Exploring Issues of Civic Responsibility with Judy Shepard

This evening I had the privilege and honor of meeting Judy Shepard. Judy is the mother of Matthew Shepard, the young gay man whom was brutally beaten, tied to a fence post, and left to die nearly 11 years ago in Laramie Wyoming. Following Matt's brutal death the Shepard family created the Matthew Shepard Foundation to honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs and aspirations. The Foundation seeks to "Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion & Acceptance" through its varied educational, outreach and advocacy programs and by continuing to tell Matthew's story.

This evening the Foundation partnered with Facing History and Ourselves, along with the Allstate Foundation. The topic of tonight's forum was Community Conversations: Exploring issues of Civic Responsibility. I've had the opportunity to hear Judy speak once before, but tonight was different. The program began with a role play of interviews recently conducted in Laramie by the same people that created The Laramie Project. Following this play, Judy went in to her speech as she normally does, by reading the Victim Impact Statement she read at the sentencing of the two men that savagely beat Matt to death. After speaking for some time about Matthew, his life, and the issues GLBT Americans are currently facing in the nation of "Equality" she opened the discussion up to the audience and took questions. The most compelling of the questions asked dealt with Judy's personal views of religion and hate groups that claim to be loving Christians.

At the end of Community Conversations I was excited to learn that Judy Shepard would be signing copies of her recently released book The Meaning of Matthew: M Son's Murder in Laramie, and a World Transformed. In less than a year the book has become a New York Times best-seller. I attribute this to the fact that the book is a moving, intimate look at how Judy's life, and the entire fight for equal rights, changed when Matthew was killed.

For nearly eleven years the Shepard family has worked tirelessly throughout the nation to educate people on the violence that took place the evening Matthew was killed, and the impact such a crime intends to instill in the GLBT community. Just over ten years after Matthew was killed Judy was present, at the White House, when President Obama signed in to law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which added sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of crimes that can be investigated and prosecuted as hate crimes in all of the United States. To Judy, and the entire Shepard family, this is the beginning of many more steps the country has to take before true equality is achieved, in what they view as the last civil rights issue facing America.

To Judy, Dennis, Logan, and all of the extended Shepard family I wish to thank you for your enduring love for humanity, the sacrifice and heartache you endure every time you step in front of a crowd, and the positive change you are bringing to a nation in need.

HRC Equality Convention Spring 2010

The Human Rights Campaign held its Spring 2010 Equality Convention during the first weekend of March. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and allies descended on Washington, D.C from throughout the nation. On the first day of the convention attendees were afforded the opportunity to lobby their state’s members of congress on Capitol Hill to discuss legislation that affect LGBT individuals. Throughout the day, six ordinary, every-day, Colorado citizens sat down with legislators and Congressional staff members. Participating, from Colorado were Hank Provost, Renaldo Phillips, Faye Tate, Aydrian Richardson, Jonathan Horst, and Nader Kawas (pictured left to right).

For most in the group this was their first time lobbying Congress and speaking to legislators about the issues that affect them personally. On the agenda were the repeal of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy through the passage of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (MREA), passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), passage of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (DPBO), and increased funding for HIV/Aids through the Early Treatment for HIV Act (ETHA).

In addition to the personal plea to legislators for support of these bills, we wanted to directly thank them for voting in favor of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act which was signed in to law by President Obama on October 28, 2009. This law gives the Department of Justice (DOJ) the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence by providing the DOJ with jurisdiction over crimes of violence where a perpetrator has selected a victim because of the person's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. Of Colorado’s nine US legislators, only one voted against this bill.

The group had the opportunity to thank Representatives Betsy Markey and Diana DeGette directly. These two women devoted a significant portion of their day to meet directly with the HRC Colorado delegation. The discussions were honest and open. Though living in a fiscally conservative region of the state, Representative Markey holds the belief that issues affecting the LGBT community are matters that ultimately affect all Americans and therefore are a moral obligation for her to support. Representative DeGette has been a longtime supporter and advocate for the LGBT community and again expressed her willingness to work toward advancing full equality in the law in every way possible.

