Crazy Carrie's Place

Maryland 8th State for Marriage Equality

2012-02-24T16:45:00.000-05:00

With a very close vote will now be legalized in state of Maryland. It is on its way to Governor O'Malley's office to be signed into law. Now of course the opponents of same sex marriage claiming that that their religious freedoms are in peril. That is total nonsense. The religious freedoms are protected insomuch as if the religious organization does not condone same sex marriage or partners then that is their domain to shy away from. In other words if such church do not wish to marry same sex couples then that is their right based on their religious faith or doctrine. What really fluffs my feathers is how these anti gay organizations use the bible and the church as a base for allowing inequality. Governor O'Malley introduced the bill SB241 to actually appease the churches and the doctrine to insure their rights are protected at the same time granting equality to LGBT.

But such organizations are now planning on going for a referendum to repeal the bill. Now that is gonna go over really well because precedent has already been set by the Federal Court when California went through the same battle not too long ago. The precedent was set by Judge Vaughn Walker of 9th U.S. Circuit Court whom ruled that the referendum known as Proposition 8 was unconstitutional for the citizens to deny LGBT Rights that has been afforded to them by the State Legislature. and has been appealed further up and was upheld in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals by a three judge panel. The battle in California started in 2008 and the opponents of same sex marriage are still trying to take the rights of LGBT away that was already upheld in State Supreme Court. So tax dollars and other peoples moneies are continually being wasted to fight LGBT couples who just want rights as heterosexual couples are afforded when the money can be used to take care of more important issues such as high unemployment so we can get people back to work, fighting rising gas prices at the pump.

If Maryland opponents take it to referendum like California did then the opponents then are doomed to repeat the same mistakes that they did in California. Once the governor signs the bill Maryland will become the 8th state to legalize same sex marriage.

2012 a Hot Year for LGBT Equality

2012-02-16T13:49:00.000-05:00

With the Marriage Equality bill (SB241) which was introduced by Maryland Governor O'Malley close to passing in the Senate in my beautiful home-state of Maryland but the religious organizations and other anti gay persons or groups are claiming that passage of such bill as well as the anti discrimination (SB212) is in violation of religious rights. The question is, how is that so when the bill has nothing to do with religion or whatnot. If a Church or denomination whether they be Catholic, Methodist, Baptist or any of the many other denominations. If the faith and creed of that church is strict and does not allow for any same sex relationships or marriage then they can just turn the other way and have nothing to do with the LGBT community. SB 241 even has clauses in it to make sure that Church cannot be held liable for refusal to marry same sex couples or other services afforded to heterosexuals. These clauses has been inserted into the marriage equality bill so a same sex couple cannot raise any lawsuits or churches cannot be forced to marry same sex couples. There are religious organizations within Baltimore/D.C. area that are LGBT Friendly and some have gay or lesbian pastors/ministers that most likely will be performing the same sex marriage services and there is also the old courthouse option that has always been open since the inception of marriage licenses. SB 212 anti-discrimination bill just simply adds "gender identity" to the language of the already existing law that has been protecting sexual orientation

Maryland is not the only state pushing Marriage Equality, anti discrimination or other pro LGBT Laws in the first Legislative Session of 2012. Alaska, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Washington that I am aware of. LGBT Legistlation seems to be a very hot ticket item in the state houses across the nation. If you know of other states with pro gay legislation going on that is not mentioned here please feel free to post it in comments below to let other readers know. Also in related news the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in California ruled in favor of Marriage Equality there for upholding the lower courts declaring Prop. 8 unconstitutional.

