12/14/13

From the citizens of Russia - to EU citizens: Speak out against Putin's illegitimate regime



From the citizens of Russia - to EU citizens
От граждан России - гражданам Евросоюза 
Депутатам и Председателю Европарламента 
Комиссару Совета Европы

by Isidor Burtman, Moscow. Cross posted from Boycott the Russian Winter Olympics 2014 unless Pussy Riot are freed

European Commission ( https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission)

European Commission - Humanitarian Aid & Civil Protection (ECHO)
https://www.facebook.com/ec.humanitarian.aid?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser 
-- http://hub.coe.int/

Council of Europe ( https://www.facebook.com/pages/Council-of-Europe/42276542714?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser )

EU Justice ( https://www.facebook.com/EUJustice?fref=pb&hc_location=profile_browser )

European Court of Human Rights ( Strasbourg, France ) -http://www.echr.coe.int/Pages/home.aspx?p=home&c

Dear Ladies and gentlemen - 
the leaders of the political and social structures of the EU . You have been chosen for its people and operates on the basis of European law and the Constitution of the European Union. You act for the benefit of European citizens and their interests.
At the same time , you cooperate with the criminal regime not legitimate of Russia - Reach out to the Russian people ! Condemn together the dictatorial regime of KGB's Putin in Russia !
( Уважаемые Дамы и Господа - руководители политических и общественных структур Евросоюза . Вы избраны своими народами и осуществляете свою деятельность на основании европейских законов и Конституции ЕС . Вы действуете на благо граждан Европы и в их интересах . Одновременно , Вы сотрудничаете с НЕ ЛЕГИТИМНЫМ КРИМИНАЛЬНЫМ РЕЖИМОМ России --протяните руку российскому народу !!! Осудите диктаторский режим в России !!! )

---- Vladimir Putin's regime has not popular support in Russia and was mounted under the powerful criminal and administrative pressure , in the absence of meaningful observation and the citizens themselves - voted forced on pain of dismissal and repression of the state. EU countries buy from KGB Putin's oil and gas - the deal is not done in the interest of the people of Russia . Money from the sale of energy go to prison construction and arming repressive organs of Russia . Oil and gas - is the blood of the Russian people and the tears of our mothers. Energy supplies must be organized in a free and democratic Russia - do not use or store in the Bank and Fund, the EU dirty criminal money - KGB dictator
( ---- Режим В. Путина не имеет поддержки населения России и был смонтирован при мощном криминальном и административном давлении , в отсутствии полноценного наблюдения и сами граждане - голосовали принудительно под страхом увольнения и репрессий государства . Страны ЕС покупают у КГБ-Путина нефть и газ -- данная сделка совершается не в интересах народа России . Деньги от продажи энергоресурсов идут на строительство ТЮРЕМ и вооружение репрессивных органов. Российская нефть и газ -- это кровь российского народа и слёзы наших матерей . Поставки энергоносителей надо организовать из свободной и демократической России -- не используйте и не храните в Банках и Фондах ЕС грязные криминальные деньги КГБ- диктатора )

--- 1 . Please support the struggle of Russian citizens against the growing totalitarian regime of Putin and the KGB criminal clan . They are changed of laws, rules and the Constitution of the Russian Federation - They use of terror , a system of crime and repression in front russian citizens . 
We ask You - Do Make a political , economic, and social action - for do force the Putin regime for the law and the norms of international law. 
( --- 1. Просим информационно и политически поддержать борьбу российских граждан против усиливающегося тоталитарного режима Путина и криминального клана из ФСБ , подменивших ЗАКОН , ПРАВА и Конституцию РФ - террором , системой криминала и репрессий .)

- 2.1. PLEASE --- Do Political condemnation of totalitarianism in Russia . Strictly necessary to demand ( and to impose sanctions against the regime of Vladimir Putin's KGB) --- bring the law of Russia into line with EU standards , release of all political prisoners (which will be recognized as such by the conclusion of the European Parliament , the political demands to hold democratic elections in the President and the Parliament of Russia as soon as possible . Also - for our Freedom ( for a citizens of Russia ) We need a memorandum of boycott of the Olympic Games in Sochi in 2014 in today's repressive regime in Russia .
-- 2.1. ПРОСИМ --- Политического осуждения тоталитаризма в России . Жёстко требуйте от властей РФ приведения законов в соответствие с нормами ЕС ; Освобождение всех политических заключённых (которые будут признаны таковыми по заключению комиссии Европарламента ; Политического требования провести в России демократические выборы Президента и Парламента в кратчайшие сроки --- меморандум о бойкоте олимпиады в Сочи-2014 при сегодняшнем репрессивном режиме в России. 

