News

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Fire Relief and Recovery Events & Information

On-going FREE grief counseling:
3-5 sessions
List of therapists who are donating their time
November 2 – 6pm
Day of the Dead Grief Ritual
Santa Rosa Plaza
As part of the Day of the Dead event, there will be a special honoring for all of us affected by the recent fires. We have all been affected in some way. We’ve lost lives; people, animals, trees…, we’ve been injured, we’ve lost homes, all or most of our belongs, jobs and/or we know someone who has experienced these.
This is an opportunity to witness each other, stand together in community, honor what has been taken and bring hope to each other.
We will gather at 6pm. Please spread this message so more of the community may benefit.
November 4 – 10am-6pm
Community Grief Ritual – FREE or optional donation
Masonic Hall, Santa Rosa
Pre-register, only 80 people accepted
www.sacredfuture.org >calendar of events
November 4 & 5 – Noon-5pm
ArtFlare open house
View, create (they will provide all art materials for FREE), support artists affected by the fire all in one place
November 25 Noon-5pm
Dianna Grayer, Ph. D & Sheridan Gold, MA
FREE Healing Workshop
Incorporating music, art, writing, movement

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A benefit for North Bay Fire Victims -The LGBTQ Community Responds

Gather for an evening of great wine, food and entertainment as we raise funds to support relief efforts to benefit the local LGBTQ youth and the migrant farmer/undocumented immigrant communities that survived the northern California wildfires.

The benefit will feature a three-hour hosted bar with Sonoma & Napa Valley wines & vodka cocktails, appetizers, musical entertainment including Donna Sachet, and a silent auction of wine, restaurant certificates & more! All at Gough House – a beautiful Victorian mansion in Pacific Heights.

You’re invited to participate as Sponsors, Hosts & VIP Guests:

$1000 Lord of the Valley (Sponsor recognition on event signage, printed program, by MC, on RWF website/social media & bottle of wine & host gift.)

$500 Master Vintner (Host recognition on event signage, printed program, by MC, on RWF website/social media & special host gift.)

$250 Grapevine VIP (VIP recognition on event signage, printed program, by MC & wine country gift.)

$100 Redwood Friend (Three-hour hosted wine & vodka bar, appetizers, entertainment & silent auction.)

TICKETS at: https://rainbowfund.givezooks.com/events/wine-country-rising
Sponsors & Hosts to date: Rainbow World Fund, Out in the Vineyard, Gary Virginia, Donna Sachet, Michelle Meow, Mark Vogler, Krewe de Kinque, Olivia Brion Winery, John Newmeyer.

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Pennsylvania Senate Advances Anti-transgender Amendment on CHIP Re-authorization Bill

The Pennsylvania State Senate has voted to advance a discriminatory anti-transgender amendment to the re-authorization of the state Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Introduced by State Senator Don White, the amendment would cut transition-related surgical services for transgender youth out of the program. HB1338 passed the Senate by a 37-13 vote and now heads to the House Rules committee for final amendments.

“It is completely inappropriate to use state funds to pay for sex change operations for children. I believe that is a position that is strongly endorsed by a vast majority of Pennsylvanians,” said Senator White. “I strongly support CHIP. This program provides vital health care services for Pennsylvania’s children. It is irresponsible to allow its limited resources to be used for sex change procedures.”

Senator White said the proposed restriction for CHIP is in line with current state regulations that prohibit the use of Medicaid funding for sex change procedures.

“Pennsylvania law already prohibits our largest state health care program from using taxpayer money for these services,” Senator White said. “It only makes sense to define in statute that this restriction includes CHIP as well.”

HRC Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs JoDee Winterhof called the amendment dangerous and mean spirited, “CHIP saves lives and should be beyond the reach of cynical lawmakers looking to score cheap political points,” said Winterhof. “This attack is dangerous and mean-spirited. The amendment puts the health and safety of children across the commonwealth at risk. Protecting children and ensuring they have equal access to healthcare is a nonpartisan issue, and we urge the House Rules committee to reject this harmful amendment.”

The Children’s Health Insurance Program provides crucial health care services to our nation’s most vulnerable youth. It provides health coverage to nearly eight million children and families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but who can’t afford private coverage.

This legislative session has brought an onslaught of anti-LGBTQ legislation in state houses across the country. This year more than 130 discriminatory bills were introduced across 30 states.

