PRESS RELEASES
BREAKING NEWS:
Organizers of First Gay Pride March in Cuba Arrested this A.M. in Havana
Unity Coalition/Coalición Unida, AMBIENTE Magazine & Club Azúcar organize a Support Rally and
Press Conference today in Miami
Havana, Cuba ... Today, June 25th, starting at ten o'clock, the first ever Cuban Gay Pride march
under the slogan "You are not alone" attempted to take place in Havana for the liberation and
respect of sexual diversity in Cuba, but as organizers arrived at the scheduled starting point, several
of them were met by Cuban police, who beat & arrested several of them.
Unity Coalition/Coalicion Unida and Ambiente Magazine, who were supporting the efforts of the First
Gay Pride March in Cuba with an information center located at Miami's Club Azúcar - 2301 SW 32nd
Avenue in Miami- will serve as a central point for South Florida's Gay Community to join in solidarity
with their Cuban brothers, sisters & independent organizations.
At 5:30 pm at Azúcar there will be a Press Conference to report the latest on the Cuban March, its
organizers and their arrest.
For more information about the event in Miami or media credentials, please contact Ron at 786-356-
1665 or www.unitycoalition.org, www.coalicionunida.org or www.ambiente.us
The Cuban Commission on Human Rights for people with HIV and Sexual Races, the Cuban League
against AIDS, Elena Mederos Foundation, The Foundation LGTB Reinaldo Arenas in Memoriam, Elena
Mederos Foundation, the Cuban Movement for Gay Liberation, the Havana Transsexual Collective,
Havana LGTB Cultural Center and the Organization of Gay Political Presidio Reinaldo Arenas were all
expecting to participate in this march.
These independent Cuban civil society organizations began to gather at the central park "Don
Quixote" in the neighborhood of Vedado, located at 23 and J streets, a place frequented by
Havana's gay community. From there they planned to depart to the Ministry of Justice with the goal
of delivering their demands to the Castro government. These include the cessation of violence and
repression against Cuban homosexuals.
They hoped to have also asked that the current agent Raúl Castro apologize to the Cuban people
for the introduction in the 60's of UMAP concentration camps (Military Units to Aid Production) that
were created by the dictator Fidel Castro, to suppress and punish homosexuals and the religious
youth who opposed his Marxist ideology.
They also demand the recognition of expulsions of many from educational think tanks and jobs simply
because of their sexual orientation and a review of court cases against homosexuals in prison for the
offence of Dangerous Levels. It is also known that it is common practice to arrest and fine the gay
community across the country.
Another of claims that will make these young people in the Ministry of Justice is to ask for the
improvement of the appalling conditions for patients who survive HIV AIDS and prisoners with the
disease concentrated in four prisons throughout the country.
Moreover, they want to draw attention to the political prisoner Jordanys Tamayo Aldama jailed in
the Kilo 7 prison in Camagüey for upholding the right to freedom of association in public spaces.
Tamayo Aldama, is serving a sentence of seven years' imprisonment for the crime of contempt
towards the figure of Fidel Castro, because he dared to say publicly that the dictator is
homophobic. The latest information on this political prisoner is that he is on a hunger strike.
The marchers seek to demonstrate the political character of the project of the National Center for
sex education in Cuba, led by Mariela Castro.
After presenting their demands those attending the march planned to proceed to a diplomatic
residence where they were to conduct a press conference followed by a musical concert. All of this
is on hold due to their arrest this A.M.
Other Miami organizations, including those of Cuban exiles are also supporting the gay community
on the island.
Organizations defending the rights of homosexuals and transsexuals are common in many countries
around the world, like the celebration of festivals and parades of "gay pride". But the Cuban
government does not allow the emergence of groups or allow conducting events that are not
under their control.
For additional information, please contact: Efrén Martínez efrenmtnez@yahoo.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Gay Pride March in Cuba
Unity Coalition/Coalición Unida, AMBIENTE Magazine & Club Azúcar organize a
Support Rally in Miami
Havana, Cuba ... On June 25 starting at ten o'clock, the first ever Cuban Gay Pride march under the
slogan "You are not alone" will take place in Havana for the liberation and respect of sexual diversity
in Cuba.
The Cuban Commission on Human Rights for people with HIV and Sexual Races, the Cuban League
against AIDS, Elena Mederos Foundation, The Foundation LGTB Reinaldo Arenas in Memoriam, Elena
Mederos Foundation, the Cuban Movement for Gay Liberation, the Havana Transsexual Collective,
Havana LGTB Cultural Center and the Organization of Gay Political Presidio Reinaldo Arenas are all
expected to participate in this march.
These independent Cuban civil society organizations will gather at the central park "Don Quixote" in
the neighborhood of Vedado, located at 23 and J streets, a place frequented by Havana's gay
community. From there they will depart to the Ministry of Justice with the goal of delivering their
demands to the Castro government. These include the cessation of violence and repression against
Cuban homosexuals.
They will also ask that the current agent Raúl Castro apologize to the Cuban people for the
introduction in the 60's of UMAP concentration camps (Military Units to Aid Production) that were
created by the dictator Fidel Castro, to suppress and punish homosexuals and the religious youth
who opposed his Marxist ideology.
They also demand the recognition of expulsions of many from educational think tanks and jobs simply
because of their sexual orientation and a review of court cases against homosexuals in prison for the
offence of Dangerous Levels. It is also known that it is common practice to arrest and fine the gay
community across the country.
Another of claims that will make these young people in the Ministry of Justice is to ask for the
improvement of the appalling conditions for patients who survive HIV AIDS and prisoners with the
disease concentrated in four prisons throughout the country.
Moreover, they want to draw attention to the political prisoner Jordanys Tamayo Aldama jailed in
the Kilo 7 prison in Camagüey for upholding the right to freedom of association in public spaces.
Tamayo Aldama, is serving a sentence of seven years' imprisonment for the crime of contempt
towards the figure of Fidel Castro, because he dared to say publicly that the dictator is
homophobic. The latest information on this political prisoner is that he is on a hunger strike.
The marchers seek to demonstrate the political character of the project of the National Center for
sex education in Cuba, led by Mariela Castro.
After presenting their demands those attending the march will proceed to a diplomatic residence
where they will conduct a press conference followed by a musical concert.
In Miami, the organization Unity Coalition/Coalicion Unida and Ambiente Magazine will be
supporting the First Gay Pride March in Cuba with an information center located at Miami's Club
Azúcar, located at 2301 SW 32nd Avenue in Miami. This center, open from 10am in the morning, will
serve as a central point for South Florida's Gay Community to join in solidarity with their Cuban
brothers, sisters & independent organizations who will be making history. At 5:30 pm at Azúcar there
will be a community rally & announcements to report the progress of the Cuban March.
For more information about the event in Miami or media credentials, please contact Ron at 786-356-
1665 or www.unitycoalition.org, www.coalicionunida.org or www.ambiente.us
Other organizations, including those of Cuban exiles will also be supporting the gay community on
the island.
Organizations defending the rights of homosexuals and transsexuals are common in many countries
around the world, like the celebration of festivals and parades of "gay pride". But the Cuban
government does not allow the emergence of groups or allow conducting events that are not
under their control.
For additional information, please contact: Efrén Martínez efrenmtnez@yahoo.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Primera Marcha del Orgullo Gay en Cuba
Habana, Cuba... El próximo 25 de junio comenzando a las diez de la mañana, las organizaciones
Comisión Cubana de Derechos Humanos para personas con VIH y Etnias Sexuales, La Liga Cubana
contra el SIDA, la Fundación Elena Mederos, La Fundación LGTB Reinaldo Arenas in Memoriam, la
Fundación Elena Mederos, el Movimiento Cubano por la Liberación Homosexual, el Colectivo
Transexual Habana, el Centro Cultural LGTB Habana y la Organización Presidio Político de Gay
Reinaldo Arenas, realizaran en La Habana la Primera Marcha del Orgullo Gay Cubano bajo el lema
“No Estas Solo”, por la liberación y el respeto a la diversidad Sexual en Cuba.
Estas organizaciones independientes de la sociedad civil cubana se congregaran en el céntrico
parque “El Quijote” en la barriada del Vedado, ubicado en las calles 23 y J, un lugar de reuniones y
encuentros gay.