Faye is a straight ally and employee at CH2MHill. Faye spoke to legislators about the value of having a federal ENDA that would prohibit discrimination in the workplace on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The most powerful stories Faye shared were of co-workers coming to her for guidance and moral support to come out as a gay or transgender individual in the workplace. These individuals knew they could come to Faye because she would recognize them for the value they brought to the company as an employee and not cast them aside for their “difference”. Faye recognized that these co-workers and employees brought many great talents to the business and she acknowledged the fear they had of being fired or passed up for promotion because they were gay or transgender. Together, with her management staff, Faye helped create a diversity committee within CH2MHill that implemented an inclusive ENDA and focuses training on the uniqueness of every individual and the positive characteristics that every employee brings to the workplace.

The federal government is the largest employer in the nation. Currently, it does not provide benefits for same-sex domestic partners of federal civilian employees on the same basis as spousal benefits. Aydrian shared the struggle he and his partner have had with choosing which companies or government entities they wish to work in after college. Aydrian’s partner is in the competitive industry of software engineering. He spoke on the reality of the market and how the federal government is missing out on many qualified and sought after individuals in all spectrums of business. When Aydrian and his partner sat down to discuss potential employees, one of the essential qualities that factored in to their choice was whether the employer offered benefits to them as same sex partners and whether they would receive equal pay for equal work. At the state level Colorado does provide same sex partner benefits, so it was decided that working for the state was preferable to working for the federal government. Passage of DPBO would bring the federal government in line with the majority of Fortune 500 companies and nearly half of state governments.
Amongst the contingency from Colorado were two military veterans, Hank and Renaldo. These two men discussed the impact “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has had on the readiness and force of our military throughout the world. Currently we are engaged in two wars and fight alongside at least twelve nations that allow soldiers to enlist and to serve openly, being honest about who they are. Under DADT, US soldiers deal with the everyday fear that they might be ousted for being lesbian or gay. This fear hurts unit cohesion by imposing secrecy and lies. Renaldo spoke about the need for passage of the MREA that would repeal DADT and create an atmosphere of honesty and respect within our military. Renaldo currently holds a top secret clearance that he obtained while in the Air Force. After serving time in the military he chose to find employment in the private sector, working for Lockheed Martin and Boeing, where he would not face the dilemma of lying to coworkers and supervisors. The government spent millions of dollars securing Renaldo’s security clearance, and they allowed that money to be wasted, losing him to the private industry, simply because he is a gay man. Renaldo’s story is just one of the thousands of men and women who were in technical fields or had specialty skills, like Arabic linguists, that chose not to reenlist in the military or were discharged for coming out about their sexuality. Fortunately, for the national security of our nation, President Obama and top level military personnel have recognized the harm DADT has had on our fighting force and, along with Congress, are working for passage of the MREA and full repeal of DADT.

Senator Mark Udall sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee and has been a cosponsor of the Senate version of MREA. The day prior to visiting his office, he helped introduce the legislation to the Senate along with Senator Carl Levine. Though he did not have the opportunity to meet directly with us, his Legislative Assistant, Jacob Swanton, did sit down with us and share the Senator’s passion for repealing DADT and creating a stronger, more effective military. Joining Jacob was Jennifer Sisk, the Senator’s Legislative Correspondent and Emily Paladino, Legislative Assistant.

One of the greatest tragedies to impact our nation in the past three decades is the AIDS epidemic. You’ll be hard pressed to meet anyone that hasn’t been impacted by HIV or AIDS, whether through a friend contracting the disease or a family member dying from it. Having lost friends to AIDS Nader has been engaged in HIV/AIDS walks and fundraisers throughout the country. Nader and Jonathan reported that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the number of new HIV infections exceeds 56,000 each year, in the US alone. While there’s been considerably more funding under President Obama than the previous administration, the CDC estimates that it needs additional money to mount effective prevention efforts. In addition, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) requires more money to fund its fight for research and a cure.

One of the key pieces of legislation Nader asked legislators to support was the Early Treatment for HIV Act (ETHA). ETHA would permit state Medicaid programs to provide HIV treatment to individuals before their disease progresses to AIDS. Currently, an individual can only qualify for Medicaid assistance after the disease has developed in to AIDS. Treating those who are HIV-positive early in the progression of the disease provides numerous benefits, providing therapy earlier to keep the individuals viral loads suppressed and delaying the onset of the opportunistic infections. Doing this decreases the transmissibility of the disease, thereby reducing new infections.

