Community Matters

(Community Matters) My response to Richard’s comments in Politico

Anyone who thinks President Obama and his administration haven’t prioritized this step forward in LGBT equality since day one is uninformed. Richard (Socarides, the LGBT policy adviser to Bill Clinton) is being defensive and trying to rewrite his history – sadly a failed one since both Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and the Defense of Marriage Act were passed on his watch.

From day one Pres Obama and staff have worked toward today, appointing the right persons to the Pentagon, building the right relationships & trust with Secr Gates and Admiral Mullen – relationships which secured their support. We wouldn’t have achieved this legislative victory without the Pentagon’s support, nor without the study.

LGBT service members, the Servicemembers Defense League Network, the Human Rights Campaign and several other organizations were critical supporters/players – as was the DNC and OFA.

I agree with an LGBT hero, David Mixner, this is a watershed event in LGBT equality.

(Community Matters) final vote 65 to 31

Part I of 21st century’s civil rights act

Andrew Sullivan of the Daily Dish on the repeal

John Aravosis in AmericaBlog is not yet feeling big enough to recognize Pres Obama for this historic day, but he’ll come around. Like the other liberal bloggers, he too played an important role in pushing the envelope.

(Community Matters) Senate approved cloture on DA/DT repeal 63 to 33, including R Senators Brown, Collins, Conrad, Kirk, Murkowski & Snowe

The final vote should take place later today or in next several days.

(Community Matters) lifted directly from Huff Post

A Gay Soldier’s Letter Before Leaving For Afghanistan

Ed. note: this letter was first posted on Jezebel.com and is reprinted with their permission.

I’m writing letters to my loved ones in case I don’t return from Afghanistan. I hope my partner never has to open his. If he does, it will ask him to tell who I was, because I couldn’t.

I was a teenager when my brother came home with an American flag draped over his coffin, so I understand the fragility of life and the dangers of serving. And the additional burden of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is one I choose to carry. I volunteered for deployment, and I continue to serve. It’s my deepest core value, whatever the cost.

Continue reading →

(Community Matters) Juan Ahonen-Jover brought this blog to my attention. A man of limited means is committed to giving every day and writes about it – Living Philanthropic

(Community Matters) Neo-Nazi John Ditullio, Jr

they are out there. This one convicted for stabbing a white woman who was dating a black man and killing a gay teen. Fortunately, this one sentenced to life without parole

Towleroad

(Community Matters) The Austin Museum of Art’s sale of its downtown land for $20mm+ is a huge coup for Dana and AMOA’s board of directors. Financially, they’ve just made up for previous board’s sins – I include myself among the sinners.

The assumptions of previous decisions to build (even locate) downtown have changed now that the Blanton and expanded Art House exists. As a supporter, former board member, even former acting-CEO for AMOA, I hope they’ll consider investing all proceeds in our Laguna Gloria site – building, collecting & educating (certainly adding to the endowment).

Laguna is an extraordinary asset for AMOA and all of Central Texas – even the demographic considerations that made Laguna a less accessible location in the 80s and 90s have changed.

(Community Matters) Multiple sources are now reporting that Reid says he’s filing cloture on DA/DT and Dream Acts tonight and the votes will take place Saturday. This should be very good.

conflicting reports whether DREAM Act or DA/DT vote first

rescheduling our return from San Francisco from Saturday to Sunday – want to be in the Castro to celebrate when DA/DT is repealed!

(Community Matters) glorious work in the House yesterday (passing the stand alone DA/DT repeal)

Senate repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is looking good (appears 61 votes). However, time is not on our side. Rs trying to run out the clock and to trade START for repeal. SLDN, HRC, DNC and White House are working tirelessly on this. Please call your Senators & Harry Reid’s office (202) 224-3121. Tell them to stay on the floor until Jan 4 if necessary to complete this country’s work.

(Community Matters) . . . in San Francisco

this pic is actually from earlier this year or last year. ST off working this am

(Community Matters) Andrew’s opinion on failed negotiations, the implications and potential solutions will definitely offend many.

(Community Matters) Today was another great day at the Entrepreneurs Foundation. Together with Wayport’s former employees we made grants to Blue Santa, Bookspring, the Capital Area Foodbank and Sammy’s House. With Pervasive Software employees we made grants to Any Baby Can, Harvest for Hope & Meal on Wheels and More. With member company Active Power, we expect to announce tomorrow disaster assistance grants for families in Round Rock.

I spoke with my old friend Officer Joe Munoz at Blue Santa. They are way down in financial and article contributions this year – the latter especially among items for tween girls. Steven and I just made a contribution too. To give, click here

And, we notified our HelpHaiti partners that we’ve approved a match grant to help up to 500 families in a targeted relocation camp to achieve economic self sufficiency if they elect into the Concern Worldwide/ Fonkoze program.

I need to confirm my numbers but think EF will be at $2mm+ in grants this year