Kalamazoo Alliance For Equality » Uncategorized http://www.kalamazooalliance.org Kalamazoo Alliance For Equality Wed, 08 May 2013 14:51:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 LEAD Press Conference- 4/3/12 at 10AM http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2012/04/02/lead-press-conference-4312-at-10am/ http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2012/04/02/lead-press-conference-4312-at-10am/#comments Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:41:27 +0000 Bill Jefferson http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/?p=454 Press Conference: Over 50 Elected Officials LEAD for Equality in Michigan
PRESS ADVISORY

Contact: Sarah Kennedy, 646-470-9507

Press Conference: Over 50 Elected Officials LEAD for Equality in Michigan Leaders from across the state sign on to statement of support

LANSING April 2, 2012– This Tuesday, Unity Michigan will announce that over 50 local elected officials have signed on to the LEAD (Local Electeds Against Discrimination) statement. LEAD is a statewide coalition of office holders who are calling for gay and transgender-inclusive non-discrimination protections. This follows Sen. Rebekah Warren’s March 22 announcement that she would introduce legislation to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for gay and transgender people.

WHAT: Local Electeds Against Discrimination press conference

WHEN: Tuesday, April 3, 10:30 AM

WHO: Nathan Triplett, East Lansing Mayor Pro Tem; Kathie Dunbar, Lansing City Council Vice President; Derek Dobies, Jackson City Council; other local elected officials who signed the LEAD statement; Denise Brogan-Kator, Executive Director of Equality Michigan

WHERE: Lansing City Council Chambers, 10th Floor – City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave.,  Lansing, MI 48933

The Unity Michigan Coalition works to ensure that all Michiganders are treated fairly by advancing non-discrimination policies. The Unity Michigan Coalition includes the ACLU of Michigan, Affirmations, Equality Michigan, KICK, the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, and the Ruth Ellis Center.

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]]> http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2012/04/02/lead-press-conference-4312-at-10am/feed/ 0 Don’t Change Yourself, Change The Law! http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2011/10/11/dont-change-yourself-change-the-law/ http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2011/10/11/dont-change-yourself-change-the-law/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:55:15 +0000 Bill Jefferson http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/?p=378 Here in Michigan, If your boss thinks you are gay you could actually lose your job. We know that sounds impossible, but in Michigan it’s the law. Civil rights laws protect us from many forms of discrimination — based on your race, gender, religion, age, sex, weight or marital status — but not if you are gay or transgender.

Please tell Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger that we shouldn’t have to change ourselves, he should change the law.

We need as many people as possible to send him this important message.

That’s why a coalition of civil rights organizations and everyday Michiganders are coming together to launch a campaign to change the law. We need to protect all Michigan jobs by ending discrimination, of any kind.

Thanks,
KAFE and the Unity Michigan Coalition 

  

 

 

]]> http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2011/10/11/dont-change-yourself-change-the-law/feed/ 0 Support Equality in Kalamazoo on Oct 11th! http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2011/10/03/support-equality-in-kalamazoo-on-oct-11th/ http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2011/10/03/support-equality-in-kalamazoo-on-oct-11th/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:06:38 +0000 Bill Jefferson http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/?p=335 Join Equality Michigan Pride Pac and KAFE Oct. 11th 5:01 – 7:00pm

Please join Equality Michigan Pride PAC and KAFE – Kalamazoo Alliance For Equality – for an event to support pro-equality candidates this November. Come celebrate National Coming out Day with EqMI PAC and KAFE!

*October 11, 2011  5:01-7:00pm, * Metro Nightclub *411 N Westnedge, Kalamazoo MI 49007

With hosts: Amy Hunter, David Feaster, Jonathan Richardson, Jon Hoadley, and Kelly Doyle

Doors open at 5:01pm. Brief program starts at 6:15pm.

Tickets $25, Host $100

Appetizers provided with cash bar available.

RSVP by ordering your tickets Here. Questions? Please email info@eqmipridepac.com Also, check out the Facebook Event Page.

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About Equality Michigan Pride PAC:  Equality Michigan Pride PAC is dedicated to the notion that all Michigan citizens deserve to be treated fairly, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. By identifying and supporting candidates for elected office at all levels of government, Equality Michigan Pride PAC helps strong voices for equality be heard above the noise. Visit our homepage by clicking here

]]> http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2011/10/03/support-equality-in-kalamazoo-on-oct-11th/feed/ 0 KAFE Co-sponsoring Kalamazoo Pride Keynote Speaker Ignacio Rivera http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2011/06/01/kafe-sponsoring-keynote-speaker-ignacio-rivera/ http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2011/06/01/kafe-sponsoring-keynote-speaker-ignacio-rivera/#comments Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:05:23 +0000 Kelly Doyle http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/?p=257 IgnacioKAFE is proud to co-sponsor this year’s Kalamazoo Pride keynote speaker, Ignacio Rivera. Ignacio, who prefers the gender-neutral pronoun “they,” is a Queer, gender fluid, Trans- Entity, Black Boricua performance artist, lecturer/trainer, activist, new filmmaker and self-proclaimed sex educator.

As a lecturer/ trainer, Ignacio has spoken at home and abroad on such topics of racism, sexism, homo/transphobia, transgender issues, trans 101, sexual liberation, anti-oppression, anti-violence, multi-issue organizing and more. Ignacio currently consultants with various organizations in New York City conducting professional development trainings for NYC High school staff.

Join us on June 11, 2011 at Arcadia Creek Festival Place, downtown Kalamazoo.  For details about this event visit Kalamazoo Pride.

