Got this in an e-mail from a feminist listserv. Good news happening in a town not so far away from mine!
Deputy accepts $370,000 in gender bias lawsuit
By Todd Ruger
SARASOTA COUNTY - The Sheriff's Office has agreed to revamp its promotions process and pay $370,000 to its highest-ranking female deputy to settle her gender discrimination lawsuit.
Settlement includes Joan Verizzo's promotion to captain. Joan Verizzo accused former Sheriff Bill Balkwill of manipulating the agency's promotions to favor men, pointing out that there were no women among the top 18 sheriff's administrators with ranks of captain or above.
Today, Verizzo, a 24-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, will be promoted to captain and retire. The settlement agrees to pay her $300,000 in damages, plus $70,000 in salary that she lost since 2004 because she was not promoted to captain at that time.
Verizzo's lawsuit also pushed for policy changes.
The Sheriff's Office agreed to post all vacancies for lieutenant and captain positions, and provide more training to deputies on gender discrimination issues.
The agency will also create a three-person Promotion Assessment Board, which must include at least one woman, to review and recommend promotions to the sheriff.
And it will strengthen language to protect deputies from retaliation if they make complaints about discrimination.
"I don't think it just helps women. It will help everyone, including men and other minorities," said Verizzo's attorney, Kendra Presswood. "It should make the promotion process fair for everyone."
Presswood declined to comment further until after Verizzo's ceremony today.
Verizzo's lawsuit accused Balkwill of using subjective criteria such as oral boards and changing the point system to de-emphasize education to promote men over better qualified women.
Once the head of the sheriff's human resources department, Verizzo says six less-qualified men were promoted to captain while she remained a lieutenant. Then she was effectively demoted to a position in the warrants section, and told Balkwill she planned to file a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Two days later, she was transferred to the Animal Services Division, where her supervisors had less seniority and experience than Verizzo.
Verizzo, who has a law degree, started her career as a prosecutor but was hired at the Sheriff's Office as a research specialist and became a law enforcement officer nine months later.
On Thursday, Presswood filed another gender discrimination lawsuit on behalf of a female corrections deputy with similar accusations against Balkwill.
Showing posts with label But what have I to do with Politicks?. Show all posts
Showing posts with label But what have I to do with Politicks?. Show all posts
29.1.09
Survey says...
One of my classes is asking me to gather responses to two very simple survey questions, I'm to get at least ten responses and then report on my findings. So if you want to help me with my homework, e-mail or comment me your responses (include your return e-mail), and I will reply with the disclaimer that basically says who will be using your answers for what, and that they will be anonymous.
I am taking a class at my university called “Men and Sexism" or "Feminism and Men” in the Department of Women’s Studies. Please respond below to the following questions:
1) What do you think sexism is?
2) Do you think feminism is an effective strategy for bringing an end to sexism?
Please fill in the following information:
*Name (you can make one up)
*Gender (and sex, if they are different than "usual")
*Race
*Economic background (For example, do you come from an economic background that you would consider to be: upper class, middle class, working class, or under class [poor]?)
*Sexual orientation
*Age
*Religious affiliation (if any)
*Highest level of education attained
*Response to question 1:
*Response to question 2:
I realize that the answers to this might of sort of biased if I know you folks, so if there are any of you that aren't really in the field of women's/gender studies, please answer! I'm looking for a broad range of answers.
I am taking a class at my university called “Men and Sexism" or "Feminism and Men” in the Department of Women’s Studies. Please respond below to the following questions:
1) What do you think sexism is?
2) Do you think feminism is an effective strategy for bringing an end to sexism?
Please fill in the following information:
*Name (you can make one up)
*Gender (and sex, if they are different than "usual")
*Race
*Economic background (For example, do you come from an economic background that you would consider to be: upper class, middle class, working class, or under class [poor]?)
*Sexual orientation
*Age
*Religious affiliation (if any)
*Highest level of education attained
*Response to question 1:
*Response to question 2:
I realize that the answers to this might of sort of biased if I know you folks, so if there are any of you that aren't really in the field of women's/gender studies, please answer! I'm looking for a broad range of answers.
9.1.09
feminine = sexually available?
Aggh. Disgusting! I was out looking for a rental house, as I am pretty much always doing these days, when two men in a city utility truck and asked if I were the owner of the house. Thank God I am not. I said, "No, I'm just checking it out as a rental, why?" They told me the city wanted to know something from the owner, but I didn't know obviously, so I just sort of looked at them. Then the guy in the passenger seat says, "Are you looking for a roommate?" Of course, I said, "No." The other guy thought I didn't hear, and repeated it, "He wants to know if you're looking for a roommate." At this point I'm getting in my car and saying rather loudly "No, thank you." As I closed the door I heard him say, "We could bring in a bunk bed!"
That is so sick. I've been listening to a lot of stories from my friends about the ways that men have treated them, and the part that's so enraging is that it's the women who are in therapy for the ways men have treated them, rather than the men seeking psychiatric help for the ways that they've behaved toward women. Because it's fucking normal for men to be nasty and violent. It makes me want to scream! Part of it probably has to do with my apparent heterosexuality (as a femme) that makes me seem sexually available to all men. Even if I were purely heterosexual that would NOT mean that I am always sexual available. I wish I could communicate in writing how angry I am that I can't go out in public alone without expecting to have to defend myself against these kinds of threats. It is absolutely sick.
