The EqMD Insider

JANUARY - JUNE 2009:

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Tuesday, March 17 2009


Transgender Equality in Annapolis


KT Thirion is currently working for Equality Maryland as a Field Organizer for a special transgender equality project funded by the Tides Foundation's State Equality Fund. KT Thirion began working on LBGT issues in Austin, Texas, and graduated from American University in Washington, DC, where he served as the President of the student club, Queers and Allies, and led campus-organizing efforts to promote LGBT equality. He has worked as the Lead Organizer for Basic Rights Montgomery, the campaign to uphold Montgomery County's gender identity anti-discrimination law, as well as an Organizing & Training Fellow at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and a Field Organizer for No on 8, Equality for All in Los Angeles.

February 25th and March 4th marked the days of the hearings for the transgender anti-discrimination bills in the House and Senate. Though I've been an organizer in the LGBT movement for years, it was the first time I'd had the opportunity to see such a number of passionate people address a group of legislators about transgender issues. In short, it was inspiring.

As I sat in the audience amidst a crowd of supporters - our side vastly outnumbering our opposition - I listened to a diverse array of testimonies, from scientific approaches to the origins of being transgender, to empirical research on the devastating effects of gender identity discrimination, to firsthand accounts from transgender people who have survived and fought on against those who discriminate. In the House, bill sponsor Delegate Pe&ntil;a-Melnyk gave what can only be described as a fierce, passionate, heartfelt address to her colleagues about the need to be a supportive ally to a community that faces life and death because of ignorance and prejudice. Senator Madaleno, the bill sponsor in the Senate, matched her conviction in urging the committee to see the issue for what it is: discrimination that is as wrong as any form currently prohibited by law.

And most of all, I heard people from my own community courageously share stories of their struggles. From homelessness to harassment on the job to discriminatory housing practices, their experiences painted the legislators a real picture of the effects of legalized discrimination. I was inspired by the courage they had to open up to relative strangers to lay bare the details of their stories, the courage they showed in fighting back and overcoming obstacles, and their willingness to continue working on these issues so that others do not end up in the same situations.

I wish I could say all the legislators understood and were as moved as I was. The unfortunate reality is that there remains much work to be done to move their hearts, and their votes. While our stories appealed to legislators' common sense of right and wrong, discrimination and fairness, our opposition appealed to their fears. Unfortunately, their false arguments about bathrooms and predators are still successful in leading some legislators to vote no.

These lawmakers need to hear from the LGBT community, our progressive allies, and all fair-minded Marylanders that this bill is necessary in righting serious wrongs that occur every day. In the Senate, this bill has previously died in the Judicial Proceedings Committee by one vote. This year, we have the opportunity to turn that into a supportive majority, if everyone continues to step up the way participants did at the hearings.

I walked out of the hearing rooms even more inspired and energized to do the work that needs to be done. It is time for the trans community, the entire LGBT community, and all our allies to continue to work together, we must work together in support of fairness and equal opportunity, and each continue to call, e-mail, and visit our legislators in order to be successful. Click here to send an e-mail to your legislators.

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Wednesday, February 18, 2009


Bishop Robinson in Annapolis


Kevin Walling is Equality Maryland's Director of Development.

On Sunday February 1, 2009, Equality Maryland Executive Director Kate Runyon and I huddled outside one of the historic inns across from the Annapolis statehouse when Pastor Larry Brumfield, director of the Pride in Faith Initiative pulled up in his car. I could hardly conceal the excitement brewing inside me when Bishop Gene Robinson bounded out of the front seat. Full of energy and enthusiasm, he embraced us and insisted on being called Gene. I immediately felt at ease and comfortable, even while standing next to one of my personal heroes. After the introductions, we all headed back to our rooms to get some much needed rest for the busy day ahead of us.

Monday morning couldn't arrive fast enough. Kate and I met Gene and Larry at their hotel, and along with Dan Furmansky, Kate's predecessor and now consultant for EQMD, we headed to hometown favorite, Chick and Ruth's on Main Street. I got my first taste of what it's like to travel with a rock star like Gene when patrons and staff alike flocked to our table to greet him. One funny anecdote occurred when one of the owners approached Gene to ask him about President Obama's favorite sandwich. At the restaurant, many politicians have the esteemed honor of having their favorite sandwich named after them, and while Gene didn't know the president's cuisine choices off the top of his head he fired a quick message to contacts at the White House.

