Janice Blog

Broken Rainbow

JaniceCovington1@aol.com — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:02:10 GMT

Broken Rainbow

By Janice Covington

Most of you at one time or another has experienced or endured hostility and humility from bigoted people because you were gay, lesbian or transgender. Some of you have been physically assaulted, raped and called names during your young years by so called friends and classmates. Many of us have been in situations where survival was a priority regardless of personal safety. This has been the way of life for our community since the Stone Age. For many years we have been persecuted by heterosexuals because we did not conform to society’s rules as they interpreted them.

The Mathew Shepard Act has been implemented by our government to help prevent hate crimes against us. Here in North Carolina along with many states we now have an Anti-School Violence law that guarantees an education for our children regardless if a child is gay, lesbian or transgender. They now are able to attend a place of learning without harassment and having their milk money stolen.

Many of you are thinking OOOK Janice what else is new? Well here we go; this month’s article is about many of you. The subject of my article is about domestic relationships. Do you feel good about your lover or do you live in fear of him or her? Is your rainbow broken because you feel trapped and in an abusive situation? Are you abused or even assaulted by him or her? Domestic violence is not just a heterosexual problem; it’s also prevalent in the LGBT community. Many in relationships live in fear of losing the security of being comfortable within the confines of a successful relationship. The fear of being thrown out into the street outweighs the torment and enables a person to leave a bad situation. We find a lover that meets all of our expectations only to be a prisoner of him or her. This kind of situation never works. It’s dreaded by many who are sincere loving people who seek an LTR

I have had many friends tell me stories of horrors they have experienced. One comes to mind that was told to me several years ago. This friend who lives in Greensboro and I were sitting around chatting one afternoon and he began to tell me about a man that he was living with a few years earlier. One day this man came home and bludgeoned my friend with a club and left him to die in his own home. For three days he laid unconscious before he was found by concerned family members. This man was a professional con man that took advantage of lonely gay men. This evil man hung around in gay clubs preying on lonely men. My friend found out through the police that this vile creature killed a gay man in Utah a few years ago and has been since put to death by the state...

If you are in a relationship that is abusive seek help. If it is either verbal or with violent acts, seek help. Life is much more, than living in fear. We are a people of love that desires companionship. We are sometimes so lonely that we jump at the chance to be in a relationship without thinking about the commitment or knowing the person. Our community is very venerable and susceptible to false promises of love.

You are sitting there asking ok where I can get help. First talk with your partner let him know your concerns. It could be that him or her does not realize how you feel. It is possible to work it out with communication. If that doesn’t work ask around for a support group in your area, there are many. Confide in a trusted friend if you need advice. Talk with your minister if you have one. Search the internet, you can find help. There are many resources.

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Moving In the Right Direction

JaniceCovington1@aol.com — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:31:20 GMT

Moving In the Right Direction

By Janice Covington

I’m confused aren’t you? When LGBT organizations claim that you are a part of their organization by saying it’s your center, this to me implies that you are a member. Many of these organizations solicit money by saying we need you as a sustainer as meaning, to keep in existence and maintain. It would be great if I could find a sustainer to support my business ,then I wouldn’t have to work.

An organization that includes you as a member gives you the right to vote during the process of electing board of directors along with having input in other pertinent business. Also membership organizations has annual meetings where they provide each member with financial audits that reflect full accountability. All I see with many LGBT organizations is closed door meetings that keep you OUT. In my opinion I think they should be inclusive by permitting membership. I just don’t understand how they can call it your community center when it really is not.

A real membership organization doesn’t consider anyone making any type of contribution a member as those kinds of “members” can’t be counted on to continue making random contributions each year. Instead they carefully count and cater to their members and keep track of them with annual dues renewals stressing the current benefits and always looking for ways to make their membership more valuable.

