ACTION ITEM:  PROTEST HRC’S NATIONAL BANQUET IN WASHINGTON DC

Who:  Transgender activists from across the nation, including major groups such as NTAC (National Transgender Advocacy Coalition).

What:  Protest of divisive individuals and organizations attempting to create schism within GLBT community.  Feted at HRC's event are keynote House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, actress Rebecca Romijn, and Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA)

When:  Saturday, October 6, 2007, beginning at 4:30 PM (Major donors reception), continuing through 6:00 PM beginning of banquet – Rain or shine.

Where:  Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW (near 9th St & Mass Ave) Washington DC  (Metro stop: Mount Vernon Square, Green Line, walk south)

Why:  Following on the heels of HRC Exec. Dir. Joe Solmonese’s keynote speech at Southern Comfort Conference - SCC [largest transgender conference in America] that HRC “would oppose a non-inclusive ENDA”, a week later Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced two ENDA bills, each with separate language for sexual orientation and gender identity.  HRC delayed signing onto a bill pressing for return to inclusive language, and currently will not oppose a non-inclusive ENDA, contradicting speech at SCC two weeks earlier.

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