Issue # 129 • April 9, 2010 -L1 {J " I- F 713.523.2828 I'
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1";1 1,;.' I f {~ 1 !,. Issue # 129 • April 9, 2010 -l1 {j " I- f 713.523.2828 I' Parker's directives include protection Employees violating the policy are Melissa Etheridge: for the transgender community as both subject to disciplinary action up to Fierce and Fearless gender identity and gender expression indefinite suspension. Supervisors or are addressed. That expression relates managers who do not act on allega- By Chris Azzopardi to "appearance, dress, mannerisms, tions or evidence are subject to disci- speech patterns, and other social inter- plinary action. actions." A third executive order that was issued 'Gender identity," the order explains, in February also goes into effect this 'May not correspond to the individu- month. That one relates to sexual ha- al's body or gender assigned at birth.' rassment in the workplace. Houston still lacks domestic partner "It's a violation "to fail or refuse to hire, Mayor Parker issues extensive benefits, non-discrimination order recruit, appoint, promote or train any individual" based on sexual orientation Photo: James Minchin III by Deborah Moncrief Bell Mayor Parker says she's simply putting or gender identity. It's also a violation in writing what's already in practice. "to discipline, demote, transfer, layoff, An inside look at the rock legend's life Mayor Annise Parker HOUSTON - fail to recall or terminate" or to "or to now - her personal awakening and how it's "Any city employee ought to feel safe has issued an executive order protecting limit, segregate or classify employees changed everything LGBT city employees that is possibly in the work place being who they are in or applicants." the most comprehensive. in the nation. daily life," she said. If Melissa Etheridge's music has seemed The order was signed on March 25th The affirmative action division of the mellow lately, she's about to show you. and took effect immediately. mayor's office will develop and imple- Because of a city referendum that was Back to her rock-out roots, the tough-and- ment diversity training. passed a few years ago, the city cannot gruff musician/mother/activist makes a Parker's predecessor, Bill White, the offer benefits to same sex partners of roaring return with the uplifting FearleSS Democratic nominee for Texas governor Kris Banks, President of the Houston city employees. Those benefits cannot Love, her follow-up to 2007's sociopoliti- I '_:l~ ,.. "'_ .1,"- .=J-no:wp.rp.n The Awakenino . s a VIOlatIOn··to tan or retuse to rure, Mayor Parker issues extensive benefits, ~~";6.: non-discrimination order recruit, appoint, promote or train any individual" based on sexual orientation by Deborah Moncrief Bell Mayor Parker says she's simply putting Photo: James Minchin III or gender identity. It's also a violation in writing what's already in practice. "to discipline, demote, transfer, layoff, An inside look at the rock legend's life HOUSTON - Mayor Annise Parker fail to recall or terminate" or to "or to now - her personal awakening and how it's "Any city employee ought to feel safe has issued an executive order protecting changed everything limit, segregate or classify employees in the work place being who they are in LGBT city employees that is possibly or applicants." the most comprehensive. in the nation. daily life," she said. If Melissa Etheridge's music has seemed The order was signed on March 25th The affirmative action division of the mellow lately, she's about to show you. and took effect immediately. mayor's office will develop and imple- Because of a city referendum that was Back to her rock-out roots, the tough-and- ment diversity training. passed a few years ago, the city cannot gruff musician/mother/activist makes a Parker's predecessor, Bill White, the offer benefits to same sex partners of roaring return with the uplifting Fearless Democratic nominee for Texas governor Kris Banks, President of the Houston city employees. Those benefits cannot Love, her follow-up to 2007's sociopoliti- cal-powered The Awakening. had issued an order that covered sexual Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual- Transgender be offered without sending the issue to orientation much like the one in Dallas (HGLBTPC) Caucus, welcomes the voters. We spoke with Etheridge, who not only move. that offers protections for gay, lesbian discussed surviving cancer during the last and bisexual employees. That policy After the Houston City Council ap- "This also protects people against dis- decade and the life lessons she learned in already protected people based on race, proved DP benefits several years ago, the process, but also how she's embracing crimination in use of city facilities, in religion, gender and sexual preference. the issue was placed before