Connecticut Lesbian and Gay Law

Nationwide Productions of Dustin Lance Black’s “8”

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:48:08 +0000

I received the following announcement and thought you might be interested:

American Foundation for Equal Rights and Broadway Impact Announce:

Nationwide Productions of Dustin Lance Black’s “8”
Play Shows World Why Marriage Equality Must Prevail

Forty College and Community Theatres Across the Country to Stage Readings in 2012

Los Angeles, CA – The American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) and Broadway Impact are proud to announce a set of at least forty nationwide productions of “8,” a play chronicling the historic trial in the federal constitutional challenge to California’s Proposition 8, written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and AFER Founding Board Member Dustin Lance Black.

“8” is an unprecedented account of the Federal District Court trial in Perry v. Schwarzenegger (now Perry v. Brown), the case filed by AFER to overturn Proposition 8, which stripped gay and lesbian Californians of the fundamental freedom to marry.

Black, who penned the Academy Award-winning feature film Milk and the new critically-acclaimed film J. Edgar, based “8” on the actual words of the trial transcripts, first-hand observations of the courtroom drama and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families.

Throughout 2012, AFER and Broadway Impact are licensing “8” for free to colleges and community theatres nationwide in order to spur action, dialogue and understanding. Most productions will be followed by a talkback where cast and audience members can discuss the issues presented in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger trial.

“This play will continue to show Americans—one by one—that prejudice and fear cannot stand up to truth and justice,” said AFER Board President Chad Griffin. “Try as they might, the anti-marriage proponents of Proposition 8 cannot hide their discriminatory arguments from the American people. Until every citizen can equally enjoy the freedom to marry, AFER will continue to fight in the courts of law and the court of public opinion—and we will win.”

The story for “8” is framed by the trial’s historic closing arguments in June 2010, and features the best arguments and testimony from both sides. Scenes include flashbacks to some of the more jaw-dropping moments of trial, such as the admission by the Proposition 8 supporters’ star witness, David Blankenhorn, that “we would be more American on the day we permitted same-sex marriage than we were on the day before.”

“People need to witness what happened in the Proposition 8 trial, if for no other reason than to see inequality and discrimination unequivocally rejected in a court of law where truth and facts matter,” said Black. “I’ve built my career around exposing and uncovering ‘the real story.’ The goal of ‘8’ is to show the world that marriage equality is a basic constitutional right and that those who would deny this basic freedom from loving, committed couples have only vitriol and baseless hyperbole to fall back on. The facts are on our side and truth always finds the light. We are doing all we can to help speed that process along.”

“8” is set to have its West Coast premiere at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre on Saturday, March 3, 2012, in Los Angeles, for an exclusive, one-night-only fundraiser to benefit AFER. The West Coast premiere will star Academy Award-winning actor, producer, screenwriter and director George Clooney and be directed by AFER Founding Board Member and acclaimed actor and director Rob Reiner.

“8” had its much-heralded Broadway world premiere on September 19, 2011, at the sold-out Eugene O’Neill Theatre in New York City. The production brought in over one million dollars to support AFER’s efforts to achieve full federal marriage equality.

Proposition 8 was struck down by the Federal District Court in August 2010. That decision was appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit by the anti-marriage proponents of Proposition 8. AFER’s legal team was at the Ninth Circuit in December 2011 for a hearing to urge that court to unseal the trial video. The American public was not given a chance to witness the historic trial because the Proponents launched a desperate attempt to forever hide the video recording of the trial.

A ruling on the constitutionality of Proposition 8 and the release of the trial video is expected soon. The Perry case is widely anticipated to end up in the United States Supreme Court.

“I was lucky enough to watch the initial closing arguments of Perry v. Schwarzenegger in San Francisco,” said Broadway Impact co-founder Rory O’Malley (Tony Award-nominee for The Book of Mormon). “We knew then and there that audiences needed to see and hear this story live, as we had done. ‘8’ builds on a successful tradition of documentary theatre—plays like The Laramie Project and The Vagina Monologues, which inspire us with their combination of art and activism. We are thrilled to partner with AFER to bring this story to a national audience.”

