A Sign of Progress

Administrators at the Kampang Secondary School, in the northeastern province of Sisaket, recently created a third set of toilets exclusively for the more than 10 percent of students who identify as “ladyboys,” or transgender.

The symbol representing them combines a male and female figure.

Tolerance of transsexuals, at least those born as males, is widespread in Thai society. They maintain a much higher public profile there than in most countries, working in a wide range of jobs.

Likewise, sex-change surgery has become a Thai medical specialty, common and affordable.

The challenge facing Kampang School officials was to spare girl students the embarrassment of sharing their toilets with boys, who in turn didn’t want to share toilets with the regular boys, whom they consider a different breed.

“These students want to be able to go in peace without fear of being watched, laughed at or groped,” said Sitisak Sumontha, the school’s director.

The solution, they decided, was separate-but-equal facilities, marked by a sign whose gender indicator is cut and spliced right down the middle.

There is more on this story and a different video at the BBC News site here.

"American Marriage"

I could easily write a ten page tirade about the lame, ignorant arguments against gay marriage. But for me, it comes down to “You either believe in equal rights, or you don’t”. I’ve lost all patience with those that don’t. I couldn’t care less how Miss California defines god. You either believe in equal rights or you don’t. And civil unions? Didn’t this country learn anything from that shameful chapter of American history called “Separate But Equal”? In this painting, I added the five state birds of the five United States that now extend equal rights to ALL of its citizens. I was sad not being able to add the state bird of my home state, the California Valley Quail. 1) Massachusetts, the first state to legalize gay marriage after its Supreme Court ruled such a ban was unconstitutional, in 2003. (The Black-Capped Chickadee) 2) Connecticut, October 2008, the state’s Supreme Court struck down a civil union law that limited marriage to heterosexuals. (The American Robin) 3) Iowa, April 3, 2009, the state’s Supreme Court ruled bans on marriage for gays violated equal protection laws. (The American Goldfinch) 4) Vermont, April 7, 2009, the legislature overrode the governor’s veto of a legalization bill. (The Hermit Thrush) 5) Maine, May 6, 2009, the governor signed into law a gay marriage bill (also The Black-Capped Chickadee) This painting is: “American Marriage” 24” x 36” Acrylic on Canvas All Men Are Created Equal, TONY

Breakfest Anyone?

MSF Seeks Summer Intern

Matthew Shepard Foundation is looking for a young person from the Denver Metro area to serve as a MatthewsPlace.com intern this summer.

US:
Since Matthew's death and the creation of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, Judy Shepard has spent countless hours meeting young people across the country. Many of these young people have reached out to her to share their stories about the pain and hurt of being teased, harassed, and mistreated by their peers, parents, and other community members for being who they are.

Judy quickly discovered that there is a gap in the information that is being offered to young people, especially those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQQ) and allied community. She felt that one way the Matthew Shepard Foundation could use its voice is to provide young people with a safe place to access resources and information critical to their development and survival.

Matthewsplace.com is that vehicle and continues to be a fitting tribute to Judy’s son Matthew who was killed simply for being who he was. MatthewsPlace.com provides LGBTQQ and allied youth with a site that incorporates cutting-edge technology with up-to-date information and resources about how to live a healthy, productive, and hate-free life.

THE TASK:
As an intern you will be asked to spend 16 hours a week this summer assisting MSF staff with the ongoing maintenance of MatthewsPlace.com. This will include identifying new resources and content to post to the site on a weekly basis. You may also be asked to provide other support within the organization as needed.

THE INTERN:
We are looking for someone who has knowledge of and/or interest in social justice issues, is getting ready to start college or is currently enrolled and has the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

If you are interested, reply to thomas@matthewshepard.org , please attach a cover letter and resume.

Tell a Friend!

Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. Created to honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs and aspirations, the Foundation seeks to "Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion & Acceptance" through its varied educational, outreach and advocacy programs and by continuing to tell Matthew's story.

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