One quick correction: SONDA was signed into law in New York in 2002, not 2001. My bad. I was still part of a statewide coalition that lobbied hard for passage of that law, even though it didn't cover transgender individuals. I wasn't outspoken about my concerns then, a fact I regret to this day.

The coalition was led by the Empire State Pride Agenda, which in 2002 was headed by Matt Foreman. Foreman was a divisive leader back then, insisting that ESPA advocate for an incremental approach. He cut our transgender brothers and sisters out of the SONDA process so he and his fellow queers in khakis could get ahead. I remember sitting in awe in front of my work computer one day, staring at an e-mail he sent to the ESPA list talking about how cutting gender identity protections out of SONDA was no big deal because at least the gays would get rights (that's a very rough paraphrase, but the gist of how his e-mail came across).

I'm pleased to say that Foreman has since learned the error of his ways and, as Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has openly discussed his change of heart. His mea culpa completely rehabilitated my perception of him. And I've never been more proud to support the Task Force.

This makes HRC's betrayal of our community all the more nauseating. What other principles would those spineless weasels be willing to sacrifice? I can't even find the words for the bile I feel for those Judases right now. If Matt-fucking-Foreman can come to realize that we all deserve equality and justice, why can't they?

Labels: ENDA, LGBT