Kentucky Equality Federation Email Archives

End Labor Discrimination in Kentucky

As you celebrate Labor Day, you should know that Kentuckians are not protected from discrimination in employment because of sexual orientation or gender identity. Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the United States Government during the Pullman Strike. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike. Currently 49 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia also recognize Labor Day as a holiday.

More than 115 years later however, LGBTI people in the both the United States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky can be terminated because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. You cannot be terminated for being a smoker in Kentucky, but you can be terminated for being yourself.

The LGBTI community makes a significant contribution to the economic welfare of the Commonwealth and our entire Union. This year, Kentucky Equality Federation has invested significant resources representing people across the Commonwealth who filed complaints with our Discrimination, Hate Crimes, and School Bullying Committee for being terminated because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

It is time to "drag" our Commonwealth into the 21st Century by insisting the Kentucky Legislature add sexual orientation and gender identity to the Kentucky Civil Rights Act of 1966 as a protected class along with religion, smoking, disability, race, sex, ancestry, veteran status, and disability.

In 1966, Kentucky became the 1st state in the South to pass a civil rights law. The Commonwealth also became the first in the south to establish enforcement powers over civil rights violations on a state level. The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights becomes the state enforcement authority of the Act.

What happened to us? At what point did our great Commonwealth lose its leadership in the area of civil rights?

Along with religion, smoking, disability, race, sex, ancestry, veteran status, and disability, No ONE should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation.

We urge you to sign to following action alerts from the site of our new partner, change.org to bring full equality to our great Commonwealth; it will only take a moment of your time to add your signature to bring change to Kentucky:

We request that you immediately take action on these critical issues. The discrimination and exclusion of people because of the sexual orientation or gender identity undermine the integrity and dignity of our great Commonwealth.

Kentucky Equality Federation Calls on Kentuckians to Join the National Boycott Against Target and Best Buy THIS Weekend!

Lexington, KY -- A nationwide boycott is being called for THIS weekend against a Political Action Committee (PAC) made up of several businesses, including Target and Best Buy, called MN Forward.

The boycott is being called nationwide because Target and Best Buy contributed a lot of money to Minnesota Republican Governor Candidate Tom Emmer. Emmer has aligned himself with radical anti-gay groups, including "You Can Run But You Cannot Hide International, Inc.," a Christian group whose head, Bradlee Dean, has said it is acceptable to execute homosexuals in a manner similar to that in Muslim nations.

Target Corporation made a significant donation of $150,000 to Minnesota political action committee MN Forward, which funds television ads for anti-gay Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer. Best Buy also donated $100,000 to Emmer's campaign.

A national "no shopping" day of protest is set for this weekend, August 14th and August 15th against Target and Best Buy.

Other statewide gay rights organizations are joining the boycott, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has condemned the donations.

A Facebook group has also been created, which had nearly 55,000 members at press-time.

"This is about corporate responsibility, and if these companies, which once claimed to be 'gay friendly' wish to continue having LGBTI consumers, they need to be careful about whom they support," stated Kentucky Equality Federation founder, public advocate, and Board member, Jordan Palmer. "The actions of Target and Best Buy impact every LGBTI person in the United States, and we urge all citizens of the Commonwealth to boycott these stores this weekend."

Dean Byrd, Kentucky Equality Federation's co-President and Treasurer stated: "It is a slap in the face to the LGBTI community; I also believe that AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Kroger, and Thornton's should have been included alongside Target and Best Buy. Kentucky is the ONLY state Verizon Wireless donated money to a statewide political party (Republican), which currently, is completely anti-gay and homophobic especially the Kentucky Senate under the leadership of President David L. Williams."

Kentucky Equality Federation issued an alert about AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Kroger, and Thornton’s on their Facebook page earlier today: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=142393382459414

NOTE: Kentucky Equality Federation is Kentucky's largest all-volunteer grassroots lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex ("LGBTI") civil rights and advocacy organization. Kentucky Equality Federation is a diverse organization consisting of several corporations and groups with a common cause for Peace, Liberty, and Equality for All.

Kentucky Equality Federation prepares to sue the Jefferson County Board of Education

UPDATE: Both the parents and the Discrimination, Hate Crimes, and School Bullying Committee of Kentucky Equality Federation are unsatisfied with Crosby Middle School's response. Kentucky Equality Federation has instructed its legal representation to prepare to sue the Jefferson County School District on behalf of the parents. (story and action alert)

NEW: In a discrimination case that is almost unbelievable, legal representation is also preparing to sue the Kentucky State Police for an incident in Richmond, KY which has not been made public. Details will follow once the lawsuit has been prepared and filed (by the middle or next month at the latest).

UPDATE: Federation management and volunteers will be present in McKee, KY (Jackson County) for the Cheyenne Williams trial on August 02, 2010. (more)

UPDATE: Hundreds with HIV/AIDS in Kentucky left to die and need your help! Kentucky has more than 1,500 people enrolled in its AIDS Drug Assistance Program (KADAP) for low-income HIV and AIDS patients. Today, more than 200 patients are on a waiting list to receive life saving medications. (action alert)

ACTION ALERTS:
Three (3) action alerts await your urgent attention! (view)

View the Equality Center Home Page for additional updates and information!

