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:
June Newsletter
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
Call Congress - Help Pass the Hate Crimes BillPLEASE 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.
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
- John "JJ" Bentley, Latino/a Outreach Director
- Nikki McIntosh, Transgender Outreach Director
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 KentuckyTM coordinated (with many allies in Louisville), the Marriage Counter ActionsTM 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!
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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.
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.
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
Launch of Marriage Equality Kentucky!
Kentucky Equality Federation today announced the launch of Marriage Equality Kentucky™, a new grassroots organization to bring “gender neutral” marriage to Kentucky.
To reduce overhead and expenses, Kentucky Equality Federation has agreed to share its Equality Center (http://www.kylgbt.org/), including more than 9,800 email addresses and the names of its members.
Marriage Equality Kentucky’s relationship with the national Marriage Equality USA™ organization is still being negotiated and should be finalized by the end of next week.
Marriage Equality USA is currently fighting constitutional amendments in Arizona, California, and Florida.
“It is possible, and perhaps likely that Kentucky Equality Federation will become a self-governing chapter of Marriage Equality USA before the end of the year,” stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer, who also serves as Vice President of Organizational Relationships with Marriage Equality USA and is a member of its Board of Directors. “Beginning grassroots work to overturn Kentucky’s 2004 Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage is necessary, and long overdue.”
Should negotiations breakdown, Kentucky Equality Federation will operate Marriage Equality Kentucky as an integrated grassroots affiliate. The website for Marriage Equality Kentucky is http://www.marriageequalityky.org/.
A personal message from Jordan Palmer; share your story with us!
A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM KENTUCKY EQUALITY FEDERATION PRESIDENT JORDAN PALMER - SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US!
Today, Kentucky Equality Federation joined a coalition with Marriage Equality USA*, Bond Magazine, and Freedom to Marry to encourage Kentucky’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (“LGBT”) citizens share their personal stories related Kentucky’s anti-gay marriage law and how it affects their lives.
“Six gay couples here in Kentucky have made us aware of their plans to travel to California to get married,” stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer. “We have a place on our website they can visit to share their marriage plans with us; these couples realize once they get back to Kentucky, the Commonwealth will not recognize their marriage.”
Palmer also stated this was the beginning of a long-term strategy to repeal Kentucky’s 2004 constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, and that marriage should be gender neutral.
Since the California Supreme Court ruling, Kentucky Equality Federation has received 147 emails either from its primary website, or on social networking sites asking one question: “When will it be legal for me to marry my partner in Kentucky?”
“Kentucky’s LGBT population is tired of constantly being on the defense; though we recognize formidable defense measures are critical, we also realize an equally impressive offense must be coordinated,” stated Palmer.
Gay couples can share their stories at http://www.marriagestories.org/.
LGBT People Protected Again in Kentucky Government
BREAKING NEWS:
Governor Steve Beshear today signed an executive order restoring equal opportunity employment to all state employees and prospective employees. Under the order, no one can be hired or fired based on race, age, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity, ancestry, age, disability, or veteran status.
Click here to read our official blog, United We Stand for the latest updates.
RELATED NEWS:
Kentucky Equality PAC will release support and/or endorsements of political canidates on July 16, 2008. Visit http://www.kyequalitypac.org/ for additional information.
Kentucky Gay Civil Rights Leader Elected to the Board of a National Organization
Jordan Palmer, co-founder and president of Kentucky Equality Federation has been unanimously elected to the Board of Directors of Marriage Equality USA. Marriage Equality USA was founded in 1998 and has chapters operating across the nation.
Marriage Equality USA seeks to "secure legally recognized civil marriage for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation."
Marriage Equality USA has made headlines in recent years for their fight to legalize equal marriage rights for the LGBT citizens of California, whose case is currently before the California Supreme Court arguing for the equal right for LGBT people to marry in California. Marriage Equality USA is using a 1948 court ruling (Perez v. Sharp) that overturned a law prohibiting interracial marriage, concluding the right to marry the person of your choice is a "fundamental right of citizenship."
Palmer will be working alongside an army of national activists, including celebrities who are members of the Advisory Board to the Board of Directors of Marriage Equality USA, including Jason & Demarco, Ari Gold, and Brian Kent.
Some of Marriage Equality USA's other activities to date include:
- The first organization (joint effort with Lambda Legal) to institute a comprehensive grass roots marriage and media training program for activists.
