UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA announces new Board of Directors, bids farewell to some, and
concentrates efforts on core Latino|Hispanic|LGBT Community Priorities
Miami Florida… August 12, 2009- Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida (UC|CU), the leading Latino|Hispanic gay civil-rights nonprofit initiative,
offering leadership on issues that concern Latino|Hispanic LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) and other minority groups across the
U.S., announced its new slate of Board of Directors today. The 2009-10 slate is comprised of Herb Sosa- board president, Dahlia Canes,
Efren Martinez-Pulgarón, and has added Vanessa Brito and Armando Diaz, Jr.
Ms. Brito, a South Florida native of Portuguese & Spanish parents, has her B.A. and M.A. in Political Science from Florida International
University, is the principal at Myami Marketing and works extensively with many of the communities’ politicians, community groups and is
highly respected and active in Miami’s political & social networks. Mr. Diaz is a native of Honduras and is works intensely within the
Graphics Production and Multi-Media field. He is currently a regular features writer to Ambiente Magazine focusing on the Arts, Music, and
Culture. In the next few months UC|CU plans to induct a few other new board members who will bring even more diversity, talents &
community outreach to the organization.
UC|CU bids farewell to co-founder Ron Brenesky, Christian Aguilar, Rachel Alfonso & Dr. Arturo Alvarez, who have loyally served the board
and its mission for much of its history. We also wish outgoing board member David Carcache-Guzman much luck & success in his new
appointment at the United States Department of Labor in Washington D.C. and Miami-Dade, Florida. We wish them all the best in their
endeavors.
“UC|CU remains committed to the core values, priorities and needs of the Latino|Hispanic|LGBT community and
continues its vigilance to ensure equality and fairness for our community. I feel more confident than ever that with
the talent, credibility, professionalism & energy that our new board brings this year, UC|CU is on a clear path of
continued leadership and a visible & effective voice for all Latino, Hispanic & LGBT persons. Community
confidence in its leaders is paramount to the success of Equality.
The 2009-10 UC|CU board of directors is one of the most respected, honest & capable group of individuals I have
ever had the privilege of working with, and I am excited to see what positive changes this group will collectively
accomplish in the near future for our community.” - Herb Sosa, UC|CU co-founder & President
The board of directors has also voted to not have its Annual Toy Drive this year due to the difficult economic times our community is
facing, but is working closely with various charities and organizations to ensure that no child is left without a toy this holiday season. If you
want to donate a Toy, money or time, please contact one of the following organizations and tell them you are calling from Unity
Coalition|Coalición Unida: UNIDAD of Miami Beach (Rey)- 305- 867-0051; or CARE Resource (Tania) - 305 576-1234 ext 253.
Political Involvement & Leadership, Immigration Rights, Same-Sex Unions, Fairness in Adoption, Equality in the workplace, Quality of
Education, an Investment in our Youth and continued Community Involvement & Awareness are all part of the new LGBT Latino/Hispanic
Community in the U.S. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida is poised to move forward and continue to assist our communities, empower them
with knowledge, resources and offer our existing and up and coming leaders the tools needed to reach true EQUALITY FOR ALL in the U.S.
We also continue to add to and improve our National LGBT Community Resources Directory, focusing but not limited to the
Latino|Hispanic community –the first ever of its kind- and expand our partnerships with a network of organizations from coast to coast
such as Immigration Equality, Love See No Borders, Equality Florida, Save Dade, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
(PFLAG) and many others, that will solidify the resources available but often overlooked or not known to smaller communities.
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida is committed to our Latino|Hispanic|LGBT community, its respect, voice, representation and equality.
---------------------------------------------------
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida anuncia nueva Junta de Directores, se despide de algunos, y concentra
esfuerzos en las prioridades de la comunidad latina|hispana|LGBT
Miami, Florida ... 12 de agosto de 2009 – Unity Coalition | Coalición Unida (UC|CU), una iniciativa sin fines de lucros y lider en la defensa
de los derechos civiles de la comunidad Latina|hispana LGBT (lesbianas, gay, bisexual, transgenero), ofreciendo liderazgo en asuntos
concernientes a este y otros grupos minoritarios en todos los Estados Unidos, anunció su nueva junta de directores el día de hoy. La junta
de directores del 2009-10 se compone de Herb Sosa - Presidente, Dahlia Canes, Efrén Martínez Pulgarón, y ha añadido a Vanesaa Brito y
Armando Diaz, Jr. La Srta. Brtio, nacida en Miami Beach de padres portugüeses y españoles, tiene su titulo de B.A. y M.A. en Ciencias
Politicas de Florida International University, es principal de Myami Marketing y muy respetada y activa en la política de Miami y las redes
sociales. Sr. Díaz, Jr. es nativo de Honduras, trabaja en obras de Artes Gráficas y Medios de Comunicación y es colaborador habitual de la
revista Ambiente, con enfoque en Arte, Música y Cultura. En los próximos meses CU |CU planea instalar algunos otros individuos a la junta
que traerá aún más la diversidad, talento y alcance a la comunidad para a la organización.
UC|CU se despide del co-fundador Ron Brenesky, Christian Aguilar, Rachel Alfonso y el Dr. Arturo Álvarez, leales servidores de la junta y su
misión por gran parte de su existencia. Tabien nos despedimos y le deseamos mucha suerte a David Carcache-Guzman, que comiensa su
servicio con el Depto. de Labor en Washington D.C. y Miami-Dade, Florida. Deseandoles éxito en el futuro.
"UC|CU sigue comprometida a nuestros valores fundamentales, las prioridades y necesidades de la comunidad
latina|hispana|LGBT y continúa con su vigilancia para garantizar la igualdad y la justicia para nuestra
comunidad. Me siento más seguro que nunca que con el talento, la credibilidad, el nivel de profesionalidad y
la nueva energía que aborda a la junta este año. UC|CU emprende un claro camino de liderazgo y es una
voz efectiva y visible para todos los latinos, hispanos y personas LGBT.
La confianza de la comunidad en sus dirigentes es fundamental para el éxito de la Igualdad. La junta de
directores de 2009-10 es un equipo de los más respetados, honestos y capaces con el cual he tenido el privilegio
de trabajar, y estoy muy confiado en los cambios positivos que este grupo colectivamente logrará para nuestra
comunidad. " - Herb Sosa, co-fundador y presidente de UC|CU
La junta de directores también ha votado a favor de no tener su colecta Anual del Juguetes este año debido a la difícil situación
económica que confronta nuestra comunidad, pero está trabajando en colaboración con diversos grupos y organizaciones benéficas
para garantizar que ningún niño se quede sin un juguete en esta temporada festiva. Si Ud. Quiere donar un jugete, dinero o su tiempo,
favor de contactar una de estas organizaciones, y dile que llama de Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida: UNIDAD of Miami Beach (Rey) - 305-
867-0051; o CARE Resource (Tania)– 305-576-1234 ext 253.
Participación política y liderazgo, Derechos de Inmigración, uniones del mismo sexo, la equidad en la adopción, la igualdad en el lugar
de trabajo, Calidad de la Educación, una inversión en nuestra juventud y la continuación de la participación comunitaria y de
sensibilización son parte de la nueva LGBT Latinas / Hispanas en la Comunidad EE.UU. Unidad Coalición|Coalición Unida está preparada
para seguir adelante y seguir ayudando a nuestras comunidades, la autonomía
con el conocimiento, los recursos y ofrecer a nuestros actuales y futuros dirigentes las herramientas que necesitan para llegar a una
verdadera igualdad para todos en los EE.UU. También se sigue aumentando y mejorando nuestro Directorio Nacional de Recursos de la
Comunidad LGBT, enfocado pero no limitado a los latinos|hispanos –que es el la primero en su clase- ampliar nuestra asociación con la
red de organizaciones de costa a costa, como Immigration Equality, Love Sees No Borders, Equality Florida, Save Dade, Padres, Familias y
Amigos de Lesbianas y Gays (PFLAG) y muchos otros, que fortalecerán los recursos disponibles, pero a veces ignorado o desconocidos en
las comunidades más pequeñas.
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida está comprometida con nuestra comunidad latina|hispana| LGBT, su respeto, voz, representación e
igualdad.
2009-10 Board of Directors
Herb Sosa|President, Vanessa Brito, Dahlia Canes, Armando Diaz, Jr., Efren Martinez-Pulgarón
www.unitycoalition.org www.coalicionunida.org
New Hampshire becomes the fifth state to legalize same-sex unions
New Hampshire became the sixth state to legalize gay marriage after the Senate and House passed key language on religious rights
and Gov. John Lynch — who personally opposes gay marriage — signed the legislation on June 3, 2009.
On April 7, 2009, the Vermont legislature overrode a veto by the governor and passed a bill to eliminate the exclusion of same-sex
couples from marriage, thereby making Vermont the first state to do so prior to a court decision requiring full marriage equality.
Here's where things stand nationally…
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
Vermont, Iowa, Connecticut and Massachusetts, California briefly allowed gay marriage last year, but a voter initiative in November
repealed it.
CIVIL UNIONS
New Hampshire and New Jersey, same-sex couples can enter into civil unions that entail the same rights and responsibilities as
marriage.
New Hampshire's House passed a marriage bill in March, which now awaits a Senate vote.
- New Jersey, Gov. Jon Corzine has pledged to sign a gay marriage bill that has been introduced in its legislature.
DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS
California, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia have domestic-partnership laws that extend many of the benefits of
marriage to same-sex couples.
CONSTITUTIONAL BANS
29 states have approved state constitutional amendments that ban gay marriage: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California,
Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North
Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin & Hawaii
FEDERAL RECOGNITION
Under the federal Defense of Marriage Act, the U.S. government does not recognize same-sex unions, even those that are legal
marriages in Massachusetts, Connecticut and several foreign countries.
OUT-OF-STATE RECOGNITION
New York recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere but hasn't allowed them in the state.
The District of Columbia Council recognizes gay marriages performed in other states.
------------
Nationalmente (EE.UU.), aqui esta la situacion del Matrimonio del mismo sexo…
Matrimonio del Mismo Sexo es legal en:
New Hampshire, Vermont, Iowa, Connecticut y Massachusetts, California lo permitio por un tiempo antes que en Noviembre del 2008
los votantes lo rechazaron.
Uniones Civiles
New Hampshire y New Jersey, parejas del mismo sexo pueden entar en Uniones Civiles que les da los mismos derechos y
responsabilidades como un matrimonio.
En New Hampshire la Camara baja paso en Marzo una ley para permitir el Matrimonio del mismo sexo, esta legislacion esta en espera
del voto en el Senado Estatal.
- El Gobernador Jon Corzine de New Jersey se ha comprometido a firmar la ley
presentada en la legislatura estatal.
Parejas Domesticas
California, Oregon, Washington y el Districto def Columbia ha extendido las leyes de Parejas Domestica que cubren el matrimonio del
mismo sexo.
No Permiten ni Matrimonio ni Uniones Civiles
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi,
Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah,
Virginia, Wisconsin y Hawaii.
Reconocimiento Federal
La acta conocida como federal Defense of Marriage Act, del gobierno Federal no reconoce las uniones civiles ni el matrimonio, aun
los de Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont y de otros paises soveranos.
Estados que reconocen los matrimonios hechos en otro Estados
New York reconoce los matrimonios hechas fuera del Estado, pese que New York no lo permite.
El Districto def Columbia tambien reconoce los matrimonios hechos en otros Estados.
New Hampshire became the sixth state to legalize gay marriage after the Senate and House passed key language on religious rights
and Gov. John Lynch — who personally opposes gay marriage — signed the legislation on June 3, 2009.
On April 7, 2009, the Vermont legislature overrode a veto by the governor and passed a bill to eliminate the exclusion of same-sex
couples from marriage, thereby making Vermont the first state to do so prior to a court decision requiring full marriage equality.
Here's where things stand nationally…
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
Vermont, Iowa, Connecticut and Massachusetts, California briefly allowed gay marriage last year, but a voter initiative in November
repealed it.
CIVIL UNIONS
New Hampshire and New Jersey, same-sex couples can enter into civil unions that entail the same rights and responsibilities as
marriage.
New Hampshire's House passed a marriage bill in March, which now awaits a Senate vote.
- New Jersey, Gov. Jon Corzine has pledged to sign a gay marriage bill that has been introduced in its legislature.
DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS
California, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia have domestic-partnership laws that extend many of the benefits of
marriage to same-sex couples.
CONSTITUTIONAL BANS
29 states have approved state constitutional amendments that ban gay marriage: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California,
Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North
Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin & Hawaii
FEDERAL RECOGNITION
Under the federal Defense of Marriage Act, the U.S. government does not recognize same-sex unions, even those that are legal
marriages in Massachusetts, Connecticut and several foreign countries.
OUT-OF-STATE RECOGNITION
New York recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere but hasn't allowed them in the state.
The District of Columbia Council recognizes gay marriages performed in other states.
------------
Nationalmente (EE.UU.), aqui esta la situacion del Matrimonio del mismo sexo…
Matrimonio del Mismo Sexo es legal en:
New Hampshire, Vermont, Iowa, Connecticut y Massachusetts, California lo permitio por un tiempo antes que en Noviembre del 2008
los votantes lo rechazaron.
Uniones Civiles
New Hampshire y New Jersey, parejas del mismo sexo pueden entar en Uniones Civiles que les da los mismos derechos y
responsabilidades como un matrimonio.
