender. He's not the same man now that he was then. Today he wears a skirt and high heels. He has breast implants, and long red hair. He looks like a woman - but he's not.
"I identify mostly as a heterosexual male," Rasmussen said. "But I just like to look like a female."
Rasmussen is a man. He even has a girlfriend. He says he's always been transgender, but he only "came out" a few years ago.
"Some guys' mid-life crisis is motorcycles or sports cars or climbing mountains or trophy wives or whatever." Rasmussen said his mid-life crisis was quite different. "I always wanted cleavage, so I went out and acquired some."
With the way he looks, he wasn't sure how his run for Mayor would go.
"The first 30 seconds they think, am I in a freak show? Is there a camera behind me? What's going on here?" Rasmussen told NewsChannel 8. "And then we get down to discussing whatever the issue is - city business or business or whatever - and they figure out this guy's different, but he knows what he's talking about."
It's Rasmussen's knowledge of the issues, and of the town, that won over so many voters. As one voter said, "Stu's very devoted to this town."
Rasmussen won by a hefty margin - 13 points. It really wasn't close.
"He wants to maintain the integrity of Silverton," voter Gail Frassenei said. And she said she isn't sure Rasmussen would be elected anywhere else. "I think it's amazing a small town like this can be so open-minded, to elect someone that's made a life change."
"I'm prejudiced, but I think this is just about the coolest town on Earth," Rasmussen said, just before he broke down, a tear gently running through his eyeliner, and onto his cheek. He can't wait to take office in January. He said he's finally confident enough to be himself, as he runs his hometown, wearing his signature heels.

http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_110608_news_transgender_mayor.18a1f2fa7.html

Rabble Rousing.

I'll be honest. I am done with people being brushed aside because they are different. I was so excited that Detre and the Bias Incident Hotline put together a rally tonight to protest the recent rash of hate crimes here in Boulder. I spoke on behalf of Boulder Pride. Because to be queer is to come from all communities. Queer people are poor and wealthy. Queer people come from every race and religion. Queer people come from every geography. I spoke because I believe in the importance of unity.

There is a poem I am sure you have all heard, but I want to share it tonight.

When first they came for the criminals I did not speak

Then they began to take the Jews

When they fetched the people who were members of trade unions

I did not speak

When they took the bible students

Rounded up the homosexuals

Then they gathered up the immigrants and Gypsies

I did not speak

Eventually they came for me

And there was no one left to speak

I believe there is a power structure in America that fears the oppressed. I believe there are people who use our differences to divide us from one another, with the knowledge that if we stand together, we are unstoppable. I believe the recent hate crimes against minorites and women are expressions of that fear. And I believe that if we stand together and speak out, but also more importantly, act out, that we are unstoppable.

Tonight we marched and learned. But it cannot stop here. It cannot stop tonight. One night is not enough. You must do more than you think you are able. You must reach higher than you believe you can.  One step at a time, we will change the world we live in. Because together we are unstoppable. 

A Moment of Silence to Honor the Dead

We started as a movement when the leather and trans community decided they were done with being kicked around. Our community loses its history because of our unique nature. We aren't born into gay families with gay traditions. We are born into straight families, for the most part, with straight traditions, and then we swim upstream for at least some of our life, looking for our place of origin. Until we realize that our origin is distant and strange. We must balance within ourselves the dichotomy of our familial traditions and our cultural identity. Rarely do they overlap.

So our history began, when and where? We are unsure. But consistently we find a way to fit into the cultural norms and we distance ourselves from those who do not. Today is the transgender day of remembrance. A day to honor the struggles and pain of one part of our community, as it reflects the pain and struggles of our movement as a whole. 

There are gatherings in Fort Collins and Denver specifically meant to honor our trans community. In response to local hate crimes, the Bias Incident Hotline has organized a Journey into Justice and will honor the transgender community as part of their rally and protest. 

Why did I care about Prop 8?

After all, I don't live in California and as a queer woman currently dating a man, I could get legally hitched tomorrow if I wanted to do so. I can tell you I wept on Nov 5 when the news came in. I poured over CNN's breakdown of the counties and determined that there just weren't enough potential votes out there for hope. Elated that Obama had won, I was dazed at how thoroughly our community had been kicked in the teeth, across the country.

Less than a week later, I received the national call to action in response to Prop 8 for November 15. I knew I had to be part of it. I had to claim that anger and energy and turn it into action. And help other people do the same.