Desde allí partirán hasta el Ministerio de Justicia con el objetivo de entregar demandas al gobierno
castrista. Entre ellas se encuentran, el cese de la violencia y la represión contra los homosexuales
cubanos. Además pedirán que el actual mandatario Raúl Castro pida disculpas al pueblo cubano
por la implantación en la década de los años 60 de los Campos de Concentración de la UMAP,
(Unidad Militar de Ayuda a la Producción) que fueron creados por el propio dictador Fidel Castro,
para reprimir y castigar a los jóvenes religiosos y homosexuales que se opusieran a su ideología
marxista.
También demandarán, se reconozca que en Cuba se han expulsado de centros de estudios y de
trabajo a personas por su orientación sexual y que se revisen las causas judiciales contra
homosexuales encarcelados por el delito de Índice de Peligrosidad. Pues se conoce que
actualmente son comunes las detenciones y multas contra la comunidad homosexual en todo el
país.
Que se mejoren la pésimas condiciones en que sobreviven los enfermos de VIH SIDA y de los presos
con esa enfermedad concentrados en cuatro cárceles del país, es otra de las reclamaciones que
harán estos jóvenes en el Ministerio de Justicia.
Por otra parte quieren llamar la atención sobre el preso político Jordanys Tamayo Aldama
encarcelado en la prisión Kilo 7 de Camaguey por defender el derecho a la libertad de asociación
en espacios públicos.
Tamayo Aldama, está cumpliendo una condena de siete anos de cárcel por el delito de desacato a
la figura de Fidel Castro, pues se atrevió a decir públicamente que el dictador es homofóbico.
Las últimas informaciones que se tuvieron de ese preso político es que estaba en huelga de hambre.
Los marchantes pretenden demostrar el carácter político del proyecto del Centro Nacional de
Educación Sexual de Cuba, dirigido por Mariela Castro.
Tras entregar las demandas los asistentes a la marcha se dirigirán hasta una residencia diplomática
donde realizaran una conferencia de prensa y habrá un concierto musical.
En Miami, la organización Coalición Unida estará apoyando la Primera Marcha del Orgullo Gay
Cubano con un centro de información que estará ubicado en el Club Azúcar, 2301 SW 32 Avenida,
Miami, desde horas de la mañana a donde acudirá la comunidad gay de la ciudad para
solidarizarse con estas organizaciones independientes que comienzan a hacer historia en esta
marcha. A partir de las 5:30 pm en Azúcar se llevará una conferencia y aviso del progreso de la
marcha en Cuba.
Organizaciones de exiliados cubanos también estarán apoyando a la comunidad gay de la Isla.
Las organizaciones de defensa de los derechos de homosexuales y transexuales son comunes en
muchos países del mundo, al igual que la celebración de fiestas y desfiles del «orgullo gay». Pero el
gobierno cubano no permite la aparición de grupos ni la realización de eventos que no estén bajo
su control.
Por: Efrén Martínez. para mas informacon: efrenmtnez@yahoo.com
Organizers of First Gay Pride March in Cuba Arrested this A.M. in Havana
Unity Coalition/Coalición Unida, AMBIENTE Magazine & Club Azúcar organize a Support Rally and
Press Conference today in Miami
Havana, Cuba ... Today, June 25th, starting at ten o'clock, the first ever Cuban Gay Pride march
under the slogan "You are not alone" attempted to take place in Havana for the liberation and
respect of sexual diversity in Cuba, but as organizers arrived at the scheduled starting point, several
of them were met by Cuban police, who beat & arrested several of them.
Unity Coalition/Coalicion Unida and Ambiente Magazine, who were supporting the efforts of the First
Gay Pride March in Cuba with an information center located at Miami's Club Azúcar - 2301 SW 32nd
Avenue in Miami- will serve as a central point for South Florida's Gay Community to join in solidarity
with their Cuban brothers, sisters & independent organizations.
At 5:30 pm at Azúcar there will be a Press Conference to report the latest on the Cuban March, its
organizers and their arrest.
For more information about the event in Miami or media credentials, please contact Ron at 786-356-
1665 or www.unitycoalition.org, www.coalicionunida.org or www.ambiente.us
The Cuban Commission on Human Rights for people with HIV and Sexual Races, the Cuban League
against AIDS, Elena Mederos Foundation, The Foundation LGTB Reinaldo Arenas in Memoriam, Elena
Mederos Foundation, the Cuban Movement for Gay Liberation, the Havana Transsexual Collective,
Havana LGTB Cultural Center and the Organization of Gay Political Presidio Reinaldo Arenas were all
expecting to participate in this march.
These independent Cuban civil society organizations began to gather at the central park "Don
Quixote" in the neighborhood of Vedado, located at 23 and J streets, a place frequented by
Havana's gay community. From there they planned to depart to the Ministry of Justice with the goal
of delivering their demands to the Castro government. These include the cessation of violence and
repression against Cuban homosexuals.
They hoped to have also asked that the current agent Raúl Castro apologize to the Cuban people
for the introduction in the 60's of UMAP concentration camps (Military Units to Aid Production) that
were created by the dictator Fidel Castro, to suppress and punish homosexuals and the religious
youth who opposed his Marxist ideology.
They also demand the recognition of expulsions of many from educational think tanks and jobs simply
because of their sexual orientation and a review of court cases against homosexuals in prison for the
offence of Dangerous Levels. It is also known that it is common practice to arrest and fine the gay
community across the country.
Another of claims that will make these young people in the Ministry of Justice is to ask for the
improvement of the appalling conditions for patients who survive HIV AIDS and prisoners with the
disease concentrated in four prisons throughout the country.
Moreover, they want to draw attention to the political prisoner Jordanys Tamayo Aldama jailed in
the Kilo 7 prison in Camagüey for upholding the right to freedom of association in public spaces.
Tamayo Aldama, is serving a sentence of seven years' imprisonment for the crime of contempt
towards the figure of Fidel Castro, because he dared to say publicly that the dictator is
homophobic. The latest information on this political prisoner is that he is on a hunger strike.
The marchers seek to demonstrate the political character of the project of the National Center for
sex education in Cuba, led by Mariela Castro.
After presenting their demands those attending the march planned to proceed to a diplomatic
residence where they were to conduct a press conference followed by a musical concert. All of this
is on hold due to their arrest this A.M.
Other Miami organizations, including those of Cuban exiles are also supporting the gay community
on the island.
Organizations defending the rights of homosexuals and transsexuals are common in many countries
around the world, like the celebration of festivals and parades of "gay pride". But the Cuban
government does not allow the emergence of groups or allow conducting events that are not
under their control.
For additional information, please contact: Efrén Martínez efrenmtnez@yahoo.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Gay Pride March in Cuba
Unity Coalition/Coalición Unida, AMBIENTE Magazine & Club Azúcar organize a
Support Rally in Miami
Havana, Cuba ... On June 25 starting at ten o'clock, the first ever Cuban Gay Pride march under the
slogan "You are not alone" will take place in Havana for the liberation and respect of sexual diversity
in Cuba.
The Cuban Commission on Human Rights for people with HIV and Sexual Races, the Cuban League
against AIDS, Elena Mederos Foundation, The Foundation LGTB Reinaldo Arenas in Memoriam, Elena
Mederos Foundation, the Cuban Movement for Gay Liberation, the Havana Transsexual Collective,
Havana LGTB Cultural Center and the Organization of Gay Political Presidio Reinaldo Arenas are all
expected to participate in this march.
These independent Cuban civil society organizations will gather at the central park "Don Quixote" in
the neighborhood of Vedado, located at 23 and J streets, a place frequented by Havana's gay
community. From there they will depart to the Ministry of Justice with the goal of delivering their
demands to the Castro government. These include the cessation of violence and repression against
Cuban homosexuals.
They will also ask that the current agent Raúl Castro apologize to the Cuban people for the
introduction in the 60's of UMAP concentration camps (Military Units to Aid Production) that were
created by the dictator Fidel Castro, to suppress and punish homosexuals and the religious youth
who opposed his Marxist ideology.
They also demand the recognition of expulsions of many from educational think tanks and jobs simply
because of their sexual orientation and a review of court cases against homosexuals in prison for the
offence of Dangerous Levels. It is also known that it is common practice to arrest and fine the gay
community across the country.
