tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52278541328658555882024-03-14T08:55:29.837-07:00Add the Words, Idaho!Add the Words, Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02137334637599117729noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5227854132865855588.post-75221879087392051962014-10-20T10:57:00.003-07:002014-10-20T10:57:59.130-07:00Idaho's Newlyweds Could Lose Jobs, Housing
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUGeeYa2tvY/UsEJ4VRMWdI/AAAAAAAAAFA/RTLM9UG1-PI/s1600/ATW%2BLOGO-shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUGeeYa2tvY/UsEJ4VRMWdI/AAAAAAAAAFA/RTLM9UG1-PI/s1600/ATW%2BLOGO-shirt.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Last week for the first time in
Idaho’s history, gay couples have the option of signing a single piece of paper
– a marriage license – that gives them more than 1,000 legal rights and
responsibilities. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">These newly married couples are
starting to wear their wedding rings to work. Many will put photos of their
spouse, their wedding ceremony, and their families on their desks. They will
show up hand in hand to look at a house for sale or rent. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Unfortunately, in Idaho’s it’s completely legal to fire someone or
refuse them housing simply because they are gay – or appear to be gay.<o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Add the Words, Idaho encourages
the public and elected officials to support adding the words “sexual
orientation” and “gender identity” to Idaho’s Human Rights Act.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">For years, legislative leadership
has denied a hearing on the Add the Words bill. They have said they want to
wait until marriage equality is decided. Well, the courts have ruled. Again and
again, they’ve sent a clear message that discomfort with someone’s sexual
orientation or gender identity is not a valid reason to deny them rights.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">There are no more excuses – we fully expect that this year, the
Idaho legislature will do as Governor Otter and former Governor Batt have
suggested – print a bill, hold a testimony hearing on “Add the Words” and sign
it into law!<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Marriage equality was a hard-won
fight and we offer our profound thanks to the four couples who sued for these
basic rights. We also thank the lawyers who argued the unconstitutionality of
denying these rights and the judges who supported the US Constitution and its
guarantee of equal protection under the law.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Our friends, family, and
neighbors now have the right to see their love and their relationships publicly
recognized no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. We are so
excited on their behalf, and we will work until they are truly equally
protected in the eyes of the law. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Get out and vote for candidates who support equality (<a href="http://www.addthewords.org/vote#!vote/ccdn">http://www.addthewords.org/vote#!vote/ccdn</a>) and tell your legislators, our governor, and all your friends why we need to Add the Words in 2015!</span><br />
Add the Words, Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02137334637599117729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5227854132865855588.post-8600541715491249082014-03-24T21:54:00.003-07:002014-03-24T21:54:37.255-07:00Sine Die in Idaho without Adding the Words<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's true. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARTbzf9L8kBc9I9eDzc1IfpP-mrqHZxbcfQlLyHy0RuI9FkKeePnCH8GTkjJb2CSqE9vTZb_zTqk3wveHqImWCT3TdomGnVDh3VcYQxLSc-P6b5u1-p3UVMki-Y6uPeUrHYFGaOWYegg0/s1600/ATWLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARTbzf9L8kBc9I9eDzc1IfpP-mrqHZxbcfQlLyHy0RuI9FkKeePnCH8GTkjJb2CSqE9vTZb_zTqk3wveHqImWCT3TdomGnVDh3VcYQxLSc-P6b5u1-p3UVMki-Y6uPeUrHYFGaOWYegg0/s1600/ATWLogo.jpg" height="320" width="273" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Last week the legislature adjourned sine die yet again without holding a hearing on an Add the Words bill. The lives of LGBT Idahoans, those who live in fear each day, are still being ignored. For the eighth consecutive session, by not saying in law that discrimination is wrong, leadership has sent the message that they are on the side of those who would discriminate. And this session, it became even more sinister, as the majority party tried to bring forth a so-called "religious freedom" bill--the same bill that has been pushed in states all over the country. Rather than protecting the most vulnerable of our communities, it would have protected those cruel enough to discriminate. Thanks to YOU, and the overwhelming numbers that came out in opposition to this bill, we made them think again about moving it forward and it died officially with the end of the session. It has unfortunately been said publicly by Rep. Luker that he wants to bring the bill back next session. