Coming Out is a Fad. Coming Into Is All the Rage!

As a Hispanic person, I sometimes don't understand "Coming Out". I mean people never come out as a people of color and I, for one, have never come out as a Hispanic.

Comedienne Wanda Sykes jokes in her latest stand-up act, "It’s harder being gay than being black. There’s some things that I had to do as gay that I didn’t have to do as black. I didn’t have to come out black. I didn’t have to sit my parents down and tell them about my blackness. 'Mom, dad I have to tell ya’ll something . . . I hope you still love me. Mom ... dad ... I’m black.'"

Now don't get the wrong idea, I'm NOT denying the good that's apparent in "Coming Out", like moving from non-acceptance to self-acceptance, being honest with yourself and others, being visible instead of invisible, or experiencing freedom that comes from being "Out".

I just don't understand the other part of "Coming Out". The part that involves continuously telling everyone, "I'm gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, queer, trans, asexual . . ." The part that involves telling and then being assigned a letter of the alphabet. The more I think about it, the more I wonder if the only reason why "Coming Out" exists is because culture segregated people into genophobic closets. (I'm using the term "genophobia" here to not only include the fear of sexual intercourse, but also of sex and of sexuality, in general).

In the recent past, I've met others who do not understand "Coming Out", as well. It's not that they are ashamed of who they are, that they live in culturally imposed closets, or that they're not living in tune with their sexuality. Rather, shockingly, they don't believe there's a need to "Come Out" with a bold confession of their sexual identity anymore and I can relate. "Coming Out" is a fad. Where we once needed people to "Come Out", maybe a day is quickly approaching when future generations won't even know what "Coming Out" means anymore.

Heterosexuals do not come out as Straight. As the cultural mainstream, Heterosexuals are free to "Come Into" their sexuality just like people of race are free to "Come Into" their racial and ethnic identities.

Sometimes people of race have to deny that they are not of one race or another. I often have to refute that I am not Indian, Persian, Middle Eastern, etc. It would be absurd to say that by admitting I'm actually Mexican that I've "Come Out", since I've never had an experience where I've had to hide my Hispanic'ness.

I doubt most of us are any good at hiding what's apparent anyways. In fact, hang around me long enough and the essence of my racial identity is apparent - true also with my sexuality. I have "Come Into" both quite honestly, quite naturally.

"Coming Into" sexual identity seems more genuine to the human experience than "Coming Out".

I've said once that being brown is not defined by the way I speak, the food I eat or the music I choose to listen to. Being brown, by its very nature, cannot be identified solely by the mind and is continual, spiritual and beyond the restrictions of any classification. Likewise, being straight, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, or whatever sexual identity we subscribe to is not defined by how we speak, or what we choose to wear, or who we socialize with.

It is in essence – intangible and constant, ethereal and beyond the boundaries of human stereotyping.

---

Aaron Florence is a writer and speaker (his day job is in Geekery and Organizational Development). He has been a Speaker and Keynoter at various colleges, universities, and conferences throughout the US playing the role of provocateur. He enjoys flirting with the topics of religion/spirituality, culture, marriage and sexuality, amongst other things. He lives in the Washington, DC area and is an architect of the Bisexual Men's Alliance of DC (BIMA DC). About BIMA DC, he says, "I believe in the power of fringe communities. How much closer to the edge can one get than Bisexuals? It's this group that will push our understanding of sexuality and relationships in the 21st Century."

Letter From Out Bisexual Director Kyle Schickner of FenceSitter Films about new Web TV Series 'Rose By Any Other Name . . .'

Hi Cool bi-folk and bi-folk supporters,

Just wanted to let those who don't know about it (and a nudge to those who do) to check out and support the very first bisexual themed web series (or any series for that matter) "Rose By Any Other Name..." a romantic comedy about a lesbian who falls in love with a man and then they must deal with the fallout (Spoiler Alert: turns out, she's bisexual after all!)

Initially LOGO, the LGBT-themed TV Channel that is already broadcasting FenceSitter Film's Strange Fruit on it's rotation, was interested in having it be a weekly series but at the 11th hour they got cold feet and back out, worried that the show would "offend their lesbian viewers". They did not seem to understand how many bisexual, fluid, pansexual and bi-supportive viewers they stood to attract. They said they really loved the concept and that they'd love to reassess the show if we went and shot a couple of episodes, to see if the lesbian characters are dealt with respectfully.

