Author: Melanie Nathan

Global news drenched in Activism

Equality California Endorses 10 Pro-Equality Candidates for State and Federal Office

February 24, 2016

Los Angeles — Equality California today announced the endorsements of 10 strong LGBT allies for office in Congress and the California Legislature. “These candidates represent the length and breadth of the state and come from a variety of backgrounds and experience,” said Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California.  “However, they share a commitment to … More Equality California Endorses 10 Pro-Equality Candidates for State and Federal Office

TLDEF Urges South Dakota Governor to Veto Bill Targeting Transgender Students for Discrimination

February 24, 2016

New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) urges South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard to veto a bill that would bar transgender students from using bathrooms and locker rooms that match who they are as boys and girls. South Dakota lawmakers passed House Bill 1008 last week. The bill restricts facility access to … More TLDEF Urges South Dakota Governor to Veto Bill Targeting Transgender Students for Discrimination

Hillary Clinton’s Vote for 2007 Immigration Reform Excluded Same-Sex Couples

February 24, 2016

Hillary can bash Bernie for voting against the 2007 immigration bill — a bill that would’ve separated families, left immigrants vulnerable to deportation, and created a new class of exploited workers — if she wants. I would’ve voted against it, too. Despite how wrong it seems on the surface, Bernie did the right thing. He must’ve had his doubts at the time. He must’ve wondered if he was on the right side of justice, or if he’d just buried his long progressive record in politics. Still, that Bernie’s capable of taking an unpopular position for the right reasons says more about him than Hillary would like you to know. … More Hillary Clinton’s Vote for 2007 Immigration Reform Excluded Same-Sex Couples

Ugandan President Museveni Has Signed the Perilous Anti NGO Bill

February 22, 2016

Warning: Every organization operating in Uganda,  in association with organizations in Uganda, sending funds to Uganda, placing resources in the hands of Ugandans must re evaluate their positions considering the new NGO ACT of 2016 – or alternatively immediately support those who will challenge this law before publication and implementation.  The window of opportunity is … More Ugandan President Museveni Has Signed the Perilous Anti NGO Bill

U.N. Commander Who Tried to Stop Rwanda’s Genocide to Speak AT USF

February 22, 2016

While leading a 1993 United Nations peacekeeping mission in Rwanda, Dellaire became convinced that large-scale ethnic violence was imminent. He warned his superiors and pleaded for additional troops and ammunition, but instead, the U.N. ordered him to withdraw. Dellaire believed that leaving would be immoral, and he stayed in Rwanda with around 500 troops (from the original 2,600) to protect as many people as they could. That decision is credited with saving more than 30,000 lives. Roméo Dallaire will Receive Honorary Doctorate at event which is open to the public
… More U.N. Commander Who Tried to Stop Rwanda’s Genocide to Speak AT USF

Ugandan Presidential Candidate Calls Election Fraud and Sham as Dictator Museveni Declares Victory

February 20, 2016

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s 30-year grip on power looks set to continue, as the country’s election commission declared him the winner Saturday, with nearly twice as many votes as his closest competitor, opposition leader Kizza Besigye. Preliminary figures showed the incumbent with 62% compared to 34% for Besigye. Today I am under house arrest. My home is sealed off and I am not allowed to leave. Nobody is allowed to access my home. I am also under some kind of electronic blockade. I am unable to access any form of internet service in my house. … More Ugandan Presidential Candidate Calls Election Fraud and Sham as Dictator Museveni Declares Victory

California Legislation Introduced to Increase Transparency in Law Enforcement Records

February 19, 2016

“We are still at the back of the bus in areas of criminal justice” said Alice A. Huffman, president of the California-Hawaii State Conference of NAACP. “Every day we are still being victimized. Police misconduct and racial injustice is at an all-time high in our country and one has to wonder just what did the civil rights movement accomplish. That’s why the California-Hawaii State Conference of the NAACP stands with Senator Leno on this very timely bill to ensure that the veil of secrecy on inappropriate behavior among law enforcement personnel, who have a sworn duty to protect and serve all citizens, will be lifted.” … More California Legislation Introduced to Increase Transparency in Law Enforcement Records

Ugandan Communications Commission threaten to Arrest Citizens for using Social Media

February 19, 2016

Yesterday Ugandans went to the polls to vote in a general election for President.  In a robust campaign, where many sought change from the 30 year dictatorial reign of Yoweri Museveni, the Ugandan media outlet WBS TV published a message alleging that the Ugandan Communications Commission (UCC) is threatening to arrest those people for treason, … More Ugandan Communications Commission threaten to Arrest Citizens for using Social Media

