Category: Immigration

100 arrested in mass civil disobedience action for Immigration Reform

September 12, 2013

We Belong Together and allies are turning up the heat in Washington DC! By Cathy Kristofferson, September 12, 2013 As I write this more than 100 women are being arrested in front of the House of Representatives in Washington D.C. They are part of a mass civil disobedience action calling on Congress to pass immigration reform that … More 100 arrested in mass civil disobedience action for Immigration Reform

Cut from 50th Anniversary Dream Defenders want your 2 minutes

August 31, 2013

Our March Campaign Will Not Be Silenced By Cathy Kristofferson, August 30, 2013 At Wednesday’s 50th anniversary March on Washington celebration Dream Defender’s Philip Agnew and United We Dream’s Sofia Campos were denied their opportunity to speak at the last minute. The excuse given?  Officials said they had “run out of time.”  This follows the … More Cut from 50th Anniversary Dream Defenders want your 2 minutes

EU recognizes Gay asylees as new social group

July 16, 2013

As a result of asylum applications lodged by three gay men from Sierra Leone, Uganda and Senegal, seeking refugee status in the Netherlands, with all noting they have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home countries based on their sexual orientation, the EU’s Advocate General,  Eleanor Sharpston, said on July 11, that applicants for … More EU recognizes Gay asylees as new social group

Rubio staffer tries to have GetEQUAL DREAMer deported

June 25, 2013

Rubio staffer told the police officers in the room that one of the people in the room “is here illegally.” By Cathy Kristofferson, June 25, 2013 Today during the GetEQUAL action Senator Rubio’s (R-FL) Tampa office, a Rubio senior staffer – his Regional Director – tried to have GetEQUAL’s Co-Director Felipe Sousa-Rodriguez deported.  The Rubio staffer … More Rubio staffer tries to have GetEQUAL DREAMer deported

Breaking GetEQUAL Activists Arrested protesting at Marco Rubio’s Office

June 25, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, June 25, 2013. Three members of GetEqual were arrested an hour ago in a GetEQqual protest action Marco Rubio’s office in Tampa where they protested to draw attention to his antiquated and anti-gay stances on immigration reform and employment discrimination. Those participating in the action and arrested we believe are Barb GetEqual … More Breaking GetEQUAL Activists Arrested protesting at Marco Rubio’s Office

Gay immigration detainee reunited with fiancé after detention ordeal

June 12, 2013

A young gay man who was detained in San Diego by immigration authorities — whose story was documented by San Diego Gay & Lesbian News and OBLOGDEE — has been reunited with his fiancé in New York City. Here is the follow up article after his release by our friends at SDGLN:- A happy ending? … More Gay immigration detainee reunited with fiancé after detention ordeal

DEAD WRONG LGBT Publisher Refuses to Tell Binational Story

May 28, 2013

We as a community cannot reject the most vulnerable amongst us | Binational same-sex couples have already paid the heaviest price By Melanie Nathan, May 28, 2013. I started my advocacy work and writing the stories about the horrendous plight of same-sex binational couples back in 2009, when faced with the possible deportation of my … More DEAD WRONG LGBT Publisher Refuses to Tell Binational Story

The Special Rights Battleground of ENDA and Immigration Reform

May 2, 2013

Seems to be exactly where the Religious Right is digging in these days. By Cathy Kristofferson, May 02, 2013. Two legislative initiatives now underway on Capital Hill greatly underscore the fact that it is the Religious Right who is seeking ‘special rights’ not the LGBT community, as we are so often accused.  The Comprehensive Immigration … More The Special Rights Battleground of ENDA and Immigration Reform

Exploitation of binational same-sex couples continues as Immigration Equality continues to fund raise on the back of its failure

April 26, 2013

The group raised $1,765,000 in 2011 of which $1,131,220 was used for salaries and compensation, and increased employees to 20 for what? By Melanie Nathan, April 26, 2013. Immigration Equality has failed binational same-sex couples and is now scrambling to stay relevant, with the audacity to create a exploitative lobby event, all leading of course … More Exploitation of binational same-sex couples continues as Immigration Equality continues to fund raise on the back of its failure

