FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 9, 2008
Contact:Christina Gilgor, Kentucky Fairness Alliance Executive Director, (859) 420-6677
DIVERSITY, NOT DIVISION
Human diversity is a wonderful thing. And the wonder of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied community is, just how diverse we are. No matter who we are, or how we identify ourselves, there’s room for all in the struggle for fairness. Each of us has a sexual orientation and a gender identity. Each of us deserves recognition and respect.
In a community so broad, complete agreement on every issue all the time is near impossible. To expect such agreement is the height of naïveté. Our local communities and life experiences will, and should, influence our priorities and goals.
At the Kentucky Fairness Alliance we recognize and respect that diversity. It is a central pillar of our strength. KFA and Louisville’s Fairness campaign are two of the oldest and most respected LGBT fairness organizations, not just in Kentucky, but in the entire nation. Our longevity is a testament to our ability to move with changing times, to adapt to changing priorities, and to respond to changing obstacles with dignity and professionalism.
It’s unfortunate that, from time to time, our natural differences are allowed to consume our natural alliances. We’re only human. Our greatest strength, a diverse community, is also our greatest weakness. It’s unspeakably easy to become so focused on our own priorities and goals, that we lose sight of the bigger picture in which we all have a place.
KFA uses circles as an integral part of our service mark. We believe in the power of a circle, where everyone can look each other in the eye and no one feels second-class. Even more powerful, there’s always room for more people in a circle, if everyone agrees to take a step back.
We urge all our allies – past, present, and future – to take a step back, to open the circle and welcome each other into the security of its solidarity. We welcome all fair-minded Kentuckians to join us on February 21 in Frankfort.
We will not always agree on everything, nor should we. Disagreement leads to better decisions. Conflict resolved leads to stronger relationships. But in order to win the fight for fairness we must never let conflict or disagreement overwhelm the truth that unites us all: Kentuckians Value Fairness.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Bill pushed to deny partner benefits
Bill pushed to deny partner benefits
By Art Jester
AJESTER@HERALD-LEADER.COM
Domestic partner benefits for same-sex and opposite sex unmarried couples might face their toughest opposition yet from Kentucky lawmakers after the 2008 General Assembly convenes next week.
Two state institutions -- the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky -- offer the benefits, and they just began in 2007.
But two Democratic state representatives -- Richard Henderson of Jeffersonville and Ancel Smith of Leburn --joined by 16 co-sponsors, are pushing a bill that would ban domestic partner benefits in all state agencies.
A similar bill died a year ago on a tie vote in a House committee. But there is talk of growing momentum that could carry the bill to passage.
When U of L President Jim Ramsey was asked this week whether he is worried, he slumped, frowned and replied: "Yeah." He added: "We've done what we thought was the right thing. We've been trying to say this is what major employers offer, and what we need to offer to compete with our peers."
Ramsey's worry contrasted with the guarded optimism of Kent Ostrander, executive director of The Family Foundation, a leading opponent of domestic partner benefits.
"If the House leadership allows the membership of the entire House to vote, it will pass," Ostrander said. "I would say the bill has a good chance unless there is some underhanded gamesmanship by the House leadership."
Two influential Democratic veterans in the House, budget committee chairman Harry Moberly of Richmond and Charlie Hoffman of Georgetown, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, have not announced their positions. But they said the bill stands a good chance of passage on a House floor vote, although Moberly hedged by saying: "It's kind of unpredictable whether it will get to the floor for a vote."
Hoffman said the result "would probably hinge on which committee the bill would be heard in."
Henderson agreed.
"I think the outcome will depend on which committee gets the bill," he said.
Three committees are in the running: health and welfare, education and judiciary.
The decision will be shepherded by House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, in his role as chairman of the committee on committees. Richards could not be reached for comment. In the past, Richards has said the issue should be left up to the universities.
House Minority Leader Jeff Hoover, R-Russell Springs, said that he and most GOP members support the bill. But Hoover thinks the Democratic leaders won't let the bill make it to a floor vote.
"It's a divisive issue among Democrats," he said.
Democrats have a 60-36 majority in the House, with four vacancies; many of those Democrats are conservatives. In the Senate, the GOP has a 21-15 majority, with one independent and one vacancy.