So we decided to turn the show into a web series (what with bisexual community being so web-savvy), and with help from American Institute of Bisexuality the first episode debuted October 11th 2009 (National Coming Out Day). . . If we can show LOGO (and even a few other bigger networks) that the show is drawing a large web audience they will have to consider putting the show on the air. I of course do not need to illustrate how HUGE having a show deal openly and honestly with bisexuality would be.

So please, become a fan of the show on Facebook and do whatever you feel you can to get the word out. Early buzz is key.

Here is the link to the first episode:


Each Sunday at 6PM (Hollywood Time of course) a new episode will come out. Please feel free to spread the word, rate the clip and make a comment (all these things LOGO will be looking at).

Thank you all for your support of not only FenceSitter Films but for all things bisexual!

Yours,
Kyle Schickner
FenceSitter Films

[National Equality March]: Young Bisexual-Queer Identified LGBT Activist Fights for Homeless LGBT Youth

Ms. Chloe Noble who describes herself as a Bisexual Queer American, a Human Rights activists as well as an outspoken campaigner for Homeless LGBT Youth was one of the speakers this Sunday at the National Equality March on behalf of both the Bisexual, Fluid, Pansexual & Queer-identified Community(s) as well as on behalf of Queer Youth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


MEDIA CONTACT:
Chloe Michelle Noble
Mobile: 801.708.9515
Email: noble(dot)echo(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: @chloenoble
Website: www.pridewalk2009.org


HOMELESS YOUTH PRIDE WALK 2009 AND OPERATION SHINE
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NATIONAL EQUALITY MARCH
WASHINGTON DC


Two activists, Chloe Michelle Noble and Jill Hardman are walking across the United States to raise national awareness for the LGTBQI homeless youth epidemic in America. Chloe, 27, is a radically outspoken campaigner for homeless youth rights and identifies as Bisexual Queer. Jill, 29, is a human rights activist and identifies as Queer.

The walk, which began in Seattle, will cover 6,000 miles, (3000 of it on foot). They will be living out of their backpacks for most of their journey, which will give them a unique opportunity to film homeless youth all over the United States. "We are living out of our backpacks," says Noble. "But we are not using any resources for homeless youth. We are choosing to live within homeless youth communities temporarily, so that we can document this epidemic and raise awareness within each state."

When walking, the two walkers will be on foot six to nine hours a day, or 10 to 15 miles completed with 35-pound backpacks. They estimate Homeless Youth Pride Walk 2009 to take almost nine months to complete.

Almost 40% of homeless youth in America identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Pansexual, Transgender, Queer, or Intersex. A reason why LGBTQI Civil Rights are inseparable from the epidemic of homeless youth in America, says Noble, is because Queer youth make up almost a third of their population. "This diverse group of Queer youth has a profound and powerful voice," says Noble. "We want to support them in their progress and give them a platform to stand on. Studies show that many LGBTQI homeless youth who receive appropriate guidance, support, and resources, eventually become successful members of the community. By raising awareness we hope to inspire others to make sure more resources are available to all homeless youth for this reason."

Operation Shine 2009 was created so that inspired citizens could participate in Homeless Youth Pride Walk, without having to leave their city. "Numerous people ask us if they can walk with us across the country." says Noble, "But we can not provide them with adequate resources or protection. So we are incorporating the passion of these activists with their local communities in creating city-wide "Shines", that empower the communities we walk through. Operation Shine is also an opportunity for the American community to stand with the homeless LGBTQI youth and all homeless youth, who are suffering a very intense and morally appalling form of nationwide discrimination."

Operation Shine will take place in some of the cities they walk through. Operation Shine Seattle was held on May 22, and was hosted by YouthCare. The LGBTQI youth in Portland were so moved by PrideWalk that they organized a "Shine" within 24 hours! Operation Shine Portland was held on June 6 at SMYRC, co-hosted by OutSideIn. The San Francisco Shine was held at the Harvey Milk Plaza in the Castro, on July 10, and was hosted by Larkin Street Youth Services. And the Salt Lake City Shine, which drew in a couple hundred participants, was held on July 25, hosted by the Utah Pride Center.

