Tag: politics

Onward Christian Soldiers — Let’s Attack the Queers

Beverly | Feb 26, 2018 | Reply

It’s fairly certain that as the LGBTQ right movement grew there would be those in conservative circles who saw our existence as a threat to their way of life. With the Trump administration coming to Washington on a wave of evangelical support we have seen roll backs of regulations and legal interpretations that were put in place during the Obama years to guarantee everyone’s rights. The trans in the military ban was the first step in a campaign to stop the forward movement of the LGBTQ community. Beverly Anne Thomas has some insight into how the right wing’s battle plans were made.

Chelsea Manning and New Jersey Trans Politics Progress

Babs | Jan 29, 2018 | Reply

Babs Casbar Siperstein, our political correspondent shares some thoughts on Chelsea Manning’s big to compete in the primary for Maryland’s senate seat. Then she updates you on the progress on trans issues being made in New Jersey now that their unpopular governor has left office and been replaced with a Democrat.

Legalized Hate

Sophie Lynne | Jan 22, 2018 | Reply

This week Sophie Lynne is concerned that the current administration in charge in Washington, D.C. is actively moving to restrict our rights to fair treatment by promoting the idea that people can refuse to serve, provide housing, or medical treatment to LGBT people strictly because the idea goes against their religion. Sophie feels that a new department of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights establishment of a Conscience and Religious Freedom Division is a direct threat to us. Give her post a read and let us know what you think.

Getting Ready for the Ball!

Babs | Jan 1, 2018 | Reply

Our political correspondent Babs Casbar Siperstein is preparing to attend the inaugural ball for the newly elected governor of New Jersey and she started musing about some of the other glamorous balls she has attended over the years. Everything from the Night of a Thousand Gowns in New York City to one of President Obama’s Inauguration Balls in Washington, D.C. One of the balls she attended gave her the chance to first meet Senator Frank Lautenberg and begin to talk to him about trans issues. Get your tiara and step into the glamor side of politics in Babs’ final report for 2017.

Fight Back and Prepare for 2018

Babs | Dec 4, 2017 | Reply

Our resident political maven, Babs Casbar Siperstein, feels that the Trump administration has demonstrated that while the president-elect promised to support LGBT rights the president in office is doing all he can to diminish those rights. The administration is aided and abetted in this by Republican legislatures at the state level. But, there are signs of resistance and movement by the left to make a strong stand for candidates that advocate for everyone’s rights and will support LGBT people. Babs lists those who won seats in the recent election and projects what needs to be done to win in future contests.

Legalizing Discrimination

Sophie Lynne | Nov 6, 2017 | Reply

Given the political atmosphere we find ourselves living in is it any wonder that trans people have grown fearful? The last administration worked on our behalf to make sure we were given our rights. The Justice Department went to bat for trans people who were discriminated against or attacked. The military was working on letting trans soldiers serve openly. Then with one election all protections and assistance from the federal level was snuffed out. Sophie Lynne is not optimistic that she will be able to survive the Trump administration. She does have an idea of what we all need to do. She discusses that in her blog today.

One Door Closes . . .

Babs | Nov 6, 2017 | Reply

Babs Casbar Siperstein is our political correspondent and until recently she was a member of the Democratic National Committee. She was unceremoniously dumped in an email just a day before the DNC By-laws mandated deadline for informing a member that they are removed. But does she have any regrets? No. Babs looks at it as a case of one door closing and another door opening. She will continue to support the Democratic Party and work as she always has for a better future.

Okay… Let’s get political

M | Oct 23, 2017 | Reply

It takes a lot to get some folks worked up over destruction of LGBTQ rights in today’s world where atrocious rulings, policies, laws, and tweets come out of our nation’s capital on a daily basis. But our Youth View writer M is more than a bit upset about the order issued by Attorney General Jeff Sessions changing the interpretation of Title VII. Sessions has instructed the DOJ that Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not protect LGBTQ citizens. So if your boss at the coffee house or the major corporation wants to fire you for being LGBTQ there is nothing to stop them.

