Transitioning Times

In our efforts to include, empower, and serve all people, we share in the joy that President Obama has proclaimed June to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. Presidential Proclamation -- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, 2014 LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2014 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION As progress spreads from State to State, as justice is delivered in the courtroom, and as more of our fellow Americans are treated with dignity and respect -- our Nation becomes not only more accepting, but more equal as well. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, we celebrate victories that have affirmed freedom and fairness, and we recommit ourselves to completing the work that remains. Last year, supporters of equality celebrated the Supreme Court's decision to strike down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act, a ruling which, at ...

Yesterday, December 26th, President Obama signed a defense bill that puts greater restrictions on the power commanders have to determine responses to sexual assault.   According to the Washington Post : Commanders will no longer be permitted to overturn jury convictions for sexual assault. The law also requires a civilian review when commanders decline to prosecute, requires dishonorable discharge or dismissal for those convicted, eliminate the statute of limitations for court[sic]-martial in rape and sexual assault cases and criminalizes retaliation against victims who report an assault. In another effort to combat sexual violence, President Obama ordered military leaders to look at their efforts to prevent and respond to sexual assault in a year-long review.   We are pleased to hear this news, but cautious about the process for civilian reviews and the burden of proof required to convict.  Another proposal that victims of sexual assault would be entitle...

Presidential Proclamation -- National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 2013 NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH, 2013 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) nearly 20 years ago, our Nation's response to domestic violence has greatly improved. What was too often seen as a private matter best hidden behind closed doors is now an established issue of national concern. We have changed our laws, transformed our culture, and improved support services for survivors. We have seen a significant drop in domestic violence homicides and improved training for police, prosecutors, and advocates. Yet we must do more to provide protection and justice for survivors and to prevent violence from occurring. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we stand with domestic abuse survivors, celebrate our Nation's progress in combatting these despicable ...

We would be remiss if Transitions didn't include some mention of Representative Todd Akin's comments in our blog.  In case you have not heard, Rep. Akin (R-Mo.), while being interviewed on KTVI-TV, was asked if he supports abortion in cases of rape.  His response included the following statements:  “It seems to be, first of all, from what I understand from doctors, it’s really rare. If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut the whole thing down.” Herein sparks the outrage. There have been many articles and statements  about the comments, what they mean, what consequences there may be for both Rep. Akin and the Republican Party, as well as general outcry about the words he chose and what he's saying.  We wish to add our voice to all the other voices who are loudly saying that this is unacceptable.  We stand with President Obama and other organizations saying that rape is rape.  There is no q...

The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release April 02, 2012 NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH, 2012 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Though we have come far in the fight to reduce sexual violence, the prevalence of sexual assault remains an affront to our national conscience that we cannot ignore. This month, we stand with survivors of sexual assault, join together to break the silence, and recommit to ending this devastating crime. Rape and sexual assault inflict profound suffering upon millions of Americans every year. Nearly one in five women has been raped, and still more have endured other forms of sexual violence or abuse. Tragically, these crimes take their greatest toll on young people; women between the ages of 16 and 24 are at greatest risk of rape and sexual assault, and many victims, male and female, first experience abuse during childhood. The tr...