The Gulf Coast

I don't really know what I want to say. In a rare moment of channel surfing I happened upon the Discovery Channel's "Surviving Katrina." I don't care for their re-enactments and what I find too great an element of sensationalism, but, having been in New Orleans this past spring, when you could once again drive down Canal Street, the live footage of Katrina captured my attention.

Last year, during the first week of September I changed the course I was scheduled to teach in January from "Applied Sociology in an Urban Environment" to "Applied Sociology: The Social Dimensions of Disaster." My goal was to examine [what was then] the Katrina disaster through the lenses of, at a minimum, race, class, and gender. I also hoped to find the means to have the class do relief work in the Gulf. In January we traveled to the Gulf and spent a week working in Mississippi. We also spent a day in New Orleans learning firsthand about the disaster. I returned in April. A lot had changed. But not a lot had changed.

As I've suggested in other postings, I'm just not a strong enough writer to begin to characterize what it was like, on both trips... Watching this program I am, again, shocked, appalled, disgusted. I just can't fathom what the "leadership" in this country allowed to happen.

When we returned to Minnesota last January people here were surprised that there was still so much work to be done. After four and a half months people couldn't believe that there might not have been significant improvements. I can only imagine that, a year later, many people around the country imagine that things are pretty much back to normal. That is so very wrong. So very wrong. I don't have a particular relief program or volunteer opportunity to pitch. There are tons of opportunities for those who can help. I just had to write something. It's just beyond my comprehension what this country allowed to happen.

Motown, Slowtown

What is going on in Detroit? That seems to be the big question for those of us who have had files transferred from Buffalo to Detroit. At least several folks who had AORs of March 2005 received requests for passports in July - 16 months. Buffalo seems to be transferring files almost exactly one year from the date of AOR. Ours was exactly one year. 13 June. Under the recent trend, we should be getting a request for medicals any day now. But, then I see people who had their files transferred in February and they've heard nothing yet! No IA, no request for meds, nothing. As I've said before, it's good we've got a long timeline in front of us, but it's still frustrating...

P.S.

I gave up trying to post more about the Outgames and the international human rights conference that preceded the games. But, check out their site! It was an amazing thing in which to participate!

Time Warp

I can't believe it's been over two weeks since I posted anything and longer than that since I posted anything of substance. Time is flying by... We were in Tucson from 8-15 August and now we're getting ready for our son to start kindergarten. Oh, yeah, and then there's that law school thing - my partner starts on Monday. Then there's that book I'm [supposed to be] writing... You get the picture.

I have, however, tried to make time to check the other "Canadian blogs" - meaning those of us who have either moved North or are in the process of doing so. I was thrilled to see that Mason and Nick got their visas. That was really cool. Seattle is obviously moving more quickly than Detroit! We've not heard a thing since our file was transferred in June. We just passed the two month point from that date. "Data suggest" that we should hear something in the way of request for meds and/or more materials within the next month. I sure hope so.

I've decided that this process is like what I imagine drug addiction to be. Get a little something and be happy for a while and then start craving something more. The good news, as I've said before, is that while we will "land" we won't make the whole hog move until the summer of '09. So, while we want to get visas in hand, the delay actually helps in terms of our calendar. If all goes according to plan (i.e., we get visas in early 2007 and we have a year from the date of our meds to land), I think we'll try to land on Canada Day. That would be cool.

Well, I just wanted to post *something* and let folks know we're still here, just swamped! As always, you'll be the first to hear something when we do!

Things that make you go, "Hmmm..."

Okay, everybody should be entitled to vacation, but, c'mon - Castro is failing, Israel is still bombing civilians, Congress is listening to testimony about Iraq and Afghanistan, people are dying from the heat wave, but what's Bush doing? Yup, big surprise, going on vacation in Texas. Now I realize that the president is never really on vacation, but talk about thumbing one's nose...

Me? I've been too busy playing catch-up to update my blog with more on my fabulous trip to Montreal. But, I'll get there. In the meantime, for a great 6 minute montage - including some Cirque de Soleil footage - go here and click on "Extracts from the Opening Ceremony."

