Hurricane Sandy Relief

I will just put it out there, for the record--I hate asking people for money. But a large chunk of our nation has been hit by the worst storm ever recorded in our history, and one week later people are still suffering from the aftermath. My own parents still do not have electricity or phone service. It is difficult to get gas and, in some places, basic groceries.

Senior citizens, people who depend on public transportation, and the homeless especially need assistance during this time. Some kids will still be home from school on Monday if there is no electricity and no way to get to school. For some of those kids, their school lunch may be the only meal they get to eat all day.

If you have the time to volunteer, or the money to donate, please consider the following opportunities:

1. The Ali Forney Center for LGBT Homeless Youth in NYC is under four feet of water and all computers, food, phones, and electricity wiped out. Thousands of kids depend heavily on this center for food, education, and personal safety. Please click here to learn more about how you can help. 

2. Top 12 ways to donate time, money, etc. to Hurricane Sandy victims in NYC.

3. General donation/volunteering sites:
     AmeriCares Hurricane Sandy Donations
     American Red Cross

Even spreading the word about what is happening and how to help is huge. Thank you for listening.

High School Students and Human Rights

I co-facilitated a workshop with Eunice Adjei-Bosompem  called “Human Rights in Your Community” for middle and high school students at a Civic Engagement conference at St. Cloud State University on Thursday October 25^th. The students who attended this conference did so voluntarily, and chose this topic of human rights as their first choice and main interest. When I asked the students why they decided to attend this workshop, all of them claimed that they believed in equal rights for all people and that they wanted to learn more about fighting for human rights. We asked them to define the term “human”; students used terms such as “flawed”, “unique”, “imperfect”, and “alive” to describe “human”.

We conducted an experiment. We gave the students photographs of all different kinds of people cut out from newspapers, and asked them to choose three photos of people whom they would want to befriend, and three photos of people they would not want to be friends with. Students “liked” people who appeared happy, and possibly shared a common interest. They were likely to “like” athletes, dancers, and singers, regardless of whether or not they knew of their celebrity status. Students “disliked” people who were featured in photos with cigarettes or firearms. They also were more likely to “dislike” people with glasses, factory/construction workers, protesters, and the elderly.

After this experiment, we had a valuable conversation about where human rights in the community begin: empathy in the heart, and realizing that one day all humans will grow old, can become disabled, can become poor, can become disenfranchised. We talked about the global community and the local community. We talked about opening spaces for all human beings in one’s community, and to start with those spaces where others do not have access (ex. non-handicapped accessible spaces). The workshop was a wakeup call for the students, and a reality check.

Are we recognizing the human “imperfections” that are distinct from our own? Do we have the capability to identify and address our own individual imperfections? While we can never teach people to be perfect, as the attainment of human perfection is impossible and not universally defined, then how do we create a space where we recognize and acknowledge those “imperfections” in order to build bridges and provide the best service that we can, to each other and to our users? Before we can define human rights and fight for them, we must first accept and fight for a universal definition of humanity.

Open Forum

On Wednesday October 17th, the St. Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission held an open forum for the community to discuss discrimination. We had a great turnout--at least 40 people showed up--and everyone had a chance to voice their questions and concerns.

Some common concerns that people shared:

1. Employment discrimination in the region. People released from prison, unaccompanied youth (often young adults out of the foster care system), youth under 18 years old, transgender people, and people with disabilities have a difficult time finding employment in central Minnesota. While times are hard for everyone, some employment applications still ask questions that are against state law. Forum attendees asked what groups in the region assist disenfranchised people in finding employment, and they wanted to know how they could find out more.

2. Discrimination against people of color. Somalis who live in a particular section of St. Cloud live in fear of their apartment manager and a security force. In the St. Cloud 742 school district, a clinical study of 25 African-American boys is being conducted without parental consent. Not all of central Minnesota is as diverse as St. Cloud; some children of color feel isolated in their schools because they may be the only ones.

3. Communications and connections. While the St. Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission meetings are open to the public, they have not been advertised. Some people requested future updates to issues brought up at the forum. Commissioners reminded attendees about the blog and Facebook page.

4. Forum as Safe Space. Some of the most at-risk populations in central Minnesota who would benefit from some support and guidance from the Human Rights Commission may not feel safe in a public forum outside of their comfort zone. People suggested that, to attract more participation from groups in need, Human Rights Commissioners should organize population-specific forums in those places where those groups feel safe.

