Transgender Woman, Jennifer Gale, former Dallas mayoral candidate found dead

Many thanks to Stephanie Stevens at Transgender News at Yahoo Groups for alerting us to the sad news that transgender icon and former Austin and Dallas Mayoral candidate Jennifer Gale was found dead.
One Austin activist who was in tears said although the body has yet to be identified and the cause of death determined, there was belief that the recent cold temperatures may have played a role in Ms. Gales untimely demise.
Ms. Gale who's concern for the homeless was born out of living this life brought reality to a conversation often dominated by the wealthy. Ms. Gale presented facts on what the needs of the homeless are from first hand experience.
Ms. Jennifer was well liked and respected at Dallas City Hall for being a gentle and kind person who brought uniqueness and an unfaltering sense of civic duty to their daily lives.
I did not know you Jennifer, but my friends sadness at your passing grieves me deeply. God Bless you Jennifer Gale.

By kelli Busey kellibusey@yahoo.com
December 17, 2008
planetransgender

Ohio: Columbus City Council Passes Transgender Anti Discrimination Laws

Columbus Ohio. From TransOhio. The Columbus City Council passed transgender anti discrimination on Monday 16, 2008.

TransOhio blog "The Columbus City Council voted 6-0 to PASS the ordinance revisions which will add the following classes to Columbus City Code (chapter 2331): Age, Disability, Sex, Military status, Familial status and Gender Identity and Expression."

The Columbus City Council then went on to ask the State Legislature to follow suit according to 365 Gay.com.

This is indeed a tremendous day in our struggle for equality. Every step forward for transgender people is a leap for all LGBT people.

Being a native of Ohio this warms my heart. Thank you to all that made this happen!

TransOhio may also befriended on Facebook at TransOhio

Binghamton NY City council passes anti-discrimination bill

In a much anticipated event the Binghamton city Council acted to include protection of transgender people. According to an article by Neil St. Clair, News 10 Now

"It's another way to let people know that everyone has the same rights. In the old days, it was color, religion, whatever. Now it's size or sexual orientation. It just reinforces it," said Binghamton City Councilman Edward Collins.

The bill specifically protects transgendered and overweight individuals, along with other groups. It adds another legislative layer with respect to housing, employment and other areas of possible public discrimination.

"This law not only tracks New York State human rights law and the protections already enacted at the state level, it also extends some protections at the local level that have not yet passed at the state level," said Barrie Gewanter, New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director.

Live in NY? Want to be involved? Click here to become a New York Civil Liberties Union Activist!

By Kelli Busey planetransgender December 16, 2008 email kellibusey@yahoo.com

Jimmy Lee Dean Trial Date Set : Unified Community Against Gay Hate Crimes(UCAGHC) Plans Rally

Unified Community Against Gay Hate Crimes(UCAGHC) a Dallas TX group formed in response to the brutal attack on local artist Jimmy Lee Dean has announced the trial date and asked for the LGBT community to show support by attending a rally from 10am to 12pm on January 12, 2009 in front of the Frank Crowley Bldg 133 N. Industrial Blvd. Dallas TX 75207



According to Activist Michael Robinson, key witness and founder of UCAGHC,
(The) "Jimmy Lee Dean case has the opportunity to change or add new amendments to the statute that governs hate crimes cases in Texas. I am asking the GLBT community to stand up together on this very important issue that concerns us ALL. There is a group of people out there that would like to see us all dead. We need to change how hate crimes cases are filed when they go to a grand jury for review so that the D.A.'s offices can indict these cases."

The current legislation does not enable prosecutors in Texas to clearly identify a hate crime. Aggravated assault convictions carry potentially far less penalty less penalty than a hate crime conviction.

By Kelli Busey
Sunday, December 14, 2008
planetransgender

Why Should I?

"Why Should I?"

This is the response I received from a religious leader after he read my scathing note critiquing his behaviour during a transgender event and an invitation to continue the conversation.

I think it gave him the opportunity to slam the door shut.

Why should you care about the effect your actions are having on the gender variant?

By allowing your religion to lend credence to violence committed against gender variant people you are fueling the unbroken cycle of of violence and condemning us to horrific deaths. By being the leader of a major religion you are amplifying this message in a way that none other could, that we are less than you.

What is your motivation? Not the little voices to be sure. Or could that be why you got so angry? Is that why when I attend church some pastors look at me with such fear?
Look at me with fear! My god man, it's not my physical stature for sure. No it only could be one thing.

The Truth.

The fear is that I exposure our monetarily driven religions and the duplicity it nurtures by it's continuation of profiteering from the brutal transgender murders.

What is HRC's Motivation? Make one or two million dollars a night and hand local churches and 501's their 1 for 5 payoffs. Whats the hurry to change anything?Everyone is fat and happy.

Except you. When I show up. And the dead, and oh yeah, Jesus.

By Kelli Busey
December 13, 2008
planetransgender

Join The Impact Light Up The Night In Dallas December 20

Join the Impact is organizing a nationwide rally to take place on December 20, 2008.



On December 20th, we ask that you join us again for a nation-wide demonstration that will make an impact on the private sector.

National food drives, culminating with candlelight vigils will be held at commercial centers in cities across the country in remembrance of the rights that once were for 18,000 marriages, and in honor of the rights that one day will be again - for EVERYONE

WHAT IS IT?
Dallas - LIGHT UP THE NIGHT FOR EQUALITY
On Saturday, December 20th, JoinTheImpact.com asks that you join them again for a nationwide rally. Candlelight vigils will be held at commercial centers in cities across the country in remembrance of the rights that once were for 18,000 marriages, and in honor of the rights that one day will be again - for everyone.
The Dallas vigil will be held outside the Galleria and want to stress we are not protesting the Galleria. Many locals and tourists will be passing by as they carry on a 26 year tradition of visiting the Galleria during the holidays for their shopping needs. This will be a peaceful candlelight vigil in the spirit of the holidays. No protest signs please.

Please click link for directions Join the Impact