Another of claims that will make these young people in the Ministry of Justice is to ask for the
improvement of the appalling conditions for patients who survive HIV AIDS and prisoners with the
disease concentrated in four prisons throughout the country.
Moreover, they want to draw attention to the political prisoner Jordanys Tamayo Aldama jailed in
the Kilo 7 prison in Camagüey for upholding the right to freedom of association in public spaces.
Tamayo Aldama, is serving a sentence of seven years' imprisonment for the crime of contempt
towards the figure of Fidel Castro, because he dared to say publicly that the dictator is
homophobic. The latest information on this political prisoner is that he is on a hunger strike.
The marchers seek to demonstrate the political character of the project of the National Center for
sex education in Cuba, led by Mariela Castro.
After presenting their demands those attending the march will proceed to a diplomatic residence
where they will conduct a press conference followed by a musical concert.
In Miami, the organization Unity Coalition/Coalicion Unida and Ambiente Magazine will be
supporting the First Gay Pride March in Cuba with an information center located at Miami's Club
Azúcar, located at 2301 SW 32nd Avenue in Miami. This center, open from 10am in the morning, will
serve as a central point for South Florida's Gay Community to join in solidarity with their Cuban
brothers, sisters & independent organizations who will be making history. At 5:30 pm at Azúcar there
will be a community rally & announcements to report the progress of the Cuban March.
For more information about the event in Miami or media credentials, please contact Ron at 786-356-
1665 or www.unitycoalition.org, www.coalicionunida.org or www.ambiente.us
Other organizations, including those of Cuban exiles will also be supporting the gay community on
the island.
Organizations defending the rights of homosexuals and transsexuals are common in many countries
around the world, like the celebration of festivals and parades of "gay pride". But the Cuban
government does not allow the emergence of groups or allow conducting events that are not
under their control.
For additional information, please contact: Efrén Martínez efrenmtnez@yahoo.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Primera Marcha del Orgullo Gay en Cuba
Habana, Cuba... El próximo 25 de junio comenzando a las diez de la mañana, las organizaciones
Comisión Cubana de Derechos Humanos para personas con VIH y Etnias Sexuales, La Liga Cubana
contra el SIDA, la Fundación Elena Mederos, La Fundación LGTB Reinaldo Arenas in Memoriam, la
Fundación Elena Mederos, el Movimiento Cubano por la Liberación Homosexual, el Colectivo
Transexual Habana, el Centro Cultural LGTB Habana y la Organización Presidio Político de Gay
Reinaldo Arenas, realizaran en La Habana la Primera Marcha del Orgullo Gay Cubano bajo el lema
“No Estas Solo”, por la liberación y el respeto a la diversidad Sexual en Cuba.
Estas organizaciones independientes de la sociedad civil cubana se congregaran en el céntrico
parque “El Quijote” en la barriada del Vedado, ubicado en las calles 23 y J, un lugar de reuniones y
encuentros gay.
Desde allí partirán hasta el Ministerio de Justicia con el objetivo de entregar demandas al gobierno
castrista. Entre ellas se encuentran, el cese de la violencia y la represión contra los homosexuales
cubanos. Además pedirán que el actual mandatario Raúl Castro pida disculpas al pueblo cubano
por la implantación en la década de los años 60 de los Campos de Concentración de la UMAP,
(Unidad Militar de Ayuda a la Producción) que fueron creados por el propio dictador Fidel Castro,
para reprimir y castigar a los jóvenes religiosos y homosexuales que se opusieran a su ideología
marxista.
También demandarán, se reconozca que en Cuba se han expulsado de centros de estudios y de
trabajo a personas por su orientación sexual y que se revisen las causas judiciales contra
homosexuales encarcelados por el delito de Índice de Peligrosidad. Pues se conoce que
actualmente son comunes las detenciones y multas contra la comunidad homosexual en todo el
país.
Que se mejoren la pésimas condiciones en que sobreviven los enfermos de VIH SIDA y de los presos
con esa enfermedad concentrados en cuatro cárceles del país, es otra de las reclamaciones que
harán estos jóvenes en el Ministerio de Justicia.
Por otra parte quieren llamar la atención sobre el preso político Jordanys Tamayo Aldama
encarcelado en la prisión Kilo 7 de Camaguey por defender el derecho a la libertad de asociación
en espacios públicos.
Tamayo Aldama, está cumpliendo una condena de siete anos de cárcel por el delito de desacato a
la figura de Fidel Castro, pues se atrevió a decir públicamente que el dictador es homofóbico.
Las últimas informaciones que se tuvieron de ese preso político es que estaba en huelga de hambre.
Los marchantes pretenden demostrar el carácter político del proyecto del Centro Nacional de
Educación Sexual de Cuba, dirigido por Mariela Castro.
Tras entregar las demandas los asistentes a la marcha se dirigirán hasta una residencia diplomática
donde realizaran una conferencia de prensa y habrá un concierto musical.
En Miami, la organización Coalición Unida estará apoyando la Primera Marcha del Orgullo Gay
Cubano con un centro de información que estará ubicado en el Club Azúcar, 2301 SW 32 Avenida,
Miami, desde horas de la mañana a donde acudirá la comunidad gay de la ciudad para
solidarizarse con estas organizaciones independientes que comienzan a hacer historia en esta
marcha. A partir de las 5:30 pm en Azúcar se llevará una conferencia y aviso del progreso de la
marcha en Cuba.
Organizaciones de exiliados cubanos también estarán apoyando a la comunidad gay de la Isla.
Las organizaciones de defensa de los derechos de homosexuales y transexuales son comunes en
muchos países del mundo, al igual que la celebración de fiestas y desfiles del «orgullo gay». Pero el
gobierno cubano no permite la aparición de grupos ni la realización de eventos que no estén bajo
su control.
Por: Efrén Martínez. para mas informacon: efrenmtnez@yahoo.com
| . |
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMITTEE
APPROVES DOMESTIC PARTNER ORDINANCE!
Miami-Dade County Economic Development & Human Services Committee
Approves DP Ordinance For Full Commission Vote
Miami, FL ., April 16, 2008 - In a 3 to 1 vote this morning the Miami-Dade
County Economic Development and Human Services Committee approved
to send the Domestic Partners and Family Health Coverage Ordinance out
of committee for review and final vote before the entire Miami-Dade County
Commission.
The committee voted as follows:
Audrey M. Edmonson (3) Chair: ABSENT
Katy Sorenson (8) Vice Chair: YES
Barbara J. Jordan (1): YES
Dennis C. Moss (9): YES
Javier D. Souto (10): NO
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, May 6, 2008 for the final reading and vote of
this ordinance when it goes before the entire Miami-Dade County
Commission.
Thank you to all of our supporters for your time and efforts on behalf of this
ordinance. We will continue to keep you informed until this ordinance is
passed into law.
APPROVES DOMESTIC PARTNER ORDINANCE!
Miami-Dade County Economic Development & Human Services Committee
Approves DP Ordinance For Full Commission Vote
Miami, FL ., April 16, 2008 - In a 3 to 1 vote this morning the Miami-Dade
County Economic Development and Human Services Committee approved
to send the Domestic Partners and Family Health Coverage Ordinance out
of committee for review and final vote before the entire Miami-Dade County
Commission.
The committee voted as follows:
Audrey M. Edmonson (3) Chair: ABSENT
Katy Sorenson (8) Vice Chair: YES
Barbara J. Jordan (1): YES
Dennis C. Moss (9): YES
Javier D. Souto (10): NO
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, May 6, 2008 for the final reading and vote of
this ordinance when it goes before the entire Miami-Dade County
Commission.
Thank you to all of our supporters for your time and efforts on behalf of this
ordinance. We will continue to keep you informed until this ordinance is
passed into law.
With today's ruling, California becomes the first state to
provide full legal equality to the LGBT population.
Unity Coalition urges ALL FLORIDIANS to VOTE NO ON 2 in
November
May 15, 2008... Earlier today the California Supreme Court ruled that same
sex couples have the right to marry in that state. This is a historic day for all
Americans, especially LGBT the community.