READ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS EXCLUSIVE HERE: www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2012/01/17/entertainment/e040748S31.DTL

VISIT THE OFFICIAL “8” WEBSITE HERE: www.8theplay.com/

About the American Foundation for Equal Rights
The American Foundation for Equal Rights is the sole sponsor of the Perry case. After bringing together Theodore B. Olson and David Boies to lead its legal team, AFER successfully advanced the Perry case through Federal District Court and is now leading it through the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals before the case is brought to the United States Supreme Court. The Foundation is committed to achieving full federal marriage equality.
www.AFER.org

About Broadway Impact
BROADWAY IMPACT is a non-profit organization of theatre artists and fans mobilized in support of marriage equality. Founded in 2008 by Tony Award-nominated performers Rory O’Malley (Book of Mormon), Gavin Creel (HAIR) and Production Coordinator Jenny Kanelos, BROADWAY IMPACT works to educate and inspire the theatre community into action. Recent initiatives include helping to staff the phone banking efforts in New York State, creating a 3,000 piece letter writing campaign, gaining the funding for 1,400 supporters to attend the National Equality March and producing a rally for over 5,000 attendees in Midtown Manhattan where speakers included, Cynthia Nixon, Audra McDonald, David Hyde Pierce, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Governor David Paterson. BROADWAY IMPACT was awarded the 2009 Human Rights Campaign Community Award.
www.BROADWAYIMPACT.com

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Disclaimer: The information, comments and links posted on the blog do not constitute legal advice. I will not respond to any specific legal questions in the comments section of this blog. Read my entire disclaimer.

The Coalition to Protect North Carolina Families Launches Web Campaign

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:09:03 +0000

The Coalition to Protect North Carolina Families has launched a web campaign in opposition of North Carolina’s Amendment One.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. — the Fight for Equality Continues

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:25:24 +0000

On this day, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose tireless efforts to win equality for black citizens through peaceful protest have brought lasting change to this great country. Today, as we remember him, it is also important to remember that his lessons apply to the LGBT struggle for equality. This is an election year and election years always bring uncertainly (and hope) to the LGBT community. As you stand up and fight for your rights and the rights of all other LGBT citizens to be treated fairly and equally under the law, remember Dr. King’s famous speech: “I Have A Dream.”

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Washington’s Governor Supports Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:58:03 +0000

Will the State of Washington become the next jurisdiction to legalize gay marriage? Yes, if Governor Chris Gregoire’s proposed legislation becomes a reality. If so, that will make Washington the seventh state legalize same-sex marriage.

“I can’t sit here any longer and say it’s OK to discriminate,” said the Governor. “I have not liked where I have been for seven years and I have sorted it out in my head and heart. What’s more important to me is I believe in equality and respect for all citizens.”

Read the full article here. (Includes audio). [Source: My Northwest]

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Attorney Olszewski’s 2012 LGBT Forecasts Published in Connecticut Law Tribune

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:44:02 +0000

I was pleased to be asked to author an article on LGBT legal issues for the 2012 Forecast issue of the Connecticut Law Tribune. The article is called, “The Ever-Changing Landscape Of LGBT Law”. It appears in print and online. The article addresses everything from same-sex marriage and adoption to transgender rights.

You may read it here.

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The Photography of J. Victoria Tobias on Display in My Office!

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:20:46 +0000

I am an ardent fan of landscape and nature photography. A few years ago, I had the good fortune of meeting an amazingly talented photographer while vacationing in Provincetown. She and her wife were vacationing there at the same time and we struck up a conversation while waiting for some sort of travel presentation to begin.

As it turned out, J. Victoria Tobias resides in Farmington, Connecticut. In the years since we first met, I’ve had the opportunity to view a large number of her works. I am constantly amazed at her ability to take the simplest subject (such as a flower) and transform it into an awe-inspiring photographic image. She once took a shot of a flower I had just watered in my garden. To my untrained eye, it was a wet flower; not something worthy of a photograph. But to her keen eye, it was a vision waiting to unfold. The resulting photograph took my breath away. I will never again look at a freshly watered flower as just a ‘wet’ flower!

I am proud to announce that this gifted photographer has graciously allowed me the opportunity to display a small collection of her works at my law office. When you’re here, be sure to take the time to browse. You won’t be disappointed.

In addition to her framed photographs, Tobias also has a line of greeting cards that feature her original photographs. I have seen a number of them as well — and I can assure you that the J. Victoria Greetings card collection is truly beautiful.

