Equality in the News January 16-22

Thanks again to our Communications Intern Danielle for providing commentary on this week's news!

State

Boseman to run for District Court Judge

Julia Boseman announced that, while she is not seeking another term within the North Carolina State Senate, she will run for District Court Judge. This position would allow her to remain active in state politics while still allowing her to spend time with her family.

This endeavor is not a new one, as she has dreamed of becoming a judge for a while. Boseman says that as a judge, she would be fair and impartial.

Nation

Raising (Mc)Cain for Equal Marriage

Cindy McCain, wife of Republican presidential candidate John McCain, shocked GLBT community by showing her support against the gay marriage ban in California. This is a significant victory for the movement because it is gaining momentum to being a human rights issue, and not politically biased. As more conservatives show their support to our cause, it proves we are making headway in educating and sharing with people not close to the struggle

Seriously--This is Michigan's Biggest Threat, Paul Scott?

Paul Scott, Michigan’s newest candidate to Michigan’s Secretary of State Position is setting barring transgender people from changing their sex on their state identifications as his top priority. Scott cites that this issue is about “biological gender.” Of course, I can’t let this one go.

To have such a fervent stance on this issue, he certainly doesn’t know a lot about it. There is no such thing as “biological gender.” Gender is socially constructed roles and behaviors often associated with sex. Although, sex and gender are commonly used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing.

It would only make sense for people to have their gender identity on their licenses and other legal documents. How else would they be identified?

Secondly, why is he making this a top priority in Michigan? Michigan made headlines in the last 18 months as having one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. If this is his top priority, then clearly he is unfit to be Secretary of State.

Transgender people need to have their legal documents in sink with their medical procedures. Such a policy could be detrimental to their health, both physically and mentally.

Paul Scott is using this to cultivate fear of the transgender community. Hopefully, the good voters of Michigan will see through it.

Cruisin' for a Cause

The Gay and Lesbian Cruise industry is stepping up in a huge way by contributing massive donations to the Haiti Relief Fund. Times like this point out that at the end of the day, we are all just people with the same needs and wants. In a time when an urgent outpouring of love is needed, it is the people that have been fighting for legal recognition of their love, that we can depend on.