- 2.2 Please speed up the adoption of Magnitsky and approve it in all EU Member States - to prevent further killings and the triumph of justice and the investigation of crimes already committed. Please supplement this list regularly - on the facts of Russian involvement of officials and officials for crimes against civilians. Please consider responsible for the lawlessness and mass crimes of public servants Russia - the country's leadership and personally V. Putin 
-- 2.2 Просим ускорить принятие Закона Магницкого и утвердить его на территории всех государств ЕС -- для предупреждения новых убийств и торжества правосудия и расследования по уже совершённым преступлениям. Просим дополнять этот список регулярно - по фактам причастности Российских чиновников и должностных лиц к преступлениям против граждан. Просим считать ответственным за беззаконие и массовые преступления государственных служащих России-- высшее руководство страны и лично В. Путина 

- 3. December 31, 1999, Boris Yeltsin declared Putin "successor" - it looks like the transfer of the royal crown. . In accordance with the Constitution, the power in our country, not transmitted by inheritance or by recommendation. In March 2000, Putin has 'won' the election. This "victory" helped Uninvestigated TERRORIST ACTS autumn 1999 apartment bombings in Moscow and Volgodonsk (with clear traces of crimes of Russian secret services) and the war in Chechnya. Putin ascended to the Russian throne on high blood - guilt Russian special services in these tragedies is obvious. 
( -- 3. 31 декабря 1999 г. Б. Ельцин объявил В. Путина «преемником» -- это похоже на передачу царской короны . . В соответствии с Конституцией РФ, власть в нашей стране не передается ни по наследству, ни по рекомендации. В марте 2000 г. Путин «победил» на выборах. этой "победе" помогли НЕРАССЛЕДОВАННЫЕ ТЕРАКТЫ осенью 1999 г. взрывы домов в Москве и Волгодонске ( с чёткими следами преступлений спецслужб РФ ) и война в Чечне . В. Путин взошёл на российский трон на большой крови - виновность спецслужб России в этих трагедиях очевидна ) 

--- 4. It can be argued, on the people of Russia were rendered ( by the Russian authorities and the FSB ) criminal and political pressure using Teror and criminal offenses against public figures - this is to prevent any alternative to Putin in the presidential election. hereinafter. FSB pursued any politicians or political forces that can compete with Kremlin- FSB- POWER 
( --- 4. Можно утверждать- на народ РФ было оказано криминально-политическое давление с использованием ТЕРОРА и уголовных преступлений против общественных деятелей - это исключило ВСЯКУЮ альтернативу Путину на президентских выборах. в дальнейшем. ФСБ преследовала любых политиков или политические силы , способные конкурировать с ВЛАСТЬЮ )

- 5. It is safe to say that there are in Russia INTELLIGENCE POWER MODE using as holding power of crime and political terror.. 
( -- 5. Можно уверенно говорить о существовании в России СИЛОВОГО РЕЖИМА СПЕЦСЛУЖБ , использующих в качестве удержания власти КРИМИНАЛ и политический Террор ).

--- 6 . "No one may usurp power in the Russian Federation. The seizure of power or usurping authority shall be prosecuted under federal law "(paragraph 4 of Art. 3 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation ) . 
(--- 6. «Никто не может присваивать власть в Российской Федерации. Захват власти или присвоение властных полномочий преследуется по федеральному закону» (п. 4 ст. 3 Конституции Российской Федерации). 

- 7. After spending two terms in the Kremlin , Putin has trampled all the young shoots of democracy in Russia . To do this, he created contrary to democratic principles "vertical of power " that is destroyed by the electoral system . In two- time of president Putin - from 2000 to 2008 - was completely destroyed by a young democracy in Russia . All authorities were in the hands of Clan FSB - the separation of powers and the court is no more. The parliamentary and public control of power (in the form of press and public institutions ) - All of them - under the supervision of the Federal Security Service and there is no available as stand-alone entities .
( -- 7. Проведя в Кремле два срока, Путин вытоптал все ростки молодой демократии в России. Для этого им была создана противоречащая демократическим принципам «вертикаль власти», то есть уничтожена система выборов. За 2 срока Путина - с 2000г по 2008г была полностью уничтожена молодая демократия в России. Все органы власти оказались в руках клана ФСБ - разделения властей и суда больше нет . Парламентаризм и общественный контроль за властью (в виде прессы и общественных институтов )- либо под контролем ФСБ, либо отсутствует как самостоятельные свободные субъекты ).

