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