That is so sick. I've been listening to a lot of stories from my friends about the ways that men have treated them, and the part that's so enraging is that it's the women who are in therapy for the ways men have treated them, rather than the men seeking psychiatric help for the ways that they've behaved toward women. Because it's fucking normal for men to be nasty and violent. It makes me want to scream! Part of it probably has to do with my apparent heterosexuality (as a femme) that makes me seem sexually available to all men. Even if I were purely heterosexual that would NOT mean that I am always sexual available. I wish I could communicate in writing how angry I am that I can't go out in public alone without expecting to have to defend myself against these kinds of threats. It is absolutely sick.
3.12.08
16.11.08
Update; sectional.
I've sat down to write several posts recently. I was going to write another excerpt from John Poster's book "Meals for Males" and I got distracted looking at the funny French names he gave his pheasant recipes. Hi-larious.
I also wanted to write about our housing project: we found out Dana's lease is not up until 2/09 so we have a good four months until we move out of this 650 sq ft studio apartment. The house hunt will have to be postponed at least until the first of the year.
My new job started on Thursday. In two weeks I will work a whopping 17 hours - clearly this is not enough, but apparently all the other stores I applied to in our mall are competitors of this store. And the two that weren't sent me a thanks-but-no-thanks letter.
I'm totally jealous of everyone who was privileged enough to go to the NYC Sexbloggers' Calendar debut party. Debauchery was bound to "ensue" as they say. *sigh* Everything fun happens in New York!
My anxiety got the best of me - I am not one for protests because they tend to give me claustrophobia. I did not go, please forgive me. Instead I did my part to further the gay agenda by going to a pet adoption expo!
It is nearing the end of the semester and I will have my nose in actual books for about the next six weeks. One of my final papers is about the writings of Denise Chavez. The other paper will be an "autoethnography" where I talk about the effects of culture on myself as it relates to queer theory. I've chosen once again to talk about the femme identity. My professor wants me to answer the question, "how does femme queer femininity?" for indeed it does. I'm supposed to write about moments in my life that helped to shape my femme identity. I'll write about those scenes another time. I'm a bit behind in homework too, so expect to see and hear from me even less than you already do. I read everyone's writings, but I am just having so much trouble formulating my thoughts.
Next Wednesday I'm being inducted into my university's founding chapter of iota iota iota, which is an honor society for undergraduates focushttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifing in Women's Studies. The color is lavender - isn't that nice? It's named for Inana, Ishtar and Isis.
Dana's new job promised her 40 hours and has totally disregarded that commitment. Although she is getting the most hours out of everyone, she is still getting less than forty. She actually makes less at the new job than she did at the old horrible sucky job because she ended up working overtime before, whereas she is not allowed to now. Looking for new or second job now, as money is way, way tight. With a move on the horizon, we both need to bringing in as much moola as possible. Life is not propelled by my smiling face alone, but by the bank.
Should I or shouldn't I arrange play dates with a certain pair of beautiful people? yea or nay? It sounds like a good idea, I definitely could see it working out, but at the same time there are always risks, you know? I don't want to risk my beautiful partner in exchange for a fleeting thrill. But I also see the value in expanding one's personal horizons. If it happens, I think they're going to have to make the first move.
I'm now uninsured. Health is doing alright, but the main thing is eating right, eating small meals at frequent intervals, and taking meds on time. We purchased a bathroom scale the other day, which is a good measure of how my overall blood glucose is doing. Sugar goes up, weight goes up, and the opposite is also true.
Taking everything into consideration, however, I'm feeling absolutely fabulous. I am more and more in love with Dana. I feel more and more comfortable with our relationship. We talk about everything, we welcome change and progress, and we constantly reaffirm to each other our commitment to making things work. She sure means a whole lot to me.
I also wanted to write about our housing project: we found out Dana's lease is not up until 2/09 so we have a good four months until we move out of this 650 sq ft studio apartment. The house hunt will have to be postponed at least until the first of the year.
My new job started on Thursday. In two weeks I will work a whopping 17 hours - clearly this is not enough, but apparently all the other stores I applied to in our mall are competitors of this store. And the two that weren't sent me a thanks-but-no-thanks letter.
I'm totally jealous of everyone who was privileged enough to go to the NYC Sexbloggers' Calendar debut party. Debauchery was bound to "ensue" as they say. *sigh* Everything fun happens in New York!
My anxiety got the best of me - I am not one for protests because they tend to give me claustrophobia. I did not go, please forgive me. Instead I did my part to further the gay agenda by going to a pet adoption expo!
It is nearing the end of the semester and I will have my nose in actual books for about the next six weeks. One of my final papers is about the writings of Denise Chavez. The other paper will be an "autoethnography" where I talk about the effects of culture on myself as it relates to queer theory. I've chosen once again to talk about the femme identity. My professor wants me to answer the question, "how does femme queer femininity?" for indeed it does. I'm supposed to write about moments in my life that helped to shape my femme identity. I'll write about those scenes another time. I'm a bit behind in homework too, so expect to see and hear from me even less than you already do. I read everyone's writings, but I am just having so much trouble formulating my thoughts.