Since California is the largest state in the nation with 12% of the nation's
population, this victory today means many Americans now have equal legal
rights. Unfortunately, LGBT Californians are not yet recognized as equal
under the law by the federal government because the federal Defense of
Marriage Act (DOMA) prohibits the federal government from recognizing
same sex marriages approved in states. Also the federal government
forbids all gays and lesbians, including Californians, from serving openly in
the US military.
This victory today is at risk because there is a ballot initiative this November
in California to amend the state constitution by defining marriage as
between one man and one woman. If passed, this constitutional
amendment would essentially overturn today's Supreme Court decision. It
is a top priority for all of us, not just Californians, to protect the equality that
the California Supreme Court provided today.
Massachusetts, which had made history as the first and - until today - the
only state in which same-sex couples are treated equally under the law,
received national support to protect their marriage equality. Now the priority
shifts to protecting marriage equality in California.
New Jersey may pass legislation for marriage equality within a year. If
signed by Governor Corzine, as expected, then New Jersey would join
California as the only other state to provide full legal equality to its LGBTQ
population, in marriage, employment, housing, finance, hate crimes,
adoption, transgender rights and rights for LGBTQ youth.
Massachusetts could join California as a full equality state if transgender
rights were provided.
In the months and years ahead there continues to be a lot of work to be
done. A top priority is to preserve marriage equality in California by defeating
the discriminatory ballot initiative this November.
Unity Coalition/Coalición Unida opposes the efforts by some to force
discrimination and hatred into the Florida Constitution by adopting the
so-called "Marriage Preservation Amendment" A ballot initiative to amend
the Florida Constitution to limit the definition of marriage and prevent the
recognition of civil unions or other marriage equivalents, all in the name of
marriage sanctity, will be voted on by Floridians this November. What this
proposed amendment will do is to hurt all couples, not just same-sex
couples, but any other domestic arrangement, even those between
male-female couples. Unmarried persons living in partnership, whether
gay or straight, could find themselves barred from hospital visitation,
employee benefits, child custody, financial duties to children, public
assistance, the ability to transfer property, tax exemptions, and other ways of
protecting each other from financial harm, organ donations and burial.
Americans believe that gay and lesbian couples should have access to
some forms of legal protection in their relationships.
Opposing this amendment will not force any religious organization to
recognize gay and lesbian unions. These matters of church doctrine have
always been protected, and will continue to be protected without this
unnecessary addition to our Constitution.
The Florida Constitution is the source of our rights as Floridians, not the
source for limiting or denying rights or discriminating against our citizens.
The proposed so-called Marriage Preservation Amendment to the Florida
Constitution is unnecessary, hurtful and is a violation of all Floridians civil
rights.
Unity Coalition urges all Floridians around the state to refuse to join this
mean-spirited attempt to discriminate against a group of people & their
families and urge voters to Vote No on Amendment 2, which will be on the
November ballot. Amendment 2 is also known as the "same sex marriage
ban"
amendment, but it's consequences and effects will harm ALL unmarried
couples in Florida, whether they're gay or not.. We are all equal and deserve
the same rights and opportunities in our State.
Visit www.sayno2.com for more info.
provide full legal equality to the LGBT population.
Unity Coalition urges ALL FLORIDIANS to VOTE NO ON 2 in
November
May 15, 2008... Earlier today the California Supreme Court ruled that same
sex couples have the right to marry in that state. This is a historic day for all
Americans, especially LGBT the community.
Since California is the largest state in the nation with 12% of the nation's
population, this victory today means many Americans now have equal legal
rights. Unfortunately, LGBT Californians are not yet recognized as equal
under the law by the federal government because the federal Defense of
Marriage Act (DOMA) prohibits the federal government from recognizing
same sex marriages approved in states. Also the federal government
forbids all gays and lesbians, including Californians, from serving openly in
the US military.
This victory today is at risk because there is a ballot initiative this November
in California to amend the state constitution by defining marriage as
between one man and one woman. If passed, this constitutional
amendment would essentially overturn today's Supreme Court decision. It
is a top priority for all of us, not just Californians, to protect the equality that
the California Supreme Court provided today.
Massachusetts, which had made history as the first and - until today - the
only state in which same-sex couples are treated equally under the law,
received national support to protect their marriage equality. Now the priority
shifts to protecting marriage equality in California.
New Jersey may pass legislation for marriage equality within a year. If
signed by Governor Corzine, as expected, then New Jersey would join
California as the only other state to provide full legal equality to its LGBTQ
population, in marriage, employment, housing, finance, hate crimes,
adoption, transgender rights and rights for LGBTQ youth.
Massachusetts could join California as a full equality state if transgender
rights were provided.
In the months and years ahead there continues to be a lot of work to be
done. A top priority is to preserve marriage equality in California by defeating
the discriminatory ballot initiative this November.
Unity Coalition/Coalición Unida opposes the efforts by some to force
discrimination and hatred into the Florida Constitution by adopting the
so-called "Marriage Preservation Amendment" A ballot initiative to amend
the Florida Constitution to limit the definition of marriage and prevent the
recognition of civil unions or other marriage equivalents, all in the name of
marriage sanctity, will be voted on by Floridians this November. What this
proposed amendment will do is to hurt all couples, not just same-sex
couples, but any other domestic arrangement, even those between
male-female couples. Unmarried persons living in partnership, whether
gay or straight, could find themselves barred from hospital visitation,
employee benefits, child custody, financial duties to children, public
assistance, the ability to transfer property, tax exemptions, and other ways of
protecting each other from financial harm, organ donations and burial.
Americans believe that gay and lesbian couples should have access to
some forms of legal protection in their relationships.
Opposing this amendment will not force any religious organization to
recognize gay and lesbian unions. These matters of church doctrine have
always been protected, and will continue to be protected without this
unnecessary addition to our Constitution.
The Florida Constitution is the source of our rights as Floridians, not the
source for limiting or denying rights or discriminating against our citizens.
The proposed so-called Marriage Preservation Amendment to the Florida
Constitution is unnecessary, hurtful and is a violation of all Floridians civil
rights.
Unity Coalition urges all Floridians around the state to refuse to join this
mean-spirited attempt to discriminate against a group of people & their
families and urge voters to Vote No on Amendment 2, which will be on the
November ballot. Amendment 2 is also known as the "same sex marriage
ban"
amendment, but it's consequences and effects will harm ALL unmarried
couples in Florida, whether they're gay or not.. We are all equal and deserve
the same rights and opportunities in our State.
Visit www.sayno2.com for more info.
UNITY COALITION APPLAUDS THE CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT FOR
THEIR RULING THAT SAME SEX COUPLES HAVE THE RIGHT TO MARRY
Every couple in a loving and committed relationship deserves this support
and dignity.
According to a report from UCLA's Williams Project, there are over 90,000
same-sex couples living in California with Latinos comprising 25% of these.
Latino same-sex couples are also more likely than any other ethnic group to
be raising children, it is estimated that there are over 30,000 Latino children
being raised in same-sex led households.
UNITY COALITION/COALICION UNIDA CELEBRA LA DECISION DE LA CORTE
SUPREMA DE CALIFORNIA POR LA IGUALDAD EN EL MATRIMONIO CIVIL
Toda pareja tendra la oportunidad de recibir el apoyo y la dignidad que
merecen.
Según el censo del 2000, en California se estima que hay mas de 90 mil
parejas del mismo sexo con el 25 por ciento de estas siendo Latinas. Las
parejas Latinas del mismos sexo son mas propensas que cualquier otro
grupo etnico a estar criando niños en sus hogares. Actualmente se estima
que mas de 30 mil niños latinos tienen como padres a parejas del mismo
sexo.
CLICK HERE to see where your state ranks on LGBT Rights.
THEIR RULING THAT SAME SEX COUPLES HAVE THE RIGHT TO MARRY
Every couple in a loving and committed relationship deserves this support
and dignity.
According to a report from UCLA's Williams Project, there are over 90,000
same-sex couples living in California with Latinos comprising 25% of these.
Latino same-sex couples are also more likely than any other ethnic group to
be raising children, it is estimated that there are over 30,000 Latino children
being raised in same-sex led households.
UNITY COALITION/COALICION UNIDA CELEBRA LA DECISION DE LA CORTE
SUPREMA DE CALIFORNIA POR LA IGUALDAD EN EL MATRIMONIO CIVIL
Toda pareja tendra la oportunidad de recibir el apoyo y la dignidad que
merecen.