Many LGBT organizations across the country provide many types of services for our community. Some are political organizations like HRC, NCTE and the Gay and Lesbian Task Force who works mostly on a National level for LGBT rights like ENDA and DADT. Some are local, like here in North Carolina such as Equality NC and in South Carolina, SC Equality and the SCPM who work on a state level lobbying for new laws, like the Anti-School Violence Act. Even here in Charlotte /Mecklenburg we have the lobbyist organization MECKPACK who works with our local governments. Also we have other groups who works with the young people of LGBT community, like Campus Pride, Time Out Youth, Safe Zone and many GSA’s across both of our states and the nation. All of these groups mentioned are worthwhile organizations that you can contribute too. If I missed one , sorry.

Many LGBT organizations in our cities provide services such as a Suicide Hot line, Food Banks, providing a scholarship fund for our young who otherwise would not have an opportunity to receive a good education. Having a drug and alcohol treatment program in partnership with the local health department. Transgender Heath Care. Preventive Health & Health Education. Lesbian Health Care, Mental Health Programs, Help with Career Opportunity’s and employment. I hope someday our local LGBT organization will see the light and move in the directions described above to help the ones in need rather than being alienated from the majority of the community. This analogy is not just mine but both the elders and young of our community.

People, I’m going to predict that this practice of Private Corporations who claims to be community inclusive, are on their way out. We might have been gullible in the past but we are learning. You work hard for your dollar the same as me. I’m not saying not to donate but do it with organizations like HRC, Campus Pride and Time Out Youth and a few others that do give back to the community by lobbing for our rights and who have proven to help people who are in need it.

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Moving In the Right Direction

JaniceCovington1@aol.com — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:31:20 GMT

Moving In the Right Direction

By Janice Covington

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Priority issues

JaniceCovington1@aol.com — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:10:43 GMT

Priority issues

Impending Doom.

JaniceCovington1@aol.com — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:31:44 GMT

Impending Doom.

By Janice Covington

How many in our community feel depression at times? [Not because of not having a job or enough money to live comfortable.] But from the feeling of loneliness from not having any family, do to coming out. We pride ourselves to be open and free with our feelings; sometimes maybe it’s better to be stealth. I guess it depends on how much you’re willing to sacrifice.

Some Family members can be cruel; they can range from grandparents to your own children. The few in our society that has no problem with complete acceptance are very fortunate. But I would dare say that the majority of you can understand where I’m going. Sometimes even though I have thousands of friends across this wonderful nation I have a feeling of impending doom.

With the holidays approaching these feelings get stronger. The memories of my childhood with my family coming together to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas are strong. I think of them and then also I think of my 13 year old daughter Christy who was murdered at the age of 13 in 1983 and my wife Dale a supporter of Gay bingo in Charlotte whom I loved, shot and killed herself in March of 2009. I have only one child left in this world a daughter by the name of April who lives in Charlotte that I have not seen for 3 years because she says I dress like a girl.

I am a God fearing person; I met him once when I was eleven years old. He came to me in person but never said a word. I have known since then that there is a heaven and a God. I feel deep inside me that I am who he made me to be as a transgender. I wonder at times is he testing me or punishing me because I chose this road in life. I hope not but I won’t know that till I meet him again in my final journey.

I know many of you care about me and respect me for being the strong vocal activist that I am for the LGBT community. I love and care about you all. But sometimes I even hurt. Oh and Bruce I luv ya

Love Janice [AKA] Mom

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When

JaniceCovington1@aol.com — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 12:30:50 GMT

The Back of the Bus. ILLEAGLE

It just frustrates me to see my family the LGBT accepting bread crumbs when they can have it all. I can see the light of freedom glaring in my face. Why can’t they? It’s just a reach away and it’s so simple to grab. I see young and old, man and woman struggling for just a glimmer of hope. All we have to do is stand up and say NO MORE.

The Employment Non Discrimination Act is a joke. It’s a carrot on a string. We follow it like we are donkeys tied to a pole with a rope. We can’t marry and be happy like the so called normal world. what kind of shit is that. The Mathew Shepard act is a joke. Many law enforcement agencies haven’t even trained there people about it. The only test is for some one to kill me to find out. That’s great huh? In our school systems hate and bulling flourishes. Oh yea it was a big deal 3 months ago when our young people were jumping off bridges. Now it’s all forgotten until the next time, its back to business for now.

