We Didn't Win Everything. Still, We Won.

by: DyspepTex

Wed Nov 04, 2009 at 03:30 PM CST

Last night the LGBT and allied community suffered through some agonizing election returns. We won some. We lost a big one. How do you evaluate such a mixed bag of election results across the nation? Then, how do you apply those lessons to the movement for equality in general?

It's not as hard as you think.

We won.

No, we didn't win everything. The big prize of marriage in Maine got away. Still, we won. Let's take stock.

Below the fold.....

We Didn't Win Everything. Still, We Won.

by: DyspepTex

Wed Nov 04, 2009 at 03:30 PM CST

Last night the LGBT and allied community suffered through some agonizing election returns. We won some. We lost a big one. How do you evaluate such a mixed bag of election results across the nation? Then, how do you apply those lessons to the movement for equality in general?

It's not as hard as you think.

We won.

No, we didn't win everything. The big prize of marriage in Maine got away. Still, we won. Let's take stock.

Below the fold.....

The Federal Hate Crimes Act and Texas

by: DyspepTex

Wed Oct 28, 2009 at 02:08 PM CDT

Federal Hate Crimes Legislation - A Grim Victory

Today, President Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. It is an important, yet grim, victory for the LGBT and other targeted communities. Among other important steps, the Act marks the first time federal law has referred to "gender identity" in a positive manner and offered transgender persons some form of protection.

It has taken 13 years, untold victims, multiple deaths, and the efforts of survivors, loved ones and activists to get the Hate Crimes Act passed. No one, of course, expects the Act to actually end hate crimes.  However, the hope is that by granting the federal government the jurisdiction and resources to prosecute hate crimes people will become more aware, and educated, about hate crimes--eventually leading to an overall reduction in this, one of the most hideous forms of violence.

More below the fold..