Please watch this space--as well as our Facebook page--for information about upcoming forums.

Out in the Community

Members of the Saint Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission were at St. Cloud Pride on Saturday September 22nd, meeting the community and advertising our Open Forum in October!

The Saint Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission Open Forum will be on Wednesday October 17th from 6 pm - 7:30 pm in St. Cloud City Hall Council Chambers. Meet the commission members, learn about what we are doing to fight for human rights, and join us in conversation on how we can work together in ending discrimination in the region. Become a member of our Facebook page and join our event!

Saint Cloud Pride Week

This week, citizens of Saint Cloud will come together in support of LGBTIQ Pride through a variety of events:

Thursday September 19: PFLAG PRIDE RALLY AND ABOVE THE CLOUDS PRIDE MARCH at Barden Park (in front of the Miller Center Library at Saint Cloud State University) 7:00-10:30 pm. This is the last rally   that we will have prior to the November election on the constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. All are welcome to attend. The Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus will also perform at the event.

Saturday September 22nd: The St. Cloud Pride in the Park Festival will be at Lake George/Eastman Park from 11 am - 5 pm. Free entertainment, exhibitors, community organizations, and food vendors will be there. The Saint Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission will also have a table there--come and say hi to Rachel!  :) St. Cloud Pride is a family friendly event--don't miss it!

Later that Saturday night is The 3rd Annual Drag Show at the Rivers Edge Convention Center. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the show goes from 7:30-11:30 pm. Tickets are available from Blooming Creations or the LGBT Resource Center for $10, or pay $12 at the door. Our drag performers really are the best--their performances will keep you warm through our long winter months.

Sunday September 23rd: Biology 701 at 701 West Germain St. in downtown St. Cloud will host a brunch from 11 am - 1 pm. Tickets are available for $10 in advance, or $12 at the door. Click on this link to buy advance tickets. Brunch menu will be posted soon.

September Holidays

September 8th is International Literacy Day. UNESCO has been celebrating International Literacy Day for over forty years, reminding the international community that literacy is a human right and the foundation of education.

September 15th kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month. Check out how the Library of Congress is recognizing the Latino/Latina population of the United States. National Hispanic Heritage Month ends on October 15th.

September 17th is Citizenship Day, also known as Constitution Day. How much do you know about the United States Constitution? See how well you do on these quizzes.

September 21st is the International Day of Peace. Established in 1982, the International Day of Peace provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date.


Happy September!

Back to School for Hungry Homeless Kids

Roughly three hundred homeless students will start a new school year in Saint Cloud, and almost seventy in Sauk Rapids-Rice.

Local organizations such as Anna Marie's Alliance are providing all the support they can for children and teens in the shelters. It is extremely difficult for homeless kids in shelters to keep up with school, as shelters only allow families to stay for 30-45 days at a time. Anna Marie's Alliance has recruited tutors for the homeless children, and a fleet of five iPads so that students can stay connected with assignments and instruction through online learning and educational apps.

Even among the college set, some students couch surf and live out of their cars while they get an education. Their families might have kicked them out, they might have run away from home, or they simply have no family in the area and nowhere to stay while they go to college.

In Minnesota, ten percent of the population does not know where their next meal is coming from. Children make up forty percent of the hungry population. School becomes attractive to hungry kids, because they can receive at least one free meal there. Stearns and Sherburne Counties have more than the average number of hungry people in the state; many will be students.

For anyone who works in a school, the kindest thing to do is bring food for the kids. Any type of food will do. As Minnesota has also revamped its cafeteria menus to provide "healthier" lunches, all students will be eating less. Our hungry students will not make it through the winter without your help.

What No One Is Talking About

Voter turnout in the 2012 Minnesota primary election was the lowest in over 60 years.

Only 8% of the state voted.  People are either happy with the status quo, are resigned to the status quo, or...seriously...they did not get a reminder postcard from their local board of elections, or a booklet of some kind about the candidates.  Not only that, but candidates were not campaigning as hard this year as they had in previous years. 

One Perspective

For centuries, European countries have existed as unique, individual entities.  Each country had prejudice against the others, during times of war and peace alike.  Each country had prejudices against common minorities as well. 