I just had a friend loose her home and now lives on the street and now out of touch with me. She is one of the most effective Activists our community has ever seen. It just kills me. She lost her job due to non acceptance in the work place as a transgender woman.

The rights that we need are ours but we let mortals restrain us because of HATE not politics, I call it like it is. Barney Frank plays games with us. He makes promises and never follows through. Obama is no better, using the LGBT community like a bunch of gullible children. They make promises to get elected to office with no intention of doing anything for the LGBT. You remember the song? What kind of fool do you think I am? Well listen you can hear it playing. Now the TSA wants to pat me down without a kiss or a reach around, Dam all that tax money to waste on perverse people with no agenda other than to frisk old woman.

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We Are Transgender

JaniceCovington1@aol.com — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:58:25 GMT

We are Transgender

By Janice Covington

Since I came out in 1969, I have experienced about everything a Transgender can experience, but this is not about me. Most transgenders can remember back to childhood when they first experienced the urge to be the opposite gender. They remember they were different from other children their own age. Some experimented based on these feelings. They wore mom’s heels or nylons, or played dress up with a sister or a friend. Many female-to-male transgenders remember being interested in and wanting to be involved with boy games and activities like contact sports. Some expressed feeling out of place wearing famine attire.

Many in our society can remember the other children would taunt them when attending school, because they did not fit in. Many transgender, bisexual, lesbian and gay children can remember being ostracized and assaulted. They watched with hurt in their eyes while teachers would turn their backs, not wanting to get involved, either because they did not understand or were bigots themselves. As a result, the negative toll is unimaginable among these children, and causes a feeling of distance from others. Many of our brothers and sisters did not make it to adulthood because of the unbearable mental pain these atrocities caused.

Today many states are approving an anti school violence act, better known as a bulling act. A bill like this requires the teacher and the school system to be responsible educators. As well, it would require the teacher to not ignore the safety of a child, regardless of whether or not they want to be involved. In my opinion, the school system is where hate crimes and bigotry are born and can be fought. The school system is fertile ground for the young people of our country to learn love and respect. It is where we should teach our young that discrimination, hate and bigotry are wrong, and that they can cause much unintended harm. It is where we should teach that everyone has the right to be who they are without persecution. This must happen, not only with the teacher and the school system, but also at home with the parents.

I believe the biggest fear to the new and old transgender is coming out to family and friends. Family members, in many instances, reject the notion that their son or daughter is presenting as the opposite sex.. Many times family members accept their son or daughter, but just as many times, they reject them as a family embarrassment. Their reasons are many, not unlike the reasons many lesbian, gay and bisexual men and women are rejected by family when they come out. This rejection is sometimes devastating. Too many transgenders turn to suicide, either because they feel like they are an abomination, or the rejection is too much to bear psychologically. I feel this is not the right course of action! There are always other alternatives. Sometimes we have to be strong with our convictions. Our decision to face ourselves and others takes a lot of courage, so please don’t take the easy way out; there is hope on the horizon!

When I was eleven years old, the school nurse, after an examination for school sports, sent me home with a note instructing my parents to take me to the family doctor. I was not aware as to why. My father and I visited Dr Squires, our family doctor, one evening after he arrived home from work. After the examination, I can remember the doctor saying to my father that I was not developing exactly as a boy my age should. He instructed my father to bring me in to his office twice a week for testosterone injections. After about a month of receiving the testosterone, my father changed; he began to verbally and physically abuse me. When he would come home from work, he would order me to the basement. There, he would beat me with a thick black rubber hose, because I was devolving as a girl and not as the boy he wanted. The pain was unbearable, both physically and mentally! I did not understand. After several trips to the basement, my mother could not stand my screams anymore. She told my father that if he touched me again, she would kill him in his sleep. He never beat me again. The mental pain these beating caused is still with me today. I never forgave him, even at his grave, because he never said he was sorry.

