I <3 Google.

It's true. I use gmail, google calender, blogger, google docs, picasa, google aps, and I have a google phone. (I use their original feature, google search, only when goodsearch doesn't give me what I need.) If google made clothes, I'd buy 'em. Other than their abysmal customer service. I know they are probably going to be the next evil empire. That said, this statement , recently issued, only adds to my google-philia.

Growing Up Gay?

So, nowadays kids are coming out in elementary school. I admire them, I couldn't even identify who I had a crush on (maybe because I had this whole queer thing going on) and ended up dating a guy for a few weeks in 6th grade because my friends thought I should. Turns out, that's a bad reason to date someone. (Or, as I learned later in life, to stay with someone. Don't avoid divorce just because your friends like your relationship-- they aren't living it!)

Recently I received a link to this blog. I haven't read much of it, but I really like the idea of someone working to understand this new phenomena of children developing in a healthy way that allows them to express their feelings without (as much) fear.

It has begun.

What's your hope?

As a country, we are poised on the edge of hope, curiosity, and fear. Many of us believe, fervently, that tomorrow signals a profound change in America. Will Obama be compared to Hoover or FDR when the financial crisis has been dealt with? Will we see our country continue to be obsessed with culture wars that pit artificially drawn differences against one another, or will we see a true spirit of unity?

The Neighborhood Inauguration Balls  seem like a new way of doing things. And there are other signs. The day of service  that he and his family are participating in are another sign that the focus of this administration is going to move to a new beat. His background as a community organizer certainly means he has a different perspective. And he is young enough not to owe too much to too many people.

So tell me, what's the hope that tomorrow inspires in you?

When Priests Can Love!

Colorado Episcopals end moratorium on gay priests ... what's next--- Letting people get married if they love one another?

Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Laws: Making Colorado a Better Place

By Linda Lidov

It is hard to imagine that less than two years ago, it was actually legal in Colorado to discriminate against gay and transgender people simply for being who they are. But thanks to legislation that has passed under the Democratic-led legislature and Governor Bill Ritter, LGBT people in Colorado are now protected from discrimination in areas of employment, public accommodations, and housing.

We can be proud that Colorado now joins 19 other states and the District of Columbia that have updated their nondiscrimination protections to include sexual orientation. Thirteen of these states, including Colorado, also include gender identity/expression.

Here is a brief summary of each law:

EMPLOYMENT: Passed in May 2007, the Employment Nondiscrimination Act expands Colorado’s employment nondiscrimination protections to include sexual orientation, defined as heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, transgender status, or perception thereof. It makes it illegal to consider these things when making employment- related decisions or to make any inquiries about an applicant’s sexual orientation, inclusive of transgender status. The law applies to employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, on-the-job training, and vocational training programs and schools.

PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS: Passed in May 2008, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or transgender status in public accommodations. Covered entities may not deny a gay or transgender person participation, entry, or services. A place of public accommodation is any place of business that offers sales or services of any kind to the public, or that offers facilities, privileges, advantages or other accommodations to the public, such as hotels, restaurants, stores, hospitals, clinics, and health clubs.

HOUSING: Also passed in May 2008 as part of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, this law prohibits unfair housing practices on the basis of sexual orientation or transgender status. It applies to landlords, lessors, sellers, homeowner associations, lenders, real estate agencies, insurers, advertisers, cities, counties, government agencies, and others involved in showing, selling, renting, transferring, or leasing housing or residential real estate.

Individuals who have experienced discrimination and would like to file a complaint should contact the
Colorado Civil Rights Division at 303-894-2997 or by visiting the web:
www.dora.state.co.us/civil-rights/complaint_process.htm.

Additional information can be found at www.ColoradoProtectsAll.info.

Excited about the new year.

Creating Change 2009

Boulder Pride is excited about the upcoming conference that will be hosted in Denver for the first time. This is THE place to be for LGBTQIA activists and those who love them. Kate Clinton will once again be the Mistress of Ceremonies, and the line-up of plenary speakers is phenomenal!

There are many opportunities for local folks who are interested in volunteering and/or hosting a conference-goer in their home.

Please join your friends at Boulder Pride and activists from around the country for this amazing event!


To inspire you even further, here is a blurb from the CC09 official website, which can be found at
CC09

The 21st National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change will be held in Denver, Colorado, Jan. 28–Feb. 1, 2009. Check this site often for updates and details about the conference program.

Each year the conference is held in a different region of the United States and attracts 2,500+ participants from within and outside of the LGBT community. It's is well known for providing a unique environment where activists and leaders come together from diverse places and backgrounds to create a community that is both strengthening and inspiring to the participants.

Creating Change is for you if you are: an activist and organizer in your community, campus or workplace; a board member, staff member or leader in a LGBT organization, community center or foundation; an elected or appointed official; a change agent for justice, freedom & equality for all. In other words, Creating Change has something for everyone!

For more information:
e-mail CreatingChange@theTaskForce.org or call 202-639-6333.