Do I Have Freedom of Speech?

Many people of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community feel as though they do not have the Freedom of Speech that the United States’ Bill of Rights defines. The reason why they feel this way is because they feel as though they do not have the gay rights that they deserve. They feel that Freedom of Speech is all about expression. They feel that they are not truly able to express themselves because they do not have the gay rights that are so dear to them. They feel that they are muted from letting all the colors on their palette show because they have not yet obtained the gay rights that they are fighting for.

Although many members of the LGBT community will be the first to tell you that there have been some advances made in terms of gay rights, they are not completely satisfied. They feel that they have a very long way to go in order to attain the gay rights that they will go to any lengths to achieve.

Many want to be able to gain their gay rights so that they will be fully content in life. They know that there is tremendous hope and promise that they are going to be able to reach the depths of obtaining their gay rights. Many live each day for the day that they say that each one of their gay rights have been met. Until that day, they will utilize their Freedom of Speech to speak out for their gay rights. They will shout to the depths to see that their gay rights are heard. One day they will be able to fully make use of their Freedom of Speech, as they are able to express themselves in the fashion of knowing that all of their gay rights have been met.

Gay Rights

On the contrary, if most gay rights are sufficed, this will evoke a positive change for everyone. As each of the gay rights are tackled one by one, all the people of the world are going to be able to reap the benefits. Gay rights are more than just helping to support the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community; however, gay rights are about supporting the rights and principles of an individual. Members of the LGBT community are people just like you and me. They are just fighting for the core rights and beliefs that they believe in… just like you and me.

If one of the major gay rights were to be fulfilled, it will definitely be beneficial to the entire human race. If the gay rights of the non-tolerance for sexual expression and orientation were met, this would make the world a better place. This will mean that people are able to go throughout the earth without being discriminated against due to reasons beyond their control. This will certainly make everyone much happier if they know that they lived in a place where they did not have to worry about being judged. This would raise the morale, globally.

There are several other gay rights that are fought for that will make everyone much happier. If many of the gay rights were obtained, that will eliminate some of the hate in the world. Acknowledgement of gay rights will influence world wide acceptance.

LGBT Marriage

Believe it or not, there are many LGBT rights that you have. Those LGBT rights may be few and far between depending on where you travel, but there are many LGBT rights that one has. Many states in America are working to see to it that many of the LGBT rights are met, one at a time. They are working to see to it that the LGBT community has the freedoms that they so desperately need and deserve. The masses are now joining in to make sure that their voices are heard. Even if they do not consider themselves belonging to the LGBT community, there are many people that still show their support and concern for LGBT rights. They know that the only way that we can really consider ourselves a Democracy is if we listen to all the voices of the people. We can not just mute out what we do not like… or may not be familiar with.

As of today, there are currently a few states that have listened to the outcries of those that have fought for the LGBT rights concerning marriage. Five states in the United States, today, say that it is permissible for members of the LGBT community to marry. There are other states that have recognized LGBT rights in a similar fashion. In an effort to appease LGBT rights, there are other states that offer a LGBT couple a civil union. Although marriage LGBT rights have a long way to go, there have been some advances forward in that regard.

LGBT Rights

There are many LGBT rights that the LGBT community is fighting for, but there are some that tend to take precedence over others. One of the key aspects to seeing to it that the LGBT rights are attained all comes down to one very important principle. RECOGNITION. Many feel that their LGBT rights can be easily reached if they were only able to receive the recognition that they deserve. The reason why they find themselves fighting so hard for each one of their LGBT rights is because they are not properly seen in the light that they should. This is because many people feel that the LGBT community does not have much relevance in society. They feel as though their issues are not significant.

One of the biggest efforts in fighting for LGBT rights has been to make sure that their voice is heard. The LGBT community has come to realize that the only way that they are going to be able to fully obtain their LGBT rights is if they are able to convince the government to recognize their relationships as a valid civil union. The basis of their LGBT rights lies on the fact that, as a whole, the government does not see a LGBT relationship as being legitimate.

As the LGBT community continues to influence society to acknowledge and recognize their unions, they will be able to move forward in fighting for their LGBT rights. Little by little, as more and more LGBT unions are being recognized, more and more LGBT rights are being recognized.

