HRC made me feel bad... :(

[Sandland113]

I think gays and transgender people should work.Here in Miami fl gays can't work @ all.......I was shocked to the bone.

[1957joshua]

I support the rights of every American do be themselves and live free - without discrimination or harrassment by others who are evil and mostly religious fanatics... We need a bill passed that STOPS ALL DISCRIMINATION regaurdless what you try and base your bigotries on.. you hate people you want to deney rights... go live in Poland or Germany where EVIL orginated from.

[morganseathomson]

oh I like your hair here... that's kinda unrelated but... it is nice.

[WillaCather]

what's the point...

[loetje]

Thanks for fighting!( though late , but i see you fighting and it gives me hope...love, Rickie

[t0nyc0nde]

Hi, nice video, but I think you misunderstand HRC's role in DC. HRC is not Congress. HRC did not remove the Ts from ENDA. Congress did that. Congress presented HRC with two options: the bill that would cover only sexual orientation, or nothing. The all-inclusive bill would have been dead on arrival. That was clear. You do realize that there is a horde of Republicans left in both chambers, right? So HRC did what any muture lobbyist group would do: compromise. Like it or not, that's DC works.

[grishno]

I do realize that the HRC is not congress, I think that was fairly clear. However, take a look at the hrc's website and right at the top it says "WORKING FOR GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER EQUAL RIGHTS". The second they endorsed a bill that did not include the T they lost the right to say they are trying to do anything good for the transfolk. Statistically there was no way ENDA would pass with or without the T, what what the hell was the point then of bothering to take it out?

[grishno]

Cont...

Further more, the reason I am upset with the HRC is that they initially came out in favor of an all inclusive ENDA. Just when the bill was nearly dead the HRC rolled up its sleeves and went to work (I talk about this in an earlier video of mine), and started pushing for an all inclusive bill. So when they turn around and endorse a bill without the T you can understand why I feel like I was stabbed in the back. I knew the law wouldn't get passed, but they handled it was disappointing.

[t0nyc0nde]

I totally understand how you would feel that way. Really. Especially after Joe Solmonese promised only to support an inclusive bill. But the mistake wasn't supporting T-less ENDA. It was making the promise. Legislation passes ONLY through incrementalism. It is how DC works. Did African Americans reject the Civil Rts Act of '64 because it didn't cover the disabled, or voting rights? No. Those came later. That's how it works. Are trans people not getting married b/c gays can't? No. And that's OK.

[psyravi]

Hey. I think it is awesome that you voice your opinion and concerns for the community. Keep it up!

[shadowlawn3761]

The essence of the art of politics is to compromise in order to win as much as is possible at any given time. It may be principled to say all or nothing, but it's politically foolish. Unfortunately any fight for human rights entails few major victories, but rather small, incremental steps toward the eventual goal. I'm an older man and change seemed to come so very slowly, but looking back it's amazing where small steps have brought us all. Keep the faith, keep on fighting and victory will come.

[IAmCaptianWhat]

I would like you to know that I support you all the way. I'm a huge supporter and vocalist for the LGBT community. I helped organize the Day of Silence at my high school and we got a huge turn out! Anyway, I just wanted you to know that I stand by you 100%

[grishno]

Thanks for that!

[Kazexx]

Hey, stumbled across your vids. I like them, they're all quite different and interesting. Wish I had of known about your CD cover comp, i love doing that stuff........as much as i love your hats! Will you be doing another one soon?

[grishno]

I will certainly try to do something similar soon. I really like being able to see what kinds of things people come up with.

Glad you like my videos.

~Erin

[jonboy002]

I found this vlog through a response video done by Paulalovesit.

Could you please tell me what ENDA stands for? I've heard that neumonic used once before but I'm afraid I didn't know what it meant.

To be so hopeful & then knocked back must have been a terrible blow, I can only hope that through the letters people send to their HRC reps that something positive can be done to rectify this mistake.

Sending you some moral support from the UK..........Jon.

