The Okanagan College Pride Group is non-partisan so feel-free to send in news releases, etc. from various parties, about glbt issues.
-----
"May 26, 2011
VICTORIA – Today, New Democrat MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert is introducing The Gender Identity and Expression Human Rights Recognition Act, which would ensure that transgendered people are explicitly protected by the B.C. Human Rights Code.
"While the courts have read certain protections for gender identity and expression into our human rights legislation, it is important for the government to recognize transgendered people, by explicitly including them in the human rights code," said Chandra Herbert. "Transgendered people still face incredible barriers to employment and housing, and face discrimination and the threat of violence almost everywhere they go."
Chandra Herbert noted that explicitly including gender identity and expression in the human rights code will help ensure that landlords, employers and ordinary people understand that transgendered people have the right to live and work free from fear and discrimination.
Marie Little, chair of the Trans Alliance Society, agrees: "Protection, like justice itself, must be seen to be done to be effective. Landlords, employers, shopkeepers and restaurant owners - as well as ‘trans’ people themselves must be able to see that these protections exist. I think this bill will accomplish this," said Little. "Explicitly mentioning ‘gender identity’ and ‘gender expression’ in the code goes a long way in the direction of educating people about the issues facing the trans community."
"This is simple, non-partisan legislation that addresses a real need for people in B.C. communities," said Chandra Herbert. "I hope that all members of the legislature will work together to ensure it is passed during the current sitting."
Adrian Dix and the New Democrats believe in taking action to protect all British Columbians from violence, harassment and discrimination."
Source: http://www.bcndpcaucus.ca/en/new_democrats_take_steps_to_protect_transgendered_people
-----
"... I ask you to spread the word and encourage your friends, families and peers to contact their own MLA and ask for their commitment to support this crucial legislation...Sincerely, Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA Vancouver-West End"
MLA Finder: http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm?utm_source=GLBT&utm_campaign=d5a807c73c-West+End+Community+Survey+February+2011&utm_medium=email
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
OC Pride Group: only online
Just to let everyone know May 31st has come and gone which means we are only online at this point. This website will be updated as needed. We are also on Facebook under "Glbt Okanagan-College".
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Source: Okanagan Rainbow Coalition (in Kelowna)
----- Original Message -----
...
Subject: ORC Update - Proms, Volleyball, Volunteers and more!
To: info@gayokanagan.com
> ...
> *
> *
>
> *LGBT Prom Night – Planning Session this Friday, June 3
> We are exploring the possibility of hosting an LGBT
> Prom/Graduation Ceremony
> at The Centre.
> We are pleased to have found that the local school boards have strong
> policies regarding discrimination, tolerance and acceptance, and
> are now
> offering "same sex relationships in the family" education. In
> addition, at
> schools where graduating students are permitted to bring dates
> to prom, same
> sex couples are allowed and supported. However, we understand
> that many
> individuals may not feel comfortable doing so - particularly the more
> vulnerable and sensitive members of the community.
>
>
> With that in mind, we’d like to get a sense of interest and
> support from
> the community for such an event, via a *planning meeting to be
> held at The
> Centre this Friday, June 3 at 5:30pm*. The event would be open
> to all those
> graduating this year or last, and will only happen with your direct
> involvement and support. Come make your voice heard!
>
>
> *Saturday Socials – Volunteers needed and time change*
>
> *Effective this upcoming Saturday – June 4 – the hours of the
> Saturday night
> socials will officially change to 10pm – 2am*. While we
> recognize this will
> affect a small group of members who like to show up early, we
> have a limited
> volunteer pool who are now having to stay later as the socials
> have become
> ever more popular.
> In addition, *we are actively seeking member(s) of the community
> willing to
> work door control and security at the Saturday Socials*. As previously
> mentioned, membership checks will soon be in place in order to
> meet our
> licensing requirements, and for the safety and security of all
> patrons, we
> would like to have someone controlling access as the front door
> from 11pm –
> 1am weekly. Please contact us at info@gayokanagan.com if you are
> able to
> assist on an ongoing basis!
>
>
> *Movie Night – Fridays at The Centre*
>
> We’re starting Friday Night Films – beginning this Friday, June
> 3 at about
> 6:30pm. We’re hoping to show mostly LGBT themed movies, so send
> along your
> suggestions! Popcorn and Pop will be available for sale. On tap
> for this
> week will be either Milk or Shelter.
