http://www.tri.org/ en-us Copyright 2010, tri.org Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:40:07 -0600 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:40:07 -0600 Community TRI CMS The news feed from TRI.ORG. http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tri.org%2Fnews%2F2010%2F01%2F13%2Fhappy-new-year-in-2010-get-poised-to-win.html Happy New Year!! 2010 is a big year in Michigan!! We will elect our next governor and senate seats will be contested. Triangle Foundation hopes that the winners will support a Michigan that is fair and inclusive for all of our families. While legislative seats are not the only issue that impacts inclusion, a fair and inclusive Michigan will certainly move us toward a better economic environment. Currently, in the U.S., the most important court case to date is happening in California and it will have far-reaching implications. The case, Perry vs. Schwarzenegger, is expected to become a landmark that eventually will be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Personally, I have always believed in my soul that my government owes it to me, to let me be just as I am, a lesbian. Everytime I read those words in the Declaration of Independence, it lets me know I'm not the only one who feels a right to be FREE..... "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Do Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgender people in the US have the right to be self-evident? Keep watch on California ... they are deciding that for us. Click here to read about the plaintiff's attorney on this case. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/12/us/12prop8.html?hp Even so, there are many LGBT issues to examine if you live in Michigan. The list is long: · Hate crime statistics are on the rise · State constitutional ban on same gender marriage · The Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA) · No health care benefits for our families who work for state entities · Municipalities with no discrimination protection · Don't Ask Don't Tell · No state hate crime protection · No protection from bullies and harassment at schools · Immigration issues for couples and families · Lack of hospital visitation rights How can we begin to address these problems? Triangle Foundation believes that Michigan needs a strategic plan that involves everyone who wants to be a part of the solution. Our strategic planning process is coming. We need you to be a part of the plan. In this process, we may ask you to provide information through surveys, participate in town hall meetings to give input, or be part of the local "t" party to educate your community. Most importantly, we need you to participate. Remember, "We can't do it without you." Alicia J. Skillman, Esq. Executive Director Wed, 13 Jan 2010 http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tri.org%2Fnews%2F2009%2F11%2F12%2Fa-holiday-shopping-extravaganza.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tri.org%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F30%2Fwe-did-it-thanks-to-you.html Triangle Foundation is happy to announce that we have met our HOPE Fund Challenge! We recently received a $20,000 grant from the HOPE Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan. Since it is a matching grant, Triangle Foundation had to raise $20,000 to keep the funding. To date, through your generous contributions, we have raised more than $26,000 -- that's OVER our goal. Because of you, our generous donors, Triangle Foundation can continue to reach across the state and work to provide victim services to LGBT people. We will continue educating anyone who will listen about issues important to our lives such as anti-hate crime, second parent adoption, safe schools, equal rights and marriage. Again, thank you, friends. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tri.org%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F20%2Fwere-so-close-to-matching-our-hope-fund-grant-give-us-a-hand.html I support Triangle $1,500 -- that's all we need! Triangle Foundation recently received a $20,000 grant from the HOPE Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan. Because it is a matching grant, Triangle Foundation must raise $20,000 to keep the funding. To date, through your generous contributions, we have raised $18,500 toward our goal. Please help us keep this momentum ... We need to raise $1,500 by October 31, 2009. Through this funding, we will continue to reach across the state and work to provide victim services to LGBT people. We will continue educating anyone who will listen about issues important to our lives such as anti-hate crime, second parent adoption, safe schools, equal rights and marriage. You can make your donation by clicking on I support Triangle. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tri.org%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F19%2Fthe-duel-battle-of-the-chefs-triangle-vs-affirmations.html Mon, 19 Oct 2009 http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tri.org%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F21%2Ftriangle-foundation-state-dinner---you-must-be-there-next-year.html Thank you for attending the Triangle Foundation State Dinner Event!! We celebrated our Honorees with music, dinner, and dancing. Keep coming back to see the fabulous pictures and learn about the work being done in Michigan for you. Thanks again to the Sponsors of the Triangle Foundation State Dinner Event 2009!! We appreciate your continued support. DETROIT LEGAL SERVICES tm Mon, 21 Sep 2009 http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tri.org%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F15%2Fhelp-us-raise-20000-and-match-the-hope-fund-grant.html I support Triangle If you click on the link above, you will be taking the first steps to supporting the Triangle Foundation in securing the Hope Fund Grant. As you have seen in the news, Trianlge Foundation was the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the HOPE Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan. Because it is a matching grant, Triangle Foundation must raise $20,000 to keep the funding. Please help us raise $20,000 before October 31, 2009. With this funding, we can continue to reach across the state and work to provide victim services to lgbt people. We want to