132 Posts
Love, Not H8
Vote for equality and fairness!
In Maine: Vote YES on 1
Marriage for All Families
In Maryland: Vote FOR question 6
Marriage Equality and Fairness
In Minnesota: Vote NO
Don’t Limit the Freedom to Marry
In Washington: Vote to APPROVE R74
Californians: Vote NO on Prop 35
“Black Women for Wellness fully understands the devastating impact that human trafficking has on our families and our communities. However proposition 35 is not the answer. This measure seeks to increase sentences for human traffickers and sex offenders, however because of the broad definitions of this law, many young black and brown women and men are at risk for unnecessarily being targeted. How? Because of the loose definitions of trafficking, under this proposition, an 18 year old who take his/her partner out for dinner and a movie and then engages in sex could be seen as a trafficker. In addition, it could punish anyone who associates with minor sex workers, even if their only intent was to buy him/her food or give he/she a ride to the store. Yes the odds of this seem rare, but knowing many communities of color relationships with law enforcement, it’s not much of a reach to imagine a California in which this happen if prop 35 passes. Furthermore, this law punishes all people prosecuted as sex offenders to have their internet usage monitored for life. Yes this even includes the 18 year old we mentioned above. Black Women for Wellness wants to address trafficking, however not at the expensive of young people of color.“
My Civil Rights are Not Up to Public Vote
Blast from the Past: A protester holds up a sign protesting the passage of Proposition 8 in California. This photo was taken on November 15, 2009 during the National Protest Against Prop 8. Civil rights of a minority should never be voted on by the majority. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what will be happening in four states on November 6. Be sure to get out and vote for equality and fairness. Every vote counts!
“Love comes more naturally…”
“No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background or his religion. People learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” – Nelson Mandela
We’re a Culture, Not a Costume
It’s Halloween! Most of us love dressing up. If you’re planning to wear a costume today, please take a moment to think about what your costume represents. Is it racist? Is it offensive?
What is “intersex”?
“Intersex” is a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male. For example, a person might be born appearing to be female on the outside, but having mostly male-typical anatomy on the inside. Or a person may be born with genitals that seem to be in-between the usual male and female types—for example, a girl may be born with a noticeably large clitoris, or lacking a vaginal opening, or a boy may be born with a notably small penis, or with a scrotum that is divided so that it has formed more like labia. Or a person may be born with mosaic genetics, so that some of her cells have XX chromosomes and some of them have XY.
Intersex Society of North America
The Intersex Society of North America (ISNA) is devoted to systemic change to end shame, secrecy, and unwanted genital surgeries for people born with an anatomy that someone decided is not standard for male or female.
We have learned from listening to individuals and families dealing with intersex that:
- Intersexuality is primarily a problem of stigma and trauma, not gender.
- Parents’ distress must not be treated by surgery on the child.
- Professional mental health care is essential.
- Honest, complete disclosure is good medicine.
- All children should be assigned as boy or girl, without early surgery.
Maryland Marriage Alliance Quietly Removes Anti-Gay Marriage Ad Featuring McCaskill
The anti-gay marriage organization, Maryland Marriage Alliance, has quietly removed the advertisement they posted on YouTube featuring Gallaudet’s Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Angela McCaskill. The ad, which was broadcast widely on television stations in Maryland, urged people to vote against Question 6.
We last reported that Gallaudet had been working with its attorney to get the ad removed citing that the images and video used in the ad were obtained without permission from Gallaudet’s website and are Gallaudet’s intellectual property and copyrighted.
Protests at Gallaudet
Check out these news articles and videos for a glimpse of the protests that took place at Gallaudet this afternoon:
Fox 5
WUSA 9
WJLA 7
Washington Post
Should Dr. McCaskill be given her job back? Tell us what you think in the comments section below!
Statement from Gallaudet’s President
Statement from Gallaudet University President T. Alan Hurwitz:
Since placing Gallaudet University’s Chief Diversity Officer on paid administrative leave, Gallaudet University has been called upon by several external organizations to immediately reinstate Dr. Angela McCaskill in her position as Chief Diversity Officer. We recently became aware that several of those external organizations plan to hold demonstrations at Gallaudet University starting this week.
As much as I understand the views that some outside organizations have about the immediate return of our Chief Diversity Officer to campus, at the same time we need to move forward at a rate appropriate for our entire community.