En New Hampshire la Camara baja paso en Marzo una ley para permitir el Matrimonio del mismo sexo, esta legislacion esta en espera
del voto en el Senado Estatal.
- El Gobernador Jon Corzine de New Jersey se ha comprometido a firmar la ley
presentada en la legislatura estatal.
Parejas Domesticas
California, Oregon, Washington y el Districto def Columbia ha extendido las leyes de Parejas Domestica que cubren el matrimonio del
mismo sexo.
No Permiten ni Matrimonio ni Uniones Civiles
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi,
Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah,
Virginia, Wisconsin y Hawaii.
Reconocimiento Federal
La acta conocida como federal Defense of Marriage Act, del gobierno Federal no reconoce las uniones civiles ni el matrimonio, aun
los de Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont y de otros paises soveranos.
Estados que reconocen los matrimonios hechos en otro Estados
New York reconoce los matrimonios hechas fuera del Estado, pese que New York no lo permite.
El Districto def Columbia tambien reconoce los matrimonios hechos en otros Estados.
PRESS RELEASES | PRENSA | BREAKING NEWS | NOTICIAS DE ULTIMA HORA
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 marchunder 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 marchunder 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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 Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida president Herb Sosa.
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|CU
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|CU
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|CU
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|CU
and the Board of Directors of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida
City of Miami Beach Presents Proclamations to Herb Sosa & Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida for
Outstanding Work in the Community
Pictured (L-R): Rachel Alfonso, Comm. Victor Diaz, Ron Brenesky, Herb Sosa, Mayor Matti Bower, Arturo Alvarez.
Back row, Miami Beach Commissioners.
2nd picture: Comm. Victor Diaz, Herb Sosa, Mayor Matti Bower. Back row, Miami Beach Commissioners
January 28, 2009... Miami Beach, FL - Commissioner Victor Diaz, Jr. and the Miami Beach Commission issued City Proclamations to both
Herb Sosa and Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida for their Outstanding Work on behalf of the Latino|Hispanic|LGBT Community.
Herb Sosa has dedicated many years to community leadership & activism in the City of Miami Beach, and was recognized for his work
with recognition and a proclamation of Herb Sosa Day in the city.
UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA is the leading Latino|Hispanic gay civil-rights nonprofit initiative, offering leadership on issues that
concern LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) and other minority groups across the U.S., and was also recognized with a City
proclamation.
The needs of the communities that it serves, along with the ever-growing Latino/Hispanic presence in the U.S. is what inspired co-
founders Herb Sosa & Ron Brenesky to develop Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida and to focus its board of directors, resources and
efforts to best serve the community for the future.
Initially created in 2002 to defend a challenge at the polls to Miami-Dade County’s Human Rights Ordinance from repeal with an active
Hispanic media and educational campaign and a strong presence at the polls on Election Day, Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida
(UC|CU) accomplished a victory of thousands of votes in 13 primarily Hispanic polls thought by most to be un-winnable. Most recently
UC|CU established a national bilingual hotline of LGBT resources –the first ever of its kind, along with a network of organizations from
coast to coast that solidifies the resources available but often overlooked or not known to smaller communities.
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida has became a powerful & recognized the voice for all Latino/Hispanic LGBT issues in the local, national
& International media – but most importantly, has given a much needed face, voice and leadership to Florida’s Latino/Hispanic LGBT
citizens and communities.
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
LGBT Latino/Hispanic Community in the U.S. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida has positioned itself to move forward and expand its local
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.
Over the years, UC|CU has offered a variety of programming, social & political leadership to the community, such as empowerment
trainings offered throughout the community; Many new community leadership groups were jump started by UC|CU across the state;
The first ever Latino LGBT Lobby Day was established in Tallahassee; An annual toy drive giving back to needy children and those living
with HIV/AIDS in Florida & the Caribbean was developed and had donated over 14,000 toys to date; A national dialogue & leadership
was established with dozens of other LGBT groups and a national Latino/LGBT organization was created with the help of UC|CU’s
leadership; Immigrant Rights Marches and voters registration rallies have been organized in South Florida by UC|CU; International
alliances have been established; A productive dialogue with local police, city governments and various religious groups has been
established; Countywide legislation developed by UC|CU was created for the prevention if HIV/AIDS, and many more worthy projects
across the community.
2008 Board of Directors
Herb Sosa - President
Rachel Alfonso, Dahlia Canes, Dr. Laura Leyva, Christian Aguilar, Dr. Arturo Alvarez, Efren Martinez-Pulgarón
www.unitycoalition.org www.coalicionunida.org
Outstanding Work in the Community
Pictured (L-R): Rachel Alfonso, Comm. Victor Diaz, Ron Brenesky, Herb Sosa, Mayor Matti Bower, Arturo Alvarez.
Back row, Miami Beach Commissioners.
2nd picture: Comm. Victor Diaz, Herb Sosa, Mayor Matti Bower. Back row, Miami Beach Commissioners
January 28, 2009... Miami Beach, FL - Commissioner Victor Diaz, Jr. and the Miami Beach Commission issued City Proclamations to both
Herb Sosa and Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida for their Outstanding Work on behalf of the Latino|Hispanic|LGBT Community.
Herb Sosa has dedicated many years to community leadership & activism in the City of Miami Beach, and was recognized for his work
with recognition and a proclamation of Herb Sosa Day in the city.
UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA is the leading Latino|Hispanic gay civil-rights nonprofit initiative, offering leadership on issues that
concern LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) and other minority groups across the U.S., and was also recognized with a City
proclamation.
The needs of the communities that it serves, along with the ever-growing Latino/Hispanic presence in the U.S. is what inspired co-
founders Herb Sosa & Ron Brenesky to develop Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida and to focus its board of directors, resources and
efforts to best serve the community for the future.
Initially created in 2002 to defend a challenge at the polls to Miami-Dade County’s Human Rights Ordinance from repeal with an active
Hispanic media and educational campaign and a strong presence at the polls on Election Day, Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida
(UC|CU) accomplished a victory of thousands of votes in 13 primarily Hispanic polls thought by most to be un-winnable. Most recently
UC|CU established a national bilingual hotline of LGBT resources –the first ever of its kind, along with a network of organizations from
coast to coast that solidifies the resources available but often overlooked or not known to smaller communities.
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida has became a powerful & recognized the voice for all Latino/Hispanic LGBT issues in the local, national
& International media – but most importantly, has given a much needed face, voice and leadership to Florida’s Latino/Hispanic LGBT
citizens and communities.
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
LGBT Latino/Hispanic Community in the U.S. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida has positioned itself to move forward and expand its local
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.
Over the years, UC|CU has offered a variety of programming, social & political leadership to the community, such as empowerment
trainings offered throughout the community; Many new community leadership groups were jump started by UC|CU across the state;
The first ever Latino LGBT Lobby Day was established in Tallahassee; An annual toy drive giving back to needy children and those living
with HIV/AIDS in Florida & the Caribbean was developed and had donated over 14,000 toys to date; A national dialogue & leadership
was established with dozens of other LGBT groups and a national Latino/LGBT organization was created with the help of UC|CU’s
leadership; Immigrant Rights Marches and voters registration rallies have been organized in South Florida by UC|CU; International
alliances have been established; A productive dialogue with local police, city governments and various religious groups has been
established; Countywide legislation developed by UC|CU was created for the prevention if HIV/AIDS, and many more worthy projects
across the community.
2008 Board of Directors
Herb Sosa - President
Rachel Alfonso, Dahlia Canes, Dr. Laura Leyva, Christian Aguilar, Dr. Arturo Alvarez, Efren Martinez-Pulgarón
www.unitycoalition.org www.coalicionunida.org
Patti Labelle & Richie Rich named as Grand Marshals at Miami Beach Pride…
International Recording Artists Lisa-M, Twin Soul & Peter Fernandez will join in on the FUN -
Featured in the UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA and AMBIENTE Magazine
- Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade Presentation
April 18, 2009 – Miami Beach Gay Pride
As Miami Beach makes history by holding its first ever, gay pride celebration, diva, two-time Grammy Award winner & gay favorite Patti
Labelle, along with famed fashion designer Richie Rich will headline as the Grand Marshals of the festivities. Patti LaBelle, R&B singer,
songwriter and author, has been a steady supporter of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights.
Miss LaBelle will be in town thanks to the generosity of Lea and Roy Black, and will, along with Lil Wayne, Heather Mcdonald, Jencarlo
Canela, Pamela Anderson, Diva Elaine Lancaster, DJ Irie and special invited guest Queen Latifah, headline the Blacks Anunual Gala on
Saturday, April 18, 2009 to celebrate the Power of Hope benefiting the Consequence Program and Bay Point Schools. For more info
visit: TheBlacksAnnualGala.org
The Miami Beach Gay Pride event will be held on Saturday, April 18 from noon to 7 pm on Ocean Drive. Top musical sensations India,
Fanny Lu, Carol Jiani, Ceevox, Jeri Brown, and DJ Maximus 3000 will perform on the main stage. All events at Miami Beach Gay Pride
Parade and Festival are free and open to the public.
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida (UC|CU) and Ambiente Magazine are proud to feature International recording artists Lisa-M, Twin Soul
and Peter Fernandez as part of our Parade Presentation. “Emphasizing our theme of You Are Not Alone|No Estas Solo and our recently
established National Community Resource Center Hotline for LGBT needs, Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida and our Media Partner,
Ambiente Magazine, are proud to showcase these wonderful talents to the LGBT community” said UC|CU Board member Christian
Aguilar.
About LISA M | Marlisa Marrero Vázquez, better known by her stage name Lisa M or her nicknames “DJ Miss M”, "The Queen of Spanish
Rap" or "La Suprema", is a Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and now D.J., who fuses genres such as pop,
merengue, rap, & reggaetón. She is known as one of first female rap artists to debut in Puerto Rico.
About Twin Soul | Percussionist twin sisters Yvonne & Lisa from Puerto Rico, give life to: "TwinSoul", a unique concept of mixing beats to
prerecorded music. TwinSoul started mixing sounds using percussion instruments like congas, bongos, timbales and bells, creating an
exciting lively musical environment. To the beat of percussion Twin Soul found a unique formula to mix beats to any style of music from
tribal to progressive house Latin house and lounge, and are currently working with DJ Miss M. creating an atmosphere of energy
adrenaline and furor.
About Peter Fernandez | Fernandez started his artistic career in the 70’s as lead singer for two of Miami’s most popular local bands,
COKE and The Antiques. His remakes of the Latin classics “Sabor a Mi” and “Cuando Vuelva a tu Lado/What a Difference a Day Makes”
sold thousands of records. Fernandez achieved International exposure in 1987 with his interpretation of the Telemundo Soap Opera
theme, “Tu Mundo y el Mio” which landed him a record contract with CBS/Sony Records, and continues to perform across the globe.
There will be live music, lots of giveaways, the beach & thousands of beautiful people at Pride!
This is HISTORY IN THE MAKING – BE A PART OF ITI! A limited number of volunteers will be accepted to help out UC|CU & Ambiente, so
please hurry, invite a friend & commit today.
Don’t wait, help out a great cause and show your Community Pride!
Contact Herb Sosa at herb@ambiente.us or 786-271-6982 TODAY!
If you would like more information about the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade and Festival please visit us at www.miamibeachgaypride.
com.
Support for Miami Beach Gay Pride comes from the Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority, The Knight Foundation, Macy’s, Halo,
Score, Twist, The Palace, Aqua Foundation for Women and Dade Community Foundation.
The mission of Miami Beach Gay Pride 2009 is to raise awareness and inspire appreciation and acceptance of the Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, and Transgender community in South Florida.
“PROUD” Miami Beach Gay Pride 2009
WHEN: Saturday, April 18 at Noon to 7 PM
Ocean Drive will be closed to traffic – only during the parade
WHERE: Noon: Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade with Floats – 5th to 15th Street
Miami Beach Gay Pride Festival
Lummus Park – 10th to 12th Street immediately following the Parade
Business & Community Booths (food, vendors, music and fun)
Main Stage Events, 14th Street 2 p.m. to 7p.m.
International Recording Artists Lisa-M, Twin Soul & Peter Fernandez will join in on the FUN -
Featured in the UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA and AMBIENTE Magazine
- Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade Presentation
April 18, 2009 – Miami Beach Gay Pride
As Miami Beach makes history by holding its first ever, gay pride celebration, diva, two-time Grammy Award winner & gay favorite Patti
Labelle, along with famed fashion designer Richie Rich will headline as the Grand Marshals of the festivities. Patti LaBelle, R&B singer,
songwriter and author, has been a steady supporter of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights.
Miss LaBelle will be in town thanks to the generosity of Lea and Roy Black, and will, along with Lil Wayne, Heather Mcdonald, Jencarlo
Canela, Pamela Anderson, Diva Elaine Lancaster, DJ Irie and special invited guest Queen Latifah, headline the Blacks Anunual Gala on
Saturday, April 18, 2009 to celebrate the Power of Hope benefiting the Consequence Program and Bay Point Schools. For more info
visit: TheBlacksAnnualGala.org
The Miami Beach Gay Pride event will be held on Saturday, April 18 from noon to 7 pm on Ocean Drive. Top musical sensations India,
Fanny Lu, Carol Jiani, Ceevox, Jeri Brown, and DJ Maximus 3000 will perform on the main stage. All events at Miami Beach Gay Pride
Parade and Festival are free and open to the public.
