It is so unbelievably insidious and disgusting. They will now use this blatant LIE to raise even more money that would be better spent by other organizations, who actually DO something; who aren't interested in hobnobbing with celebrities or sucking up to the mainstream community; whose primary interest is the rights of the LGBT community rather than the consolidation of their own power.

The HRC is an embarrassment to our community; no different than the televangelists who bilk the innocent of their money. The HRC's fundraising is based on lies.

Donna Rose has resigned from the HRC Board of Directors in disgust and protest over the betrayal of the trans community; Robbi Cohn, a member of HRC's Carolinas Steering Committee, has followed suit.

What exactly is the HRC's end-goal, anyway? I personally stopped giving them money back in 1998, when one of their phone solicitors was unable to answer a single question about their accomplishments or their goals. With one of the most important elections in our nation's history on the horizon, this cancer on our community is going to continue to suck money from our throats like a vampire and do nothing productive with it.

They claim to be bi-partisan, to work with both parties for LGBT rights. So exactly how many Republicans have you persuaded that we deserve to be treated like every other American, HRC? How many converts on the right wing can you claim? You do more damage than the misguided Log Cabin Republicans, because at least THEY are partisan. Instead, HRC talks out of both sides of their mouths with their hands outstretched to pick our pockets.

Our Constitution provides protect for every American, and states that we are all equal in the eyes of the law. If one American is treated in any manner less than that, it is injustice for all; acceptance of inequality sets a precedent where others can be treated inequally in the future--and is a betrayal of the principles which guided the founding of this nation.

So maybe the trans community aren't the biggest donor base for the HRC; I am not sure why exactly the HRC is transphobic. Maybe because there isn't a big trans television or film star to attend their latest fundraiser? Hard to say, it is impossible for me to wrap my mind around, and follow, their logic.

But I'm tired of HRC claiming to be speaking for me. They DON'T speak for me, nor do they speak for anyone I know.

This morning, the NSD launched a campaign to get the original ENDA passed, in conjunction with 150 other rights organizations. Earlier this week, they launched www.nosubstitutes.org, to raise money and awareness, as well as to provide other organizations with information and guidance to fight for the real ENDA.

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