Kentucky Equality Federation News

Kentucky Equality Federation is sponsoring the Alumni Event of the Kentucky Young Democrats on June 09, 2010 in Lexington. (more)

It is rare that we send official emails and communication. Instead of having fundraisers and "social hours," Kentucky Equality Federation is working to bring real change to the Commonwealth. This year we defeated House Bill 350, and we have served as public advocate for more than 20 people since the beginning of January 2010.

Kentucky Equality Federation is not an organization that emails its members when we make local, state, or national news (and we do very often). As such, we encourage you to subscribe to our official press releases (we do not email our press releases to our subscribers, you must sign-up to receive them separately).

To read about the Federation in the news, click here.

To further the Federation's long-term agenda, Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer is relinquishing most of his duties to serve as Campaign Manager for Matthew Vanderpool. All committees and volunteers will remain in place, so please continue to report Discrimination, Hate Crimes, and School Bullying to us.

President Palmer has been Mr. Vanderpool's Campaign Manager since November 2009. President Palmer is dedicating most of this attention to the Vanderpool for Kentucky campaign. Mr. Vanderpool easily won the primary election, but now faces the incumbent, anti-gay Representative Stan Lee which this Federation has fought in the Kentucky House of Representatives since it was founded.

Kentucky Equality Federation would like to thank our volunteers; Kentucky Equality Federation is an all-volunteer organization, and our Discrimination, Hate Crimes, and School Bullying Committee members have worked extremely hard this year.

The Board of Directors would like to take this time to thank each of them individually:

- Richard T. Jones, Special Assistant to the President for Administration and Communication
- Rick Wolfe, Special Adviser to the President for Discrimination and Youth Outreach
- Halyn Roth, Southern Kentucky Regional Director
- Matt Berry, Eastern Kentucky Regional Director
- Benjamin Brannock, High School and University Outreach Director

Regards,

Dean Byrd, Treasurer and Secretary of the Corporation

To remain up to date on Federation news and events, we encourage you to join our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter!

2010 Legislative Update - Personal Message from the President

Dear members, allies, and supporters:

During the 2010 Kentucky Legislative Session, we have fought. Our fight was brave, confident, and relentless; we stood before a majority, raised our hand and said....I do not agree. Though setbacks will test our resolve, in the end we shall be victorious in the fight not only for marriage equality in Kentucky, but complete equality under law across the Commonwealth.

I challenged Senate President David L. Williams to pass the hospital visitation bill, an invitation he declined. By declining my invitation, I believe Senate President Williams has signaled that the Kentucky Senate will in no way work with the LGBTI community, further indicating that no measure of equality will pass the Kentucky Senate so long as Republican's maintain a majority. (view press release)

Kentucky Equality Federation successfully killed House Bill 350 which would have stopped ongoing training and education requirements related to HIV/AIDS for licensed service providers such as physicians, registered nurses, social workers, etc. (view press release) However, Kentucky Equality Federation yesterday condemned Senate Bill 127 after Representative's attached House Bill 350 to the bill because the House Health and Welfare Committee refused to post it.

The Kentucky House Health and Welfare Committee knew House Bill 350 was dangerous, refused to post it, and no one voted on it. The Committee was wise enough to realize the requirements for licensed care providers must remain in place. This is an underhanded technique used at the end of sessions to move pieces of legislation that haven't moved before by hiding them in other places.

The most stunning setback however was the refusal of the Appropriations and Revenue Committee of the Kentucky House of Representatives to allocate funds to the Kentucky AIDS Drug Assistance Program (KADAP). As president of Kentucky Equality Federation, I, along with different volunteers visited the Kentucky Capitol on six different occasions to beg for funding.

The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Budget (federal and state combined) for 2008 was $6,872,876 according to the Kaiser Family Foundation at www.statehealthfacts.org. In 2007, the total payout for the Kentucky AIDS Drug Assistance Program was $6,102,693.00, with all states contributing a total of $1,260,541,721.00.

12 other brave organizations, individuals, and groups joined Kentucky Equality Federation in declaring KADAP a crucial and necessary program for Kentuckians living with HIV/AIDS. (view press release)

MANHATTAN DECLARATION

The Kentucky Legislature funded over 3 billion in new road projects, but refused to allocate a dime to KADAP. Though HIV/AIDS has not been a "gay only" disease for over a decade, I believe many lawmakers didn't fund KADAP in part due to House Resolution 232, also known as the Manhattan Declaration.

By adopting the Manhattan Declaration lawmakers slighted their constitutional oath, violating Article V of the Commonwealth's Constitution.This right wing Declaration was an attack on religious freedom across the Commonwealth, and a direct threat to the separation of church and state. If you read the text of the "Manhattan Declaration," you will quickly realize their true values are homophobic, and just like all other dogma throughout history, they claim to do it in the name of righteousness; this time however they brought the fight to our Statehouse.

If, in the fight to restore KADAP I have hurt feeling or strained political alliances, I shall lose no sleep over it. As a public political figure I have many lives, yet as a person, I have but one, as do the people who depended on KADAP. The Kentucky House of Representatives, or more appropriately, the Appropriations and Revenue Committee, terminated their lifeline.