In their first terms in Congress Representative Ed Perlmutter and Senator Michael Bennet have done an extraordinary job immersing themselves in the struggles LGBT individuals face on a daily basis. They have made it a point to reach out to the community within Colorado and listen to personal stories and learn how they can help. This atmosphere of sincerity was never more evident than when meeting with their staff in Washinton, D.C. Congressman Perlmutter’s Legislative Assistant, Jose Rodriguez, went well beyond the time allotted us to ensure he listened to and took in every fact, personal struggle and plea so that he could share it directly with the Congressman. Likewise, Representative John Salazar’s Legislative Assistant, Alfonso Lopez, reiterated to the group that he would share every concern with the Congressman.

Representative Doug Lamborn provided three Legislative Assistants to sit and discuss the issues the LGBT community is facing in Colorado. Representative Lamborn has never cosponsored a bill that would further equality in the LGBT community, nor has he ever voted in favor of any. They shared the real life stories of discrimination and the very real hardships the Congressman has supported in his votes against equality.

On Capitol Hill the HRC members from Colorado quickly learned that they are supported by nearly every one of their elected officials to Congress. Too often the LGBT community does not interact with all of their allies in Congress.Through more lobbying efforts we hope to become better at reaching out to those that hold deeply that the issues facing the LGBT community are issues of equality in the civil rights movement of the 21st century. There are many thanks to be given to each Representative, Senator, and staff member that took time out of their busy schedule to meet with citizens from their state to discuss what they can do to help bring about the equality they mutually agree should be written in to law.

Welcome 2010

Happy New Year 2010 to everyone. We expect this year to be a wonderful one. We have a lot of new, great, opportunities presenting themselves to us in this first month.

Ryan has received a promotion at work in which he'll be doing what he first intended when he started his job. The best part is the increase in pay, of course! As for myself, I'm greatly enjoying my new job.

In addition with work I have been presented with some wonderful opportunities with HRC. My co-chair, Renaldo has asked me to join one of his companies, Vertu Entertainment, as Director of Service for the non-profit Vertu Catalyst. My first project will be to work with Project Cure where I intend to create a service project in which we bring members of many organizations together to meet Project Cure's goal of providing medical equipment to nations in need throughout the world. I'm extremely honored to be asked to join such a great company, and excited for the work I'll be doing.

Ryan's 21st birthday is quickly approaching on Friday, the 22nd of January. Anyone that knows me, is aware of how terrible I am at keeping secrets and gifts. This past weekend I caved and gave Ryan all his gifts, including a Louis Vuitton messenger bag that he hasn't been able to part with. He doesn't know I bought another gift for him this afternoon while he was at work. I'm determined to hold on to it until Friday.

Saturday night Ryan had the opportunity to meet Renaldo and others within our community. We watched "The Book of Eli" at the Pavilions on 16th Street Mall. We met up with and were introduced to Morris, whom I expect I'll be working with at the Gill Foundation, and a young cutie named Josh. The group was split 50/50 on whether we liked "The Book of Eli".

We have a very busy year ahead of us and I look forward to working in Colorado to help re-elect our Democrat majority, both locally and nationally. I also look forward to progressing equality for the LGBT community. There are several educational seminars and forums we're planning to hold during 2010, for a number of issues. We're hoping to partner with businesses and places of worship throughout the state.

I look forward to taking Ryan to the exhibition Genghis Khan at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. I had the opportunity to go two weeks ago with Ali and Matt. It ends soon, so if you haven't experienced it yet I suggest you go immediately. The next exhibit will be Body Worlds. We'll be sure to invite you all along for an afternoon of fun and education. In addition to local trips I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my mom will fly out for a vacation and trip to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills. Hint, hint....

To all our friends and family, Happy 2010! We hope to spend time with each and every one of you throughout the year. Keep up the fight for equality and health care for every American!

Living Liberally Honors HRC

Each Monday evening, a group of progressives gather to drink wine, eat food, and share their thoughts on politics with like-minded friends. This weeks focus was on the Human Rights Campaign, and the legislation, both locally and nationally, that is being worked on in the 111th Congress. Nancy Cronk, the administrator of the group, made White Knots and handed them out to all present. I was then asked to speak.

I shared what HRC is working on, with the 15-20 people that gathered. We discussed the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill, Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, and Don't Ask Don't Tell, amongst several others.