The message that these women want to present to Washington DC is one of hope and empowerment. "We are asking Washington DC to participate in Operation Shine, because it is a reflection of the love and passion that already exists in your communities. This is an opportunity to shine a light on youth homelessness. Homeless youth deserve to be seen and heard," says Hardman, "We are also shining a light on the hard working organizations that are doing whatever they can to make a positive impact in the lives of these youth." Operation Shine DC is hosted by Sasha Bruce Youthwork; other organizations participating include the Wanda Alston House, Justice for DC youth, SMYAL, the National Youth Advocacy Coalition, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Covenant House Washington, and the National Network For Youth.

"This is an opportunity to experience the power that the American community has when we unify toward a common cause; and to say to our nation, no longer will we stand by and watch as our youth are driven into the streets to live in unbearable conditions, simply because they are unwanted or Queer," says Noble. "These youth have proven that when supported and loved, they rise from their adversity, overcoming seemingly impossible circumstances; and despite all that has happened to them, they often become the very leaders within the community that once told them they were of no worth."

When one of us is assaulted or dehumanized, all of us are assaulted or dehumanized, says Noble. When a portion of our society lacks the compassion and integrity to allow all citizens even their most basic human rights, the impact is intensely polarizing ad inhumane. This is why the battle is dividing our country in two. According to statistics, LGBTQI youth who are kicked out of their homes go on to be homeless where they are more at risk than their heterosexual peers for physical abuse, sexual exploitation, chemical or alcohol dependency, discrimination and death. "There is a movement happening in America, and we're calling it Operation Shine," says Noble. "Now is the time for us to stand with those who would bring families together, not tear them apart. Now is the time for us to feel the impact that senseless discrimination is having on children all over this country."

The two walkers will arrive in Washington DC around October 3rd. The Washington DC Shine is scheduled for October 9, where participants will meet at the Sasha Bruce House for a meet and greet luncheon from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Leaders of the DC community will then speak at the DC Shine at 1:00 pm. Participants will be given time and materials to make rally signs and banners, then everyone will march to the US Capitol at 2:00 pm.

People who support Homeless Youth Pride Walk 2009 can "virtually walk with them" by following their website. Supporters can get updates on this website, which includes includes interactive media tools, such as Google Maps, Twitter, YouTube, and Kyte TV. After Noble and Hardman return home from their walk, all of the footage from PrideWalk2009 and Operation Shine will be posted on the website; which will be loaded with videos, photos, and posts collected on their journey.

Here is our schedule in Washington Dc which will coincide with the National Equality March:
OCT. 9, 2009 - OPERATION SHINE WASHINGTON DC
www.pridewalk2009.org

OCT. 10, 2009 - IMPACT: Queer and Allied Youth Raise Their Voices! www.nemimpact.org

OCT. 10 - 11, 2009 - NATIONAL EQUALITY MARCH www.equalityacrossamerica.org

####

A LETTER FROM CHLOE NOBLE TO THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY
My name is Chloe Noble. I am proud to be a Human Rights activists and Bisexual Queer American. I am also a former homeless Queer youth. This is my story . . . . .

We are walking simply because we believe that our youth should not have to live on the streets, wondering how they are going to get their own needs met.

Many American citizens are not aware that there are sometimes as many as 1.6 million homeless youth in America. These youth often brave the elements huddling for safety under bridges, in abandoned buildings and make- shift camps, that are eventually raided by law enforcement without warning. Some states, such as Utah, don't even have a shelter for homeless youth. There are few safe places for homeless youth to develop roots of their own and receive the support they need to reach their full potential. The organizations and shelters that are able to support these youth are often in need of adequate resources, funding, and legislation.

It is a privilege to live in a safe and warm home surrounded by a family who loves and respects you - a privilege that is taken (sometimes with force) from the homeless youth that grace the streets of our nation. For almost 600,000 of these homeless youth, this privilege is stripped from them because they identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. The Social Justice Movement is inseparable from the epidemic of homeless youth in America, where LGBTQ homeless youth make up over a third of the homeless youth population.

These LGBTQ youth go on to be homeless, where they are more at risk than their heterosexual peers, for physical abuse, sexual exploitation, chemical or alcohol dependency, discrimination and death. Do you know *13 youth die each day from homelessness? (Statements Journal, 17 August 2008)*

There is a movement happening in America and although it is quiet . . . . . . it runs very deep. We have witnessed first hand the suffering of these children and we say - enough. Now is the time for us to stand with those who would bring families together, not tear them apart. Now is the time for us to feel the impact that senseless discrimination is having on children all over this country. Now is the time to understand that this impact directly affects all LGBTQ people. When one of us is assaulted or dehumanized, all of us are assaulted or dehumanized. When a portion of our society lacks the compassion and integrity to not allow all citizens even their most basic human rights - the impact is intensely polarizing and inhumane. This is why this battle is literally dividing our country in two and driving beautiful children into the streets to live as animals.

