Transgender Coalition Protest HRC
Feb
24
Written by:
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:46:05 PM
Transgender Coalition Protest HRC on February 21st 2009.
By Janice Covington
In the weeks leading up to the Demonstration, I requested a meeting with Joe Solmonese so that I could see first hand what kind of individual I was up against. I had assured my contacts inside the Human Rights Campaign that my intent was not to badger Joe and that I wanted to have a casual conversation. I wanted Joe to know that we as transgenders can are a civil and intelligent people, and that we do know how to sit down and have an open dialog. My intent was to deliver a message of humanity for the transgender community with the hope that it would change HRC's tactics concerning ENDA.
At first I was refused, because Joe had a committee meeting, and as a result, would not have time to meet with me. I could not take that as a final answer, so I expressed my displeasure with the HRC rep. Lets just say I was upset.
On my way to the Westin Hotel, I received a phone call from Maddy Goss, an HRC committee representative, telling me that Joe would be able to meet with me at 1pm. I then requested that there not be any cameras, because I did not want this meeting to be used as an HRC photo op.
When I arrived at the Westin Hotel, it was buzzing with people arriving for the HRC Carolinas gala celebration. I checked into my room and hurried upstairs to freshen up for my scheduled meeting with Big Joe Solmonese.
The meeting was to take place at the Charlotte Convention Center, and I asked Pamela Jones, a friend from the Charlotte Gender Alliance, to join me there. We arrived precisely at the proscribed time. Miss Goss and another HRC committee member met us at the door. After waiting until 1:15pm, I asked what was going on and explained that my time is valuable to me. In checking, they found out that Joe's plane was delayed and that he was just then checking into the Hotel. At that time they apologized for the mix-up and asked us if we would meet with Joe in the Westin lobby lounge at 2:30pm.
When the time arrived, my friend and I came back down to the lobby and were led to an area which was a little more secluded. As we approached the table, Joe stood to greet us. He reached out to shake my hand, but I hugged him as is my tradition. When we embraced, I could feel his confidence and his uncertainty at the same time.
I assured him that we were not there to interrogate or to try to embarrass him. His aid asked if we would like something to drink, and I requested a diet coke. I then asked Joe how his flight was, and we engaged in small talk. As we sat, Joe started to talk about ENDA along with the whys and the wherefores. I interrupted him and said, "Joe, I have read all of that on the Internet. I was more interested in the future rather than the past."
I then asked what kind of sports he was interested in. He said he had none. I asked about his hobbies, and Joe said he loved to cycle. He talked of his trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles; a 550-mile bicycle ride. As he talked of the scenery and of feeling free, he relaxed, and I started to feel his heart. I could see that he was a very tired person with not much relaxation in his life. As he laughed, I started to feel more confident that I could deliver my message to him and he would take it to heart.
We sat there and talked for almost an hour, and then I said, "Joe, I understand the ENDA negotiations will be coming up soon, and I want to make a request." I asked him to please include the transgender community, and told him that this is imperative. I said, "Joe, we have many transgender brothers and sisters wanting a chance." I told him this is a life and death situation. I said, "It is in your hands!"
I told him of transgenders not being able to find work. I told him that I have talked with many in our community who are scared of losing their job. I told him about stories of being harassed by co-workers and employers. I told him about those of us who have been turned away from jobs because of what and who they are. I said, "Joe, we have some who take their own life because they can't take care of themselves!" I said, "Joe, we are a loving people who just want a chance!"
I told him that when I hear about these things, my heart bleeds with sorrow. I said, "Joe, in my younger years I had to sleep on park benches. I slept in hotel lobbies until I was run off." I told him of my having to go home with men just to be able to eat and sleep. I told him I was arrested a number of times in the late sixties in San Francisco because I dressed as a girl. I told him I could not find a job because of what I am. I said, "Joe, this is the year 2009. Let's make it right! Fight for us! Include us! We just want a chance!"
Joe then assured me he would fight for us. That he would include us. I feel even though he is small in stature he is a strong willed person. I feel that the next round will be successful for the entire LGBT community.
