national dinner

Hey, folks... sorry I haven't posted. I've been swamped. Short and sweet... the HRC national dinner was really good. Speaker Pelosi did a great job and it really cool getting to meet her. I can't think of anyone else on the national scene more deserving of the national equality award. And, a big thank you to one of my friends in DC, that made this weekend possible.

~Jody

Friday night and Saturday's luncheon

Hey, everyone. I made it to DC fine yesterday. Of course, I had a little drama (because - well - I'm me), but nothing major. Have you ever seen an ink pen explode on an airplane? Well, MIND DID! I had red ink everywhere... my hand was stained red all yesterday afternoon, which provided for some interesting conversations. I was able to spend some time with a dear friend of mine, Jeff, yesterday upon arrival. I had never met his partner and so we went for a walk down to his office. Thanks, Jeff, for my gift that you bought me. I really appreciate it and I'll be sure to use whenever you and Jody Shalane bump into each other. Last night, Vic Basile and I joined former HRC president Elizabeth Birch and HRC co-founder and Board member Terry Bean for dinner. We went to a really nice little place called Nage. This was a very interesting and engaging time. Afterwards, Vic, Terry, and I made our way over to the HRC Board dinner for a quick stop for them to talk some business. After that we hung out and got some drinks - had a little fun. Oh, yesterday the Americans for Prosperity group was also meeting at the Mayflower Hotel (where the HRC Board meetings are held). Throughout the day the republican candidates for Presidents were parading through giving speeched. FUNNY, huh? We had a good conversations with one of their folks over drinks last night... nothing like watching folks that have been involved in this movement for 30 years go head-to-head on some of the issues. Can I have another drink, please?

Today, I attended the major donors luncheon at the Mayflower where Susan Stanton, former city manager of Largo, FL, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_stanton) addressed the HRC Board members and major donors. I was able to meet her and talk for a little bit. I'll attach a picture that I got with her and Terry (check out that AMPER&AND). I cried during her talk. Yea, I know, cry baby - but it was really moving for me. I really admire her and can only ask her to remain strong.

Okay, I'm going to rest for a little bit before I have to get ready for the big gala this evening. Chat later...

~Jody

HRC National Dinner

So, bright and early tomorrow I head off to DC for the weekend to attend the National Dinner of the Human Rights Campaign (http://www.hrcnationaldinner.org/). Given all the recent drama surrounding ENDA stuff, I imagine this might just turn into a colorful Saturday evening. I'm planning to blog a little while I travel. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is the keynote speaker for the dinner and I'm excited to hear her. I've always had a great deal of respond for her. So, keep me in your thoughts while I travel and venture into the middle of things... hehe

~Jody

ENDA

Earlier today, the Equality Federation (national), for which KFA is a member state, released the following statement regarding ENDA. What are your thoughts? Please feel free to share and discuss your ideas.

~Jody


STATEMENT ON REMOVAL OF PROTECTIONS FOR TRANSGENDER AMERICANS FROM THE FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT

October 1, 2007

"Equality Federation is the national alliance of state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender advocacy organizations.

Over the past several days, leaders of these state organizations have been expressing their outrage and dismay that Congress would vote on an employment nondiscrimination bill that would continue to allow discrimination against transgender Americans.

This is not a new issue for state lgbt organizations. Our leaders in the states have worked for years in their state legislatures to end discrimination in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. And here is what we have learned about passing inclusive laws: We know it is possible; and we believe it is morally required.

In this year alone, states as diverse as Iowa, Colorado and Oregon have passed non-discrimination legislation that includes protections for transgender people. In fact, since 2003, every state that has passed non-discrimination legislation has included protections for transgender people.

Equality Federation urges Congress to follow the lead of states like Colorado, Oregon, and Iowa – pass an Employment Non Discrimination Act that protects ALL members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community."