A Call to Action:I urge you to vote this election year; no change will come to Kentucky so long as we allow elected officials to remain in office who violate their oath of office, condemn citizens to death (by not funding KADAP), or working to further their own political agenda instead of their constituents.

For too long people have only focused on federal elections, but what you fail to realize is that the state has more control over your daily lives than the federal government. The very idea of a democracy is that you personally know your local Constable, County Court Clerk, County Attorney, Sheriff, Jailer, Coroner, Surveyor, District Judge, Circuit Judge, Commonwealth's Attorney, City Councilmember, Mayor, Judge/Executive, and further along the ladder until you reach your state Representatives, state Senators, the Commonwealth's Congressional Delegation, the Governor and the President.

Neither the President nor the Governor can make public laws. Lawmakers are the ones who fund programs and create public laws; with this in mind, how many of you even know the name of your state Representative or state Senator in Frankfort?

"Change" will never come, equality never achieved, nor the quality of your life enhanced unless you know these individuals and vote for or against them. I ask you to forward this message to your friends and family and ask them to sign-up for urgent communication and action alerts. Kentucky Equality Federation is extremely selective about the emails we send to our members.

Kentucky Equality Action Center - Voter Resources: http://www.kyequalitypac.org

Together, we can and will bring equality to Kentucky. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we will prevail.

ACTION ALERTS (a new window will open for each action alert)

Please sign the remaining action alerts for the 2010 Legislative Session:

In service,

Jordan Palmer, President

Richard Jones, Special Assistant to the President for Administration & Communications
Rick Wolfe, Special Adviser to the President for Youth & Community Outreach

Hospital Bill Passed the House; Over $5,000 Kentuckians need YOUR help!

Dear Friends and Supporters:

Several new action alerts need your attention. We appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to bring equality to Kentucky!

HOSPITAL VISITATION RIGHTS:
The Health Facility Patient's Visitation Right passed the House of Representatives; its fate is now in the hands of the Kentucky Senate. Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer appealed to Senate President Williams to pass the legislation. (view)

However, the LGBTI community and our allies need to act also. Sign the action alert for the Kentucky Senate to pass House Bill 118!

HIV/AIDS IN THE COMMONWEALTH:
HIV and AIDS healthcare in Kentucky is decimated; the Commonwealth allowed the Kentucky AIDS Drug Assistance Program to expire. Now, lawmakers in Frankfort want to remove HIV/AIDS training requirements for licensed service providers such as physicians, registered nurses, social workers, etc. Since treatment options change rapidly, it is imperative that all health care professionals know the physical manifestations of HIV/AIDS.

The health of over 5,000 low-income Kentuckians living with HIV are already in grave danger without the Kentucky AIDS Drug Assistance Program, and House Bill 350 will place the lives of those at risk of infection in grave danger. Sign the action alert to oppose House Bill 350, and the alert to Restore the Kentucky AIDS Drugs Assistance Program!

The time has come for genuine change in Kentucky. YOU have an impact!

OTHER 2010 CRITICAL ACTION ALERTS: (each alert will open in a new window)

1. Equality Bill - No Discrimination because of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity.
2. Declaration for Marriage Equality in Kentucky.
3. Declaration reclaiming Kentucky's sovereignty.

2010 can be a year of change if we work for it and demand it. You have an impact.

DISCRIMINATION:Kentucky Equality Federation's Discrimination and School Bullying Committee settled a complaint against the Radio Shack Corporation, and is currently working with Wal-Mart. (more)

Continue to report your discrimination cases to us! Because we receive so many, Kentucky Equality Federation^TM has established a new committee, the Discrimination and School Bullying Committee to continue to address the complaints you have been sending us since 2005! We will be your advocate!

Restore the Kentucky AIDS Drug Assistance Program!

To all members and subscribers,

HIV and AIDS healthcare in Kentucky stopped in 2007 when the Commonwealth failed to renew the Kentucky AIDS Drug Assistance Program. The health of low-income Kentuckians living with HIV, as well as the lives of those at risk of infection are in grave danger; we need your help to restore the program!

Kentucky has more than 1,200 people enrolled in its program for low-income HIV and AIDS patients. But the Lexington Herald-Leader reports nearly 100 patients are on a waiting list that started in June for the Kentucky AIDS Drug Assistance Program (a Kentucky program, different from the Ryan White Programs).

"The fact that the Commonwealth stopped funding the low-income program in 2007 is inhumane, shortsighted, and threatens individual and public health," stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer.

According to the Lexington Herald-Leader:

State lawmakers acknowledge they have overlooked the program. They think it deserves state money again, but nobody is sure where that money would come from in the 2010 General Assembly, where the talk will be about cuts. Economic forecasters predict a possible state budget shortfall of more than $1 billion over the next two years.

"Frankly, with some of these programs, the legislature just loses track of them because at any given moment there's 1,500 issues in front of us," said House Health and Welfare Chairman Tom Burch (D-Louisville). (story)

You can help people with HIV/AIDS healthcare in Kentucky. Use the same letter below (or write your own) to contact the House Committee on Health and Welfare Members.

Click HERE to sign the action alert!

Others News

The events calendar has also been updated with many new events being held by various organizations across the Commonwealth, including Equality Northern Kentucky, and the Imperial Court of Kentucky!