If the legislature passes the bill, it would go to Gov. Steve Beshear.
"Governor Beshear believes that the issue of domestic partner benefits is one that should be addressed by the individual universities," said his spokeswoman, Vicki Glass. "He would veto a bill passed by the legislature."
Some legislators believe the bill's supporters may have the 60 votes needed in the House to overturn a veto.
Domestic partner benefits have become common at the nation's Fortune 500 corporations, in Kentucky and around the nation, but the benefits still engender opposition in areas of the state where conservative churches abound.
But Henderson said his effort has been misunderstood as a "religious-driven bill." He said he opposes the benefits for several reasons:
• They violate the state constitution's marriage amendment that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman.
• There is the potential for "corruption" because unqualified applicants could pose as "gay lovers."
• He and his constituents place a high value on "protecting family values."
"This is not a hate bill," he said.
The bill drew the ire of State Rep. Tom Burch, D-Louisville, chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee. He said he hopes his committee gets the bill again.
"I think it's a hate issue," Burch said.
He called the measure "non-Christian" because it would deny health insurance at the same time the state wants to expand coverage to all Kentuckians.
Christina Gilgor, executive director of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, which represents the interests of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, said the issues are "fair and equal employment benefits" and "being valued and treated with dignity."
Gilgor cited a Survey USA poll of Kentuckians last month that showed only 12 percent gave top priority to banning domestic partner benefits.
But her organization, as well as those favoring the bill, will be back in Frankfort with rallies and lobbying.
"It's going to be another spectacle," she said.
By Art Jester
AJESTER@HERALD-LEADER.COM
Domestic partner benefits for same-sex and opposite sex unmarried couples might face their toughest opposition yet from Kentucky lawmakers after the 2008 General Assembly convenes next week.
Two state institutions -- the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky -- offer the benefits, and they just began in 2007.
But two Democratic state representatives -- Richard Henderson of Jeffersonville and Ancel Smith of Leburn --joined by 16 co-sponsors, are pushing a bill that would ban domestic partner benefits in all state agencies.
A similar bill died a year ago on a tie vote in a House committee. But there is talk of growing momentum that could carry the bill to passage.
When U of L President Jim Ramsey was asked this week whether he is worried, he slumped, frowned and replied: "Yeah." He added: "We've done what we thought was the right thing. We've been trying to say this is what major employers offer, and what we need to offer to compete with our peers."
Ramsey's worry contrasted with the guarded optimism of Kent Ostrander, executive director of The Family Foundation, a leading opponent of domestic partner benefits.
"If the House leadership allows the membership of the entire House to vote, it will pass," Ostrander said. "I would say the bill has a good chance unless there is some underhanded gamesmanship by the House leadership."
Two influential Democratic veterans in the House, budget committee chairman Harry Moberly of Richmond and Charlie Hoffman of Georgetown, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, have not announced their positions. But they said the bill stands a good chance of passage on a House floor vote, although Moberly hedged by saying: "It's kind of unpredictable whether it will get to the floor for a vote."
Hoffman said the result "would probably hinge on which committee the bill would be heard in."
Henderson agreed.
"I think the outcome will depend on which committee gets the bill," he said.
Three committees are in the running: health and welfare, education and judiciary.
The decision will be shepherded by House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, in his role as chairman of the committee on committees. Richards could not be reached for comment. In the past, Richards has said the issue should be left up to the universities.
House Minority Leader Jeff Hoover, R-Russell Springs, said that he and most GOP members support the bill. But Hoover thinks the Democratic leaders won't let the bill make it to a floor vote.
"It's a divisive issue among Democrats," he said.
Democrats have a 60-36 majority in the House, with four vacancies; many of those Democrats are conservatives. In the Senate, the GOP has a 21-15 majority, with one independent and one vacancy.
If the legislature passes the bill, it would go to Gov. Steve Beshear.
"Governor Beshear believes that the issue of domestic partner benefits is one that should be addressed by the individual universities," said his spokeswoman, Vicki Glass. "He would veto a bill passed by the legislature."
Some legislators believe the bill's supporters may have the 60 votes needed in the House to overturn a veto.
Domestic partner benefits have become common at the nation's Fortune 500 corporations, in Kentucky and around the nation, but the benefits still engender opposition in areas of the state where conservative churches abound.