In the twenty-first century, despite the financial problems caused by Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, and Italy, the western nations of the European Union seem to function like a close-knit team.  They have committed to some loft goals in terms of human rights, particularly in the area of LGBT individuals.  The Council of Europe has recognized that LGBT people contribute to national culture, and that by 2020 all cultural heritage institutions in the European Union will have LGBT resources.  The European Union has gone so far as to say that "homophobia will not be tolerated in the EU", and it is beginning to enforce anti-discrimination laws in its new central and eastern European member states.  Prominent European sports figures have even made pro-LGBT statements on television, with the hope of taming any homophobic sentiments in their rowdy fans.

At the same time, in everyday conversations, ordinary EU citizens make it plain on who does not belong.  They are fast to say that the Muslims do not support gay pride, which quickly translates to Muslims are the problem in the EU, even though .  They are also chilly toward any mention of Serbians, Russians, and Ukrainians.  "The Ukraine will never be a part of the EU," a man from Ireland told me, even though my question to him was how to help two gay Ukrainian men find funding for their magazine, the only gay magazine in the Ukraine.  The privileged educated elite also have no sense of charity or reaching out to the working class and poor. There is no sense of LGBT brotherhood/sisterhood that transcends class or educational status.  It is a very different movement than in the United States.

I have returned from two weeks in Amsterdam, which is one of the most multicultural, international cities in Europe.  During that time I have spoken with native Amsterdammers, as well as people from other EU countries during an international conference for LGBT librarians, archivists, and museum curators.  I was shocked to find that their concept of support for LGBT rights did not extend past their borders.  In an increasingly wired world, where only laws prohibit us from making all LGBT books available digitally for everyone around the world, this attitude must change.  Social justice is a global movement, not limited to a privileged few.   

The motto of the European Union is "United in Diversity".  But how is it so when EU countries continue to ban headscarves, veils, and other religious clothing and jewelry, when EU countries ban kosher and halal slaughter, and when EU countries continue to evict and forcibly relocate their Roma populations?  If homophobia has no place in the EU, then what about all of the other phobias? 

In the United States, we have our problems.  We are far from a perfect country, and perhaps we are a little less educated than the European Union.  But we admit our faults.  We know too well our history and present state of racism, religious discrimination, and homophobia/transphobia.  We make fewer grand national statements, but make greater, more permanent improvements in civil rights through national discussion as well as legislation.  We know that there will always be those who will not agree...and we know that, as long as they harm no one, we are OK if they do not agree. 

Saint Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission's Stand on the Marriage Amendment

The following is the Saint Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission's official stand on the proposed marriage amendment, which would define marriage as a bond between one man and one woman.  This press release will be published in the St. Cloud Times, and has appeared in other venues.

ST. CLOUD AREA REGIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

March 22, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The St. Cloud Area Regional Human Rights Commission announces its opposition to the proposed Constitutional Amendment against marriage equality in Minnesota.

Consistent with the resolution of the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions, passed in May, 2011, local commissioners voted at its December, 2011, meeting to “oppose changing the Minnesota constitution in order to ban the legal recognition of same-sex relationships and unions.”

Cara Ruff, chair of the St. Cloud Area Regional Commission, stated, “Our purpose is to secure for all citizens and visitors equal opportunity, access, inclusion and participation in the affairs of this community.  We agree with the state League of Human Rights Commissions that ‘this legislation, if approved, would have a direct, negative impact on Minnesota’s GLBT community in particular, by denying equal protection of -the law and relegating families headed by or consisting of same-sex couples to a permanent second-class citizenship status’.” 

According to estimates from the Williams Institute of the UCLA School of Law, the city of St. Cloud has approximately 94 same-sex couple households.   The three surrounding counties—Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns—have approximately 223 same-sex households.  (http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Census2010Snapshot_Minnesota_v2.pdf)

  “Our role in the community is to promote and protect the human rights of all our residents and to work diligently to prevent discrimination based on a number of characteristics, including sexual orientation,” Ruff stated.  “We believe that the proposed amendment would enshrine discrimination against same-sex couples in our state Constitution on a permanent basis.  As human rights advocates, we believe it is our responsibility to voice our opposition.”

For more information: Cara Ruff (cara@independentlifestyles.org)

                                          Judy Foster (320) 240-6362

Is Circumcision a Human Rights Violation?

In the court of Cologne, Germany, judges had called circumcision a "criminal act", equating it with bodily harm.  Jewish and Muslim groups around the world have expressed deep concern over the ruling.  If all of Germany declares circumcision a criminal act, people would either have to travel abroad for the ritual procedure, or emigrate from Germany entirely.

While many studies show that there are multiple health benefits to circumcision,  these benefits are often debated.  Jewish and Muslim groups, as well as secular ones, also have conflicting views on circumcision.

Male circumcision is addressed in the Old Testament.  God commanded that Abraham, all of the men of his tribe, and all descendants should cut their foreskins to show their loyalty to God and also to identify themselves as God's Chosen People.  It is the responsibility of the father to circumcise his son when he is eight days old.  The family hires a mohel, or a ritual circumciser, to perform this duty during a celebration.  The mohel receives special training in this art.  Secular Jews will take their baby boys to a hospital for a surgical procedure.  To date, there has been no evidence that this procedure harms Jewish males or their sexual capabilities, and no reports of Jewish males suffering injury or death from the procedure. 

Male circumcision is not addressed in the Koran, but has become regular practice for Muslims around the world.  Legend has it, however, that Mohammed said that circumcision is traditional for men and "meritorious" for women...but never said that Allah requires it.  Depending on their cultural traditions, male Muslims are circumcised at different ages.  Grown men who convert to Islam may be expected to have themselves circumcised.

Unlike male circumcision, female circumcision (also known as "female genital mutilation" or FGM) has no health benefits, and has been proven to cause harm to women later in life.  It is an extremely painful procedure that often renders a woman unable to enjoy sexual intercourse, and can lead to various forms of cancer.  Some families who come from countries that practice FGM seek asylum in non-FGM practicing countries, to protect their daughters from this damaging practice.  Female circumcision is against the law in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Sweden, as well as in 15 African countries...but Germany has yet to outlaw this practice.

If the German circumcision ruling does something to address FGM, that would be one giant leap for womankind. 

Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité

July 14th is Bastille Day.  It is hard to name another national holiday that truly commemorates the fight for human rights. 

Bastille Day, also called "French National Day" in English speaking countries, is known in its native France as La Féte Nationale, or "The National Celebration".  The holiday not only commemorates the French Revolution, but more specifically, the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.  The Bastille was a fortress prison that held people jailed on the whims of the king, as well as political prisoners whose writings offended the royal government.  Even though only seven prisoners inhabited the Bastille at that time, the prison was a symbol of everything wrong with the French monarchy--autocracy, censorship, terror, and unquestioned power based on class.  The revolutionaries, with the held of the crowd and household troops of the French Army, took over the Bastille and freed the prisoners. 

In 1790,  La Féte Nationale was celebrated for the first time.  For four days, Parisians of all classes feasted, drank fine wine, and ran naked in the streets together to celebrate their freedom, equality, and common humanity.  In 1880, the French Republic voted to have Bastille Day as a one day national holiday that would include a military parade.  To this day, the French military parade is the oldest and largest military parade in Europe. 

For a short time, the President used Bastille Day to pardon criminals who commit minor offenses; in 2007 President Sarkozy abandoned the practice.  This break with tradition may be one reason why Sarkozy lost the recent election.

Today Bastille Day is celebrated in Belgium, Hungary, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and 50 cities in the United States...including the Twin Cities. 

Google's "Legalize Love" Campaign

Google is promoting safer working conditions for LGBT employees in any country where there is a Google office.  They call this the "Legalize Love" campaign.  Originally, reporters believed that this campaign supported same-sex marriage, but this is not the case. 

The campaign will begin in Singapore and Poland.

The Fourth of July: Independence Day

In the United States, we celebrate Independence Day on the Fourth of July.  Independence Day commemorates the adoption of our Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, thus declaring our independence from Great Britain.  Many people use this date as the first day of the United States of America's existence as a free nation.

Many Americans view the Fourth of July almost the same way as they do Veterans Day and Memorial Day.  We seem to commemorate the veterans of all of our wars, not just the Revolutionary War, as well as all of the enlisted men and women who fought and died to defend our country (or the Union, or the Confederacy), or those who fought and died to defend the simple concepts of freedom and democracy for all. 

How long will the United States remain a free nation?  Economically, the United States is subject to China.  For decades Americans have purchased everything--from clothes to television sets to Barbie dolls to garlic--from China.  We are hard pressed to find items actually made in the United States for sale.

How long will the United States remain a free nation?

In spite of their economic turmoil, the currency of the European Union is worth more than the US dollar.  EU members can enjoy a pretty reasonably priced vacation in the United States, complete with three full meals a day, and not really feel it in the wallet.  In the meantime, our food prices are going up, American salaries and benefits are being frozen or cut back, and for the first time in a long time American children are not getting enough to eat.

How long will the United States remain a free nation?

After 9/11, Americans have silently conceded to the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration.  These two federal departments have made domestic and international travel for Americans a criminal offense, as all Americans--even those taking a plane from one city to another in the same state--are scanned and patted, and subject to more invasive searches upon the whim of a high school graduate with a uniform, a badge, and a taste of power.  We allow this, because the majority of Americans are convinced that terrorists walk among us, and we have nothing to fear if we are good, honest people.  Unless we are wearing a controversial Tshirt, or a questionable complexion. 

How long will the United States remain a free nation?

We are not free to smoke or drink during our spare time. 
We are not free to have casual sex.
We are not free to tell certain jokes or admit that we like certain celebrities.
But somehow...those in power have all the right, those with money have all the right, and those with money have all of the power and privilege without paying their fair share of federal and state taxes.

How long will the United States remain a free nation?

We are being actively discouraged from questioning the powers that be, and their actions.  In spite of corporate demands for employees with higher level critical thinking skills, American schools discourage students from asking questions and bombard them with standardized tests.  If any learning does take place, hopefully it would happen outside of school...

How long will the United States remain a free nation?

Slavery was officially made illegal in the United States through the Thirteenth Amendment of our Constitution in 1865, but industrial farms and food processing plants still use contractors that provide illegal labor, so they can be paid less than minimum wage and no benefits...or perhaps nothing at all.  There is no law on the books in the United States which states that a sex worker is entitled to her own earnings, which opens up the field for pimps and human traffickers.  Then there are those who will cycle in and out of the prison system for generations, millions of wasted potentials.

How long will the United States remain a free nation?

The Truth About "Obamacare"

Too many people, armed with too little information, are panicking about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, familiarly known as "Obamacare". 

Some facts:
1. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010.
2. PPACA requires individuals not covered by employer- or government-sponsored insurance plans to maintain minimal essential health insurance coverage or pay a penalty unless exempted for religious beliefs or financial hardship, a provision commonly referred to as the individual mandate. The Act also affects certain aspects of the private health insurance industry and public health insurance programs, requires insurance coverage of pre-existing conditions, expands access to insurance and increases projected national medical spending. Supporters claim it will slow health care cost inflation, and lower projected Medicare spending.

In other words, those who need the government to provide healthcare for them will be paying for it if they can afford it.

Some more facts from Statistical Abstracts 2012:
1. Between 2008 and 2009, the percentage of uninsured Americans increased...but not by much.  In 2009, only 16.7% of Americans were uninsured.  (Uninsured = NOT covered by private or government insurance.)
2. Of the uninsured, nearly 60% are between 18-34 years old--those in their prime working years.
3. Of the uninsured, 26.6% have household incomes of 0-$25,000, and 21.4% have household incomes of $25,000-$49,000. 

 Working people who get health insurance through employment have money taken from their paychecks to cover their insurance.  Working people who do not get health insurance through employment will, instead, give a percentage of their income to a private health insurance plan.  Low income or poverty level individuals would receive government subsidies in order to have insurance.  This is not a bad thing.  What is problematic, however, is that even after government intervention, a percentage of uninsured Americans will remain.  Critics of "Obamacare" have not cited this as a problem...instead, they criticize the law for FORCING HEALTHCARE ON PEOPLE. 

Minnesota United: Don't Forget Saint Cloud!

In today's Minneapolis Star Tribune, there was a great article about Minnesotans United for All Families (MN United), and its work to get people across the state to vote "no" on the proposed constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in Minnesota.  Not once did the reporter mention Saint Cloud, nor did they mention the tireless efforts of the Saint Cloud organizers and all of the residents of Saint Cloud, LGBT and allies, who phone bank and canvas like mad for this issue.  Our Saint Cloud MN United contingent deserves recognition for going the ten extra miles to converse with locals on the issue of same-sex marriage.

Regardless of whether or not the amendment passes or fails, this issue has brought many different groups in Saint Cloud together for a good cause. 

Contact Star Tribune reporter Baird Helgeson and ask him whether or not he thinks Saint Cloud is chopped liver.

If that gets no results, contact the Saint Cloud Times and see if they will give our Saint Cloud chapter of Minnesotans United for All Families a story. 

June What?

We know that June is LGBT Pride Month, but a lot of other important things are commemorated in June as well:

Juneteenth is the commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.  Also known as "African American Emancipation Day", this holiday originated in Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865.  Juneteenth was declared a state holiday of Texas in 1980.  Today it is celebrated in thirty six states, including Minnesota, although it is most often celebrated during a weekend, or at some point between June 13th and June 19th.

Father's Day is June 17th.

The Department of Justice was founded on June 22nd.

Some great people were born in June: Richard Scarry (June 5th), Jacques Cousteau (June 11th), Anne Frank (June 12th), Captain Kangaroo (June 27th), Helen Keller (June 27th), and Superman (June 30th)...all defenders of human rights and world peace. 

A Personal Story

I am the official blogger for the Saint Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission.  Normally I do not post personal stories here, but I would like to share one with you all today. 

I belong to many online communities, many of which address LGBT human rights causes.  Even though the majority of online communities are hosted in English-speaking countries, we often forget that online communities are global communities.  Anyone from around the world with access to the Internet can locate and join them.

Yesterday, through one of these communities, I encountered a young man from the Ukraine.  His name is Sergei Dudnik.  He is an art critic, an editor of the only gay magazine in the Ukraine, and somewhat of a gay celebrity in the Ukraine and Russia for his outrageous videos and outspoken nature.  Americans and other Westerners may automatically assume that, because Sergei is well-known in his country, he would have privileges that others would not.

In fact, it's quite the opposite. 

Sergei is considered a criminal in the Ukraine and Russia for exercising his freedom of speech.  He has no personal safety, is beaten up by neighbors, and could be beaten and jailed by the police at any time.  Although Sergei lives with his boyfriend, he is considered an illegal alien in his own country because he is an adult orphan with no residency papers.  He makes no official income, and has a roof over his head due to the generosity of his boyfriend. 

In the United States right now, it is LGBT Pride Month.  President Barack Obama officially declared June as LGBT Pride Month in 2010, though it has been recognized as such for decades.  Nearly every major city in our country will be recognizing and celebrating LGBT civil rights in some fashion, regardless of what state politicians believe.  In the Ukraine, the government cancelled this year's Kiev's Pride Parade due to threats to the safety of participants.  The government and police provide no protection against discrimination against queer people, and censor LGBT voices.  As it is LGBT Pride Month in the United States, the Ukrainians are mulling over whether to adopt Law 8711, which would criminalize LGBT human rights work in the Ukraine, as well as limit (or completely cut off) freedom of speech for anyone supporting LGBT rights--most specifically, LGBT individuals. 

As the Ukraine is also applying for EU membership, this law is especially problematic, as the EU took a stand against homophobia and transphobia in Europe. 

Sergei would like to apply for asylum, to any country which would grant him safety and peace.  In his own words, roughly translated into English, "If we could wake up in a land where we had sympathy for each other--it would be for me, personally, a much greater achievement than a gay pride parade in Red Square."

If you know anyone who can help Sergei (especially if they can converse in Russian), please comment on this post and I will send you his details.

European Union "It Gets Better" Video

While this video only represents the viewpoint of 50 EU political leaders, it is powerful. 

A firm statement made: "Homophobia has no place in Europe."

International Day Against Homophobia And Transphobia

In observance of today's International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay released a video supporting the rights of LGBT people worldwide.

According to Pillay, "We must punish hatred and violence, not love.  The best antidote for homophobia and transphobia is to educate adults and children."

Such a statement would land Pillay in prison in many countries around the world.

St Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission Community Forum

On Wednesday May 16, from 6:30-8:00 pm, the St Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission hosted a community forum.  Two new commissioners were in attendance, as well as three representatives from different community organizations.

The Commission presented its work plan to the new commissioners and the three representatives.  Then the new commissioners and community representatives had a chance to share what they were working on within their organizations.  Commissioners and the community representatives found out that they had some common goals, but we did not have sufficient time to fully address the main question: How can we collaborate in our efforts?  The Commission also sought feedback from the community representatives on how to improve.

Some suggestions and advice that the Commission received included:
1. More community forums.  Invite everyone to the table.
2. Tap into the communities that we are not already a part of.
3. Seek out volunteers from the senior center.
4. Learn how to communicate better with groups who do not believe in the same things that we do.
5. Focus on education and outreach rather than enforcement.  Many people in the community are intimidated by the Human Rights Commission due to its role as "enforcer".  Even our Human Rights Commissioner is called an "Enforcement Officer".

The next meeting of the St Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission is Wednesday June 20th at 6 pm at Independent Lifestyles in Sauk Rapids.  We will be discussing the feedback.