The United We Stand news blog has officially changed its format and is no longer under the control of Kentucky Equality Federation. Though it remains the "official" endorsed news blog of the Federation, United We Stand now has five contributors with journalistic freedom and independence from any organization. We urge you to subscribe to LGBTI related news! United We Stand's new internet address is www.UnitedWeStandKY.com.

According to their new website:

United We Stand is Kentucky's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex news blog. United We Stand maintains objective journalistic independence from any endorsed organization. United We Stand is currently officially endorsed by Kentucky Equality Federation, Marriage Equality Kentucky, and Kentucky Equality PAC.

Due to the health problems currently facing our president, the October 03, 2009 event Equality....Don't Stop Believin' was canceled. None of our other volunteers had the experience to manage such an event without direct involvement from President Palmer which currently, simply isn't possible. Everyone who purchased tickets for the event will receive a refund no later than 11/30/2009 by check or electronic deposit back to your account.

Have you signed Marriage Equality Kentucky's Marriage Declaration yet? The Marriage Declaration is a proclamation that marriage is a basic constitutional right that should be extended to all people. For additional information.

June Newsletter

YOUTH SUMMIT:
Registration is now open for the 2009 Greater Cincinnati GLBTQ Youth Summit on September 26th, 2009.

The Summit will be held at Northern Kentucky University and will feature a full day of educational workshops, a socializing lunch hour, expansive community resource center, and an entertaining dinner show. This event is free, and open to people of all ages.

NEW GROUPS:
A number of new groups have been created by Regional Directors and Outreach Directors. Please visit the Community Outreach Page for additional information and join us!

SPECIAL EVENT:

As a reminder, the Equality......Don't Stop Believin' event has been rescheduled for October 03, 2009 in a special area of Adonis. Tickets remain available for purchase; don't miss your chance to see Ryan Hill and Brian Kent live!

Proceeds benefit Kentucky Equality Federation, Marriage Equality Kentucky, and GLSEN Greater Cincinnati.

RECENT NEWS:

University of the Cumberlands rejects help from the Broadway Baptist Church for their Mountain Outreach program, which builds houses for disadvantaged people in the region.

A Louisville Pastor (New Bethel Church) Urges His Flock to Bring Guns to Church.

Gay hate killings highest since 1999!

U.S. Supreme Court rejects challenge to 'don't ask, don't tell' as Obama administration requested.

Kentucky Equality Federation and Marriage Equality Kentucky present: Equality - Don't Stop Believin'

Kentucky Equality Federation will be sponsoring or co-sponsoring events around the Commonwealth this year to raise money to fight attacks against the LGBTI community when the Kentucky General Assembly reconvenes in January.

For a complete listing of events, visit the calendar at http://www.kylgbt.org/.

Western Kentucky Pride Luau
Kentucky Equality Federation is co-sponsoring the Western Kentucky Pride Luau on May 16, 2009 with the Western Kentucky Pride Association.

Stonewall Pageant
Kentucky Equality Federation is co-sponsoring the Stonewall Pageant in Western Kentucky on June 06, 2009 with the Western Kentucky Pride Association at the Old Opera House in Guthrie, KY.

Equality - Don't Stop Believin'
Kentucky Equality Federation and Marriage Equality Kentucky present: Equality - Don't Stop Believin'.

Several stars will be lending their talent to the Equality - Don't Stop Believin' Event:

Comedian Ryan Hill: Though best known as a stand-up comedian, Ryan is also famous for his television commercials, especially freecreditreport.com, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, and Doritos. Ryan has made numerous TV appearances: Girls Club (Fox), Earth 2 America (HBO and TBS), Carson Daly Bash (MTV), and the Dogeball Movie Special (MTV).

Singer Brian Kent: After releasing his first full length debut album in 2008 "Breathe Life," Brian has been a sensation in the music industry; his high-energy, emotional voyage in music expressed in radio-ready and club-friendly tracks. His current single, "Whatcha' Doin To Me" already hitting the Billboard Charts at # 35 (as of April 23, 2009) and is his second #1 on Sirius Satellite Radio's Hot 20 Charts.

Equality - Don't Stop Believin' will take place on June 20, 2009 at Adonis in Cincinnati, with after party events taking place at Yadda Club in Covington, KY.

"We are very grateful to Adonis and Yadda Club for donating space for this big event," stated Kentucky Equality Federation Treasurer Nick Herweck. "We have great establishments and stars contributing to our grassroots efforts to bring tolerance and diversity to Kentucky; the success of this event will significantly increase the money we have available for public education and community outreach."

Click here to purchase tickets, watch one of Brian Kent's music videos, or watch Ryan Hill doing stand-up live! Sponsor information is also available from this page!

BENEFIT:
All proceeds will benefit our affiliate, Kentucky Equality Coalition, Inc. for income tax purposes.

Call Congress - Help Pass the Hate Crimes Bill

PLEASE help the LGBTI community by making a 45-second call to your U.S. Representative's office - even if you've already called. Call 202-224-3121 and tell your member of Congress to vote YES on the hate crimes bill.

This action alert is in cooperation with the Human Rights Campaign.