--- 8. Intermediate Medvedev presidency resembled a "family dog and heating slippers sleeping owner" - changes in Russian legislation have been made illegitimate by parliament. This parliament was elected by illegal manipulation and with the use of force and political pressure on the Russian special services of Russian citizens 
(--- 8. Промежуточное президентство Медведева напоминало "обогрев тапок хозяина домашним псом " во время сна первого -- изменения в законодательную базу России были внесены нелегитимным парламентом. Данный парламент был избран методом незаконных манипуляций и с применением силового и политического давления спецслужб России )-

( - 9. Consequence of claim 8, 2012 Putin returned to the Kremlin in the absence of a democratic choice and used manipulation , used stifling the press and public scrutiny of the elections themselves ..
Today the people of Russia suffered grievously from the rebirth of totalitarianism. The arrests began , returned to the Reign of Terror punitive psychiatry , and then there are mass demonstrations power of Putin's crime . In consequence of the criminal provisions of the desperate and the growth of dictatorship in Russia is growing and it threatens to Nazism is demoсratic part of Russian people

The atmosphere is saturated with hatred. More noticeable unprecedented stratification of society . All of the country's wealth concentrated in the hands of Putin and his cronies. Russia has become one of the most corrupt countries in the world . Putin consistently destroys education and medicine . The authorities do not want Peace for the citizens . Power betrays his people and is prepared to expand the repression. 
( -- 9. Следствием п.8 , в 2012 г. Путин вернулся в Кремль при полном отсутствии демократического выбора , при манипуляциях , подавив прессу и общественный контроль за самими выборами. . 
Сегодня народ России тяжко страдает от возрождения тоталитаризма . Начались аресты, вернулась карательная психиатрия, то и дело происходят массовые выступления вскормленных властью фашистов. 
Вследствие отчаянного криминального положения и роста диктатуры , в России растёт нацизм и это угрожает именно демократической части российского народа 
Атмосфера пропитана ненавистью. Все заметнее небывалое расслоение общества. Все богатства страны сосредоточены в руках Путина и его приспешников. Россия стала одной из самых коррумпированных стран мира. Путин последовательно уничтожает образование и медицину. Власти не нужны граждане . Власть совершает предательство своего народа и приготавливается к расширению репрессий ).

- 10. We, the citizens of Russia, consider it necessary to initiate an international tribunal over the criminal power of the Russian Federation (on the last and new facts of committed criminal offenses). Otherwise, Russia will come out over the edge of human society and the rule of law will be a threat to his own people and the peoples of Europe
(-- 10. Мы, граждане России, считаем необходимым инициировать международный Трибунал над КРИМИНАЛЬНОЙ ВЛАСТЬЮ РФ ( по фактам совершённых и совершающихся сейчас уголовных преступлений ) . В противном случае России выйдет за грань обще-человеческих правовых норм и станет угрозой собственному народу и народам ЕВРОПЫ ). --- http://www.coe.ru/

********

Я ориентированы многие страны Евросоюза и России с этот пост на facebook, но у меня было очень мало хитов из России до настоящего времени. Это очень хорошо может быть причиной почему.
"Vedomosti": Duma allowed extrajudicial blocking (web)sites

Taking action:
You can print Mr. Burtman's letter and email or snail mail it to the agencies above.
and/or sign these petitions:
Принимая действий:
Г-н Буртман можно распечатать письмо и электронной почте или обычной почте учреждений выше.
или подписать эти петиции:

Coca-Cola, Panasonic, VISA, Dow ,Samsung, Procter&Gamble and McDonalds : Stand Against Russia's Brutal Crackdown on Gay Rights: Urge Winter Olympics 2014 Sponsors to Condemn Anti-Gay Laws

No Pussies No Games: Boycott / Demonstrate at The Russian Winter Olympics

Some of many face book pages calling for a response to the the Russian Gay Propaganda Law:
Некоторые из многих страниц книги лицо, призыв в ответ на российский закон гей пропаганды:
Boycott 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Russia

PARTICIPATE TO MAKE SURE THE SPONSOR WITHDRAW THE 2014 WINTER OLYMPICS IN SOCHI : MCDONALD'S, COCA-COLA ,SAMSUNG,PANASONIC ,VISA AND PGT

"BAMBOOZLED" the ultimate transpanic gotcha moment or just a funny movie?

BAMBOOZLED won first prize at Australia's Tropfest which claims to be the worlds largest short film festival. About 2/3 of You tube'r's thought it was funny.

My guess would be most of the 1/3 of the thumbs down came from LGBT people but then I've been wrong once before.
I won't add my 2 cents until after you watch it.



So right on the heels of The Dallas Buyers Club comes another movie that makes a mockery of transsexulism but this time the movie also makes a joke of same sex attractions.

So to all the gay people ho ballyhooed our disapproval of the Dallas Buyers club, well, welcome to the club.

Most every review I have read, except the inevitable leech sites that make revenue by saying it was simply fabulous, all have all said the same thing. It reeked. It's an embarrassment to Australia.