Commenting Just Got Better…
Planet DeafQueer joins millions of websites in implementing Disqus as its main commenting system. This new platform makes it easier to make comments on our website. If you’ve never used Disqus, go grab your unique login and begin using it at Planet DeafQueer. Be sure to add your photo to your profile after you’ve registered so it appears next to your comments.
Post a comment and tell us what you think.
What part of “unconstitutional” is unclear?
What part of “unconstitutional” is unclear? Support marriage equality on November 6th!
Source: The Four 2012
Message from Gallaudet’s Provost
October 18, 2012
Students
Given recent events, I want to assure you that all programs and services of the Office of Diversity and Equity for Students (ODES) will continue uninterrupted. This includes Keeping the Promise: Black Students, Keeping the Promise: Latino Students, Multicultural Student Affairs, and the LGBTQA Resource Center. Mr. Edgar Palmer, executive director of ODES, will report to me until further notice.
Spirit Day
What is Spirit Day?
Millions wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and to speak out against bullying. Spirit Day was started in 2010 as a response to the young people who had taken their own lives. Observed annually, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, media professionals and celebrities wear purple, which symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag. Getting involved is easy — participants are asked to simply “go purple” on October 19th as we work to create a world in which LGBT teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are. Learn more.
First Person: A Page from Drago’s Journal
October 15, 2012
Magnus placed his paw on my arm, pushed down firmly and gave me “the look”. This is his way of communicating to me that he needs to go out. It was time for our nightly walk and he had business to take care of, and like, right now.
Being the devoted doggy dad that I am, I obliged.
ODI Advisory Board Issues Statement
**Memorandum**
Date: October 16, 2012
From: The Office of Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board, a diverse group of volunteers representing undergraduate and graduate students, staff and faculty, administrators, community stakeholders, and diversity consultants.
Gallaudet’s Chief Diversity Officer Speaks
Is Gallaudet’s Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Angela McCaskill, opposed to marriage equality? She’s not telling. According to an interview conducted today with ABC7 news, her attorney, J. Wyndal Gorden, stated that McCaskill would not be expressing her personal view on the matter until she was at the voting booth.
“Signing that petition is a right that I have as a citizen of the state of Maryland. It simply means that I want to see this very sensitive issue put on the ballot as a referendum in the state of Maryland,” Dr. Angela McCaskill told Mike Conneen of ABC7 news.
First Person: What We Can Expect from Dr. McCaskill’s Press Conference
By M. Matton
Ever wish you had a crystal ball that could predict the future? I bought a crystal ball at a fair once when I was 10. This morning, I took it out of the attic; I wanted to see if it would give me a glimpse of what we can expect at today’s news conference. It wasn’t much help but I do have some hunches.
Gallaudet President Issues Statement
Statement from President T. Alan Hurwitz regarding the Chief Diversity Officer:
Dear Campus Community,
I am sending this communication to indicate forcefully that Gallaudet University would like to work with its Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Angela McCaskill, to enable her to return to the community from her administrative leave.
As many know, Dr. McCaskill exercised her right to sign a petition concerning legislation on gay marriage. Because of her position at Gallaudet as our Chief Diversity Officer, many individuals at our university were understandably concerned and confused by her action. They wanted to know “does that action interfere with her ability to perform her job?”
Vote Yes to Question 6
Check out this blog post from long-time ally, Patti Durr.
[Photo courtesy Jan, Sharon, Candace, and Jehanne]
First Person: An Open Letter to Dr. Angela McCaskill
An Open Letter to Dr. Angela McCaskill, Chief Diversity Officer at Gallaudet
Dr. McCaskill, Angela, as I am sitting down to finally carve the pumpkin I had hoped to donate to the Office of Diversity and you, I am moved to set down my thoughts to share with you. I don’t yet know if I will send it to you, or if I will share it with the community. I only know I need to write these thoughts and still the dizzying whirl of feelings and reactions that have my mind abuzz. We shall see when the pumpkin is carved and the lines here written what is worth the sharing.