Our time is coming ladies and gentlemen, make no mistake about it. The roads are coming through for the LGBT American where we are Just as equal as our heterosexual counter parts. One day in the future we will be looking forward to LGBT people never having to hide in the closet again and just be ourselves making the country a better place for everyone without fear off retribution for simply being true to ourselves. There are already gay friendly cities within our country today. Keep in mind that just because a city government passes pro gay ordinaces that protects us out there does not necessarily the city is all that friendly. Of such cities in among the cities I have traveled to I believe that Pittsburgh, PA is truley the most gay friendly city in the country. I am able to walk the streets and shop in Pittsburgh as transgender female of course presenting and dressed as such with no one actually bothering me in any way shape or form. Yes I may get some looks from others and all but they do not voice themselves in discriminatory manner. I have become comfortable with myself in that gay city and proud of it. Now my hometown in Western Maryland isn't all that safe for the LGBT Community or myself to present myself in the manner that my sexuality (Gender Identity). Most of the LGBT Community is still in the closet around here the closest LGBT Resource is over an hour away in either Morgantown, WVA, Hagerstown, Maryland or Winchester VA. Only exception to that is the fact that Frostburg State University has a LGBT Support Group on campus but that is for the students attending school there not the general population of LGBT Americans.
Times are a changing and I look forward to being able to be in a relationship with that special someone and not have to hide it anywhere here in Hometown. Until then all I can do is watch and wait while venting and writing about what I feel and write about what is going on out there as an outlet for my mind and soul.

Lets hope for many successes across the nation in the states that are working towards Equality for all. Till next time I say to you BE YOURSELF.

Maryland Battle for LGBT Equality

2012-01-28T23:52:00.002-05:00

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley introduced SB241 to the state house.
SB241 is Marriage Equality Bill that no longer defines marriage as just man and woman, but the language now says Man and Woman or Individuals hence clearing the way for same sex marriages. This bill was passed by the Senate but failed in House of Delegates in 2011 legislative session but this year once specific change that may help it pass is the fact no longer the clergy are not held accountable if they refuse to marry or grant services to same sex couples if it is not allowed within the churches doctrine. There are still religious communities throughout Maryland that are opposed to such legislation. However there seems to be more people on board this year than last year including many churches that do support it, even the Maryland State Bar Association in in support of marriage equality. It is in my opinion that the religious community that is opposing it now just don't want anything to happen and don't believe in compromise. They should be happy that the do not have to be pressured into marrying same sex couples and do not have to worry about lawsuits against them for refusing to marry. There are plenty enough of same sex friendly churches now that it is still possible to marry in a church if the couple wishes to do so but as always since the dawn of time in legal marriages we can still go to the courthouse and see the marriage through after being licensed by the state. Maryland courthouses win also with increased revenue from marriage licenses with the most increase on or about October 1st of these year when the bill will be in effect if passes then will see a drop in licenses but still foresee a signification increase compared to just heterosexual marriage licenses. On the same token gay friendly churches will also see increased revenue as well. To the parties that are so closed minded and unwilling to waiver or compromise. One way or another all these civil rights and liberties that heteros have taken for granted will come to pass for the LGBT Americans.

In other news SB 212 Bill also was introduced to the state house as anti-discrimination legislation to add gender identity to the language of the already existing law. For quite some time now the law read that no one can discriminate based on race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, GENDER IDENTITY, or disability. It even goes to explain what gender identity is. This law is to be in effect on October 1st 2012 along with the marriage bill if all passes. Basically what this means is that discrimination against transgender community is illegal with in places of employment, housing and pretty much every where so that makes transgender females like myself would be able apply for a job or work in a job presenting myself as female and the "boss" cant do anything about it. It also includes protections for harassment in the work place which means the employer must take appropriate action if said employee is being harassed for his or her gender identity.

These to bills in the 2012 legislative session are major turning points for LGBT American equality. I commend Governor O'Malley for his support by introducing these on our behalf being right on the front lines. I also give some serious kudos to his wife First Lady Catherine O' Malley for which she stood up and called the state delegations that opposing the bills cowards than later apologized. If it were me I would not have apologize because I call them as I see them.

Readers wishing to view the SB 212 and SB241 may click on the two links below. These are in PDF format.

SB212-Anti discrimination

SB 241-Marriage Equality

Jamey Rodemeyer's Bullies Not Charged!!