Ok so lets say that both are out gay people but one of them was a skin head who only went to bed with white men. What if it turned out the black man he just bed'd fooled him into thinking he had a skin pigment change but in reality was really always black?

"BAMBOOZLED" would then be offensive to a different larger more vocal minority and subsequently social unacceptable. Duh.

There's a petition demanding an apology from Tropfest. I signed it,


Global Day Of Rage Sunday Dec 15 No to India's Anti LGBT law 377

On December 11th, 2013, The Supreme Court of India reinstated the Criminality of Homosexuality in India. This Judgment has inspired anger across different sections of society around the world. While the legal battle continues, it is important that we make our voices heard. Loud and Clear.

This Judgment is not about any one community in any one country but about the hegemonic structures that oppress many across the world. It is a blow to the various other LGBTIQ communities across the world who might have taken strength from the Indian story to challenge laws/social norms/prejudices that criminalise homosexuality in their own countries. It is time we begin to heal this lasting scar of colonialism. It is time we are given the space and freedom to pursue the work of fundamental social change which is made impossible with a law such as Sec. 377 of the Indian Penal Code choking us.

Gather your friends, lovers and anyone else who is enraged by this injustice. Make your voices heard.

The Hindu Times poll currently shows 84% of respondents oppose 377.


al jazeera: Tough times India for our transgender community
FOR LINK TO OTHER CITIES
Global Day of Rage Worldwide Facebook


11 दिसंबर 2013 को भारत के सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने देश में समलैंगिकता के आपराधिक होने को अपने फैसले के ज़रिये जारी रखा. इस फैसले ने दुनिया भर में समाज के अलग-अलग हिस्सों में गुस्सा पैदा किया है. जहाँ एक ओर कानूनी जंग जारी है, यह ज़रूरी है कि हम अपनी आवाज़ उठाएं और सुनाएं.

यह निर्णय किसी देश के एक खास समुदाय के बारे में नहीं बल्कि समाज में व्याप्त उन दमनकारी नियमों के बारे में है जो दुनिया भर में कई लोगों का दमन करते हैं. यह दुनिया भर में फैले उन अन्य एल जी बी टी आई क्यू समुदायों के लिए एक बड़ा झटका है जिन्होंने भारतीय अनुभव से प्रेरित होते हुए अपने अलग-अलग देशों में उन कानून/ सामाजिक नियमों/ सामाजिक भेदभावों को चुनौती देने की कोशिश की होगी, जो उनके देश में समलैंगिकता को आपराधिक बनाते हैं. समय आ गया है जब हम उपनिवेशवाद के दिए हुए इस ज़ख्म को भर डालें. समय आ गया है जब हमें मौका और आज़ादी मिले ताकि हम समाज में बड़ा बदलाव ला सकें, जो भारतीय दंड सहिंता की धारा 377 जैसा दमनकारी कानून असंभव बनाता है.

अपने दोस्तों, प्रेमियों और जो भी कोई इस अन्याय से क्रुद्ध हो, को जुटाएं और साथ लायें. अपनी आवाजें सुनवाएं.






We will Change the Law Two Transgenders have begun the War Against Discrimination -- [Red Pix]

Educated Transgenders Selvi manoj,Banu have decided to change the Legal system and Legal recognition for transgenders.After a huge Struggle they are knocked the Court to fight for their Rights.

Members of the transgender community on Wednesday alleged they were ill-treated and assaulted by police personnel when they went to the Secretariat to give the Chief Minister a letter containing their grievances.

They had initially sought permission to hold a protest at Valluvar Kottam, demanding reservation in government jobs for members of their community. However, the permission was denied. "So, at 10 a.m., we went to the Secretariat hoping to give copies of the letter to officials. Instead of letting us meet the authorities concerned, we were dragged by the hair, assaulted and taken to the Kothawalchavadi police station," said Bhanu, a computer engineer. They were released later at 7 p.m.

Swapna, an IAS aspirant, said they had planned a hunger strike at Valluvar Kottam to draw the government's attention to the plight of the transgender community when it came to getting government jobs. "I have been trying to write the civil services exam for several years, but I am being denied permission. They don't let me attempt the exam in the male or female category, and there is no 'other' category, either," said the graduate with a BCA degree.

"And, when we tried to let the policy-makers know our problems, we were assaulted. Sadly, even the female police personnel treated us like a nuisance," said Bhanu.

Police officers, however said, it was a minor scuffle as the members were trying to raise slogans there. "The Assembly was in progress and they were causing a disturbance. We were only trying to maintain decorum," said an official.