LGBT Community

There are many that are still in limbo about the terminology LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender). Many still do not feel so comfortable with the revised terminology. Since many people do not feel that LGBT accurately expresses who they are, they find it just as disheartening as the other attempts to be politically correct. Although many would argue that LGBT is much more inclusive than the “gay community,” some still do not feel completely content with the attempt. Most people do not like to be categorized at all, been when they are labeled, they want to see that they are viewed in the way that they most accurately choose to identify themselves.

One of the efforts that have been made to appease members of the LGBT community was to add another initial to the acronym LGBT. Members of the LGBT have added the initial Q to the end of LGBT, to indicate Questioning. This was in order to include those that are in a phase where they are exploring whether or not they are heterosexual. Questioning is for those that feel that they still belong to the LGBT community, despite the fact that they are in the process of discovering their sexual identity.

The LGBT community has found that as much as they are working so hard to fight for what they believe in, they must also continue to fight for what others believe in. That has always been the selfless effort of the LGBT community, no matter what terminology is used to define them.

LGBT

The LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) have vowed to stand up for what they believe in. The LGBT have come together in order to form one of the largest human rights efforts the world has ever experienced. The LGBT was formed in order to give rise to their community. Many people were tired of the term “gay community” because they felt as though that terminology did not most accurately describe who they were. LGBT seems to cover the gamut of those that do not fully identify themselves with the heterosexual members of Society.

The LGBT community has launched efforts all over the world to see to it that their rights are being fought for. The LGBT can be found in several communities working tirelessly to give rise to the issues that are so very near and dear to their heart. If you are really able to delve deep into the LGBT community, you will discover that they are not asking for much. All the LGBT wants to see is that they have the same rights as others. The LGBT community simply want to see to it that they receive Equality.

The LGBT has made many advances in their efforts. They have also seen many setbacks along the way. Nevertheless, the LGBT community will continue to move forward collectively until they are able to overcome and conquer every single obstacle. The LGBT community will do whatever it takes to always make sure that they Stand UP for their Rights.

Sponsor A Child

Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for life. This holiday season, a donation as small as $27 to Safe Horizon will put a victim of violence and abuse on the road to self-sufficiency. Safe Horizon’s first gift catalog ever offers supporters concrete examples of how their contributions will help people affected by crime and abuse.

The catalog organizes opportunities for giving into six categories that encompass Safe Horizon’s comprehensive range of services for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, stalking, sexual assault and other violence crimes. Categories include:

Sponsor a Child of Hope
For $24 dollars a month, the same price as two movie tickets, you can sponsor a child victim of violence and abuse. Your gift will provide them with meals, clothing, counseling and more. $288 sponsors a Child of Hope for an entire year.

Sponsor a Child of Hope

Self-Sufficiency
Put someone on the road to self-sufficiency. Victims will be able Equip them with the tools they need to keep their appointments and the resources to buy what they need… to live a normal life.

Pave the way for a victim

Direct Care
Each year Safe Horizon furnishes newborn kits, formula, medical treatment, clothing, snacks, beds, and blankets to children and families surviving violence and abuse.

Give them a touch of home

Provide Protection
Your gift can start victims on the road to recovery by providing protection through new phone numbers, giving them a legal advocate, and giving them access to Safe Horizon’s 24-hour hotline.

Give the gift of protection’

Counseling & Support
Healing takes time! Safe Horizon invests the time to comfort, encourage, counsel, and support our clients. When you give, you help to empower, support, and provide medical attention to those who have suffered deep wounds in life. You provide options for those who felt they had no options at all.

Provide a listening ear

Children & Youth Services
Each year, Safe Horizon reaches more than 18,000 homeless youth. These older children live on the streets, away from home and school, and in need of education if they are to have a chance at a normal, self-sufficient life.

Provide the gift of a safe place to a child or help a young adult a fresh start

A Brief Glance At Safe Horizon

Safe Horizon is the nation’s leading victim assistance organization. Their core mission is to provide support, prevent violence, and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and communities. They operate 65 sites that are located throughout the five boroughs of New York City – in court houses, police precincts, schools, shelters, and community offices. These programs address 6 key issues:

Domestic Violence
Safe Horizon is the largest provider of domestic violence services in the country. Collaborating with the criminal justice system, Safe Horizon offers innovative programs that provide women with support throughout the complex process of leaving violent relationships and building safe futures. For survivors of domestic violence, stalking, rape, and sexual assault, Safe Horizon offers services that help them and their children move toward safe and independent violence-free lives.