Here are two views of the J. Victoria Tobias gallery on our inner hall wall:

Here are some of the prints that hang in our conference room:

Other photographs by J. Victoria Tobias hang in other locations throughout the office. They create a peaceful environment in which to work and consult with clients.

To contact J. Victoria Tobias
call 860-306-6406
or e-mail her at jvictobias@comcast.net.

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Note: The author does not receive compensation from the photographer for works displayed or sold by her. This is purely a fan review.

Wishing for Equality in 2012

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:15:16 +0000

As 2011 comes to a close, I can’t help but look to the new year with hope (and maybe a little desperation). This year has seen a lot of positive change in the LGBT community — and just as many heartbreaks. I’m hoping that 2012 will bring more in the way of advances in LGBT equality and far less in the way of setbacks.

As I write my final post of 2011, I wish for one important thing: true equality for all LGBT citizens.

I hope that the good people of these United States will ultimately figure out that being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender is not a lifestyle choice but rather, an identity. It’s no different than identifying as heterosexual. I hope that those who have supported LGBT rights will fight harder this next year to educate those who continue to rally against the community.

I wish that politicians would stop fueling their campaigns on discriminatory anti-gay issues. If I hear one more politician promise that he or she will fight to the death to make sure gay couples can’t marry, I will shoot myself. Well, maybe I won’t shoot myself (that could hurt) … but I will most definitely scream.

I wish that people would understand that civil union and domestic partnership is not the same as marriage. I also wish that those same people would understand that heterosexuals aren’t somehow more deserving of the marriage vow. Actually, truth be told, I’m wishing that we could just tell the homophobic heterosexuals that they can’t get married any more … they will hence forth only be allowed to enter into a civil union. Marriage will be reserved for non-homophobes only (which includes lesbian and gay couples, of course). Ha!

It’s my blog and I can dream if I want to.

[Forgive me for badly paraphrasing Leslie Gore's 1963 hit song]

Folks, I spend a lot of time every week pondering ways to make every citizen understand that equality is the right of every human being. Yes, even those who are not heterosexual. Hmm. Novel concept, it seems.

I know that education paves the way to literacy … so please vow to educate your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors in 2012. Change the world one person at a time. It’s an election year so your efforts may make a true difference.

When most intelligent people engage in honest and open dialogues with other intelligent people, they tend to learn. When I explain to straight people that lesbian and gay couples can marry in my state but that if they travel to another state or country, their marriage might not be recognized at all … those people cock their heads to one side and say, “really? I didn’t realize that.” Then they tell me how wrong and unfair it is. Those same people do something to make it right and fair by voting appropriately. They oppose anti-gay referendums. They don’t vote for candidates who believe that gay rights should be ignored.

If you do nothing else in 2012, make a donation to an organization that fights for the rights of LGBT citizens. Those hard-working groups create the changes that benefit the entire community. I can’t possibly begin to name each of them in this space but you might consider supporting Gay Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), Lambda Legal, Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Lesbian Rights and the Give A Damn Campaign. They’ve all been amazingly effective in creating positive change and they will continue to do so in 2012. Ask your friends and family members to donate as well. Every dollar helps the cause.

I wish that each LGBT person could awaken on the first day of 2012 and know that he or she has been given the gift of true equality.

As I said earlier, it’s my blog and I can dream if I want to.

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Gay Community Apologizes to Amy Koch for Ruining Her Marriage

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:43:30 +0000

I was away on vacation (with really spotty wi-fi) when this event took place, so I missed it at that time. I happened upon it tonight and just could not resist sharing.

City Pages reported that after Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch resigned, the State’s gay and lesbian community issued a ‘letter of apology’ to her for ruining the institution of marriage and causing her to stray from her husband and engage in an “inappropriate relationship.” Koch was on board with legislation that would define marriage as between one man and one woman.

Here’s an excerpt to whet your appetite:

“On behalf of all gays and lesbians living in Minnesota, I would like to wholeheartedly apologize for our community’s successful efforts to threaten your traditional marriage,” reads the letter from John Medeiros. “We apologize that our selfish requests to marry those we love have cheapened and degraded traditional marriage so much that we caused you to stray from your own holy union for something more cheap and tawdry.”