2011-11-23T10:08:00.001-05:00

In Amherst, NY Jamey Rodemeyer's bullies has not been charged after formal investigation leading to case closed by Amherst Police Chief John Askey. Jamey, 14 years old killed himself admid constant bullying by students at North High School, Amherst, NY in September of this year.

As reported in Advocate.com The Chief stated that there is not enough evidence to prosecute and not able to single out any particular student. But yet the school has investigated five incidents of bullying and none has been reported to authorities. To make matters worst young Mr. Rodemeyer's sister went to a school dance shortly after the sucide to take her mind of the loss of her brother and at the dance bully's at the school bullied her by saying "Better of Dead". The students that taunted the sister have been suspended by the Superintendent. That is about all the punishments that will be metted out on behalf of the family and friends of Jamey Rodemeyer. Such an outcry over the suicide that Lady Gaga took an audience with President Obama to rally better anti-bully laws in the school systems. In similar news an Ohio teen was shown to be beaten on YouTube for being gay. This teens mother stated that her son has been continually harassed for being gay. Even after the teen's suicide the bullying continues which goes to show the need for major crackdown adn tougher anti-bully laws not just for the LGBT but for everyone because I am very sure that the bullies don't stop there. The bullies target anything that does not fit into their agenda. For example a Muslim or an obese girl/boy have also been targets. Some teachers in schools sometimes turn the other way because they don't like the LGBT or whatever the reason for the bully to act out. But anyone sensable would know that there is no valid reason for bullies in any situation. Some people say that persons like Jamey should have stood up for himself. How can that happen if the bullies are bigger and have a bandwagon of other students cheering him on? The list of what ifs and what not goes on and on.
The video can be seen here or go to YouTube.com.

One of the major questions in my mind is where is the teacher that belongs in that classroom and why did none of the students stand up and try to stop him. It is an absolute senseless. This is such an outcry and becoming an epidemic in our Jr high and high schools today. Another thing that bothers me is the parents of such bullies. In many cases like this you will find the peers inciting the actions or the parents particularly the father figure speaking out against homosexuality to the point that it is drilled in to the impressionable teens to minds to commit such acts.
On a final note I cannot stress enough that it not worth one's own life to stop this but to get help. If nobody listens then keep speaking out until you find someone that will listen and help. If you are an young impressionable LGBT teen feeling severely depressed or having thoughts of sucide please call the Trevor Project at their hotline number at 1-866-4-U-TREVOR. Just remember there is someone out there that can and will help you.
See also in the Advocate.com the shocking story from Jamey's parents as they spoke on the Today Show about the continued bullying against their daughter after the suicide.
These are the fact as I have read them as well as my opinions make of them what you wish and I hope someone reads this and finds a way to help others from bullies and if you are a bully yourself, you will eventually pay in the long run for your behavior.

We are all SINNERS!!!!!

2011-11-23T02:17:00.001-05:00

Well the opponents of the LGBT Movement have been bringing forth bible thumping about homosexuality is a sin and marriage is tween man and woman and all the other jazz they keep bringing up. Yes the bible does say that man lies with a man it is a sin. But if our society today practice the bible rather than the law of the land then The same ones whom keep preaching against homosexuality are all sinners.

Most of the Thumping herds out protesting against LGBT Equality are claiming that the sexuality of a man or woman that is not heterosexual is of a choice. I know it is not a choice for me. I even tried heterosexual relationships myself and was married with children but over time all it did was cause depression and make me want out. Three failed marriages and several failed relationships with the opposite sex made me realize. It is not a choice that I am whom I am. I am a Transgender Female and nothing or no one can change that. According to the bible God has made us and have a plan for each and everyone of us. So if same-sex relationships or marriages is such a sin then why did he make us whom we are today.