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> While the session may have ended, OUR WORK HAS JUST BEGUN. Please keep watching our page for opportunities to help, opportunities to engage with legislators. Please keep writing those letters to your legislators, expressing your disappointment in their handling of the Add the Words legislation efforts. And remember, we're headed into election season and chances are there is an election near you that could use volunteers to try to replace legislators who are not listening to their constituents. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /> We told them we would never give up, and we meant it. We are not going away, and with your help, session #9 will begin with this issue in the forefront of their minds.</span>Add the Words, Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02137334637599117729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5227854132865855588.post-77376474380604979052014-03-18T17:02:00.000-07:002014-03-18T17:02:09.489-07:00Wrapping up Wrap the Capitol<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHIIfFVFk-sGesEN26I3oThqMfcAn1J9nNCzM-sj6jvSFkIhl6divz3fPCx_b0RNaqxVcnGCbxJPpnMtBtGvMgrxtyVTi_KbcciIoJgv-iE4zrlaTHKqalfhm2P3lEoy1XbVqlxWwJikA/s1600/WP_20140317_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHIIfFVFk-sGesEN26I3oThqMfcAn1J9nNCzM-sj6jvSFkIhl6divz3fPCx_b0RNaqxVcnGCbxJPpnMtBtGvMgrxtyVTi_KbcciIoJgv-iE4zrlaTHKqalfhm2P3lEoy1XbVqlxWwJikA/s1600/WP_20140317_006.jpg" height="180" title="Add the Words supporters gather before marching to "wrap the capitol"" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add the Words supporters gather before marching to "wrap the capitol"</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sun chased the snow away, but the blustery freezing wind stayed as over 1500 people braved the weather to show the legislature that we will not sit quietly while they refuse to protect our LGBT friends, family, and neighbors. After a few short introductory words, where I pointed out the faults in the legislature’s excuses for not holding an Add the Words hearing, we were off. A line of people wrapped completely around the capitol, two and three rows deep, often times in clumps of people!! Car horns honked support as they drove by and the crowed cheered. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We kept the microphone open to the public, and as we marched for the next 90 minutes or so, Carmine Caruso kept a steady stream of people coming to the microphone to offer testimony. From clergy to grandparents, from students to mothers, the stories were moving and genuine and heartfelt. Stories that the legislature refuses to hear.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlgnZN_Iq8iW9zhIKvZRUXs8Yaaju5NmjoUFDzLn9qD7FZBHrKHrBKcWRjDtCRbEE_CVaBaofHYAI4jEQ_l131dUTofnjkuO9GEafvnwgMXM90Q8hsjpdhfZFh-liuUbu8bGk1X_uJh5O/s1600/WP_20140317_015%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlgnZN_Iq8iW9zhIKvZRUXs8Yaaju5NmjoUFDzLn9qD7FZBHrKHrBKcWRjDtCRbEE_CVaBaofHYAI4jEQ_l131dUTofnjkuO9GEafvnwgMXM90Q8hsjpdhfZFh-liuUbu8bGk1X_uJh5O/s1600/WP_20140317_015%5B1%5D.jpg" height="180" title="Add the Words supporters "wrap the capitol" " width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add the Words supporters "wrap the capitol" with their presence to show <br />
legislators they will not stop until the words are added.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While marching, you could hear stories from people talking about other protests they had taken part in, or chat with some legislators who had come out to say hello and thank us for being there (we saw Representative Mat Erpelding, Representative Ilana Rubel, Senator Cherie Buckner-Webb, and Senator Elliot Werk). Multiple news crews were conducting interviews as well. As marchers came around the corner for the last time, we gathered back at the statehouse steps where Doug Flanders led the crowd in a beautiful rendition of “We Shall Overcome.” As I sit here trying to summarize the feeling I still carry with me after this evening, all I can think of is the warm comfort of a supportive community, banding together to accomplish a goal. A goal of equality and fairness. And we SHALL overcome. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-- Mistie Tolman, March 17, 2014, speaking about Add the Word's Wrap the Capitol event in Boise, Idaho</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Media Coverage:</span><br />