[grishno]

Hey Jon,

ENDA stood for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Which basically would have made it illegal to fire someone because they were gay or trans.

Sadly it got shot down and won't be coming back to the senate anytime soon. Thankfully GENDA (only in NY state) is on the table this year which stands for the Gender Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Gross your fingers for it.

[jonboy002]

Will do! All the best..........Jon.

[Lucid91]

are you a girl or a boy?

[grishno]

What a dumb thing to say...

[ShadesOfLissa]

Right?

[Lucid91]

How was that a dumb thing to say? I have troubles telling what gender you are so I asked. Whats dumb about that?

Are you a transvestite?

[grishno]

Well you seem legitimately interested to know and not just out to offend me, so let me offer this. A transvestite is someone who dresses in the clothing opposite their birth gender for sexual pleasure... so no I'm not a transvestite. I am however a transsexual. Which is much different from a transvestite. I live every day as the gender opposite my birth sex because well, I'm a girl. It's pretty simple actually. If you have other questions just message me or check out more of my videos.

[kellawiki]

Listen, babe. You need to do your research. HRC never endorsed a non-inclusive ENDA, they merely did not oppose it. Please, let's not squabble over these misunderstandings when the distinctions are so crucial.

Also, "Grade A sleuthing"? Please. They've always made themselves approachable, especially over email. Don't give yourself too much credit.

[Perroquet51]

You are right about sending a letter that, instead of fostering resentment, presents itself as an invitation for further discussion. Of course, it's awfully hard to remain calm and solicitous when your rights are being trampled on. Perhaps the solution would be to write the letter while you're angry and before you lose inspiration, then hold onto it for a day so you can soften the prose after you've calmed down. Not advice I, myself, shall ever be able to follow.

[gerdislouise]

Dear God.....get out the violins. Amazing how the children expect everything all at once.

[grishno]

Right on Zachie!!! You spout that opinion!

[gerdislouise]

Lol......Thanks for not being nasty.

[pgy001]

JackDickiel, You stupid idiot! I don't guess you think there are ANY tall girls!? I'm transgendered and I'm only 5'5! Having a child's body is actually pretty fun some day you'll be a dried up old fart and we'll still look youg, you turd!

[mosstick]

i dont understand why so many nagitive comments, further more they say amerca is a free country???

[amphiprionocellaris]

I think that's just the point. They don't say America is a free country. People like that want America under their control. They don't value freedom. That's the problem. Thousands of years ago you'd move off and establish your own tribe. When the room ran out to do that war started. It's sad.

[CitizenGeek]

Wow, you're, like, the nicest person ever! :D

[grishno]

Wow, you got me. I guess I will just have to change my ways. What a waste these past 3 years have been.

[amphiprionocellaris]

Grishno, I can give you some hope by saying that a transgender only bill DID pass here with transgender activism and without much support from the glb community - many of whom were actively exclusionary of us. Actually, I'm not sure that b is covered here.

[amphiprionocellaris]

I should also add that many glb people are very wonderful indeed and the hrc doesn't represent them.

[amphiprionocellaris]

Great response Grishno. You wouldn't know where I could find someone who looks like an insecure teenage kid by any chance? One with mans height with all of the empathy of a 10 yearold school bully. One with such pitiful insecurity that he is intimidated by all he can't find power over, and his own reflection. Where oh where could I find one?

[smlaurieanne]

u looking so cute sis and glad to see u fighting

[fredoflettuce]

thats because joe solmanese sucks as president of hrc....as a gay man not trans i completely support you....fight for one group but not another joe's stance.

[booklover84]

I love your hair!

[oneboysjourney]

all big corperations lie, until anyone can indefinately prove me wrong... thats my stance. I will write a letter soon, just trying to figure out what to say without seeming like a total block head asshole. thanks for doing this Erin, great haircut too!!

[KitaNatalia]

why didnt I even know this was going on?? I didn't know they took out the T! I wana help. Definitely. <3 Aj

[xbleedblack13x]

love the shirt...very pretty! XD LOVE the hair!!! it matches! =>

[SurfingInARainbow1]

You're letter sounded pretty good to ME:)

[SCGS99]

Your a MAN!!! fuck gays and transexuals!!!