We have been sorely disappointed in some of those who dare to call themselves defenders of family values. What is the value of allowing children to live homeless on their own without any real means of growth or stability? What is the value in withholding freedom from others? There is no peaceful reason to invest in these harmful ideologies. There is no peaceful reason to abandon a child.

We have great faith in what we are doing, because we have been deeply moved by the courage and strength of homeless youth. We have seen them make the transition into adulthood under sometimes unbearable circumstances. With appropriate guidance and support we have also seen them become leaders in our community. Although very few in our hometown (Salt Lake City), because resources for homeless youth are scarce.

We have great faith in what we are doing. Because we have been deeply moved by the patience, tenacity, and creativity of those who serve homeless youth - even with inadequate resources.

I want the hardworking and heartfelt members of our national community and community organizations, to start getting the adequate resources, funding, legislation, and support they need to resolve these issues. Our society in general and our systems of care have a duty to serve these youth and to make sure they are protected inside and outside of the home.

The bottom line - these youth need assistance NOW and they need it without exception.

While we are enjoying our service work here and excited to band together in our passion to end homelessness, we understand the grave danger and profound suffering that these youth face everyday. We realize, this underground society of children are not often seen or understood by those outside of it.

Our joy comes in serving them and helping to aid them in their recovery. We are also preparing ourselves, and the readers who are following our website, for the hardship they will see once we begin to document the lives of these children.

What we have seen and experienced has appalled and astonished us. We have been moved to tears and sometimes even rolling with laughter. We have grown to love this unseen nation of youth and long to reach out to them in every way we can.

They are the children of the Urban Jungle. And we are ready to help them tell their stories of personal defeat and of triumph. Collectively, their story is one of great courage and surprising wisdom. They have much to teach us. We are ready now to hear them, to see them, and if they so choose......to help them any way we can.

There is a movement happening in our nation, a crying out for justice that will not relinquish its hold . . . . . . and we are calling it OPERATION SHINE AMERICA. PrideWalk 2009 and OPERATION SHINE were created to raise awareness of the Queer homeless youth epidemic in America.

---

"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brushfires in people's minds." - Samuel Adams

"Burn Brightly without burning out." - Richard Biggs
"All you need is the thing you've forgotten, and that's to learn to live with what you are." Ben Folds
"Our youth are not failing the system; the system is failing our youth. Ironically, the very youth who are being treated the worst are the young people who are going to lead us out of this nightmare." - Rachel Jackson

[National Equality March]: Where To Meet At The March

For everyone who is planning to march with the Bisexual, Fluid, Pansexual & Queer-identified Contingent at the National Equality March here is the info on where we are all assembling prior to lining up to march:

When: Sunday October 11th 2009 at 10:30 AM -- we will leave from there for the march at 11:00 AM
Where: Caribou Coffee -- 1101 17th Street NW, Washington DC USA 20036      202.223.6828
Nearest Metro: Farragut North on the Red Line at 17th and L Streets NW


Also PLEASE CHECK HERE for more on All The Great Events by and for Bisexual/Fluid/Pansexual people and our friends, families and allies that will be going on around Washington DC during the National Equality March weekend.


And for general National Equality March info please check these sites:

o Main Website
o Blog
o Facebook Page
o Youtube
o Twitter

o March Route & Other Maps/Directions
o Schedule of Events

Out Bisexual Amy Andre to Head San Francisco Pride

PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
October 6, 2009


Amy Andre to Head San Francisco Pride
The Pride Committee Announces New Executive Director

San Francisco, CA – 6 October 2009 – The San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee announced today that Amy Andre will be the next person to head the organization as its executive director. The announcement concludes a national search that began in March of this year.


Andre takes the position following the departure of the organization's previous Executive Director Lindsey Jones who stepped down in July. The organization has been under the leadership of Interim Executive Director Joshua Smith who left the board of directors to assist Pride in the transition of its top staff position.

Board President Mikayla Connell stated,

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Amy Andre to the Pride team with her wealth of talent, experience, and history of activism as we continue planning and preparing for the fortieth anniversary San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade in June of 2010. In the capable hands of Amy Andre and our Board of Directors, San Francisco Pride will continue to build on the momentum that this organization has achieved with the dedicated support of our members, volunteers, and community over the past decade."