Read the article (which also contains the entire ‘apology’ letter) here.

UPDATE: I came upon the following video after I posted … like the letter written by John Medeiros (above) it’s a beautiful piece of satire. It’s irreverent, to be sure … but yet again, I could not resist. Enjoy.

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Civil Union Information for Delaware Same-Sex Couples

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 04:59:32 +0000

Delaware’s Civil Union and Equality Act goes into effect on January 1, 2012. For my readers considering entering into civil union in that state, here’s some information that might help:

A civil union license is required. Due to the holiday, most locations will not begin issuing licenses until January 3rd. There is a mandatory 1-day waiting period between issuance of the license and your ability to solemnize your civil union through an official legal ceremony. According to Lambda Legal, “[a] Clerk of the Peace may waive or shorten the waiting period for good cause, and the New Castle County Clerk of the Peace may make these waivers available to allow couples to start entering into civil unions right away.”

Delaware will offer civil union licenses to residents of that state as well as residents of other states who meet the eligibility requirements.

If you have already obtained an out-of-state marriage, civil union or ‘substantially similar legal relationship’ (i.e. a California registered domestic partnership), Delaware will treat that union as a civil union as of January 1st. Be advised that not all out-of-state registered domestic partnerships will qualify to be treated as civil unions under Delaware’s law. Lambda Legal says that “Wisconsin registered domestic partnerships, for example, which entail far fewer rights and responsibilities, are unlikely to qualify as civil unions in Delaware.”

Because there is no procedure for registering or recording such other out-of-state marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships as civil unions in Delaware, you will have to notify those from whom you are seeking legal recognition of your Delaware civil union status. Lambda Legal cautions that “[i]f you already registered with an employer for domestic partner benefits or with a county or city as domestic partners, you would still need to enter into a civil union to receive the full range of benefits, responsibilities, rights, and protections available under the civil union law to civil union partners.”

Even if you do enter into civil union in Delaware, you are still strongly urged to work with your attorney to draft documents of protection such as a Last Will and Testament, health care documents, hospital visit authorization and the like because most other states and foreign countries will not recognize your Delaware civil union.

It is equally important to pursue step-parent adoptions for the same reason. Although Delaware will presume you both to be the legal parents of any child born to you after a civil union, not all states or foreign countries will recognize your parentage. In such other jurisdictions, you are considered to be legal strangers. I have written extensively on these issues in this space (generally in the context of couples who marry in Connecticut) — but the information applies equally to couples who enter into civil union in Delaware. Read related posts here and here and here.

Important Note: If you are planning to enter into civil union in Delaware, you may wish to contact an attorney in that state who is familiar with LGBT law. Please don’t e-mail or call me with questions about your rights under Delaware’s law … or to determine if your out-of-state legal status as a couple qualifies as a civil union in Delaware. I am not licensed to practice law in Delaware and will be unable to advise you.

To those couples who will be entering into civil union in Delaware next year, I offer my sincerest congratulations!

For more on Delaware’s civil union law, download Lambda Legal’s fact sheet here.

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Study Shows That Gay & Lesbian Couples Pay Thousands More in Taxes

Irene C. Olszewski, Esq. — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:46:46 +0000

It’s no surprise that the discriminatory DOMA has had devastating effects on lesbian and gay couples since its outlandish inception. It’s also no surprise to the thousands of lesbian and gay couples that not having same-sex marriages recognized by the IRS costs money. Lots of money, as it turns out.

According to a recent joint study by CNN Money and H&R Block, that cost can actually be as much as $6,000 per year!

Time to really educate your straight family, friends and co-workers …

Pass these posts along to them:

Gay And Lesbian Couples Pay Thousands More In Taxes, Study Says

Same-sex spouses lose big on taxes

When you’re done, write to your state and federal representatives and urge them to end the discrimination.

[By the way, I'm back from my holiday hiatus ... did you miss me?]

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Follow Connecticut Lesbian and Gay Law blog on Facebook for all blog posts from this blog as well as additional stories and links of interest to the LGBT community. Be sure to LIKE our page.

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Follow the Law Offices of Irene C. Olszewski, LLC on Facebook. Be sure to LIKE our page.

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Visit us on Google+ and be sure to join our circle.

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