“I don’t want to be an activist,” Josh Vandiver, a 29-year-old gay man explained.A Harvard graduate completing his Ph.D. at Princeton, with a focus on comparative ancient Greek and Renaissance political theory, Vandiver said, “I want to finish up my dissertation and become a professor… I’m a reclusive scholar. I like to be in the library all day.”Cristina Ojeda, a 24-year-old lesbian who came to the US from Mexico when she was 11 and became a citizen at the same time her father did, has more experience with LGBT causes. As an undergraduate at the University of California at Santa Cruz, she found herself amidst a politically charged student body. “It was natural to be involved,” she said.Still, when Ojeda, who grew up in California, moved to Buffalo to get a master’s in social work at SUNY, she found an apartment off campus in a low-income neighborhood where she felt uneasy leading a vis
Search results for shirley, tan, saved, deportation, for, now
Uniting American Love - Chelsea Now
Posted by
uluckidog 571 days ago
(http://news.google.com)
Our Picks for the US Senate and House - Chelsea Now
Posted by
uluckidog 571 days ago
(http://news.google.com)
In this week’s print edition, Gay City News laid out its endorsements in November 2 races for state offices in New York, some of which remain competitive, especially for the State Senate.At the federal level, the major risk facing the LGBT community is the potential for Democrats losing control of the House of Representatives. Though Democrats are also expected to see their 59-41 edge in the Senate whittled considerably, the party is widely expected to hold on there.Loss of the House or of both chambers would deal a devastating blow to efforts to move forward on significant gay political goals — most prominent among them:repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (should the Senate fail to complete action in the lame duck session);passage of a transgender-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act;enactment of immigration reform that includes the right of same-sex binational couples to have a for
March in DC and Tell Congress to PASS UAFA NOW
Posted by
uluckidog 798 days ago
(http://nclrights.wordpress.com)
On Sunday, March 21st, thousands will march in Washington for March for America, to call on Congress for comprehensive immigration reform. Please join NCLR and Immigration Equality and send a message that comprehensive reform must include LGBT families too!
Current immigration policy unfairly discriminates against LGBT binational couples by not allowing U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to sponsor foreign-born partners for immigration. We must call on Congress for the swift passage of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), proposed legislation that would provide LGBT couples with the same immigration benefits as different-sex couples.
Current immigration policy unfairly discriminates against LGBT binational couples by not allowing U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to sponsor foreign-born partners for immigration. We must call on Congress for the swift passage of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), proposed legislation that would provide LGBT couples with the same immigration benefits as different-sex couples.
A Brush With Destiny
Posted by
USAFrance 901 days ago
(http://www.huntingtonnews.net)
Madison Reed and his partner deserve the same legal rights as any other American. Tragically, these two men are separated by oceans of distance and culture. I have known Madison for 7 years. We met while I was a student at Marshall University here in Huntington. Madison immediately opened up to me and became a mentor in a time where I was defining so many things about myself. He is a proud man. This pride has to do with the fact that he has seen oppression and has come out on top. He has taught me to look for the building blocks of my pride in an ability to show understanding to all people, even those who may not even try to understand me. Madison has run a business, been a mentor, and in that a positive force in Huntington. He deserves to be united with his partner, Dzmitry, not through just some political or economic union. For Madison, relationships have nothing to do with those two
Shirley Tan Advocate Activist of the Year 2009 (Political Aftermath)
Posted by
freedom2immigrate 901 days ago
(http://lezgetreal.com)
Congratulations to Shirley Tan and Jay Mercado and the boys and Mommy. Shirley was named ADVOCATE MAGAZINE ’s Activist of the Year for 2009. This is well deserved. However they may have been used in a way that could result in resentment from the community rather than the applause they deserve: Here are the comments from Immigration Equality’s (IE) BLOG site where IE makes the announcement: Quoting the Announcement by IE on their BLOG:
If I take it on, and it will be at no charge, will you be willing to stand up for UAFA? ”Jay did not think for even a moment when she responded, “Melanie, if we can keep Shirl here we will do anything for UAFA.” ... This adventure to D.C., now their second was sponsored by Immigration Equality. Who would have thought where that one call by Molly would lead. It just goes to show what going that extra mile can do. So well done Tan Mercado family you have been true to your ...
