Outside Covington, Lexington, and Louisville, Kentuckians can be fired for their “sexual orientation” or “gender identity” with no legal recourse. You might hear from those who don’t support fairness that passing a Statewide Fairness Law is a new concept and not in keeping with Kentucky’s values. They’re wrong. Expanding Kentucky’s civil rights code to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” is simply an expansion of existing laws that protect people from being fired for reasons other than job performance. And, fairness really is a Kentucky value!
In 1999, Kentucky Fairness Alliance (KFA) hired Decision Research to poll Kentuckians on their feelings about protections in the workplace for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. 74% OF KENTUCKIANS RESPONDING SAID NO TO DISCRIMINATION AND YES TO PROTECTIONS!
In 2007, Gallup found that the number of AMERICANS SUPPORTING FAIRNESS IN THE WORKPLACE HAS CLIMBED TO AN ALL TIME HIGH OF 89%. 98% of the Fortune 1000 companies prohibit employment discrimination against gay employees; 58% include transgender employees.
Support for employment protections is clear! Unfortunately, sexual orientation and gender identity are not included in existing federal non-discrimination laws. Twenty states have expanded their non-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation; thirteen of those states include gender identity.
In 2008, Kentucky State Senators Harper-Angel, Neal, Scorsone, and Shaughnessy filed legislation with State Representatives Burch, Marzian, Meeks, Palumbo, Stein, and Westrom to expand employment protections in Kentucky to include sexual orientation and gender identity. That leaves us at least 60 legislators short of the majority we need to pass a law. We need your help!
HOMEWORK: Do you have a personal story of discrimination in the workplace? Share it with us by posting a response here. Personal stories are the best way we can share the importance of employment protections with our elected officials.
That’s all for now. We’ll see you next week when we discuss inclusive hate crime laws.
In fairness,
Your KFA Team.
Sources: http://www.lgbtmap.org/, http://www.gallup.com/, http://www.thetaskforce.org/ and http://www.hrc.org/.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Crash Course: Don't ask, don't tell
As promised, it’s Wednesday and time for our first class! This week we’re covering “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” Kentucky Fairness Alliance supports the work of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and their top reasons for lifting the ban on gay service members.
~End discrimination (No other law mandates firing someone because they are lesbian, gay or bisexual.);
~Strengthen Military Readiness;
~Save Tax Payer Money (“Don’t ask, don’t tell” cost more than $360 million in taxpayer funds between 1994 and 2003.);
~Honor Our Troops; and
~Stop the Double-Standard.
79% of Americans are in support of lifting the ban on openly gay service members! 62% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats are in support of lifting the ban.
High-ranking military officials are also speaking! General John Shalikashvili, retired chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, “I now believe that if gay men and lesbians served openly in the U.S. military, they would not undermine the efficacy of the armed forces.”
The Military Readiness Act (HR1246) was introduced in the U.S. House in 2006 by Rep. Meehan (D-MA). This piece of legislation would establish a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation for the members of the armed services.
Both major presumptive presidential nominees have taken positions on “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois) supports lifting the ban, while Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) does not.
In 2008, Rep. Davis (D-California) held the first congressional hearing on “Don’t ask, don’t tell” since its inception 15 years ago. Check out Rep. Davis’ opening remarks on YouTube.
HOMEWORK: Do you know someone that has been dismissed from the military because of being who they are? Do you think DADT will be repealed during the next presidency? Post your response on here.
That’s it for this week. Next week, we’ll be discussing employment discrimination. See you then.
~End discrimination (No other law mandates firing someone because they are lesbian, gay or bisexual.);
~Strengthen Military Readiness;
~Save Tax Payer Money (“Don’t ask, don’t tell” cost more than $360 million in taxpayer funds between 1994 and 2003.);
~Honor Our Troops; and
~Stop the Double-Standard.
79% of Americans are in support of lifting the ban on openly gay service members! 62% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats are in support of lifting the ban.
High-ranking military officials are also speaking! General John Shalikashvili, retired chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, “I now believe that if gay men and lesbians served openly in the U.S. military, they would not undermine the efficacy of the armed forces.”
The Military Readiness Act (HR1246) was introduced in the U.S. House in 2006 by Rep. Meehan (D-MA). This piece of legislation would establish a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation for the members of the armed services.
Both major presumptive presidential nominees have taken positions on “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois) supports lifting the ban, while Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) does not.
In 2008, Rep. Davis (D-California) held the first congressional hearing on “Don’t ask, don’t tell” since its inception 15 years ago. Check out Rep. Davis’ opening remarks on YouTube.
HOMEWORK: Do you know someone that has been dismissed from the military because of being who they are? Do you think DADT will be repealed during the next presidency? Post your response on here.