Add The Words Wraps Around the Capitol <a href="http://www.jrn.com/kivitv/news/Add-The-Words-wraps-the-capitol-250728351.html">http://www.jrn.com/kivitv/news/Add-The-Words-wraps-the-capitol-250728351.html</a><br />
Hundreds surround Idaho Statehouse in support of gay rights <a href="http://www.ktvb.com/news/Thousands-surround-Capitol-in-latest-Add-the-Words-protest-250779031.html">http://www.ktvb.com/news/Thousands-surround-Capitol-in-latest-Add-the-Words-protest-250779031.html</a><br />
Add the Words protesters 'wrap' Idaho Capitol <a href="http://www.kboi2.com/news/local/Add-the-Words-protesters-wrap-Idaho-Capitol-250728821.html">http://www.kboi2.com/news/local/Add-the-Words-protesters-wrap-Idaho-Capitol-250728821.html</a><br />
Video: Wrap the Capitol <a href="http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/03/18/3086921/video-wrap-the-capitol.html">http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/03/18/3086921/video-wrap-the-capitol.html</a>Add the Words, Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02137334637599117729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5227854132865855588.post-50549897892761730812014-03-16T19:27:00.000-07:002014-03-16T19:54:02.224-07:00WRAP the CAPITOL - March 17 at the Idaho Statehouse<span class="fsl"></span><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<span class="fsl">We’ve packed the gallery. We’ve packed the Capitol. Now it’s time to WRAP THE CAPITOL!</span><br />
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<span class="fsl">You have shown up in amazing ways this session—you have stood up for your LGBTQ brothers, sisters, friends, neighbors, children, and family. You have written letters, made phone calls, testified, and contacted your legislators. Sometimes the <span class="text_exposed_show">notice was very short, and still you brought huge numbers to drive home the point that discrimination is wrong, and that Idaho will not stand by and let her citizens be treated unfairly.<br /><br /> With only a few days left in the Idaho legislative session, we need you to show up again and remind this legislature that they have not done the business of the people. They have not accomplished the things they were elected to do. We need to drive home the point that they still have time. This is the year. Now is the time to ADD THE WORDS. And that if they fail to Add the Words once again we will still be here and we will not give up until Idaho is a safe place for all of her citizens.<br /><br /> ***WRAP THE CAPITOL*** MONDAY, MARCH 17th 2014, 5:00-7:00pm*** You know you're going to go downtown anyway, so before you head for that green beer, come support your LGBTQ community members, and take a stand for what is right on this St. Patrick's Day!<br /><br /> ***IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER***<br /><br /> WHAT: ***WRAP THE CAPITOL***<br /><br /> WHEN: Monday, March 17th 2014, 5:00-7:00pm<br /><br /> WHERE: CAPITOL BUILDING—meet on the front steps. <br /><br /> Bring your signs and be ready to march! We are going to WRAP ourselves completely around the capitol, marching around and around as the legislators leave for the day, so they have to see those they keep trying to ignore. So they have to see how many of us are in support of adding the words!!<br /><br /> Bring your testimonies (Just as if you are testifying at a hearing)! If you feel compelled, we will have a microphone set up on the Capitol steps so that, as the legislators leave the building, they will hear us telling the stories that they refuse to hear. We will also record your stories for future use! <br /><br /> Remember: This is a peaceful protest, following all rules of peaceful assembly. <br /><br /> DO: Bring signs and testimonies<br /><br /> DO: Show up on time. We want to be in place; marching peacefully around the Capitol before lawmakers leave for the day. How amazing will it be for lawmakers to have to walk through us on their way to their cars? Do show up and do bring your friends and families!<br /><br /> <strong>DO NOT: Block ANYTHING or ANYONE.