Next Wednesday I'm being inducted into my university's founding chapter of iota iota iota, which is an honor society for undergraduates focushttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifing in Women's Studies. The color is lavender - isn't that nice? It's named for Inana, Ishtar and Isis.
Dana's new job promised her 40 hours and has totally disregarded that commitment. Although she is getting the most hours out of everyone, she is still getting less than forty. She actually makes less at the new job than she did at the old horrible sucky job because she ended up working overtime before, whereas she is not allowed to now. Looking for new or second job now, as money is way, way tight. With a move on the horizon, we both need to bringing in as much moola as possible. Life is not propelled by my smiling face alone, but by the bank.
Should I or shouldn't I arrange play dates with a certain pair of beautiful people? yea or nay? It sounds like a good idea, I definitely could see it working out, but at the same time there are always risks, you know? I don't want to risk my beautiful partner in exchange for a fleeting thrill. But I also see the value in expanding one's personal horizons. If it happens, I think they're going to have to make the first move.
I'm now uninsured. Health is doing alright, but the main thing is eating right, eating small meals at frequent intervals, and taking meds on time. We purchased a bathroom scale the other day, which is a good measure of how my overall blood glucose is doing. Sugar goes up, weight goes up, and the opposite is also true.
Taking everything into consideration, however, I'm feeling absolutely fabulous. I am more and more in love with Dana. I feel more and more comfortable with our relationship. We talk about everything, we welcome change and progress, and we constantly reaffirm to each other our commitment to making things work. She sure means a whole lot to me.
6.11.08
Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner!
The guy on the right is Kevin Beckner, an openly gay man who supports protection of people like me, and for people who are not like me at all. That's the kind of fella I'd like serving my county! He won on Tuesday!
Notice how prideful Brian Blair was throughout the whole interview, patronizing both the interviewer and Kevin Beckner. He's against a gay agenda, yet he has "dear friends" who are gay? He tries to prove how much he likes people of color by talking about how many of his friends are people of color - that really doesn't convince me. I want to see what you're doing for those people besides letting them sit next to you on the goddamn bus!
That's my schpiel. Thanks Tampa Bay for electing someone who actually believes in separation of church and state!
Election Day Blues
Election Day was not a fantastic day for me, although it ended on a high note.
I woke up at 6:30 (after having lain in bed for some time, half awake) grinding my teeth with nerves. I simply could not sleep. I took the early morning hours to try out some biscuits. I substituted margarine for shortening, but they didn't turn out so great so I'll have to try them again with real shortening! I'm not a big fan of shortening though, because it's made of mostly hydrogenated oils - very bad for you! Made breakfast for Dana: bacon, eggs, grits and biscuits, which she appreciated very much.
After having called the realtor twice on Monday night, Tuesday I called him on the way to school. No response. I went to his office and he was not there, so his colleague called him. Twice, while I waited. Finally he calls back after having tried to contact him now five times, saying that the woman who was there right after us gave the deposit. Fuck.
But here's what happened Monday night, he arrived there, followed by a woman whom we took to be his wife or colleague, who was also looking around the house. As we left, the realtor said, "alright, I've got to get to another showing. goodnight" and he shooed us out the back door. Apparently that was the woman who took the house. He gave us no indication that anyone else was interested, and made it seem like he'd be glad to hear from me on Wednesday. Is that not sneaky and rude to you? It was to me, anyhow. We were disappointed that it took him five phone calls to inform us that the house was taken, after we had been up all night fretting about whether or not to take it. I do -not- make decisions on the first day, EVER. Last time I did that, I ended in the place we shall not name, where I lived before I moved in with my cousin Stefanie. Evil place.
Before I found out about the house, though, my mother called me to ask whether or not I had voted already. I told her I had voted ten days ago. I thought she was calling to tell me how proud she was that I was doing my civic duty, but instead she wanted to say, "I know you voted for Obama, and I'm disappointed because I don't think you're really looking at the big picture. You young voters are not taking some important issues into account . . . if Obama wins, things are going to be bad, really bad . . ."
I have not spoken to my mother since the election, I'm going to let her come to me first. I realize she's conservative, I realize that she was proud to have a female VP candidate, I just wish she knew that I could not let my fate rest in the hands of people who have called me and my tribe sinful. I could not let a man be president who insinuated that he would let the Iraq war go on forever. I definitely do not think that McCain/Palin would have been disastrous, although she feels apocalypse is coming because Obama won. Any person we put in that office is going to be under such great pressure because of their leadership position. Can even our dear Obama be trusted to do what is right for America? Only God knows. We entrust him now with this position of servitude, and we can pray for God to guide his steps.
On top of all that crap, Dana and I were snapping at each other, both being so nervous, and also both having our periods at the same time (which hardly ever happens, actually). And then we found out that proposed Amendment 2 was passed by 62.2% - two thirds of my state thinks I don't deserve to enter into any legal contract remotely resembling marriage with the person that I love. I don't get it. It needed 60% to be approved, and it barely surpassed that mark by 2.2%. Do I leave my beloved state, or do I stay to fight? I can't help but to feel like running away sometimes.
It was a long day, and my only worry is that gas prices will not shoot back up to 4 or 5 dollars any time soon. Lord hear our prayer!