Meanwhile, it's back to work - just had to vent.

Da-da-da-daaaa!

This morning as I was standing in the lobby of the Paleis des Congres in Montreal I got a voice mail from my partner... We received our FBI fingerprint cards! And, the REALLY good news is that neither of them were rejected for being smudged, etc. Both were stamped indicating that neither of us have records. Woo-hoo! One more small step for Canada! And let me tell you, Canada is looking so good right about now! Hope all is well with anyone reading this! G'night!

Oh my gosh!

I am so behind in posting! Maybe I can catch up tomorrow. In brief, let me offer these teasers - former prime minister of the Czech Republic, former Canadian Minister of Justice, former justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Martina Navratilova, Cirque de Soleil, k.d. lang... The conference is over and the games have officially begun. More soon!

More from Montreal

Well, it’s been an amazing couple of days. I’m not a good enough writer to begin to convey what it’s like being here at the conference. My roommate, J, and I agree that it’s one of those events that you really have attend to “feel.” So, I’ll have to settle for descriptions that might give you a tiny sense of things.

Yesterday we checked out Montreal – shopped, took a tour, etc. I always have to spend some time in the bookstores because I can get books on Canadian politics, etc., that are not available in the States. We also had a snack of crepes that was delightful. J has been hankering for Tim Horton’s, but we didn’t make it there until one of the breaks today…

The conference officially began with a dinner last night, Wednesday. About 1500 people were assembled in one of the large halls in the Palais des Congres, Montreal. The main speakers were Gerald Tremblay, Mayor of Montreal, Yvon Marcoux, Minister of Justice – Quebec, and Louise Arbour, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. They were all wonderful to hear, but Ms. Arbour was just fabulous! We also heard from the Ville-Marie borough mayor, Benoit Labonte. Ville-Marie contains the area known as the "Gay Village." Unfortunately the “8-10 pm” dinner ran until about 11:30 so we were really dragging when we got back to the hotel.

This morning the first plenary was held, “Plenary on Canada and the United States.” The panel was tremendous. I guess I'm saying that a lot... First, Olympic swimmer Mark Tewksbury spoke. He medaled for Canada in 1988 and 1992. It was really interesting to hear him talk about how he had been “groomed” to represent Canada on the International Olympic Committee and how disgusted he became when he learned about the real politics and greed of the whole process of bidding to host the Olympics. Then he talked about how members of the committee told “fag jokes.” He was also very funny and was totally jazzed about the conference and the Outgames.

Tewksbury was followed by Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization for Women. She was also terrific, emphasizing the degree to which people need to realize that LGBT issues are women’s issues, women’s issues should be of concern to those fighting racism, those fighting racism… you get the picture.

Now, with a panel of four you kind of expect someone to not be so great. All four were all just wonderful! The next speaker was Bishop Gene Robinson, the openly gay Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire. He spoke about how LGBT people need to “come out of the closet” about… being people of faith.

Finally, Irshad Manji took the podium. Oh my gosh was she something. Those of you who have been in Toronto a while may remember her from CityTV’s Queer Television. She’s also the author of “The Trouble with Islam Today.” What a spectacular speaker and accomplished woman.

All four speakers – on the panel chaired by Deborah Batts, the first openly lesbian African-American member of the federal judiciary – were engaging, insightful, inspiring… What a great way to kick off the conference.

After lunch I went to the session, “LGBT Equality and Participation in the Military and the Judiciary.” It was great to hear from the openly gay military folks from Sweden and from SLDN’s Dixon Osburn. I also got to visit with a couple of other folks I’ve met at past conferences.

After a quick lunch J and I met up with the other members of our panel and did our presentations at 2:00. I think they went well, though there is NEVER enough time!!! It was then time for a stop back at the hotel and off to dinner at Chez Suzette Creperie. I had a so-so cheese fondue and we shared a yummy, albeit decadent, crepe for dessert.