12/13/13

Drag artist Vito Marzano: The Full Story on The Denver Wrangler's discriminatory actions

The following is a guest post written by Vito John Marzano who was denied access to a gay bear bar called "The Denver Wrangler". This blog has been following this story since the very beginning when Vito was originally denied access to the bar  and subsequent attempts by representatives of the Wrangler to censor planetransgender and intimidate Vito and the editor of the Transadvocate where these articles are cross posted.. Now as we wait for DORA's ruling Vito would like to set the record straight.

THE FULL STORY
By Vito John Marzano and edited by Carlos Marzano.

On the night of August 30, 2013, I attended a fundraiser in support of the Colorado Rush RFC—a predominantly gay men’s rugby team here in Denver. I had played with this team for one season and my husband was, at the time, an assistant coach and member of the Board. The fundraiser was a drag beauty pageant called Ms. Ruck and Maul and was held at Hamburger Mary’s in Denver. Since it was my husband’s first time in drag, I decided I would dress in drag as well to support him and the event. For the most part, the night was an incredible success and was filled with lots of fun. After the pageant, many participants began to change out of their drag clothes and head to the Denver Wrangler, a short walk down the street. I found my outfit quite comfortable and had no issue remaining in what I wearing. Having a history of wearing gender non-conforming attire, including, but not limited to, Genderfuck and drag, I decided to enjoy my gender-bending attire for the evening.

I approached the Wrangler as I did any other night I had gone—with my ID in hand. The security guard, Pat Steimer, denied me entry. He said I did not look like my ID. My first reaction was to remove my wig. Being from Long Island, New York, my outfit was an homage to many women in that area—think Yetta from the Nanny meets Linda Richman from SNL. We’re talking big hair. Without the wig, the only difference between my ID and my appearance was a light layer of foundation, a shaved face, some lipstick, and some eye shadow. I was not heavily made up and I had just used my ID without incident at Hamburger Mary’s. Pat stated that my gender MUST match my ID. I pointed out that I had been in the Wrangler before and never had an incident. Pat’s response was to tell me that I was from Denver so I should already know about this policy. I made a point of clarifying him on the spot. I am NOT from Denver and I did NOT know about this policy. I had just moved to Denver less than a year ago and I am very proud of my New York background (and my Long Island accent). Pat called the manager, Phil Newland, who reiterated that I was being denied entry because the gender on my ID did not match how I was presenting. Things began to get heated and they threatened to call the police on me.

As I walked away, my blood was boiling. I knew I had to get proof of this. I took my phone out and started to record video. Phil and Pat are much taller than I and the phone was about eye level with them. It was clearly visible. Pat stopped me in front of the Wrangler, on a public sidewalk, in front of the barricade, and told me I would be arrested if I didn’t leave. I asked him to confirm that the reason I was being denied entry was because the gender on my ID does not match how I was presenting. He nodded affirmatively. I started to challenge him on this policy and he, once again, called Phil back outside. Phil appeared and began to engage me, knowing full well I was recording video. We got into a debate as to whether or not the policy is transphobic. He even went as far as to say that the first step for any trans- individual is to update their ID at the DMV. When I said that I could not wait to upload this to the internet, Phil's response was “I have the block on charity in this town.” After roughly four and a half minutes of video, they resumed their threats to call the police on me.

At no point during this incident—and I repeat, at no point—did they say I was being denied entry because of my poor attitude or because I was acting belligerently. This was a debate about whether one of their policies is inherently transphobic.

The following day, I uploaded the video to YouTube and started the Boycott the Denver Wrangler page on Facebook. The response was overwhelming. After the video was released, Phil stated that I had illegally recorded them on private property. That is false. As I said, I made it very clear that I was recording video. I held the phone at eye level and I was on a public sidewalk. The Wrangler staff, however, continued to make a number of false or misinformed counter-arguments in their Facebook responses and revisionist account of the incident. I did nothing illegal that night and I stand by it.

Once the video had circulated through blogs, Facebook posts, and other social media, the Wrangler staff reported it to YouTube and the video was taken down. It was immediately reposted to Vimeo.

The entire video can be seen here

 Boycott The Denver Wrangler Facebook Page.

The public's response was very positive and supportive. I was completely unaware that the Wrangler's ID policy was well-known in Denver and people here simply put up with it. How disheartening. Why have people in Denver accepted such a blatantly transphobic ID policy? Why has no one stood up and challenged the Wrangler about this? Why are people tolerating discrimination? I simply could not wrap my head around the apathy.

