One wonders too……what the LGBT orgs really learned with the 2007/2008 ENDA debacle. We all know there is a problem with the Transgender/Crossdresser Bathroom Meme, and how it’s used against LGBT civil rights.
The national response to the meme by the DC based LGBT orgs seems to be less than adequate.

Where will the live audience be?Pam – will the panel and/or live audience be held in DC? If yes, how can I get tickets?

This is our chance……to hold Solmonese accountable.  If he’s going to be there, then I hope someone in the audience gets the chance to ask him what he thinks about Lt. Choi and his civil disobedience, why he’s been so submissive to the Obama administration, and why the only substantial thing the HRC has done all year so far has been a rally hosted by Kathy Griffin that she only did so she could have material for her TV show.
How does one get tickets to this event?  If it’s in DC, I’d love to attend.

Add Dan Choi to the panelI know it’s not your party, Pam, and I’ve read the discussion in the comments at Signorile’s blog post (I commented there too), but I think it’s an excellent idea to have Dan Choi participate – if not someone from the list of names Robin McGehee posted there.  
I trust you and Socarides to serve as counter-point but neither of you represent organizations or actions taken that are alternatives to the methods of HRC or NGLTF.  
Maybe Signorile knows what he’s doing…I don’t know him…but I do think this is a great opportunity to give voice to an emerging element within the community that no other media outlet recognizes.  
Please think about encouraging Signorile to consider expanding his panel.

congratulations, this should be an interesting panel.I believe this signals you are respected as one of the leading voices of the community.  

I surely hopethat this doesn’t turn into a HRC-bashing.  I’m not necessarily defending HRC, but they are correct in stating that we shouldn’t be fighting amongst ourselves. It defeats our common purpose. There are many LGBT Equality-seeking action groups, each employing different strategies and tactics. Some of those tactics are not as easily accepted in the public’s eye, such as chaining yourself to the government property (which I personally see no problem with). If HRC’s above-board strategies which are needed to work within the walls of government buildings don’t suit you, perhaps consider contributing and volunteering to other groups. Other groups, meaning those which put themselves in potential violation of ordinances/laws to get the point across to the legislators. There’s many, many ways to contribute to the cause, but putting down one of our main groups who has been fighting the fight non-stop for many years, is not going to get our common goals accomplished. I’m financially contributing to HRC but I also am contributing to other groups with “not-so-pretty” tactics and means for gaining exposure. We need to focus our frustrations outward, towards our opponents, not inwards. That would only cause our movement to splinter in an irreparable manner. We need to keep the focus where it should be.  HRC (along with the other groups) has done a great amount of work in keeping our struggle visible and getting the attention it needs for many years.  Without teamwork from all the advocacy groups AND US, each doing our part, this movement for equality will fall apart.  This is not to say that there should never be criticism of certain parts of our movement.  What I’m saying is:  It takes all kinds of behind-the-scenes actions as well as direct actions to get the job accomplished.  I sincerely hope we can keep our focus where it needs to be.

I wonder…Will this be the meeting where the wider activist community finally takes notice of the UAFA? The Uniting American Families Act (HR 1024/S 424), which would allow gay and lesbian American citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their same-sex partners for immigration, has 121 co-sponsors in the House and 22 in the Senate, more than any other pro-equality legislation currently under consideration. But somehow, it is always left off the alphabet soup list of issues. DOMA, DADT and ENDA are always mentioned, but the UAFA is ignored. Why is that? Perhaps this meeting will deign to give it a passing mention, maybe even a sentence or two in the discussion. Meanwhile, thousands of couples are separated, live in fear of imminent separation or are forced into exile. I can only suppose that most Americans take for granted their right to be with the person they love and can’t imagine what is like to have the entire US government stand between two loving people. I think they deserve better, at least mention, from their allies in the fight for equality. Pam, to her credit, has featured a number of articles on the topic here on The Blend, but try to find it on the HRC website or in most articles and commentaries regarding the equality movement; it’s the forgotten struggle.

As Liza Minnelli always says when asked to sing “Over the Rainbow”…
…”It’s been done.”
Solmonese, and other representatives of HRC, have already addressed these questions. One doesn’t have to like their answers, but I see no functional benefit of asking them again.
It’s a total waste of time we do not have to discuss what HRC, and others, have done or not done in the past. The title of the discussion isn’t, “What’s Happened So Far,” but “The Path Forward.”
Regardless of how much validity there might be behind it, I’ve had it up to my gills with those who care more about their personal grudges against various individuals and groups than they do advancing LGBT equality. Those who do are a part of the problem not the solution.
Trust me, midterm elections which could be the death knell for years to come of any real opportunity to pass ENDA, repeal DADT, etc., aren’t going to wait until such people work out such issues. Addiction to such anger dividing us is candy to the Antigay Industry.
THE enemy are those in the Administration, Congress, and the Pentagon who either continue to pay only lip service to equality legislation or overtly or covertly oppose it.
There’ll be plenty of time after Nov. 2nd to deconstruct what led us to success … or failure.