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida (UC|CU) and Ambiente Magazine are proud to feature International recording artists Lisa-M, Twin Soul
and Peter Fernandez as part of our Parade Presentation. “Emphasizing our theme of You Are Not Alone|No Estas Solo and our recently
established National Community Resource Center Hotline for LGBT needs, Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida and our Media Partner,
Ambiente Magazine, are proud to showcase these wonderful talents to the LGBT community” said UC|CU Board member Christian
Aguilar.
About LISA M | Marlisa Marrero Vázquez, better known by her stage name Lisa M or her nicknames “DJ Miss M”, "The Queen of Spanish
Rap" or "La Suprema", is a Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and now D.J., who fuses genres such as pop,
merengue, rap, & reggaetón. She is known as one of first female rap artists to debut in Puerto Rico.
About Twin Soul | Percussionist twin sisters Yvonne & Lisa from Puerto Rico, give life to: "TwinSoul", a unique concept of mixing beats to
prerecorded music. TwinSoul started mixing sounds using percussion instruments like congas, bongos, timbales and bells, creating an
exciting lively musical environment. To the beat of percussion Twin Soul found a unique formula to mix beats to any style of music from
tribal to progressive house Latin house and lounge, and are currently working with DJ Miss M. creating an atmosphere of energy
adrenaline and furor.
About Peter Fernandez | Fernandez started his artistic career in the 70’s as lead singer for two of Miami’s most popular local bands,
COKE and The Antiques. His remakes of the Latin classics “Sabor a Mi” and “Cuando Vuelva a tu Lado/What a Difference a Day Makes”
sold thousands of records. Fernandez achieved International exposure in 1987 with his interpretation of the Telemundo Soap Opera
theme, “Tu Mundo y el Mio” which landed him a record contract with CBS/Sony Records, and continues to perform across the globe.
There will be live music, lots of giveaways, the beach & thousands of beautiful people at Pride!
This is HISTORY IN THE MAKING – BE A PART OF ITI! A limited number of volunteers will be accepted to help out UC|CU & Ambiente, so
please hurry, invite a friend & commit today.
Don’t wait, help out a great cause and show your Community Pride!
Contact Herb Sosa at herb@ambiente.us or 786-271-6982 TODAY!
If you would like more information about the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade and Festival please visit us at www.miamibeachgaypride.
com.
Support for Miami Beach Gay Pride comes from the Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority, The Knight Foundation, Macy’s, Halo,
Score, Twist, The Palace, Aqua Foundation for Women and Dade Community Foundation.
The mission of Miami Beach Gay Pride 2009 is to raise awareness and inspire appreciation and acceptance of the Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, and Transgender community in South Florida.
“PROUD” Miami Beach Gay Pride 2009
WHEN: Saturday, April 18 at Noon to 7 PM
Ocean Drive will be closed to traffic – only during the parade
WHERE: Noon: Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade with Floats – 5th to 15th Street
Miami Beach Gay Pride Festival
Lummus Park – 10th to 12th Street immediately following the Parade
Business & Community Booths (food, vendors, music and fun)
Main Stage Events, 14th Street 2 p.m. to 7p.m.
U.S. Conference of Mayors Passes Resolution Supporting the Freedom to Marry
Mayors Across the Country Pledge to Lead the Fight Against Inequality
New York, June 15, 2009 — The U.S. Conference of Mayors today passed a resolution in support of ending the exclusion of gay couples from
marriage. The resolution, titled "Equality and Civil Rights for Gay and Lesbian Americans," included support for the freedom to marry along
with endorsement of federal bills such as Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, the Uniting
American Families Act, and the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
“By passing this resolution, America's mayors spoke for the families they know and serve in communities across the country, and said that
excluding those families from the freedom to marry must stop,” said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry and author of
Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality and Gay People's Right to Marry. “The mayors have their fingers on the pulse of the country, and
their voices today said loud and clear that ending discrimination in marriage is the way to go.”
In reference to the freedom to marry, the resolution stated, “BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The U.S. Conference of Mayors supports marriage
equality for same-sex couples, and the recognition and extension of full equal rights to such unions, including family and medical leave,
tax equity, and insurance and retirement benefits, and opposes the enshrinement of discrimination in the federal or state constitutions.”
“The nation’s mayors are proud to take the lead in recognizing the importance of protecting all our citizens equally. It is now time for state
legislatures and our federal government to enact the same protections for all our nation’s citizens,” said U.S. Conference of Mayors
President Greg Nickels, Mayor of Seattle.
“The mayors' leadership reaffirms that the freedom to marry should not be partisan or political, but rather is part of the security and
respect all couples who've made a commitment to care for one another and who are dealing with life's ups and downs should have,
especially in these challenging economic times." said Wolfson. “Now the New York State Senate should be the next to lead the nation on
the path to equality by swiftly passing the freedom to marry bill into law.”
New York's Assembly passed the marriage bill in May, and political leaders from across the state, including New York City's
Independent/Republican Mayor Michael Bloomberg and U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, have called on the State
Senate to follow suit in the next few weeks. New York Governor David Paterson is ready to sign the bill. New Jersey also has a governor
pledged to sign the state’s pending freedom to marry bill once it reaches his desk.
View the Resolution: http://www.facebook.com/l/;http://www.freedomtomarry.org/pdfs/Mayors_Resolution.pdf
Read Online: http://www.facebook.com/l/;http://www.freedomtomarry.org/press_center/u.s._conference_of_mayor_passes_resolution.
php
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freedom to Marry is the gay and non-gay partnership working to win marriage equality nationwide. Launched in 2003, Freedom to Marry is
headed by Evan Wolfson, nationally recognized as a central "architect of the marriage equality movement." Freedom to Marry guides
and focuses this social justice movement on a nationwide level, serving as a strategy and support center for national, state, and local
partners, a catalyst that drives and shapes the national debate on marriage equality, and an alliance-builder fostering support from non-
gay allies
| Demand of Congress that discrimination against Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender END ONCE AND FOR ALL Sign the Petition for an LGBT Civil Rights Act today! www.thepoweronline.org U.S. Census must include gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender Americans. The U.S. Census is probably best understood as a household "count," in that it is aimed at the head of the household at each known U.S. address to ask basic and limited questions about the make-up of the households. It actually asks a limited number of questions and attempts to identify all the members of that household for as true or complete a count of Americans as we know. |
UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA Urges Florida Appeals Court to Support Gay Adoption Ruling
Florida's ban on gay adoptions heads to appeals court Today
Miami Florida… August 26, 2009- UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA, the leading Latino|Hispanic gay civil-rights initiative, offering
leadershipon issues that concern LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) Latino|Hispanic and other minority groups across the U.S.,
Urges Florida's Appeals Court to Support Gay Adoption Ruling.
Florida's Third District Court of Appeals will hear the oral argument - TODAY - August 26, 2009. Florida's 32-year-old law bans adoption by
gay men and lesbians, making Florida the only state that excludes all gay men and lesbians from adopting, though it allows gay and
lesbian foster parents.
Martin Gill and his partner of more than eight years have been raising two foster children of the state since 2004. When they arrived, the
infant and his four-year-old brother had clearly suffered from neglect. In 2006, a judge terminated the parental rights of the biological
parents. Meanwhile, the children have thrived in their new home and are closely bonded to their foster parents and their other brother
(Gill’s partner’s biological son, who the two men are also raising).
Today the boys, now four and eight years old, have many friends in their North Miami neighborhood, are doing well in school, and are close
with the couple’s extended family, which includes two doting grandmothers.A psychologist who evaluated the boys recommended that
it would be in the boys’ best interest to be adopted by Gill, testifying that it would be devastating for the boys to remove them from the
home.
So that he can adopt the children, Gill is being represented by the ACLU in a challenge to the constitutionality of Florida’s law that
automatically bans adoption by gay people.
STATUS: On November 25, 2008, a juvenile court judge granted the adoption. The attorney general's office immediately filed its notice of
appeal.
The case is pending before the Third District Court of Appeals, which will hear oral argument - TODAY - August 26, 2009.
Florida's ban on gay adoptions heads to appeals court Today
Miami Florida… August 26, 2009- UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA, the leading Latino|Hispanic gay civil-rights initiative, offering
leadershipon issues that concern LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) Latino|Hispanic and other minority groups across the U.S.,
Urges Florida's Appeals Court to Support Gay Adoption Ruling.
Florida's Third District Court of Appeals will hear the oral argument - TODAY - August 26, 2009. Florida's 32-year-old law bans adoption by
gay men and lesbians, making Florida the only state that excludes all gay men and lesbians from adopting, though it allows gay and
lesbian foster parents.
Martin Gill and his partner of more than eight years have been raising two foster children of the state since 2004. When they arrived, the
infant and his four-year-old brother had clearly suffered from neglect. In 2006, a judge terminated the parental rights of the biological
parents. Meanwhile, the children have thrived in their new home and are closely bonded to their foster parents and their other brother
(Gill’s partner’s biological son, who the two men are also raising).
Today the boys, now four and eight years old, have many friends in their North Miami neighborhood, are doing well in school, and are close
with the couple’s extended family, which includes two doting grandmothers.A psychologist who evaluated the boys recommended that
it would be in the boys’ best interest to be adopted by Gill, testifying that it would be devastating for the boys to remove them from the
home.
So that he can adopt the children, Gill is being represented by the ACLU in a challenge to the constitutionality of Florida’s law that
automatically bans adoption by gay people.
STATUS: On November 25, 2008, a juvenile court judge granted the adoption. The attorney general's office immediately filed its notice of
appeal.
The case is pending before the Third District Court of Appeals, which will hear oral argument - TODAY - August 26, 2009.
HISTORY WAS MADE IN D.C. TODAY| President Obama has signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd,
Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law — the first federal law in our nation’s history that specifically protects
the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community
Washington... Oct 28, 2009 - The bill was introduced in the Senate on April 28, 2009 by the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Sen. Patrick
Leahy (D-VT), Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), among others. On Oct. 8, the United States House of
Representatives voted 281-146 in favor of a joint House-Senate “conference report” on a defense authorization measure that also
included provisions that would expand the definition of federal hate crimes to cover attacks based on gender, gender identity, sexual
orientation, and military service. The Senate then passed the bill late last week with a decisive 68-29 vote.
This law will send a message that violence motivated by hate will not be tolerated in this country and is a welcome first step towards
other critical protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
It has taken 13 years, untold victims, multiple deaths, and the efforts of survivors, loved ones and activists to get the Hate Crimes Act
passed. No one, of course, expects the Act to actually end hate crimes. However, the hope is that by granting the federal government
the jurisdiction and resources to prosecute hate crimes people will become more aware, and educated, about hate crimes--eventually
leading to an overall reduction in this, one of the most hideous forms of violence.
Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida applauds the work of Lambda Legal, the Shepard & Byrd families, thousands of volunteers & activists, the U.S.
Congress, especially our very own Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) who voted in FAVOR of this important law when it was presented at the U.S.
House of Representatives, and of course, President Obama for this historic vote & passage.
Now that the Hate Crimes Act has become law, Congress and the President must also enact an inclusive ENDA to protect us against
discrimination on the job. The majority of Americans support workplace protections for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender
people and there is no reason for further delay. There is also no reason to delay the repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and
Don't Ask, Don't Tell — there should be no place for discrimination in our laws.
Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law — the first federal law in our nation’s history that specifically protects
the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community
Washington... Oct 28, 2009 - The bill was introduced in the Senate on April 28, 2009 by the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Sen. Patrick
Leahy (D-VT), Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), among others. On Oct. 8, the United States House of
Representatives voted 281-146 in favor of a joint House-Senate “conference report” on a defense authorization measure that also
included provisions that would expand the definition of federal hate crimes to cover attacks based on gender, gender identity, sexual
orientation, and military service. The Senate then passed the bill late last week with a decisive 68-29 vote.
This law will send a message that violence motivated by hate will not be tolerated in this country and is a welcome first step towards
other critical protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
It has taken 13 years, untold victims, multiple deaths, and the efforts of survivors, loved ones and activists to get the Hate Crimes Act
passed. No one, of course, expects the Act to actually end hate crimes. However, the hope is that by granting the federal government
the jurisdiction and resources to prosecute hate crimes people will become more aware, and educated, about hate crimes--eventually
leading to an overall reduction in this, one of the most hideous forms of violence.
Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida applauds the work of Lambda Legal, the Shepard & Byrd families, thousands of volunteers & activists, the U.S.
Congress, especially our very own Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) who voted in FAVOR of this important law when it was presented at the U.S.
House of Representatives, and of course, President Obama for this historic vote & passage.
Now that the Hate Crimes Act has become law, Congress and the President must also enact an inclusive ENDA to protect us against
discrimination on the job. The majority of Americans support workplace protections for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender
people and there is no reason for further delay. There is also no reason to delay the repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and
Don't Ask, Don't Tell — there should be no place for discrimination in our laws.
EQUALITY
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida Condemns Brutal Murder of Gay|Transgender Teen in Puerto Rico
November 19, 2009… Miami, Florida – UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA, the leading Latino|Hispanic gay civil-rights nonprofit
initiative, offering leadership on issues that concern Latino|Hispanic LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) and other minority groups
across the U.S. Joins the Latino Commission on AIDS, NCLR, HRC, and many more local & national organizations & leaders, in denouncing
the horrific murder of gay and trans Puerto Rican teenager, Jorge Steven López Mercado.
Our community and Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida strongly condemn this brutal crime and urge the federal government to provide Puerto
Rican authorities with assistance in this investigation. We cannot stand by and allow any more violence that targets any individual because of
their race, ethnicity or sexual orientation or gender identity. The individuals responsible for killing Jorge must be prosecuted to the fullest
extent of our new federal hate crimes laws.