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The Plaza Building Grand Opening & Fire Relief Fund Benefit

 

NEW PLAZA BUILDING GRAND OPENING IN GUERNEVILLE ON NOVEMBER 4TH & 5TH at 10:00 AM
16215 Main Street, Guerneville, CA 95446
A Percentage of Proceeds Benefit the North Bay Fire Relief Fund

Guerneville has a new merchant building with a wonderful compliment of offerings for the community and tourists! Owners Keri Y.K. Yhu and
Paul Bydalek did an excellent job remodeling the old Mercantile building on the corner of Main Street and Armstrong Woods Road. While they never thought it would take as long as it did to navigate the permit labyrinth, they never gave up and finished the building in time for two of the shops to open for Memorial Day weekend. Now that all the businesses are open, a grand opening is planned for the weekend of November 4th and 5th, with a ribbon cutting by the Russian River Chamber at 11:00 AM on November 4th. Each of the businesses will be donating a percentage of their proceeds to the North Bay Fire Relief Fund. Each of the businesses will also donate an item to a raffle basket, with free tickets given to anyone who makes a purchase in any of the businesses. The drawing will take place at 4:00 PM on Sunday and the winner does not need to be present to win.

mission is to create and provide high quality, socially-and environmentally conscious products that spread harmony and joy to their users while supporting local artisans, natural living, and a healthier planet. They carry a wide selection of locally-made, eco and people-friendly products, including our own 100% natural and luxurious bath and body care products, as well as fine jewelry, chocolate delicacies, organic robes AND MORE for the ultimate pampering experience. Owners are Brett and Alisa O’Loughlin.

The Forest to Sea Nature Store, operated by the nonprofit organization Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, provides fun and educational nature-related items that represent the magnificent natural and cultural resources in the Russian river area, with all proceeds benefiting State Park volunteer programs. Michele Luna is the executive director of Stewards and Annie Cresswell is the administrative director. The store is staffed mainly by volunteers with staff support.

Postal Outlet Plus provides the Lower Russian River Community with retail pack and ship services including private mailboxes, copy-scan-fax, notary services, and professional printing services. They are also an authorized ship center for UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS. Keri Y.K. Yuh and Paul Bydalek are the owners of the building and Postal Outlet Plus.

Equality Vines Tasting Room is the world’s first cause wine portfolio dedicated to equality for all people. For every bottle of wine sold, Equality Vines makes a donation to an organization dedicated to the fight for equality, with each line of wine supporting a different equality cause. The Love Wins line of wines supports LGBTQ non-profits, the Suffrage Series supports women’s rights, and future series will support other equality causes. The first wine in this special series, Love Wins Cuvee, honors Equality Vines Co-Founder Jim Obergefell and his late husband John Arthur for their legal fight that ended with the 2015 landmark Supreme Court decision Obergefell v. Hodges, bringing marriage equality to the entire United States.

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Report defends the United Nations Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

The United Nations Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity(IE SOGI) mandate was created through UN Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/RES/32/2 in June of last year and was confirmed through six separate votes over the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in 2016. Despite this comprehensive process of approval, some UN Member States insist on opposing any decision that links sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics to international human rights protection. Just last week, a delegate from Egypt addressed a committee of the UNGA claiming to speak on behalf of Belarus, Russia, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) States, minus Albania, and stated:

“Our position on the matter is clear, that we do not recognize the mandate of the independent expert and therefore are not in a position to engage, interact or cooperate with the mandate holder. While reiterating our firm commitment to combat different forms of violence and discrimination, we believe that the resolution establishing the mandate adopted by a margin vote is highly divisive. Moreover the introduction and imposition of controversial notions outside the internationally agreed human rights legal framework contradicts the fundamental universality and would lead to polarization.”

States such as Egypt construct this false narrative at the UNGA by taking advantage of a loophole in the rules that allow regional groups to make statements even if consensus has not been reached within the group on the issue in question. Last year Egypt pushed the African Group and the OIC to continually table group statements against the mandate despite members of the group not agreeing on the stance. The report released today exposes this strategy as misrepresentation and myth building. It breaks down and analyzes each vote that took place at the UNGA last year, revealing the comprehensive cross-regional support for the IE SOGI Mandate including from States in the OIC and the African Group. For example, South Africa, a member of the African Group, supported the establishment of the SOGI IE and stated:

“The Bill of Rights is very clear about the South Africa we fought for, were imprisoned for and were exiled for, a South Africa without discrimination. The question is one of our values and beliefs and even if we are alone on the continent we will stand and fight it (discrimination against LGBTI persons). South Africa will vote yes based on our constitutional imperative.”

UN Member States across the world stood up for the integrity of the human rights system during the process, and by doing so showed their support for the IE SOGI position. This included countries across the Asia-Pacific such as Japan, whose delegate stated:

“Picking and choosing the outcomes of the Human Rights Council and blocking the ones which are not favorable for some of the delegations in the General Assembly undermines the discussions and the decisions made in the Human Rights Council and it therefore sets a dangerous precedent. My delegation is not in the position to support such an attempt. My delegation would like to support the amendment tabled by the distinguished delegation of Argentina, and I strongly urge other delegations to do so.”