Giving back to our Youth - Art Sale Benefit

Kentucky Equality Federation Gives Back
Kentucky Equality Federation is proud to announce its collaboration with We Care Child and Family Services.

We Care is a child-placing agency offering services to children in need of substitute care. An all inclusive agency, We Care proudly serves a variety of cultures to include LGBTI teenagers and at risk youth.

On Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009, Kentucky Equality Federation is giving back to an organization that gives so much to youth and the community. Kentucky Equality Federation is donating thirty (30) 'survival kits' to the children of We Care, containing everyday necessities such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, body spray, toothbrushes and toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.

"After a failed attack on the LGBTI community's ability to adopt children and serve as foster parents with Senate Bill 68, we thought this was a wonderful thing to do for our youth." - Laura Reed, Kentucky Equality Federation's Managing Director.

Artwork Sale
During the month of April, the artwork of artist Kimball Roy will be displayed at The Bar Complex in Lexington. Roy, a local Lexington artist is also Kentucky Equality Federation's Assistant Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors. A portion of every piece sold will benefit our affiliate, Kentucky Equality Coalition, Inc.

Organizational News and Senate Bill 68

SENATE BILL 68 IS OFFICIALLY DEAD
As promised on March 05, 2009 with a blog post (United We Stand), Senate Bill 68 is officially dead. (more) Thank you for all of your support! As we move forward, we realize similar bills will likely be filed in the future, and we will be ready to fight them.

SPECIAL EVENT
On Sunday, May 03, 2009, a national equality rally will take place at Independence Hall, the birthplace of our entire republic. So far, over 60 co-organizers have registered to March for Equality on Independence Mall, including Kentucky Equality Federation. (Miami-Herald News)

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
I am extremely proud of the organization we have built. Today, Kentucky Equality Federation is a powerful, permanent grassroots advocacy organization working to promote equality here in Kentucky and beyond. Our grassroots movement has taken on many new people, and I'd like to introduce them as they become new faces in our movement:

Laura Reed, Managing Director (more)
Julie Harris-Smith, Government & Legislative Liaison
Rick Wolfe, Western Kentucky Regional Director
Jessika Engle, Western Kentucky Administrative Coordinator
Matt Berry, Eastern Kentucky Regional Director
Christopher Perry, Special Events Coordinator

Joining William Anderson and Tara Morrison in Community Outreach is:

John "JJ" Bentley, Latino/a Outreach Director
Nikki McIntosh, Transgender Outreach Director

For a complete list of all Board members, officers, and statewide management, click here.

As we look to the future we cannot let previous setbacks deter us from fighting for what is right; likewise, we cannot rest on the laurels of the small victories we have made such as stopping the domestic-partner ban at Kentucky's public institutions, and stopping Representative Stan Lee (R - Lexington) and Representative Joseph M. Fischer (R - Covington) from removing 'home rule' by preventing cities and counties from adopting additional civil rights protections, and removing the ones currently active in Covington, Lexington, and Louisville.

In order to change our Commonwealth we need your help in holding lawmakers accountable for the legislation they propose. Especially, when legislation is proposed for the sole purpose of alienating a specific group of people, and making us feel like second-class citizens.

It continues to be my privilege and honor to serve as your President for Equality.

Sincerely,

Jordan Palmer, President
Kentucky Equality Federation

Updates, News, and Important Events - Kentuckians Value Fairness III

This is a time in Kentucky's history that every organization and individual must put differences aside and work together to finally secure the 1st Step of Equality for Kentucky (see below). At the end of the day, we are all the same: one community fighting for our civil rights.

Kentucky Equality Federation has significantly increased its reach around the Commonwealth with grassroots organizing, and we will not stop until we secure the 1st Step of Equality for Kentucky. Eventually, we will also overturn the 2004 discriminatory marriage amendment which blocks same-sex marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships.

Our community and our volunteers continue to be our inspiration to drive forward. At Kentucky Equality Federation, no individual, no group, and no organization shall be turned away in our struggle; we welcome everyone with open arms.

We must bring change to our Commonwealth; it is our generation's obligation and opportunity to bring equality to the LGBTI community; we stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us – the time is here, and we need your support:

Kentuckians Value Fairness
On Wednesday, February 25th, Kentucky Equality Federation, Kentucky Fairness Alliance, Fairness Campaign, Lexington Fairness, and other allies will gather in Frankfort for Kentuckians Value Fairness III.

Click here and register to join us!

While we know the climb to secure equality in Kentucky is very steep, the magnitude of the issues at stake requires that every LGBTI person and straight ally act and stand for the 1st Step of Equality in Kentucky: a statewide law to protect LGBTI people from discrimination in housing, credit, accommodations, and employment!

Senate Bill 68
On February 5th, Kentucky Senator Gary Tapp (R) filed Senate Bill 68 to make it illegal for any 'unmarried couple' to adopt a child or serve as foster parents in Kentucky. Senate Bill 68 isn't about protecting children, it is about harming a specific group of people, the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex community of the Commonwealth. Thousands of adoptable children are currently languishing in foster care, many bouncing from home to home or from institution to institution. This bill would also prevent all single people (including our straight allies) from serving as foster parents or adopting a child.