Homophobia and transphobia should never be tolerated, and we condemn any and all violence against any sexual minority group.
We call on the Governor of Puerto Rico, Honorable Luis Fortuño to make a public statement condemning this horrible crime.
Your help is urgently needed to stem the wave of domestic and international violence against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender
people.
By taking just one or two of the actions listed below, you can take a stand for justice and help to protect the safety and lives of LGBT
people.
Action #1
There are a number of vigils that will be happening this coming weekend across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico demanding justice and in
memory of Jorge Steven.
Chicago
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 4-6 pm Humboldt Park
Los Angeles
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 8pm-9:30 pm West Hollywood Corner of Santa Monica and San Vicente
New York City
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 7-9 pm Christopher St. Piers (Tentative)
Philadelphia
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 7 pm Love Park 15th and Arch
Washington D.C.
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 5-6:30pm Dupont Circle, Washington D.C.
People are also post vigil information from across the U.S on this facebook page: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179256219695
Action #2
Write or call the Governor of Puerto Rico, Honorable Luis G. Fortuño and encourage him to make a public statement condemning this
violence and ensure that local law enforcement fully investigate the possibility that the individual(s) responsible for this crime be
charged with committing a hate-crime. E-Mail: ecruz@fortaleza.gobierno.pr - Phone: (787)721-7000
Action #3
Join our faith based communities and make a commitment to pray for members of the LGBT community around the world who continue to
face ongoing threats to their freedom, safety, health and well-being for no other reason than their real or perceived sexual orientation
and/or gender identity. Pray for blessing and protection upon their lives, that they may find strength and hope in the midst of adversity,
and that governments everywhere will treat their citizens with fairness, justice and compassion.
Action #4
If you are responsible for raising or mentoring children, be sure to lead by example. Telling is good, but showing is better. In order for your
child to be comfortable around members of the LGBT community, you have to be comfortable around them as well. It is important that
we to accept one another.
Action #5
The sexual and gender identity of Jorge and many LGBTQ teens is complex and should be celebrated and supported. Jorge needed, and
other teens in Puerto Rico still need, support and guidance as they grow to adulthood. Please support the healthy development of gay,
lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning young people.
Action#6
If you are Latino|Hispanic, please be aware that many members of our community struggle with homophobia along with machismo and
sexism. We must stop homophobic, transphobic and sexist comments, jokes and behaviors at all times. A joke may seem harmless but it
may impact a person’s self esteem and create a community of intolerance, which may lead to violence.
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida Condena Brutal Asesinato de Joven Gay|Transgénero en Puerto Rico
Noviembre 19, 2009 … Miami, Florida – UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA, una iniciativa sin fines de lucro y lider en la defensa de los
derechos civiles de la comunidad Latina|hispana LGBT (lesbianas, gay, bisexual, transgenero), ofreciendo liderazgo en asuntos
concernientes a este y otros grupos minoritarios en todos los Estados Unidos, juntos a la Comisión Latina sobre el SIDA, NCLR, HRC y
muchas mas organisacones y lideres locales y nacionales, denuncian el horrible asesinato del Joven Gay y trans Puertorriqueño, Jorge
Steven López Mercado.
Nuestra comunidad y Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida condena enérgicamente este brutal crimen y urgimos al Gobierno Federal a que
asista a las autoridades en Puerto Rico en esta investigación. Nosotros no nos quedaremos quietos, ni permitiremos mas violencia que sea
dirigida contra cualquier individuo por su raza, religión, etnicidad, orientación sexual o identidad de genero. Los individuos responsables
por el asesinato de Jorge, deben ser perseguidos con toda la extensión posible bajo las nuevas leyes federales contra el odio.
La Homofobia y la transphobia incrementan el aislamiento de gays, lesbianas, bisexuales, personas transgénero y representa una amenaza
para la salud publica. Homofobia/transfobia no deben ser toleradas y condenamos cualquier tipo de violencia en contra de cualquier
minoría sexual.
Le hacemos un llamado al Honorable Gobernador de Puerto Rico Luis Fortuño a que condene públicamente este horrible crimen.
Necesitamos ayuda urgente para detener la ola de ataques domésticos e internacionales en contra de personas lesbianas, gays,
bisexuales, y transgéneros (LGBT).
Al tomar una o dos acciones de la siguiente lista, tú puedes dar un paso firme por la justicia y así ayudar a proteger la seguridad y las
vidas de la comunidad LGBT.
Acción #1
Únete a una Vigilia, Servicio Memorial & Movilización Comunitaria en Memoria de Jorge Steven López Mercado este fin de semana.
Detalles sobre vigilias por tod el EE.UU se encuentran en Facebook: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179256219695
Acción #2
Escribir o llamar al Gobernador de Puerto Rico, Honorable Luis G. Fortuño y animarlo a que haga una declaración pública condenando
este acto de violencia y que las autoridades hagan una investigación para dar con los responsables de este hecho para presentarles
cargos por ser un crimen motivado por odio.
E-Mail: ecruz@fortaleza.gobierno.pr - Teléfono: (787)721-7000
Acción #3
Únase a nuestra comunidades de Fe y hagan un compromiso de orar por los miembros de la comunidad LGBT al rededor del mundo, ya
que continúan enfrentando amenazas a sus libertades, seguridad, salud y bienestar por la única razón real o por ser percibidos por su
orientación sexual o identidad de genero. Orar por la bendición y protección por sus vidas, para que ellos puedan encontrar la fuerza y la
esperanza en medio de la adversidad, y que los gobiernos donde sea, traten a sus ciudadanos con equidad, justicia y compasión.
Acción #4
Si tú eres responsable de menores o de ser mentor, asegúrate de enseñar en base al ejemplo. Hablar es bueno, enseñar con acciones es
mejor. Para que tu hijo, hija se sientan cómodos con personas de la comunidad LGTB, tu tienes que sentirte cómodo también. Es
importantísimo que nos aceptemos cada uno de nosotros.
Acción#5
La identidad sexual y de género de Jorge y de muchos adolescentes que se identifican como lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales, Transgénero o
que aun están en proceso de encontrar su identidad es un tema complejo y como tal, debe ser celebrada y apoyada. Jorge necesitaba,
y otros adolescentes en Puerto Rico necesitan apoyo y guías en la medida de que se encuentran creciendo hacia la edad adulta. Por
favor apoye el desarrollo saludable de las personas jóvenes que se identifican como Gay, Lesbianas, Bisexuales, Transgénero o que aun se
encuentran descubriendo su identidad sexual y de género.
Acción #6
Si tú eres Latino/a, Por favor toma conciencia que muchos miembros de nuestras comunidades luchan con la realidad de la homofobia y
la transfobia junto al machismo y el sexismo. Todos tenemos la responsabilidad para poner un alto a comentarios sexistas, homofóbicos y
transfobicos, como bromas y comportamientos ofensivos a cualquier hora del día. Una broma, podría ser percibida que no haga daño,
pero podría impactar el auto-estima de un individuo y crear intolerancia a nivel comunitario, la cual podría conllevar a promover actos
violentos.
November 19, 2009… Miami, Florida – UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA, the leading Latino|Hispanic gay civil-rights nonprofit
initiative, offering leadership on issues that concern Latino|Hispanic LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) and other minority groups
across the U.S. Joins the Latino Commission on AIDS, NCLR, HRC, and many more local & national organizations & leaders, in denouncing
the horrific murder of gay and trans Puerto Rican teenager, Jorge Steven López Mercado.
Our community and Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida strongly condemn this brutal crime and urge the federal government to provide Puerto
Rican authorities with assistance in this investigation. We cannot stand by and allow any more violence that targets any individual because of
their race, ethnicity or sexual orientation or gender identity. The individuals responsible for killing Jorge must be prosecuted to the fullest
extent of our new federal hate crimes laws.
Homophobia and transphobia should never be tolerated, and we condemn any and all violence against any sexual minority group.
We call on the Governor of Puerto Rico, Honorable Luis Fortuño to make a public statement condemning this horrible crime.
Your help is urgently needed to stem the wave of domestic and international violence against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender
people.
By taking just one or two of the actions listed below, you can take a stand for justice and help to protect the safety and lives of LGBT
people.
Action #1
There are a number of vigils that will be happening this coming weekend across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico demanding justice and in
memory of Jorge Steven.
Chicago
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 4-6 pm Humboldt Park
Los Angeles
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 8pm-9:30 pm West Hollywood Corner of Santa Monica and San Vicente
New York City
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 7-9 pm Christopher St. Piers (Tentative)
Philadelphia
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 7 pm Love Park 15th and Arch
Washington D.C.
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 5-6:30pm Dupont Circle, Washington D.C.
People are also post vigil information from across the U.S on this facebook page: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179256219695
Action #2
Write or call the Governor of Puerto Rico, Honorable Luis G. Fortuño and encourage him to make a public statement condemning this
violence and ensure that local law enforcement fully investigate the possibility that the individual(s) responsible for this crime be
charged with committing a hate-crime. E-Mail: ecruz@fortaleza.gobierno.pr - Phone: (787)721-7000
Action #3
Join our faith based communities and make a commitment to pray for members of the LGBT community around the world who continue to
face ongoing threats to their freedom, safety, health and well-being for no other reason than their real or perceived sexual orientation
and/or gender identity. Pray for blessing and protection upon their lives, that they may find strength and hope in the midst of adversity,
and that governments everywhere will treat their citizens with fairness, justice and compassion.
Action #4
If you are responsible for raising or mentoring children, be sure to lead by example. Telling is good, but showing is better. In order for your
child to be comfortable around members of the LGBT community, you have to be comfortable around them as well. It is important that
we to accept one another.
Action #5
The sexual and gender identity of Jorge and many LGBTQ teens is complex and should be celebrated and supported. Jorge needed, and
other teens in Puerto Rico still need, support and guidance as they grow to adulthood. Please support the healthy development of gay,
lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning young people.
Action#6
If you are Latino|Hispanic, please be aware that many members of our community struggle with homophobia along with machismo and
sexism. We must stop homophobic, transphobic and sexist comments, jokes and behaviors at all times. A joke may seem harmless but it
may impact a person’s self esteem and create a community of intolerance, which may lead to violence.
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida Condena Brutal Asesinato de Joven Gay|Transgénero en Puerto Rico
Noviembre 19, 2009 … Miami, Florida – UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA, una iniciativa sin fines de lucro y lider en la defensa de los
derechos civiles de la comunidad Latina|hispana LGBT (lesbianas, gay, bisexual, transgenero), ofreciendo liderazgo en asuntos
concernientes a este y otros grupos minoritarios en todos los Estados Unidos, juntos a la Comisión Latina sobre el SIDA, NCLR, HRC y
muchas mas organisacones y lideres locales y nacionales, denuncian el horrible asesinato del Joven Gay y trans Puertorriqueño, Jorge
Steven López Mercado.
Nuestra comunidad y Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida condena enérgicamente este brutal crimen y urgimos al Gobierno Federal a que
asista a las autoridades en Puerto Rico en esta investigación. Nosotros no nos quedaremos quietos, ni permitiremos mas violencia que sea
dirigida contra cualquier individuo por su raza, religión, etnicidad, orientación sexual o identidad de genero. Los individuos responsables
por el asesinato de Jorge, deben ser perseguidos con toda la extensión posible bajo las nuevas leyes federales contra el odio.
La Homofobia y la transphobia incrementan el aislamiento de gays, lesbianas, bisexuales, personas transgénero y representa una amenaza
para la salud publica. Homofobia/transfobia no deben ser toleradas y condenamos cualquier tipo de violencia en contra de cualquier
minoría sexual.
Le hacemos un llamado al Honorable Gobernador de Puerto Rico Luis Fortuño a que condene públicamente este horrible crimen.
Necesitamos ayuda urgente para detener la ola de ataques domésticos e internacionales en contra de personas lesbianas, gays,
bisexuales, y transgéneros (LGBT).
Al tomar una o dos acciones de la siguiente lista, tú puedes dar un paso firme por la justicia y así ayudar a proteger la seguridad y las
vidas de la comunidad LGBT.
Acción #1
Únete a una Vigilia, Servicio Memorial & Movilización Comunitaria en Memoria de Jorge Steven López Mercado este fin de semana.
Detalles sobre vigilias por tod el EE.UU se encuentran en Facebook: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179256219695
Acción #2
Escribir o llamar al Gobernador de Puerto Rico, Honorable Luis G. Fortuño y animarlo a que haga una declaración pública condenando
este acto de violencia y que las autoridades hagan una investigación para dar con los responsables de este hecho para presentarles
cargos por ser un crimen motivado por odio.
E-Mail: ecruz@fortaleza.gobierno.pr - Teléfono: (787)721-7000
Acción #3
Únase a nuestra comunidades de Fe y hagan un compromiso de orar por los miembros de la comunidad LGBT al rededor del mundo, ya
que continúan enfrentando amenazas a sus libertades, seguridad, salud y bienestar por la única razón real o por ser percibidos por su
orientación sexual o identidad de genero. Orar por la bendición y protección por sus vidas, para que ellos puedan encontrar la fuerza y la
esperanza en medio de la adversidad, y que los gobiernos donde sea, traten a sus ciudadanos con equidad, justicia y compasión.