Interim Executive Director Joshua Smith stated, “Amy brings together a unique mix of skills, which builds upon our past while preparing us for a bright future.”

Along with an MBA, focusing on nonprofit management, from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and a master’s degree in sexuality studies, focusing on LGBT community issues, from San Francisco State University, Amy Andre has over a decade of experience working in various capacities with local and national LGBT nonprofit organizations.

As a Point Foundation Scholar, Andre earned her MBA this past Spring. Prior to that, she worked at Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, criss-crossing the nation to educate thousands of employees and executives at Fortune500 companies such as Wal-mart, Hyatt, and Motorola about LGBT rights. Before coming to Out & Equal, she served as Vice President of the Board at Open Enterprises, a cooperative where she worked for almost seven years.

The co-author of "Bisexual Health: An Introduction and Model Practices for HIV/ STI Prevention", a book published by the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, BiNet USA and the Fenway Institute. Andre has articles in Curve Magazine, Alternet.org and The Bilerico Project, among dozens of other publications. A film aficionada, she is also the director of the internationally-screened documentary On My Skin/En Mi Piel, about a mixed-race transgender man and his family, and volunteers annually to curate the Bi Request program at Frameline’s San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival.

A lifelong Bisexual and LGBT activist originally from the East Coast, Andre has lived in San Francisco since 1997. She currently resides in the Castro with her fiancée, filmmaker Kami Chisholm, PhD.

Regarding her selection, Andre commented,

I’m honored and delighted by this opportunity to be a part of Pride. Celebrating ourselves is one of the most important, courageous, affirming, and, yes, even political, things we as an LGBT community can do. This year’s theme is Forty and Fabulous. But, of course, Pride has always been fabulous, and we’ve got even more wonderful things in store! I’m really looking forward to working with the incredible staff and Board.

Andre will begin her position as the new Executive Director on October 15

###
The San Francisco Pride Celebration Committee is a non-profit membership organization founded to produce the San Francisco Pride Celebration & Parade. SF Pride is dedicated to education, to the commemoration of LGBT heritage and to the celebration of LGBT culture and liberation.

A world leader in the Pride movement, SF Pride is also a grant-giving organization through its Community Partners Program. Since 1997, SF Pride has granted over $1.6 million dollars from proceeds of the Pride Celebration and Parade to local non-profit LGBT organizations and those organizations serving the HIV/AIDS and breast cancer communities.

2010 marks the 40th anniversary of the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade. The theme is "Forty and Fabulous" and the event will be held over the weekend of June 26 and 27, 2010. With over 200 parade contingents, 300 exhibitors, and more than a dozen community-run stages and venues, the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest gathering of LGBT people and allies in the nation. The two-day celebration is free and open to all.

Celebrate Bisexuality Day 2009!!!!

was REALLY celebrated this year, its 10th Anniversary!!! Look at all this joy!


AfterEllen/AfterElton (LOGO)

Bi Pride Day! (After Ellen)

Our eight favorite bisexuals ever (After Elton)

Bi Social News: Social.Entertainment.News.

Celebrate Bisexuality Day (Peter Ruggiero)

How Far Have We Come? (Mizz M)

Feministing

Biphobic Bingo

Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)

Happy Celebrate Bisexuality Day!

Q & A with Bisexual Activist Amy Andre

What Celebrate Bisexuality Day Means To Me (Amy Andre)

. . . But Every Day is Celebrate Bisexuality Day (Faith Cheltenham/BiNet USA)

The Holiday I Didn’t Know Existed (Jackson Scheerer/Queer Subversion)

Binational & Bisexual Discrimination/(Renata Moreira)

Come Out for Celebrate Bisexuality Day (Julie Cohen)

Q & A with Bisexual Activist Robyn Ochs

How to be an Ally to a Bisexual Person (Ellyn Ruthstrom/Bisexual Resource Center)

Q & A with Bisexual Activist Sheela Lambert (Bi writers)

Celebrate Bisexuality Day (Mike Szymanski/Bi Magazine)

Celebrate Bisexuality Day: Musings (Heidi Bruins Green/Out & Equal Workplace Advocates)

Why Representing Bisexuality is Hard; Why Trying to is Important (Richard M. Juang/Transgender Rights)

First Person Biography of a Bisexual US Army Veteran (Cliff Arnesen/NE GLBT Veterans)

Bisexuals Front and Center (Mimi Hoang/AMBI LA)

Editor’s Note: Reflections on Bi Visibility and Coming Out (Amanda Morgan/GLAAD )

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

Task Force marks the 10th Annual Celebrate Bisexuality Day

Celebrating Bisexuality Day 2009: Sexual Freedom for All! (Sue Hyde/Creating Change)

Queers United

Word of the Gay: "Bi Pride"

Stuff Queer People Need To Know

Happy Bisexual Pride/Visibility Day!