Judge rules lesbian binational couple can challenge DOMA

April 21, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, April 21, 2013. In a case filed by  Los Angeles-based Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, a Judge has ruled that a lesbian couple facing immigration discrimination has the legal standing to challenge the federal Defense of Marriage Act, otherwise known as DOMA, because it violates the constitutional rights of immigrants … More Judge rules lesbian binational couple can challenge DOMA

Immigration Equality begs on backs of binationals | Failed strategy has its remedy in death of DOMA

April 20, 2013

Begging for money to fund a failed strategy for immigration inclusiveness is a waste of time, money and resources | It is too late because even if UAFA is included in CIR, it will be the demise of DOMA that get binational spouses their green cards. Immigration Equality has always described itself as the preeminent … More Immigration Equality begs on backs of binationals | Failed strategy has its remedy in death of DOMA

Boston Marathon Bombing 2 Perspectives Enemy Combatant or Murderous Criminal

April 20, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, April 20, 2013. After a 102 hour manhunt ending in the backyard of a Watertown residence, the capture of the Boston Marathon Bomber, yields many questions yet to be answered and  charged still to be filed.  Here are 2 of many Statements circulating in social media today commenting on the judicial process … More Boston Marathon Bombing 2 Perspectives Enemy Combatant or Murderous Criminal

Will Sec. John Kerry do enough to help LGBT international human rights?

April 14, 2013

Press Release invokes questions The struggle to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States’ commitment to promoting human rights.” –President Barack Obama By Melanie Nathan and Cathy Kristofferson April 14, 2013. The Press release:  Secretary of State John Kerry has … More Will Sec. John Kerry do enough to help LGBT international human rights?

Gay Man in San Diego immigration detention ailing and desperate to reunite with Fiancé

April 5, 2013

ASKING FOR HELP TO BRING MAX HOME TO DONALD The worst outcome of the unconstitutional DOMA is when it separates spouses and partners | If Max and Donald were a straight couple, this would not be happening By Melanie Nathan and Ken Williams, April 05, 2013. A 26-year-old gay man is being held in immigration … More Gay Man in San Diego immigration detention ailing and desperate to reunite with Fiancé

After the Apology demands that HRC be all inclusive on all issues

April 2, 2013

Will HRC put its money where its mouth is? By Melanie Nathan, April 1, 2013 Thousands of LGBT community members and allies showed up at the steps of SCOTUS this past week to support marriage equality, and many were there because of the extraordinary organizing efforts of a coalition of LGBT organizations under the title, … More After the Apology demands that HRC be all inclusive on all issues

Activists ‘seeing red’ over HRC antics at SCOTUS hearings

March 29, 2013

as the Human Rights Campaign exhibits their typical lack of inclusivity… By Cathy Kristofferson, March 29, 2013. During the SCOTUS trials the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) convinced many in the Facebook world to change their avatars to red.  Following the hearings many activists are seeing a different red now that two incidents – insulting both the … More Activists ‘seeing red’ over HRC antics at SCOTUS hearings

Immigrant and LGBTQ Rights organizations to demand LGBTQ inclusion on Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill

March 15, 2013

Immigrant and LGBTQ Rights organizations come together to demand LGBTQ inclusion on Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators is in the process of creating a framework for Comprehensive Immigration Reform for more than 11 million undocumented immigrants in this country. This press conference will call on the “Gang of Eight”- bipartisan … More Immigrant and LGBTQ Rights organizations to demand LGBTQ inclusion on Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill

Murder of Ugandan lesbian deportee at the hands of UK authorities, Reliance Security and Qatar Airlines

March 14, 2013

U.K. Activists demand justice By Melanie Nathan, March 14, 2013. Yesterday we reported the story of the death of Jackie Nanyonjo.  Now U.K. activists are calling it murder – read  The Movement for Justice report below.  The question is who is responsible. Evidence is emerging that Jackie was not well while incarcerated by U.K. authorities … More Murder of Ugandan lesbian deportee at the hands of UK authorities, Reliance Security and Qatar Airlines

Lesbian dies after being deported by United Kingdom back to Uganda

March 13, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, March 12, 2013. Activists in the United Kingdom are blaming the United Kingdom Border Agency for deporting an asylum seeker who has now according to Pink News, died in Uganda, “after she claimed she was at risk of homophobic persecution,” if she returned. When it comes to LGBT Asylum the UK is … More Lesbian dies after being deported by United Kingdom back to Uganda