Acción #4
Si tú eres responsable de menores o de ser mentor, asegúrate de enseñar en base al ejemplo. Hablar es bueno, enseñar con acciones es
mejor. Para que tu hijo, hija se sientan cómodos con personas de la comunidad LGTB, tu tienes que sentirte cómodo también. Es
importantísimo que nos aceptemos cada uno de nosotros.
Acción#5
La identidad sexual y de género de Jorge y de muchos adolescentes que se identifican como lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales, Transgénero o
que aun están en proceso de encontrar su identidad es un tema complejo y como tal, debe ser celebrada y apoyada. Jorge necesitaba,
y otros adolescentes en Puerto Rico necesitan apoyo y guías en la medida de que se encuentran creciendo hacia la edad adulta. Por
favor apoye el desarrollo saludable de las personas jóvenes que se identifican como Gay, Lesbianas, Bisexuales, Transgénero o que aun se
encuentran descubriendo su identidad sexual y de género.
Acción #6
Si tú eres Latino/a, Por favor toma conciencia que muchos miembros de nuestras comunidades luchan con la realidad de la homofobia y
la transfobia junto al machismo y el sexismo. Todos tenemos la responsabilidad para poner un alto a comentarios sexistas, homofóbicos y
transfobicos, como bromas y comportamientos ofensivos a cualquier hora del día. Una broma, podría ser percibida que no haga daño,
pero podría impactar el auto-estima de un individuo y crear intolerancia a nivel comunitario, la cual podría conllevar a promover actos
violentos.
Est. 2002
1st ANNUAL THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE BLOSSOMS
WITH FLOWER BAR, UNITY COALITION & AMBIENTE MAGAZINE
Giving Thanks | Giving Back | Giving Style
PRESS RELEASE - November 24, 2009… Miami Shores Fl – What do you get when you mix hostess & entertainer extraordinaire Adora,
Miami’s premier floral, art & design shop -Flower Bar, Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida (UC|CU) & Ambiente Magazine? Toss in
dozens of guests, great music, hors d’oeuvres & spirits, and piles of food donations and then what do you have? The 1st Annual Food
Drive | Giving thanks | Giving Back | Giving Style… brainchild of Flower Bar owner Alex Rodriguez.
Canned & non-perishable foods & donations we collected all day at Flower Bar, culminating in a Thanksgiving celebration on N.E.
2nd Avenue - Village Place in Miami Shores – with a festively dressed Adora, greeting guests & drivers-by who provided a steady
stream of donations for South Florida’s needy, with cupcakes, chocolates & and an appreciative smile.
Flower Bar, UC|CU & Ambiente have committed to not only collect during this Thanksgiving
week, but have designated Flower Bar as a year–round donation spot for canned & non-
donations for our communities needy. If you wish to donate items, please visit
Flower Bar at 9612 N.E.2nd Avenue, Miami Shores 33138. For more info:
www.flowerbardesign.com or 305.759.2217
“Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday that is meant to be a time of appreciation, gratitude and generosity. We will be distributing the
donated items in time for Thursday’s Thanksgiving celebration.” said Alex Rodriguez. “It is our pleasure to be working with Unity
Coalition & Ambiente Magazine in giving back to the community that has given us all so much”
“UC|CU & Ambiente Magazine have always seen giving back to the community as a duty and priority and part of who we are.
Collecting & distributing much needed food along with Flower Bar, especially in the though times many of our neighbors are facing,
is just the right thing to do. We are proud of our work and can’t wait to see how much more we can do throughout the year” added
UC|CU president & Ambiente Editor Herb Sosa.
“It’s a beautiful thing to see the community coming together for such a good cause. I wish I could give more.” said local club &
event promoter Milancita Rodriguez, as she generously donated box after box of food & canned good foods.
WITH FLOWER BAR, UNITY COALITION & AMBIENTE MAGAZINE
Giving Thanks | Giving Back | Giving Style
PRESS RELEASE - November 24, 2009… Miami Shores Fl – What do you get when you mix hostess & entertainer extraordinaire Adora,
Miami’s premier floral, art & design shop -Flower Bar, Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida (UC|CU) & Ambiente Magazine? Toss in
dozens of guests, great music, hors d’oeuvres & spirits, and piles of food donations and then what do you have? The 1st Annual Food
Drive | Giving thanks | Giving Back | Giving Style… brainchild of Flower Bar owner Alex Rodriguez.
Canned & non-perishable foods & donations we collected all day at Flower Bar, culminating in a Thanksgiving celebration on N.E.
2nd Avenue - Village Place in Miami Shores – with a festively dressed Adora, greeting guests & drivers-by who provided a steady
stream of donations for South Florida’s needy, with cupcakes, chocolates & and an appreciative smile.
Flower Bar, UC|CU & Ambiente have committed to not only collect during this Thanksgiving
week, but have designated Flower Bar as a year–round donation spot for canned & non-
donations for our communities needy. If you wish to donate items, please visit
Flower Bar at 9612 N.E.2nd Avenue, Miami Shores 33138. For more info:
www.flowerbardesign.com or 305.759.2217
“Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday that is meant to be a time of appreciation, gratitude and generosity. We will be distributing the
donated items in time for Thursday’s Thanksgiving celebration.” said Alex Rodriguez. “It is our pleasure to be working with Unity
Coalition & Ambiente Magazine in giving back to the community that has given us all so much”
“UC|CU & Ambiente Magazine have always seen giving back to the community as a duty and priority and part of who we are.
Collecting & distributing much needed food along with Flower Bar, especially in the though times many of our neighbors are facing,
is just the right thing to do. We are proud of our work and can’t wait to see how much more we can do throughout the year” added
UC|CU president & Ambiente Editor Herb Sosa.
“It’s a beautiful thing to see the community coming together for such a good cause. I wish I could give more.” said local club &
event promoter Milancita Rodriguez, as she generously donated box after box of food & canned good foods.
UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA, NEAT STUFF & AMBIENTE MAGAZINE JOIN FORCES FOR A HAITIAN RELIEF
DONATION EVENT IN MIAMI
January 15, 2010 – Miami, Florida… Immediately following the devastating events of the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that
crippled the Caribbean country of Haiti and its capital city of Port-Au-Prince this past Jan 12th and left many thousands dead
and millions homeless and without basic services & care, Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida (UC|CU), Neat Stuff & Ambiente
Magazine went into action to help out.
WHAT | Haiti Earthquake Relief Effort | Donation Drop-Off Event
Live music, political & community leaders & free UC|CU membership with your donation!
WHEN | Saturday, January 16th, 2010 – 12noon – 4 pm
Immediately afterwards, all donations will be taken to distribution center for direct shipment to Haiti.
WHERE| Neat Stuff office/warehouse 2624 N.W. 21 Terr., Miami, FL 33142
NEEDS | Donations of blankets, canned foods, water, tents, bleach, powdered milk, diapers & flashlights are desperately
needed -NOW.
CONTACT| Vanessa Brito 786.547.8084 or Herb Sosa 786.271.6982
Frank Monjarrez, Exec. Director of Neat Stuff, Inc. said “This is a very personal issue for me, and giving back to our community is
paramount for myself & the Neat stuff family. When catastrophic events as this occur, they not only affect those living through
it, they affect all of us”. Vanessa Brito, Haiti Relief event coordinator for UC|CU & Ambiente added “It is all of our responsibility
to give back & give as much as we can to the community. Our Haitian neighbors need us now and we must step up & help
however we can.”
Unity Coalition & Ambiente Magazine have a tradition of serving and giving back to not just the LGBT & Latino Communities,
but to ALL communities in need of assistance, leadership or equality. I can’t think of a more deserving & immediate need than
the Haitian people right now. We’ll be collecting needed supplies for them tomorrow, next week, month & however long it
takes to get that community back on its feet.” said UC|CU president and Ambiente editor, Herb Sosa.
“To date, Kingdom Academy in Kendall, the Coral Gables Police Dept. and dozens of other groups & individuals are working
with our Relief Efforts. A truck of much needed medical supplies has been delivered, and our main event on Saturday has not
event begun! This is a generous and loving community, and I am proud to be part of it.” – Vanessa Brito
Along with UC|CU, Neat Stuff & Ambiente Magazine, many wonderful organizations, businesses & individuals have joined our
efforts, including Hispanic Coalition, SAVE Dade, Milancita.com, Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation, Flower Bar,
BigIdeaWraps.com, and many others.
DROP OFF LOCATIONS AVAILABLE NOW:
CITY OF NORTH MIAMI | former N. Miami Sr. High building, 800 NE 137 Street | Jan15-20, 8am-8pm
FLOWER BAR | 9612 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores, Florida 33138, 305.759.2217 | M-F, 10am-5pm
HISPANIC COALITION|Miami|5659 W. Flagler St., Miami, Florida 33134 305.262.0060 | M-S, 9am-6pm
HISPANIC COALITION|Kendall|3830 S.W. 137TH Ave., Miami, Florida 33175 | M - F, 8:30am - 5:30pm
For more organizations & donation options : www.unitycoalition.org
DONATION EVENT IN MIAMI
January 15, 2010 – Miami, Florida… Immediately following the devastating events of the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that
crippled the Caribbean country of Haiti and its capital city of Port-Au-Prince this past Jan 12th and left many thousands dead
and millions homeless and without basic services & care, Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida (UC|CU), Neat Stuff & Ambiente
Magazine went into action to help out.
WHAT | Haiti Earthquake Relief Effort | Donation Drop-Off Event
Live music, political & community leaders & free UC|CU membership with your donation!
WHEN | Saturday, January 16th, 2010 – 12noon – 4 pm
Immediately afterwards, all donations will be taken to distribution center for direct shipment to Haiti.
WHERE| Neat Stuff office/warehouse 2624 N.W. 21 Terr., Miami, FL 33142
NEEDS | Donations of blankets, canned foods, water, tents, bleach, powdered milk, diapers & flashlights are desperately
needed -NOW.
CONTACT| Vanessa Brito 786.547.8084 or Herb Sosa 786.271.6982
Frank Monjarrez, Exec. Director of Neat Stuff, Inc. said “This is a very personal issue for me, and giving back to our community is
paramount for myself & the Neat stuff family. When catastrophic events as this occur, they not only affect those living through
it, they affect all of us”. Vanessa Brito, Haiti Relief event coordinator for UC|CU & Ambiente added “It is all of our responsibility
to give back & give as much as we can to the community. Our Haitian neighbors need us now and we must step up & help
however we can.”
Unity Coalition & Ambiente Magazine have a tradition of serving and giving back to not just the LGBT & Latino Communities,
but to ALL communities in need of assistance, leadership or equality. I can’t think of a more deserving & immediate need than
the Haitian people right now. We’ll be collecting needed supplies for them tomorrow, next week, month & however long it
takes to get that community back on its feet.” said UC|CU president and Ambiente editor, Herb Sosa.
“To date, Kingdom Academy in Kendall, the Coral Gables Police Dept. and dozens of other groups & individuals are working
with our Relief Efforts. A truck of much needed medical supplies has been delivered, and our main event on Saturday has not
event begun! This is a generous and loving community, and I am proud to be part of it.” – Vanessa Brito
Along with UC|CU, Neat Stuff & Ambiente Magazine, many wonderful organizations, businesses & individuals have joined our
efforts, including Hispanic Coalition, SAVE Dade, Milancita.com, Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation, Flower Bar,
BigIdeaWraps.com, and many others.
DROP OFF LOCATIONS AVAILABLE NOW:
CITY OF NORTH MIAMI | former N. Miami Sr. High building, 800 NE 137 Street | Jan15-20, 8am-8pm
FLOWER BAR | 9612 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores, Florida 33138, 305.759.2217 | M-F, 10am-5pm
HISPANIC COALITION|Miami|5659 W. Flagler St., Miami, Florida 33134 305.262.0060 | M-S, 9am-6pm
HISPANIC COALITION|Kendall|3830 S.W. 137TH Ave., Miami, Florida 33175 | M - F, 8:30am - 5:30pm
For more organizations & donation options : www.unitycoalition.org
Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida Calls for full count of Florida residents in 2010 Census – Documented or not –
Senate candidate Marco Rubio is wrong on this issue & logic, and his stance against LGBT rights
Miami, Florida… February 9, 2010 - ``Why do you believe that illegal immigrants shouldn't be counted in the Census?'' a Fox
News broadcaster recently asked Florida Senate candidate Marco Rubio. His response and position on this issue would
negatively affect the State pf Florida, its ability to fund much needed programs and the welfare of all Floridians, legal or
undocumented.
``They should not be counted towards the drawing of legislative seats or of congressional seats and here's why -- it's a voting
rights issue. States that have more illegal immigrants are going to have more seats in Congress and therefore more votes in the
Electoral College. . . It dilutes the voting rights of citizens and legal residents.'' said Rubio. Rubio went on to suggest a question
of legal status be added to the Census, which is a mute point since the 2010 Census forms were printed long ago, and the
statewide campaign got under way this week. Even if a question about citizenship status could have been added to the
Census, wouldn't illegal immigrants be even less likely to fill out a form with their name, address and annual income?
UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA, the leading Latino|Hispanic gay civil-rights nonprofit initiative, offering leadership on issues
that concern Latino|Hispanic LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) and other minority groups across the U.S. disagrees with
Rubio’s position, believes it to be detrimental to Florida’s fiscal & social future, and looks forward to a fair and accurate count of ALL
Floridians. Rubio’s indifference to the needs of ALL Floridians echoes his ongoing disregard for the equal Civil Rights of Florida’s
LGBT Community, and NOT representative of ALL Floridians.