That’s it for this week. Next week, we’ll be discussing employment discrimination. See you then.
Friday, August 15, 2008
A Crash Course That's Not A Drag: Intro
It’s that time again when tens of thousands across the commonwealth head back to school. So, we thought we would share a refresher course on issues of importance to fair-minded Kentuckians. We’ll have class the middle of each week for the next several weeks on a variety of topics to include: adoption and parenting, “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” employment protections, inclusive hate crime laws, estate planning, and religion. It wouldn’t be school without homework, so don’t think you’re getting out of it. Your assignment each week will be to ponder the information presented and post personal stories or comments on our Leading Light blog, engaging each other on the topics.
Recently, a phrase was coined by the Movement Advancement Project that we’re really digging at Kentucky Fairness Alliance. For everyone worried that this crash course is going to be a drag listen up: “This is about everyday Americans who want the same chance as everyone else to earn a living, be safe in their communities, serve their country, and take care of the ones they love.”
We’re going to give you the facts just like you’re sitting through an old-school lecture, but your personal stories are what will make this class shine. Sharing your stories through the homework assignments will get you an “A.”
So, we've told you that class doesn’t start until next week, but we’re giving you homework today. The assignment is to ponder the following terms and share through a personal story how they fit into your everyday life as an LGBT or fair-minded Kentuckian: 1) hard working, 2) security, 3) responsibility, and 4) caring. Turn in your assignment by posting here (and, yes, we’ll even let you turn it in anonymously).
That’s it. See you next Wednesday when we talk about “Don’t ask, don’t tell.”
Class dismissed!
Recently, a phrase was coined by the Movement Advancement Project that we’re really digging at Kentucky Fairness Alliance. For everyone worried that this crash course is going to be a drag listen up: “This is about everyday Americans who want the same chance as everyone else to earn a living, be safe in their communities, serve their country, and take care of the ones they love.”
We’re going to give you the facts just like you’re sitting through an old-school lecture, but your personal stories are what will make this class shine. Sharing your stories through the homework assignments will get you an “A.”
So, we've told you that class doesn’t start until next week, but we’re giving you homework today. The assignment is to ponder the following terms and share through a personal story how they fit into your everyday life as an LGBT or fair-minded Kentuckian: 1) hard working, 2) security, 3) responsibility, and 4) caring. Turn in your assignment by posting here (and, yes, we’ll even let you turn it in anonymously).
That’s it. See you next Wednesday when we talk about “Don’t ask, don’t tell.”
Class dismissed!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Summer Meeting of LGBT Statewide Leaders
Hey, folks:
Howdy from Columbus! It has been a great past few days. The summer meeting of statewide lgbt leaders from across the country organized by the national Equality Federation has been great, again! I received loads of great information and I'm pretty sure Travis, KFA Vice-Chair, did as well. I think I can speak for both in saying the sessions at this year's meeting were really helpful.
I'm excited to get back and share the information I've gathered at the meeting with fellow fairness leaders in Kentucky.
~Jody
TRESSA FEHER, DIRECTOR OF THE LEADERSHIP NETWORK AT THE GAY & LESBIAN VICTORY FUND IN WASHINGTON, D.C. WITH KFA BOARD VICE-CHAIR TRAVIS MYLES.
RUTH HACKFORD-PEER (I love you too, Ruthie, hehe), MANAGER OF PUBLIC POLICY AT EQUALITY UTAH AND ME
Howdy from Columbus! It has been a great past few days. The summer meeting of statewide lgbt leaders from across the country organized by the national Equality Federation has been great, again! I received loads of great information and I'm pretty sure Travis, KFA Vice-Chair, did as well. I think I can speak for both in saying the sessions at this year's meeting were really helpful.
I'm excited to get back and share the information I've gathered at the meeting with fellow fairness leaders in Kentucky.
~Jody
TRESSA FEHER, DIRECTOR OF THE LEADERSHIP NETWORK AT THE GAY & LESBIAN VICTORY FUND IN WASHINGTON, D.C. WITH KFA BOARD VICE-CHAIR TRAVIS MYLES.
RUTH HACKFORD-PEER (I love you too, Ruthie, hehe), MANAGER OF PUBLIC POLICY AT EQUALITY UTAH AND ME
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Fancy Farm, a mtg, and here we come Columbus
Hey, folks:
It’s a busy week, but I want to update all the fairness folks out there. KFA’s leadership gathered this past weekend in western Kentucky for the 128th annual Fancy Farm Picnic. I’ll leave the commentary on the political speeches to all the other bloggers out there. Maybe you should checkout Mark Hebert on his WHAS political blog – it’s a pretty good recap: http://www.beloblog.com/WHAS_Blogs/PoliticalBlogger/2008/08/fancy-farm-first-impressions-b.html. I totally agree that Gov. Beshear won the prize for the day. In slang terms, he went old school. I totally loved it. Sens. McConnell and Bunning read to the crowd; they didn’t stump. I don’t enjoy sitting in 95 degree weather and being read to – I can do that at the house.