continue educating anyone who will listen about issues important to our lives such as anti-hate crime, second parent adoption, safe schools, equal rights and marriage. Additionally, we currently have the oppurtunity to train an entire staff of police officers on our issues. Our goal is to increase safety, respect, and treatment for lgbt persons. However, it takes funding to get us to various locations across the state. You can make your donation by clicking on I support Triangle. Sat, 15 Aug 2009 http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tri.org%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F02%2Fthank-you-for-a-great-motor-city-pride-celebration.html Triangle Foundation and Motor City Pride Committee would like to thank the entire community for its overwhelming support of Motor city Pride on June 7. This was the largest and best PRIDE ever and there were only very minor incidents. At least 50,000 members of our families, friends and allies were out showing their support. Dave Wait, a member of the Triangle Foundation Board of Trustee, was the Chairperson for MCP and the MCP Committee did a fantastic job in presenting the 2009 celebration. It was wonderful seeing the lgbt family enjoying the day, but more importantly we treasure the opportunity to provide a safe space to be themselves. The mood was great, the weather held out, and everyone was showing their pride. We have received a lot of positive comments about the new layout from Festival participants, vendors, merchants and city officials. We already have some ideas for new areas for next year, and encourage anyone that might be interested in working on next year's planning committee to contact dave@tri.org. Tue, 2 Jun 2009 http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tri.org%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F21%2Fhate-crimes-legislation-passes-michigan-house.html Triangle Foundation is pleased to report that this afternoon the Michigan House of Representatives passed the Michigan Anti-Bias Crime Statute (MI-ABCs), an important piece of hate crimes legislation that improves upon current Michigan law. MI-ABCs expands current Michigan hate crimes legislation to include protection against crimes motivated by the victim's sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, among other classifications. The legislation enables law enforcement and the judicial system to appropriately charge and prosecute offenders when their actions are aimed at creating a climate of fear and intolerance. The FBI ranks Michigan third in the nation for the highest number of hate crimes. With Triangle Foundation reporting a 133% increase in anti-LGBT incidents in 2007, the need for this legislation is imperative to send the message that hate is not a Michigan value. The bill passed largely along party lines with a vote of 66 to 43, with support from Republican Representatives Larry DeShazor and Tory Rocca. It doesn't end at the House passage, though. The bill will now move on to the Senate. We need you to take action by contacting your State Senator to let them know their constituents support MI-ABCs! Non-Michigan residents, encouraged by conservative groups, put significant pressure on our Representatives to vote against MI-ABCs. We are sure that our Senators will be pressured to vote against it, as well. Do not let non-Michigan residents control the outcome of the Senate's vote! As a result of Triangle Foundation's 18 years of direct work with victims of anti-LGBT violence, our organization sees the need for this kind of protection, and we have advocated for hate crimes legislation for over ten years. This afternoon's passage is a huge victory for our community and for our state; please help us ensure another victory in the Senate by contacting your Senator today! _____________________ Triangle Foundation's mission is to promote equality and to secure freedom from violence, intimidation and discrimination for LGBT persons throughout Michigan. Thu, 21 May 2009 http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tri.org%2Fnews%2F2009%2F04%2F29%2Fjustice-for-angie-zapata.html From: Melissa L. Pope, Director of Victim Services Angie Zapata was a beautiful eighteen-year-old transgender woman who was found murdered in her home on July 17, 2008. The murderer, Allen Ray Andrade, beat Angie to death with a fire extinguisher. Why? Because she was transgender. Andrade tried to use the "trans panic defense", saying he was so shocked and outraged when he learned that Angie was transgender that he flew into an uncontrollable murderous rage. He tried to blame Angie for his murder of her. The Colorado jury did not buy it. They rejected this preposterous explanation and found him guilty of First Degree Murder AND committing a Hate Crime. This was the first time that a killer was convicted of a bias crime in the United States for the murder of a transgender person. This rejection of ignorance and hatred gives justice to Angie, her family, her friends and the LGBT community, but it will not end the violence against transgender persons. We must stay committed in the struggle against prejudice to achieve full respect and equality for the transgender community and the LGBT community as a whole so that we do not have to celebrate the victory of convictions, but rather that there are no hate crimes at all. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Angie Zapata as they continue their difficult path towards healing. In her memory, and the memory of the hundreds of others who have lost their lives to hate, we pledge our ongoing commitment to end violence against the LGBT community. _____ The Department of Victim Services offers free and confidential crisis intervention and information, criminal justice advocacy and support, and personal advocacy and support, as well as referrals to LGBT-sensitive shelters, social service agencies, counselors, and attorneys. If you have been the victim of anti-LGBT or HIV-positive violence, vandalism, intimidation, harassment or discrimination, call us at 313-537-7000 or toll-free at 877-787-4262. We can help. Support us in our work to promote equality and secure freedom from violence, intimidation and discrimination for LGBT persons throughout Michigan. Join Triangle Foundation. http://www.tri.org/get-active Wed, 29 Apr 2009