</strong> This is a peaceful protest, and we will be following all statehouse rules. It’s the peoples’ house, and we are allowed to be there with our signs and our stories, but as the lawmakers leave, be respectful and make sure they can get through our line. DO NOT engage in any personal character attacks on legislators. Keep signs respectful and FOCUSED ON THE ISSUE. <br /><br /> REMEMBER: With this many people, things can escalate quickly. We need to stay calm, quiet and respectful. And most of all, we have to SHOW UP. <br /><br /> AND PLEASE DO SHARE!!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="https://twitter.com/AddTheWords/status/445382871822245888" target="_blank">Retweet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AddTheWords/" target="_blank">@AddTheWords</a>: </span><span class="text_exposed_show">WRAP the CAPITOL Mon 5-7p to encourage legislative leadership to <a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/AddTheWords"><s><span style="color: #6e9ca0;">@</span></s><b><span style="color: #0e5b61;">AddTheWords</span></b></a> <a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-expanded-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/737805426243990" dir="ltr" href="https://t.co/RDiBMUNEnZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="https://www.facebook.com/events/737805426243990"><span class="tco-ellipsis"></span><span style="color: #0e5b61;"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="js-display-url">facebook.com/events/7378054</span><span class="invisible">26243990</span><span class="tco-ellipsis"><span class="invisible"> </span>…</span></span></a> <a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23idleg&src=hash"><s><span style="color: #6e9ca0;">#</span></s><b><span style="color: #0e5b61;">idleg</span></b></a></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">RSVP on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/737805426243990" target="_blank">**WRAP THE CAPITOL**TO ADD THE WORDS**</a></span></div>
</span><br />Add the Words, Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02137334637599117729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5227854132865855588.post-70837808416872363112014-03-06T15:40:00.000-08:002014-03-16T18:29:48.268-07:00"Hard to Watch" -- The Idaho Legislature and The Oscars..... <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for sharing this beautiful blog Stacy Ericson!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0CTb_Gll-la_JmFFy7xWpiD36RRwKPfF0cS80CXZLLlMpKlrvFT40GQenU_784glnCo8bFZP3R1VjXKV7ZZTvoTSpULHtBrnjiu2jO-FvNLG_RUH79qU9UIoPfCLZzFQUiRsp_HhozSK/s1600/add4words2014StacyEricsonHands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0CTb_Gll-la_JmFFy7xWpiD36RRwKPfF0cS80CXZLLlMpKlrvFT40GQenU_784glnCo8bFZP3R1VjXKV7ZZTvoTSpULHtBrnjiu2jO-FvNLG_RUH79qU9UIoPfCLZzFQUiRsp_HhozSK/s1600/add4words2014StacyEricsonHands.jpg" height="320" width="291" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12pt 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 16.8pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "proxima-nova","serif"; font-size: 19pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><a href="https://swanmind.squarespace.com/blog/2014/2/25/uvk77312wok5m1h487wccth93fpwp4"><span style="color: #111111; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Hard to
Watch" -- The Idaho Legislature and The Oscars.....</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="published"><a class="permalink" href="https://swanmind.squarespace.com/blog/2014/2/25/uvk77312wok5m1h487wccth93fpwp4" title="Permalink"><time datetime="2014-03-05">March 05, 2014</time></a></span> in <span class="category"><a href="https://swanmind.squarespace.com/blog/?category=human rights" rel="tag">human rights</a></span> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oscar Party Idaho Legislators? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a hard week holding the line against Human Rights progress, Idaho legislators must have been ready to put their feet up and enjoy Oscar night. For months now, they have gone about their business in the white halls of the statehouse, while trying to avoid making eye contact with constituents standing in mute protest outside their chamber doors. The courage of the thousands of participants in the Add the Words campaign has garnered local sympathy and national attention. The the eloquent faces of these human rights activists, the long silent lines of caring people of all ages, their mouths covered, their eyes dark with distress--this would move most people. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oddly entrenched, Idaho Legislators are not moved. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the eighth year in a row, Idaho Republicans refuse....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continue reading on Stacy's blog </span><a href="https://swanmind.squarespace.com/blog/2014/2/25/uvk77312wok5m1h487wccth93fpwp4"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Hard to Watch" -- The Idaho Legislature and The Oscars..... </span></a>Add the Words, Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02137334637599117729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5227854132865855588.post-90474435191049683162014-01-07T09:52:00.002-08:002014-01-07T09:52:30.285-08:00Rally to Add the Words - Jan 11, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1j5Pv9qv9vyGyIu3nekBR8AWtfCV0I8E8Rdmwc9FwQEXtk0xMcXE6iplk1t2Vp-weJ4z5dZEflvBJYfPzv9c-HFlmHuqQF7ofhoV4-7lCTgcSDOUUB8hMGpkiaXphOK9ggeyUU_bBqiv/s1600/ATWRally2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1j5Pv9qv9vyGyIu3nekBR8AWtfCV0I8E8Rdmwc9FwQEXtk0xMcXE6iplk1t2Vp-weJ4z5dZEflvBJYfPzv9c-HFlmHuqQF7ofhoV4-7lCTgcSDOUUB8hMGpkiaXphOK9ggeyUU_bBqiv/s1600/ATWRally2014.jpg" height="235" width="640" /></a></div>
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Come show your support for equality in Idaho! 87% of Idahoans believe no one should be fired simply because they are straight or gay. If you agree then show your support for Add the Words. Attend the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1398825273693862/" target="_blank">rally</a>, <a href="http://legislature.idaho.gov/who'smylegislator.htm" target="_blank">contact your 3 state legislators</a> (all Idahoans have two Representatives and one Senator), and tell your friends why you know you are on the right side of history. We simply want to Add the Words "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to Idaho's existing Human Rights Act. As former Republican Governor of Idaho and former head of the Idaho Republican Party <a href="http://addthewords.blogspot.com/2013/11/republican-leader-phil-batt-supports.html" target="_blank">Phil Batt</a> recently said, it is past time to Add the Words to the Act he helped create. For years the Idaho legislature has silenced us and our requests for a hearing - this year let's convince them to hear our voices and simply Add the Words!<br />
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Join us January 11, 2014 at 1p at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/addthewords" target="_blank">Add the Words, Idaho</a> rally on the steps of the <a href="http://legislature.idaho.gov/capitol/capitol_building.htm" target="_blank">Idaho State Capitol</a>. Speakers include 94.9 The River's <a href="http://www.riverinteractive.com/about/airpersonalities/88542337.html" target="_blank">Ken Bass</a> and his wife Michelle Holt Casella-Bass, Senator Cherie Buckner-Webb, Representative Grant Burgoyne, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest CEO Elaine Rose, Pocatello community leader Susie Matsuura, and Capital High Gay-Straight Alliance student leader Zach Bramwell. You'll also see great performances by <a href="http://curtisstigers.com/" target="_blank">Curtis Stigers</a> and the <a href="http://commongroundboise.org/" target="_blank">Common Ground Community Chorus</a>. After the rally get warm and socialize at the <a href="http://boisepride.com/" target="_blank">Boise Pride</a> after party featuring <a href="http://blazeandkelly.com/" target="_blank">Blaze and Kelly</a> at <a href="http://cazba.com/" target="_blank">Cazba</a> in downtown Boise. Step out with us in support of equality for all! We look forward to seeing you at the rally!Add the Words, Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02137334637599117729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5227854132865855588.post-69514657165738008732013-11-17T12:41:00.000-08:002013-11-17T12:43:07.733-08:00Transgender…. Are You Uncomfortable Yet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNtsxQTDRtCqoh_NXeHBDf8jJoPVKpoDjcIYnKPpRF0phtNMeQf0oF8eD9mWUry6G6cjug6p8eA_Hzo4koGv1wA88UzHKb8tzw8OXWMzIUODpu-rF-Kf90Sco6bKfNfGMn-sWwdgE4L5C/s1600/TDOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNtsxQTDRtCqoh_NXeHBDf8jJoPVKpoDjcIYnKPpRF0phtNMeQf0oF8eD9mWUry6G6cjug6p8eA_Hzo4koGv1wA88UzHKb8tzw8OXWMzIUODpu-rF-Kf90Sco6bKfNfGMn-sWwdgE4L5C/s320/TDOR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I started this post to ask you to join us at Boise’s </span><a href="http://www.transgenderdor.org/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">Transgender Day of Remembrance</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 2013.