As we finished our meeting we stood and hugged each other. I told Joe the demonstration would still go on. I explained that we must deliver our message to the world. My friend Pamela then asked if we could get a picture together, and Joe consented. I felt we had accomplished a great deal. I think Joe left with a feeling that we are a serious people and that we are not a community of hate and selfishness.
At 4:30 pm, the girls from TransCarolina and the other groups of the coalition arrived for a pre-demonstration meeting. We gathered our signs and headed for the convention center. As we stood on the corner with our signs and American Flags waving in the wind, we felt proud to be Transgender Americans. The cars that passed blew their horns in support, and people waved. I could see the shine in the eyes of all the girls. It was a sight to behold. I love them so!
We were there for about 15 minutes when we had a scare. The police arrived and surrounded us with about 10 uniformed officers! I showed the officer in charge my permit and everything was fine. I think they knew we were going to be there and had been sent by the city. The police protection gave the new girls confidence. It also put my mind at ease, because I did not want any of them get hurt. The officers were positioned away from us, letting us do our thing and even gave us smiles and looks of encouragement.
At about 5pm, the HRC members in their tuxedos and gowns started heading from the hotel to the convention center. We were overwhelmed with their support and hugs! They came at us in groups of 10 to 20; shaking our hands and hugging us in support. I looked at the police one time and could see they were a little confused. The message to everyone was that we loved them. We had nothing against any of them. They were very surprised. A couple of men who were on their way to the dinner came across the intersection. I noticed one was in a wheel chair, so I leaned over and gave him a hug Carolina style.
One Lady in a gown came across the street alone, and we asked if one of us could escort her because the convention center door was a full block away. As she said she was ok and thanked us, I looked towards the building and noticed Joe and Senator Kay Hagan. Joe said "Hi" to me and gave me a huge hug right in the middle of our picket line. He introduced the Senator to me. She put her hand out to shake and I hugged her instead; telling her we are Carolina Girls, and we give hugs. More and more came by. Some transgender HRC committee members even stood with us holding our signs. It was really an event to witness.
At about 7 pm it got cold. The dinner had started, so our job was done for the time being. We felt extremely excited that it went so well. We had delivered our message to the HRC membership: "We don't hate you. We just want to have a job too. We just want the same opportunities as any other American."
After I had some food in the hotel restaurant, I went upstairs to bathe and change for the take-over party in the hotel. When I got down to the hotel lounge, the first one I saw was Joe. He said, "Hey Janice," and gave me a hug and I gave one in return. The members at the party hugged me and thanked me for standing up for my community.
Pamela Jones attended the Gala and afterwards she met me in the lobby. There, she told me something that was really astonishing. When Joe took the stage, he addressed the convention with, "We the TGBL." I was shocked that we were brought up to the front of the bus. She then told me that Senator Kay Hagan had said she supported a full and inclusive ENDA. At that point, a tear came into my eye knowing that we might have made a difference that night.
Our coalition was there to deliver a message to HRC and Joe Solmonese. The message was that we wanted to be treated equal by all; not only in the work place, but also by the GBL community. Our rights are as important to us as theirs is to them. If we work together, we can accomplish this task of having a full and inclusive ENDA
I believe the dialog with Joe Solmonese and the support we received from the HRC membership during this gala indicates that we have accomplished our mission. I know the war is not over but we made a move in the right direction. ENDA and the Congressional Committee are approaching fast. I hope this move of goodwill stands.
I want to thank all of the TransCarolina Girls, Pamela Jones with Charlotte Gender Alliance, Nancy Wichmann of Kappa Bata (a support group from Charlotte NC who stood fast with us), Elky and Jim Kennedy of Shawn's Last wish and their friends, Veronica and her friend from MyrtleBeach T-Time, The HRC members who stood with us, The EqualityNC folks, The South Carolina Pride Movement Coalition, Matt Comer of Q-Notes, All of the support from the ones who could not attend, and Senator Kay Hagan for stopping by for one of my famous Carolina Hugs!
Love to all of you,
Janice Covington - Chair of TransCarolina