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Is the Obama administration abandoning it’s promises to LGBT Americans? (and immigrants, too)

Obama – Don't support the DOMA. Equality for queer people NOW

Well…

Backto reality. The comedown is here, personal and political, small scale and large scale. While we are still dealing with the shambles left behind of a fantastic Pride, we are also hearing about gay bashings of queer/trans people here in our fair city and community. And now this- it seems that the Obama administration may be […]


Video response following guilty verdict in the murder trial of Angie Zapata

Angela Zapata’s brother makes a tearful and emotionally moving statement to the press after the sentencing of Allen Andrade, who was convicted yesterday of first-gree murder and a hate crime.


First-degree murder verdict in the Angie Zapata trial

With public defender Brad Martin, left, at his side, Allen Andrade waits for the jury to enter the courtroom in the Angie Zapata murder trial on Tuesday April 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Eric Bellamy)

Of course nothing will make up for or bring back the incredibly young transwoman brutally murdered last year in Colorado. But today the AP reports that jurors have reached a verdict, and that verdict is first-degree murder according to a live blog from Denver Westword Blogs.

The verdicts: Guilty of first-degree murder. Guilty of a bias-motivated crime. Guilty of motor vehicle theft. Guilty of identity theft.

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Trial set to begin in the murder or transgendered Angie (Justin) Zapata

Angie Zapata

The striking transwoman, Angela Zapata, was only 18 years old when Allen Andrade bludgeoned her to death with a fire extinguisher. The bias-motivated nature of this horrific crime could add 3 years to Andrade’s sentance when his trial begins this coming Tuesday.

From the Associated Press:

Andrade told investigators that he struck Zapata twice in the head with the extinguisher and thought he had “killed it” before hitting her again as she struggled to get up, an arrest affidavit said. The pair met through a mobile networking site and had spent the night…

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Spring break hate crime in Seaside, Oregon

Two gay men, Samson and Kevin were severely beaten in a hate crime this weekend in Seaside, Oregon

Two gay men, Samson and Kevin were severely beaten in a hate crime this weekend in Seaside, Oregon. Photo courtesy KATU.

I am very privileged to almost always feel safe in Portland and I usually feel fairly confident that I will not be gay bashed in most of Oregon, certainly in our laid back coastal areas. But this weekend 2 young gay men, nursing students from western Washington, were beaten severely in Seaside, Oregon.

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Hate crimes exist here

The Portland area may feel like a safe place. And in large part it is. However, hate crimes happen here. And if you missed this article this morning (Washington County’s only known hate killing unsolv… […]