Two Issues Left OutIn addition to the UAFA, ending the “gay tax” for health insurance also isn’t getting the attention it deserves.
The “gay tax” is where benefits for gay partners are taxed as income unlike straight couples. It is outrageous that HCR passed without removing this inequality. We’re talking about over $1000 a year in taxes. Not all gays are wealthy with large disposable incomes. Some of us live paycheck to paycheck with little or no savings. For us, this is a Big Fucking Deal.
I’ve been disappointed in the lack of attention this issue has received from both the established LGBT leadership (who often are wealthy) and grass-roots groups (who are often lead by young people who may not yet have legally-recognized partners). When GetEqual sat in at Nancy Pelosi’s offices, I don’t think this issue was raised. Didn’t Joe Solmonese promise that we would get health care equality “this year”? What happened, Joe? Are you still committed to make that happen? How?
Although these two issues affect only a segment of the community, for those people they are huge and we all need to support each other. DADT also directly affects a small part of the community. I hope these issues get the attention they deserve at this Town Hall.
And yes, Dan Choi should be added to the program – as AN EQUAL to Solmonese and company, not on the phone. He’s earned his place at the table. And he also happens to be a person of color. Everyone talks about the need for more people of color as spokespersons for our movement. To leave out one of the most prominent LGBT persons of color, indeed one of the most prominent LGBT persons period, is an oversight which must be corrected.  

Maybe what needs to happenis a second show.  This second one could have as guests Dan Choi as well as some leaders of the direct action groups.  Purpose:  to discuss the legitimacy of the despair and urgency that many of us feel on all these issues as well as the purpose and the NEED for these direct action groups to continue their efforts.  Also, to commend them for their contributions to the struggle, even if they’re perceived to be the “bad cops” in this movement.  

It’s less the “gay tax”….
…than the “partnered but unmarried tax,” which, I believe, penalizes unmarried straight couples, too.
In any case, the gay side of it derives directly from federal DOMA, and, as such, will most certainly be on the agenda of the discussion.
However, because repealing DOMA is a dog that will continue not to hunt for a long time, I hope the majority of the discussion focuses on strategies to advance those issues that stand the greatest chance of passage in the near future, ENDA and DADT repeal.

Maybe, butDan Choi had established himself as a leader of this movement even before the GetEqual action. He has become the face of DADT. He should be on that panel.

Not quite.Straight couples can get married whereas I AM already legally married but still get taxed.
However, if they want to de-gay the issue and let anyone covered by an employers health care plan get the tax benefits, that’s fine with me but that might actually be more controversial and harder to pass.
Repeal of DOMA is not required to rectify this situation. It was in the original House HCR bill after all so that argument doesn’t fly. This issue can be dealt with THIS YEAR. It could be added to the Defense Authorization Bill (it’s no more out of place than Hate Crimes) or a second Reconciliation Bill which would only require 50 votes or it could be added to Sen. Boxer’s bill about extending COBRA benefits to gay partners. We probably would have Olympia Snow and Susan Collins on our side so it might survive a filibusterer attempt. If not, let’s see who votes against us. If the Democrats want to energize their base to vote in November, they should be bringing up legislation like this and Immigration Reform and the Employee Free Choice Act. If they get filibustered, that can be as much of a motivator as getting them passed.
Neither DADT or even ENDA affect me personally since I’m not in the military and I live in a state that already has  LGBT anti-discrimination laws affecting not only employment but housing and public accommodations. If I’m going to support those causes (and of course I do) then I have every right to expect that others not personally affected by this issue to support me. The same applies to people in bi-national relationships. All for one and one for all!

Past is PrologueHad we not succumbed to Solmonese’s hopeful words and lack of realism, we would have been much further along on the path of phasing the HRC out of our movement and doing what really needs to be done to get the legislation we need passed.  I don’t put all of the blame on the HRC, but it is naive to think they have the focus and the capacity to lead.  People in my generation just don’t understand that the HRC is not an effective advocate.
And like it or not, infighting has been a huge part of our efforts lately, and it was started by the HRC, not anyone else.  I was at their rally two weeks ago, and Dan Choi had to ask Kathy Griffin backstage (I have photographic evidence of this) if he could speak because HRC wouldn’t let him.  When he got onstage, he reminded Solmonese that “we’re all on the same side” – why did he have to say that?  Later, after his arrest (at the protest Solmonese didn’t have the guts to attend), HRC was on lockdown because of how scared they were of LGBT protestors who were furious with them.  They know Choi, GetEqual, et al have the power to take over and they’re afraid of them.  This infighting is going to come to a head, and soon: I want to know why HRC thinks they deserve our money and our support.  That IS an important part of the future of this movement.  We have been given an opportunity to decide, once and for all, whether our movement will be led by a DC fashionista or a military serviceman.
Sorry I didn’t bold anything – you’ll have to read all of it.
And by the way, I’m only 19 years old, so don’t try that “personal grudge” thing with me.  It is unbecoming of the seriousness of these issues.
And for the love of God, don’t quote Minnelli at a time like this.  This is the 21st Century, we need to break some stereotypes.