Another fear a transgender has about coming out for the first time, is acceptance. They fear the loss of acceptance, not only from family, but also the general public [mainstream]. The question many transgenders ask is, “Do I pass?” Passing seems to be one of the more important priorities and concerns to the individual transgender. I feel passing is important, but being yourself is more so. The main thing to do is dress cleanly and respectfully for the gender which you are presenting. Carry yourself with pride and dignity. Never look at others like you are guilty of anything. Be proud. Being clocked is not a big deal in most instances, but always keep a vigilant eye out for someone who could hurt you. Always avoid a confrontation if you can, but never cower to immediate danger. If you can, run like hell. If you can’t, make a stand, and be proud, I would.

We lobby everyday for the passing of the Mathew Shepard Act, also known as the “Hate Crimes Bill”. We finally gained ground with the bill passing in Congress, and then the US Senate. This happened with no help from the likes of Congresswoman Virginia Fox, of the 5^th congressional district of North Carolina. The bill now awaits the signature of President Obama. We anticipate him signing this bill, because of his campaign promises and apparent support for the LGBT community.

Too many times, we hear of a brother or sister transgender losing their job because of discrimination and bigotry in the work place. As a result, to the transgender, the fear of homelessness comes into the equation. The idea of resorting to a shelter or living on the street is just unbearable! Believe me, this is not the end. I have been there myself. Some resort to prostitution. Prostitution is not only illegal and can land you in jail, but it can also cause you to lose your life, either through a hate crime, or by sexually transmitted infections.

Our salvation is coming soon with the expected passing of the Employment Non Discrimination Act, [ENDA] as projected by the Human Rights Campaign for the fall of 2009. This will include both gender identity and sexual orientation. I feel, in the beginning, it will deter discrimination but not eradicate it completely. I also feel that in time, with the new ENDA bill, discrimination will fade into the past. This chance for our right to be finally accepted by the mainstream, as well as the federal and state governments, will be a beacon for our survival in the future.

The core purpose of a transgender is to become the person they truly are. Some want to live full time as a non op, pre op and post op transsexual. This is an individual’s choice. Some start hormonal replacement therapy. For those of you who do this, make sure you see an endocrinologist, rather than self medicate. Some MTF’s [male to female transgenders] start their transition with body altering hormones, such as Estrogen, along with testosterone blockers like Spironolactone. Some transgenders even opt for full sexual reassignment surgery. The FTM [female to male] transgender uses testosterone to achieve muscle, body hair, and a deeper voice. Some seek mastectomies along with other body altering surgeries. Regardless of your choice, be under a doctor’s care. Only a fool is their own doctor! There are many ramifications and effects that you can experience, such as blood clots and irreversible damage to your system. Ordering a medication from overseas can be very dangerous! I have heard many stories of people receiving something other than what was advertised. These medications are not regulated, so there is no telling what you are getting. With the right dosage and care, you will develop nicely. Take your time, and do it right.

Many transgenders live in stealth, not wanting others to know who they are, for reasons of privacy. This is a choice of the individual. Many have the luxury of passing with no problem. For the rest of us, we are not so lucky. We go day to day, being clocked when shopping or eating in a restaurant. When this happens, I just ignore them, and go about by business. Here is a short story for you that is related to this topic: About three years ago, two friends and I decided to go out to a restaurant to eat before our night out at the club. My friends went in to get a table, while I parked the car. When I entered the restaurant, I sat down, and kind of chuckled, because the restaurant was full of apparently straight people. I asked my friend on the left if anyone looked at her when she came in. She said yes; that several couples had stared at her. I then asked the other the same question. She said she had had some lookers also. I sat there for a few minutes before they asked me the same question. I laughed. I said no, I did not see anyone looking, because I did not look. lol

I have met many gays, lesbians, and bisexuals who question us, because they don’t understand. I have overheard some making snide comments as I pass. I sometimes stop and ask why they would make such a reference. Many times they just answer that this is all they knew, and they did not think it was wrong. Many apologize to me, and then ask questions of me, because they want to learn about us. I have sat with as many as fifteen gay, lesbian, and bisexual people, and explained that we are not simply “a man in a dress”. I try to educate and explain to them that we are transgenders. We are born that way, much the same as they are born gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Our birth is not a sickness, and we are proud to be transgender.