GSA Day for Racial Justice

February 19, 2016

LGBTQ youth are taking action today–GSA Day for Racial Justice–to fight for our future and celebrate the multiple identities we hold. GSA Day for Racial Justice is more than just a day of action. It has become a movement of LGBT youth who are fighting to end state violence against black lives, who educate each other on sexual health and wellness, and who understand that gender is a social construct that limits people in all races and ethnicities. … More GSA Day for Racial Justice

Sacramento Equality Awards to Honor Members of the LGBT Community

February 12, 2016

Sacramento – Equality California will honor Assemblymember Rich Gordon, Mario Guerrero of SEIU, Executive Secretary to Governor Brown Nancy McFadden, and Dana Williamson, former cabinet secretary to Governor Brown and principal of Grace Public Affairs, for their steadfast support of the LGBT community. This year’s Sacramento Equality Awards will take place Monday, March 7, 2016 at … More Sacramento Equality Awards to Honor Members of the LGBT Community

New York Rally to Protest Transgender Attack

February 11, 2016

THE NYC SGL/LGBTQ COALITION HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE & RALLY TO PROTEST ATTACK ON TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY LEADER WHEN: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12th – 5:30 PM WHERE: D-Train Station at West 125th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue WHY: Transgender Community Leader, NYC SGL/LGBTQ Coalition Member, and Founder and Director of Everything Transgender in New York City, Jennifer Louise Lopez, was … More New York Rally to Protest Transgender Attack

Five State Senators Kill Basic Protections for LGBT Floridians

February 9, 2016

Today five Senators killed a bill that would have provided basic protections for Floridians regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. By Melanie Nathan, Feb 09, 2016.A motion to reconsider a contentious bill banning discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people failed in a Senate panel Tuesday, signaling its virtual demise for the 2016 Legislative … More Five State Senators Kill Basic Protections for LGBT Floridians

Housing Discrimination Laws Invoked by LGBT at similar rate to POC and Women

February 9, 2016

New Study: LGBT people, people of color and women use housing non-discrimination laws at similar rates Posted by Melanie Nathan, Feb 09, 2016. LGBT people file housing discrimination complaints based on sexual orientation and gender identity as frequently as people of color and women file complaints based on race and sex, according to a new analysis … More Housing Discrimination Laws Invoked by LGBT at similar rate to POC and Women

Florida Historic First Hearing on LGBT Nondiscrimination

February 4, 2016

The Florida Competitive Workforce Act enjoys bipartisan support Posted by Melanie Nathan,  Feb 04, 2016. The Florida Competitive Workforce Act (HB 45/SB 120) will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee next Monday, February 8th at 1:30 PM. The meeting will be held in Room 110 of the Senate Office Building.  “This is a huge … More Florida Historic First Hearing on LGBT Nondiscrimination

Creating Change 2016 Articles in Review and Thanks

February 3, 2016

Following Articles were written this past week by Melanie Nathan covering the Anti-Israel and anti-Semitic events that occurred at Creating Change 2016. #CC16 – Followed by other links to excellent articles by others. “#CC16 Coverage -Thank you for seeing the value and recognizing the hard work. The past week was a tough one for many. … More Creating Change 2016 Articles in Review and Thanks

FL House Committee to Vote on Bill Could Lead to ​Extreme Anti-LGBT Legislation

February 3, 2016

Senate Judiciary Committee has stated support for expanding the bill Posted by Melanie Nathan, February 03, 2016. The dangerous and so-called Pastor Protection Act (HB 43/SB 110) is scheduled for its last vote before reaching the House Floor in the House Judiciary Committee tomorrow morning at 9:00a.m. The bill passed through its first Senate committee … More FL House Committee to Vote on Bill Could Lead to ​Extreme Anti-LGBT Legislation

Is Hatem Abuddayeh Intersecting at Creating Change 2016

February 2, 2016

Hatem Abudayyeh has been with the Arab American Action Network (AAAN) since 1999, and was appointed Executive Director in 2003. The son of Palestinian immigrants who themselves were leaders in Chicago’s Arab community, Hatem was born in Chicago. Back in 2010 the FBI raided the home of Hatem Abudayeh, in connection with a terrorism investigation at Creating Change 2016 … More Is Hatem Abuddayeh Intersecting at Creating Change 2016

Naming Participants in the Creating Change 2016 LGBTQ Jew Bash Fest

January 31, 2016

The Mob: Who screamed for Israel’s destruction; who displayed hate above unity of purpose; who knew exactly what they were doing and who were the nochschleppers ? SCROLL DOWN for names. By Melanie Nathan, January 30, 2016 Last week the halls of The Hilton Hotel in Chicago, became the scene of a near riot.  The … More Naming Participants in the Creating Change 2016 LGBTQ Jew Bash Fest

LGBT Leaders Call on Task Force for Independent Review of Creating Change Debacle