As I thought about how to write about it, what I could say to get people to
attend, I realized most people would just dismiss the day and the event as
irrelevant to their lives. But it’s not irrelevant to you – it’s all about the
type of world we want to live in. It really is an event you, yes YOU, need to
attend. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know, you’re busy. Maybe you’re uncomfortable around
people who are different than society has taught us is normal. Maybe you aren’t
sure what people will think of you if you go. Most people who attend will not
be transgender themselves, we are there to show that we don’t think violence is
the answer to feeling uncomfortable around others. Are you really ok with using
violence against people in a misguided attempt to make them conform or to make
the attackers more comfortable with themselves? Because that’s what this is
about – remembering all the people who are beaten, raped, and even killed every
year just because their gender identity makes people uncomfortable.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take a few minutes from your evening on Wednesday, November
20, 2013 to head to the Anne Frank Memorial for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/234276900069164/" target="_blank">Boise’s Transgender Day of Remembrance</a>. The memorial starts at 7p – show that you don’t condone violence by joining
us there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cindy Gross – Straight Ally and Equal Rights Supporter</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">#TDOR</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Transgender Education: Teaching the Teachers</b><b><span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> </span></b></span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephanie-mott/transgender-education-teaching-the-teachers_b_4222963.html"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephanie-mott/transgender-education-teaching-the-teachers_b_4222963.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>GLADD: Transgender Day of Remembrance #TDOR - November 20</b>
</span><a href="http://www.glaad.org/tdor"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.glaad.org/tdor</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 things every Lutheran should know about Transgender Day of Remembrance</span></b><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><a href="http://www.reconcilingworks.org/news/news/611-transgender-day-of-rememberance"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.reconcilingworks.org/news/news/611-transgender-day-of-rememberance</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Link or Tweet this blog post via </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mw45x5w"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://tinyurl.com/mw45x5w</span></a>Add the Words, Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02137334637599117729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5227854132865855588.post-18041852365078601132013-11-03T20:27:00.000-08:002013-11-03T20:27:08.518-08:00Republican Leader Phil Batt Supports Add the Words
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Republican leader Phil Batt joined a growing list of
companies and individuals who support Idaho’s </span><a href="http://addthewords.org/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">Add
the Words</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> fight. Former Governor Batt is a farmer, Army veteran, and past
head of the Idaho Republican Party. As Governor of Idaho in the 1960s,
Republican Batt spearheaded creation of the Idaho Human Rights Act. He believes
Idahoans should support adding the words “sexual orientation” and “gender
identity” to the Act. </span><a href="http://legislature.idaho.gov/howtocontactlegislators.htm"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">Call or write</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
your Idaho legislators to express your own support now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As reported in the </span><a href="http://www.idahostatesman.com/2013/11/01/2845673/former-gov-batt-time-for-idaho.html"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">Idaho
Statesman</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, when Batt accepted the Idaho Human Rights Lifetime Achievement
award this week he said “A homosexual who can’t rent a room or get a job
because of his orientation doesn’t make any sense to anybody.” He added “Why
some of the politicians are not more sensitive than that — more sensible, I
should say than that — beats me.” This fits with polls showing more than 87% of
Idahoans believe it should be illegal to fire someone because of their sexual
orientation. Many Idahoans believe this type of unfair discrimination is
already illegal, but it’s not. In Idaho a person can be fired, evicted from
housing or public accommodations, or denied schooling if their perceived sexual
orientation doesn’t match one person’s preconceived notions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Batt characterized lawmakers who refuse to hold a hearing about