The black and white concept is not always the norm. There are many gray areas in gender makeup. Because we don’t fit into the heterosexually dominant society, many think we can be cured by treatment. Many say it is a choice to be transgender. I beg to differ! We are transgender not by choice, but by birth. We are a part of a society that has been around for hundreds of years. Since Alexander the Great, who himself had several transgender lovers! Our sexual orientation is a completely separate issue. Like the rest of society, some transgenders identify as straight, some as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. To understand this, you must first understand us as transgender.

I hope what I have said in this article will help our community understand the struggles of a transgender, and who we are. The future is bright for the entire LGBT community with the passing of the Matthew Shepard Act and the pending Employment Non Discrimination Act. I feel that in the future, we will experience our rights as American citizens; to be able to marry with the repeal of legislation like Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act, and to be able to live in harmony with our brothers and sisters of the heterosexual community. I feel in my heart this will be a reality.

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Transgender Coalition Protest HRC

JaniceCovington1@aol.com — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:46:05 GMT

Transgender Coalition Protest HRC on February 21^st 2009.

By Janice Covington

In the weeks leading up to the Demonstration, I requested a meeting with Joe Solmonese so that I could see first hand what kind of individual I was up against. I had assured my contacts inside the Human Rights Campaign that my intent was not to badger Joe and that I wanted to have a casual conversation. I wanted Joe to know that we as transgenders can are a civil and intelligent people, and that we do know how to sit down and have an open dialog. My intent was to deliver a message of humanity for the transgender community with the hope that it would change HRC's tactics concerning ENDA.

At first I was refused, because Joe had a committee meeting, and as a result, would not have time to meet with me. I could not take that as a final answer, so I expressed my displeasure with the HRC rep. Lets just say I was upset.

On my way to the Westin Hotel, I received a phone call from Maddy Goss, an HRC committee representative, telling me that Joe would be able to meet with me at 1pm. I then requested that there not be any cameras, because I did not want this meeting to be used as an HRC photo op.

When I arrived at the Westin Hotel, it was buzzing with people arriving for the HRC Carolinas gala celebration. I checked into my room and hurried upstairs to freshen up for my scheduled meeting with Big Joe Solmonese.

The meeting was to take place at the Charlotte Convention Center, and I asked Pamela Jones, a friend from the Charlotte Gender Alliance, to join me there. We arrived precisely at the proscribed time. Miss Goss and another HRC committee member met us at the door. After waiting until 1:15pm, I asked what was going on and explained that my time is valuable to me. In checking, they found out that Joe's plane was delayed and that he was just then checking into the Hotel. At that time they apologized for the mix-up and asked us if we would meet with Joe in the Westin lobby lounge at 2:30pm.

When the time arrived, my friend and I came back down to the lobby and were led to an area which was a little more secluded. As we approached the table, Joe stood to greet us. He reached out to shake my hand, but I hugged him as is my tradition. When we embraced, I could feel his confidence and his uncertainty at the same time.

I assured him that we were not there to interrogate or to try to embarrass him. His aid asked if we would like something to drink, and I requested a diet coke. I then asked Joe how his flight was, and we engaged in small talk. As we sat, Joe started to talk about ENDA along with the whys and the wherefores. I interrupted him and said, "Joe, I have read all of that on the Internet. I was more interested in the future rather than the past."

I then asked what kind of sports he was interested in. He said he had none. I asked about his hobbies, and Joe said he loved to cycle. He talked of his trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles; a 550-mile bicycle ride. As he talked of the scenery and of feeling free, he relaxed, and I started to feel his heart. I could see that he was a very tired person with not much relaxation in his life. As he laughed, I started to feel more confident that I could deliver my message to him and he would take it to heart.