Marriage Equality Matters
Get the Facts! Because, Marriage Matters…
Marriage Equality USA: Marriage equality is an issue that often sparks intense emotions, both in those who are working for equality, and in those who oppose it. The institution of marriage is also surrounded by a great deal of assumption and mythology. It behooves us all to Get the Facts before discussing marriage equality. We hope that reading through Get the Facts will prove useful and answer your questions. Learn more
Better Together: LGBT & Racial Justice
“Better Together report and case studies highlight racial justice groups currently engaging lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) constituencies and equity issues, and identify key barriers and opportunities to greater engagement. Together, they provide recommendations and models for organizations and funders to build upon the groundbreaking LGBT and racial justice collaborations and intersectional strategies that already exist, but don’t get the attention they deserve.”
Download the two free reports from the Applied Research Center.
Marriage Is…
Four U.S. states (Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington) will be voting for or against marriage equality on November 6th. Encourage everyone you know in these states to get out and vote for fairness. Marriage is a human right, not a heterosexual privilege.
McCaskill’s Attorney to Hold Press Conference on Tuesday
According to the Associated Press, Dr. Angela McCaskill, who was placed on administrative leave by Gallaudet University when it was discovered last week that she had signed an anti-gay petition while holding the position of Chief Diversity Officer at the University, has hired attorney J. Wyndal Gordon to represent her in seeking reinstatement.
Mr. Gordon has issued a statement saying that Dr. McCaskill is not anti-gay and he would explain her actions in greater detail at a press conference on Tuesday in Annapolis, Md.
Announcement from Gallaudet’s SBG
Statement to Gallaudet University students, staff, and faculty from Student Body Government President Stephanie Johnston:
We would like to acknowledge that Dr. Angela McCaskill has been placed on administrative leave until further notice. We are pleased to see that action has been taken; however, we recognize how critical it is for students to be an important part of this decision making process.
Happy National Coming Out Day!
Come out to someone you haven’t!
The Deaf Queer Resource Center has been collecting and documenting DeafQueer coming out stories since 1997. Yep, you read that right… since 1997! Not all of the stories we’ve collected are online yet but you can find quite a number of them on the Deaf Queer Resource Center’s website.
In celebration of National Coming Out Day, we’ll be adding some new DeafQueer coming out stories today. Watch for them!
Update: Due to technical difficulties, we were only able to add one coming out-related video today. Not to worry, we plan to add one new video each month beginning this month. Keep your eyes peeled.
Gallaudet’s Chief Diversity Officer Placed on Administrative Leave
Gallaudet University’s Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Angela McCaskill, has been placed on administrative leave. The following is an official statement from Gallaudet University President T. Alan Hurwitz:
Gallaudet University | Office of the President
Dear Campus Community,
Gallaudet’s Chief Diversity Officer Signs Anti-Gay Petition
On November 6th, Maryland voters will decide whether the Civil Marriage Protection Act, which was enacted by the Maryland legislature and grants lesbian and gay couples the equal right to marry, is upheld or rejected.
While there are many that support overturning this important civil rights legislation, one person you would never expect to be in favor of doing so is Gallaudet University’s own Chief Diversity Officer and Maryland resident, Dr. Angela McCaskill.
In the Press: “British Deaf Community Minds Its Language”
An article in today’s Guardian briefly discusses a recent study that highlights the evolution of British Sign Language. Deaf gay signs are mentioned. Read it here.
You Are…
You are incredible, adorable, lovable, wonderful, powerful, perfectly beautiful just the way you are!
Photos: San Francisco Pride 2012
Check out these photos of DeafQueers and our Allies at San Francisco Pride taken in June 2012. Be sure to Like our Facebook page while you’re there.
If you’d like to share photos of pride events in your area, contact us at planetdeafqueer@gmail.com.
Rainbow Society of Gallaudet University
The Rainbow Society is a LGBTQ & Allies organization at Gallaudet University. The organization offers coming out support, seeks to empower its members, and hosts numerous educational and social events.
Rainbow Society of Gallaudet University’s current officers are:
President: Johanna Martin
Vice President: Kala Granger
Secretary: Jessica Miller
Treasurer: Juan “Ricky” Villalobos
Public Relations: MaryAnn Peterson & John Weggenmann
Event Coordinator: Ashley Pappineau
Senator: Dan Mabashov
Alt-Senator: Justin Christian
Vote for Equality and Fairness
Be Prepared – Know how to vote in your state to support marriage equality.