I woke up at 6:30 (after having lain in bed for some time, half awake) grinding my teeth with nerves. I simply could not sleep. I took the early morning hours to try out some biscuits. I substituted margarine for shortening, but they didn't turn out so great so I'll have to try them again with real shortening! I'm not a big fan of shortening though, because it's made of mostly hydrogenated oils - very bad for you! Made breakfast for Dana: bacon, eggs, grits and biscuits, which she appreciated very much.
After having called the realtor twice on Monday night, Tuesday I called him on the way to school. No response. I went to his office and he was not there, so his colleague called him. Twice, while I waited. Finally he calls back after having tried to contact him now five times, saying that the woman who was there right after us gave the deposit. Fuck.
But here's what happened Monday night, he arrived there, followed by a woman whom we took to be his wife or colleague, who was also looking around the house. As we left, the realtor said, "alright, I've got to get to another showing. goodnight" and he shooed us out the back door. Apparently that was the woman who took the house. He gave us no indication that anyone else was interested, and made it seem like he'd be glad to hear from me on Wednesday. Is that not sneaky and rude to you? It was to me, anyhow. We were disappointed that it took him five phone calls to inform us that the house was taken, after we had been up all night fretting about whether or not to take it. I do -not- make decisions on the first day, EVER. Last time I did that, I ended in the place we shall not name, where I lived before I moved in with my cousin Stefanie. Evil place.
Before I found out about the house, though, my mother called me to ask whether or not I had voted already. I told her I had voted ten days ago. I thought she was calling to tell me how proud she was that I was doing my civic duty, but instead she wanted to say, "I know you voted for Obama, and I'm disappointed because I don't think you're really looking at the big picture. You young voters are not taking some important issues into account . . . if Obama wins, things are going to be bad, really bad . . ."
I have not spoken to my mother since the election, I'm going to let her come to me first. I realize she's conservative, I realize that she was proud to have a female VP candidate, I just wish she knew that I could not let my fate rest in the hands of people who have called me and my tribe sinful. I could not let a man be president who insinuated that he would let the Iraq war go on forever. I definitely do not think that McCain/Palin would have been disastrous, although she feels apocalypse is coming because Obama won. Any person we put in that office is going to be under such great pressure because of their leadership position. Can even our dear Obama be trusted to do what is right for America? Only God knows. We entrust him now with this position of servitude, and we can pray for God to guide his steps.
On top of all that crap, Dana and I were snapping at each other, both being so nervous, and also both having our periods at the same time (which hardly ever happens, actually). And then we found out that proposed Amendment 2 was passed by 62.2% - two thirds of my state thinks I don't deserve to enter into any legal contract remotely resembling marriage with the person that I love. I don't get it. It needed 60% to be approved, and it barely surpassed that mark by 2.2%. Do I leave my beloved state, or do I stay to fight? I can't help but to feel like running away sometimes.
It was a long day, and my only worry is that gas prices will not shoot back up to 4 or 5 dollars any time soon. Lord hear our prayer!
26.10.08
Early Voting
Thursday I took Dana to school with me, and on the way home we detoured to the library closest to our home to take advantage of Florida's two full weeks of early voting. Two weeks! I say, if you've got the polling line blues, early voting is the way to go. I went early because I had the unfortunate experience of a panic attack on the way to the polls last time, fearing the lines and having trouble deciding (trouble deciding? I was in a much different place in life at that point, so yeah). I knew there would be a line, but it would be nothing like November 4. I didn't want a repeat of last time, and I was anxious to cast my vote for the democratic nominee, Senator Barack Obama.
I'm anxious to halt this dynasty of white moneyed bigots.
So! If you have the opportunity to early vote, please do! Before you go to the polls, check out all the candidates, especially the nonpartisan tickets and find out where they stand on issues that are important to you. Don't go into your booth empty handed! Have your sample ballot, have a piece of paper with your notes on it.
Vote for love and against hate in your state!
I'm anxious to halt this dynasty of white moneyed bigots.
So! If you have the opportunity to early vote, please do! Before you go to the polls, check out all the candidates, especially the nonpartisan tickets and find out where they stand on issues that are important to you. Don't go into your booth empty handed! Have your sample ballot, have a piece of paper with your notes on it.
Vote for love and against hate in your state!
22.10.08
Sample Ballot, Check!
I have just checked out all the candidates in my area and filled out the sample ballot that was sent to me by the supervisor of elections. Did you fill out yours? I'm going to check in with Dana and then we're going to go Early Vote tomorrow afternoon at a local library. It's just like regular voting, except you don't have to worry about getting an panic attack waiting in line at the polls on 11/4. Do it now, if you can!
20.10.08
Stopping the spread of hate...
The bloggers include Pam Spaulding of Pam's House Blend, Dorothy Snarker of Dorothy Surrenders, Grace Chu and Grace Rosen of Grace the Spot, Lori Hahn of Hahn at Home, Kelly Leszczynski of The Lesbian Lifestyle, Sinclair of Sugarbutch Chronicles, Riese of Marielyn Bernard, and Renee Gannon of Lesbiatopia.
The idea came about last Friday when Grace Chu of Grace the Spot logged onto Facebook and saw a few of her Facebook contacts openly campaigning for the passage of Proposition 8 via their status updates. “My initial reaction was to delete them from my Facebook contacts, because if you’re actively campaigning against my rights, you’re not my friend,” she said. “It totally ruined my morning.”