But here’s the thing…Can you prove to me that HRC’s “above-board strategies” actually DO work?  I mean, what evidence do you have that this organization has been effective?
Fact: Dan Choi and the ENDA 4′s arrests led to more coverage of LGBT issues, in minutes of air-time, than anything the HRC has done so far this year.  That’s what we need: with so much concentration on financial reform, cap and trade, immigration reform, etc, we need exposure, we need to be seen as a growing movement.
I want HRC to be effective, I want them to be a powerful advocate.  Prove to me that they are.

Just curiousIf it has 121 co-sponsors in the House, why hasn’t it been voted on yet?  I readily admit that I know nothing about UAFA, and I’m very curious and willing to learn from someone who knows a lot more about it than I do.

Given the 50 state strategy on marriage equality,why not attempt amending DOMA, rather than outright repeal, to have Federal benefits follow state laws.  It would be hard for State’s Rights  proponents to fight that, avoid the “protected class” trip wire of resistance, and provide benefits immediately to those who can marry.  (Given the “seperate but equal” domestic partnership statutes enacted in the other states, a good claim could be made to include them in the amendment).
I don’t follow the details of the DOMA repeal arguements, and maybe that is the current plan, but it would seem to be a reasonable approach.  
I would make the same arguement for ENDA, limiting it’s scope to Federal, State and Local government entities, and any contractors taking government funds (which is most of the economy right now).  It is the exact same arguement turned on it’s head, for no government funding of abortion.  
Lastly, I hope someone does a good write up on the conclusions reached, because I and my wife have become emotionally invested in this, and I want figure out how to effectively support these efforts.  
I got advice three years ago to support Democrats, and I started crossing over, (I am a registered Republican) starting with Webb in 2006.  It has not been a very fruitful bargain for me.  I am still sticking with the plan, but I would rather send money to a direct action 501 than to Webb again.  

You haven’t made a case….
…for continuing the grudge match, you’ve only rehashed it.
Tell us, please, how continuing to do that could accomplish anything between now and November 2nd that would add to the possibility of passing any LGBT-positive legislation. And, no, bittnerness because you personally feel fooled and petulance are not strategies.
You irrationally imply that it’s an either/or situation. Either everyone support HRC in every regard or do nothing. Just because HRC, or any other org, “thinks they deserve our money and our support” doesn’t mean that anyone has to give it to them.
And if it’s true, as you assert, that HRC knows “Choi, GetEqual, et al have the power to take over” what’s the point of discussing HRC any longer at all?
You may not have noticed that, after criticisms appropriate to the context of that day, Dan has moved on, because he didn’t choose to risk his military career and give up much of his personal life to crusade against any LGBT organization but against DADT, and other examples of LGBT inequality.
I’m proud to call Dan a personal friend. I spent most of the Monday after his arrest with him, and remain proud of him for keeping his eye on the prize.
PS: for someone so concerned about stereotypes, you really have the Sassy Snark Queen routine down. Congrats.

The panel seems, well, checkered-past loadedsave for our beloved Ms Spaulding.
The NCLR is not there at all.
Ms Keisling, to my understanding, is a conroversial figure to many trans activists
Mr Solmonese has lost control of the movement and can hardly provide well based input on future direction.
Might be interesting, might be pure fluff, Ms Spaulding excepted, and the responsibility for keeping the lot of them honest devolving upon her shoulders…

I realize everyone’s concerns about the panel and discussionI obviously had no role in the selection of the panel; I was invited to participate to represent the LGBT Netroots and outside-the-Beltway perspective.
Don’t worry; for me this is going to mean opening up the discussion of inside the Beltway practices, relationships and what I perceive to be a priority of our orgs working harder on seeking and maintaining access versus original mission. It’s apparently rampant. And it’s not helping.

Information on the Sirius Town Hall location just in…I will receive a limited number of tickets to the event. Once I know how many I’ll let Blenders know.
It will be held at our XM studios in Washington DC.  If you’ve never been there they have absolutely gorgeous studios, excellent equipment, and an all around lovely facility.
XM Satellite Radio,
1500 Eckington Place NE,
Washington, DC 20002.
The panel will include:
-       Aubrey Sarvis, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
-       Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign
-       Mara Keisling, National Center for Transgender Equality
-       Pam Spaulding, PamsHouseBlend.com
-       Rea Carey, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
-       Richard Socarides, served as Clinton’s adviser for LGBT issues
Since the room only accommodates about 50 people we’re trying to make this town hall as open as possible.
At this point the live event is scheduled at 2pm and run until 4pm with a few breaks during the broadcast.

Richard SocaridesWhy him? He wrote an OP in the Wall Street Journal asking President Obama to repeal DADT.  OK. What did he advise President Clinton?  Choi really should be on the panel.  Glad you are there Pam.

HRC won’t do anything that isn’t good for the DNC. HRC will get nothing done that does not serve the short-term and long-term interests of the Democratic Party. They are, and have been since their inception in the 80s, about electing candidates who will be decent to us. They are a DNC machine. A holding pen for a special interest group.
When it suits the Party to do something, it will happen. In the meantime, HRC’s job is to use the grassroots gingerly, to show it has some “muscle.” And then to keep us calm, writing checks, trusting.
What HRC does is important, of course. You gotta do everything. But you do have to know who they really are.