- Began the Valentine's Day/Freedom to Marry Day Marriage License Counter demonstrations across the country; same-sex couples ask for marriage licenses from their city hall and county recorder's offices.
- Obtained support of our Marriage Declaration from council members, clergy, community boards, mayors, and other key people throughout the United States.
- Sponsored the first-ever Same-Sex Wedding Expo in New York, garnering solid support from gay and non-gay businesses.
"I think Kentucky Equality Federation's strategic alliance with Marriage Equality USA, as well as my appointment to their national Board of Directors is the first step toward repealing Kentucky's 2004 anti-gay amendment, as well as garnering additional support for non-discrimination laws, hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples, and other laws to bring complete equality to Kentucky," stated Palmer.
Palmer's appointment to Marriage Equality USA's Board of Directors is for two years. For additional information, visit www.marriageequality.org, or www.kyequality.org.
Healthcare Inequality Strikes Again
Today, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that same-sex partners could not get health benefits in government or public universities because of state’s 2004 constitutional amendment prohibiting gay marriage.
This decision is important to the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s LGBT population because conservative groups and lawmakers in Kentucky have been closely monitoring the Michigan Supreme Court case.
The Michigan Supreme Court’s 5-2 decision affirms a Michigan Court of Appeals ruling. Up to 20 public universities, community colleges, school districts and city governments in Michigan have benefits policies covering at least 375 gay couples. Some of the plans began as far back as the early 1990s.
After the appeals court ruled in February 2007, universities and local governments rewrote their policies to try to comply with the gay marriage ban (similar to what the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville did after the Kentucky Attorney General issued a legal opinion on this issue in 2007).
Former Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo referenced the Michigan court case, in addition to the Michigan Attorney’s General opinion in his 2007 legal opinion.
Michigan’s anti-gay law, which passed 59 percent to 41 percent, says the union between a man and woman is the only agreement recognized as a marriage "or similar union for any purpose."
Many have suggested the Family Foundation of Kentucky decided not to peruse their threat to sue the University of Kentucky and Louisville to stop domestic-partner benefits until the Michigan Supreme Court issued their ruling.
Kentucky and Michigan’s 2004 constitutional amendments against gay marriage are nearly identical, as are their policies toward local governments and public universities.
We will keep you advised of new developments. 
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University of Louisville - Office of LGBT Services
Students at the University of Louisville are really excited about establishing the university's Office for LGBT Services and making its new home in the Red Barn on the Belknap Campus. Already, it's becoming a vibrant place where students gather to work on issues and projects and guests can stop in for help or information.
Would you like to help? Their vision includes a working resource library with books, DVDs, and other materials students can check out or use. But, in a time of budget cuts, they have no funds to purchase materials. So here's how you can help...
To make it easier to deliver any donations, the university's Human Resources Department has offered to serve as a drop-off site.
For directions to HR, go here: http://louisville.edu/hr/contact/directions.html
Strategic Coalition with the Libertarian Party of Kentucky
Lexington, KY April 10, 2008 -- The Kentucky Equality Federation is pleased to announce the formation of a strategic coalition alliance with the Libertarian Party of Kentucky to bring equality and fairness to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
The Libertarian Party is the largest of the Third Political Parties in the United States, claiming more than 200,000 registered voters and more than 600 people in public office, including mayors, county executives, county-council members, school-board members and other local officials. It has more people in office than all other third parties combined.
“We can work together to promote equality in Kentucky, we definitely have a long road [ahead],” stated Libertarian Party of Kentucky Chairman Ken Moellman.
“We’re very proud and honored to be working with the Libertarian Party of Kentucky,” stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer.Kentucky Equality Federation is also in negations with the Kentucky Log Cabin Republicans, and well as the Kentucky Stonewall Democrats.
Come Together Kentucky (CTK) 2008
Kentucky Equality Federation today announced all online donations made to Kentucky Equality until April 10, 2008 will benefit Come Together Kentucky.
Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer initially made the cutoff date April 04, 2008, but extended it until April 10, 2008 because of Come Together Kentucky’s dire need for funds. Kentucky Equality Federation has raised $368.00 of the $2,000.00 requested since April 01, 2008.