(EXCLUSIVE) Bloomberg Puts Gay Marriage Chances This Year at Zero
Posted by
ExileComingHome 971 days ago
(http://www.chelseanow.com)
Even as he put the chances of moving a gay marriage bill in Albany this fall at “zero, zero,” Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg argued that he has the political clout to win support from key New York Republican state senators, including two from the city who are vociferous in their opposition.
As early as 2005, the mayor pledged to lobby the Legislature to enact marriage equality legislation passed twice since then by the State Assembly and actively pushed by Governor David A. Paterson. In a series of high profile appearances this year, Bloomberg has reiterated that commitment.
As early as 2005, the mayor pledged to lobby the Legislature to enact marriage equality legislation passed twice since then by the State Assembly and actively pushed by Governor David A. Paterson. In a series of high profile appearances this year, Bloomberg has reiterated that commitment.
Repeal DOMA Now Campaign
Posted by
DividedByLaw 984 days ago
(http://sdcsn.blogspot.com)
Good news on the DOMA front. Human Rights Campaign looks to be getting serious about repealing DOMA. They're now starting a campaign to make it happen. 50,000 of you took our survey on how the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) harms families. And with Congress back in session this week, we personally delivered your responses – and thousands of heartfelt comments – to help build the case for repealing this discriminatory law. Now is the time to really put the pressure on and tell Congress it’s time to Repeal DOMA Now (which is coincidentally the name of our new campaign).
In the past year, tens of thousands of loving same-sex couples have legally been married in Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont. And with new laws soon to take effect in New Hampshire and Maine, thousands more will surely join them. Enacted in 1996, the Defense of Marriage Act purports to
In the past year, tens of thousands of loving same-sex couples have legally been married in Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont. And with new laws soon to take effect in New Hampshire and Maine, thousands more will surely join them. Enacted in 1996, the Defense of Marriage Act purports to
HIV ban will be lifted quite soon (for real)
Posted by
ATLdave 1056 days ago
(http://bigqueer.com)
Today, the Department of Human and Health Services (HHS) finally published its proposed regulations to lift the HIV travel and immigration ban in the Federal Register for a 45-day period of public comment.
It has certainly taken a long time and a lot of lobbying effort to reach this monumental point: when the HHS finally published its proposed regulations, before issuing the final regulations -- the day when all HIV-infected individuals will not be discriminated against from entering the country. Please respond to the HHS with your supportive comments.
It has certainly taken a long time and a lot of lobbying effort to reach this monumental point: when the HHS finally published its proposed regulations, before issuing the final regulations -- the day when all HIV-infected individuals will not be discriminated against from entering the country. Please respond to the HHS with your supportive comments.
Shirley Tan and Family to March with Out4Immigration at San Francisco Pride 2009
Posted by
BinatUK 1066 days ago
(http://www.indybay.org)
Shirley Tan, her partner Jay Mercado, and their two children will join Out4Immigration—the all volunteer, grassroots advocate for same-sex binational couples and their families—at the San Francisco 2009 Pride Parade on Sunday, June 28th. Together, they will be marching for equal immigration rights for same-sex binational couples to remain together in the U.S. by urging Congress to pass the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).
On June 30th, I will be going to Sacramento with Shirley Tan and her family, to testify in favor of a California State Resolution supporting the passage of the Uniting American Families Act* which was re-introduced into Congress by ...
UAFA Would Keep Shirley Tan with her Partner and Kids (Race and Politics)
Posted by
uluckidog 1084 days ago
(http://www.racewire.org)
What struck me about the video was not simply Tan’s courage in speaking as an immigrant woman of color, a loving partner to her life companion, and a devoted parent to her two sons; but to witness the vulnerability of her 12 year old son, who silently wept as his mother spoke…
…Which leads me to the ‘hater’ part. While the hearing took place, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), ranking minority member of the Committee and the only Republican to attend the hearing but publicly opposed to UAFA, watched the boy weep and commented to his aide, “Enough with the histrionics.”