Politics: The Fight Continues

Babs | Oct 9, 2017 | Reply

Our political correspondent Babs Casbar Siperstein reports on several developments in the areas of transgender rights. First she reports on two trans community fundraising events in New York City. Then she digs into Sessions memo reversing Obama era protections for transgender people, and tells you about a transgender health conference in New Jersey and the reaction to the Sessions memo among attendees of that event.

Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!

CateOMalley | Sep 11, 2017 | Reply

Cate O’Malley, with a hurricane looming on her doorstep, took the time to send us a blog for today’s New Content. In it she talks about the heroes of the trans community who have put themselves out there and advocated for change in an effort to make all trans people’s lives better. She also talks about the new trans activists who are making their voices heard. She believes that now is the time to fight harder to hold on to the gains we have made in recent years. The political climate has grown colder for trans people and we are under constant attack from right wing religious organizations that want us to disappear from the face of the Earth. See what Cate recommends that you can do to make things a bit better.

The True Cost of The Trans Military Ban

Babs | Aug 14, 2017 | Reply

Today our political correspondent Babs Casbar Siperstein looks at the actual cost of the ban on transgender soldiers in our military. President Trump tweeted the ban after consultation with several of his advisors who all argued against banning trans people from the military. He went ahead and issued a Twitter statement in three tweets. Part of the justification of the ban was the supposed high cost of providing medical care to trans soldiers. When Babs looked at the numbers they just don’t add up. Kicking trans soldiers out of the services will cost millions of dollars more than keeping them.

Rally Speech

Sophie Lynne | Aug 7, 2017 | Reply

On Saturday, August 5, 2017 Sophie was asked to speak at a rally against hate toward trans people. Today she shares the text of the speech she delivered that day. We at TGForum say, well done Sophie.

Big Win in Congress for Trans Military

Babs | Jul 17, 2017 | Reply

On Thursday, July 13, 2017 Democrats stood together and tall for common sense military readiness, transgender equality and health care equality and were joined by 24* Republicans and defeated an unnecessary and hateful amendment by Rep. Vicky Hartzler, a Republican from Missouri, that would have banned the coverage of transition-related health care for transgender troops.

The Bad, The Ugly, The Good and The Hope For Better

Babs | Jul 3, 2017 | Reply

While Governor Chris Christie is in a stand off with the New Jersey Legislature over the state’s budget all of the state parks and recreational facilities are closed. Except the governor has access to a residence which is located in a state park very near the beach. While as a lame duck Christie enjoys a 15% approval rating and can’t run for reelection our political correspondent Babs Casbar Siperstein is hoping that he will feel beneficent after his vacation at the shore and will sign several bills into law that benefit trans people in the state. In a special report Babs tells you what those bills are and how they would be good for trans people.

Terrific Transgender Candidates

Babs | Jun 19, 2017 | Reply

As we are on track to witness a record number of murders of trans people here in the United States, we are no doubt seeing a record number of qualified transgender people running for public office and that is a terrific way of fighting back. DANICA ROEM Danica Roem has worked in her personal and […]

Seventeen

Sophie Lynne | Jun 12, 2017 | Reply

Sophie is concerned that her generation of trans people has not succeeded in clearing the way for the younger generations of trans people. Progress was being made and recognition and respect was being earned and then a change of administration shifted the federal stance on transgender right from positive to negative. Sophie writes about two encounters she had while at work that demonstrate the success of the work that has been done and the need for continued work.

Time for Trans People to Stand Up and Show Up

Babs | May 29, 2017 | Reply

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month and there will be several events around the country that focus on trans people. Our political correspondent Babs Casbar Siperstein has good advice when she says it’s time to stand up and show up. Most of the legislators who are busy passing restroom bills have never met a trans person. That makes June the perfect time to get out there, be seen, and if possible meet the legislators. Babs has some info on some events at the national and state level.

Waiting My Turn

CateOMalley | May 22, 2017 | Reply

Cate O’Malley is a trans lady who is active in her community and who goes out and about quite a bit so you just know that she’s going to have to make a stop in the ladies’ room now and then. While Cate is a law abiding citizen who observes the speed limit, doesn’t shop lift, or deal drugs, she is classified as a lawbreaker in her home state. Why? It’s the ridiculous law that says people can only use the restroom that matches the sex on their birth certificate. Cate has a lot to say about those laws and the conservative men who write those laws.