In Maine: Vote YES on 1
Marriage for All Families
In Maryland: Vote FOR question 6
Marriage Equality and Fairness
In Minnesota: Vote NO
Don’t Limit the Freedom to Marry
In Washington: Vote to APPROVE R74
Learn more at http://thefour.com
Deaf Gay / Bisexual Men: Do You Know Your HIV Status?
Today is National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. According to a survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), one in five sexually active Gay and Bisexual men living in the U.S. are infected with HIV and half of them don’t know it.
The number of new HIV infections is increasing each year among men who have sex with men. The CDC recommends routine HIV tests for everyone. For Gay and Bisexual men, CDC recommends being tested for HIV at least once per year and for those who have anonymous or multiple male sex partners, every three to six months.
Take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Know your HIV status and get tested regularly.
[Image credit: GMHC]
Services for Queer Elders
SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) is the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBT older adults and their caregivers, advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBT older people, and provides training for aging providers and LGBT organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBT Aging. With offices in New York City, Washington, DC and Chicago, SAGE coordinates a growing network of 21 local SAGE affiliates in 15 states and the District of Columbia.
Nakama to Speak at UVM
Deaf Awareness Week is taking place at the University of Vermont this week and our community’s very own Masa Nakama is the event’s keynote speaker. Yay!
Masa’s keynote is titled, “Deaf Queers”, and he will be speaking this evening at the Davis Center on campus in the Silver Maple Ballroom. The event is free and will be voice interpreted.
Bisexual Resource List
Bisexual Awareness Day
September 23rd is Bisexual Awareness Day. Be proud of who you are!
> Common Myths about Bisexuals
> Famous Bisexuals in History
> I Think I Might be Bisexual – A PDF Brochure for Young People
> A Guide to Bisexual/Pansexual/Fluid Etiquette
Attention DeafQueer Filmmakers!
We desperately need more DeafQueer-positive films made by DeafQueer people!
Tribeca All Access® seeks feature-length narrative and documentary submissions from established and emerging filmmakers whose team includes a director or screenwriter from a community that is statistically under-represented in the film industry. Projects may be in any stage of development, from treatment/screenplay to post-production. Projects of any genre and or budget range are welcome to apply.
In addition to a grant of $15,000, grantees work closely with TFI and develop professional relationships throughout the film industry via networking opportunities that include: one-on-one industry meetings, panels, workshops and other events during the Tribeca Film Festival. Year-round, Tribeca All Access® also provides customized support in order to advance projects through completion. The deadline for submissions is November 5, 2012. Learn more.
DADT One-Year Anniversary
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal that allows hearing Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual people to serve openly in the Armed Forces in the United States. Our work in this regard, however, is not done. As the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force notes, “the full work of repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in the Armed Forces isn’t over until transgender individuals can serve openly as well.” Deaf people should also have the opportunity to join the Armed Forces should they desire to.
HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness
Today is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that half of the people living with HIV infection in the U.S. today will be 50 years of age or older by 2015.
Learn more:
L’Shana Tova!
For our Deaf Jewish Queers and allies who celebrate Rosh HaShanah, wishing you a Chag Sameach.
Did you know? According to Wikipedia, LGBT rights in Israel are considered the most progressive in the Middle East and Asia. LGBT people are allowed to serve openly in the military and while Israel does not allow same-sex marriages to be performed in the country, it does recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. Learn more about some of the rights and current struggles of our Queer Israeli brothers and sisters.
It Gets Better – In ASL
Kudos to Adam Stone who has been keeping a list of It Gets Better videos in American Sign Language. The It Gets Better Project also keeps a list, though not as complete. We’ll be featuring some of these videos on Planet DeafQueer. If you’d like us to feature yours, email us at planetdeafqueer@gmail.com.
Queer Marriage Legal in Mexico
Today is Mexican Independence Day. ¡Viva La Raza! Did you know that LGBT marriage is legal in Mexico? In August 2010, Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled that all 31 Mexican states must recognize same-sex marriages performed in its capital, Mexico City. And as of May of this year, marriages performed in Quintana Roo are also recognized. Learn more about LGBT rights and struggles in Mexico.
LRAD 20th Anniversary Celebration
Lilac Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf is celebrating their 20th anniversary on October 20th, 2012, in Brighton, New York. The deadline to RSVP for the event is September 22, 2012. Learn more.