But instead of deleting her contacts, Chu decided to channel the power of the blogosphere to drive much-needed funds into the coffers of Equality California, the umbrella organization of the No on 8 campaign. Over the weekend, Chu assembled eight prominent lesbian bloggers to help get the word out and fundraise on behalf of Equality California’s No on 8 campaign. “Among the eight of us, we reach tens of thousands of eyes per day,” she said. “If we come together in a coordinated and unified effort, we could send a really powerful message, raise a ton of money, and make a real difference in the fight against Prop 8.”
Pam Spaulding of the highly influential and award-winning blog Pam's House Blend urges people to give to the No on Prop 8 campaign in the critical last days leading up to the election. Even if you have already given, it would greatly benefit the drive to defeat Prop 8 to give a little more. “We cannot allow an established civil right in the Golden State to be overturned at the ballot box. Every dollar you can give in these last in these last few days helps fight the dollars donated to enshrine discrimination into California's constitution,” said Spaulding.
Just last week, Equality California had released a bulletin that it was $10 million behind the opposition in fundraising. However, despite closing the gap this past week, there is still a ways to go. Furthermore, many current polls predict that Proposition 8 would pass if the election were held today. "There has never been a more important time for the queer community. This election will change our world for the better or put us back in the Dark Ages. It's not only critical we win for California, but for the rest of the country," said Sacramento resident Lori Hahn, owner of the popular lesbian family blog, Hahn at Home.
Like Sinclair said, In addition to California’s Proposition 8 on the ballot in just a few weeks, Florida has Amendment 2 and Arizona has Proposition 102, both of which would amend their state constitutions to define marriage as between one man and one woman - AND it would make all other unions equivalent to marriage null in the state of Florida (that means civil union, common law marriage, and even domestic partnerships!). Arkansas also has Act 1 on the ballot, which would forbid gay and lesbian parents - and any unmarried parents - from adopting children.
Florida is my home state and from what I have heard about the amendment, it seems like my fellow Floridians are going to pass it no questions asked because the wording is a little ambiguous. It goes like this:
"Inasmuch as marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife, no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized."
Are you hearing what I'm hearing!!! This would mean that if you were married in another state or country, you could potentially be barred from seeing your beloved in the hospital! Think about this, people! It takes away health insurance rights from domestic partnership agreements which are ofttimes formed between elderly couples due to some other legal quagmire. Suze Orman, the First Lady of Finance has endorsed the Say No on 2 campaign, predicting financial disaster because of this amendment. See what one of my fellow Christians has to say about this.
4.9.08
guess what!
I ______________________________, certify that I, and ______________________________ became domestic partners on ______________, and we:
1. have an intimate, committed relationship of mutual caring, and
2. currently share the same regular and permanent residence, and
3. are jointly responsible for "basic living expenses, as defined below, and
4. are not legally married, and
5. are each eighteen (18) years of age or older, and
6. are not related by blood closer than would bar marriage in the state of residence, and
7. were mentally competent to consent to contract when our domestic partnership began, and
8. are each other's sole domestic partner and are responsible for each other's common welfare and intend to remain so indefinitely.
"Basic living expenses" means the cost of basic food, shelter and any other expenses of a Domestic Partner which are paid at least in part by a program or benefit for which the partner qualified because of the Domestic Partnership. The individuals need not contribute equally or jointly to the cost of these expenses as long as they agree that both are responsible for the cost.
ya know, honestly i think that this is the only type of union that is appropriate for me. or for anyone else, but i'll make the rest of y'all make that decision. the only stipulation that it makes is that i can't have another domestic partnership until six months after the last one ended. that's reasonable. that's a measure of personal responsibility. if you're hopping from partner to partner, getting benefits for all, you're causing beaurocratic paperwork (wastin' trees!) and kinda cheating the system and cheating yourself. anyway. i think it's pretty legit now, folks. we do share bills, groceries, living space and mutual caring - if i meet all the requirements, why not do it? oh, one final note:
indefinite: without limit; forever, or until further notice; not definite; vague or unclear; undecided or uncertain.
1. have an intimate, committed relationship of mutual caring, and
2. currently share the same regular and permanent residence, and
3. are jointly responsible for "basic living expenses, as defined below, and
4. are not legally married, and
5. are each eighteen (18) years of age or older, and
6. are not related by blood closer than would bar marriage in the state of residence, and
7. were mentally competent to consent to contract when our domestic partnership began, and
8. are each other's sole domestic partner and are responsible for each other's common welfare and intend to remain so indefinitely.
"Basic living expenses" means the cost of basic food, shelter and any other expenses of a Domestic Partner which are paid at least in part by a program or benefit for which the partner qualified because of the Domestic Partnership. The individuals need not contribute equally or jointly to the cost of these expenses as long as they agree that both are responsible for the cost.
ya know, honestly i think that this is the only type of union that is appropriate for me. or for anyone else, but i'll make the rest of y'all make that decision. the only stipulation that it makes is that i can't have another domestic partnership until six months after the last one ended. that's reasonable. that's a measure of personal responsibility. if you're hopping from partner to partner, getting benefits for all, you're causing beaurocratic paperwork (wastin' trees!) and kinda cheating the system and cheating yourself. anyway. i think it's pretty legit now, folks. we do share bills, groceries, living space and mutual caring - if i meet all the requirements, why not do it? oh, one final note:
indefinite: without limit; forever, or until further notice; not definite; vague or unclear; undecided or uncertain.