The Bilerico Project: Daily experiments in LGBTQ

Celebremos la bisexualidad (Pedro Julio Serrano/The Task Force)

Bi rhymes with Lie and DIE - in Jamaica

Jamaica West Indies has been called “the most homophobic place on earth” by Time magazine.

LGBT people there literally live in fear for their very lives, for very good reason. The queer-bashers there are not even inhibited by wealth or power and last week went so far as to murder the bisexual Honorary Consul to Jamaica from Britain, John Terry. Our own Mike Szymanski talks about the details as he sees it in his article, "Bisexual British diplomat murdered in Jamaica, widespread homophobia is blamed"

Pastor Durrell Watkins, Senior Pastor of the Sunshine Cathedral in Ft. Lauderdale FL asks in this video that we email Jamaican Prime Minister the Hon. O. Bruce Goldin hpmgolding@opm.gov.jm and tell him that as a person of faith you are calling for decisive action to change the culture of violence and intolerance in Jamaica.


(though unfortunately the good Pastor calls this married, clearly bisexual man GAY, 'bi' the way).

In addition, to be helpful to the LGBT population of Jamaica, please support their national LGBT group, the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians All-sexuals and Gays J-FLAG.

J-FLAG's mission is to work towards a Jamaican society in which the Human Rights and Equality of Lesbians, All-Sexuals, and Gays are guaranteed. To foster the acceptance and enrichment of the lives of same-gender-loving persons who have been and continue to be, an integral part of society.

J-FLAG holds the vision to move forward in a spirit of oneness, love, dignity and respect towards the establishment of a Jamaica, and world, devoid of prejudice, injustice, discrimination and oppression. And, furthermore, to ensure the human rights of Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays, as set out in the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

And do take the time to read J-FLAG's delightful and very progressive explanation about the West Indian view of bisexual, fluid and pansexual folks and how we came to be part of the group know in the Caribbean as All-Sexuals.

And lastly also note that J-FLAG depend on the kindness and goodwill of all of us to help rectify the unfortunate situation in their beautiful Island Home, so in the eternal spirit of "One Love" please do also take some time to review what they need and open your hearts and wallets!

[BiNet USA]: National Equality March Washington DC October 10-11 2009

Media Advisory

Date: 05/18/2009 3:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Contact: press@binetusa.org 1-800-585-9368

Please join the members of BiNet USA on Saturday October 10th and Sunday October 11th when they along with thousands of other bisexual, fluid, pansexual and queer-identified people will gather with gay men, lesbian women, transgender and genderqueer people and our families, friends and "Straight-but-not-narrow" allies at our nation's capital and other locations across the country to strategize, advocate and demonstrate to gain our human rights.


We will gather with others to let our elected leaders know that now is the time for full equal rights for LGBT people, and we will leave energized and empowered to do the work that needs to be done in every community across the nation.

So please join the Bisexual, Fluid, Pansexual, Queer-identified Contingent along with other groups and individuals in solidarity of equality of all.

BiNet USA Statement Regarding the "National Equality March"

The Board of Directors of BiNet USA, during its regular, scheduled meeting on Saturday September 12th 2009, approved a resolution that endorsed with reservations the “National Equality March”, set for Saturday October 10 thru Sunday October 11th 2009 in Washington DC.

A number of bisexual, fluid, pansexual and queer-identified people, possibly many – including both new and veteran activists – are expected to journey to the nation’s capital to participate in this event, and, that being the case, the BiNet USA board encourages them to be out, proud and visible as bisexual, fluid, pansexual and queer-identified people who seek equality and equal protection under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, as march organizers have called for; indeed, a number of BiNet USA’s members/supporters plan to carry our banner.

At the same time, the board’s endorsement resolution acknowledged that a number of the board's members, advisers, and supporters have significant concerns and reservations regarding the advisability of holding this particular march at this particular time and in the particular way it was organized.