The goal of Come Together Kentucky 2008 is to facilitate learning and dialogue between the different secondary education institutes in Kentucky (and since it is at Northern Kentucky University this year, Cincinnati schools will be invited as well). Come Together Kentucky's workshops and speakers aim to promote diversity and understanding of others.Come Together Kentucky was started 1996, and this is the fist year it is held at Northern Kentucky University. Programming for this event will be in the areas of: Cultural, Service, Education and Leadership.
"Education and exposure to diversity in non-threatening environments promotes tolerance; it is critical this occur during high-school and college, when individual minds are significantly more open to social diversity." - Jordan Palmer
Countdown! Make your stand!
We need your urgent help to kill a bill in the Kentucky House of Representatives that will redefine domestic-partner to exclude same-sex couples (House Bill 118 and Senate Bill 112).
Anti-gay activists want to strip away domestic-partner benefits for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people at Kentucky universities.
Earlier this month, Kentucky Equality Federation management had meetings with House Leadership to kill SB 112 and HB 118. Both bills died in Committee (thanks to your emails and support). However, some lawmakers are trying to go around the Committee on Health and Welfare and bring the killed bill to the floor (called a “discharge”) for a vote. If Democrats in the House get enough votes for a discharge, we’ve been advised the bill will pass if the entire House is permitted to vote on it.
Join Kentucky Equality in urging all members of the Kentucky House of Representatives to stop these hateful attacks Kentucky’s LGBT population.
Click here to sign the petition.
Thank you for helping Kentucky Equality Federation stop unfair attacks on our equality.
Protect Kentucky Families – Fight the Healthcare Inequality Bill.
January 31, 2008 - House of Representatives Bill 118 is the House version of Senate Bill 112 that passed 30-5 on January 30, 3008. House Bill 118 was condemned by Kentucky Equality Federation as a sneak attack (story) by House Democrats on Healthcare Equality.
Public universities and other government agencies would not be allowed to offer health insurance to the unmarried domestic partners of their employees should this bill become law.
House Bill 118 hamstrings University of Kentucky President Lee Todd and University of Louisville President Jim Ramsey in managing their institutions, which allow health insurance for domestic partners. "We continue to hope that the legislature will allow universities to make health-care decisions that affect their employees," said UK spokesman Jay Blanton.
Senator Vernie McGaha, the official who introduced SB 112 (passed in the Senate on January 30, 2008) stated: "That marriage is between a man and a woman. I do not recognize domestic partnership as being a correct thing. My Bible teaches against it.”
Click here to sign our Action Alert and ask the Kentucky House of Representatives to reject House Bill 118. Please be sure to sign any other Action Alerts you haven't signed. Help spread the word! Forward this action alert to your friends and family!
Kentucky Senate Passes Ban on DP's / Rally for Equality and Fairness.
January 30, 2008 - The Kentucky Senate passed SB-112 today to ban domestic-partner benefits at all Kentucky public facilities (all political subdivisions of the Commonwealth). Senate Bill 112 passing was no surprise; the real battle is yet in come….. in the Kentucky House of Representatives.
With more than 560,000 of Kentucky’s 4,173,405 citizens living without health insurance, taking coverage out of anyone’s reach indicates health insurance is only a commodity for the rich.
“Every Kentuckian knows when a bill is filed to stop universities from offering domestic-partner benefits, it is actually a bill to discriminate against a specific group of people – gays. Even the question of denying them is homophobic.” - Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer.
Bluegrass Fairness of Central Kentucky and the Kentucky Equality Federation are sponsoring the first LGBT lobby day of this session on February 12; Equality. Fairness. Nothing more, nothing less. This shall be the day we take the fight for equality and fairness directly to our Capitol.
We need your support as the opposition has the voices and numbers that we fail to get to the Capitol. Pro and/or friendly LGBT policies are the minority, but we need to drum enough support to seem like the majority.
We have two exciting events planned for you; you may register for one or both events:
- Speak to your elected officials from 9:00AM - 1:00PM
- Rally in the Capitol Rotunda from 1:00PM - 2:00PM
We plan on having many guest speakers; including Senator Ernesto Scorsone, and Representative Kathy W. Stein.
Why do we need you to stand with us on February 12th? Look at what we are fighting! This comments are from your elected officials!