With a hearty lunch behind us, our group headed to the House and Senate office buildings to meet with legislators and work to advance our legislation. State Senator Richard Madaleno (D-18), the first openly-gay state senator graciously gave us a tour of the statehouse, answering all of our questions and giving us a great history of the building and its members. I think Gene particularly enjoyed the tour and the chance to relay his own experiences with the legislature in New Hampshire.

After the tour, we spent some time with Del. Carolyn Krysiak (D-46) of Baltimore, one of the three new co-sponsors of the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act, along with Del. Maggie McIntosh (D-43) of Baltimore another of the three openly-gay members of the House of Delegates. Also, Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk (D-21) of Prince George's County, one of our terrific allies in the House of Delegates, offered an update on her work as lead sponsor of the Transgender Anti-Discrimination Act.

The day flew by as we raced to bring Gene to all the meetings we had lined up for him, and before we knew it, it was time for the annual Equality Maryland Lobby Day in beautiful Lawyer's Mall in front of the statehouse. Kate got things off to a great start by welcoming the hundreds of activists, members, allies and religious leaders, and introduced Sandy Rawls, founding director of Trans-United in Baltimore. Lisa Polyak and Gita Deane, the lead plaintiffs in the marriage equality case, inspired the crowd with their own personal journey towards equality.

Lastly, Gene addressed the crowds. By that time, the sun was setting in the distance, but the intensity and sense of community were building as the Bishop of New Hampshire reached the podium. I was lucky enough to be standing close to him videotaping his speech. I was especially struck by Gene's story of visiting Memphis and the National Civil Rights Museum, the site of the Rev. Martin Luther King's assassination. At the center, there is a large statue of African Americans standing on the shoulders of their ancestors and forbearers in the journey towards equality, reaching towards the sky. Gene spoke of our same journey as members of the LGBT community, standing on the shoulders of the courageous men and women who paved the way for us so that we could gather in public that evening, free from open condemnation and brutality.

Gene’s speech was beautiful and exactly what was needed to inspire the citizen lobbyists to meet with their legislators and work to advance the cause of equality. After the rally, it was incredible walking around the House and Senate office buildings as members of our community rushed over to meet Gene and to share a small part of their journey. In some instances, people were overcome with the sheer emotion of meeting him and I’ll never forget the encouragement and love he showed them. As a special recognition of Gene’s ministry, Senator Madaleno was able to have Gene deliver the opening prayer to begin that evening’s senate session. Kate and I, along with several supporters, gathered in the upper gallery to listen.

After meeting with a handful of legislators, Gene, Kate and myself headed to Harry Browne’s on State Circle for the kick off dinner of the Pride in Faith Initiative led by the very talented, Rev. Larry Brumfield and Lea Gilmore, directors of the Pride in Faith program. At the dinner we were joined again by Senator Madaleno, Dels. Pena-Melnyk and McIntosh, along with Del. Heather Mizuer (D-20) of Takoma Park and Del. Anne Kasier (D-14) of Burtonsville. The dinner was delicious and it was amazing to hear some of the personal anecdotes Gene provided of his work as Bishop of New Hampshire as well as his meetings with President Obama. Rev. Larry and Lea also spoke of the important work to advance equality throughout the state by working with different communities of faith and religious leaders.

After dinner we all headed back to get some much needed rest before another busy day. I felt like a kid on Christmas Eve that night, unable to fall asleep, thinking back on the day, the meetings we had, and the amazing people we had met.

Tuesday morning came early with a dusting of snow settling around Annapolis. Approximately sixty or more supporters made their way to a restaurant on state circle to meet Gene and to learn more about the Pride in Faith Initiative. As a special treat, Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler joined us, and along with Kate, Lea and Larry, spoke about the need for equality for all Marylanders. Despite the early morning, Gene was just as inspiring as he was the day before at the rally. He highlighted the need to take our collective holy texts back from religious leaders who espouse intolerance and prejudice as acceptable and in line with God’s plan.