The report reveals strong leadership and support for the mandate from the Global South and in particular the key role of several Latin American States such as Mexico:

“The issue being that of the mandate of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. And I think here we need to clarify something very important, this is a very complex and delicate subject. This has been said, but I think it’s worth reiterating here so that it is very clear: we’re talking about nondiscrimination – nondiscrimination. And for us, it is extremely difficult to understand that anyone could question the human right to nondiscrimination on any basis whatsoever.”

Civil society played a strong and crucial role in defending the mandate with representation from every region of the world. Notably, civil society mobilized vigorously across all aspects of the hostile attacks, including in the development and distribution of two open coordinated letters addressed to Member States of the United Nations urging their support for the IE SOGI. The first letter – initiated during the debates in the Third Committee – was signed by over 850 organizations representing over 157 countries.

The contents of the civil society report offer an evidence base for countering arguments based on misinformation, fear and generalization. The voting records, analysis and transcripts can offer guidance for planning future international, regional, and national advocacy on the human rights of LGBTI people.

 

Short URL: http://lgbtweekly.com/?p=83743

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Pulse Nightclub Transitions to Interim Memorial

The Pulse Nightclub Memorial site will soon undergo temporary design improvements to create a more inviting and comfortable venue to reflect and remember the tragedy that occurred there on Sunday, June 12, 2016.

After a detailed presentation about the design plans from club owner and onePULSE Foundation Executive Director Barbara Poma, Orlando’s city council on Monday approved the interim plans. Poma explained that the renovation is the first step in a community-driven initiative to create a permanent national memorial and museum.

“This is an important step toward creating a permanent destination for remembering what happened here, but in a more comforting environment while also initiating an urban renewal effort where one is sorely needed,” Poma explained. “These companies have donated not just their services, but their shared creative spirit to help memorialize the loss of life while also creating place of healing.”

The process for creating the design was led by Kody Smith, Christina Hite and Greg Bryla, of the landscape architecture firm of Dix.Hite + Partners, and David Stone of Phil Kean Design, working together with the onePULSE Foundation’s Memorial Task Force. The Foundation’s Design and Construction committee, led by Vicki Berman, reviewed and approved the interim design. This committee will lead the charge of the construction with Rial Jones of Jones Clayton Construction.

The interim memorial will provide areas to leave messages and will include seating, shade, lighting and trees. The iconic Pulse sign will be enhanced but not removed. A new fence will be placed around the perimeter of the nightclub itself, which will remain standing until a decision is made in the future. Much of the labor involved will be completed off-site and new elements will be installed at the site with minimal impact on the surrounding community. Work on the project is planned to start in about two months and is intended to last approximately 60 days.

After the tragedy, the club immediately became an impromptu memorial and destination for visitors. Thousands of guests from around the world have continued to come to the site, stay for extended periods, leave personal items including messages of love and support in honor of those whose lives were taken and others who were affected.

A survey created by the onePULSE Foundation to gather public input about the memorial will remain live until October 31. The survey is open to everyone and is available at www.onePULSEFoundation.org and will serve as the guide for a memorial design.

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Many Sonoma County Residents Affected by Fires Now Eligible for CalFresh Disaster Benefits

Sonoma County residents and workers impacted by recent fires may be eligible for Disaster CalFresh benefits to provide funds for food purchases under temporary regulations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP).

Wednesday, October 25 through Wednesday, November 1, Disaster CalFresh applications will be taken at three County of Sonoma Human Services Department Economic Assistance offices. The CalFresh program issues a benefit amount, based on household income, to an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The card can be used like a debit card at participating food outlets and farmers markets.

These Economic Assistance offices will take Disaster CalFresh applications in-person, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Additional hours may be added):

  • 2550 Paulin Drive, Santa Rosa
  • 520 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, and
  • Human Services South County Center, 5350 Old Redwood Highway, Petaluma.

To request information about new or current CalFresh, Medi-Cal or CalWORKs benefits, call (844) 719-8808. After November 1, residents may continue to apply for regular CalFresh during regular County business hours and online at www.mybenefitscalwin.org/.

 

Disaster CalFresh benefits are available to many residents, regardless of immigration status, who lived or worked in Sonoma County during the fires that started on October 8, 2017, who:

  • Lost a home or business
  • Lost income (such as not being able to go to work)
  • Lost food (such as experiencing a power outage of four hours or more)
  • Had disaster-related expenses that will not be reimbursed (such as repairs, temporary housing, or evacuation expenses)

 

Income limits are temporarily increased under Disaster CalFresh (see chart below). Residents who are under or near these income amounts can contact Economic Assistance, as certain deductions may make them eligible for help.