[SurfingInARainbow1]

You're an IDIOT! Fuck, stupid, closeminded, hate-filled, ignorant RAPISTS like YOU!

[LaReinaDelBarrio]

Yes, and for heaven's sake please do not breed more of your idiot kind!

[pgy001]

Yes SCG is a rapist!

[xbleedblack13x]

keep ur fucking ignorant comments to urself plz!!!

[bethanyann26tg]

if you dont like us, dont watch us you and keep your opinions to your self you ignerant pice of shit!

get off you tube and go have sex with your sister like you normaly do you inbread motherfucker!

i think all how see this should block this asshole!

~bethany

[amphiprionocellaris]

Okay, so you browsed to this page and indicated your interest in having intercourse with gays and transsexuals. Hey, I make no judgement, your life okay! But, this is a public forum. Please refrain from using the f word when propositioning for homosexual sex. You might offend those you are trying to attract.

[amphiprionocellaris]

This is a response to SCGS... I'm not sure why it didn't appear there

[SCGS99]

is that a man or a woman?!?!?!

[SurfingInARainbow1]

Too bad in 2007 there are still stupid uneducated pieces of FILTH like YOU! You say you hate gays but I bet if you saw 2 women making out you'd be like, OH HELL YEAH!!! Stupid ANIMAL!

[cheechcaballero]

I just emailed HRC.

I have to admit, at first I thought what HRC was doing made sense, addressing only part of societal prejudice in an effort to make "baby steps" for rights... but after seeing/ hearing more people's views online, it started to seem more and more gutless. It's tough to know how much to ask from the government (and subsequently society) sometimes, but I've heard from enough trans folks online now to realize the HRC wasn't asking enough.

[proudprogressiveTG]

good job dear one ! its sometimes our rightous anger that keeps us alive and moves the mts. we have too,to bring about change. Good on ya ! you have the passion i had at your age, and continue to have. Never give up , never give in. You are beautiful. We were fucked over by the HRC.

[LaReinaDelBarrio]

WE truly were, and I for one am not taking it lying down. War has been declared on us by our own tribe. Do not walk willingly into that dark night!

[boredgurl24]

I feel your frustration on this issue. It sucked big time. HRC has done a lot for the queer community, but this hasn't been the first time they have been less than inclusive in their advocacy.

[kickthebass]

jesus christ your a scary man

[pgy001]

kickthebass-Why are you even here on this sight? Prolly 1 of 2 reasons:

1. You are trans or gay YOURSELF and in denial so you come here to put others down to cover up your OWN insecurty,

2.You come here just to insult and put down trans gendered people, which means you have NO LIFE and nothing better to do than to try to get attention.

[damageinc2]

wow erin very natalie portman love the new hair

[rebelxing]

cool new hair

i say that cause i have the exact same hair style (minus the red highlights)

[PhoenixAshOnFire]

Thanks for posting this. I've emailed these people, and posted a link to your video on The HRC and Anti-Transphobia causes on Facebook. Also, I sent messages to my friends. Lets hope it makes a difference! I'm pulling for you!

[kalifa2005]

Wacala!!!, She or he is horrible!!! giac!!!

[Elizabeth5449]

I'm right there with ya girl. I was watching the deliberation for as long as I could keep my eyes open.. and they stiffed us.. And all I could thnk is that if all the tg's stood up together, we would have to be heard!

[Levesque999]

Emoticon?

[LaReinaDelBarrio]

Hello Erin

Thanks for posting this Erin! You're a brave soul, and you have my support. Tell me what I can do.

La Reina Del Barrio

Queen of East L.A.

[Edenroc720]

I agree with you Erin! It's outrageous! I will follow up with an email, so thanks for posting those. Also, I love your hair! Looks great!