January 27, 2016

By Melanie Nathan January 28, 2016. I am proud to be a signatory to this letter addressed to the LGBTQ Task Force. I am also proud to stand with noted and admired leaders in our community.  The letter speaks for itself.  Thank you to Roberta Kaplan and Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum for leading the effort on … More LGBT Leaders Call on Task Force for Independent Review of Creating Change Debacle

Will LGBTQ Task Force Survive The Creating Change Controversy Financially

January 26, 2016

By Melanie Nathan, January 26, 2016. When the National LGBTQ Task Force found itself in the midst of an Anti-Semitic tempest, at their Creating Change Conference this week,  San Francisco activist and blogger Michael Petrelis was curious about the organizations financial health and so he explored.  It seems its heading for change, perhaps downhill!  Carrying … More Will LGBTQ Task Force Survive The Creating Change Controversy Financially

Equality California Calls Out National LGBTQ Task Force for Disservice to LGBT Movement

January 26, 2016

“…. conference organizers failed to defend these organizations and correct the false information and gross distortions….,” EQCA By Melanie Nathan, January 26, 2016. Equality California (EQCA) has posted a strong and pointed statement, calling out The National Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Task Force, for its poor handling of the debacle at Creating Change 2016, … More Equality California Calls Out National LGBTQ Task Force for Disservice to LGBT Movement

National LGBTQ Task Force’s Halfhearted Condemnation After Creating Change Attack on Jews

January 25, 2016

ious protest that led to the shut down of a Jewish Shabbat and reception event at Creating Change Conference 2016, Rea Carey of National LGBTQ Task Force issued a statement which is headed “National LGBTQ Task Force Condemns Anti-Semitism”. But that is not really what her statement says given the veils and context. Instead its a mish-mash of zero apology and a myriad of ineffectual excuses, hiding behind verbiage which, by virtue of its context, halfheartedly condemns Anti Semitism. The below statement by Rea Carey of National LGBTQ Task Force leaves a lot of questions and much to be desired. … More National LGBTQ Task Force’s Halfhearted Condemnation After Creating Change Attack on Jews

LGBT Protesters at Creating Change Call for the Destruction of Israel

January 23, 2016

Has Creating Change taken on a New Meaning: Does that Change involve LGBTQ America Supporting Anti Semitism? By Melanie Nathan, January 21, 2016. This week will go down in history as one of the saddest and most destructive, ever, in the lives of LGBTQ Jews.  We became the target of antisemitism disguised as protesting alleged … More LGBT Protesters at Creating Change Call for the Destruction of Israel

Apology and Settlement in Transgender Woman’s Employment Discrimination Lawsuit

January 20, 2016

“We are extremely grateful to the EEOC for taking on this important case on behalf of our client and working side by side with us to achieve a settlement that marks yet another Title VII victory for transgender employees,” Weiss said. “The Jillian T. Weiss Law Firm … More Apology and Settlement in Transgender Woman’s Employment Discrimination Lawsuit

National LGBTQ Task Force Reverses Decision to Cancel Jewish Reception

January 19, 2016

Carey: “when faced with choices, we should move towards our core value of inclusion and opportunities for constructive dialogue” By Melanie Nathan, January 19, 2016. Yesterday the internet exploded when many in our LGBT community expressed hurt and anger at the National LGBTQ Task Force’s decision to ban a Jewish event, to be held by … More National LGBTQ Task Force Reverses Decision to Cancel Jewish Reception

Famed LGBT Voices Blast Task Force For Banning Jewish Event from Creating Change Conference

January 18, 2016

The Hypocrisy of Rea Carey and the LGBT Task Force : “Our vision for the future of the movement is one that is broad, inclusive and dynamic” – and yet they ban a pre-arranged and once accepted  Jewish event within days of the Conference. See Call to Action below! By Melanie Nathan, January 18, 2016. … More Famed LGBT Voices Blast Task Force For Banning Jewish Event from Creating Change Conference

Anglican Communion Restricts US Church over Gay Marriage and Ugandan Archbishop Runs Away

January 15, 2016

The rifts over homosexuality blew wide open in church in 2003 when the Episcopal Church, the Anglican body in the United States, consecrated the first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson, in New Hampshire.

It is this decision that the conservative church leaders including Ntagali have been fighting. … More Anglican Communion Restricts US Church over Gay Marriage and Ugandan Archbishop Runs Away

Landmark Ruling as Transgender Woman’s Employment Discrimination Case Heads to Trial

January 15, 2016

Eleventh Circuit Overturns Lower Court Decision in Chavez v. Credit Nation Auto Sales, LLC  Posted by Melanie Ntahan, January 15, 2016. Tuxedo Park, NY- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has ruled that a transgender woman may take her employment discrimination case against a Georgia auto sales company to trial. The decision (click here) in … More Landmark Ruling as Transgender Woman’s Employment Discrimination Case Heads to Trial