Immediately after I posted the video to YouTube, the Wrangler retaliated against the only thing they could—the Colorado Rush RFC. Phil Newland sent them a letter stating that they will no longer offer sponsorship opportunities if they continue to allow their players to actively support the Boycott. Instead of the Colorado Rush RFC standing up against discrimination and in complete fear of losing money for the team, former Board President Nicholas Miller and Board member Kevin Michael Fuller began a witch-hunt to rid the team of Boycott supporters. After receiving the Wrangler's letter, Nicholas Miller posted a message to the Board of Directors Facebook group and asked for my husband’s resignation from the Board and from the coaching staff, as he was a visibly active supporter of the Boycott. They felt that, since he was in two positions of authority and representation, his participation would compromise the neutrality of the team. Putting matters of principle before blood money, my husband resigned to stand by me.

Immediately after, Nicholas and Kevin contacted active players who were supporting the Boycott and explained to them that they have two options, as stated in the Wrangler’s retaliatory letter—either remain on the team and end their support of the Boycott or leave the team entirely. Some team members pushed back and the Board eventually stepped down and ended the witch-hunt stating that active players may support the Boycott but members of the Board and coaching staff could not, lest they compromise the "neutrality" of the team. The Board then sent me a letter demanding that I stop claiming any affiliation with the team. In my response, I pointed out that I had never claimed to be a current member nor have I claimed to speak or represent the team. The only reason why the Wrangler retaliated against the Colorado Rush RFC was because the video description on YouTube said that I was coming from their fundraising event. That’s it. The Wrangler saw that and used it to their advantage. I did not bring the Rush into this, the Wrangler did. Still, I was being blamed for it. I also pointed out in my response that Kevin Michael Fuller had informed my husband that he was in a romantic relationship with Pat Steimer thereby creating another vested interest on the team’s part in the Wrangler. After word circulated that Kevin and Pat were in a romantic relationship, Kevin posted to his Facebook page stating that he had lied to my husband and it was all made up. Is this the kind of person the Rush wants on their Board of Directors? Really? Nevertheless, Board members continued to patronize the Wrangler and show their support. How is this being neutral? According to the Rush’s logic, supporting the Wrangler doesn’t compromise the neutrality of the team. Supporting the Boycott does.

At this point, it was more than obvious that the Rush had picked a side. They chose sponsorship over principles. They chose to sell out their own players for money. Instead of standing up for what is right, they chose to turn their back on drag queens and transgender individuals—the very people who raised money for them at Ms. Ruck and Maul. Is this really the brotherhood the Rush is teaching its players? How is this an "all-inclusive" team? How is this even right?

Keithen Vaughn, an employee of the Denver Wrangler and player on the Colorado Rush RFC, posted on a mutual friend’s Facebook page about how the Boycott was "stupid" and all it has done was cost the rugby team the ability to fundraiser at the Wrangler. I pointed out that it is illegal for any person or establishment to discriminate against a protected class and for the Wrangler to take retaliatory actions, as they have, but Keithen was unconvinced. Screen shots of the conversation were taken and posted to the Boycott Facebook page.

As the Boycott began to grow, more people came forward with their own stories of discrimination, harassment, and exclusion at the Wrangler. Planetransgender was the first to break the story. Phil responded to the article but his comments were incredibly inflammatory. He insisted on using the word “transgendered” as a verb and not "transgender" as an adjective, which many trans- individuals find offensive. I made it a point to correct his misusage. Secondly, he referenced second wave feminism as a way to discredit drag and gender non-conformity. I'm not sure how he came up with that but it was also an incorrect usage. He was also unwilling to listen to trans- individuals who had commented. How is that going to solve anything?

Shortly thereafter, OutFront Magazine, the foremost LGBT publication in Colorado, ran the story.

Once OutFront's article hit newsstands, the revisionism began. Supporters of the Wrangler began to make absurd claims about me, the night in question, and other events that may or may not have taken place.

About a week later, the Denver Post ran the story.

Now that this incident had picked up more media attention and the official Boycott website was launched at denver-wrangler.com, the Wrangler’s lawyers felt it was necessary to send me a cease and desist order. The letter was full of mistakes. They claimed that the video was taken on private property. It was not. They claimed that I was misrepresenting facts and engaging in a “slanderous” campaign. Interesting, considering that if that were true, it would be libelous. I trust their lawyers know the difference. Dismissing this letter as a sloppy scare tactic, I posted photos of it to the Boycott Facebook group and made it clear the Boycott would not end. We have one simple demand for the Wrangler—change the ID policy.

Jeff Compton, a supporter of the Boycott, began to organize a picket of the Wrangler. Phil commented on the Facebook event page and Jeff offered him a way out—meet with us without any lawyers at a neutral location to discuss the matter. Jeff said he would give them one week to respond. They didn't. I then made Phil another offer to meet. I suggested using the GLBT Center as a neutral third party to moderate the discussion. Phil made it clear there would be no meeting even though he has made previous claims that he was willing to discuss this matter at any time with anyone.

