Olympics open without visible transgender participationEric Johnston, PlanetOut Network


Despite their recently won right to compete in the Olympics, no one seems to know of any transgender athletes who will be participating in the summer games, which kicked off this week in Athens, Greece.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) enacted new rules in May, allowing transgender athletes to compete in the Olympics for the first time. But it is unclear if any are taking part in the current games.

"With so many countries and so many athletes, it could be that (a transgender athlete) just hasn't gotten any publicity, but I think we would have heard if there was," said Jim Buzinski, cofounder of OutSports. Buzinski noted to the PlanetOut Network that only five openly gay athletes are competing, out of a field of more than 10,000.

Transgender athletes who might have wanted to compete probably haven't had time to prepare and qualify for the Olympic Games. The IOC changed the rule regarding transgender athletes in May, only three months prior to the start of the games.



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TransGender Michigan declares Transgender Awareness Day


In Aug. 1966, a group of transgender women fought back against a police raid at Compton's Cafeteria in San Francisco. The riot that ensued marks what many believe was the beginning of the transgender equality movement.

Although the specific date and many of the details surrounding the riot at Compton's Cafeteria have been essentially erased from history, TransGender Michigan is seeking to let the bravery of these transwomen live on by educating others about this momentous event and about transgender identity through the creation of Transgender Awareness Day, a day devoted to increasing understanding about transgender identity and issues.

Transgender Awareness Day will be held annually on Aug. 15 in honor of the Riot at Compton's Cafeteria. TransGender Michigan encourages organizations from all corners of the globe to celebrate Transgender Awareness Day through educational events and efforts. TransGender Michigan intends to list these events on www.transgendermichigan.org.

"Unfortunately, many say that the transgender equality movement is a relatively new one; however, our movement pre-dates Stonewall, the date most consider the beginning of the gay and lesbian civil rights movement," says Rachel Crandall, MSW, Executive Director of TransGender Michigan. "While Transgender Awareness Day may be a new event, it is definitely not a new way of thinking."


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Judge Delays Custody Ruling
Virginia Case Could Set Precedent


RICHMOND, Va. -- A Winchester judge has delayed his verdict in a lesbian custody battle.

The judge must decide whether he has jurisdiction to decide a custody battle between two women who dissolved their civil union in Vermont and are fighting over their 2-year-old daughter.

The ruling has been postponed until Aug. 24, and could set a precedent for custody cases between same-sex couples who seek to end civil unions or other domestic partnerships in the future.

The judge must determine whether Lisa Miller-Jenkins has sole parental rights over her biological daughter, Isabella.


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Activists to Fight Gay Marriage Nullifications
Morning Edition audio
Aug. 13, 2004


Supporters of same-sex marriage suffer a legal setback as the California Supreme Court annuls more than 4,000 marriage licenses issued to gay couples in San Francisco this spring. But gay couples and rights activists say they will continue their fight for recognition of the marriages through the courts. Hear NPR's Richard Gonzales.


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Town passes anti-gay marriage proclamation at Vitter's request
By The Associated Press


MADISONVILLE -- Acting on the request of Republican U.S. Senate candidate David Vitter, the town of Madisonville has proclaimed marriage as the "natural law'" union of a man and a woman.

Vitter The action was taken Wednesday over the vehement objections of a town council member who said she also is a Republican.

Near the end of a council meeting, Mayor Peter Gitz said he had received a letter and a copy of the proclamation from Vitter.