Según el censo del 2000, en California se estima que hay mas de 90 mil
parejas del mismo sexo con el 25 por ciento de estas siendo Latinas. Las
parejas Latinas del mismos sexo son mas propensas que cualquier otro
grupo etnico a estar criando niños en sus hogares. Actualmente se estima
que mas de 30 mil niños latinos tienen como padres a parejas del mismo
sexo.
CLICK HERE to see where your state ranks on LGBT Rights.
THERE'S NO PLACE FOR HATE CRIMES IN SOUTH FLORIDA COMMUNITIES:
Unity Coalition calls for full investigation of Wilton Manors Hate Crime Spree that defaced several homes & cars
Wilton Manors, Florida- July 18, 2008… Once again our quiet neighborhoods & property is the target of vandals who scrawled anti-
gay slurs on three Wilton Manors homes early Friday, an incident police are investigating as a hate crime.
While there have been at least two physical attacks on gays in Fort Lauderdale in recent months -- including the shooting death of
teenager Simmie Lewis Williams in February -- Wilton Manors is considered a very gay-friendly town by visitors & residents alike.
UNITY COALITION/COALICION UNIDA, Florida's leading Latino/Hispanic gay civil-rights nonprofit initiative, offering leadership on
issues that concern Latino/Hispanic LGBT and other minority groups, joins the many voices of our community in a call for immediate
investigation and a united voice to declare hate crimes as unacceptable towards any group or individual.
"I am hurt & offended at the hate with which this attack was made on the homes & property of our communities’ citizens. Hate
crimes and discrimination hurts us all, and must not be tolerated" said Unity Coalition Chairman "Ron" Saul Brenesky.
"The Latino & LGBT communities know hate crimes first hand. We have experienced them personally, professionally, as individuals
and as a community. We have suffered thru the cowardice and hateful acts of those that do not understand that we all have the
right to live, worship & love how we please and have paid with humiliation, loss of property and loss of life. When one person or
group is attacked or discriminated against, we are all attacked." said UC President Herb Sosa. "Hate does not discriminate. Today it
was a neighborhood in Ft. Lauderdale. Tomorrow it may be a church, school or bodega. Unity Coalition urges our community to
adopt a zero tolerance on hate crimes & discrimination once and for all." added Sosa.
Unity Coalition calls for full investigation of Wilton Manors Hate Crime Spree that defaced several homes & cars
Wilton Manors, Florida- July 18, 2008… Once again our quiet neighborhoods & property is the target of vandals who scrawled anti-
gay slurs on three Wilton Manors homes early Friday, an incident police are investigating as a hate crime.
While there have been at least two physical attacks on gays in Fort Lauderdale in recent months -- including the shooting death of
teenager Simmie Lewis Williams in February -- Wilton Manors is considered a very gay-friendly town by visitors & residents alike.
UNITY COALITION/COALICION UNIDA, Florida's leading Latino/Hispanic gay civil-rights nonprofit initiative, offering leadership on
issues that concern Latino/Hispanic LGBT and other minority groups, joins the many voices of our community in a call for immediate
investigation and a united voice to declare hate crimes as unacceptable towards any group or individual.
"I am hurt & offended at the hate with which this attack was made on the homes & property of our communities’ citizens. Hate
crimes and discrimination hurts us all, and must not be tolerated" said Unity Coalition Chairman "Ron" Saul Brenesky.
"The Latino & LGBT communities know hate crimes first hand. We have experienced them personally, professionally, as individuals
and as a community. We have suffered thru the cowardice and hateful acts of those that do not understand that we all have the
right to live, worship & love how we please and have paid with humiliation, loss of property and loss of life. When one person or
group is attacked or discriminated against, we are all attacked." said UC President Herb Sosa. "Hate does not discriminate. Today it
was a neighborhood in Ft. Lauderdale. Tomorrow it may be a church, school or bodega. Unity Coalition urges our community to
adopt a zero tolerance on hate crimes & discrimination once and for all." added Sosa.
| . |
INTL. RECORDING ARTIST & ACTRESS LUCIA MENDEZ
MEETS WITH SOUTH FLORIDA LGBT LEADERSHIP
TO SOLIDIFY HER SUPPORT OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY
Miami, Florida…September 2nd, 2008–International Recording Artist & Latina Actress
Lucia Mendez with over two dozen Community Leaders representing various groups
and organizations across Florida to discuss how Ms. Mendez could better serve the
Latino/Hispanic LGBT Community. Brasserie Les Halles Restaurant hosted the meeting
and follow-up press conference in which she announced her upcoming U.S. Concert
Tour at Gay Venues across the country, sponsored by Club Papi and Granda Entertainment.
"It was a total success to see and meet with a star of her stature and have her give the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community her support & love, and to offer to be
a leading voice for our community” said participant and entrepreneur Dr. Arturo Alvarez.
Children’s book author and community activist Rachel Alfonso added "I am very pleased
that she is committed to help our community and specifically the LGBT youth.”
According to event moderator and Unity Coalition/Coalición Unida (UC) Chairman Ron Brenesky,
the meeting resulted in a series of accomplishments and agreements, including the creation of a UC-operated national toll free
number providing referral services for the LGBT community. Mendez will provide the intro recording message of NO ESTAS SOLO
BUSCA LA LUZ SALE DE LA OSCURIDAD (You are not alone – seek enlightenment and come out of the dark), focusing on services for the
LGBT youth and their families. Mendez, Granda Entertainment and BreTo & Assoc. have agreed to funding this hotline.
Club Azucar will produce 10,000+ cards with Unity Coalition/Coalición Unida’s info and 800 number to distribute at all of Ms. Mendez’
concerts nationwide.
Mendez expressed several other issues of interest in the community. Activist and journalist Efren Martinez-Pulgarón said "I am thrilled
that Lucia expressed her unwavering anti-communist and anti-Castro position – reaffirming her support of LGBT Cubans both in the U.S.
and on the Island.
“Every time an artist of Ms. Mendez caliber comes out in support of our community it helps to break down barriers & a victory against
homophobia” added event coordinator & participant Christian Aguilar.
Lucia Mendez will work as a LGBT Ambassador for Unity Coalition/Coalición Unida at all of her concerts and will appear at special
events & projects in upcoming months as well.
For concert info, please visit www.grandaent.com
| . |
November 2008
UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA AND PFLAG PARTNER TO TAKE A BOLD STEP TO EXPAND AND ADDRESS
NATIONAL LGBT NEEDS
Miami, Florida… With decades of combined expertise, leadership and hands-on working knowledge of the needs of LGBT, Latino/Hispanic
& other minorities UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA (UC) is taking a bold step establishing itself as a national presence.
The needs of the communities that it serves, along with the ever-growing Latino/Hispanic presence in the U.S. has prompted the
leadership of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida to restructure its board in recent months and to refocus its resources and efforts to best
serve the community for the future.
A series of new programming is being introduced by Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida to address these needs, including a National LGBT
Community Resources Center Hotline focusing but not limited to the Latino|Hispanic community –the first ever of its kind- are being
implemented in unison with Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and a network of other organizations from coast
to coast that will solidify the resources available but often overlooked or not known to smaller communities. This, along with the ongoing
efforts of UC’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive - which provides toys and other items to needy children and those living with HIV/AIDS across
Florida & the Caribbean-, Political & Social Empowerment Training Programs and many other related projects, will drive the direction &
focus of UC for the immediate future.
A recent Retreat of Board members & Volunteers of the organization additionally helped to identify resources, develop needed
programming and training to move forward. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida’s offices will remain based in Miami, Florida, since it is
internationally recognized as the Capital of the Americas, a multi-cultural city and host to dozens of national & international media
outlets.
On the newly formed alliance with UC, PFLAG issued the following statement: “As a service to family members and allies seeking
resources as well, the Unity Coalition has partnered with Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) to ensure
programming, resources and contacts are available which address the unique needs of loved ones seeking information on coming out,
support and other issues. With more than 500 chapters and affiliates throughout the country - including a diverse PFLAG network
reaching the Latino/a, Haitian, Creole, Asian-American and African-American communities - PFLAG is available to provide confidential
and supportive resources at the local level. The Unity Coalition's hotline will be able to make critical connections between families in
need and the trusted support available from PFLAG nationally.”