Having met with most of my senators and representatives I had some insight to share of what they would like from the community and where they stand on repealing anti-LGBT laws, and enacting civil rights equality for all Americans. I am happy to say that I live in a district where my elected officials stand on the side of equality, not hate.

Overall, the evening was very informative for the group and for me. I have great input to return to the state steering committee with and share amongst the LGBT community. It was very heartfelt to have so many "straight" supporters want more information on what they can do to progress pro-LGBT legislation. As in all cases, call your Senators and Representatives and tell them you support equality for all Americans.

After speaking, and eating dinner, I had a moment to speak with Nancy. I thanked her for allowing me to speak to her group and share a message that was so personal for me. Something she said to me has stuck in my mind and rolled over and over again over the past 24 hours. She said, "It's all about love." So simple, yet so telling of her heart and love for all people. If we disregard all of the negatives we've been taught, and instead live based on this one statement, "It's all about love," we could accomplish so much more in our world.

No Excuses

Last night members of the GLBT community in Denver and surrounding cities had the opportunity to meet with Senator Michael Bennet's State Director Rosemary Rodriguez.

Rosemary started off asking that the meeting be personal, open and informative both for us and for her.

Prior to the meeting, before she arrived, a few of us were sitting around talking, discussing what we hoped to hear, what we wanted to portray, and offering up questions to ask if the meeting hit a point where there was silence. One of the questions I was hoping to hear was what Senator Bennet did for GLBT employees as superintendent of Denver Public Schools. It was encouraging to hear that he extended benefits to same-sex couples that were previously enjoyed by heterosexual couples.

Senator Bennet is in favor of expanding the definition of hate crimes to include sexual orientation and gender identity. To show his support he became a co-sponsor of the Matthew Shepard Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Currently the senator sits on the Homeland Security Committee. Up for discussion is extending medical benefits to same-sex couples(I don't remember which bill this is so if anyone wants to expand on this please do).

There was a great question asked of what we can can do as a community to give the Senator coverage/protection when he votes in favor of pro-equality legislation. Rosemary made it very clear that once the senator makes up his mind whether he supports legislation or not his decision is final. Recently he was in a very unfriendly atmosphere, right outside Colorado Springs(city starts with a "F"?), and someone asked him what he thought about Marriage Equality. He stated that he believed it was a state right, and that if it were up for a vote in Colorado he absolutely would vote in favor of Marriage Equality. I find it very encouraging that in an atmosphere where he felt he had to be on guard he remained resolute in his support of equality and his own convictions.

I'm very thankful Rosemary spoke in depth about DOMA and how she is working with him in the coming days to bring him up to speed on GLBT legislation. Rosemary seemed very interested in having us all be in contact with her and Senator Bennet in the future and sharing our personal stories with him. Preferably, she would like as many stories as possible of how DOMA has adversely affected the GLBT community in Colorado. It is her hope to have these stories to share with Senator Bennet when the meet in the coming days. It is his belief that it is very important to share the stories of Coloradans when he is speaking on the Senate floor and touring the state. If DOMA has had a negative impact on your life please email your story to Rosemary Rodriguez.

There were many other questions asked and topics covered, but these are what I found most compelling. Hopefully, in the coming weeks we will have the opportunity to again sit down with Rosemary and discuss these issues in more depth, after she has had a meeting with Senator Bennet. It is our hope too that he will be present.

Thank you to Senator Bennet for sharing Rosemary with our community, and thank you to those in the Human Rights Campaign that made this meeting possible.

You can read more about this forum on HRC Backstory.

Tax Day Inequality

It doesn’t matter how long a same-sex couple has been together, come tax day they are considered single by the federal government. As single people, they must pretend their finances and their futures are not intertwined and forgo access to the many economic safety nets their tax dollars help fund, such as Social Security survivor benefits, estate tax deferral when inheriting property, and the ability to file taxes jointly. Every year, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people are forced to pay taxes on their partner’s health care benefits as if it were additional income. Opposite-sex couples are exempt from this unfair taxation.

Even in Massachusetts and Connecticut, where same-sex marriages are recognized by the state, they are not recognized by the federal government, and all of the above injustices apply.

LGBT people need equal rights for equal taxes paid. There are many paths to this equality, including repealing the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and passing an inclusive Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). I urge everyone to contact their legislators and eliminate this discrimination today.

You can find this blog in the Denver Post, posted April 15, 2009.