But Henderson said his effort has been misunderstood as a "religious-driven bill." He said he opposes the benefits for several reasons:
• They violate the state constitution's marriage amendment that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman.
• There is the potential for "corruption" because unqualified applicants could pose as "gay lovers."
• He and his constituents place a high value on "protecting family values."
"This is not a hate bill," he said.
The bill drew the ire of State Rep. Tom Burch, D-Louisville, chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee. He said he hopes his committee gets the bill again.
"I think it's a hate issue," Burch said.
He called the measure "non-Christian" because it would deny health insurance at the same time the state wants to expand coverage to all Kentuckians.
Christina Gilgor, executive director of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, which represents the interests of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, said the issues are "fair and equal employment benefits" and "being valued and treated with dignity."
Gilgor cited a Survey USA poll of Kentuckians last month that showed only 12 percent gave top priority to banning domestic partner benefits.
But her organization, as well as those favoring the bill, will be back in Frankfort with rallies and lobbying.
"It's going to be another spectacle," she said.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
For the Bible Tells Me So
On Friday evening, I went to see "For the Bible Tells Me So" at its opening in Louisville. Village 8 Theater, in partnership with the fairness folks, should be complimented for showing this film. After the movie, one of KFA's Board members asked me for my opinion and I didn't feel I was ready to give it. It definitely was well made and the story that it tells is one that warrants the round of applause and tears it received. I've thought about this movie for a while now and I must say it is probably the best I'll see this year. For those of you that know me, you know I don't go to the movies very much, but I'm definitely glad I saw this and I'm hopeful to see resources become available to partner with other theaters, churches, and schools to get it shown in more rural areas. You know the Bible is misused all the time. A portion of my k-12 education was done in a private Christian school and I have great memories about my time there... however, I can still to this day look back on teachings we received that were indeed supplemental to the facts shown in this film. IT IS NOT RIGHT FOR THE BIBLE TO BE USED AS A WEAPON, BUT RATHER AS A GUIDE FOR LIVING A HEALTHY AND FAITH-FILLED LIFE. The movie is showing at Village 8 in Louisville until Thursday and I encourage any and everyone to attend it. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.village8.com/. Below are a few clips from folk's reviews about the film. I encourage you to post comments about what the film says to you.
~Jody
"Any movie that opens with the classic 1977 footage of singer- turned-gay-basher Anita Bryant getting creamed by a pie—then praying for its hurler's soul as fruit filling plops off her smug face—is okay in my book. This is an impressive, critical film that should be screened for everyone who's ever exploited the Bible to justify fear and prejudice. And who knows, it might even save a life. "
— GARY GOLDSTEIN, Reel.com
"Homosexuality is indeed labeled an “abomination” in the Bible. However, as Rabbi Brian Zachary Mayer reminds us, the term also applied to various other activities deemed against the traditions or rituals of the times. “A few verses above and below it says you shouldn’t plant two different seeds in the same hole, you shouldn’t commingle your crops.” Also discouraged is the wearing of linen and wool together, and the eating of shrimp and rabbit. The list goes on."
- KJ DOUGHTON, Filmthreat.com
"Karslake quotes several scholars on this subject, but none speaks with the simple gravity or authority of Desmond Tutu — who equates homophobia with the injustice of apartheid and decries them both as "contrary to the heart of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." His remarks echo those of parents who can recall their kids singing Jesus Loves Me ("for the bible tells me so") years before they came out — and under fire."
- AMY BIANCOLLI, Houston Chronicle
~Jody
"Any movie that opens with the classic 1977 footage of singer- turned-gay-basher Anita Bryant getting creamed by a pie—then praying for its hurler's soul as fruit filling plops off her smug face—is okay in my book. This is an impressive, critical film that should be screened for everyone who's ever exploited the Bible to justify fear and prejudice. And who knows, it might even save a life. "
— GARY GOLDSTEIN, Reel.com
"Homosexuality is indeed labeled an “abomination” in the Bible. However, as Rabbi Brian Zachary Mayer reminds us, the term also applied to various other activities deemed against the traditions or rituals of the times. “A few verses above and below it says you shouldn’t plant two different seeds in the same hole, you shouldn’t commingle your crops.” Also discouraged is the wearing of linen and wool together, and the eating of shrimp and rabbit. The list goes on."