Yes homosexuality is a sin according to the bible and I am not denying that. The Bible is not the law of the land. If it were so there would be many people getting publicly stoned for adultery, rape, murder and incest(Yes incest happens when you have a bad father forcing a daughter to have sex with him.) An eye for an eye is the the broader aspect of punishments for other crimes. Do unto you as you have done unto me was the language until the New Testament whereas Jesus says just turn the other cheek and the sinner will face judgement I the eyes of the Lord. One sin that is well known also is Bearing False Witness. In short order it means telling lies and such to bring fruit to having person or persons be in trouble with the others persons involved in this case the biased unfounded untruthful and weak messages that the FRC(Family Research Council), NOM(National Organization for Marriage) and their allies produce to the public in attempt to gain support for the cause of disallowing the LGBT any rights. Sin is sin ladies and gentlemen make no mistake about it therefore these anti-LGBT organizations need to step back and think. The have no rights to call us sinners as it amounts to calling the kettle black for they are sinners themselves.

With the recent DADT(Don't Ask Don't Tell)knock down in the armed forces,it paves the the way to pave a rocky road to get DOM(Defense of Marriage)Act struck down as well. Californian LGBT are actually building that road as we speak as the Proposition 8 has been struck down due to its unconstitutionalism. But the FRC and its allies don't know when to quit when two U.S. District Court Judges Walker and Ware both struck it down. It is getting pushed up the the U.S. Supreme Court sometime in 2012 when the final knockdown will take place leaving precedent for the other states that are working towards marriage equality. It will be a long haul to build that road towards total equality in marriage, employment, housing, medical care and education. One day we will enjoy those rights in all 50 states and the generations coming up behind us will have an easier life then we do today.

This post is not based on anything but pure opinion based on the current events affecting the LGBT American Community. Everyone is entitled to opinions but that does not make it a fact as FRC and other Anti-LGBT organizations try to do majority of the time.

The Prop 8 Battle Continues to 2012

2011-11-22T06:34:00.001-05:00

As the final month of 2011 on a fast approach many issues are still standing within the LGBT American lives including the Californians with Proposition 8 in the Ninth U.S. Circuit court. Being so late in the year now, we will probably not see any ruling on the Constitutionalism of Proposition 8.

Those whom are not completely up to date on Proposition 8, it is just pretty much the same as Proposition 22 that was passed by ballot in 2000 with the same language. Only reason 8 was brought up was because the California Supreme Court struck down Prop 22 in May of 2008. Governor Schwarzenegger even stated he will uphold the ruling and when Prop 8 came out in response, Schwarzenegger again held his position as he opposed the ballot. Proposition 8 should never even made the ballot due to Proposition 22 being struck down and upheld by the governor. Both 8 and 22 are of same language that was struck down in California's own supreme court.

Then Judge Vaughn Walker of the U.S. District Court struck down Proposition 8 in August of 2010. But the FRC (Family Research Council) and its allies took case back to Federal District Court in front of Judge James Ware. They brought before Ware a motion to vacate Walkers ruling in June 13 2011 and denied the following day stating that race, sexual-orientation, or sex is not grounds for recusing oneself from the bench. Now the FRC and super-lawyers David Boies and Ted Olson are making the push for the U.S. Supreme Court by still arguing that Judge Walker was unqualified to overrule Prop 8 because he is gay. But the cute part is they are also begging the court not to release the embarrassing videotapes of the their witnesses' very feeble testimony and of course they lost in all the begging. Basically from what I understand is the FRC and the allies against Marriage Equality do not really have a case in the first place and just blowing steam and hot air with fabricated research more based on opinion than facts. So I myself feel rest assured that in 2012, the strike down of Proposition 8 will stand and leave precedent for other states to follow. In related news for the 2011 year is the DADT (Don't Ask Don't Tell) officially ended on September 20, 2011 allowing openly gays and lesbians to serve in our great country's armed forces.

I think 2012 will be another banner year for LGBT Advocates so all you fighters out there keep up the good work and push us on.

Transgender Reality Op-Ed

2011-11-20T23:27:00.001-05:00

I have just read a great op-ed article that is wonderfully written on November 18th at TheAdvocate.com. It is titled "The Harsh reality of Some Trangender Lives.