[msmichell35]

IF you ever plan to have ANY success in trying to change ANYTHING I suggest you also change your attitude. Telling ANYONE F**K YOU only will lose any chance you had for any further contact. There is an old saying> You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Get out the honey and you will find others more responsive and willing to listen. Good Luck.

[msmichell35]

Once again there are already discrimination laws on the books for homosexuals and gender. We do not need more new laws for business which is already hindered by too many laws in the USA. This is why jobs are leaving the USA - we make it too hard for employers to operate here.

[corinna000]

It's getting that way. The irony is those who are upset about jobs leaving the country are the same ones who push for more jobs to leave. It's sad, vicious cycle.

[SurfingInARainbow1]

msmichell-"we make it too hard for employers to operate here."

Oh yes, the POOR pitiful MILLIONAIR, TYCOON employers! I feel SO SORRY for them!

[GenieP]

Erin: My comment to HRC: I cannot fathom why HRC would get involved in the grand failure of ENDA. It was clear early on that ENDA would not become law. We knew that Bush would veto the legislation. So, with that as a given, why would HRC abandon the transsexual community? How can we ever trust that you will stand up for our rights when, in fact, you had the opportunity and you bailed on transsexuals? Transsexuals don't have an organized advocacy in HRC. Thanks for nothing.

[Angel503z]

Thanks so much for posting this. I didn't hear about this and you moved me to email the HRC just now. Let me know what else I can do to help. Human rights should cover all human beings... no exceptions! It almost makes me want to cry because this is really the last straw in denying rights and common dignity to a community I really care about.

Keep me on you list of supporters. I will indeed hope, pay and do what I can for the best.

-Veltis

[pennycheaper]

Hi I am from Sydney Australia and I think that the HRC are out of touch with people to not fight for all is to say, that TG, CD & TV and all other gruops are not people.

This is a battle for all, so now use your brains to combat the HRC show them we are people who need a voice in this world.

The pen is mightier then the sword, good luck..

[darliegoddess]

"But don't count on the HRC to save you."

Don't believe a word they say. All they want is your money. What we need is to gather all the transgendered (gay and straight alike) in an alliance with regular men and womens groups that support gender protection like NOW. Who supported us by the way.

[darliegoddess]

The LGBT groups that spoke out are a great start as well . Most of them understand why gender protection is necessary even for gay men and women. Let the homophobic gays who hate effeminate and gay transgenders go by themselves. They are too slow to understand. It makes no sense to appeal to bigots for inclusion.

[darliegoddess]

That's like appealing to Christian fundementalists to allow gay marriage. It wont ever happen. Since 1923 women have been trying to get the ERA passed so understand that there are a lot of women haters. It's time for a Gender Alliance. Dump the bigots and move on.

[darliegoddess]

That is like trying to get Christian Fundementalists to approve homosexuality. We need to drop the bigots and move on. Women have been trying to get ERA ratified since 1923 so that's a good gauge of hate for women. We need a Gender Alliance.

[VisualEyeCandy]

No prob. Ask and ye shall receive.

[VisualEyeCandy]

I am a gay make, just not trans gendered, but I agree with you 150%. Good luck with everything! Let me know if you need any help.

[hulka99]

The HRC is mostly a money-making operation, and they actually benefit from maintaining the status quo on gay/lesbian/tg rights. Keeps the money machine rolling in.

[hulka99]

The HRC is mostly a money-making operation, and they actually benefit from maintaining the status quo on gay/lesbian/tg rights. Keeps the money machine rolling in. I live in DC and it's just another money grubbing special interest lobby group, not much different from any other special interest lobby.

[terraceterra]

Hey I called the HRC today. I was only able to leave a message but it was a good one with reasonable non angry speech. I was more than happy to help. :)

[darliegoddess]

The HRC are liars. They have betrayed everyone. They are a lobby group, not a civil rights group. They solicited funds from the TG community based on lies. Don't anyone ever give them money, they are cons. The bill was Frank-Jacked .