Political Involvement & Leadership, Immigration Rights, Same-Sex Unions, Fairness is Adoption, Equality in the workplace, Quality of
Education, an Investment in our Youth, Community Involvement, Awareness & an Increased Charitable Presence are all part of the new
LGBT Latino/Hispanic Community in the U.S. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida is poised to move forward and expand our reach across the
U.S. to assist our communities, empower them with knowledge and resources, offer our existing and up and coming leaders the tools
needed to reach true EQUALITY FOR ALL in the U.S.
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida looks to the community and its resources to improve the quality of life for all Americans, offers the
leadership to reach Equality for all, and invites the nations’ LGBT leaders & organizations to join in our vision.
Media contact |Herb Sosa 786.271.6982
UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA Y PFLAG TOMAN UN PASO AUDAZ PARA AMPLIAR Y ABORDAR LAS
NESECIDADES LGBT
Miami, Florida… noviembre 2008: Con décadas de experiencia combinada, el liderazgo y el conocimiento de las necesidades de LGBT,
latinos/hispanos y otras minorías UNITY COALITION| COALICION UNIDA (UC) está tomando un paso audaz, convirtiendose en una
presencia nacional.
Las necesidades de las comunidades que sirve, junto con la cada vez mayor presencia de latinos e hispanos en los EE.UU. ha llevado a
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida a reestructurar su junta en los últimos meses y para reorientar sus recursos y esfuerzos para servir mejor a
la comunidad para el futuro.
Una serie de nuevos programas se están introduciendo por Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida para hacer frente a estas necesidades,
incluyendo una línea telefónica bilingüe nacional LGBT de recursos -la primera de su tipo- se está llevando a cabo, junto a PFLAG (Padres
y Familias de Lesbianas y Gays) y con una red de organizaciones de costa a costa que va a solidificar los recursos disponibles, pero a
menudo pasados por alto, o aun no conocidos por comunidades más pequeñas. Esto, junto a la colecta annual de jugetes para niños
nesecitados y viviendo con VIH/SIDA, repartidos en la Florida y el Caribe, entrenamientos de empoderamiento social y politico, y mucho
otros programas aydaran a UC enfocarse en el futuro inmediato.
El entrenamiento recién de voluntaries y directores de UC ayudó a identificar recursos comunitarios para facilitar nuestros proyectos.
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida mantendrá sus oficinas en Miami, Florida, ya que es reconocido internacionalmente como la Capital de
las Américas, una ciudad multi-cultural y de acogida para decenas de nacionales e internacionales de medios de comunicación.
En la recién formada alianza con la UC, PFLAG emitió la siguiente declaración: "Como un servicio a los miembros de la familia y la
búsqueda de aliados y recursos, la Coalición Unida se ha asociado con los Padres, las Familias y amigos de Lesbianas y Gays (PFLAG) para
garantizar la programación, recursos y contactos que se dispone de dirección de las necesidades únicas de los seres queridos que
buscan información sobre idenitifarse LGBT, el apoyo y otras cuestiones. Con más de 500 capítulos y afiliados en todo el país - incluyendo
una variada red de PFLAG sirviendo las comunidades latina, haitiana, creole, asiático-americanas y afro-americanas - PFLAG está
disponible para brindar apoyo confidencial y recursos a nivel local. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida y su Nueva linea de recursos será
capaz de hacer las conexiones críticas entre las familias en necesidad y apoyo con confianza de PFLAG a nivel nacional. "
Participación Política y Liderazgo, Derechos de Inmigración, Uniones del mismo sexo, La justicia en Adopciónes, la igualdad en el lugar
de trabajo, Calidad de la Educación, una inversión en nuestra Juventud, Participación Comunitaria, Sensibilidad y una mayor presencia
de caridad, todos son parte de la Nueva Comunidad Hispana/Latina LGBT en los EE.UU. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida está lista para
avanzar y ampliar nuestro alcance a través de los EE.UU. para ayudar a nuestras comunidades con conocimientos y recursos, ofrecerles
las herramientas necesarias a los líderes actuáles y los de mañana, para alcanzar la igualdad verdadera para TODOS en los EE.UU.
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida se dirige a la comunidad y sus recursos para ayudar a mejorar la calidad de vida para todo Americanos,
ofrece el liderazgo para alcanzar la igualdad para todos, e invita a las líderes LGBT y organizaciones del paiz a unirse a nuestra visión.
UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA AND PFLAG PARTNER TO TAKE A BOLD STEP TO EXPAND AND ADDRESS
NATIONAL LGBT NEEDS
Miami, Florida… With decades of combined expertise, leadership and hands-on working knowledge of the needs of LGBT, Latino/Hispanic
& other minorities UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA (UC) is taking a bold step establishing itself as a national presence.
The needs of the communities that it serves, along with the ever-growing Latino/Hispanic presence in the U.S. has prompted the
leadership of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida to restructure its board in recent months and to refocus its resources and efforts to best
serve the community for the future.
A series of new programming is being introduced by Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida to address these needs, including a National LGBT
Community Resources Center Hotline focusing but not limited to the Latino|Hispanic community –the first ever of its kind- are being
implemented in unison with Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and a network of other organizations from coast
to coast that will solidify the resources available but often overlooked or not known to smaller communities. This, along with the ongoing
efforts of UC’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive - which provides toys and other items to needy children and those living with HIV/AIDS across
Florida & the Caribbean-, Political & Social Empowerment Training Programs and many other related projects, will drive the direction &
focus of UC for the immediate future.
A recent Retreat of Board members & Volunteers of the organization additionally helped to identify resources, develop needed
programming and training to move forward. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida’s offices will remain based in Miami, Florida, since it is
internationally recognized as the Capital of the Americas, a multi-cultural city and host to dozens of national & international media
outlets.
On the newly formed alliance with UC, PFLAG issued the following statement: “As a service to family members and allies seeking
resources as well, the Unity Coalition has partnered with Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) to ensure
programming, resources and contacts are available which address the unique needs of loved ones seeking information on coming out,
support and other issues. With more than 500 chapters and affiliates throughout the country - including a diverse PFLAG network
reaching the Latino/a, Haitian, Creole, Asian-American and African-American communities - PFLAG is available to provide confidential
and supportive resources at the local level. The Unity Coalition's hotline will be able to make critical connections between families in
need and the trusted support available from PFLAG nationally.”
Political Involvement & Leadership, Immigration Rights, Same-Sex Unions, Fairness is Adoption, Equality in the workplace, Quality of
Education, an Investment in our Youth, Community Involvement, Awareness & an Increased Charitable Presence are all part of the new
LGBT Latino/Hispanic Community in the U.S. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida is poised to move forward and expand our reach across the
U.S. to assist our communities, empower them with knowledge and resources, offer our existing and up and coming leaders the tools
needed to reach true EQUALITY FOR ALL in the U.S.
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida looks to the community and its resources to improve the quality of life for all Americans, offers the
leadership to reach Equality for all, and invites the nations’ LGBT leaders & organizations to join in our vision.
Media contact |Herb Sosa 786.271.6982
UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA Y PFLAG TOMAN UN PASO AUDAZ PARA AMPLIAR Y ABORDAR LAS
NESECIDADES LGBT
Miami, Florida… noviembre 2008: Con décadas de experiencia combinada, el liderazgo y el conocimiento de las necesidades de LGBT,
latinos/hispanos y otras minorías UNITY COALITION| COALICION UNIDA (UC) está tomando un paso audaz, convirtiendose en una
presencia nacional.
Las necesidades de las comunidades que sirve, junto con la cada vez mayor presencia de latinos e hispanos en los EE.UU. ha llevado a
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida a reestructurar su junta en los últimos meses y para reorientar sus recursos y esfuerzos para servir mejor a
la comunidad para el futuro.
Una serie de nuevos programas se están introduciendo por Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida para hacer frente a estas necesidades,
incluyendo una línea telefónica bilingüe nacional LGBT de recursos -la primera de su tipo- se está llevando a cabo, junto a PFLAG (Padres
y Familias de Lesbianas y Gays) y con una red de organizaciones de costa a costa que va a solidificar los recursos disponibles, pero a
menudo pasados por alto, o aun no conocidos por comunidades más pequeñas. Esto, junto a la colecta annual de jugetes para niños
nesecitados y viviendo con VIH/SIDA, repartidos en la Florida y el Caribe, entrenamientos de empoderamiento social y politico, y mucho
otros programas aydaran a UC enfocarse en el futuro inmediato.