The board’s resolution reads as follows:

Whereas, BiNet USA has received a request by the organizers of the “National Equality March” to endorse their event of Saturday October 10 thru Sunday October 11th 2009 in Washington DC; and

Whereas, bisexual, fluid, pansexual and queer-identified people intend to participate in this event; and

Whereas, BiNet USA supports the goals of the event, namely freedom, equality, equal protection and so forth; but

Whereas, some of BiNet USA’s board members, advisers and supporters have reservations and concerns regarding the timing, efficacy, advisability, process, genesis and more regarding this event,

Now therefore, BiNet USA’s board of directors does hereby endorse the goals of the "National Equality March" and encourages bisexual, fluid, pansexual and queer-identified people to attend and support it as well, and wishes the organizers well in their efforts.

It also acknowledges the concerns of those who feel this event is ill-timed and not an optimal expenditure of limited resources during the current economic downturn and with so many other battles that need to be funded and worked on, including specific marriage initiatives, ENDA, repeal of DADT and DOMA, etc., and acknowledges that many feel more stakeholders should have been consulted much earlier in the process to see if this "march"/gathering at this time was the best course of action.

That said, we look forward to the gathering and hope it energizes those who have never marched and renews and re-energizes those who have been doing activist work for longer periods.

The board also encourages those who cannot get to Washington DC from across the nation to participate in their own local parallel community or organizational events, including National Coming Out Day activities on October 11th.

Founded in 1990, BiNet USA is America's Civil-rights and advocacy organization for all bisexual, pansexual, fluid and all the rest of us "somewhere in between" people as well as their lesbian, gay, transgender, "straight but not narrow" and questioning friends and allies, BiNet USA facilitates the development of a cohesive network of independent bisexual/pansexual, fluid and friendly communities; promotes bisexual, fluid, pansexual and inclusive visibility; and collects and distribute educational information regarding sexual orientation and gender identity with an emphasis on the bisexual/pansexual, fluid and allied communities.

For more information, please visit us on the Web at:

www.binetusa.org
binetusa.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/binetusa
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=44503625428
twitter.com/BiNetUSA

and for press inquiries, please email press@binetusa.org or phone 1-800-585-9368


Tags: Bisexual Community, BiNet USA, Board of Directors, DOMA, DADT, ENDA, MOW, March on Washington, National Equality March, Equality Across America, Defense of Marriage Act, Marriage Equality, National Coming Out Day, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, Employment Non-Discrimination Act

# # #

BiNet USA Expands Board of Directors

The Board of BiNet USA has elected two additional members: Faith Cheltenham and Matt Goodman. This brings to six the number of trustees leading the private nonprofit service/activist organization that was founded almost 20 years ago by a network of bisexual groups and individuals.

Faith will now serve as vice president of the organization, replacing Luigi Ferrer, longtime officer and former BiNet president who continues to be a board member but has many other pressing duties as executive director of Pridelines Youth Services and felt the need to step aside as an officer; Matt will serve as treasurer, a post that was vacant but was temporarily held by secretary Margaret Rood, who also continues to serve on the board but who likewise had other pressing responsibilities. Board member Estraven replaces Margaret as secretary.

Faith is a 29-year-old activist who wishes to represent bisexual people of color as well as younger people, as she has done for more than a decade.

Matt is BiNet USA's liaison to Creating Change 2010, something he is already involved in as president of the Bisexual Network of North Texas, commonly known as DFWBINET.

"Faith and Matt bring further energy, insight and wisdom to BiNet USA in their capacities as younger activists with varied and diverse backgrounds," said BiNet USA President Gary North. "We are proud to have them on the board and look forward to them helping to lead BiNet through the next two years and beyond." Board members serve two-year terms and can be re-elected. Among the many matters the board is tackling are the upcoming Bi VisiBIlity Day, National Coming Out Day, Bi/Pan/Fluid Organizing Institute at Creating Change in early February, and BiNet USA's own 20th anniversary celebration year starting in June.

Below are biographies on Faith and Matt:

Faith Cheltenham (faith@binetusa.org) has navigated the worlds of technology, mass media and culture with the intent of changing the world. She pounded pavement for the Al Gore 2000 campaign as an HRC Campaign College intern; was a cast member of “Black. White.” Emmy-honored reality show on race in America for the FX network; and in 2007 developed and produced www.sarahferguson.com, working closely with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. Faith next developed the Science Fiction Social Networking site www.tor.com and launched it at the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con. A bisexual activist for the past 10 years and co-founder of UCLA’s Queer Alliance, Faith is a writer and stand-up comedian who produces film, tv and web content in West Hollywood, California.