The beauty of it is that I am able to relate. Granted I have not been beaten because of the female gender that identify with but I have been taunted with very crude remarks. In fact recently one of the friends that I had whom had known about my sexuality for over a year now is putting me down and quoting bible and such which only makes for hurt feelings and a destroyed friendship. So I am able to relate. I was even taunted and teased in high school. Back in those days of the '80s I did not even know the word transgender and what I means but i grew up in a effeminate manner that the locker room tease and mannerism of the homophobia made my high school life a living hell but still in closet for the most part, until the day i came out to my family and from then on brings me to here and now where I am full time female running around Pittsburgh. I have not had to much trouble in Pittsburgh because the city itself has become more tolerant to the LGBT Americans.

Only recently about 4 months ago I was in a Dollar General store up in Butler, PA a man walked up to me while i was picking up a few last minute supplies to go camping at Camp Davis campground. I said to me "You are one of THEM?" whereas he emphasized the word them. I was in a good mood that day and I was not about to let him ruin my mood so I simply said "What them are u refering to?" and he replied "You know a he-she." I said "Sir, I am not sure what a he-she is but i am a woman!" Then I walked away, paid for my purchases and left for the Campground. So all in all this may help you transgender brothers and sisters out there on how to nicely defend yourself without actually blowing up the incident with your head held high.

The article that i read on TheAdvocate.com is what inspired me to write this little short story. I urge all readers to go and check this story out regardless if you are any part of the LGBT American community or straight. If gives a good insight on what Transgender individuals endure in reality.

Have a good read and see ya next post.

Anti-Equality Advocates at it again.

2011-11-18T05:55:00.001-05:00

In the sunshine state of California anti-equality advocates are currently trying to get the 500,000 signatures to talk the FAIR (Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, Respectful) Education Act SB48 to the ballots for 2012 elections. The FAIR Education Act as it stands takes effect on January 1, 2012 was passed earlier this year. The anti-lgbt advocates are trying to strip the LGBT language from the bill. Currently the bill requires the schools in that state to teach about the contributions of the LGBT and Handicapped in our society.

The right wingers against the bill are campaigning against it and while trying to achieve the signatures needed they are informing the school children's parents that the bill is designed to teach the kids to admire the LGBT Americans. They are also calling the Sexual Indoctrination as if the bill is designed to make kids become LGBT. At least that is how I perceive the anti-LGBT campaign as it is written. In the eyes of the lawmakers, I believe that the purpose it to teach the children tolerance and more accepting behavior towards the LGBT as well let them understand that LGBT are capable of being just a good productive members of the American Society as anyone straight as an arrow. If the actual facts are taught before the child gets to Jr High and High School age, there would be less bullying and threats against the LGBT students within the schools of California.

We already have LGBT Month which is every October and the schools have other months within history that is brought into the curriculum such as African American Month, so what is wrong with the school teaching about whom we really are and how that being LGBT is of no threat to anyone. Just like any other anti-LGBT campaign in the last few years, they activist retort to scare tactics by using child molestation to get the people to sign the petition against the FAIR bill. They have used many false statements to the public to rally support against us but in the end the truth must and shall prevail.

Transgender Inclusion in Rights

2011-11-17T06:15:00.001-05:00

It has been reported via ABCNEWS.com Massachusetts state legislature has passed amendment in the current anti-discrimination and hate crimes laws that protects the gay and lesbians. Originally the law grants protections for race, sex, age, religion, gay and lesbians but the language of the law shows that it does not include transgender individuals. The amendment added a gender identity inclusion.

That is a relief to the transgender population in that state. 13 other states has already passed bills such as this one including Washington D.C.. The alarming thing people are realizing that made the Representatives in the state house to do this, is the fact there are approximatly 33,000 trangender individuals with in that state alone. So can you just imagine the statistic in the United States as a whole and according the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task force, 97 percent of the transgender community has been harassed, denied employment or promotion within the workplace. Plus 15 percent only have income of less than $10,000 annually and 19 percent are homeless.