WTF?!? Sessions had the audacity to call this boy’s emotional torture of having to listen to the possibility of his family being torn apart from harmful, discriminatory immigration policy and practices as insincere theatrics??? I guess Sessions’ defense of torture easily carries over to his apparent disd
…Which leads me to the ‘hater’ part. While the hearing took place, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), ranking minority member of the Committee and the only Republican to attend the hearing but publicly opposed to UAFA, watched the boy weep and commented to his aide, “Enough with the histrionics.”
WTF?!? Sessions had the audacity to call this boy’s emotional torture of having to listen to the possibility of his family being torn apart from harmful, discriminatory immigration policy and practices as insincere theatrics??? I guess Sessions’ defense of torture easily carries over to his apparent disd
Protect Our Families Now
Posted by
BrenDAL 1085 days ago
(http://nclrights.wordpress.com)
I am so proud to announce that NCLR submitted written testimony to Congress in support of UAFA. My thanks go out to Chairman Leahy, Ranking Member Sessions, and members of the Committee for holding this historic hearing on this important legislation. Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony on behalf of the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the tens of thousands of families affected by the serious problem that this bill would correct. UAFA is a relatively modest bill, yet it is of critical importance to those who need it, for at its core the bill does one simple thing: it allows partners who have built families through love and commitment to stay together and care for one another.
It is unfair and unjust to force hard-working, tax-paying citizens to choose between their country and the person they love just because they are part of a same-sex couple.
It is unfair and unjust to force hard-working, tax-paying citizens to choose between their country and the person they love just because they are part of a same-sex couple.
Shirley Tan Invited to UAFA Hearing
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1093 days ago
(http://oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com)
By Melanie Nathan – Breaking – Today, 1.30 PM. Senator Leahy , (D-VT) extended an invitation to Shirley Tan to testify at the UAFA hearing on June 3rd before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Shirley Tan, her wife Jay and their twelve year old twinsons, together with ‘yours truly’ will be traveling next week to DC for the hearings and congressional briefings. Earlier this month Shirley’s deportation was stayed at the last minute ( for the duration of this Congress 111) by the introduction of a rare Private Bill on her behalf by Senator Feinstein. (D-CA)
Now with thanks to the efforts of Immigration Equality, this hearing ought to shed more light on the inequities in the law and the flagrant exclusion of the LGBT community under the Immigration Act. It will also highlight the suffering of families under the current immigration law, regardless of sexual orientation, as
Now with thanks to the efforts of Immigration Equality, this hearing ought to shed more light on the inequities in the law and the flagrant exclusion of the LGBT community under the Immigration Act. It will also highlight the suffering of families under the current immigration law, regardless of sexual orientation, as
Shirley Tan to testify before Congress at UAFA hearing
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1093 days ago
(http://www.inlookout.com)
Shirley Tan, a California mom who was nearly deported in April because her same-sex partner could not legally sponsor her for citizenship, has been invited to testify by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) in the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) hearings starting June 3. If passed, UAFA would extend same-sex couples the same immigration rights enjoyed by married couples, creating a legal path to citizenship.
Tan’s partner Jay Mercado and their twin sons will make the trip to Washington with their lawyer Melanie Nathan. From Nathan’s blog.
Nathan will have extensive coverage the hearings on her blog as will we at inlookout.com. There will also be a live webcast of the hearings starting at 10am EST on June 3.
Tan’s partner Jay Mercado and their twin sons will make the trip to Washington with their lawyer Melanie Nathan. From Nathan’s blog.
Nathan will have extensive coverage the hearings on her blog as will we at inlookout.com. There will also be a live webcast of the hearings starting at 10am EST on June 3.
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Promoting public awareness of the need for fairness in immigration policy particularly as it relates to the rights of same-sex bi-national couples in the United States who seek equal immigration rights; Providing information regarding political issues relating to gay immigration equality issues, rights and policy.