Matt Goodman (mattg@binetusa.org), a native Texan, is the president of the Bisexual Community of North Texas (www.dfwbi.net) as well as the chairman of its Development and Fundraising Subcommittee. He has been a bisexual activist since 1999, when he came out at the age of 20 in Lawrence, Kansas. He has held numerous positions in LGBT and Jewish civic groups. Matt has also started a number of civic groups since 1997. In 2008, He was discriminated against for coming out at work. After experiencing that, Matt restarted DFWBI.net under the new name Bisexual Community of North Texas. He currently chairs the Creating Change 2010 Development and Fundraising Sub Committee in addition to being president of the Bisexual Community of North Texas.

BiNet USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit networking organization of and for people who identify as bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer, other, etc. It is approaching its 20th year of formal existence as a network and organization but operated as a de facto network for several years before organizing. For more information, visit BiNet USA on the Web at:

www.binetusa.org
binetusa.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/binetusa
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=44503625428

and for press inquiries, call 1-800-585-9368 or email press@binetusa.org

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Tags: Faith Cheltenham, Matt Goodman, bisexual activism, bisexual leaders, Creating Change, Bisexual Community of North Texas, science fiction social network, Sarah Ferguson, Tor.com, DFWBI.net

[In Memoriam]: Senator Edward M. Kennedy from Bisexual Veteran Cliff Arnesen

Cliff Arnesen, President
New England Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Veterans, Inc.
John F. Kennedy Station
P. O. Box 6599
Boston, MA 02114

http://www.newengland-glbt-vets.org

CELL PHONE: 617-697-1045 (Public)

Office Of Senator Edward M. Kennedy
317 Russell Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510

Office of Hon Senator Edward M. Kennedy
2400 John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Boston, MA 02203

Wednesday, 26 August 2009

Dear Staff, Friends, Loved Ones, and Family of U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy:

On behalf of our membership, please know that I and our membership are greatly saddened at the passing of the "Lion of the U.S. Senate," Senator Edward M. Kennedy, and send our heartfelt condolences to Senator Kennedy's Staff, Friends, Loved Ones and to all in his family.

Over the past 20 years, I have had the personal honor of working with Senator Kennedy and his staff on a myriad of issues germane to the LGBT Community.

These issues were inclusive of ending the military's inhumane "Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy"; much needed help to take care of ALL of our Country's veterans needs with more monies for the Department of Veterans Affairs to combat homelessness, HIV/AIDS, Agent Orange, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and more. Thus, I attach group photo of our members with Senator Kennedy, as well as two personal photos.

Also, Senator Kennedy was a champion of human and civil rights for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender people in many respects, inclusive of helping to formulate a Hate Crimes Bill.

On a personal note, today marks a dark and sad day for me, as I have known and worked with Senator Kennedy's office for 20 years. When in Washington, DC, Sen. Kennedy always took the time to speak with us as a group of veterans, always urging us to never give up our fight to secure human & civil rights--not special rights -- for our country's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Veterans, and the larger LGBT Community.

I will miss Senator Kennedy, and extend my personal regards to his Staff, Friends, Loved Ones, and Family.

However, I am comforted in the knowledge that Sen. Kennedy is in God's loving embrace for eternity.

In sadness,
Cliff Arnesen
Cliff Arnesen, President

Bisexual US Army (Vietnam -Era Veteran) 1965-1967
Imprisoned & Discharged as Homosexual From US Army in 1967
Disabled Person/ 70% Non Service Connected Disability
Current Volunteer: Jamaica Plain, MA, Veterans Administration Medical Center

(1 0f 5) Co-Founders, Natl. Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Veterans of America, Inc. (now American Veterans for Equal Rights)
Member: Predominately Gay, Alexander Hamilton, American Legion Post 448
Former Board Member: National Bisexual Advisory Board
Former Medical Patient Services Assistant, US Department of Veterans Affairs
First "Openly Bisexual" Veteran In America to Testify on Behalf of GLBT Veterans Before The U.S. Congress, via U.S. House Committee On Veterans Affairs: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations (1989 & 1990)