[hulka99]

You are right about Barney Frank, who really thinks that the whole tg/ts thing is totally different then then the gay/lesbian thing. He's also right that it doesn't stand a chance of passing, the Democrats won't even support gay marriage. The HRC is about MONEY--I live in DC, and it runs on MONEY! There are lots of rich gays and lesbians, but not many fabulously wealthy millionaire tg/ts cotriutors. The pubic just isn't ready for tg/ts thing.

[grishno]

Which is why we need to fight for it. They aren't just going to one day wake up and say "wow, I think transgender people are okay with me"... something has to change and nothing will change without action.

[hulka99]

You have to accept that you are still at the education and outreach stage not the legislative stage. The acceptance of tg/ts still lags behind the public perception of gays/lesbians. So are still stuck with the education/outreach/pr thang before you can get any legislative progress. HRC can be useful as far as that goes. But don't count on the HRC to save you.

[darliegoddess]

"But don't count on the HRC to save you."

Don't believe a word they say. All they want is your money. What we need is to gather all the transgendered (gay and straight alike) in an alliance with regular men and womens groups that support gender protection like NOW. Who supported us by the way.

[xocalygirlxo]

Ur hair is awesome, im gonna do somethin similar soon, i LUV the scene look haha :)

[genovais]

I'm with ya, I sent HRC a strongly worded letter as well. Of course, it will be vetoed, and this will have to be done again with a Democrat as President. Great, if we're screwed in the Dress Rehearsal, I wonder what they'll do when the bill could actually become law? Make us wear "T" patches on our clothing? Joe Solmonese is a loser.

[1948mmm]

When you said " Make us wear "T' patches,you spoke volumes.

[hulka99]

The problem is that if the bill had included the transgendered it wouldn't pass, hey, it might not have even got out of committee. The other problem is the HRC doesn't really give a damn about anything but MONEY. So if you are NOT a big financial contributor, then the HRC isn't going to give a damn about you. I live in DC, and money is the only thing the HRC cares about.

[icecoldbath]

fuck off asshole

[genovais]

Wow, that was helpful. What hulka says is true about HRC, but not correct about the committee thing: the bill ONLY made it out of committee because the House Leadership promised the Reps who let it out of committee that they would be able to have a floor vote on the Baldwin amendment. I'll go back to lurking now :o)

[icecoldbath]

It wasn't directly at him. You aren't aware of all the vicious and cruel things he had said on my blog.

[hulka99]

I didn't say anything that was vicious or cruel, I just questioned the motives behind your "transition", and some of the inconsistencies in your arguments. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the fire. I'm the least of your critics, honey.

[icecoldbath]

You are actually the worst. You should know better. I can expect a redneck to call me gay. But someone who is queer themselves to insult my identity is disgusting.

[grishno]

Now now kids... do I need to put you two in seperate corners?

[hulka99]

Look, you're a sensitive sweet kid, Ice, and I'm sorry I upset you. You put yourself out there asking for feedback, I gave mine, and now you are mad at me because I contradicted your statements...I support your right to project whatever image you want, and express yourself anyway you want, even though I don't agree with your motivations.

[hulka99]

It won't pass with the tg/tv in it, the public is not there yet, just like the public is against gay marriage. Society has not evolve there yet. Even Barney Franks is skeptical of the whole tg/tv thing.

[fugazi0311]

I love your hair. It's really cute.

It's too bad that HRC waffled on us. Your videos are very helpful and informative. Also, I can't believe you got solmonese and salkind's e-mails. Now I know never to go up against you. haha!

Well, good thing for future ENDAs that Bush'll be out of office soon.

[Bradly62]

We really need to be beating up Barney Frank....he refused to put "T" people back in. And HRC caved...anyway. With the pending VETo by Bush this becomes a symbolic vote. the WORST that could happen for us is if Bush actually SIGNS this bill.

[underthemelody]

I admire you for recognizing that it does not help to just get pissed. You have to get active.

What is your greatest goal in life? Does it involve politics?