We then walked over to Square Viger which is set up like a mini-pride festival with food booths, vendors, etc. as well as a stage. Tonight there were drag performers and great music. We wandered around a bit and then headed over to Old Montreal. Even in the humidity it was great to see the sketch artists set up all over the plaza, the cafes and shops open late, and all the hub-bub. Even though it’s clearly a tourist mecca it doesn’t, to me, have quite the same degree of tackiness as similar places. Yes there are dozens, it seems, of t-shirt shops with the same kitsch, but there are also nice restaurants and galleries. Maybe it’s just the evidence of French, but it seems nicer than many comparable tourist havens.

That’s about it for now. Tomorrow there are more sessions and we hope to, at some point, squeeze in a jaunt to one of the [allegedly] best bagel shops in Montreal.

Oh, last night at dinner I sat next to two women from Serbia. Today, while grabbing a snack with my colleagues one of them ran into a friend from New Brunswick who now lives in Berlin with her partner and child. I talked during one break with a fellow who is the Deputy Executive Director of PFLAG in the US and, at lunch, was able to chit-chat with Mark Tewksbury. Just a few of the highlights I neglected to mention. Highlights because it is just so wonderful to be in such an international environment in such a welcoming city.

That's it for now, g’night!

Greetings from Montreal!

I don't know where to begin. I love this country. And, yes, Quebec is still Canada.

I flew in late this afternoon to attend the LGBT Human Rights Conference that is being held in conjunction with the 1st Annual Outgames. While waiting in line at Customs the TV screens had "Welcome to the Outgames" images - FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF QUEBEC! Like that would happen in the US. One of the columns in the middle of the baggage carousel had a poster around it - rainbow flag, Outgames logo, etc. While walking in one part of the airport there was a "sticker" on the floor that was a rainbow "strip" with something like "1, 2, 3, let's go" on it. It's just so fabulous.

Well, I'm tired and don't have much more to report - got our accreditation and materials, had dinner, made our way back to the hotel. I'll write more as I'm able. The conference begins the middle of tomorrow afternoon and goes into the evening.

Meanwhile - Canada rocks!

Telling

Maybe someone out there can explain it to me... Serve your country. "Defend democracy." Swear to uphold the Constitution - which last time I checked included a right to free speech... but, don't think that honesty, integrity, and free speech apply to you, nope, no way. And, yes, before some wing-nut starts lecturing me on the nuances of free speech, I do understand that it doesn't mean one can yell "Fire" in a crowded theatre... Okay, but back to the news.

"The United States Navy has initiated discharge proceedings against a ten year veteran who attended a June 3rd rally in support of same-sex marriage on New York’s Brooklyn Bridge. Rhonda Davis, a petty officer first class journalist in the Navy, attended the rally and subsequently gave an interview to local radio station 1010WINS where she identified herself as a member of the Navy. Davis also endorsed same-sex marriage and indicated in her interview that she was looking forward to someday marrying her partner of more than three years. On June 5th, Davis’s command informed her that, after being made aware of the interview by callers to the office where she is stationed, they were forced to discharge her under the law, which prohibits openly lesbian, gay and bisexual personnel from serving in the armed forces."
http://www.sldn.org/templates/press/record.html?record=3063

What's the relevance to Canada you might ask? Well, Canada lifted their ban on the service of GLB service members in 1992. Yeah, the year before Bill Clinton signed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" into law. So, in most NATO countries - including Britain and Canada - GLB citizens can serve openly in their nation's military. Not so the US.

But, then, not everyone thinks there's much distinction to be made between the US and Canada, eh? If you're not a regular wmtc reader, check this out to understand the reference.

Note: While I'm a veteran and believe that anyone who wishes to serve in the military should have the right to do so, I would, at this point in time, try to dissuade anyone from joining the military and I fully support those who are refusing to participate in a pre-emptive war begun under false pretenses.

The Good News

I met my son's teachers on Thursday night. The one who will work primarily with the kindergarteners seems absolutely fabulous! She was wearing a red t-shirt, red shorts, red Crocs, had red fingernails, and was really great with the kids. Not bad that she's raised four kids of her own either.