It's OK to fire someone if they're gay. Historically, homosexuals haven't suffered. - Representative Joseph Fischer (October 2006)Homosexuality is aberrant behavior. - Senate President David Williams (January 2008)
The University of the Cumberlands stands for what is positive . - Senate President David Williams (August 2006)I don't want to entice any of those people into our state. Those are the wrong kind of people. – Senator Dick Roeding (July 2006)
The Log Cabin Republican Club of Kentucky, a gay GOP group, "are nothing but a bunch of queers." - Senator Dick Roeding (July 2006)
I wouldn't think that there would be a lot of support in the General Assembly for giving benefits to people that were involved in same-sex relationships. Doing so would be bad public policy. - Senate President David Williams (July 2006)
I am committed to protecting traditional marriage. I proudly supported the Same-Sex Marriage Amendment proposal in Kentucky in 2004 and was pleased to see it pass with 74% of the vote. - U.S. Representative Geoff Davis [part of Kentucky’s Congressional delegation] (July 2006)
Support Senate Bill 55 - LGBT Non-Discrimination Bill.
January 11, 2008 - Senator Ernesto Scorsone had filed Senate Bill 55 to "to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity." This non discrimination bill would bar discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in employment, housing public accommodations, insurance coverage, and credit (if passed into law).
No one should lose a job, a home, or a seat in a restaurant due to LGBT prejudice! Click here to Support Senate Bill 55! Please forward this to your friends, family, etc. for action!
Senate Bill 55 Text: Amend KRS 344.010 to include definitions for "sexual orientation" and "gender identity"; amend KRS 344.020, relating to the purpose of the Kentucky's civil rights chapter, to include a prohibition on discrimination because of sexual orientation and gender identity; amend KRS 344.040, 344.050, 344.060, 344.070, and 344.080, relating to prohibited discrimination in various labor and employment practices, to include sexual orientation and gender identity; amend KRS 344.025, 344.100, 344.110, and KRS 18A.095, relating to the same, to conform; amend KRS 344.120 and 342.140, relating to prohibited discrimination in places of public accommodation and advertisements therefor, to include sexual orientation and gender identity; amend KRS 344.170, 344.180, 344.190, 344.300, and 344.310, relating to the state and local human rights commissions, to include prohi bition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in the scope of their powers and duties; amend KRS 344.360, 344.680, 344.370, and 344.380, relating to prohibited discrimination in certain housing, real estate, and other financial transactions, to include sexual orientation and gender identity; amend KRS 344.367, relating to prohibited discrimination in certain insurance sales, to include sexual orientation and gender identity; amend KRS 344.400, relating to prohibited discrimination in certain credit transactions, to include sexual orientation and gender identity; and make various technical amendments.
Bring in the new year by promoting tolerance in Southern Kentucky!
Bring in the new year by promoting tolerance in Southern Kentucky! This message is sent on behalf of Mr. James-Clifton Spires. James-Clifton Spires and his partner, Robert Cox, live in Middlesboro, KY. He is a retired professional journalist and currently is a freelance writer and employee of a private contractor that handles federal contracts. James is the father of two sons --- and serves Kentucky Equality Federation as political advisor to the president, and is a member of the General Advisory Council.
From James-Clifton Spires: As you probably know, gay rights and gay culture is an important interest in my life. In the year and a half Robert and I have been living together in Middlesboro, Kentucky, we have been fortunate to make many friends who are either gay or gay-supportive. Some of you who are receiving this may identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered. Some of you have beloved family members who fall into one of these categories, and still others identify as just plain gay supportive, or "friends of the family."
In my life before moving to Middlesboro, I was involved in several different branches of PFLAG, a nationally recognized support group with an acronym that stands for Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. After giving the matter some thought and prayer, and after discussing it with Robert, I have come to believe it is time that a Middlesboro/Cumberland Gap Region chapter of PFLAG was started to serve the diverse GLBT people of this area and their families and friends.
According to PFLAG's mission statement, the organization "PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity."
I am hoping that some members of Kentucky Equality Federation may be interested (or know people who may be interested) in helping organize a local PFLAG group in or around Middlesboro, KY.The PFLAG - Berea Chapter assisted Kentucky Equality Federation during our community reception for the Soulforce/Equality Ride visit to the University of the Cumberlands on March 27, 2007 (pictures). Kentucky Equality Federation sponsored the Soulforce - Kentucky visit, and paid for their lodging.
To send James an email, click here, or copy/paste his email address: jamescliftonspires@commonwealth-equality.org.