The meeting was really good. We’ve got a really good group of Board members. We took care of the regular housekeeping business and spend some time discussing things such as the statewide fairness summit being planned, programming over the next couple months including the shared booth at the KY State Fair with Louisville’s Fairness Campaign, and the Out & About gala on Nov. 7. As for O&A, anyone that is interested in serving as a Star Partner (formerly known as table captains) send me or one of the KFA leaders a shout out. Individuals that are commit to partner in that capacity agree to sell 8 tickets by Oct. 22. In other business at the meeting, we brought on two new Board members. They are Mike Handley of Louisville and Chad Hundley of Lexington.
The 4th quarter Board meeting was scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8 in Louisville at the law office of Board Vice-Chairperson Travis Myles.
This week started busy and will remain that way through Sunday night. Christina, Travis, and I all head up to Columbus, OH on Thursday for the national Equality Federation Summer Meeting. That is the annual meeting organized by and for statewide lgbt leaders across the country. I serve on the planning committee for that so especially excited. Some of the sessions I’m particularly pumped about are “Connecting the Dots in the Mindset of the Religious Moveable Middle,” “Using Your Data: Mapping and Tracking Tools to Maximize Effectiveness in Strategic Planning, Fundraising, Lobbying, and Organizing,” and “Talking to the Moveable Middle About LGBT Issues.” It wouldn’t be the annual meeting of the Fedheads if we didn’t have a little fun… on Friday evening Equality Ohio is hosting a reception for attendees and we have the opportunity to catch a Clippers game or go to the Ohio State Fair. Hmmm… I may encourage hitting the reception and then going out to eat and skip the heat! hehe. I hear we’ve got to go to Union Station for dinner. On Saturday evening, the National Center for Transgender Equality is hosting a reception for attendees and then we’re meeting up with a former KFA Board member and friend for dinner.
Alright. I’m done writing for now. I’ll probably write more from Columbus.
~Jody
It’s a busy week, but I want to update all the fairness folks out there. KFA’s leadership gathered this past weekend in western Kentucky for the 128th annual Fancy Farm Picnic. I’ll leave the commentary on the political speeches to all the other bloggers out there. Maybe you should checkout Mark Hebert on his WHAS political blog – it’s a pretty good recap: http://www.beloblog.com/WHAS_Blogs/PoliticalBlogger/2008/08/fancy-farm-first-impressions-b.html. I totally agree that Gov. Beshear won the prize for the day. In slang terms, he went old school. I totally loved it. Sens. McConnell and Bunning read to the crowd; they didn’t stump. I don’t enjoy sitting in 95 degree weather and being read to – I can do that at the house.
The meeting was really good. We’ve got a really good group of Board members. We took care of the regular housekeeping business and spend some time discussing things such as the statewide fairness summit being planned, programming over the next couple months including the shared booth at the KY State Fair with Louisville’s Fairness Campaign, and the Out & About gala on Nov. 7. As for O&A, anyone that is interested in serving as a Star Partner (formerly known as table captains) send me or one of the KFA leaders a shout out. Individuals that are commit to partner in that capacity agree to sell 8 tickets by Oct. 22. In other business at the meeting, we brought on two new Board members. They are Mike Handley of Louisville and Chad Hundley of Lexington.
The 4th quarter Board meeting was scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8 in Louisville at the law office of Board Vice-Chairperson Travis Myles.
This week started busy and will remain that way through Sunday night. Christina, Travis, and I all head up to Columbus, OH on Thursday for the national Equality Federation Summer Meeting. That is the annual meeting organized by and for statewide lgbt leaders across the country. I serve on the planning committee for that so especially excited. Some of the sessions I’m particularly pumped about are “Connecting the Dots in the Mindset of the Religious Moveable Middle,” “Using Your Data: Mapping and Tracking Tools to Maximize Effectiveness in Strategic Planning, Fundraising, Lobbying, and Organizing,” and “Talking to the Moveable Middle About LGBT Issues.” It wouldn’t be the annual meeting of the Fedheads if we didn’t have a little fun… on Friday evening Equality Ohio is hosting a reception for attendees and we have the opportunity to catch a Clippers game or go to the Ohio State Fair. Hmmm… I may encourage hitting the reception and then going out to eat and skip the heat! hehe. I hear we’ve got to go to Union Station for dinner. On Saturday evening, the National Center for Transgender Equality is hosting a reception for attendees and then we’re meeting up with a former KFA Board member and friend for dinner.
Alright. I’m done writing for now. I’ll probably write more from Columbus.
~Jody
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