http://www.tri.org/ en-us Copyright 2010, tri.org Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:55:03 -0600 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:55:03 -0600 Community TRI CMS The news feed from TRI.ORG. http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tri.org%2Fnews%2F2010%2F02%2F17%2Fmerger-announced.html Dear Friends: We have exciting news! The Michigan Equality Education Fund Board of Directors and the Triangle Foundation Board of Trustees are proud to announce the merger of the two organizations. This decision was made for one simple reason – to better serve Michigan’s diverse LGBT community. Although Michigan Equality and Triangle Foundation have separate histories, we have always shared one common objective: to fight for LGBT equality in Michigan. Together we are uniquely positioned to influence local and statewide policy, while also providing victim services, education and outreach as well as organizing community-building events. We remain dedicated to each and every one of these objectives now that we are operating as one. Bringing Triangle Foundation and Michigan Equality together will result in a stronger, more effective organization better suited to meet the challenges we face in our state. We have in place a dedicated board and staff who bring a wealth of experience to the organization. Leadership from both organizations has been diligently working to begin a thorough strategic planning process and we would like you, our friends, to help us in this process. Soon we will ask you (via e-mail and on this Web site) to complete a survey regarding the issues you see as pivotal in the LGBT community. You’ll have the opportunity to tell us where we should go from here. Your input is invaluable. Rest assured that the merger is being conducted in stages, with no disruption to our programs and services. We will continue to update you on our progress. In fact, we are planning to host a Skype webcast to present our new organization’s name and answer any questions you may have. Look for your e-mail invitation in the next few weeks. Finally, we’d like to take this momentous occasion to thank you for your support. This merger will maximize our potential and expand our reach, but an endeavor of this magnitude could never even be considered without you. For that, we are grateful. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss the merger of Michigan Equality and Triangle Foundation. Sincerely, Michigan Equality Education Fund Board of Directors Triangle Foundation Board of Trustees Wed, 17 Feb 2010 http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tri.org%2Fnews%2F2010%2F02%2F11%2Fcomedy-festival.html Thu, 11 Feb 2010 http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tri.org%2Fnews%2F2009%2F11%2F12%2Fcomplaint-against-federal-hate-crime-act-will-fail.html A group of anti-gay pastors and activists, assisted by the Thomas More Law Center (founded by Tom Monaghan of Domino’s Pizza fame) filed a Complaint in Federal Court located in Bay City against the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act (Federal Hate Crime Act). I will not bore you with the names of those pastors; you can read that in any other blog or newspaper. I believe it is a publicity stunt for the opposition. You know what they say: desperate times call for desperate measures and I can see the desperation all over the Complaint. They must not have thought it through. Triangle Foundation is getting just as much publicity as those pastors. Every media outlet in that area has called us. This stunt has helped us reach those church members and the viewing audience in Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland, right in the back yard of the opposition. When people see me they get a reality check; “Hey, she really does look like a regular person who grew up in Saginaw.” This is just what Mid-Michigan needs: More exposure and interaction to the lgbt community. The more publicity, the more conversation we get to have about hate crime protections and equality in Michigan. Do your part during this media frenzy. Get in the conversation. Every voice that supports the lgbt community is another step toward equality. So blog, write, and email. However, understand that even though this is a futile attempt to mar the Federal Hate Crime Act (and the Act is not the full protection we need in Michigan) we must use it to our full advantage. Law enforcement agencies across the state are currently learning about the Federal Hate Crime Act; local law enforcement has to inform US law enforcement of potential hate crimes. Do your part and make sure the law enforcement in your communities is using the Act as a tool. We cannot allow local law enforcement to be lazy when it comes to hate crime enforcement. Additionally, you too can call the FBI and inform them of acts that may be hate crimes. Triangle Foundation is working with the FBI to teach them about our community. And speaking of teaching, as an attorney, I was disgusted when I read the Complaint that was filed. It has very little legal standing and is full of hateful religious dogma. When lawsuits are filed, the court trusts that the complaint has some foundation in the law. If a complaint lacks such basis, there are rules that sanction those attorneys and parties who waste the court’s time with frivolous matters. In my opinion, this is one of the most frivolous cases I’ve ever read. The plaintiff’s attorneys should be sanctioned for using the court system for such rhetoric without any legal standing. *But let’s be active. ** I’m interested in peaceful protest. Would you be willing to participate in picketing all of those churches? They need to be reminded of the true definitions of Love, Equality, Nature, and Fairness. Send an email to info@tri.org with “Picket” in the subject line to let us know if you are available for peaceful protests to in Ypsilanti, Bridgeport, Midland, Saginaw, or Waterford. *** Thanks, Alicia Skillman 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%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