Act Queer! Teleconference: A Year in Queer Politics

From the passage of Prop 8 in California to the passage of the Matthew Shepard Act, the national LGBT political agenda has gained significant momentum. Will the explosion in LGBT policy on the national radar represent a movement towards queer liberation? What’s are there more progressive policy wins possible on the horizon for progressive queers?

Our December 17, 2009 teleconference served as a 2009 queer policy wrap-up.

To hear each presenter, press play on the audio player. Read materials from each presenter just below the audio player.

Andrea Ritchie, Attorney, (New York) discusses hate crimes and the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Act.

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• Sylvia Rivera Law Project Statement on Matthew Shepherd/James Byrd, Jr. Act.

Nicky Grist, Alternatives to Marriage Project, (Brooklyn, NY) discusses relationship recognition policies.

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• Alternatives to Marriage Project – Blog (Same-Sex Marriage Section)

• Fact Sheet – Three Principles for Reducing Barriers to Coverage for Unmarried People

• Fact Sheet – Why You Should Care About Barriers to Coverage for Unmarried People

• Fact Sheet – New York Hospital Rights for Partners

Karina Claudio, Gays and Lesbians of Bushwick Empowered, (Brooklyn, NY) discusses trans unemployment and the Employment Nondiscrimination Act.

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• Transgender/Gender Nonconforming Safe Space Flyer

• GLOBE Services Flyer

• Transgender/Gender Nonconforming Employment Survey

Robert Espinoza, Funders for LGBTQ Issues, (New York) discusses racial equality in LGBT philanthropy.

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• Racial Equality Campaign Benchmarks (PDF)

• Grant Making Tool Kit (Postcard)

If you have questions, comments, or know of other resources or events related to this topic, please feel free to post in the comments section!

The purpose of Act Queer! is to connect grassroots LGBTQ racial and economic justice organizations with national queer and/or allied coalitions and organizations to share information and strategies on racial and economic justice research, organizing and advocacy.