Are We in Danger of Alabamafication?

danabevan | Apr 24, 2017 | Reply

Opposition to LGBT rights is strongest in the southern states of the U.S. Why is it that these states lead the charge by imposing restroom laws and taking steps to make life harder for their trans citizens? Dana Bevan has the answers to the problem and she shares them with you today in an essay titled Alabamafication. There are many threads to this tapestry of hate and they are seen most clearly in Alabama where corrupt politicians maintain control of the purse strings by making LGBT people the “other” that threatens law and order. Dana has the truth about Sweet Home Alabama and how the rest of the country is at risk of moving in that direction.

Sick of Trump? Fight Back!

Babs | Apr 24, 2017 | Reply

If you find the roll backs of trans rights being enacted around the country and by the Federal government then you have two options. You can complain about it on social media or you can get off your behind and get out to events that can help make things better. Not just marches and demonstrations but training sessions, meeting with legislators and learning to be an advocate for yourself. Babs Casbar Siperstein has some suggestions that you can follow to take action.

Fighting Back in New Jersey

Babs | Mar 27, 2017 | Reply

Babs Casbar Siperstein is very active in New Jersey politics. As the nation faces roll backs of trans rights protections Babs has filed a report on what is being done in New Jersey to protect trans rights. Several bill passed in the legislature recently but Governor Christie is unlikely to sign them. Trans people in the state are organizing and stepping up to demand that their rights be protected. Learn more in Babs’ report.

The Week In Trans 3/20/17

ceciliab | Mar 20, 2017 | Reply

Today we learn about a trans contestant on Britain’s Top Model. Time Magazine has a cover story on fluid gender identities. Lawyers are trying to delay Gavin Grimm’s case so he graduates school and looses standing to sue. A Philadelphia trans woman entertainer appears on Say Yes to the Dress. The Steak and Catfish Barn may just be discriminating against trans people. A trans man runs for NYC Council. A Japanese trans man is the first to win elected office in his country. San Francisco won’t pay for employees to go to South Dakota. A trans woman runner is sentenced for attacking a racing official. Casa Ruby, the community center for LGBT people in Washington, D.C. was vandalized. Is Garfield the Cat a girl? There’s all that and a ton more, plus a few TWIT Awards waiting for you in TWIT!

Symbols

Sophie Lynne | Mar 20, 2017 | Reply

TGForum contributor Sophie Lynne found herself, unprepared, behind a podium giving testimony to her town’s borough council about an LGBT equality statute the council was preparing to vote on. Moved to speak when the floor was opened for public comment Sophie put up her hand, was acknowledeged, and went to the podium. What she said proved to be quotable and showed up in the local papers, along with her photo taken as she spoke. The statute passed. But Sophie feels many people who have been symbols for the fight for trans rights haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve. Today she writes about those Symbols.

Trump/Pence — Worse than you think!

Babs | Jan 30, 2017 | Reply

Our political correspondent Babs Casbar Siperstein reports from the frontlines in the resistance movement. First she talks about the organizations and agencies that will possibly be able to stave off attacks on LGBTQ rights from the Trump administration. Then she reports on what went on at a meeting in Philadelphia with Senators Cory Booker and Bob Casey which brought together a number of other legislators as well as activists and LGBTQ organizations to make plans for the coming months.

The Crisis

Sophie Lynne | Jan 23, 2017 | Reply

The election and recent inauguration of President Donald J. Trump has raised fears in the trans community. The incoming vice president has, as governor of Indiana, signed laws restricting the rights of LGBT people in his state and supported laws denying trans access to public restrooms. President Trump has flip flopped on trans restroom rights. No one knows what he thinks on various issues. What does the future under the Trump administration hold for trans people? Sophie Lynne is worried, scared, and ready to fight back.

Challenges of 2017

Babs | Jan 2, 2017 | Reply

During the past eight years trans rights have been boosted by the Obama Administration. Rules were put in place to help trans people to get the equal treatment they are entitled to and President Obama was hailed as the “transgender rights president.” Trans allowed to serve openly in the military. Trans people actually visible in the administration. All those gains can be wiped away in just a few weeks when the new administration takes over. Babs Casbar Siperstein discusses what we may lose and she reports on the results of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey.

Tag: politics

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