New Updates

Hello everyone! Hope all are doing well.

Here's a couple updates:

-The Matthew Shepard Act has been approved to be attached to a Defense Bill by the Senate. Senators Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts both voted against the motion. Go figure.

-I found this article from Camp interesting. Check it out!

http://www.campkc.com/campkc-content.php?Page_ID=1301

Over and out,

Matt

Finally! A new post!

Sorry I haven't kept this blog going very well lately. Does anybody read this? If so leave a comment, I'd like to know that I'm not just sending messages out into nothingness.

 

Here's a few updates:

-I heard back from the Soulforce Q Camp. Didn't get a spot. A little bummed about that, but oh well. I did the best that I could do in applying. I won't let that hold me back.

-A bill that is very important, at least to me, has been introduced in Congress by California Rep. Linda Sanchez called the Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2262). This bill would work as a federal "Safe Schools" law similar to ones across the country (including the one in Kansas). A Safe Schools law requires schools that receive taxpayer's money to adopt anti-bullying policies, report incidents of severe bullying and harassment to the state and federal level and adopt anti-bullying programs similar to drug-free schools programs. The Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2009 would be an amendment to a law that says schools have to take action against drug usage and violence on their campuses. The thing that stands out about this bill, is that it provides specific language covering bullying based on factors including race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, among others. As I am well aware, that language is NOT in the Kansas Safe Schools law and it would be terrific to see a federal law pave the way for necessary amendments to happen. 

-Kansas Rep. Dennis Moore is not a cosponsor of this bill. Contact his office and notify him that you want to see him sign up to become one.

-KC Gay Pride starts tonight! Can't wait. Hope to have a JCEP table there next year. That would be exciting.

-Emma Jo and the Poets Down Here are competing for a spot at Red, White and Boom at a competition this Sunday. I can't make it, but it would be terrific to see them get some support there! Visit this website:  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=98512998888

Hope you are all doing well. 

Over and out,

Matt

A Couple Things

I called Dennis Moore's office to voice my support for the Matthew Shepard Act. I actually found out from the guy that answered the phone that he is a co-sponsor of the bill and has been in years past when they've tried to pass it as well. I felt kind of embarrassed that I didn't already know that (I'm a former intern for his campaign office), but it was good to hear that he supports the bill. The vote is tomorrow! Since we're getting support from our House Representative you might want to start thinking about the Senate vote. 

Also, I sent in an application today for the Soulforce Q Camp. If you are not familiar with Soulforce, they are a terrific organization that does peaceful demonstrations on gay rights around the country everywhere from Christian colleges to mega-churches. The are founded by the wonderful Mel White (who, along with his son Mike, were on this past season of The Amazing Race). The deal with the camp is, if you get accepted, they will pay for your entire stay at the camp including travel, food, lodging, everything (!) provided that you agree to lead an LGBT supportive event in your community. The purpose is to build LGBT rights leaders across the country. I think this would be a really good opportunity for me to learn about what I can do to take the JCEP to the next level.

And finally, Iowa same-sex marriages have begun. Yay! If there's hope for Iowa, there's hope for Kansas, too.

Over and out,

Matt

Johnson County Equality Project (JCEP) Coordinator

Hate Crimes

If you've been following the gay blogosphere, you've probably heard about the recent deaths of some teenagers that were killed because they were perceived to be gay. Now, more than ever, it is important to stand up against acts of hate against LGBT people. A bill called the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act is being pushed through Congress right now. A similar bill was passed by both houses of Congress last year, but was vetoed by President Bush. Now we finally have a President who has been a vocal supporter of hate crimes legislation inclusive of LGBT people. If there is a time to act, it is now. I doubt this would be the case, but there is always the chance we might not have President Obama in the White House four years from now. 

A lot of lobbying organizations have been publishing lies and misinformation about this bill saying that it's really a "though crime" bill and will punish pastors for standing against homosexuality. Unless they plan to be to execute acts of violence or murder, these claims are bogus. States across the US (including Kansas, by the way. I know it's unbelievable but look it up) that have sexual orientation in their hate crime laws do not experience cases of pastors and Christians being victimized. However unconvincing these arguments might seem, it is important that we contact our elected officials and let them know what we think about this bill in order to counter the lies being told.

If you live in Johnson County, here are your elected officials contact info:

Dennis Moore (House Democrat):

1727 Longworth House Office Building,
District of Columbia 20515-1603
Phone: (202) 225-2865

Sam Brownback (Senate Republican):

303 Hart Senate Office Building,
District of Columbia 20510-1604
Phone: (202) 224-6521

Pat Roberts (Senate Republican):

109 Hart Senate Office Building,
District of Columbia 20510-1605
Phone: (202) 224-4774

Rock for Equality Recap

Here is a recap for everyone that missed the Rock for Equality Concert which was AWESOME! The band that played was Emma Jo and the Poets Down Here (check out their MySpace) and everyone was very impressed with them. A lot of folks came up and were like, "Wow, where'd you get this awesome band?" Of course I found them off Craigslist, where you can find everything from hookahs to happy endings. Haha.

As people came up to us, we had a couple greeters (my Mom and Cara) who distributed some papers to everyone explaining the organizations we tried to raise money for which were the Human Rights Campaign, The Trevor Project and the Kansas Equality Coalition. I was anticipating some negative response, but everyone was actually really supportive. 

I am really glad that I went forward and did this, because it raised a lot of awareness and a little money too, for these organizations. Anyway, check out the pics, and be there next year for Rock for Equality 2!

Welcome!

My name is Matt and I am pleased to announce this new blog. By forming the online group, Johnson County Equality Club, we will give the LGBT and LGBT-supportive community of Johnson County a voice in a place where we have often been silenced. 

Some things you can expect to see on this blog are news about upcoming events of the JCEC, recaps of stuff we've done in the past, important information on news relating to gay rights in Kansas, and my occasional personal commentary. Please read this, subscribe to the blog or bookmark it to stay informed on what is happening and what you can do to help make our world a better place.

:D

Matt

P.S. Pretty soon I'll post a recap of the Rock for Equality concert. If you missed it, you really missed out. Come next year for Rock for Equality II!