We sat there and talked for almost an hour, and then I said, "Joe, I understand the ENDA negotiations will be coming up soon, and I want to make a request." I asked him to please include the transgender community, and told him that this is imperative. I said, "Joe, we have many transgender brothers and sisters wanting a chance." I told him this is a life and death situation. I said, "It is in your hands!"

I told him of transgenders not being able to find work. I told him that I have talked with many in our community who are scared of losing their job. I told him about stories of being harassed by co-workers and employers. I told him about those of us who have been turned away from jobs because of what and who they are. I said, "Joe, we have some who take their own life because they can't take care of themselves!" I said, "Joe, we are a loving people who just want a chance!"

I told him that when I hear about these things, my heart bleeds with sorrow. I said, "Joe, in my younger years I had to sleep on park benches. I slept in hotel lobbies until I was run off." I told him of my having to go home with men just to be able to eat and sleep. I told him I was arrested a number of times in the late sixties in San Francisco because I dressed as a girl. I told him I could not find a job because of what I am. I said, "Joe, this is the year 2009. Let's make it right! Fight for us! Include us! We just want a chance!"

Joe then assured me he would fight for us. That he would include us. I feel even though he is small in stature he is a strong willed person. I feel that the next round will be successful for the entire LGBT community.

As we finished our meeting we stood and hugged each other. I told Joe the demonstration would still go on. I explained that we must deliver our message to the world. My friend Pamela then asked if we could get a picture together, and Joe consented. I felt we had accomplished a great deal. I think Joe left with a feeling that we are a serious people and that we are not a community of hate and selfishness.

At 4:30 pm, the girls from TransCarolina and the other groups of the coalition arrived for a pre-demonstration meeting. We gathered our signs and headed for the convention center. As we stood on the corner with our signs and American Flags waving in the wind, we felt proud to be Transgender Americans. The cars that passed blew their horns in support, and people waved. I could see the shine in the eyes of all the girls. It was a sight to behold. I love them so!

We were there for about 15 minutes when we had a scare. The police arrived and surrounded us with about 10 uniformed officers! I showed the officer in charge my permit and everything was fine. I think they knew we were going to be there and had been sent by the city. The police protection gave the new girls confidence. It also put my mind at ease, because I did not want any of them get hurt. The officers were positioned away from us, letting us do our thing and even gave us smiles and looks of encouragement.

At about 5pm, the HRC members in their tuxedos and gowns started heading from the hotel to the convention center. We were overwhelmed with their support and hugs! They came at us in groups of 10 to 20; shaking our hands and hugging us in support. I looked at the police one time and could see they were a little confused. The message to everyone was that we loved them. We had nothing against any of them. They were very surprised. A couple of men who were on their way to the dinner came across the intersection. I noticed one was in a wheel chair, so I leaned over and gave him a hug Carolina style.

One Lady in a gown came across the street alone, and we asked if one of us could escort her because the convention center door was a full block away. As she said she was ok and thanked us, I looked towards the building and noticed Joe and Senator Kay Hagan. Joe said "Hi" to me and gave me a huge hug right in the middle of our picket line. He introduced the Senator to me. She put her hand out to shake and I hugged her instead; telling her we are Carolina Girls, and we give hugs. More and more came by. Some transgender HRC committee members even stood with us holding our signs. It was really an event to witness.

At about 7 pm it got cold. The dinner had started, so our job was done for the time being. We felt extremely excited that it went so well. We had delivered our message to the HRC membership: "We don't hate you. We just want to have a job too. We just want the same opportunities as any other American."

After I had some food in the hotel restaurant, I went upstairs to bathe and change for the take-over party in the hotel. When I got down to the hotel lounge, the first one I saw was Joe. He said, "Hey Janice," and gave me a hug and I gave one in return. The members at the party hugged me and thanked me for standing up for my community.