Add the Words as having “accomplished absolutely nothing…except to be made to
look like fools.” For eight years Add the Words has requested that the
legislature hear our voices – simply agree to listen to the many men and women
throughout Idaho who have experienced or witnessed unfair behavior directed at
those perceived to be gay. We have people from all walks of life and all parts
of the state, straight and gay, ready to testify. They can’t silence us forever
but every year they silence our voices is another year people suffer real,
significant impairment of their constitutionally guaranteed individual
liberties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Many people believe they’ve never met a gay
person or someone who has been personally hurt by discrimination. Step in on
the right side of history – <a href="http://legislature.idaho.gov/howtocontactlegislators.htm"><span style="color: #0563c1;">call or write</span></a>
your Idaho legislators in support of Add the Words. Ask them to hold a hearing
and listen to their constituents. Talk to your friends and neighbors about why
you support equality and tell them your personal stories. Don’t let your voice
be silenced – speak up!</span>Add the Words, Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02137334637599117729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5227854132865855588.post-24647012669926561472013-06-20T15:15:00.006-07:002013-06-20T15:15:49.206-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9V64UR4LS8Efdt3mtkUoDl-7qYKcrfPdWc1rUMBuLGYXDUEvp4HQPmmia1tgG5PQtX7ShFpb2OuSPO_DQlY9z46v0VwZkDFcsGHHhg6VeqRt6Qi_Yd7qO8Zy9nVX6F4qFIAd0zubZnsM6/s1600/1005134_10103248164549080_388355766_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9V64UR4LS8Efdt3mtkUoDl-7qYKcrfPdWc1rUMBuLGYXDUEvp4HQPmmia1tgG5PQtX7ShFpb2OuSPO_DQlY9z46v0VwZkDFcsGHHhg6VeqRt6Qi_Yd7qO8Zy9nVX6F4qFIAd0zubZnsM6/s320/1005134_10103248164549080_388355766_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">CHECK IT OUT!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Newly designed and purchased 3x3 car magnets! </span><br />
<br />Add the Words, Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02137334637599117729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5227854132865855588.post-53669494001431930152013-06-18T09:47:00.002-07:002013-06-18T09:47:48.918-07:00What do you think of the GOP resolution to nulify city "add the words" ordinances?<h3>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What do you think of the GOP resolution to nullify city "add the words" ordinances?</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<br /></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On Saturday, the same day as Boise Pride, some Idaho Republicans passed a resolution asking our state legislature to make city "add the words" ordinances unenforceable.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <a href="http://www.kivitv.com/news/local/211929901.html" target="_blank"> Nampa couple fiercely opposes Idaho GOP push to nullify anti-discrimination laws</a></span>Add the Words, Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02137334637599117729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5227854132865855588.post-79232092012132969552013-06-17T17:14:00.000-07:002013-06-17T17:16:00.715-07:00We need you to tell your story!!<br />
<h3>
<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Anyone in Boise want to be on the news?</span></span></span></i></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br />Boise people!! I have a reporter from Channel 6 wanting to do a story that would put a more human face on what it would be like to have the protections from the nondiscrimination ordinance and then have the GOP take them away. He wants to focus on the human side a bit with somebody that it would affect. He's hoping to talk to one or two people. And he needs it as soon as possible for the evening news. Are any of you willing to talk about how this would affect you? Please PM us or email addthewords@gmail.com asap.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">A story that Channel 2 recently produced:<br />
<a href="http://www.kboi2.com/news/local/Idaho-GOP-LGBT-protections-Idaho-211834671.html?tab=video&c=y" target="_blank">GOP leaders: Stop community efforts to provide LGBT protections</a></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br />
</span>Add the Words, Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02137334637599117729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5227854132865855588.post-60192175714915724872013-06-17T13:45:00.002-07:002013-06-17T13:46:43.020-07:00Welcome to the new Add the Words, Idaho site!<h2>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Welcome, Idaho!</i></span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Remember this video from the 2012 Legislative session?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Add the Words, Idaho is still working hard to end the discrimination against our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) friends, family, and community members. Join us! </span>Add the Words, Idahohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02137334637599117729noreply@blogger.com0