Kentucky Equality Federation responded by posting an action alert on the Equality Center, but no email was sent to our members. "We try to keep emails to a minimum, and truth is that this bill will have no problem passing the Kentucky Senate if Senate President David L. Williams decides to push it," stated Michael Hollingsworth, Kentucky Equality Federation Board Member and Treasurer. "As of this morning, over 575 people have signed our action alert which is emailed to Senate leadership."

Click here to email the Kentucky Senate and tell them our children are not political pawns!

Senate Bill 68 remains in the Senate Judiciary Committee (since February 9th) without action. "Should Senate Bill 68 make it to the House of Representatives, Kentucky Equality Federation will take a more aggressive approach." - Nick Herweck, Kentucky Equality Federation Board Member, and Northern Kentucky Regional Director

National Freedom to Marry Day
Kentucky Equality Federation and Marriage Equality Kentucky^TM coordinated (with many allies in Louisville), the Marriage Counter Actions^TM in Kentucky; the Herald-Leader covered the story with the Family Foundation of Kentucky calling our initial attempts to raise awareness of the harm the current same-sex marriage ban has on couples in Kentucky "cheating." In addition, they announced that they support Senate Bill 68.

Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer, and Board Member Kimball Roy responded with this upcoming letter to the editor (to be published in the Herald-Leader): With national divorce rates rising due to layoffs, increases in daycare, and an economy in the tank, one would think a 'family oriented organization' would be focused on economic solutions to help take the stress off couples (such as using their money to provide free daycare instead of lobbying Frankfort against domestic partner benefits, and using children as political pawns). But, instead, they continue to focus on keeping a minority group of families from having the same civil liberties and protections as the majority. (more)

Volunteers
"If the continued election setbacks across the nation have taught us anything, it is that nothing can replace volunteering, grassroots organizing, and the perseverance of an all - volunteer organization." - Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer in an interview with change.org.

Along those lines, Kentucky Equality Federation has confirmed volunteers in the positions of Latino Outreach Director, Government Outreach Director, Youth Outreach Director, and University Outreach Director.

For additional information, or to visit their new support groups, visit the Community Outreach Section in the Equality Center.

Yes, we still need volunteers! The struggle for equality is not over!

New Outreach Directors; Kentucky Equality Federation today announced additional outreach programs to reach Kentucky's Youth

Kentucky Equality Federation today announced additional outreach programs to target 'tomorrow's leaders.'

"In order to bring equality to our Commonwealth we must continue to recognize that people in middle school, high school, colleges, and universities will be instrumental to our success. In 2005, a young man names Nick Herweck became involved in Kentucky Equality Federation; he was 16 years old. Kentucky Equality Federation assisted him in setting up a gay-straight alliance at Boone County High School by threatening to sue school administration who had been successfully blocking its creation," stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer."Today, Mr. Herweck is our Northern Kentucky Regional Coordinator, and sits on our Board of Directors."

Kentucky Equality Federation's Outreach Directors will focus on educating the public about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) issues within specific communities – providing information and sharing our message in specific ways, as well as contributing information regarding each community to our statewide organization. Outreach Directors will also reach out to members of the LGBTI community that too often have not been included, either in positions of leadership or in public education.

With candidates for additional outreach directors to target other communities (Black, Latino, Transgender, Intersex, Immigration, Asian, Seniors, Medical, Faith, and LGBTI Parents), still under review, Palmer appointed the following people to target the Commonwealth’s future leaders:

William Anderson, University Outreach Director: Mr. Anderson is currently a student at the University of Kentucky pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Performance. He is very active in the music and theatre world, and played several leading roles in operas and musicals.
Tara Morrison, Youth Outreach Director: A teenager herself, Ms. Morrison is passionate about giving Kentucky's LGBTI teenagers a voice in their community. Though she graduated high school in 2008, she is determined to see current and future students have a voice in their own communities, as well as support from their local school officials. While in high school, Ms. Morrison attempted to start a gay-straight alliance, but no teacher would sponsor the group.

Anderson and Morrison will be in contact with school administrations across the Commonwealth in addition to reaching out to any gay-straight alliances currently in place at each middle school, high school, college, and university.

Students and people across the Commonwealth already have the ability to report discrimination and school bullying to Kentucky Equality Federation from its online website, www.kyequality.org.

To launch its new outreach programs, Kentucky Equality Federation has taken the initial steps of ordering business cards, brochures, and pamphlets; in addition to setting up special groups for each outreach director to facilitate communication, cooperation, and support between the Commonwealth's students and educational institutions.

Palmer also noted that reaching out to specific communities was necessary and critical in order to overturn Kentucky's same-sex marriage ban. In a recent interview with change.org for Marriage Equality USA, Palmer stated, "No amount of money can replace volunteering, grassroots organizing, and the perseverance of an all - volunteer organization."

For addition information, visit the Community Outreach section of Kentucky Equality Federation's Equality Center at www.kyLGBT.org.

>> Kentucky Equality Federation is still looking for Outreach Directors for the following communities: Black, Latino, Transgender, Intersex, Immigration, Asian, Seniors, Medical, Faith, and LGBTI Parents. If you would like to volunteer for one of these positions, visit our website, or click here.