This issue hits home for most of us...The Census serves many purposes - one of them is funding, yes. The other is to serve as an
accountability system for the Federal government. How do we address the needs of the entire nation without knowing its full
make up. How do states such as Florida, Texas, and California request funding to mitigate the shortcomings of their municipal
governments, if we do not count those who are living, working, and contributing to our "free" market system. South Florida
benefits from the contributions of undocumented workers on a daily basis - particularly in the agricultural industry, one of
Florida's leading economic forces. We, as a community, work to find solutions to issues surrounding immigration. Yet, how can
we fully address these issues if we are not aware of the number of people/families that make up this demographics. The Census
was not built to uphold voting rights. It was built to create socio-economic indicators. The Census is a mechanism to understand
our communities in both micro and macro terms. Excluding groups that contribute to our economic stability is probably not the
best way to address the problem.
Rubio's comments are disappointing, to say the least. It seems that much of the struggle has been forgotten in all of this. Most of
us have been blessed with a means to achieve US citizenship. However, that does not discredit those who are working tirelessly
to achieve the same. If those who are here "Illegally" are forgone, then we as a society have failed to recognize the individual
struggle the American system was built to uphold.
Senate candidate Marco Rubio is wrong on this issue & logic, and his stance against LGBT rights
Miami, Florida… February 9, 2010 - ``Why do you believe that illegal immigrants shouldn't be counted in the Census?'' a Fox
News broadcaster recently asked Florida Senate candidate Marco Rubio. His response and position on this issue would
negatively affect the State pf Florida, its ability to fund much needed programs and the welfare of all Floridians, legal or
undocumented.
``They should not be counted towards the drawing of legislative seats or of congressional seats and here's why -- it's a voting
rights issue. States that have more illegal immigrants are going to have more seats in Congress and therefore more votes in the
Electoral College. . . It dilutes the voting rights of citizens and legal residents.'' said Rubio. Rubio went on to suggest a question
of legal status be added to the Census, which is a mute point since the 2010 Census forms were printed long ago, and the
statewide campaign got under way this week. Even if a question about citizenship status could have been added to the
Census, wouldn't illegal immigrants be even less likely to fill out a form with their name, address and annual income?
UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA, the leading Latino|Hispanic gay civil-rights nonprofit initiative, offering leadership on issues
that concern Latino|Hispanic LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) and other minority groups across the U.S. disagrees with
Rubio’s position, believes it to be detrimental to Florida’s fiscal & social future, and looks forward to a fair and accurate count of ALL
Floridians. Rubio’s indifference to the needs of ALL Floridians echoes his ongoing disregard for the equal Civil Rights of Florida’s
LGBT Community, and NOT representative of ALL Floridians.
This issue hits home for most of us...The Census serves many purposes - one of them is funding, yes. The other is to serve as an
accountability system for the Federal government. How do we address the needs of the entire nation without knowing its full
make up. How do states such as Florida, Texas, and California request funding to mitigate the shortcomings of their municipal
governments, if we do not count those who are living, working, and contributing to our "free" market system. South Florida
benefits from the contributions of undocumented workers on a daily basis - particularly in the agricultural industry, one of
Florida's leading economic forces. We, as a community, work to find solutions to issues surrounding immigration. Yet, how can
we fully address these issues if we are not aware of the number of people/families that make up this demographics. The Census
was not built to uphold voting rights. It was built to create socio-economic indicators. The Census is a mechanism to understand
our communities in both micro and macro terms. Excluding groups that contribute to our economic stability is probably not the
best way to address the problem.
Rubio's comments are disappointing, to say the least. It seems that much of the struggle has been forgotten in all of this. Most of
us have been blessed with a means to achieve US citizenship. However, that does not discredit those who are working tirelessly
to achieve the same. If those who are here "Illegally" are forgone, then we as a society have failed to recognize the individual
struggle the American system was built to uphold.
Jailed Cuban activist Orlando Zapata Tamayo dies on hunger strike
A dissident who stopped eating in December has died, the first time since 1972 that an opponent of the Havana government
lost his life during a hunger protest.
Orlando Zapata Tamayo's Mother Speaks After Her Son's Death
By Yoani Sanchez
La Habana, Cuba - February 24, 2010… This afternoon, hours after the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Reinaldo and I were
able to approach the Department of Legal Medicine, where autopsies are performed, in Boyeros Street.
A cordon of men from State Security were watching the place, but we managed to approach Reina, the mother of the
deceased, and ask her the questions in the recording posted here.
Pain, indignation in our case... sadness and fortitude in hers. Here is the recording, amateur and in very low light, but the
heartbreaking testimony of an anguished mother.
English transcript of Yoani Sanchez video interview of Reina Tamayo, mother of Orlando Zapata Tamayo
Yoani Sanchez: We are here to express our condolences. We would like to know at what time did he pass away, what do you
know about his last minutes, what are your feelings right now, and what is going to happen after he is released by the coroner?
Reina Luisa Tamayo Dangier: I am Reina Luisa Tamayo Dangier, the mother of prisoner of conscience Orlando Zapata Tamayo
who was interned in the hospital of the Habana del Este Prison. Last night he was moved to the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital
where he passed away at 3:00 PM.
I can tell you I feel a horrible pain, but I am holding on, enduring through this pain. I was able to be at his side until he passed
away and now hope to have the courage to dress my son Orlando Zapata Tamayo.
We will leave for Banes, Holguin Province, Embarcadero road, house number six, where we will hold the wake before our family
altar, at my home, for as long as required.
I want to tell the world about my pain. I think my son's death was a premeditated murder. My son was tortured throughout his
incarceration. His plight has brought me great pain and has been excruciating for the entire family. Even, as he was transferred
to this prison, he was first held in Camaguey without drinking water for 18 days. My son dies after an 86-day hunger strike. He is
another Pedro Boitel for Cuba. [Pedro Luis Boitel died in 1972 during a hunger strike while serving a 10-year prison sentence in
Cuba]
In the midst of deep pain, I call on the world to demand the freedom of the other prisoners and brothers unfairly sentenced so
that what happened to my boy, my second child, who leaves behind no physical legacy, no child or wife, does not happen
again.
Testimonio de la madre de Orlando Zapata Tamayo
La Habana, Cuba - February 24, 2010… Esta tarde, horas después de la muerte de Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Reinaldo y yo
pudimos acercarnos a las cercanías del departamento de Medicina Legal en la calle Boyeros.
Un cordón de hombres de la seguridad de la estado vigilaba el lugar, pero logramos acercarnos a Reina, la madre del
fallecido, y hacerle estas preguntas.
Dolor, indignación en nosotros… tristeza y entereza en ella.
Aquí les dejo la grabación, alternativa y sin apenas luz, pero testimonio desgarrador de la angustia de una madre.
Orlando Zapata Tamayo
Cuba in crackdown after dissident's death
HAVANA - Security agents detained dissidents across Cuba Wednesday to prevent protests at the funeral of a leading political
prisoner, an activist said, after the death of the hunger-striking detainee sparked international outrage.
Cuban President Raul Castro "regrets the death of Cuban prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo, who died yesterday after having
been on a hunger strike," a foreign ministry statement said.
But Castro denied allegations of repression in the Americas' only one-party communist regime after the late dissident's mother
charged her son was tortured.
"There are no tortured people, there were no tortured people, there was no execution," Raul Castro, 78, told reporters. "That is
what happens at (the U.S. naval base in) Guantanamo."
The government's initial reaction however appeared to be to move swiftly against other dissidents.
Elizardo Sanchez, spokesman for the outlawed Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation, told AFP that security
agents had detained about 30 activists Tuesday and Wednesday.
"Some also have been held in their houses, without a judicial warrant, to prevent people from going to the wake," he said.
Dissidents have been rounded up in the eastern provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Las Tunas and Camaguey, and in
the central city of Placetas, Sanchez said.
Zapata, 42, was to be buried in his hometown of Banes, 830 kilometers (500 miles) east of Havana, after a wake at the home of
his mother.
"My son was tortured the whole time he was in prison," Reina Luisa Tamayo charged in a video on the blog Generacion Y, run by
independent journalist Yoani Sanchez in defiance of Havana's tightly controlled state media.
Tamayo implored "the international community to demand the release of the rest of (Cuba's political) prisoners . . . so that what
happened to my boy does not happen again."
Zapata's death drew international condemnation and calls for an investigation.
Jailed since 2003 and deemed a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International, Zapata had blamed his already deteriorating
health on harsh conditions inside Cuba's jails.
Sanchez said it was the first time in nearly 40 years that a Cuban opposition figure has died while on a hunger strike. Zapata's
death is "bad news for the human rights movement and for the government as well," he said.
The movement "is not seeking martyrs," said Oswaldo Paya, leader of the Christian Liberation Movement dissident group.
Zapata died "defending the freedom, rights and dignity of all Cubans," Paya added.
In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said Zapata's death "highlights the injustice of Cuba's holding
more than 200 political prisoners who should now be released without delay."
The EU Commission also voiced deep regret at Zapata's death.
The European Union urges the Cuban government "to improve effectively the human rights situation in the country by releasing
unconditionally all political prisoners," EU commission spokesman John Clancy told AFP.
Cuba claims it has no political prisoners; it says regime opponents are all "mercenaries" in the pay of the United States or right-
wing Cuban exiles.
Zapata was one of 55 "prisoners of conscience" adopted by Amnesty International in Cuba, most of whom were also arrested in
the 2003 government crackdown on activists seeking political change.
Initially given a three-year prison term, Zapata saw his sentence grow to 36 years as the government piled on additional
charges of "disobedience" and "disorder in a penal establishment."
Amnesty International said Zapata "felt he had no other avenue available to him but to starve himself in protest is a terrible
indictment of the continuing repression of political dissidents in Cuba."
Hector Palacios, one of 75 political prisoners convicted in 2003 and who met Zapata in prison, told AFP "people are outraged,"
and that a national mourning and fasting period was being weighed.
"I'm crushed," said Palacios, who has been released for health reasons. Zapata "had no alternative but to opt for the hunger
strike. The authorities took no pity on him, they just let him die."
© Copyright (c) AFP
A dissident who stopped eating in December has died, the first time since 1972 that an opponent of the Havana government
lost his life during a hunger protest.
Orlando Zapata Tamayo's Mother Speaks After Her Son's Death
By Yoani Sanchez
La Habana, Cuba - February 24, 2010… This afternoon, hours after the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Reinaldo and I were
able to approach the Department of Legal Medicine, where autopsies are performed, in Boyeros Street.
A cordon of men from State Security were watching the place, but we managed to approach Reina, the mother of the
deceased, and ask her the questions in the recording posted here.
Pain, indignation in our case... sadness and fortitude in hers. Here is the recording, amateur and in very low light, but the
heartbreaking testimony of an anguished mother.
English transcript of Yoani Sanchez video interview of Reina Tamayo, mother of Orlando Zapata Tamayo
Yoani Sanchez: We are here to express our condolences. We would like to know at what time did he pass away, what do you
know about his last minutes, what are your feelings right now, and what is going to happen after he is released by the coroner?
Reina Luisa Tamayo Dangier: I am Reina Luisa Tamayo Dangier, the mother of prisoner of conscience Orlando Zapata Tamayo
who was interned in the hospital of the Habana del Este Prison. Last night he was moved to the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital
where he passed away at 3:00 PM.
I can tell you I feel a horrible pain, but I am holding on, enduring through this pain. I was able to be at his side until he passed
away and now hope to have the courage to dress my son Orlando Zapata Tamayo.
We will leave for Banes, Holguin Province, Embarcadero road, house number six, where we will hold the wake before our family
altar, at my home, for as long as required.
I want to tell the world about my pain. I think my son's death was a premeditated murder. My son was tortured throughout his
incarceration. His plight has brought me great pain and has been excruciating for the entire family. Even, as he was transferred
to this prison, he was first held in Camaguey without drinking water for 18 days. My son dies after an 86-day hunger strike. He is
another Pedro Boitel for Cuba. [Pedro Luis Boitel died in 1972 during a hunger strike while serving a 10-year prison sentence in
Cuba]
In the midst of deep pain, I call on the world to demand the freedom of the other prisoners and brothers unfairly sentenced so
that what happened to my boy, my second child, who leaves behind no physical legacy, no child or wife, does not happen
again.
Testimonio de la madre de Orlando Zapata Tamayo
La Habana, Cuba - February 24, 2010… Esta tarde, horas después de la muerte de Orlando Zapata Tamayo, Reinaldo y yo
pudimos acercarnos a las cercanías del departamento de Medicina Legal en la calle Boyeros.
Un cordón de hombres de la seguridad de la estado vigilaba el lugar, pero logramos acercarnos a Reina, la madre del
fallecido, y hacerle estas preguntas.
Dolor, indignación en nosotros… tristeza y entereza en ella.
Aquí les dejo la grabación, alternativa y sin apenas luz, pero testimonio desgarrador de la angustia de una madre.
Orlando Zapata Tamayo
Cuba in crackdown after dissident's death
HAVANA - Security agents detained dissidents across Cuba Wednesday to prevent protests at the funeral of a leading political
prisoner, an activist said, after the death of the hunger-striking detainee sparked international outrage.
Cuban President Raul Castro "regrets the death of Cuban prisoner Orlando Zapata Tamayo, who died yesterday after having
been on a hunger strike," a foreign ministry statement said.
But Castro denied allegations of repression in the Americas' only one-party communist regime after the late dissident's mother
charged her son was tortured.