Abuse
Crime and abuse can have a devastating impact. Not just on the direct victim but also on his or her family. Safe Horizon offers a variety of services to help individuals and their families work through immediate trauma and the long run as well. Additionally, Safe Horizon recognizes that many survivors feel further victimized by a court system that is unfamiliar to them. Safe Horizon advocates guide them through the complicated process and help them to understand their rights.

Immigrants & Refugees
Since 1988, the Immigration Law Project (ILP) has provided free and low-cost services to victims of crime, torture, and abuse in immigration proceedings. ILP has represented hundreds of battered women in Violence Against Women Act self-petitions and adjustment proceedings as well as gender-based asylum claims.

In December 2001, Safe Horizon established the Anti-Trafficking Program (ATP), currently the largest such direct service provider on the East Coast. Since its founding, they have worked with hundreds of cases both within and outside the New York metropolitan area.

Helping Youth
Safe Horizon reaches young people where they are – in the schools, on the streets, and in their communities. Their youth programs provide immediate, practical assistance to youth in need, while providing a stable, non-subjective setting to address and explore issues of violence.

Legal Services
Safe Horizon established the Domestic Violence Law Project (DVLP) in 1991. Since its inception, DVLP has provided high-quality legal representation to thousands of low-income and indigent battered women in orders of protection, custody, support, and divorce proceedings.

The legal programs operate a legal hotline that provides information, advice, and assistance to battered women. Over 1,200 women call the hotline each year.

Advocacy and Policy
Safe Horizon’s Government Affairs office advances public policy initiatives on behalf of victims of violence and abuse. Through legislation, budget initiatives and regulatory advocacy, the Government Affairs office strives to create new avenues to safety for our clients.

Safe Horizon is an IRS recognized non-profit charity organization. Charitable contributions may be tax-deductible. Help support Safe Horizon by clicking here to donate.

Written by
William Lee, Editor

Domestic Violence Organizations

Although it is typically envisioned as occurring between partners, domestic violence is any emotional, physical or sexual abuse by a household member. Rather than being isolated events, domestic violence tends to recur and increase in severity over time.

Victims often wrestle with feelings of fear, loyalty, guilt and shame. Further aggravating the situation is that victims are often financially dependent, and many will live out their lives in fear, unaware that help is available.

Today, more and more communities are responding to the needs of these victims, and more and more victims are reaching out to them for help. Laws.com is taking an active step towards stopping this terrible cycle of violence by compiling a list of resources for victims of domestic violence, as well as the people in position to spot signs of domestic violence, to report instances of DV. They are listed in alphabetical order by state.

Click here to view list

National Network to End Domestic Violence

The National Network to End Domestic Violence, a social change organization, is dedicated to creating a social, political and economic environment in which domestic violence against women no longer exists and perpetrators are held accountable. NNEDV’s primary membership is an alliance of the 56 state and territorial coalitions against state domestic violence coalitions, allied organizations and supportive individuals. By working closely with its members and national partners, NNEDV has gained an in-depth understanding of the ongoing and emerging needs of domestic violence victims and the advocacy programs that serve them. NNEDV makes sure that these survivors’ needs are heard and understood by policymakers at the national level.

NNEDV Projects
Economic Justice Program
One of the greatest barriers to escaping violent relationships is economics, especially in an economic downturn. The groundbreaking partnership between The Allstate Foundation and NNEDV works to address the pervasive and destructive barriers that domestic violence poses to the safety and security of women and their families by helping victims of domestic violence become financially independent from their abusers. The program focuses on providing the knowledge and skills that will help victims of domestic violence achieve economic self-sufficiency. As part of this groundbreaking partnership, the Allstate Foundation and NNEDV provide direct support to survivors through the Education and Job Training Assistance Fund. Through the Fund, survivors receive small grants to help them achieve their educational and job-related goals. To contribute to this life-saving fund visit, http://nnedv.org/getinvolved/donate.html.