Not because marriage will give health care to gays, because it won't. There are plenty of straight people who don't have health care. Not because marriage will make things fair and right and equal, because it won't. We will still be dealing with inequalities rooted in class and race in our community. Not because marriage is more important than the violence experienced by our transgender community members, because it isn't.

But marriage is a symbol. It is something tangible to straight people. Equality is a big word and it encompasses a variety of meanings. Either your marriage is recognized by the government, or it is not. Either you are being treated equally by your civil representatives, or you are not.

We all draw strength from our families. Sometimes, it's from their poor treatment. Sometimes it's from them being a haven in our time need. Sometimes we have to create them. Sometimes we are born to them. But regardless of orientation, people can relate to the idea that we want a fair shot at trying.

I don't what will happen with our country, with our movement. But I believe something exciting was born last weekend. Perhaps the sleeping giant finally woke. Whatever it was, I was proud of my community for coming together. Proud to be a small part of the million voices that stood and said, No More.

Boulder to be part of National Protests

Gays, Lesbians, Transgender, Their Families and Supporters Unite
Large Scale National Protest Planned For November 15th

Come to the Boulder County Courthouse Lawn (1325 Pearl Street), November 15, 11:30am, to be part of the largest LGBTQ protest and demonstration to ever occur. Inspired by the passage of Prop 8 in California, this is an opportunity to take our anger and turn it into action. It is a time for us to stand together with our allies and other oppressed groups in Boulder County and beyond. Boulder Pride has joined with a large coalition of local partners, including PFLAG, OASOS, Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Resource Center University of Colorado at Boulder, Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center, Naropa, Safehouse Alliance for Progressive Nonviolence, Boulder Community United, and the list continues to grow to speak out against the legislation of discrimination in our community and communities across the country. If you live in or near Boulder, join us at the Courthouse. If you live somewhere else, go to that courthouse. Find other Colorado events at http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/page/Colorado. There are rallies across the country and we hope you will pass this on to everyone you know.

Over the last several days, tens of thousands of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and their Supporters have taken to the streets of California to show their outrage with the passage of CA Proposition 8. Prop 8 provides for a Constitutional Amendment to prohibit same-sex marriage rights. Similar amendments and propositions have been passed in AZ and FL.

The passage of these propositions has angered the gay community and their supporters. Many feel as if they are now second-class citizens in a country that has seen that change can happen
with this historic election. They do not feel that a majority should be able to vote on minorities' rights or vote to take anyone's rights away.

On Saturday, November 15, 2008 this community will again take to the streets in what could be the largest organized Protest / Movement since the Civil Rights Movement. To date, more than 250,000 individuals have pledged to take part in the nationwide event, in which they will descend upon the City Halls, State Capitols and the Nation's Capitol to make their voice heard. Signs, posters and numerous websites have already been created and the word is spreading quickly throughout the nation. Jointheimpact.com lists protest locations in all 50 States and the District of Columbia.

The message is simple, yet loud; Equal Rights for All. Signs seen at the many protests that have already taken place in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago and Salt Lake City read: "No More Mr. Nice Gay – Equal rights for all people", "Fight the H8", "Teach Acceptance – Not Hate", "I am now a 2nd class citizen", "I am a victim of H8" to name a few. The organizers of this nationwide event have stressed that it, like the protests that have taken place over the last week; will also be peaceful demonstrations. "The time has come here in America for all people to be afforded equal rights, and we will not stop until everyone receives Equal Rights."

The Protest / Movement is scheduled to take place across the nation at the same time: 1:30 PM Eastern, 12:30 PM Central, 11:30 AM Mountain and 10:30 AM Pacific on Saturday, November 15th, 2008. Those interested in attending this historical event may find their local protest location by visiting: http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com

Olbermann Special Comment: Proposition 8

If you haven't seen this, it is worth viewing!

Veteran's Day.

Typically this is a celebration of those who have lain down their lives to defend our rights of freedom, equality, and democracy. Strategically placed after an election, it is a good reminder that whatever party with which we claim affiliation, our loyalty is to America as a country. Both candidates stressed that in their concession and acceptance speeches. Obama even went so far as to say the word "gay" in his first speech as president-elect. And I will confess, I have a cautious optimism that change is truly coming.

My father and grandfather both served in the military. They sacrificed time with their families to serve our country and risk their lives for the ideals of our nation. As straight men, they could openly acknowledge their families without fear. LGBT service members must deny and hide the people they value, support, and take comfort with. Or they will lose their right to serve. LGBT military veteran's are hidden behind policies of fear and prejudice, making it difficult to publically honor their sacrifices and service.