And, get this. In late 2000/early 2001 when my partner and I were working with our attorney, putting things in place for my second parent adoption - thank goodness for Minnesota, we saw her new baby, a cute little guy. Don't know that we've seen him since. Well, I walked into the classroom last week and... he and my son will be classmates! So, there will be two kids with two moms and both kids have hyphenated names for folks to get their mouths around. Fab!

Also in the "good news because we're in Minnesota which is still better than most places category," next weekend we go to Rainbow Families Camp. My son hasn't stopped talking about it since last summer. It's a two night camping trip with dozens of other GLBT families. Meals are taken together and everyone gets to swim, fish, kayak, toast marshmallows... and basically just have a good time together. We're meeting up with three other families with whom we get together every now and again. Should be great - even with the heat and mosquitos! State bird, you know.

Cheers!

The Courts

New York, Georgia, Nebraska, Tennessee... The hits just keep on comin'.

“No doubt it’s been a tough week,” said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. “But each one of these decisions stands on its own. This isn’t some tidal wave against us.” Hmmmm, certainly feels like a tidal wave. But, then, he has to say that...

A snippet from the NYT:
"The Nebraska . . . . amendment, passed by 70 percent of voters, was more far-reaching than most other marriage bans because it denied same-sex couples who were state employees domestic-partner benefits, visitation rights and other benefits. In May 2005, Judge Joseph F. Bataillon of Federal District Court ruled that the amendment went “far beyond merely defining marriage as between a man and a woman.”

Judge Bataillon said it “imposes significant burdens on both the expressive and intimate associational rights” of gay men and lesbians “and creates a significant barrier to the plaintiffs’ right to petition or to participate in the political process.”

And Judge Bataillon added that the evidence suggested that the adoption of the amendment “was motivated, to some extent, by either irrational fear of or animus toward gays and lesbians.”

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit disagreed, ruling unanimously that “laws limiting the state-recognized institution of marriage to heterosexual couples are rationally related to legitimate state interests and therefore do not violate the Constitution of the United States.”

It's not a reach for me to say I'm really hating this country right now. More on that another time.

Well, on to the work of the day... can't wait to see what's next from the sages of the nation.

Fingerprint Update!

Thanks to a poster at immigration.ca, I got an e-mail address for checking on FBI fingerprint/clearance (do1@leo.gov). At 11:45 this morning I sent a message. At 12:35 I received this reply from a real person: "We have received your record request and processing has been initiated. We have initiated a new method of processing that has caused slight delays in our results. We are processing as quickly as possible but I cannot provide you with an exact completion time. If you have any further questions, please feel free contact me."

That is good news. The slight delay isn't a problem on our end. I was just getting worried that they had never arrived. Now we keep our fingers crossed that the prints are acceptable!

Catching Up

This has been a good, but crazy busy, summer. As such, I've not been posting as much as I would like. And, there's no news on the visa front either. Today is eleven weeks since we mailed our FBI cards and not a word. And, it looks as though it could be 4-6 months before we hear anything from Detroit. Blah, blah, blah. That being the case, it was very exciting to hear that Mason and Nick appear to be on the verge of receiving good news!

I just returned from St. Louis last night and I leave for Montreal on the 25th. The former was a family trip to the annual meeting of the American Association of Law Librarians. The latter is a trip to the LGBT Rights Conference being held in conjunction with the Outgames. I was invited to present on gays and lesbians in the military; specifically, on the connection I assert exists between DADT and sexual harassment. The conference looks to be incredible - a great opportunity to hear from international scholars on issues re: LGBT rights and, of course, a great opportunity to visit Montreal. I've only been there once and I was 10. Expo '67!

This weekend is supposed to be dreadfully hot and dry. We might see a high of 97 on Saturday. Guess I'll just consider it training for our August trip to Tucson.

Well, that's really it. Just thought I should post something... What's new in your world?

States of Hate

There's been so much I could be writing about as of late, but I've had no time to do so. Even though I should be doing a dozen other things right now I had to take a moment to mention today's top headline in The New York Times, "For Gay Rights Movement, a Key Setback."