Action Alert: UN Joint Statement on Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity

Kentucky Equality Federation fights for LGBT rights throughout the Commonwealth; we also fight globally as the lead organization representing the International Lesbian & Gay Association in the U.S. Midwest. We need your help......

In mid-December 2008, States from every region of the world will join together to deliver a statement recognizing human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity at the United Nations General Assembly.

December 2008 marks the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On this historic occasion, the joint statement will affirm that human rights truly are the birthright of all human beings, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

We want the United Nations to add sexual orientation and gender identity as a protected class; as such, all member states would be required to follow it!

Initiated by the French Republic, the joint statement is being coordinated by a cross-regional core group of States, including representatives from all 5 United Nations regions (Argentine Republic, Federative Republic of Brazil, Croatia, French Republic, Gabon, Japan (formerly Empire of Japan), the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Kingdom of Norway and Ukraine).

These States are seeking to send a powerful message by delivering the statement on behalf of as many States from different regions as possible. It has already attracted over 50 signatories. This initiative builds upon a previous joint statement delivered in 2006 at the United Nations Human Rights Council by the Kingdom of Norway on behalf of 54 UN States.

With your help, we would like to encourage as many countries as possible to join the statement, making it the largest-ever UN statement addressing human rights based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It will also be the first to be delivered at the UN General Assembly, the United Nations’s highest political body.

We welcome the adoption of Resolution AG/RES. 2435 (XXXVIII-O/08) on “Human Rights, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity” by the General Assembly of the Organization of American States during its 38th session in 3 June 2008. (story)

What can I do?

If you think your country might be supportive, it is urgent to contact them and encourage them to join the statement;

Which States have already expressed support? Which have not yet done so?

The main States which have already joined, or might consider joining, the statement are:

Western Group: the 27 European Union countries have already expressed their support for the statement, as have Andorra, Iceland, State of Israel, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland. The Commonwealth of Australia, Canada and the United States of America supported the previous joint statement in 2006 but have not yet joined the current statement, and should be encouraged to maintain their support this time also.

Central and Eastern Europe: The Central and Eastern European States which are EU Members have already endorsed the statement, as have Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Latin America and the Caribbean: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico and Uruguay have already expressed their support. All other Latin American and Caribbean States supported a historic resolution of the Organization of American States on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity earlier this year, and may therefore be willing to join the current statement as well.

Africa: Gabon, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau have already expressed their support. This itself is significant since it will be the first time ever that such a statement has attracted support from all 5 UN regions, including Africa. The main additional State to urge to join the statement is South Africa, which includes sexual orientation in its Constitution, recently affirmed its commitment to non-discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation during the UPR, but has yet to join any such initiative.

Asia: Japan has already expressed its support. However, this is currently the only Asian State to join the initiative.

How do I contact my government?

The most important contact for the United States is the U.S. Department of State.

It is also critical to copy any message to your country’s Ambassador to the United Nations

in New York.

What do I tell them?

Send a copy of the joint statement and the Fact Sheet we have prepared to help provide governments with more information (copy and paste the message below into your message). Remember, send the same information to the U.S. State Department as well as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (see links above).

We have the honor to make this statement on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity on behalf of the International Lesbian and Gay Association, and its member organization, Kentucky Equality Federation.

1 - We reaffirm the principle of universality of human rights, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights whose 60th anniversary is celebrated this year, Article 1 of which proclaims that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”;

2 - We reaffirm that everyone is entitled to the enjoyment of human rights without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, as set out in Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 2 of the International Covenants on Civil and Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as well as in article 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

3 - We reaffirm the principle of non-discrimination which requires that human rights apply equally to every human being regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity;

4 - We are deeply concerned by violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms based on sexual orientation or gender identity;

5 - We are also disturbed that violence, harassment, discrimination, exclusion, stigmatisation and prejudice are directed against persons in all countries in the world because of sexual orientation or gender identity, and that these practices undermine the integrity and dignity of those subjected to these abuses;

6 - We condemn the human rights violations based on sexual orientation or gender identity wherever they occur, in particular the use of the death penalty on this ground, extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, the practice of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, arbitrary arrest or detention and deprivation of economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to health;

7 - We recall the statement in 2006 before the Human Rights Council by fifty four countries requesting the President of the Council to provide an opportunity, at an appropriate future session of the Council, for discussing these violations;

8 - We commend the attention paid to these issues by special procedures of the Human Rights Council and treaty bodies and encourage them to continue to integrate consideration of human rights violations based on sexual orientation or gender identity within their relevant mandates;

9 - We welcome the adoption of Resolution AG/RES. 2435 (XXXVIII-O/08) on “Human Rights, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity” by the General Assembly of the Organization of American States during its 38th session in 3 June 2008;

10 - We call upon all States and relevant international human rights mechanisms to commit to promote and protect human rights of all persons, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity;

11 - We urge States to take all the necessary measures, in particular legislative or administrative, to ensure that sexual orientation or gender identity may under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties, in particular executions, arrests or detention.

12 - We urge States to ensure that human rights violations based on sexual orientation or gender identity are investigated and perpetrators held accountable and brought to justice;

13 - We urge States to ensure adequate protection of human rights defenders, and remove obstacles which prevent them from carrying out their work on issues of human rights and sexual orientation and gender identity.