 

Household Size Monthly Income Limit D-CalFresh Allotment
1 $1,700 $192
2 $2,049 $352
3 $2,397 $504
4 $2,755 $640
5 $3,133 $760
6 $3,510 $913
7 $3,858 $1,009
8 $4,207 $1,153
Each Additional Person +$349 +$144

 

Proof of identity and an in-person interview are required to complete an application. Identification may be a driver’s license or other picture ID. If a picture ID is unavailable, utility bills or other similar documents are accepted. Applicants must also bring a document that verifies that their home address or work location was in the disaster area prior to October 8, 2017 (such as utility bills, insurance bills, paystubs, etc.).

 

In addition, temporary regulations also allow Sonoma County households may use SNAP/CalFresh EBT cards to purchase hot foods and hot foods ready for consumption temporarily through November 15, 2017.

 

Some households affected by fires already receiving CalFresh, Medi-Cal or CalWORKs will automatically receive up to the maximum Disaster CalFresh amount based on their household size on their EBT cards. For info: 1-844-719-8808.

 

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Paraguay Passes Russia-style Ban on ‘Gay Propaganda’ in Schools

Paraguay has passed a Russian style ‘gay propaganda’ ban in schools.

The Ministry of Education has stopped public schools from using or spreading materials on ‘gender ideology’, in an effort to promote ‘traditional values’ and the ‘traditional family’.

Like Russia’s ban on promoting ‘non-traditional relationships’, the ban on ‘gender ideology’ is a thinly-veiled attack on women and LGBTI people.

Enrique Riera, the education minister, said the government has a responsibility of promoting a family of ‘father, mother and children’.

‘We naturally respect different options, but we’re not going to instill them in our public schools’, Riera said, according to ABC Color.

Riera has said he will also burn any books that spread ‘gender ideology’.

SOMOSGAY, a Paraguayan LGBTQ advocacy organization, condemned the ban, saying the term ‘gender ideology’ was ‘invented by conservative groups to keep justifying violence and discrimination against women and LGBTI people.’

‘What is really happening here is the suppression of education about equality and discrimination, which is an international obligation of the Paraguayan state,’ Erika Guevara Rosas, the Americas director at Amnesty International, said.

The Montevideo Consensus, adopted by Paraguay and other Latin American nations in 2013, requires countries to end discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

‘Excluding education on equality from the curriculum is tantamount to state promotion of violence and discrimination, with extremely grave consequence,’ Guevara Rosas said.

There is a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage in Paraguay. There are also no anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTI people.

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Hundreds of People Walked This Bullied 11-year-old Boy Home From School

When a truckload of redneck teenagers repeatedly drove past Mateus Romualdo as the 11-year-old walked home from school, they unloaded a payload of racist slurs on his little head. The scared boy called his mother in tears, saying he was afraid the bullies would shoot him.

After his mother, Heather, took to Facebook to decry the state of America and the racists who attacked her son, Mateus’ youth basketball coach, Troy Harlan, caught wind of the episode and decided to do something about it.

He walked Mateus home. And he brought a few friends with him – including a former pro basketball player and the Utah Jazz mascot.

Hundreds of people joined Harlan and Mateus as they walked the route back home from his school in Murray, Utah, according to KSTU-TV.

“I know that when I read the post that his mom wrote about him being scared, I’ve gone through all that,” Harlan, who is also black, told the station. “I grew up in Davis County and I know what it feels like to be one of only two black kids at my school.”

“The message I want to happen is that people need to be held accountable. You’re not born to hate people. You’re taught to hate people. I don’t care what color you are. We are all the same.”

Mateus’ mother filed a police report and the incident is being investigated. Utah’s current hate crime statute is limited to misdemeanor crimes and does not include a list of protected groups.

Watch the beautiful video of Mateus’ trip home from school below and tell us your heart didn’t grow three sizes too big.

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On The Global Rise Of Anti-LGBT Crackdowns

The Washington Post reports:

This week, a government journal in the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan announced that the country’s interior ministry had compiled a registry of “proven” gays and lesbians. The list named 319 men and 48 women, whom Tajik federal prosecutors identified in operations they called “Morality” and “Purge.”

A purge — likely in the form of mass incarcerations — is exactly what human rights organizations are afraid will happen. But the phenomenon would not be unique to Tajikistan: Over the past few months, police in Egypt, Azerbaijan, Tanzania, Indonesia and the Russian republic of Chechnya have rounded up people suspected of being gay — and in many cases tortured or publicly humiliated them.

What’s more, many of the crackdowns look like “copycats” of one another. “There are a lot of ways in which these crackdowns follow the same sequence of events,” said Kyle Knight, a researcher on LGBT rights at Human Rights Watch. “And there’s reason to believe that what’s happening in Tajikistan now is based on things their government there has learned from, say, what Azerbaijan just did.”

The above-linked story goes on to note that the crackdowns have typically begun with a religious figure or government official publicly denouncing “deviant” LGBTs. Hit the link and learn more. The photo in the post is of the Chechen president, who started this most recent wave.

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