As most of you probably know, New York's highest court denied a claim that to deny same-sex marriage violated the state constitution. "We hold that the New York Constitution does not compel recognition of marriages between members of the same sex. Whether such marriages should be recognized is a question to be addressed by the Legislature." Regardless of what one thinks about marriage, of any stripe, the text of the New York ruling is apparently quite hostile, or, at the least, insensitive. The Supreme Court in Georgia also reinstated that state's ban on same-sex marriage.

How wonderful to live in place that continues to affirm my status, and that of my family, as second class citizens...

Belated Posting

I wrote the following when I was in Germany, but had no Internet access. I'm finally getting around to posting it...

As I write from Trier, Germany it is 8:30 on Wednesday evening, 28 June. I don’t have web access, but I’m going to try to “catch up” on the past number of days so that I can post this as soon as I return.

Last Friday, 23 June, I flew to Cleveland, Ohio to attend the Saturday wedding of one of my closest friends, S. It was the sixth anniversary of my commitment ceremony in which S was a key participant. Let me tell you, it was really odd to be in a Catholic church in Ohio attending a heterosexual wedding, and on my anniversary no less. Don’t get me wrong - I’m thrilled for S. But it’s really depressing to listen to the priest go on about this couple that has been brought together, blah, blah, blah and realize that they’ve known each other almost exactly two years, dated 18 months. It’s depressing because I think of all the couples, myself included, who have been together for many more years than that and whom this institution and this state – and likely many of those in attendance – have worked so hard to oppress. I was genuinely thrilled for her and she was truly radiant - but, geez, it was also really depressing.

I couldn’t stay for the reception as I had to catch an early flight – in hindsight, probably a good thing as additional celebration and affirmation of heterosexuality was probably more than I could stomach. I had to fly back to Minneapolis and get on another flight to Frankfurt via Amsterdam.

As I was waiting for my (delayed) flight in Cleveland, I saw a fellow also waiting to board and thought, “That looks like Dennis Kucinich.” The guy next to me, with whom I’d been chatting, said, “There goes Dennis Kucinich.” I said, “I thought that was him. Our precinct actually went for him in the caucuses.” To which he replied, “I bet he’d appreciate knowing that.” So, I went over, introduced myself, told him about the caucuses, and had a nice chat. He was on his way to Vancouver to present his plan for a Department of Peace at the World Peace Forum. Pretty cool. And, btw, he’s much nicer looking in person than press photos every suggested.

If you’re interested in hearing more about my travels in Germany, click on the "Traveling..." link on the right.

Quick Question!

I've not yet had a chance to post my travel notes, but... in the meantime, I have a quick question. Tomorrow, 6 July, is 10 weeks from the day we mailed our fingerprint cards to the FBI. Those of you already past this point, any advice as to when we should assume they've been lost, etc. and we should send new cards? Thanks! Then again, maybe they'll arrive on shrub's birthday, tomorrow. That would be a nice present to us! More soon, I hope!

1 July 2006

I just returned from a quick trip to Germany and hope to catch up soon. In the meantime, I just wanted to post a quick "Happy Canada Day" to anyone who's reading! Cheers!

News!

On a whim - okay, well, because it's Monday and I had heard rumors about updating - I checked e-CAS just a few moments ago and... I almost fell over when I read:

"We started processing your application on June 13, 2005.
We transferred your application to the Detroit office on June 13, 2006. The Detroit office may contact you."

We haven't fallen through the cracks! We've been transferred! Action, movement, news!

Yea!!

15 June and counting...

Well, I've been back in the US for almost 72 hours and most of that time has been spent playing catch-up, making phone calls, completing projects with deadlines of 15 June, trying to catch up on some blog reading, etc. But, it has not escaped me that Tuesday, 13 June, was the one year anniversary of our AOR. Yes, one year.

We've not yet received word that our application has been transferred and we've not yet received our request for medicals. I sent an e-mail to the attorney's office on Tuesday and have not yet received a response. And, of course, e-Client has not changed. No surprise there. And, we've not yet received a response from the FBI. Our cards were sent out in late April so hopefully we'll hear something soon, especially if one or both of us are going to have to have them done again. Oh, the waiting, the anxiety, the anticipation...

Rest assured, when we hear something you'll be among the first to know!