"There are no tortured people, there were no tortured people, there was no execution," Raul Castro, 78, told reporters. "That is
what happens at (the U.S. naval base in) Guantanamo."
The government's initial reaction however appeared to be to move swiftly against other dissidents.
Elizardo Sanchez, spokesman for the outlawed Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation, told AFP that security
agents had detained about 30 activists Tuesday and Wednesday.
"Some also have been held in their houses, without a judicial warrant, to prevent people from going to the wake," he said.
Dissidents have been rounded up in the eastern provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Las Tunas and Camaguey, and in
the central city of Placetas, Sanchez said.
Zapata, 42, was to be buried in his hometown of Banes, 830 kilometers (500 miles) east of Havana, after a wake at the home of
his mother.
"My son was tortured the whole time he was in prison," Reina Luisa Tamayo charged in a video on the blog Generacion Y, run by
independent journalist Yoani Sanchez in defiance of Havana's tightly controlled state media.
Tamayo implored "the international community to demand the release of the rest of (Cuba's political) prisoners . . . so that what
happened to my boy does not happen again."
Zapata's death drew international condemnation and calls for an investigation.
Jailed since 2003 and deemed a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International, Zapata had blamed his already deteriorating
health on harsh conditions inside Cuba's jails.
Sanchez said it was the first time in nearly 40 years that a Cuban opposition figure has died while on a hunger strike. Zapata's
death is "bad news for the human rights movement and for the government as well," he said.
The movement "is not seeking martyrs," said Oswaldo Paya, leader of the Christian Liberation Movement dissident group.
Zapata died "defending the freedom, rights and dignity of all Cubans," Paya added.
In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said Zapata's death "highlights the injustice of Cuba's holding
more than 200 political prisoners who should now be released without delay."
The EU Commission also voiced deep regret at Zapata's death.
The European Union urges the Cuban government "to improve effectively the human rights situation in the country by releasing
unconditionally all political prisoners," EU commission spokesman John Clancy told AFP.
Cuba claims it has no political prisoners; it says regime opponents are all "mercenaries" in the pay of the United States or right-
wing Cuban exiles.
Zapata was one of 55 "prisoners of conscience" adopted by Amnesty International in Cuba, most of whom were also arrested in
the 2003 government crackdown on activists seeking political change.
Initially given a three-year prison term, Zapata saw his sentence grow to 36 years as the government piled on additional
charges of "disobedience" and "disorder in a penal establishment."
Amnesty International said Zapata "felt he had no other avenue available to him but to starve himself in protest is a terrible
indictment of the continuing repression of political dissidents in Cuba."
Hector Palacios, one of 75 political prisoners convicted in 2003 and who met Zapata in prison, told AFP "people are outraged,"
and that a national mourning and fasting period was being weighed.
"I'm crushed," said Palacios, who has been released for health reasons. Zapata "had no alternative but to opt for the hunger
strike. The authorities took no pity on him, they just let him die."
© Copyright (c) AFP
UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA APPLAUDS & JOINS GLORIA ESTEFAN IN A MARCH FOR
SOLIDARITY WITH CUBA's DAMAS DE BLANCO
- We Urge All of the So Fla. Community to Come March & Show Support !
WHAT: March to express exile solidarity with Las Damas de Blanco
WHEN: Thursday, March 25th, 2010 - 5pm
WHERE: SW 8th Street (Calle Ocho) & 27th Avenue (Unity Boulevard) - in Miami's Little Havana
The legendary Gloria Estefan is coming out to support Las Damas de Blanco (aka Ladies in White), a group who were violently
harassed and forced by government security agents to board buses which forced them to break up their march last week.
The group marches every year to commemorate the anniversary of the 2003 arrests of their husbands and sons by Cuban
agents during the "Black Spring crackdown" against independent journalists and others exposing governmental indiscretions.
Gloria announced that she would march along Little Havana's Calle Ocho on Thursday at 6 p.m. to express exile solidarity with
Las Damas de Blanco.
"For me, at this instant, this is not politics,” said the singer. "It's about life, the lives of human being . . . but at this moment,
seeing what these women are going through, at this moment, historically, it's important, as a Cuban, as a woman, to support
these ladies.”
On March 21st in Havana, Cuba, the “Damas De Blanco” ended their Marches commemorating the 7th Anniversary of the
“Black Spring” in Cuba which took place in April of 2003 when they suffered the unjust incarceration of their husbands and
sons. Since then, these valiant women, dignified, and united in the pain of being forcibly separated from their loved ones
have been fighting for their release.
This past week, the violent persecution that the “Damas De Blanco” suffered at the hands of Cuba’s repressive government
was such that the President of the European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, Joseph Daul, declared, “It is high
time that the European Union clearly defends all those who, in Cuba, risk their lives on a daily basis defending Human Rights
and who are working towards a peaceful transition to democracy”.
The moment has come for us as well; Cubans who live in freedom and anyone who would like to join us, to show our strength,
support and spirit to the “Damas” and to the Cuban people.
LET’S WALK TOGETHER LIKE THE “DAMAS DE BLANCO”; with dignity, in silence, with a flower of hope in our hands and dressed in
white to represent purity of thought, actions and new beginnings!
In the words of our illustrious poet, José Martí, “The campaigns of a people are only weak when in them is not enlisted the
heart of a woman; but when a woman is shaken and helps, when a woman, timid and quiet in her nature, cheers and applauds,
when a woman cultured and virtuous anoints a deed with the honey of her love, the deed is invincible”.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 5pm we will gather on Beacom Blvd. between S.W. 7th and 8th Street. We will walk on 8th Street,
in Little Havana, from 27th Avenue to 22nd Avenue beginning at 6pm sharp.
We will walk for the love of freedom…
Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan convoca a marcha a favor de Las Damas de Blanco
“Para mí, en este instante, no es política, es vida”, dijo Gloria Estefan.“Lo que me lleva a esto… en este momento, viendo lo
que estan pasando estas mujeres, en este momento, historicamente, creo que es importante como cubana, como mujer,
apoyar a estas señoras”.
Gloria Estefan , en Conferencia de Prensa en Miami expresó su apoyo emotivo y apasionado por las Damas de Blanco que
fueron agredidas por agentes de la policía y la Seguridad del Estado cubana y turbas castristas.
Anunció la marcha para este jueves por la calle OCHO de La Pequeña Habana empezando a las 6 pm. en solidaridad con las
Damas de Blanco.
SOLIDARITY WITH CUBA's DAMAS DE BLANCO
- We Urge All of the So Fla. Community to Come March & Show Support !
WHAT: March to express exile solidarity with Las Damas de Blanco
WHEN: Thursday, March 25th, 2010 - 5pm
WHERE: SW 8th Street (Calle Ocho) & 27th Avenue (Unity Boulevard) - in Miami's Little Havana
The legendary Gloria Estefan is coming out to support Las Damas de Blanco (aka Ladies in White), a group who were violently
harassed and forced by government security agents to board buses which forced them to break up their march last week.
The group marches every year to commemorate the anniversary of the 2003 arrests of their husbands and sons by Cuban
agents during the "Black Spring crackdown" against independent journalists and others exposing governmental indiscretions.
Gloria announced that she would march along Little Havana's Calle Ocho on Thursday at 6 p.m. to express exile solidarity with
Las Damas de Blanco.
"For me, at this instant, this is not politics,” said the singer. "It's about life, the lives of human being . . . but at this moment,
seeing what these women are going through, at this moment, historically, it's important, as a Cuban, as a woman, to support
these ladies.”
On March 21st in Havana, Cuba, the “Damas De Blanco” ended their Marches commemorating the 7th Anniversary of the
“Black Spring” in Cuba which took place in April of 2003 when they suffered the unjust incarceration of their husbands and
sons. Since then, these valiant women, dignified, and united in the pain of being forcibly separated from their loved ones
have been fighting for their release.
This past week, the violent persecution that the “Damas De Blanco” suffered at the hands of Cuba’s repressive government
was such that the President of the European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, Joseph Daul, declared, “It is high
time that the European Union clearly defends all those who, in Cuba, risk their lives on a daily basis defending Human Rights
and who are working towards a peaceful transition to democracy”.
The moment has come for us as well; Cubans who live in freedom and anyone who would like to join us, to show our strength,
support and spirit to the “Damas” and to the Cuban people.
LET’S WALK TOGETHER LIKE THE “DAMAS DE BLANCO”; with dignity, in silence, with a flower of hope in our hands and dressed in
white to represent purity of thought, actions and new beginnings!
In the words of our illustrious poet, José Martí, “The campaigns of a people are only weak when in them is not enlisted the
heart of a woman; but when a woman is shaken and helps, when a woman, timid and quiet in her nature, cheers and applauds,
when a woman cultured and virtuous anoints a deed with the honey of her love, the deed is invincible”.
Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 5pm we will gather on Beacom Blvd. between S.W. 7th and 8th Street. We will walk on 8th Street,
in Little Havana, from 27th Avenue to 22nd Avenue beginning at 6pm sharp.
We will walk for the love of freedom…
Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan convoca a marcha a favor de Las Damas de Blanco
“Para mí, en este instante, no es política, es vida”, dijo Gloria Estefan.“Lo que me lleva a esto… en este momento, viendo lo
que estan pasando estas mujeres, en este momento, historicamente, creo que es importante como cubana, como mujer,
apoyar a estas señoras”.
Gloria Estefan , en Conferencia de Prensa en Miami expresó su apoyo emotivo y apasionado por las Damas de Blanco que
fueron agredidas por agentes de la policía y la Seguridad del Estado cubana y turbas castristas.
Anunció la marcha para este jueves por la calle OCHO de La Pequeña Habana empezando a las 6 pm. en solidaridad con las
Damas de Blanco.
USCIS To Issue Redesigned Green Card
State-of-the-Art Technology Makes New Card More Secure
WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has redesigned the Permanent
Resident Card—commonly known as the “Green Card”—to incorporate several major new security features. The Green Card
redesign is the latest advance in USCIS’s ongoing efforts to deter immigration fraud. State-of-the-art technology
incorporated into the new card prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate
authentication. Beginning today, USCIS will issue all Green Cards in the new, more secure format.
“Redesigning the Green Card is a major achievement for USCIS,” said Director Alejandro Mayorkas. “The new security
technology makes a critical contribution to the integrity of the immigration system.”
The enhanced features will better serve law enforcement, employers, and immigrants, all of whom look to the Green Card as
definitive proof of authorization to live and work in the United States. Among the benefits of the redesign: Secure optical
media will store biometrics for rapid and reliable identification of the card holder. Holographic images, laser engraved
fingerprints, and high resolution micro-images will make the card nearly impossible to reproduce. Tighter integration of the
card design with personalized elements will make it difficult to alter the card if stolen. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
capability will allow Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry to read the card from a distance and compare it
immediately to file data. Finally, a preprinted return address will enable the easy return of a lost card to USCIS.
In keeping with the Permanent Resident Card’s nickname, it will now be colored green for easy recognition. USCIS will replace
Green Cards already in circulation as individuals apply for renewal or replacement.
For more information on permanent residency and other immigration benefits, visit www.uscis.gov, or call USCIS’s National
Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283.
State-of-the-Art Technology Makes New Card More Secure
WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has redesigned the Permanent
Resident Card—commonly known as the “Green Card”—to incorporate several major new security features. The Green Card
redesign is the latest advance in USCIS’s ongoing efforts to deter immigration fraud. State-of-the-art technology
incorporated into the new card prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate
authentication. Beginning today, USCIS will issue all Green Cards in the new, more secure format.
“Redesigning the Green Card is a major achievement for USCIS,” said Director Alejandro Mayorkas. “The new security
technology makes a critical contribution to the integrity of the immigration system.”
The enhanced features will better serve law enforcement, employers, and immigrants, all of whom look to the Green Card as
definitive proof of authorization to live and work in the United States. Among the benefits of the redesign: Secure optical
media will store biometrics for rapid and reliable identification of the card holder. Holographic images, laser engraved
fingerprints, and high resolution micro-images will make the card nearly impossible to reproduce. Tighter integration of the
card design with personalized elements will make it difficult to alter the card if stolen. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
capability will allow Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry to read the card from a distance and compare it
immediately to file data. Finally, a preprinted return address will enable the easy return of a lost card to USCIS.
In keeping with the Permanent Resident Card’s nickname, it will now be colored green for easy recognition. USCIS will replace
Green Cards already in circulation as individuals apply for renewal or replacement.
For more information on permanent residency and other immigration benefits, visit www.uscis.gov, or call USCIS’s National
Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283.
UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA announces new Board of Directors, launches New
Membership Drive campaign & concentrates efforts on core Latino|Hispanic|LGBT Community
Priorities
Miami Florida…June 2010-Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida (UC|CU), the leading Latino|Hispanic gay civil-rights 501(c)4
nonprofit initiative, offering leadership on issues that concern Latino|Hispanic LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) and
other minority groups across the U.S., announced its new slate of Board of Directors today. The 2010 slate is comprised of
Herb Sosa-board president, Vanessa Brito, Dahlia Canes, Milan Rodriguez, David Turley, Luis Gonzalez, & adding Eddie I. Sierra.
“Mr. Sierra has been an active volunteer with Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida and various other related interests in the
community for some time now. We are proud to have him join our board and look forward to his energy, efforts & fresh ideas.”
said board member Vanessa Brito. Sierra is Director of Client Relations for the Law Office of Gupta and Associates, P.A. and is
dedicated to Membership Development for UC|CU.