15.5.08
I'll give you the good news first... and then the bad news
The Good News:
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In a much-anticipated ruling issued Thursday, the California Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage as unconstitutional.\
California's Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the state's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.
Several gay and lesbian couples, along with the city of San Francisco and gay rights groups, sued to overturn state laws allowing only marriages between a man and a woman.
"There can be no doubt that extending the designation of marriage to same-sex couples, rather than denying it to all couples, is the equal protection remedy that is most consistent with our state's general legislative policy and preference," said the 120-page ruling.
It said that the state law's language "limiting the designation of marriage to a 'union between a man and a woman' is unconstitutional, and that the remaining statutory language must be understood as making the designation of marriage available to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples."
With the ruling, California becomes the second state to allow same-sex couples to legally wed. Massachusetts adopted the practice in 2004, and couples don't need to be state residents to wed there.
Vermont, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Connecticut permit civil unions, while California has a domestic-partner registration law. More than a dozen other states give gay couples some legal rights.
Seven other jurisdictions around the world have legalized same-sex marriage: Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, South Africa and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.
The Bad News
COLUMBUS, Ohio (CNN) -- Sen. John McCain envisions that by 2013, the Iraq War will be won but the threat from the Taliban in Afghanistan won't yet be eliminated, even though Osama bin Laden will have been captured or killed.
Sen. John McCain envisions his first-term achievements during a speech in Columbus, Ohio, Thursday.
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee made both statements in a speech in which he envisions the state of affairs at the end of his first term if he is elected president.
"What I want to do today is take a little time to describe what I would hope to have achieved at the end of my first term as president. I cannot guarantee I will have achieved these things," McCain said in his speech in Columbus, Ohio.
McCain's speech was unusual -- and somewhat risky -- in that it lays out benchmarks on which he could be judged.
The Arizona senator said he believes the United States will have a smaller military presence in Iraq that will not play a direct combat role, and he predicts that al Qaeda in Iraq will be defeated. Watch McCain say most troops will be home from Iraq by 2013 »
"By January 2013, America has welcomed home most of the servicemen and women who have sacrificed terribly so that America might be secure in her freedom.
"The Iraq War has been won. Iraq is a functioning democracy, although still suffering from the lingering effects of decades of tyranny and centuries of sectarian tension," McCain said.
The violence in Iraq will persist, the candidate believes, but it will be "spasmodic and much reduced." But civil war will be prevented, armed militias will be disbanded, security forces will become "professional and competent" and the government will be able to impose "its authority in every province of Iraq" and properly defend its borders.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In a much-anticipated ruling issued Thursday, the California Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage as unconstitutional.\
California's Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the state's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.
Several gay and lesbian couples, along with the city of San Francisco and gay rights groups, sued to overturn state laws allowing only marriages between a man and a woman.
"There can be no doubt that extending the designation of marriage to same-sex couples, rather than denying it to all couples, is the equal protection remedy that is most consistent with our state's general legislative policy and preference," said the 120-page ruling.
It said that the state law's language "limiting the designation of marriage to a 'union between a man and a woman' is unconstitutional, and that the remaining statutory language must be understood as making the designation of marriage available to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples."
With the ruling, California becomes the second state to allow same-sex couples to legally wed. Massachusetts adopted the practice in 2004, and couples don't need to be state residents to wed there.
Vermont, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Connecticut permit civil unions, while California has a domestic-partner registration law. More than a dozen other states give gay couples some legal rights.
Seven other jurisdictions around the world have legalized same-sex marriage: Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, South Africa and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.
The Bad News
COLUMBUS, Ohio (CNN) -- Sen. John McCain envisions that by 2013, the Iraq War will be won but the threat from the Taliban in Afghanistan won't yet be eliminated, even though Osama bin Laden will have been captured or killed.
Sen. John McCain envisions his first-term achievements during a speech in Columbus, Ohio, Thursday.
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee made both statements in a speech in which he envisions the state of affairs at the end of his first term if he is elected president.
"What I want to do today is take a little time to describe what I would hope to have achieved at the end of my first term as president. I cannot guarantee I will have achieved these things," McCain said in his speech in Columbus, Ohio.
McCain's speech was unusual -- and somewhat risky -- in that it lays out benchmarks on which he could be judged.
The Arizona senator said he believes the United States will have a smaller military presence in Iraq that will not play a direct combat role, and he predicts that al Qaeda in Iraq will be defeated. Watch McCain say most troops will be home from Iraq by 2013 »
"By January 2013, America has welcomed home most of the servicemen and women who have sacrificed terribly so that America might be secure in her freedom.
"The Iraq War has been won. Iraq is a functioning democracy, although still suffering from the lingering effects of decades of tyranny and centuries of sectarian tension," McCain said.
The violence in Iraq will persist, the candidate believes, but it will be "spasmodic and much reduced." But civil war will be prevented, armed militias will be disbanded, security forces will become "professional and competent" and the government will be able to impose "its authority in every province of Iraq" and properly defend its borders.
26.4.08
Bell's fiancee: 'They killed Sean all over again'
Fuckers.
Detectives were acquitted of wrongdoing in Sean Bell shooting case
A day after three New York police detectives were acquitted on all counts in the case of Sean Bell -- an unarmed man killed in a hail of 50 police gunshots -- his fiancee told supporters that the justice system let her down.
"On April 25, 2008, they killed Sean all over again," Nicole Paultre Bell told supporters at a rally organized by the Rev. Al Sharpton.
"That's what it felt like to us. That's what it felt like to us," she said Saturday. "Yesterday, they -- the justice system -- let me down. I gave them the benefit of the doubt," she said. "I'm still praying for justice because it's not over. It's far from over."
Bell spoke after Sharpton criticized the judge who acquitted the three officers, saying the case should have been heard by a jury.
"If people are on the public payroll, doing their public duty, they should be required to face a public jury," Sharpton said at the National Action Network headquarters.
The officers chose to have a judge instead of a jury.
...
Witnesses said that about 4 a.m., closing time, as Bell and his friends left the club, an argument broke out. Believing that one of Bell's friends, Joseph Guzman, was going to get a gun from Bell's car, one of the undercover detectives followed the men and called for backup.
Bell, Guzman and Trent Benefield got into the car, with Bell at the wheel. The detectives drew their weapons, said Guzman and Benefield, who testified that they never heard the plainclothes detectives identify themselves as police.
Bell was in a panic to get away from the armed men, his friends testified.
But the detectives thought Bell was trying to run down one of them, believed that their lives were in danger and started shooting, according to their lawyers.
A total of 50 bullets were fired by five NYPD officers. Only three were charged with crimes.
No gun was found near Bell or his friends.
Paultre Bell, Guzman and Benefield have filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in federal court that has been stayed pending the outcome of the criminal trial.
Federal prosecutors will conduct a review to determine whether there were any civil rights violations, Brown said.
Detectives were acquitted of wrongdoing in Sean Bell shooting case
A day after three New York police detectives were acquitted on all counts in the case of Sean Bell -- an unarmed man killed in a hail of 50 police gunshots -- his fiancee told supporters that the justice system let her down.
"On April 25, 2008, they killed Sean all over again," Nicole Paultre Bell told supporters at a rally organized by the Rev. Al Sharpton.
"That's what it felt like to us. That's what it felt like to us," she said Saturday. "Yesterday, they -- the justice system -- let me down. I gave them the benefit of the doubt," she said. "I'm still praying for justice because it's not over. It's far from over."
Bell spoke after Sharpton criticized the judge who acquitted the three officers, saying the case should have been heard by a jury.
"If people are on the public payroll, doing their public duty, they should be required to face a public jury," Sharpton said at the National Action Network headquarters.
The officers chose to have a judge instead of a jury.
...
Witnesses said that about 4 a.m., closing time, as Bell and his friends left the club, an argument broke out. Believing that one of Bell's friends, Joseph Guzman, was going to get a gun from Bell's car, one of the undercover detectives followed the men and called for backup.
Bell, Guzman and Trent Benefield got into the car, with Bell at the wheel. The detectives drew their weapons, said Guzman and Benefield, who testified that they never heard the plainclothes detectives identify themselves as police.
Bell was in a panic to get away from the armed men, his friends testified.
But the detectives thought Bell was trying to run down one of them, believed that their lives were in danger and started shooting, according to their lawyers.
A total of 50 bullets were fired by five NYPD officers. Only three were charged with crimes.
No gun was found near Bell or his friends.
Paultre Bell, Guzman and Benefield have filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in federal court that has been stayed pending the outcome of the criminal trial.
Federal prosecutors will conduct a review to determine whether there were any civil rights violations, Brown said.
25.4.08
Day of Silence
Today is the Day of Silence, a day when students don’t speak in order to address issues of harassment and bullying in schools. It is not neccessarily specific to the protection of LGBT students, except that of course LGBT and gender variant students tend to be the target of most of the harassment.
From NCTE:
At NCTE, we believe passionately in the rights of all children and young people to go to school and be free from bullying and harassment. Learning needs to take place in an environment where children are safe — physically as well as emotionally — and can express their identities as they grow and develop. Transgender children and teens deserve these rights as much as every other student in our schools.
This year’s Day of Silence is dedicated to Lawrence King.
More info at link in the sidebar, and see also: en|Gender
From NCTE:
At NCTE, we believe passionately in the rights of all children and young people to go to school and be free from bullying and harassment. Learning needs to take place in an environment where children are safe — physically as well as emotionally — and can express their identities as they grow and develop. Transgender children and teens deserve these rights as much as every other student in our schools.
This year’s Day of Silence is dedicated to Lawrence King.
More info at link in the sidebar, and see also: en|Gender
30.3.08
for the cuban queers
Raul Castro's daughter pushes for gay and trans rights
It's so interesting to see the new leadership of this country which has seen such a strict, and often contradictory leadership style, and even with the newest installment of the Castro dynasty in place, change is happening. I have been in love with Cuba since I was there in 2006 and my hope is for its peace and growth.
It's so interesting to see the new leadership of this country which has seen such a strict, and often contradictory leadership style, and even with the newest installment of the Castro dynasty in place, change is happening. I have been in love with Cuba since I was there in 2006 and my hope is for its peace and growth.