El entrenamiento recién de voluntaries y directores de UC ayudó a identificar recursos comunitarios para facilitar nuestros proyectos.
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida mantendrá sus oficinas en Miami, Florida, ya que es reconocido internacionalmente como la Capital de
las Américas, una ciudad multi-cultural y de acogida para decenas de nacionales e internacionales de medios de comunicación.
En la recién formada alianza con la UC, PFLAG emitió la siguiente declaración: "Como un servicio a los miembros de la familia y la
búsqueda de aliados y recursos, la Coalición Unida se ha asociado con los Padres, las Familias y amigos de Lesbianas y Gays (PFLAG) para
garantizar la programación, recursos y contactos que se dispone de dirección de las necesidades únicas de los seres queridos que
buscan información sobre idenitifarse LGBT, el apoyo y otras cuestiones. Con más de 500 capítulos y afiliados en todo el país - incluyendo
una variada red de PFLAG sirviendo las comunidades latina, haitiana, creole, asiático-americanas y afro-americanas - PFLAG está
disponible para brindar apoyo confidencial y recursos a nivel local. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida y su Nueva linea de recursos será
capaz de hacer las conexiones críticas entre las familias en necesidad y apoyo con confianza de PFLAG a nivel nacional. "
Participación Política y Liderazgo, Derechos de Inmigración, Uniones del mismo sexo, La justicia en Adopciónes, la igualdad en el lugar
de trabajo, Calidad de la Educación, una inversión en nuestra Juventud, Participación Comunitaria, Sensibilidad y una mayor presencia
de caridad, todos son parte de la Nueva Comunidad Hispana/Latina LGBT en los EE.UU. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida está lista para
avanzar y ampliar nuestro alcance a través de los EE.UU. para ayudar a nuestras comunidades con conocimientos y recursos, ofrecerles
las herramientas necesarias a los líderes actuáles y los de mañana, para alcanzar la igualdad verdadera para TODOS en los EE.UU.
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida se dirige a la comunidad y sus recursos para ayudar a mejorar la calidad de vida para todo Americanos,
ofrece el liderazgo para alcanzar la igualdad para todos, e invita a las líderes LGBT y organizaciones del paiz a unirse a nuestra visión.
November 18, 2008
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA LGBT COMMUNITY | Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida remains committed
to equal rights and fairness in marriage for all Floridians and calls for a continued unification of our community,
alliances & grass roots efforts to stay focused on Equality & overturn Amendment 2.
For over 2 years, Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida worked closely with local & state LGBT & community rights organizations & groups to
develop & implement the best & most effective way of reaching Florida voters & urging them to Vote No on Amendment 2.
LGBT groups & individuals did this not just for the LGBT community, but to protect the rights of all Floridians. Florida Red & Blue, Equality
Florida, Say NO on 2, Vote No On 2, SAVE Dade and many other well intended and knowledgeable groups & individuals in our community
were established and focused on overturning this hurtful & divisive amendment.
As is the policy of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida, our focus was to reach out to the often overlooked minority communities, specifically
the Latino|Hispanic communities of South Florida. We did this after many open & productive meetings with the community, and are
proud of reaching thousands of voters and influencing many of them to Vote NO. We did this by appearing on dozens of TV, & radio shows
over a 2 year period. We did this by enticing print & electronic media resources to write about amendment 2 from our communities’
perspective. We did this in unison with many other community leaders & groups, each of which had a well planned & executed
campaign. The results for South Florida were very favorable. Unfortunately other Florida regions voted overwhelmingly to support
amendment 2 and the state eventually approved amendment 2, disheartening and disappointing hundreds of us in the community that
spent so much time, money & effort.
Most recently Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida led a multi-organizational effort in Miami on November 15th - a National Day of Protest – to
focus on the communities’ outrage over the anti-LGBT voter response to Florida Amendment 2, California Prop 8, Arizona 102, and the
other setbacks in Equality for the LGBT community. We realized early on in the planning that there was a need for more than one presence
in our South Florida community, and joined Ft. Lauderdale & Miami Beach, and led an effort for the Latino|Hispanic community & media to
meet & reach the full community.
The Miami Rally for Equality was accomplished by Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida with the combined and solid partnership efforts of
Equality Florida, Florida Red & Blue, SAVE Dade, Freedom Democrats, Log Cabin Miami, FightOUTLoud.org, AMBIENTE Magazine, Club
Azúcar, Miami Gay Blog, Milancita.com and many other volunteers & groups. Could or should this protest have been done at an earlier
date? Possibly, but we remain extremely proud of our alliances in the community; the ability for the LGBT community to join forces and to
stand in support with the rest of the country to have our voices heard. Civil & Equal Rights in this country have taken many generations for
other groups to achieve. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida fully expects that thru our continued efforts, leadership, partnerships &
volunteerism, the LGBT community will not have to wait that long for our full equality.
Together we must all work to restore the LGBT Community's confidence in our efforts and encourage all participants of this November 15th’
s grassroots effort to join forces in working together for Equality for all Floridians.
Herb Sosa, President|UC , Ron Brenesky Chairman | UC,
and the Board of Directors of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA LGBT COMMUNITY | Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida remains committed
to equal rights and fairness in marriage for all Floridians and calls for a continued unification of our community,
alliances & grass roots efforts to stay focused on Equality & overturn Amendment 2.
For over 2 years, Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida worked closely with local & state LGBT & community rights organizations & groups to
develop & implement the best & most effective way of reaching Florida voters & urging them to Vote No on Amendment 2.
LGBT groups & individuals did this not just for the LGBT community, but to protect the rights of all Floridians. Florida Red & Blue, Equality
Florida, Say NO on 2, Vote No On 2, SAVE Dade and many other well intended and knowledgeable groups & individuals in our community
were established and focused on overturning this hurtful & divisive amendment.
As is the policy of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida, our focus was to reach out to the often overlooked minority communities, specifically
the Latino|Hispanic communities of South Florida. We did this after many open & productive meetings with the community, and are
proud of reaching thousands of voters and influencing many of them to Vote NO. We did this by appearing on dozens of TV, & radio shows
over a 2 year period. We did this by enticing print & electronic media resources to write about amendment 2 from our communities’
perspective. We did this in unison with many other community leaders & groups, each of which had a well planned & executed
campaign. The results for South Florida were very favorable. Unfortunately other Florida regions voted overwhelmingly to support
amendment 2 and the state eventually approved amendment 2, disheartening and disappointing hundreds of us in the community that
spent so much time, money & effort.
Most recently Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida led a multi-organizational effort in Miami on November 15th - a National Day of Protest – to
focus on the communities’ outrage over the anti-LGBT voter response to Florida Amendment 2, California Prop 8, Arizona 102, and the
other setbacks in Equality for the LGBT community. We realized early on in the planning that there was a need for more than one presence
in our South Florida community, and joined Ft. Lauderdale & Miami Beach, and led an effort for the Latino|Hispanic community & media to
meet & reach the full community.
The Miami Rally for Equality was accomplished by Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida with the combined and solid partnership efforts of
Equality Florida, Florida Red & Blue, SAVE Dade, Freedom Democrats, Log Cabin Miami, FightOUTLoud.org, AMBIENTE Magazine, Club
Azúcar, Miami Gay Blog, Milancita.com and many other volunteers & groups. Could or should this protest have been done at an earlier
date? Possibly, but we remain extremely proud of our alliances in the community; the ability for the LGBT community to join forces and to
stand in support with the rest of the country to have our voices heard. Civil & Equal Rights in this country have taken many generations for
other groups to achieve. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida fully expects that thru our continued efforts, leadership, partnerships &
volunteerism, the LGBT community will not have to wait that long for our full equality.
Together we must all work to restore the LGBT Community's confidence in our efforts and encourage all participants of this November 15th’
s grassroots effort to join forces in working together for Equality for all Floridians.