With breakfast over, we headed back to the House of Delegates office building to Del. Heather Mizeur’s office for an interview with radio host Marc Steiner, a tremendous ally for our movement. Marc and Gene taped a really terrific interview covering everything from Gene’s prayer at the Lincoln Memorial for President Obama’s Inauguration to society’s views on sexuality. You can listen to the interview here.

After the interview, it was time to say goodbye as Gene had to fly back to beautiful New Hampshire. It was a bittersweet moment as Kate and I embraced Gene and thanked him for all the work he had done over the past two days. We knew Gene had to get back to his important ministry in New Hampshire, but with how close all of us had become over the past two days it was sad to see him go.

Looking back on everything, all I can say is that I really do have a terrific job.

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Wednesday, January 21, 2009


Realizing the Dream


Rev. Larry Brumfield is the Chair for Pride In Faith, a network of congregations and leaders of faith who advocate for equality and justice for LGBT Marylanders. Rev. Brumfield, a retired civil engineer, is a pastor and leader in the Church of the Brethren, as well a courageous social and civic activist. He is one of a very few African American leaders residing in Carroll County, Maryland who has been recognized for their cross-cultural and bold leadership on progressive issues in a traditionally staunchly conservative area.

There is really no precedent for what happened on Nov. 4 and confirmed on Jan. 20. Lets face it folks if anyone had asked a year ago who was the most influential Black man in America, some of us might have named a rapper or an athlete. Certainly not Barack Obama.

Like many Americans, I shared the historic event in the company of beloved friends and kindred spirits. Old civil rights marchers, people who engaged in the age old protest art of the "sit-in," war protesters and generally old pot smoking hippies. We were trying our best to be objective regarding the high expectations being placed on his plate, but it was hard to be dispassionate about a day no one in our group thought we would see. I could not help but think about the long journey that brought us here. I thought about the horrors of the "Middle Passage" when we were packed into slave ships on the way to America, I thought about the years of lynching and violence against our families and culture. I thought about Rosa Parks sitting on that bus because her feet hurt, the freedom rides, the bloody Sunday in Selma. Alabama and the four little girls who lost there lives. I thought about Martin, Malcolm, John F., and Viola who died so we might see this day. And to personalize It for me I thought about traveling in the south with my father in the fifties when he had to explain to me why we had to drink out of black water fountains and get our food from the back door of restaurants and cafes why he had to answer "yes sir or no sir" when addressed by any white male no matter the age. How my uncle and his wife had to travel in separate accommodations because even though his wife was black her skin tone could be mistaken for Caucasian and harm could come to them both. But most of all I remember the pain and heartbreak on my fathers face when he was constantly turned down for business loans from our banking institutions and the German post war immigrants who came to this country went to the head of the line to realize the American Dream. His victory sends a message to us all that our dignity and destiny are in our hands. If we want safe streets we can have them, if we want good schools we can build them, if we want healthy relationships we can create them. If we want to excel in the business, arts, politics, education, science, well "yes we can."

There are many things a new president can do with the stroke of a pen, to send a note of encouragement to the LGBT community, He should appoint a White House liaison to the LBGT community, a position initiated by Clinton and left vacant by Bush. While the office may seem symbolic, it would ensure a direct line to the ear of Obama.

HIV/AIDS is an issue that usually ranks behind "don’t ask don’t tell," DOMA, and hate crimes, but it is a resurgent problem and Obama could impact much quicker by executive order.

In his book, "The Audacity of Hope," he reflects on his lack of support for gay marriage, writing, "In years to come I may be seen as someone who was on the wrong side History." Such a confession indicates an uncertainty and simultaneously an open-mindedness not seen in most politicians.

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Wednessday, January 14, 2009


#426: Equality Seeking


Carrie Evans is Equality Maryland's Policy Director

Today marks the beginning of the 426th session of the Maryland General Assembly. While it is always great to see old friends and allies on opening day, it is also a stark reminder of the inequality our community still faces and the work of the next 90 days. Two issues – securing anti-discrimination protections for transgender Marylanders and the freedom to marry for same-sex couples – are front and center on Equality Maryland’s legislative agenda this year.

If you are reading this, I assume these issues are probably important to you. If this is true, I implore you to get engaged. It is not enough for state legislators see my face again; it is vital they hear from people who aren’t paid to ask them to support or oppose legislation. Hearing from people whose lives are affected by these omissions in our laws or our allies who believe these are basic human rights that should be extended to all Marylanders makes a big difference. Your engagement can be as little or as large as you want it to be. You can write a letter (yes, the old fashioned handwritten kind!) to your legislators, you can come to our Lobby Day on Feb. 2nd or the Transgender Lobby Day on Feb 16th,or you can come testify for the bills.

I know that many of us are disheartened after our loss in California and while we are not likely to pass the marriage bill this year, we cannot, for one moment, let up on pressuring our elected officials. We have to show forward movement every year and our goal for this year is to add more co-sponsors for the 2009 bill. In the coming weeks you will get an action alert from us asking you to contact your legislators to co-sponsor the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act, please reach out to them.

Conversely, many of you who were involved in Basic Rights Montgomery and our successful efforts to retain the county’s anti-discrimination law may be hopeful and energized. And we should be! With the state mired in budget woes, legislators will be looking to support legislation with no price tag and the transgender anti-discrimination bill will not cost the state. This may finally be the year we pass this measure. We have a new House sponsor Delegate Joseline Peña-Melynk who brings a contagious passion and fierce determination to this issue coupled with our openly gay Senator Rich Madaleno who continues to champion this issue in the sometimes harsh climate of the Senate. It is inexcusable that our General Assembly has not found the moral conviction or political will to pass this law that will extend basic dignities and protections to transgender Marylanders that most of us take for granted. We will keep you updated on how you can help us pass this measure.

Many elected officials will not support our issues until they hear from enough constituents and realize their re-election may depend on garnering your vote. There is never an ideal time to get engaged, there are always to-do lists, meetings, family responsibilities, dogs to walk, to sap our time. All of us who want these positive changes in our state must schedule “equality seeking” on our calendars.

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Tuesday, January 6, 2009


My Experience Serving as a District Coordinator


Michael Benefiel serves as District Coordinator for legislative districts 17 and 18. He lives in Montgomery County.

Last year, Equality Maryland’s Mary Zicari recruited me to do community organizing in Maryland’s state legislative district 18. I thought I would have an easy job, because openly gay, Rich Madaleno is our Senator, and all three of our delegates [Al Carr, Ana Sol Gutierrez, and Jeff Waldstreicher] support marriage equality.

I learned that having good leadership is wonderful, but that I also needed to do more outreach, education, and experiential teaching in my worship community. As you see we went all out and chartered a bus for the trip from church in Bethesda to Annapolis for Lobby Day. Surprisingly, the bus was not that expensive; two seats only cost $35! Members of my church vote in several different legislative districts, so even though we rode on the same bus, we did not all go to the same meetings in Annapolis. As we rode back to Bethesda together, we shared both the positive and negative experiences of our conversations with our elected officials. Our youth participants really enjoyed the trip to our state capital, which gave them a real glimpse of democracy in action.

Equality Maryland provided lots of logistical support when we arrived at Lawyer’s Mall in Annapolis for the rally. We brought along our church banner and reminded our elected representatives that faith-based, value voters also stand on the side of fairness and love. Although we didn’t bring a large share of the congregation in 2008, we made sure to welcome straight allies and our youth. I think that their positive experiences will turn into “word of mouth” publicity for Lobby Day 2009. We are chartering a bus again!

We have been formally working for LGBT equality for 40 years - since that night in 1969 at Stonewall Inn. I don’t know about you, but I am getting a bit impatient waiting to be treated as equal citizen. I know that we must continue to be patient and compassionate and work with people who are not yet there, but we also must keep our voices demanding equal treatment loud and clear. I’m not the most successful community organizer, and I wouldn’t be able to do this at all except for the help I get from my church. I do think that each time we get people to take a public stand for marriage equality, we move forward. Sometimes my job is to invite people and sell bus tickets.

Equality Maryland needs more people willing to organize in their districts. If you won’t step forward, who will? A final invitation: See “Milk,” check on your motivation, and learn how to do community organizing for Lobby Day. Mary is waiting to hear from you.

Michael Benefiel, Mediator
Persuasive Information, Kensington
District Coordinator for MD’s 17th and 18th Legislative Districts

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