11.3.08
think before you speak
Discovered at Awakenings:
I'm sorry, do you understand why. WHY there is more suicide, disease, depression?
Because of you.
I should be surprised. I should be completely appalled, caught off guard. But I'm not. Because this is the type of shit I have allowed myself to absorb for years. Fall of '08 is going to be 10 years since I came out to myself - since I truly recognized my romantic affection for female people. But. This month is only the first year mark of actually starting to come out. A lot of people don't know, still. Tons. But I'm telling them easily, quietly, one by one, that I deserve their respect regardless of who or what I am. Jesus never said one fucking word about homosexuality, because that wasn't the point, or if he did, the writers of the bible didn't consider it important enough to include. The point was purity of intention, purity of heart. Jesus emphasized humility (serving others, having a right self-concept, being a vessel of peace - humility does not equal self loathing). He stressed the importance of loving others, giving of what you have, and being helpful. He wanted us to care for the needy, to spend our money wisely, and to live in peace with others. Sexuality was never the point. Never.
But no. This is normal Christian rhetoric. It's not the truth, but it is displayed as truth. And out of fear, people believe it. For fear of punishment people learn to believe lies.
What lies are you believing? Has someone lied to you about your body? Do you downplay your talents and highlight your faults? Has anyone told you that you're worthless?
As a rule, I don't give readers homework. But will you take some time to ask yourself what lies you are believing about yourself? Get rid of them. Chuck them like old soles. This type of thing is in my top-ten list of things I hate the most. Malicious lies like that might be #1, and misunderstandings is probably #2.
I'm sorry, do you understand why. WHY there is more suicide, disease, depression?
Because of you.
I should be surprised. I should be completely appalled, caught off guard. But I'm not. Because this is the type of shit I have allowed myself to absorb for years. Fall of '08 is going to be 10 years since I came out to myself - since I truly recognized my romantic affection for female people. But. This month is only the first year mark of actually starting to come out. A lot of people don't know, still. Tons. But I'm telling them easily, quietly, one by one, that I deserve their respect regardless of who or what I am. Jesus never said one fucking word about homosexuality, because that wasn't the point, or if he did, the writers of the bible didn't consider it important enough to include. The point was purity of intention, purity of heart. Jesus emphasized humility (serving others, having a right self-concept, being a vessel of peace - humility does not equal self loathing). He stressed the importance of loving others, giving of what you have, and being helpful. He wanted us to care for the needy, to spend our money wisely, and to live in peace with others. Sexuality was never the point. Never.
But no. This is normal Christian rhetoric. It's not the truth, but it is displayed as truth. And out of fear, people believe it. For fear of punishment people learn to believe lies.
What lies are you believing? Has someone lied to you about your body? Do you downplay your talents and highlight your faults? Has anyone told you that you're worthless?
As a rule, I don't give readers homework. But will you take some time to ask yourself what lies you are believing about yourself? Get rid of them. Chuck them like old soles. This type of thing is in my top-ten list of things I hate the most. Malicious lies like that might be #1, and misunderstandings is probably #2.
1.3.08
beloved ones
I have not commented on the recent killings of queer people in the last few weeks, but allow me to introduce to you someone who has done so. She's a very tender heart, very loving and special. She is quite a treasure. Ellen!
Yeah. What she said. Because hate is where evil originates.
Yeah. What she said. Because hate is where evil originates.
3.2.08
26.4.07
two steps forward, one step back
I read an article today about an Egyptian woman, Heba Kotb, educates Muslims about sex through a television programme. She's highly educated - a professor of forensic medicine, and studied sexology at a private university in Florida. It's good that someone's talking about sex in a culture that has so many screwed up ideas about gender, sex and sexuality. But her advice is loosely based on the Q'uran.
"She takes a strict Islamic line on homosexuality — she calls it a disease."
Sexuality cannot be extracted from spirituality. Any sexually active person can attest to the spiritual connection between people who engage in intercourse. But religion has been the biggest enemy of healthy sex for centuries!
Mona Helmi protests: "Sex is an emotional and human condition, not a religious or identity issue."
But I do agree with her on one thing - "Many women know nothing about their bodies, not to mention sex, and they were raised to believe sex is for men and a dirty thing."
Women like me know what it is like to wrest information from practicers of medicine. We have travailed in search of competent medical professionals who will explain treatment and anatomy, and who strive to make their patients into people who are informed, confident and self-aware.
It's good that she's talking about sex, even through a foggy lens.
It's progress, whether or not we agree with her about everything.
"She takes a strict Islamic line on homosexuality — she calls it a disease."
Sexuality cannot be extracted from spirituality. Any sexually active person can attest to the spiritual connection between people who engage in intercourse. But religion has been the biggest enemy of healthy sex for centuries!
Mona Helmi protests: "Sex is an emotional and human condition, not a religious or identity issue."
But I do agree with her on one thing - "Many women know nothing about their bodies, not to mention sex, and they were raised to believe sex is for men and a dirty thing."
Women like me know what it is like to wrest information from practicers of medicine. We have travailed in search of competent medical professionals who will explain treatment and anatomy, and who strive to make their patients into people who are informed, confident and self-aware.
It's good that she's talking about sex, even through a foggy lens.
It's progress, whether or not we agree with her about everything.
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