Herb Sosa, President|UC , Ron Brenesky Chairman | UC,
and the Board of Directors of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida
November 18, 2008
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA LGBT COMMUNITY |
Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida remains committed to equal rights and fairness in marriage for all Floridians and calls for a continued
unification of our community, alliances & grass roots efforts to stay focused on Equality & overturn Amendment 2.
For over 2 years, Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida worked closely with local & state LGBT & community rights organizations & groups to
develop & implement the best & most effective way of reaching Florida voters & urging them to Vote No on Amendment 2.
LGBT groups & individuals did this not just for the LGBT community, but to protect the rights of all Floridians. Florida Red & Blue, Equality
Florida, Say NO on 2, Vote No On 2, SAVE Dade and many other well intended and knowledgeable groups & individuals in our community
were established and focused on overturning this hurtful & divisive amendment.
As is the policy of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida, our focus was to reach out to the often overlooked minority communities, specifically
the Latino|Hispanic communities of South Florida. We did this after many open & productive meetings with the community, and are
proud of reaching thousands of voters and influencing many of them to Vote NO. We did this by appearing on dozens of TV, & radio
shows over a 2 year period. We did this by enticing print & electronic media resources to write about amendment 2 from our
communities’ perspective. We did this in unison with many other community leaders & groups, each of which had a well planned &
executed campaign. The results for South Florida were very favorable. Unfortunately other regions voted overwhelmingly to support
amendment 2 and the state eventually approved amendment 2, disheartening and disappointing hundreds of us in the community that
spent so much time, money & effort.
Most recently Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida led a multi-organizational effort in Miami on November 15th - a National Day of Protest –
to focus on the communities’ outrage over the anti-LGBT voter response to Florida Amendment 2, California Prop 8, Arizona 102, and the
other setbacks in Equality for the LGBT community. We realized early on in the planning that there was a need for more than one
presence in our South Florida community, and joined Ft. Lauderdale & Miami Beach, and led an effort for the Latino|Hispanic community
& media to meet & reach the full community.
The Miami Rally for Equality was accomplished by Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida with the combined and solid partnership efforts of
Equality Florida, Florida Red & Blue, SAVE Dade, Freedom Democrats, Log Cabin Miami, FightOUTLoud.org, AMBIENTE Magazine, Club
Azúcar, Miami Gay Blog, Milancita.com and many other volunteers & groups. Could or should this protest have been done at an earlier
date? Possibly, but we remain extremely proud of our alliances in the community; the ability for the LGBT community to join forces and to
stand in support with the rest of the country to have our voices heard. Civil & Equal Rights in this country have taken many generations
for other groups to achieve. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida fully expects that thru our continued efforts, leadership, partnerships &
volunteerism, the LGBT community will not have to wait that long for our full equality.
THANK YOU...
- To the University of Miami Students that Organized Saturday's Protests in Miami Beach that brought out over 500 people, gay and
straight, who stood in unity against discrimination against the LGBT Community.
- To Arturo & Tony of Azucar for donating of their time and efforts to make the Maimi Rally a success.
- To Mayor Matti Bower who stood with the protesters, holding up a sign for two hours.
- To Babak Movahedi, owner of HALO Lounge, who's inspiring words moved the crowd to commit to standing strong & continuing the
fight against LGBT discrimination and to repealing Amendment 2.
- To Michael Gongora, who worked behind the scenes to help the volunteer Join the Impact organizers connect with the Mayor, walk
through the steps to get the city permit, provide legal advice, and whatever else was asked of him whenever we called.
- To Jennifer Jacobus & her partner for making over a hundred hand held protests signs.
- To the numerous local media outlets that covered the story fairly.
- To Geo Bustamante of GaySoFla.com who spent over 30 hrs inviting hundreds of people to attend.
- To the almost 1,000,000 people in all 50 states, in over 300 cities, and eight countries that left their agendas and egos at home and
joined together at the exact same time, on the same day, to tell the world LGBT Individuals will not allow themselves to be deduced to
2nd Class Citizens!
Together we must all work to restore the LGBT Community's confidence in our efforts and encourage all participants of this November
15th’s grassroots effort to join forces in working together for Equality for all Floridians.
Herb Sosa, President |UC , Ron Brenesky Chairman | UC,
and the Board of Directors of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA LGBT COMMUNITY |
Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida remains committed to equal rights and fairness in marriage for all Floridians and calls for a continued
unification of our community, alliances & grass roots efforts to stay focused on Equality & overturn Amendment 2.
For over 2 years, Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida worked closely with local & state LGBT & community rights organizations & groups to
develop & implement the best & most effective way of reaching Florida voters & urging them to Vote No on Amendment 2.
LGBT groups & individuals did this not just for the LGBT community, but to protect the rights of all Floridians. Florida Red & Blue, Equality
Florida, Say NO on 2, Vote No On 2, SAVE Dade and many other well intended and knowledgeable groups & individuals in our community
were established and focused on overturning this hurtful & divisive amendment.
As is the policy of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida, our focus was to reach out to the often overlooked minority communities, specifically
the Latino|Hispanic communities of South Florida. We did this after many open & productive meetings with the community, and are
proud of reaching thousands of voters and influencing many of them to Vote NO. We did this by appearing on dozens of TV, & radio
shows over a 2 year period. We did this by enticing print & electronic media resources to write about amendment 2 from our
communities’ perspective. We did this in unison with many other community leaders & groups, each of which had a well planned &
executed campaign. The results for South Florida were very favorable. Unfortunately other regions voted overwhelmingly to support
amendment 2 and the state eventually approved amendment 2, disheartening and disappointing hundreds of us in the community that
spent so much time, money & effort.
Most recently Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida led a multi-organizational effort in Miami on November 15th - a National Day of Protest –
to focus on the communities’ outrage over the anti-LGBT voter response to Florida Amendment 2, California Prop 8, Arizona 102, and the
other setbacks in Equality for the LGBT community. We realized early on in the planning that there was a need for more than one
presence in our South Florida community, and joined Ft. Lauderdale & Miami Beach, and led an effort for the Latino|Hispanic community
& media to meet & reach the full community.
The Miami Rally for Equality was accomplished by Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida with the combined and solid partnership efforts of
Equality Florida, Florida Red & Blue, SAVE Dade, Freedom Democrats, Log Cabin Miami, FightOUTLoud.org, AMBIENTE Magazine, Club
Azúcar, Miami Gay Blog, Milancita.com and many other volunteers & groups. Could or should this protest have been done at an earlier
date? Possibly, but we remain extremely proud of our alliances in the community; the ability for the LGBT community to join forces and to
stand in support with the rest of the country to have our voices heard. Civil & Equal Rights in this country have taken many generations
for other groups to achieve. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida fully expects that thru our continued efforts, leadership, partnerships &
volunteerism, the LGBT community will not have to wait that long for our full equality.
THANK YOU...
- To the University of Miami Students that Organized Saturday's Protests in Miami Beach that brought out over 500 people, gay and
straight, who stood in unity against discrimination against the LGBT Community.
- To Arturo & Tony of Azucar for donating of their time and efforts to make the Maimi Rally a success.
- To Mayor Matti Bower who stood with the protesters, holding up a sign for two hours.
- To Babak Movahedi, owner of HALO Lounge, who's inspiring words moved the crowd to commit to standing strong & continuing the
fight against LGBT discrimination and to repealing Amendment 2.
- To Michael Gongora, who worked behind the scenes to help the volunteer Join the Impact organizers connect with the Mayor, walk
through the steps to get the city permit, provide legal advice, and whatever else was asked of him whenever we called.
- To Jennifer Jacobus & her partner for making over a hundred hand held protests signs.
- To the numerous local media outlets that covered the story fairly.
- To Geo Bustamante of GaySoFla.com who spent over 30 hrs inviting hundreds of people to attend.
- To the almost 1,000,000 people in all 50 states, in over 300 cities, and eight countries that left their agendas and egos at home and
joined together at the exact same time, on the same day, to tell the world LGBT Individuals will not allow themselves to be deduced to
2nd Class Citizens!
Together we must all work to restore the LGBT Community's confidence in our efforts and encourage all participants of this November
15th’s grassroots effort to join forces in working together for Equality for all Floridians.
Herb Sosa, President |UC , Ron Brenesky Chairman | UC,
and the Board of Directors of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida