As per Wikipedia, The red umbrella has become an important symbol for December 17: "First adopted by Venetian sex workers for an anti-violence march in 2002, red umbrellas have come to symbolize resistance against discrimination for sex workers worldwide.".

( more on the day added as it progresses )

[this event is X-Posted by Bialogue from various sources including but not limited to the SWOP-USA, PONY and SWANK]

December 17th is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. This day calls attention to hate crimes committed against sex workers all over the globe and appeals to the conscience of those who thru their silence, indifference or ill informed judgemental and prohibitionist attitudes implicitly allow this violence to continue.

( learn about this international event )

( find an event in your area of the world )

( read and learn about the issues )
( Annie Sprinkle offers Ten Things You Can Do to Participate )

this letter & accompanying article sent to us from the New England LGBT Veterans

Friends,

Today is Veteran's Day. After what happened in the House Wednesday (ENDA Passes House Without Trans Protections), I don't feel much like wanting to be an American any longer. I'm not even going to march in the Atlanta Veteran's Day Parade with the other GLBT veterans as I planned.

( read more about America's Forgotten Veterans in an article by Ms. Monica Helms, president Transgender American Veterans Association )


Since the mainstream media has seen fit to overlook this important topic we have chosen to X-post this this letter & accompanying article to honour both Veteran's Day/Remembrance Day (November 11th) as well as Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20th). Perhaps you might also wish to do the same and pass it on down the line.

Yesterday, BiNet USA signed a coalition note calling for the continued inclusion of gender identity in the Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), due to be reintroduced into The House later this year.
( Read more... )

X-Posted from curriedspam

Dear Bi/Bi-Inclusive Friends,

I just took action on an issue of real significance to a lot of families, and I hope you'll join me.

Nineteen (19) other countries recognize same-sex couples committed to spending their lives together as 'families' for immigration purposes - and the US, shamefully, does not. That means US citizens and legal residents can't sponsor their same-sex partners from other countries, a basic right other Americans enjoy. ( Read more... )

X-Posted from BiNet USA's Discussion List on Yahoo Groups

Internship Opportunity: Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender & AIDS Projects
American Civil Liberties Union, NY

The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender & AIDS Projects of the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation (ACLU) seek applicants for Public Education Internships in New York City starting in September 2006.( Read more... )