ENDA: We've only just begun

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/womaninprogress/2007/10/enda-weve-only-.html
By Christine Daniels
10/3/2007

'The basketball expression for it is "low-bridge." It is the dirtiest foul in the sport, the act of suddenly taking out a player's legs as he or she leaps for a rebound, pass or attempt a jump shot. It's a cheap and devious move, often appearing to happen spontaneously but almost always pre-meditated -- and almost always a prelude to a fight.

That's what happened to the transgender community during the past week. We were low-bridged. By -- of all people -- Democratic Congressional leadership that included Barney Frank and Nancy Pelosi'.

Quote from: Katia on October 03, 2007, 09:54:40 PM
That's what happened to the transgender community during the past week. We were low-bridged. By -- of all people -- Democratic Congressional leadership that included Barney Frank and Nancy Pelosi'.

And it was no big surprise for us who have followed this from the beginning back in the 1990's.  Frank has never been on our side, and the Democrats have been pushing us out ever since they dumped the GLBT Desk at DNC HQ in 2004.

For those of us newer to transition and no recollection of his past behavior or stands can we get a summary or link to anything on him?

Quote from: Lisbeth on October 04, 2007, 09:50:18 AM
And it was no big surprise for us who have followed this from the beginning back in the 1990's.  Frank has never been on our side, and the Democrats have been pushing us out ever since they dumped the GLBT Desk at DNC HQ in 2004.

   I was actually suckered by him when he gave his reason for booting us from his club due to practicality. But I have wised up.  Yes, even I can wise up.

   Well, I guess if I ever meet Mr. Frank, I'll have to forgo the handshake for a nice kick to his groin.

Quote from: Jaynatopia on October 04, 2007, 12:22:35 PM
For those of us newer to transition and no recollection of his past behavior or stands can we get a summary or link to anything on him?

When ENDA was first conceived back at the beginning of the '90s, Barney Frank was one of two original sponsors of the bill.  From the beginning he said that trans should be left out because it would make it harder for the bill to pass.  HRC, which worked closely with him on crafting the bill, agreed.  For nearly a decade trans activist organizations having been lobbying both HRC and Barney Frank to include us.  It wasn't until 2003 when 9 lobby groups ganged up on HRC at the same time in a meeting in their office that they finally agreed to get on board for a trans-inclusive ENDA.  And it wasn't until HRC had agreed that Barney Frank also accepted it.  Not surprisingly, over the last few weeks we have learned that their support was only due to the pressure from other groups and not from their own convictions.

Well when my girlfriend Mila (aka Genopunk) called Barney Frank's office to log in her protest they read from a script, "What you would rather NO ONE get their rights?!" puleeze.... 

I agree Barney Frank seems to be no friend of us.

Quote from: Lisbeth on October 05, 2007, 09:20:22 AM
When ENDA was first conceived back at the beginning of the '90s, Barney Frank was one of two original sponsors of the bill.  From the beginning he said that trans should be left out because it would make it harder for the bill to pass.  HRC, which worked closely with him on crafting the bill, agreed.  For nearly a decade trans activist organizations having been lobbying both HRC and Barney Frank to include us.  It wasn't until 2003 when 9 lobby groups ganged up on HRC at the same time in a meeting in their office that they finally agreed to get on board for a trans-inclusive ENDA.  And it wasn't until HRC had agreed that Barney Frank also accepted it.  Not surprisingly, over the last few weeks we have learned that their support was only due to the pressure from other groups and not from their own convictions.

Barney Frank is no friend to Trans people. He is just another hate monger. So what if he is gay. That doesn't make him special, and it doesn't make him an ally.