Amy’s Courage Fund
In 2007, NNEDV renamed its Direct Assistance Fund to Amy’s Courage Fund in honor of Amy Lynne and other victims who have tragically lost their lives due to domestic violence. Through this direct assistance fund, NNEDV offers emergency financial grants of up to $2,000 to domestic violence survivors and their children in the immediate aftermath of escaping who are fleeing abusive homes. To contribute to this life-saving fund, visit http://nnedv.org/getinvolved/donate.html.

Safety Net Project
NNEDV’s National Safe & Strategic Technology Project (Safety Net) educates victims of domestic and sexual violence, their advocates, allies, and the general public on strategic ways to use technology to help escape abusive relationships. Safety Net also trains police officers and prosecutors on how to identify and hold perpetrators accountable for misusing technology to further abusive behavior.

Training and Technical Assistance
NNEDV staff work with state domestic violence coalitions to assess programs’ needs and help them develop appropriate training and technical assistance plans. NNEDV also provides affordable expert speakers and trainers for conferences, workshops and training institutes.State and territorial coalitions against sexual and domestic violence provide critical leadership in coordinating states’ efforts to end violence and strengthen services for survivors. NNEDV’s program works to increase the effectiveness of these organizations and local service providers.

Transitional Housing
NNEDV provides technical assistance and training to the state and territorial coalitions against domestic violence, local domestic violence programs, other nonprofit organizations, and local and state agencies in creating the best practices for transitional housing and related services for women survivors fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.

Census
The National Census of Domestic Violence Services (Census) is an annual noninvasive, unduplicated count of adults and children who seek services from U.S. domestic violence shelter programs during a single 24-hour survey period. Conducted by NNEDV, this Census takes into account the dangerous nature of domestic violence by using a survey designed to protect the confidentiality and safety of victims. In 2008, 60,799 victims sought services from 1,553 service providers in one day alone. Programs answered 21,683 crisis hotline calls. During the same 24 hours, 8,927 requests for help went unmet mostly due to the lack of funding.

NNDEV Partners and other Organizations
The NNDEV has a long list of member state coalitions fighting against domestic violence.

Facebook

Changes made to Facebook’s terms of use is finally generating some buzz. The “new’ terms of use has actually been in place since February 2009, and the real issue at hand is not what was added, but what was removed. Facebook has always had an “irrevocable, perpetual” license to use your “name, likeness, and image” in essentially any way, including within promotions or external advertising as long as your account was active. However, with minimal consent, Facebook has omitted that clause, effectively giving them an eternal license to your private information. Now, they can use your content forever, for any purpose, without your permission.

Here are some other Facebook snafus:

Facebook & Personal Information
As their Privacy policy says, “We may use information about you that we collect from other sources, including but not limited to newspapers and Internet sources such as blogs, instant messaging services, Facebook Platform developers and other users of Facebook, to supplement your profile.”

In the past, Facebook has broadcast user’s private information in ways users didn’t expect. For example, their privacy policy also says that they may use your information “without identifying you as an individual,’ and that they “do not provide contact information to third party marketers without your permission.” Everything else is fair game. In addition, Facebook isn’t responsible if a third-party application abuses your personal information.

Facebook & Liability
From the Facebook terms of use, “Under no circumstances will the Company be responsible for any loss or damage, including any loss or damage to any User Content or personal injury or death, resulting from anyone’s use of the Site or the Service, any User Content or Third Party Applications, Software or Content posted on or through the Site or the Service or transmitted to Users, or any interactions between users of the Site, whether online or offline.”

Under the terms of use, multiple disclaimers and limitations on liability contain provisions preventing you from suing Facebook for just about anything. This includes viruses and other malicious software that are trolling the internet.

Facebook & Money
While the pursuit of revenue doesn’t make Facebook evil, it is a business – not a charity. Don’t forget that money is their primary motivator, not sharing or creating community.

In relation to the use of personal information, Facebook may sell any information they compile to third-parties as long as they do not disclose contact information and individual identity.

In relation to the use of individually published images, take for example, you are an aspiring photographer who has published your own work on Facebook – Facebook has the right to republish that material fo