I recorded this and I cried when I heard it. We made history by being
mentioned for the first time in any Platform Committee meeting. Scott
fought hard for us, and he needs to be congratulated. It is time to
move forward.

Monica Helms
Delegate from Georgia

*****************************

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee,
I rise today to give voice to a community with no member at today's
meeting and invisible in our platform. I am speaking of the
transgender community.

Our platform touches on many issues important to the trans-community,
from education to health care to hate crimes and workplace
discrimination. This issue, important to us all, has particular
resonance in a community that is misunderstood, often maligned, and
whose members live in fear of violence and discrimination.

Our platform says that hate crimes "demean good people." Gwen Araujo,
Prvt. Barry Winchell, and Brandon Tina were not just "demeaned", they
were murdered by individuals who saw no value in their humanity.

Transgender people are good citizens who make valuable contributions
to their communities. Gender identity and gender _expression are no
basis to deny anyone a job, housing, an education or adequate medical
care. These are mainstream issues as Governor Vilsack's own executive
order in his home state demonstrates.

The transgender community understands that the Democratic Party's
commitment to civil rights is "ironclad". Because of this Party's
outreach efforts, there will be at least 8 transgender delegates in
Boston, an increase of 800% in 8 years, but more can be done. As a
gay man, I can only be a surrogate for this distinct community,
speaking second-hand in telling their stories and discussing their
issues. We must do more to make certain that they themselves are
included at the table.

Mr. Chairman, I am instructed by the transgender delegates to tell this
committee that the trans-community stands united behind the
Kerry/Edwards ticket and will work for a Democratic victory in
November. At the request of the trans-delegation, and in recognition
of this solidarity, I have been asked to withdraw this amendment, and
do so now.

Thank you for your time.
---
After my speech, I was approached by a number of people and openly
thanked for my
remarks. These people include:
Christine Quinn, council person from NYC
James Smith, the democratic leader of the South Carolina House of
Representatives,
Mary Polumbo, legislator from Kentucky
Susan Almy, legislator from New Hampshire
Roberta Achtenberg, GLBT delegation
co-chair said chills ran down her spine as I gave my speech (but she
may have just been being nice...)

Although the platform does not reflect it, I think progress was made
for the trans-community at this meeting.

--
Scott Safier
http://www.steel-city.org

Steel City Stonewall Democrats
PO Box 23126
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-6126

"The value of government to the people it serves is in direct
relationship to the interest citizens themselves display in the
affairs of state." William Scranton, Governor of Pennsylvania