[grishno]

I don't think I would ever like to be involved in politics, but I do want to have some sort of hand in helping out the trans community. Politics are just too frustrating to actually ever be directly involved. Ultimately I want to be a social worker for trans youth... I think I could make a bigger difference behind the scenes.

[mariaq41]

Thought you would like this quote:

"Well-behaved women seldom make history"

Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

[LyricalPrincess0884]

i loved the vid. im deffinatly writting a letter. oh and i love your hair. so cute.

[Crazysigrrl]

Thanks for putting those email addresses on the video. I wrote the HRC a letter telling them how disappointed I am the an organization

[nytransguy]

Absolutely.

That 2nd letter was great. I've had that same problem with the initial rage and need to check my maturity. Maybe the only thing worse than doing nothing is doing something misguided like getting mad? Yeah, I'm angry and tired of not being treated like a human being, as I'm sure many are, but lets be mindful and effective. Yes?

[bethanyann26tg]

hi erin

no shit they made you feel bad, what assholes!!

i dont care how you feel erin, your e mail hit it right on the money and you have a grate stand on these issues and know how to fight back for what you and so many must feel.

how dare they reject the transgendered community like that, we are all human and should be treated as such!

HRC, fuck you too!

~bethany

p.s. love that hair girl!

[shirleyof]

Can I ask you something? Have you ever thought to go to other countries that tranny is acceptable? I often want to go to there because it seems that there is no hope for tranny in my country.

[icecoldbath]

"browsing around the internet" = getting an IM from Ashley.

I wrote an email AND made it a point to get on my soapbox last night. All I got to say is "united we stand, divided we fall"

[1948mmm]

Struggle For Equality

+ Personal Charm

---------------------

= Erin Erin, you are making a difference.You may not change the Level of Equality for ALL people as fast as should be the case.But you are changing Many Hearts.All you you are asking for is to be treated with decency.If they can't see that,they are Blind guides, Leading the Blind........

[fluffademus]

In the UK we recognised that for trans people to gain equality we had to fight for it ourselves. Press for Change was founded by trans people & campaigns for trans equality and is the driving force behind all legal protections we now enjoy in the UK. Is it not time for the trans community in the US to go it alone? I know little about US LGBT politics, but the betrayal of the HRC surely makes it impossible for trans groups to work with or trust them? (Google "Press for Change" for more info)

[grishno]

Stoobid UK... being more socially advanced than the US... makes me jealous... but then again, we have NYC and all you have is london.

[fluffademus]

If you like we could come back over and run the country again......I'm pretty sure that legally your little country is still owned by our Queen!! ;-)

[djinnetico]

What they should do is be totally transparent and rewrite the text to say:

'It shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer .. to .. discriminate .. because of such individual's actual or perceived sexual orientation" except for Transgenders who don't count ...

google on 'H.R. 3685' and thomasDOTlocGOVgov

[grishno]

Not only that we don't count but that we also smell bad.

[unmeasuredinstances]

Great vid, as always. And as Donna Rose already showed by her resignation from their board, the HRC is not an organization that will ever truly stand up for the transgendered. We need to start standing up for ourselves, with no expectations anyone else will have our interests at heart, and this, Erin, is a great first step.

[grishno]

Funny... on the HRC website they sure make it seem like they support transgender folks... why would a big company like this lie?

[jle1979]

Great video Erin. Keep up the good work.

Naomi S.

[personage2007]

thats a great top you are wearing :)

[blickblocks]

Let me guess, HRC caved in to the "two bill solution"?

How it was explained to me by a HRC rep at Transfamily of Cleveland was that they have to be tactical in order to keep representatives that they want in. Apparently the fear was that freshman representatives would not get voted for again if they appeared "too liberal". All in all it just makes me think politics are a pool bullshit, and HRC is trying to swim in it. :(

[tma1982]

I'm moving to Canada

[grishno]

Hippy!

[FaceForRadio63]

OMG, I thought that noise was the steam coming out of your ears.

[grishno]

Damn, you are much more clever than me.

[asiangirldd]

I am so mad at HRC.

[grishno]

You should write a letter or something.