- KJ DOUGHTON, Filmthreat.com
"Karslake quotes several scholars on this subject, but none speaks with the simple gravity or authority of Desmond Tutu — who equates homophobia with the injustice of apartheid and decries them both as "contrary to the heart of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." His remarks echo those of parents who can recall their kids singing Jesus Loves Me ("for the bible tells me so") years before they came out — and under fire."
- AMY BIANCOLLI, Houston Chronicle
Friday, November 23, 2007
Giveline
Have you begun your holiday shopping spree? Today is Black Friday and lots of people are out shopping today, but not me. Thursday’s Thanksgiving festivities wore me out. I’m not planning to leave the house at all today. Every year, I watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and can’t help, but feel bombarded with the commercials announcing the big holiday sales beginning today at 4 a.m., 5 a.m., and 6 a.m. I did those sales a few years ago, but maybe it was the turkey, maybe the wine, but it’s already mid-day and I find myself sitting here having missed all the early morning sales. So, I’m shopping from home and doing it in a way that channels a portion of the proceeds to the Kentucky Fairness Alliance Foundation.
Giveline.com is an online store that allows people to shop for in-demand items, while designating a charity (KFA is set-up and ready to participate) for a portion of the proceeds to benefit.
I just found “What Dreams May Come,” my favorite movie of all time and I had already planned to give a copy of it to someone special this year. I was able to purchase the DVD just now through Giveline.com and designate the pre-set savings on that item (25% or $3.18) to the Kentucky Fairness Alliance Foundation.
Please join me at http://www.giveline.com/ and see if you find something special to give your loved ones this season, while continuing to support the Kentucky Fairness Alliance Foundation - your statewide fairness organization.
Giveline.com is an online store that allows people to shop for in-demand items, while designating a charity (KFA is set-up and ready to participate) for a portion of the proceeds to benefit.
I just found “What Dreams May Come,” my favorite movie of all time and I had already planned to give a copy of it to someone special this year. I was able to purchase the DVD just now through Giveline.com and designate the pre-set savings on that item (25% or $3.18) to the Kentucky Fairness Alliance Foundation.
Please join me at http://www.giveline.com/ and see if you find something special to give your loved ones this season, while continuing to support the Kentucky Fairness Alliance Foundation - your statewide fairness organization.
~Jody
PS – Remember you can purchase your 2007 holiday keepsake ornament online at http://www.kentuckyfairness.org/!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Gay clubs put on extinction list?
I saw this come through on e-mail tonight... what do you'll think about it?
~Jody
GAY NEWS BLOG: 11/03
Gay clubs put on extinction list?
Some queens have complained for decades about the gay nightlife scene being tired, but a business website recently went one step further by placing gay bars and nightclubs on the brink of extinction, predicting they'll become relics of the past by 2017.
Gay clubs were placed on an endangered species list alongside piggy banks, pay phones and record stores as part of Entrepreneur.com's "10 Businesses Facing Extinction in 10 Years."
"Around the country, gay bars have been going out of business as gay men and women have been gaining greater acceptance in society," states the article, which also appeared on AOL's small business website. "What used to be a hangout for people who felt unwelcome elsewhere is becoming less necessary.
"When gauging the gay bar industry's "odds of survival in 10 years," the website quips: "As with many industries, the very best of them will endure; the rest won't."
~Jody
GAY NEWS BLOG: 11/03
Gay clubs put on extinction list?
Some queens have complained for decades about the gay nightlife scene being tired, but a business website recently went one step further by placing gay bars and nightclubs on the brink of extinction, predicting they'll become relics of the past by 2017.
Gay clubs were placed on an endangered species list alongside piggy banks, pay phones and record stores as part of Entrepreneur.com's "10 Businesses Facing Extinction in 10 Years."
"Around the country, gay bars have been going out of business as gay men and women have been gaining greater acceptance in society," states the article, which also appeared on AOL's small business website. "What used to be a hangout for people who felt unwelcome elsewhere is becoming less necessary.
"When gauging the gay bar industry's "odds of survival in 10 years," the website quips: "As with many industries, the very best of them will endure; the rest won't."
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