>
> *
> *
>
> *Beach Volleyball is Back*
>
> Beginning this week, our free outdoor gay beach volleyball makes
> its return
> to Hot Sands Beach at the end of City Park near the bridge in
> Kelowna. It’s
> a great way to end the week, get fresh air, and usually finishes
> off with
> burgers and beer! See you there Friday nights starting at 6:30pm
>
>
> *“Homos at Hanna’s” Dance – June 18, 2011 9PM-1AM*
>
> We’re back downtown! Yes, the next dance will be hosted at
> Hanna’s Lounge in
> the Delta Grande. This is a wonderful classy space with a huge
> outdoor patio
> overlooking Okanagan Lake. Space is limited, and this event is
> sure to sell
> out, so watch for ticket and pricing information soon.
>
> This event will be 16+ again, and tickets are $15 members/$20 others.
>
>
> Hanna’s Lounge is located at 1352 Water Street in Kelowna, BC
>
> *Ideas and Feedback*
> As always we are looking for new ideas from our members of
> events they'd
> like to see in the community, or services we could help facilitate.
> The Board will review and do their best to help make these
> happen. Ideas
> with a commitment of support and volunteers are always the most
> likely to
> happen so please get involved! It's your community, and your ORC.
>
> See you OUT there!
>
> ______________________________
> ______________________________________________________
>
> *Okanagan Rainbow Coalition *| gayokanagan.com |
> info@gayokanagan.com | (250)
> 860-8555
...
Subject: ORC Update - Proms, Volleyball, Volunteers and more!
To: info@gayokanagan.com
> ...
> *
> *
>
> *LGBT Prom Night – Planning Session this Friday, June 3
> We are exploring the possibility of hosting an LGBT
> Prom/Graduation Ceremony
> at The Centre.
> We are pleased to have found that the local school boards have strong
> policies regarding discrimination, tolerance and acceptance, and
> are now
> offering "same sex relationships in the family" education. In
> addition, at
> schools where graduating students are permitted to bring dates
> to prom, same
> sex couples are allowed and supported. However, we understand
> that many
> individuals may not feel comfortable doing so - particularly the more
> vulnerable and sensitive members of the community.
>
>
> With that in mind, we’d like to get a sense of interest and
> support from
> the community for such an event, via a *planning meeting to be
> held at The
> Centre this Friday, June 3 at 5:30pm*. The event would be open
> to all those
> graduating this year or last, and will only happen with your direct
> involvement and support. Come make your voice heard!
>
>
> *Saturday Socials – Volunteers needed and time change*
>
> *Effective this upcoming Saturday – June 4 – the hours of the
> Saturday night
> socials will officially change to 10pm – 2am*. While we
> recognize this will
> affect a small group of members who like to show up early, we
> have a limited
> volunteer pool who are now having to stay later as the socials
> have become
> ever more popular.
> In addition, *we are actively seeking member(s) of the community
> willing to
> work door control and security at the Saturday Socials*. As previously
> mentioned, membership checks will soon be in place in order to
> meet our
> licensing requirements, and for the safety and security of all
> patrons, we
> would like to have someone controlling access as the front door
> from 11pm –
> 1am weekly. Please contact us at info@gayokanagan.com if you are
> able to
> assist on an ongoing basis!
>
>
> *Movie Night – Fridays at The Centre*
>
> We’re starting Friday Night Films – beginning this Friday, June
> 3 at about
> 6:30pm. We’re hoping to show mostly LGBT themed movies, so send
> along your
> suggestions! Popcorn and Pop will be available for sale. On tap
> for this
> week will be either Milk or Shelter.
>
> *
> *
>
> *Beach Volleyball is Back*
>
> Beginning this week, our free outdoor gay beach volleyball makes
> its return
> to Hot Sands Beach at the end of City Park near the bridge in
> Kelowna. It’s
> a great way to end the week, get fresh air, and usually finishes
> off with
> burgers and beer! See you there Friday nights starting at 6:30pm
>
>
> *“Homos at Hanna’s” Dance – June 18, 2011 9PM-1AM*
>
> We’re back downtown! Yes, the next dance will be hosted at
> Hanna’s Lounge in
> the Delta Grande. This is a wonderful classy space with a huge
> outdoor patio
> overlooking Okanagan Lake. Space is limited, and this event is
> sure to sell
> out, so watch for ticket and pricing information soon.
>
> This event will be 16+ again, and tickets are $15 members/$20 others.
>
>
> Hanna’s Lounge is located at 1352 Water Street in Kelowna, BC
>
> *Ideas and Feedback*
> As always we are looking for new ideas from our members of
> events they'd
> like to see in the community, or services we could help facilitate.
> The Board will review and do their best to help make these
> happen. Ideas
> with a commitment of support and volunteers are always the most
> likely to
> happen so please get involved! It's your community, and your ORC.
>
> See you OUT there!
>
> ______________________________
> ______________________________________________________
>
> *Okanagan Rainbow Coalition *| gayokanagan.com |
> info@gayokanagan.com | (250)
> 860-8555