As I have stated myself that I am a transgender individual myself. I am male presenting as female as my identity which is pretty much what transgender is all about. Those lucky ones with the money to afford such operations to change to their identified sex.

The first part of the 21st century we are seeing changes in our society that has become more tolerant and accepting of the LGBT on state and national levels. One day all fifty states will be in sync with the times and we the LGBT people will enjoy the freedoms that many others has taken for granted. We still have a ways to go but I foresee a great future where equality means equality for all no matter whom you are.

Anti-Bully Laws in Michigan

2011-11-15T21:59:00.001-05:00

Image via Wikipedia

I am very happy to find out that the Anti-Bully law dubbed Matt's Safe School Law in Michigan for K-12 School systems has been straightened out. I would love to meet the idiots who crafted the law as it was originally scripted. It was passed with exceptions to religious or moral convictions.

It was done in such a manner that says if you bully someone for your religious or moral convictions, it is okay. That language in the law means that a boy or girl in K-12 can bully a Muslim because of his or her Christian convictions. Vice verse also applies for Muslim bullying others for same reason. That in and of itself makes those children no better than the terrorists whom attack us or other predominately Christian countries based on their version of radical Muslim Faith. So based on that a child in school can bully a gay or lesbian based on religious or moral convictions. That by itself does not help anyone since this piece of legislation was triggered by a 2002 suicide of 14 year old Matt Epling, whom was repeatedly bullied based on his sexual orientation. Hence the Legislation's name "Matt's Safe School Law".

Thanks do go to Michigan State Senator Gretchen Whitmer whom spoke the "Oh Hell No" speech against the way the legislation was scripted. Further more the script of the law as originally written was most likely by religious right wingers or allies of such. (just my theory). All in all due to Senator Whitmer's speech and the general outcry the law was passed with the exception language cut out. It is now a true anti bully law in honor of Matt Epling even though it was to late because it took his untimely death to make something to happen in order to protect our children in schools.t is my hope to see all schools in all 50 states pass anti-bully laws. Most states already have such laws on the books but some needs to revamp that law within their state to include all aspects of the LGBT. Some states do protect Gays and Lesbians but forgotten the inclusion of gender identity to protect the Transgender aspect of the LGBT. The laws need to be made to include protections for all race, sex, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity. Our children needs to be safe in the school environment to learn not look over shoulder and worry about the bullies.

Religion and LGBT

2011-11-14T05:44:00.000-05:00

All across the country today different states are in the process or have passed equal right and/or marriage equality laws. As always the religion sector has been one of the biggest opponents for those laws to pass. Little by little, day by day things are improving for the LGBT community but always an uphill battle.

Maryland is one of such states that is working towards Marriage Equality in the upcoming 2012 Legislative session. In the Baltimore Sun reported that Bishops in Catholic Maryland are claiming that Marriage Equality legislation that will most likely pass due to endorsement by Governor O'Malley will cause religious freedoms to falter. In their claims they state that passing of such law would cause religious hardships for example: A New Jersey Church lost its tax-exempt status for refusal to rent a pavilion to same sex couple for their wedding. They are also claiming that religious business owners will also be forced to sell the supplies or whatnot to same sex couples that the normally would not. But what they fail to understand is that equality is equality. There are even LGBT people that have faith in whatever denomination and religion that they practice. Faith and religion is not just a man or woman thing. It is a human thing and we are all human beings whether we believe in God and Jesus or we believe in Darwinism or just plain ol' Atheism.

In closing I have to say we are all equal and have the same rights as anyone else. Our fight is much similar to the Civil Rights Era of the days gone by when the African American community fought for their rights. Now it is our turn. It is the 21st century people homosexuality has been around since the dawn of time and now it is time for us to be ourselves and believe in ourselves to be equal and just as good as anyone else to marry, hold jobs and afford healthcare for our loved ones.

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