The protest moved forward. Daniel Gonzales captured the scene and organized it into a cohesively edited video. He interviewed people at the protest and asked them what they would like to see come out of this action. It came out really well.

You can watch the video here
The story was then picked up by the Advocate and Towleroad.

Celebrities such as RuPaul and Nina Flowers responded on Twitter, reposting links to the articles and commenting on the disappointing behavior within our community. It was a very proud moment for the Boycott.

Phil Newland responded as well on Facebook and claimed he had received death threats because of the media attention. I immediately reached out to Phil, encouraged him to contact the police, and let him know that I will cooperate in full capacity with any investigation. Phil’s response was that the phone numbers were blocked and he suspected that they were not local. Whether or not this actually occurred has been debated.

During the protest at the Wrangler, Brent Heinze, a well-known LGBT event promoter here in Denver, showed up with a counter-protest sign that said, “Protest Gay Marriage Not Drag Queens at Beer Bust.” This led to an immediate backlash against Brent from many within the LGBT, goth/industrial, and leather/kink communities in Denver where his events are heavily rooted. His sign hurt a wide range of people because, as is the case with so many cis-gender gay men, he minimized the fight for trans- equality. He said he was trying to bring attention to the “bigger picture” but it didn't work. I still don’t believe he knows what he did and how wrong he was for doing it. Brent tried to justify his actions by saying he didn’t intend to hurt anyone and he tried to issue an apology but it was very backhanded, insulting, and completely insincere. It took a few days for him to actually muster up something that was somewhat real but, by that time, he had already burned too many bridges. Brent offered to organize a meeting with the Wrangler but nothing ever came of it. He claimed that a certain person from the Boycott was attacking him and preventing the Wrangler from wanting to meet with me. I called utter bullshit on this. There have been many Wrangler supporters who have contacted me or publicly bashed me online and I was still open to meeting with the Wrangler. Nice try, Brent, but this is your mess. You clean it up.

When all of this was happening, Kevin Michael Fuller of the Colorado Rush RFC chimed in and reasserted on Facebook that the team was remaining neutral on this matter. I responded and pointed out how they were not neutral and have never been since day one. This led to an extremely long text message conversation between us, during which he flat out called me a faggot. Yes, a Board member of an “inclusive” gay men’s rugby team thinks it is okay to call people he doesn’t like faggots. Let that sink in for a bit. I find that word incredibly offensive and, under no circumstances, is it appropriate to use—period. Kevin knew this and used the word intentionally to hurt and anger me. Screen shots of the entire conversation were later posted to the Boycott Facebook page to bring more attention to the Colorado Rush RFC's unethical behavior. Many people were horrified including other gay men's rugby clubs across the country. Shame on you, Rush.

Around the same time, it was brought to my attention that the Colorado Rush RFC was holding their annual Board elections. Nicholas Miller stepped down as President and took another position, as did Kevin Michael Fuller. A supporter of the Boycott, who is still a current member of the team, asked to be part of the Board during these elections. He was told that, in order for him to join, he would have to end his support of the Boycott. He refused and, ultimately, was not allowed to join the Board. Interestingly, Keithen Vaughn, an employee of the Wrangler, was given the Board position of Vice President, without condition or incident. Not only does the Colorado Rush RFC condone a Board member calling someone a faggot, they fail to see their own hypocrisy in allowing an employee of the Wrangler on the Board. How is this taking a neutral position? How is this any less compromising than my husband being on the Board and the coaching staff? How exactly does a gay men’s rugby team use drag and gender nonconformity to raise money for themselves and then, when faced with transphobic discrimination, immediately turn their backs on the very people who helped them raise that money? How does this team justify allowing a Board member to call someone a faggot? How do they not recognize their hypocrisy in allowing an employee of the Wrangler on the Board but not a supporter of the Boycott? Again, how is this even right?

Meanwhile, a pseudo-LGBT activist group, calling themselves the Pink Panthers and claiming to be part of Queer Nation, performed their own investigation of the Wrangler in conjuction with Phil Newland and found no discrimination whatsoever—hmmm, curious. No one in Denver has ever heard of this group and they did not have much of a presence on Facebook. They have not done a single action in the entire year of their existence EXCEPT to criticize the Boycott and use language that was pretty close to Phil Newland's—hmmm, interesting. I wanted more information so I contacted their founder, Todd Hailey, and asked him why we were not invited to participate in this investigation. It seems very strange that Phil Newland was all of a sudden open to discuss matters at the Wrangler, even though he had turned down several attempts by the Boycott organizers to meet. All of this just seemed a little too orchestrated and staged. When Todd responsed to me, his answers were very misinformed and completely biased. We were then informed that he had supported the Wrangler from the beginning and, once this news cirrculated among the Boycott, people dismissed the Pink Panthers as armchair activists who had little to contribute to this cause.


