about EQUALITY

National Equality March Video

National Equality March October 2009

Supporters of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans from every race, class, faith and community are mobilizing for a National Equality March on October 11, 2009, in Washington, D.C. The single demand of the march is clear: “Equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states. We will accept no less and will work until it is achieved.

The march is being organized by Equality Across America, a grassroots network dedicated to organizing in all 435 Congressional Districts to achieve full equality. There will be multiple events planned throughout the weekend and we hope that you will visit our website to learn more, http://www.nationalequalitymarch.com.

The National Equality March is asking you and/or your organization to sign on as an endorser for the October 11, 2009 National Equality March on Washington and to do whatever is in your power to publicize, mobilize for and support this national organizing effort.  To do so, please email your name, title, organization affiliation and contact info, as well as your logo.  You may also go to our Web site at http://equalityacrossamerica.org/blog/?page_id=59 and sign up.

Please sign onto this statement by email or by visiting our website as soon as possible. For your convenience, we have attached a sample letter for distribution to your members and a flyer. Please feel free to modify the language and encourage your allies and members to join us in D.C.

Thank you.

National Equality March Steering Committee

National Equality March

Speaking of marches, the big one that is being planned for 2009 is the National Equality March scheduled for October 10-11, 2009 in Washington D.C.

From the website:

On October 10-11, 2009, we will gather in Washington DC from all across America to let our elected leaders know that now is the time for full equal rights for LGBT people. We will gather. We will march. And we will leave energized and empowered to do the work that needs to be done in every community across the nation.

Visit the National Equality March website for updates, and be sure to join their Facebook page, or get their updates via twitter.

Remembering Stonewall

Stonewall Inn, New York City (courtesy of WikiPedia)

On June 28 many GLBT Americans will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn riots, the beginning of the modern day gay rights movement.

Many GLBT organizations across America will come together in honor and remembrance of the brave men and women who took this fight to the streets in 1969, and provided many of us an opportunity to live in a freer and more open society. We have a long way to go, and to help keep the message alive, many marches and rallies will be hosted throughout the country on Sunday, June 28, 2009.

The largest march/rally is expected to be held in New York city, but local organizers are working to host a Million Gay March in Dallas. Here are the local details:

Changing your last name

Recently I was asked if I knew anything about changing your last name after a marriage that had taken place in Canada. The goal would be hyphenate both last names of the couple. I did some research and found that changing your last name in Texas can be relatively simple, and requires a person to file a petition to their local District Court, pay the fee, and get an order signed. (That is the simple version.)

During my research I found that this site for Texas (there are other states also available from this site). This site provides you with all the instructions on how to file for you change of name, and provides you with PDF’s for the formats that you will need for your petition and order.

The current fee for filing (in Collin County) is $233.00, and there may be other costs associated with getting certified copies of the court order. (See Collin County District Court Fee Schedule)

This process is something which you could complete yourself, however it is always suggested that you consult with an attorney who may have some experience with this kind of filing in your local area.