Groups like Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) are working to change this. But until they do, I am going to honor the people in our community who have made incredible sacrifices, sometimes even their lives, by the simple and powerful act of being out. The transgender and leather men and women who started the Stonewall riots. The young transgender woman who was murdered in Greely just this summer. They are our fallen. They are our heroes. Until we can openly and honestly be part of the larger community, my flags will fly for those who stand on our front lines. 

Please let me know who you honor as a hero of the LGBT movement. Let us honor and celebrate those who have gone before, as we work to create a better world for our children -- literal and figurative. 

California says YES to Discrimination

 

Tuesday night was full of raucous celebration tinged with disappointment for the LGBTIQ community, in California and across the country. Despite our best efforts, we did not succeed in halting the tide of anti-gay initiatives in the states seeking to pass them.

 

It is clear that while our country is ready to make strides in many areas, granting equal rights to its LGBTIQ citizens is still being used as a flash point to create division and fear.  I have hope that will change. I know the power we have discovered in our unity will continue to grow. Marriage equality is only one part of our fight, one battle on the road. The true goal is equal treatment under the law. Boulder Pride is part of a statewide network of LGBT Centers working to create that possibility together.

 

We want you to walk with us on that road. Volunteer. Donate.  We need your support as we work to create the world we want to live in. We have come so far in our struggle for equality, Colorado especially has much to celebrate, with your support we will go farther.

 

And today, we will celebrate how far we’ve come, knowing that it’s not as far as we will go.  

 

The more things change ...

The mix of conflicting emotions I felt last night was overwhelming. I was overjoyed that Obama won both the presidency and Colorado; that the stain of Musgrave was removed from the Colorado landscape; that Polis became the first openly gay non-incumbent to win a Congressional seat. I believe that Colorado is ready for a change and the Colorado LGBT movement is ready to be pro-active about achieving equality. I believe we can. I believe we will.

But watching Prop 8 in California move toward victory, caused equal amounts of grief, anger, and profound disappointment. What on earth!?! Why does it matter who I want to make my life commitments with? I went to bed early, hoping that there would be a turn around while I slept. I hestitantly opened my computer at 6am and waited for the results to load, hope and dread equally competing.

It seems so counter intuitive to me that we could, as a nation, choose a progressive leader like Obama and yet, state by state, enact 3 marriage bans, 1 adoption ban, and 2 anti-affirmative action initiatives.

Prop 8 Still Considered Too Close to Call

We celebrated, with much of America, the achievements made yesterday
as America rejected the top down politics of the past 8 years and put
a different face in the highest office in the land; Colorado voted out
the Senator that introduced a federal amendment to ban equal marriage;
and Boulder County saw the election of the first, non-encumbent gay
man to win a congressional seat. We celebrated because these are
victories that show change is coming and we are excited to be a part
of making history.

We also grieved over the marriage bans passed in Arizona and Florida,
the anti-gay adoption legislation in Arkansas, the end of affirmative
action in Nebraska, and the English only legislation in Missouri.

And we wait, with California, hoping that tomorrow will bring us
positive news concerning Prop 8. I include below a statement from
their website. When a final decision is reached, we will let you know.

Whatever the outcome, we fought the good fight. We stood together and
we made a difference in so many ways. I know I won't be alone in
grieving if this truly does pass. But I also know we won't be alone as
work to make changes, in California, in Colorado, in America.

We can. We did. We will.

Statement by No on Prop 8 Campaign on Election Status
Roughly 400,000 votes separate yes from no on Prop 8 – out of 10
million votes tallied.

Based on turnout estimates reported yesterday, we expect that there
are more than 3 million and possibly as many as 4 million absentee and
provisional ballots yet to be counted.

Given that fundamental rights are at stake, we must wait to hear from
the Secretary of State tomorrow how many votes are yet to be counted
as well as where they are from.

It is clearly a very close election and we monitored the results all
evening and this morning.

As of this point, the election is too close to call.

Because Prop 8 involves the sensitive matter of individual rights, we
believe it is important to wait until we receive further information
about the outcome.

Geoff Kors
Executive Committee NO on Prop 8

Kate KendellExecutive Committee
NO on Prop 8

Vote.

I've said it before, I'll say it again.

Vote.

It's the little things that count.