Please keep us informed of your any responses you receive so we may communicate them to the International Lesbian & Gay Association (ILGA). ILGA, composed of more than 600 independent organizations around the world is closely monitoring the initiative. You may forward any response you receive to ilga@kyequality.org.

Join the Impact! Multiple protests scheduled around Kentucky

November 15, 2008 -- The 2008 election was a bitter-sweet celebration. We came together to witness the first black man who will become the president of the greatest republic in the world, the United States of America; on the other hand, we watched in sadness as Florida, Arizona, Arkansas, and California all voted down equality. (story)

This is not a four-state issue. This is an issue of equality across the United States. Stand up and make your voice heard!

Tomorrow, Marriage Equality Kentucky, GLSO Pride Center, college Gay-Straight Alliances and many others across the Commonwealth joins in the spirit of the grassroots movement taking to the streets to stand up for our full dignity as LGBT Americans.

Marriage Equality Kentucky, as a member of Kentucky Equality Federation and the International Lesbian and Gay Association, will join in this national call to action and urge you to add your city and your voice to the growing call for liberty, justice and marriage equality for all around our great republic.

We urge organizers to continue the momentum by joining the mailing list at www.kyLGBT.org, participating in a protest around the Commonwealth, and volunteer.

Click here to visit the the Equality Center at kyLGBT.org for event information and links!

Multiple events are being held around Kentucky tomorrow! (more)

Join the Impact!

Regards,

Jordan Palmer (President), Dean Byrd (Administrative Coordinator), Michael Hollingsworth (Treasurer, and Board), Casey Kurtis (Board), N. C. Couch (Board), Kimball Roy (Board), Paul Johnson (Board), Trevor Ashley, Nick Herweck, and Brandi Walker.

State of Marriage Equality; our continued struggle!

Dear friends,

Our community has suffered crushing defeats in the states of Arkansas, Arizona, California, and Florida (click here to see what was at stake) at the hands of opponents who waged a campaign based on lies, deception and fear fueled by a deep and mistaken conviction that we, and our families, are inferior to theirs. It hurts deeply. It is cruel that our right to equal protection can be put to a vote.

In our continued struggle, we have kept to the high road. We have no need to examine our conscience; we can and must hold our heads high.

As we go on with our lives, we must not allow ourselves to become like our opponents. We must always treat those around us with the same respect and dignity that we deserve and demand for ourselves and for our families.

Whether or not Proposition 8 in California was legal will continue to be a subject of great legal debate. Marriage Equality USA, Kentucky Equality Federation and Marriage Equality Kentucky’s closest ally continues to monitor the legal situation; more than four (4) lawsuits will be filed in the coming days.

When Congress passed the U.S. Patriot Act, the State of California condemned it, and continues to prohibit any state agency or subdivision of the state (cities and counties) from enforcing it. California law protects the freedom of speech, expression, personal privacy, and human rights more than any other U.S. state, commonwealth, or territory; even more so than the U.S. Constitution. By passing Proposition 8, California’s Constitution is now in conflict with itself.

More than ever, we need your continued support! We will continue to have dedication and perseverance until equality for all is established.

Regards,

Jordan Palmer (President), Dean Byrd (Administrative Coordinator), Michael Hollingsworth (Treasurer, and Board), Casey Kurtis (Board), N. C. Couch (Board), Kimball Roy (Board), Paul Johnson (Board), Trevor Ashley, Nick Herweck, and Brandi Walker.

Louisville McDonalds Protest

The fight for equality and freedom from persecution continues across our Commonwealth.

Over the past several years, Kentucky Equality Federation has resolved complaints against Applebee's, Halloween Express, Steak n' Shake, Northern Kentucky University, Wendy's, and the University of Kentucky. Louisville's Fairness Campaign has been trying to resolve a complaint with a corporate owned, non-franchised McDonald's; their requests have been ignored.

As a result, the Louisville Fairness Campaign is exercising the only other option available: protest.

Kentucky Equality urges you to take part in the protest, and continue to fight discrimination across Kentucky.

Click here for additional information about the protest; please also feel free to leave comments.

Support Representative Mary Lou Marzian

Kentucky Equality Federation and Kentucky Equality PAC received requests for donations from an ally in the Kentucky House of Representatives, Mary Lou Marzian (D).

Representative Marzian has been an ally to the LGBT community for years and represents the Commonwealth’s 34th House District (a section of Louisville). Representative Marzian serves on the House Standing Committee on Health and Welfare which stopped legislation in 2008 to ban domestic partner benefits at Kentucky universities. (story)

Even if you do not live in Representative Marzian’s District, please consider giving a small donation to her campaign so we can keep an ally in the Kentucky House of Representatives.

Visit http://www.kyequalitypac.org/ for additional information about Election 2008.

Click here to make a donation to Kentucky Equality.

To mail a donation directly to Representative Marzian, make your check payable to Marzian for State Representative at mail it to 2007 Tyler Lane Louisville, KY 40205.

Michael L. Pitzer (R) is running against Representative Marzian (D).

Kentucky Equality PAC is registered with the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a permanent Political Action Committee.

Kentucky Registry of Election Finance – Kentucky Equality PAC Registry File # 198160