]]> http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2011/06/01/kafe-sponsoring-keynote-speaker-ignacio-rivera/feed/ 0 Rally on 3/25/11 in Kalamazoo’s Bronson Park. http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2011/03/18/rally-on-32511-in-kalamazoos-bronson-park/ http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2011/03/18/rally-on-32511-in-kalamazoos-bronson-park/#comments Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:49:57 +0000 Kelly Doyle http://kalamazooalliance.org/?p=170 Join us on March 25th at Noon in Kalamazoo’s Bronson Park.

Public Invitation to Event: Invitation to Rally on 3/25/11

Michigan’s citizens are under unprecedented attack by ultra-conservatives in Lansing. The proposed state budget cuts massive amounts of support for our public schools, endangering the future for our youth. Cuts to funding for local government services threatens to drive many cities, towns and villages into financial distress, making them prime targets for takeover by a non-elected manager appointed by the Governor.

For the first time in Michigan’s history, legislators have overturned a decision by the Michigan Civil Service Commission which would give domestic partner benefits to state employees who might be gay. Our new Attorney General is personally weighing in on moral grounds on a federal court case opposing patient rights for lgbt people; something he has no business doing. By filing a brief in support of the plaintiff, essentially, he is supporting a case against Michigan law.

Our state government is overreaching; we need to stand in solidarity against these egregious power grabs.

Join KAFE and hundreds of other lgbt residents on Friday March 25th at 12:00/noon in Kalamazoo’s Bronson Park. We will be standing together to support the lgbt people, working families and everyday citizens of Michigan.

KAFE Facebook Page:  “LIKE” Us -Click here!

Public Invitation to Event: Facebook Invitation To Rally on 3/25/11

]]> http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2011/03/18/rally-on-32511-in-kalamazoos-bronson-park/feed/ 0 Happy New Year from KAFE! http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2011/01/04/happy-new-year-from-kafe/ http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2011/01/04/happy-new-year-from-kafe/#comments Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:30:42 +0000 Kelly Doyle http://kalamazooalliance.org/?p=88 Click to view this email in a browser

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Happy New Year!
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Dear KAFE Supporter,

As we welcome a New Year full of new opportunities; KAFE would like to extend it’s warmest wishes to you and your friends & family.  Even though 2010 is quickly behind us,  we continue to face challenges as a community. With your steadfast support, the Kalamazoo Alliance For Equality has more momentum, more strength, and more support than ever before!

Join our facebook fan page!

Stay up to date with KAFE through our facebook fan page. By clicking “Likefacebook-icon copy 5” you will receive up-to-date news and events regarding KAFE in the Kalamazoo area.  It’s the best way for you and your friends to be a part of KAFE!

visit our fan page page here!

About KAFE

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The Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality (KAFE) was formed in 2006 to work towards obtaining equal rights for the LGBT community in the Kalamazoo Metro area and beyond. The group is composed of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, allies, and questioning individuals interested in promoting/obtaining equal rights for all persons.


The core purpose or mission of KAFE is to influence political change that improves equality for the LGBT community.
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]]> http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2011/01/04/happy-new-year-from-kafe/feed/ 0 Believe in Equality, Support Equality! http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2010/10/26/believe-in-equality-support-equality/ http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2010/10/26/believe-in-equality-support-equality/#comments Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:47:58 +0000 KAFE http://kalamazooalliance.org/?p=80 (click to enlarge)

During the week of October 25th, Kalamazoo Alliance For Equality will begin mailing a postcard featuring KAFE’s slate of endorsements for the November 2nd election.These great candidates for elected office support fairness and equality for all Michigan residents. Be sure to check your mailboxes this week for this informative piece!

]]> http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2010/10/26/believe-in-equality-support-equality/feed/ 0 KAFE Endorses Thirteen Candidates for the General Election http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2010/10/07/kafe-endorses-thirteen-candidates-for-the-general-election/ http://www.kalamazooalliance.org/2010/10/07/kafe-endorses-thirteen-candidates-for-the-general-election/#comments Thu, 07 Oct 2010 19:01:05 +0000 KAFE http://kalamazooalliance.org/?p=41 –FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–

KAFE Endorses Thirteen Candidates for the General Election

KALAMAZOO, MI (October 7, 2010)–Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality (KAFE) today announced its endorsement of thirteen candidates in the upcoming November 2nd general election. KAFE’s slate includes well-qualified candidates who have demonstrated commitment to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

“Today, the Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality is proud to endorse candidates seeking national, statewide and local offices,” said Josh Vandeburgh, KAFE chair. “We’re excited to see so many candidates who have publicly stated their belief in fairness and equality for LGBT people, and who are dedicated to making Michigan and Kalamazoo County a better place to live, work and play.”

The following candidates have been endorsed by KAFE:

  • Virg Bernero, Governor
  • Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State
  • David Leyton, Attorney General
  • Don Cooney, US House Representative, 6th Congressional District
  • Robert Jones, State Senate 20th District
  • Sean McCann, State House 60th District
  • Dave Morgan, State House 63rd District
  • Robert Barnard, Kalamazoo County Commission District 3
  • Brian Johnson, Kalamazoo County Commission District 5
  • David Buskirk, Kalamazoo County Commission District 7
  • Barb Hammon, Kalamazoo County Commission District 11
  • Harvey Hanna, Kalamazoo County Commission District 13
  • Leroy Crabtree, Kalamazoo County Commission District 15

The Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality (KAFE) was formed in 2006 and is dedicated to obtaining equal rights for the LGBT community in the Kalamazoo Metro area and beyond. KAFE is composed of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning individuals and allies interested in promoting and obtaining equal rights for all persons.

The core purpose or mission of KAFE is to influence political change that improves equality for the LGBT community. For more information, please visit the Kalamazoo Alliance For Equality homepage at www.kalamazooalliance.org or contact Josh Vandeburgh at info@kalamazooalliance.org

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