Gay binational couple commit suicide within a week of each other

March 12, 2013

The suicide of this couple should be blamed squarely on the laws of the United States that specifically excludes gay spouses  By Melanie Nathan, March 11, 2013. Wilfried Knight may be remembered as yet another adult industry porn star who happened to commit suicide; but there is much more and so that is not the … More Gay binational couple commit suicide within a week of each other

God Forbid Equality | Same-Sex Couples’ right to immigration equality attacked by Hispanic Catholic Evangelical Coalition

March 8, 2013

Gay and lesbian U.S. citizens and permanent residents may lose the possible inclusion in immigration reform that would allow them to apply for visas and green cards – Catholic Hispanic, and Evangelical Coalition says inclusion would  be an Immigration reform deal-breaker. By Melanie Nathan, March 08, 2013. You would think that marginalized group would find … More God Forbid Equality | Same-Sex Couples’ right to immigration equality attacked by Hispanic Catholic Evangelical Coalition

President Obama’s Immigration Reform Proposal Does Include Same Sex Couples

January 29, 2013

A path to citizenship for all, if Obama’s plan is followed and the  U.S. Congress includes binational same-sex couples. Posted by Melanie Nathan, Jan 29, 2013. Today, President Barack Obama announced his support for comprehensive immigration reform that would establish a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and make it possible for US citizens in … More President Obama’s Immigration Reform Proposal Does Include Same Sex Couples

McCain Calls Binational Same-Sex Couples a Red Flag for Immigration Reform

January 29, 2013

Expectations that Obama to call for inclusion of same-sex couples: UPDATED – CONTRARY TO SPECULATION OBAMA FAILED TO MENTION THE SNUB OF LGBT SAME-SEX BINATIONALS in the McCAIN Schumer immigration reform plan. Maybe it is in his written plan? But Obama does include them in his written Proposal. By Melanie Nathan, January 29, 2013, 7.30 … More McCain Calls Binational Same-Sex Couples a Red Flag for Immigration Reform

Immigration Policy Snubs Binational Same-Sex Couples as UAFA is excluded from Bipartisan Plan

January 28, 2013

Bipartisan bound to snub binationals indicative of failed Immigration Equality strategy, as gays tossed under the bus. By Melanie Nathan, January 28, 2013 (nathan@privatecourts.com) A bipartisan group of Senators from both parties revealed today the framework of a broad overhaul of the nation’s immigration laws, including a pathway to citizenship for more than 11 million … More Immigration Policy Snubs Binational Same-Sex Couples as UAFA is excluded from Bipartisan Plan

UK Breaks Pledge to not Deport Gay and Lesbian Asylum Seekers

October 31, 2012

Deportation of LGBT refugees continues Government breaks its pledge of a safe haven By Melanie Nathan, Oct 31, 2012 The deportations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) asylum seekers have not ceased are continuing, despite government pledges to ensure their refuge in the United Kingdom.  According to a Press Statement by Peter Tatchell, Director … More UK Breaks Pledge to not Deport Gay and Lesbian Asylum Seekers

Lesbian Mom Answers Oprah Hurt Me to Oprah’s Weekly Lifeclass Question

October 7, 2012

Oprah Invites Rick Warren to teach Lifeclass – “Oprah perhaps you do not understand the extent to which LGBT Americans are impacted by the denial of our basic civil rights,” Melanie Nathan By Melanie Nathan, Oct 07, 2012. That lesbian mom is me. Oprah’s Lifeclass site asks its usual weekly question  “Are you hurting an … More Lesbian Mom Answers Oprah Hurt Me to Oprah’s Weekly Lifeclass Question

Defending the Gay Family at Installtion of San Francisco Archbishop Cordileone

October 6, 2012

Anti-gay Catholic Archbishop Cordileone Installed amidst noisy protests By Melanie Nathan, Oct 05,2012. Oakland Bishop Salvatore Cordileone was one of the major voices in the campaign to pass the discriminatory Proposition 8 in California. He is the head of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee for the Defense of Marriage, whose purpose has … More Defending the Gay Family at Installtion of San Francisco Archbishop Cordileone