Amherst joins Cambridge, Boston, and Northampton in non-discrimination for trans

[Shana A]

Amherst joins Cambridge, Boston, and Northampton in non-discrimination for transgender people
May 7th, 2009

http://www.masstpc.org/?p=403

MTPC applauds the work of local activist, Brett-Genny Janiczek Beemyn and Amherst residents for standing up for transgender equality.

UMass Stonewall Center Applauds Amherst for Unanimous Transgender-Inclusion Vote

May 5, 2009

The Stonewall Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst applauds the Amherst town meeting for its unanimous vote tonight to add "gender identity or expression" to the town's human rights code. The center had proposed the change, and earlier this year the Amherst Human Rights Commission and the Select Board had also voted unanimously for the measure. "We are thrilled by the tremendous support shown in the community for the rights of transgender people," states Brett-Genny Janiczek Beemyn, the director of the Stonewall Center.

[NicholeW.]

Amherst and Northhampton are very nice small towns: peaceful, pleasant and accepting. More towns should emulate them, large and small.

Of course I suppose not every small town can be "the lesbian capital of the world." So maybe Northhampton won't be emulated entirely.

Way to go Amherst!

[lisagurl]

But Amherst had Emily Dickinson.

[NicholeW.]

But Amherst had Emily Dickinson.

Yep, and UMass which is a heck of a lot more liberal and diverse than Emily would have either been comfortable with or have liked. But, if you're interested you can have a guided tour through her home and that of her brother next-door.

Just beware of the mold spores in her brother's old home. It's still pretty decrepit!

N~

[lisagurl]

Been there, as she was fond of female relations.

[NicholeW.]

Been there, as she was fond of female relations.

Emily was fond of you, Lisa? I had no idea you were that old!! I mean didn't she die in 1885 or so?

N~

[lisagurl]

Her sister in-law. Did you not listen to the tour guide?

[NicholeW.]

Her sister in-law. Did you not listen to the tour guide?

Yep, I did, he was rather practiced and had a lot of general trivia to add. I quite enjoyed him. It wasn't from not listening to the tour guide but from trying to understand your writing that caused my problem, luv. Your gnomic style can be rather difficult to ferret out for meaning sometimes.

N~

[lisagurl]

Your gnomic style can be rather difficult to ferret out for meaning sometimes.

Well it is about poets and you did go there. I assumed you would pick it up. Shall we jump to Elizabeth Bishop? But that is another State and country.

[tekla]

These are not exactly 'mainstream' American towns.

[lisagurl]

These are not exactly 'mainstream' American towns.

Not for someone on the left side. But the north east is one big town with different sections.

[Alyssa M.]

Amherst is not exactly Skowhegan, ME or Gorham, NH or even Pittsfield, MA. Rather distinct cultures. And New England in general is not exactly Pennsylvania. Most Americans are more suspicious of New England (especially Massachusetts) than they are of California.

(Which is to say, most Americans are uncultured provincial swine, says the supercillious native Bostonian.)