“My goal is to increase our 21-40 (age) membership involvement, visibility & participation, through various upcoming special
events, lectures & our UC|CU Member Discount Program.” said Sierra.
Currently, Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida is promoting its Free Member Discount Card, offering a variety of deals and
discounts to local, statewide, and national LGBT-friendly businesses. UC|CU is also launching a series of events, including the
Thursday, July 8th NOCHE LATINA at Discotekka, Miami to benefit UC|CU, as well as the continuation of our LGBT Leaders,
Legends & Lovelies Lecture Series & Cocktail Hour set to begin August 2010 and running through 2011.
“UC|CU remains committed to the core values, priorities and needs of the Latino|Hispanic|LGBT community and continues
its vigilance to ensure equality and fairness for our community. I feel more confident than ever that with the talent, credibility,
professionalism & energy that our new board brings this year, UC|CU is on a clear path of continued leadership and a visible &
effective voice for all Latino, Hispanic & LGBT persons. Community confidence in its leaders is paramount to the success of
Equality. The 2010 UC|CU board of directors continues to be one of the most respected, honest & capable group of
individuals I have ever had the privilege of working with, and I am excited to see what ongoing positive changes this group
will collectively accomplish for UC|CU & our community.” - Herb Sosa, UC|CU co-founder & President
Political Involvement & Leadership, Immigration Rights, Same-Sex Unions, Fairness in Adoption, Equality in the workplace,
Quality of Education, an Investment in our Youth and continued Community Involvement & Awareness are all part of the new
LGBT Latino|Hispanic Community in the U.S. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida is poised to move forward and continue to assist
our communities, empower them with knowledge, resources and offer our existing and up and coming leaders the tools
needed to reach true EQUALITY FOR ALL in the U.S.
UCICU also continues to add to and improve our National LGBT Community Resources Directory, focusing but not limited to
the Latino|Hispanic community –the first ever of its kind- and expand our partnerships with a network of organizations from
coast to coast such as Immigration Equality, Love See No Borders, Equality Florida, Save Dade, Parents, Families and Friends of
Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and many others, that will solidify the resources available but often overlooked or not known to
smaller communities.
Membership Drive campaign & concentrates efforts on core Latino|Hispanic|LGBT Community
Priorities
Miami Florida…June 2010-Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida (UC|CU), the leading Latino|Hispanic gay civil-rights 501(c)4
nonprofit initiative, offering leadership on issues that concern Latino|Hispanic LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) and
other minority groups across the U.S., announced its new slate of Board of Directors today. The 2010 slate is comprised of
Herb Sosa-board president, Vanessa Brito, Dahlia Canes, Milan Rodriguez, David Turley, Luis Gonzalez, & adding Eddie I. Sierra.
“Mr. Sierra has been an active volunteer with Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida and various other related interests in the
community for some time now. We are proud to have him join our board and look forward to his energy, efforts & fresh ideas.”
said board member Vanessa Brito. Sierra is Director of Client Relations for the Law Office of Gupta and Associates, P.A. and is
dedicated to Membership Development for UC|CU.
“My goal is to increase our 21-40 (age) membership involvement, visibility & participation, through various upcoming special
events, lectures & our UC|CU Member Discount Program.” said Sierra.
Currently, Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida is promoting its Free Member Discount Card, offering a variety of deals and
discounts to local, statewide, and national LGBT-friendly businesses. UC|CU is also launching a series of events, including the
Thursday, July 8th NOCHE LATINA at Discotekka, Miami to benefit UC|CU, as well as the continuation of our LGBT Leaders,
Legends & Lovelies Lecture Series & Cocktail Hour set to begin August 2010 and running through 2011.
“UC|CU remains committed to the core values, priorities and needs of the Latino|Hispanic|LGBT community and continues
its vigilance to ensure equality and fairness for our community. I feel more confident than ever that with the talent, credibility,
professionalism & energy that our new board brings this year, UC|CU is on a clear path of continued leadership and a visible &
effective voice for all Latino, Hispanic & LGBT persons. Community confidence in its leaders is paramount to the success of
Equality. The 2010 UC|CU board of directors continues to be one of the most respected, honest & capable group of
individuals I have ever had the privilege of working with, and I am excited to see what ongoing positive changes this group
will collectively accomplish for UC|CU & our community.” - Herb Sosa, UC|CU co-founder & President
Political Involvement & Leadership, Immigration Rights, Same-Sex Unions, Fairness in Adoption, Equality in the workplace,
Quality of Education, an Investment in our Youth and continued Community Involvement & Awareness are all part of the new
LGBT Latino|Hispanic Community in the U.S. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida is poised to move forward and continue to assist
our communities, empower them with knowledge, resources and offer our existing and up and coming leaders the tools
needed to reach true EQUALITY FOR ALL in the U.S.
UCICU also continues to add to and improve our National LGBT Community Resources Directory, focusing but not limited to
the Latino|Hispanic community –the first ever of its kind- and expand our partnerships with a network of organizations from
coast to coast such as Immigration Equality, Love See No Borders, Equality Florida, Save Dade, Parents, Families and Friends of
Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and many others, that will solidify the resources available but often overlooked or not known to
smaller communities.
Federal judge | DOMA is unconstitutional
A U.S. judge in Boston has ruled that a federal gay marriage ban is unconstitutional because it interferes with the right of a
state to define marriage.
BOSTON, July 8, 2010... (AP) - A U.S. judge in Boston has ruled that a federal gay marriage ban is unconstitutional because it
interferes with the right of a state to define marriage.
U.S. District Judge Joseph Tauro on Thursday ruled in favor of gay couples' rights in two separate challenges to the 1996
Defense of Marriage Act, known as DOMA.
The state had argued the law denied benefits such as Medicaid to gay married couples in Massachusetts, where same-sex
unions have been legal since 2004.
Tauro agreed, and said the act forces Massachusetts to discriminate against its own citizens.
"The federal government, by enacting and enforcing DOMA, plainly encroaches upon the firmly entrenched province of the
state, and in doing so, offends the Tenth Amendment. For that reason, the statute is invalid," Tauro wrote in a ruling in a lawsuit
filed by Attorney General Martha Coakley.
Ruling in a separate case filed by Gays & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, Tauro found that DOMA violates the equal
protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. "We've maintained from the very beginning that there was absolutely no basis for
this law treating one class of married Massachusetts couples different from everybody else and the court has recognized
that," said Gary Buseck, GLAD's legal director.
The Justice Department argued the federal government has the right to set eligibility requirements for federal benefits -
including requiring that those benefits only go to couples in marriages between a man and a woman.
The law was enacted by Congress in 1996 when it appeared Hawaii would soon legalize same-sex marriage and opponents
worried that other states would be forced to recognize such marriages. The lawsuit challenges only the portion of the law that
prevents the federal government from affording pension and other benefits to same-sex couples.
Since then, five states and the District of Columbia have legalized gay marriage.
A U.S. judge in Boston has ruled that a federal gay marriage ban is unconstitutional because it interferes with the right of a
state to define marriage.
BOSTON, July 8, 2010... (AP) - A U.S. judge in Boston has ruled that a federal gay marriage ban is unconstitutional because it
interferes with the right of a state to define marriage.
U.S. District Judge Joseph Tauro on Thursday ruled in favor of gay couples' rights in two separate challenges to the 1996
Defense of Marriage Act, known as DOMA.
The state had argued the law denied benefits such as Medicaid to gay married couples in Massachusetts, where same-sex
unions have been legal since 2004.
Tauro agreed, and said the act forces Massachusetts to discriminate against its own citizens.
"The federal government, by enacting and enforcing DOMA, plainly encroaches upon the firmly entrenched province of the
state, and in doing so, offends the Tenth Amendment. For that reason, the statute is invalid," Tauro wrote in a ruling in a lawsuit
filed by Attorney General Martha Coakley.
Ruling in a separate case filed by Gays & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, Tauro found that DOMA violates the equal
protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. "We've maintained from the very beginning that there was absolutely no basis for
this law treating one class of married Massachusetts couples different from everybody else and the court has recognized
that," said Gary Buseck, GLAD's legal director.
The Justice Department argued the federal government has the right to set eligibility requirements for federal benefits -
including requiring that those benefits only go to couples in marriages between a man and a woman.
The law was enacted by Congress in 1996 when it appeared Hawaii would soon legalize same-sex marriage and opponents
worried that other states would be forced to recognize such marriages. The lawsuit challenges only the portion of the law that
prevents the federal government from affording pension and other benefits to same-sex couples.
Since then, five states and the District of Columbia have legalized gay marriage.
Army Discharges 'Don't Ask, Don’t Tell' Critic Who Told
July 23, 2010... One of the most prominent voices against the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, who came out on
national TV last year and was arrested in March for handcuffing himself to the White House fence, has now been discharged
from the Army because he is gay.
Lt. Dan Choi is a 2003 West Point graduate who is fluent in Arabic and served two tours in Iraq as an infantry platoon leader.
Since returning from deployment, he's become one of the most vocal critics of the military's policy that bars anyone from
serving in uniform if they are openly gay.
From Dan Choi: My Statement on DADT Discharge
This morning I received notification of my honorable discharge from the army under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." After 11 years since
beginning my journey at West Point and after 17 months of serving openly as an infantry officer this is both an infuriating and
painful announcement.
But my service continues. To all those veterans who have endured similar trials and injustices or prematurely ended their
military service because of the unjust policy: our fight has only begun.
The true honor and dignity of service does not come from a piece of paper, a pension or paycheck, a rank or status; only an
unflinching commitment to improve the lives of others can determine the nature of ones service. From the first moment we
put on our nation's uniform and swore our solemn oath, we committed ourselves to fight for freedom and justice; to defend
our Constitution and put the needs of others before our own. This is not an oath that I intend to abandon. Doing so at such a
time, or remaining silent when our family and community members are fired or punished for who they truly are would be an
unequivocal moral dereliction that tarnishes the honor of the uniform and insults the meaning of America.
Galvin Yard Signs & Benches Vandalized - Anti-Gay Slur Used
'Fag' painted on half-dozen Scott Galvin for Congress campaign signs in North Miami
July 23, 2010... It's not just a sign anymore....this is all happening in YOUR backyard...This is wrong, undeserved, and low...You can
help raise the spirits and prove that equality is far stronger and withstanding than intolerance.
By now many of you have seen the news
breaking over the past day in South Florida with one of the candidates supported by Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida, SAVE
Dade, eQualityGiving, Florida Together, Victory Fund and others. Scott Galvin has had several yard signs ruined with “FAG”
scrawled across his face on his campaign yard signs.
HOW YOU CAN HELP NOW:
Yard sign costs about $5. By donating $20 now you can replace a vandalized sign & buy 3 additional ones
“I am deeply disappointed and disgusted by the hateful and bigoted attacks directed at me and my campaign for Congress.
“Bigotry cannot be tolerated. It’s always wrong regardless of the circumstance and this most recent example only reinforces
my profound, personal commitment to equality for everyone.” - Scott Galvin for US Congress, District 17
Visit www.Galvin2010.com.
July 23, 2010... One of the most prominent voices against the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, who came out on
national TV last year and was arrested in March for handcuffing himself to the White House fence, has now been discharged
from the Army because he is gay.
Lt. Dan Choi is a 2003 West Point graduate who is fluent in Arabic and served two tours in Iraq as an infantry platoon leader.
Since returning from deployment, he's become one of the most vocal critics of the military's policy that bars anyone from
serving in uniform if they are openly gay.
From Dan Choi: My Statement on DADT Discharge
This morning I received notification of my honorable discharge from the army under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." After 11 years since
beginning my journey at West Point and after 17 months of serving openly as an infantry officer this is both an infuriating and
painful announcement.
But my service continues. To all those veterans who have endured similar trials and injustices or prematurely ended their
military service because of the unjust policy: our fight has only begun.
The true honor and dignity of service does not come from a piece of paper, a pension or paycheck, a rank or status; only an
unflinching commitment to improve the lives of others can determine the nature of ones service. From the first moment we
put on our nation's uniform and swore our solemn oath, we committed ourselves to fight for freedom and justice; to defend
our Constitution and put the needs of others before our own. This is not an oath that I intend to abandon. Doing so at such a
time, or remaining silent when our family and community members are fired or punished for who they truly are would be an
unequivocal moral dereliction that tarnishes the honor of the uniform and insults the meaning of America.
Galvin Yard Signs & Benches Vandalized - Anti-Gay Slur Used
'Fag' painted on half-dozen Scott Galvin for Congress campaign signs in North Miami
July 23, 2010... It's not just a sign anymore....this is all happening in YOUR backyard...This is wrong, undeserved, and low...You can
help raise the spirits and prove that equality is far stronger and withstanding than intolerance.
By now many of you have seen the news
breaking over the past day in South Florida with one of the candidates supported by Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida, SAVE
Dade, eQualityGiving, Florida Together, Victory Fund and others. Scott Galvin has had several yard signs ruined with “FAG”
scrawled across his face on his campaign yard signs.
HOW YOU CAN HELP NOW:
Yard sign costs about $5. By donating $20 now you can replace a vandalized sign & buy 3 additional ones
“I am deeply disappointed and disgusted by the hateful and bigoted attacks directed at me and my campaign for Congress.
“Bigotry cannot be tolerated. It’s always wrong regardless of the circumstance and this most recent example only reinforces
my profound, personal commitment to equality for everyone.” - Scott Galvin for US Congress, District 17
Visit www.Galvin2010.com.