Veteran who grew up in Elkhart urges lawmakers to protect Transgender Hoosiers

[traci_k]

Veteran who grew up in Elkhart urges lawmakers to protect Transgender Hoosiers

http://www.fox28.com/story/31086546/2016/01/28/veteran-who-grew-up-in-elkhart-urges-lawmakers-to-protect-transgender-hoosiers

Fox 28
Tom Powell
Jan 28 2016


As we first reported Wednesday night on FOX28 News at 10, an Indiana State Senate Committee advanced a bill that would add protections for lesbians, gays and bisexuals in Indiana, but not transgender Hoosiers.

The committee advanced Senate Bill 344, but did not vote to advance Senate Bill 100.

Senate Bill 100 Digest:

Civil rights. Prohibits discriminatory practices in acquisition or sale of real estate, housing, education, public accommodations, employment, the extending of credit, and public contracts based on military active duty status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Provides protections for religious liberty and conscience. Preempts local civil rights ordinances that conflict with the state civil rights law. Provides that the provisions of this act are nonseverable. Repeals a provision that indicates that local entities may adopt civil rights ordinances that differ from state law.
...
During the four and a half hours of testimony Wednesday, FOX28 tweeted about Rhiannon Carlson's plea to lawmakers to make the bill more inclusive.

We wanted to learn more about her story.  We've learned Carlson is an Army veteran who grew up in Elkhart.  We spoke with her Thursday to get her thoughts on how the bill is being debated and amended. 
*****************************
Interesting to see a Fox affiliate giving balanced to positive coverage, including proper pronouning of Rhiannon. And nice to see positive coverage of a former green beret woman standing up and testifying for lawmakers about transgender inclusion in anti-discrimination bills.

Thank you Rhiannon Carlson for serving our country and  serving our cause.

[Devlyn]

Good on ya, Rhiannon! Traci, no link or is that the article in its entirety?

Hugs, Devlyn

[traci_k]

Ooops - my goof - link posted.

[Deborah]

I propose we take a cue from the right wingers and form a transgender veterans militia.  50,000 of us in an armed group at their meetings would make quite an impression.

Now, who wants to design the uniforms?


Sapere Aude

[suzifrommd]

I propose we take a cue from the right wingers and form a transgender veterans militia.  50,000 of us in an armed group at their meetings would make quite an impression.

Now, who wants to design the uniforms?


Sapere Aude

I would settle for ANY organized movement of transgender people to call attention to us and raise awareness and understanding.

But yes, as we saw in Oregon, guns both draw attention and inspire deference from law enforcment.

[traci_k]

Indy Senate moves Gay rights bill forward as LGBT community protests T exclusion Outside

http://planettransgender.com/indiania-senate-moves-lgb-bill-forward-as-lgbt-community-protests-exclusions/

Planet Transgender
Added by Kelli Busey on January 28, 2016.

As we reported earlier, a few  Indiana (mainly republican) lawmakers are pushing forward SB344 a political expedent bill which excludes transgender rights.

A lot of use harking back to the days of Barney Frank and HRC (gay) support immediately thoughtgay people of throwing us under the bus, again. But times have indeed changed. LGBT Hoosiers came out in force Saturday in a show of support for trans inclusion in legislation but more so, to protest the lawmakers who feel it's their job to exclude and demonize the T.

From the Four Words and a comma statement.

The Indiana Constitution states that ".........That all people are created equal; that they are endowed by their CREATOR with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." However, as we have seen in Indiana, this is not really the case.

*****************************
The whole LGBT Community DID come out to protest the exclusion of the "T".

[MsMarlo]

Leave it to good old Indiana; although I often do get homesick it is times like these that I think its better down here.  I spent my whole fire service career just a few miles west of you  :-)

Deborah, I have access to the weapons we would need.  Of course then again all we need are some rocks and slingshots - there is a councilman down this way that is encouraging certain neighborhoods to throw rocks and bottles at the cops when pursuits are going through their neighborhoods.  Wait and see what happens to the fool that throws a rock or bottle at my vehicle.  Back to our militia, we would just have to devise something simple but effective for our friendly neighborhood and elected transphobics.

On a serious note, we need to start running for political offices; Kristen Beck is a prime example.  Our state government is in shambles down here in Alabama, and I am conducting an informal feasibility study regarding my possibly run for governor.  Even if we don't win races the first time around, running for elected office is one way of showing the country who and not what we are, addressing issues that we share with society as a whole, and to educate the public.  We keep going and running until we do win and make it clear that we stand for everyone and not have a personal agenda that suits our need (but they sure as hell will be addressed).

The more knowledge the citizens have about us, the better informed they will be when it comes from US and not episode of Jerry Springer. Lawmakers are really good at making people scared or hate something that they really know little about. 

As a former union steward and PAC committee member during my fire career, PACs can have a formidable influence on political races.  We need to start up some PAC committees within our community and make our voices heard. 

This upcoming election really scares the hell out of me for reasons that most of you don't (or don't want to) know. 

Be safe

Marlo