THE LAW AND LEGAL ACTION

The Civil Rights Commission has published rules based on the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Law. Rule 81.1 states, “The rules in this section have been adopted to contribute to the elimination of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, inclusive of transgender status … in public accommodations…” Rule 81.2(B) states, “The term ‘transgender’ means having a gender identity or gender expression that differs from societal expectations based on gender assigned at birth.” Rule 81.2(D) states, “The term ‘gender expression’ means external appearance, characteristics or behaviors typically associated with a specific gender.” This wording implies that people who cross-dress and those in drag would fall within the category of transgender protections. It is my belief that the law is on our side. The Wrangler did not deny me entry because of attitude or attire, but because my gender did not match my ID. I did not meet societal expectations of gender that night. Under Colorado law, that is tantamount to discrimination.

A formal charge of discrimination has been filed with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) - Civil Rights Division. The Wrangler has had thirty days to respond and I will be given the opportunity to respond after that. I requested mediation through DORA, which the Wrangler denied. To be clear, the Wrangler has thrice denied our attempts to meet and come to a resolution.


WHAT IS THE POINT OF IT ALL?

The objective of the Boycott is for the Wrangler to change their ID policy. That is all we ask. Throughout this entire ordeal, it has become clear that we’re addressing the issue of hypermasculinity and the disdain of anything that is feminine. We are challenging the Denver LGBTQIA community to confront their desire for hypermasculinity. In doing so, we are challenging ourselves to use our cis-gender privilege to speak up for those who are often overlooked. As Brent Heinze demonstrated, many in our community tend to minimize the plight of our trans- and gender non-conforming brethren when comparing it to the civil rights for gay men and lesbians (in this instance: marriage). Fighting for one cause in our community does not diminish the need to fight for another. Having years of activist experience, I have fought for marriage equality in my home state and was at the Colorado State Capitol the day civil unions passed. The Wrangler has been steadfast in their right to discriminate. They have tried to twist well-documented facts around in order to benefit their perception. We want to put an end to that so everyone may feel included in their establishment.


HOW HAS THIS AFFECTED ME?

I come from New York and I have pretty thick skin. I am very direct and speak my mind as often as I can, especially when I see injustice and inequality within the LGBT community. In Colorado, my personality has been interpeted as abrasive and I have had issues with people here because of it. I believe that the Colorado Rush RFC chose to stand against me because of their past experiences with my direct behavior. Earlier in 2013, when I was an active player, I was not afraid to speak up at a general team meeting and point out that the Board President and Vice President at the time were mismanaging funds. I was not afraid to point out their financial inconsistencies and challenge what was being presented to the team. I felt we had a right to know exactly how our team's money was being handled and where every cent was going and, because of this, I became an outcast.

I had a lot of hopes when I moved to Colorado with my husband. We both did. But, with everything that has happened, I have begun to loathe living here. I deeply yearn to to return to the Northeast but I will remain here and continue to fight for what I believe in. This includes standing up for trans- rights.


WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

At the moment, we are in the middle of the State’s investigation. While we’re waiting for that to wrap up, we felt the need to do something more positive for our community. Last Saturday, December 7th, we held a Beer Bust at the Compound Baxix in Denver to raise money for the trans- programs at the GLBT Center. We called it “Queer Bust: Come as Queer as You Are.” Our idea is to see if this can grow into a monthly event to continuously raise money for trans issues. This is completely separate from the Boycott but was conceived by Boycott supporters. Everyone was invited and will be invited to future Queer Busts and I hope people will come to support trans- rights.


12/10/13

Watch the superintendent of the Catholic School Board of Vancouver says transgender youth should be hidden

Doug Lauson superintendent of the Catholic School Board of Vancouver defended his actions which resulted in transgender children being forced out of his school:
"there is a desire for the boy to wear a girls uniform. Once again there is medical research that the child should not be allowed to happen at least in the early years change over to the opposite sex. So some of the research indicates the exploration should occur while in the privacy of the home, while on vacation but not in a public manner. Does the boy change in the girls change room?"


There is no medical research supporting Doug Lauson's religiously founded transphobia. One of the children that Lauson forced out of his school has filled a civil rights complaint against the government. It will be interesting to see the 'medical research' that Lauson supports his transphobic dogma with.

Watch below: Doug Lauson, superintendent of the Independent Catholic School Board of Vancouver, talks about the church’s position on being transgender and the research they are doing on how best to accommodate transgender students in their schools.



Read the full story and watch all of the videos at globalnews.ca/news