the voters. change - a new sound, touring band and the restrooms in other facilities," Banks Not only were the benefits rescinded, return of those hot, long locks. said. "They say that the city cannot tell Parker stated, "Our belief has always but the referendum also mandated that anyone that they are not allowed to use been the city's non-discrimination pol- any future change to that policy would How does it feel to have the long hair any city facility based on their gender icy protected gay and lesbian employ- need to be approved in another elec- back? identity. " ees, as well as transgendered employ- tion. I watered it every day, and it grew! It was ees. This executive order now explicitly The order covers the LGBT community a big part of me. I really wasn't aware how states that. "at every level of municipal govern- big a part. ment," which includes city-run facilities The order states that, "The purpose of such as stadiums, parks and museums. I'm not used to seeing you as glammed- this Executive Order is to prohibit dis- up as you've been in some recent photos. crimination and/or retaliation on the A second executive order issued the What's up with all the make-up? basis of sexual orientation and/or gen- same day provides further protection to IU!!~Qut, .1g~t,AIUS: der identity at every level of municipal the LGBT community. That order pro- You know, it's something I think I've grown Thursday, April 29, 2010 into. At 48, I need all the help I can get government, including hiring, contract- hibits racial, ethnic, gender and other Dining Out For Life ing and/or access to City facilities and (laughs). slurs. Benefiting AIDS Foundation Houston programs/activities". After all you've been through this past The second order prohibits not only de- On Thursday, April 29, 2010, restau- decade, what place are you in now? I, The goal is to provide a work environ- grading verbal comments but also men- rants across Houston will unite in the !i tions electronic media including screen fight against HIV/AIDS. Each restau- ment free of discrimination and harass- That was an intense decade! But everything fl ment based on either sexual orientation savers, posters, cartoons and drawings. rant will generously donate 33% 0 that happened makes me stronger, makes ,j or gender identity, according to the or- food bills all day long. In 2009 with me understand that this is what life is. You Menacing behavior, critical or mocking -f'''' der. It covers anyone doing business the help of great Houston restaurants, are presented with these issues, but you comments and perpetuating stereotypes f with the city including Houston's con- AFHraised over $70,000 in support learn and you grow and you move on. Life are listed as behavior inappropriate for tractors and vendors as well as city em- for their programs and services such as is rich and full, and nothing's going to kill the workplace. you. Youjust keep moving forward - and it ployees. housing, gets sweeter. CONTINUED PAGE 4 Apri19,2010 THE MONTROSE GEM ISSUE #129 2) already demonstrated" leadership in GLBT Community Center The Center launches "TMG One Voice" has arrived! the fight for equality for GLBT people; by Paul Guillory scholarship honors 3) engaged in significant extra-curricu- ComingOut group Lawrence v. lar activities; 4) a record of service in "TMG One Voice" It is the name of the open March 29,2010 - The Houston GLBT community organizations and 5) a dem- meetings and events we have when we've Texas petitioners Community Center, the home base for onstrated financial need. invited women to join our conversation and by Bagby Burton-Grose the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgen- dialogue meetings. I want to thank Kiah for der people and their allies, announces the name; it says it all. The Houston GLBT Community Center plans for a monthly coming-out group will award scholarships honoring the serving the needs of GLBT and ques- TMG One Voice is "Building Bridges and Tearing Down Walls". Helps us to continue two petitioners in the landmark Law- tioning individuals. The first meeting rence v. Texas U.S. Supreme Court case is set for Monday, May 3, at 7 p.m., at what was started in August of 2009. at their annual Pride Week commemora- the Center (3400 Montrose Blvd., Suite The purpose of "TMG One Voice" Face- tion of the court victory. The case over- 207). book Group is to come together as African turned anti-gay "sodomy" laws in the American Gay, Bisexual, and Same Gender United States. The coming-out group will meet on the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. There is no fee for participation. The Texas statute was 21.06 of the Tyrone Gamer (L) and JohnLawrence (R) are hugged Texas penal code and was referred to as by a supporter during rally at Houston City Hall cel- Individuals seeking more informa- "homosexual conduct".