Pamela Jones attended the Gala and afterwards she met me in the lobby. There, she told me something that was really astonishing. When Joe took the stage, he addressed the convention with, "We the TGBL." I was shocked that we were brought up to the front of the bus. She then told me that Senator Kay Hagan had said she supported a full and inclusive ENDA. At that point, a tear came into my eye knowing that we might have made a difference that night.

Our coalition was there to deliver a message to HRC and Joe Solmonese. The message was that we wanted to be treated equal by all; not only in the work place, but also by the GBL community. Our rights are as important to us as theirs is to them. If we work together, we can accomplish this task of having a full and inclusive ENDA

I believe the dialog with Joe Solmonese and the support we received from the HRC membership during this gala indicates that we have accomplished our mission. I know the war is not over but we made a move in the right direction. ENDA and the Congressional Committee are approaching fast. I hope this move of goodwill stands.

I want to thank all of the TransCarolina Girls, Pamela Jones with Charlotte Gender Alliance, Nancy Wichmann of Kappa Bata (a support group from Charlotte NC who stood fast with us), Elky and Jim Kennedy of Shawn's Last wish and their friends, Veronica and her friend from MyrtleBeach T-Time, The HRC members who stood with us, The EqualityNC folks, The South Carolina Pride Movement Coalition, Matt Comer of Q-Notes, All of the support from the ones who could not attend, and Senator Kay Hagan for stopping by for one of my famous Carolina Hugs!

Love to all of you,

Janice Covington - Chair of TransCarolina

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HRC Transgender Protest Charlotte NC

JaniceCovington1@aol.com — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:36:50 GMT

Press Release.

Subject Protest.

On February the 21^st The Human Rights Campaign will be having its 14^th Gala in the Carolinas. The location for this event will be the Westin Hotel and the Charlotte Convention Center located in Charlotte NC.

TransCarolina who is a transgender support group with membership from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. Will be holding a Picket Protest at the same location of the HRC Gala. TransCarolina will be protesting HRC for its discriminatory practices against transgender people. Since the fall of 2007 HRC has displayed practices not consistent with their mission statement.

HRC in representing the GBLT communities during the Employment Non Decimation Act hearings with a Congressional Committee led by the transphobic Congressman Barney Frank, HRC agreed to eliminate the Transgender community from this bill. As a result the transgender community will not be afforded the protection from job discrimination. This gives the transgender community no chance to find employment with equal rights.

During the Southern Comfort Conference in Atlanta Georgia. HRC Chair/President Joe Solmonese gave a speech to the attendees. In his speech Joe Solmonese promised HRC would only support an Employment Non Discrimination bill that included gender identity. Only later to come back to say he made a mistake after HRC failed to keep its promise to the transgender community.

During the year of 2008 the transgender community has held many peaceful demonstrations in Cities such as Charlotte, San Francisco, Atlanta, Houston Texas along with many other Cities. During these demonstrations HRC caused disruptions during these peaceful demonstrations causing harassment to its participants and in one case a woman attending the Gala in San Francisco was ejected and thrown down the steps at the Saint Francis Hotel by security because she had anti HRC material in her position.

We the transgender community deplore the actions of Joe Solmonese and HRC by misrepresenting the transgender community. HRC the Human Rights Campaign was paid with donations and membership fees to represent the transgender community along with our brothers and sisters of the LGBT.

HRC with its discriminatory practices dashed the hope of the transgender community to be treated equal without discrimination. HRC has caused many of our society to be destitute and live in substandard conditions because they have no jobs.

This protest is to remind HRC that we are citizens of the United States that deserve the same rights as any other citizen. We want to be able to have employment and housing without fear of harassment and bigotry.

The transgender community feels that HRC deceived us and led us down a road of despair. They should have had mercy on us and taken us to a slaughterhouse. We will not lie down for anyone or any organization. We will continue our quest with or without HRC.

Janice Covington, Chair of TransCarolina

www.transcarolina.org

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Why Are We The Hunted

JaniceCovington1@aol.com — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:14:18 GMT

My Take On Hate Crimes