GLBTIQ links

Hi there all and sundry,

Fantastic link on passing and transphobia (I strongly recommend that people read this. Yes, even LGBTIQ people):

http://questioningtransphobia.wordpress.com/2010/01/08/passing/

Best parts:

Passing is a system used by cissexist cultures to control trans people, to ostracize, and to justify violence perpetrated against them.

1. Don’t bring it up first. It’s up to the trans person, and you should never expect that eventually having that conversation is a guarantee, no matter how well you know the person you think is trans. 
2. If a trans person outs themselves to you, don’t assume that means the conversation is about whether or not you knew. When I tell someone about my trans-ness, I do so because I want to make it clear I consider them someone I trust to know me in a more significant way.   
3. Your perspective is not universal. Gender perception varies with individuals, cultures, and any number of factors.  While some might be 100% certain the world must see a trans person’s gender the way they do, this is cis chauvinism.  In the process of making my own gender less clear I have grown used to being confidently sir-ed or ma’am-ed, often within seconds.
4. Defer to the trans person’s wishes as to how open they want to be...Outing someone can get them killed!  Combined with a strong sense of entitlement to ignore point #3 because they’re queer, this behavior is infuriating and dangerous.

The Straight Person's Guide to Gay Etiquette (what to do (and NOT do)  if someone comes out to you):

http://chronos-tachyon.net/mirror/io.com/

It's a guide that's very easy to understand (and hilarious!).

Aboriginal rights

Hi there all,

Learn about the milestones and setbacks made on human rights of indigenous peoples around the world here:

http://aboriginalrights.suite101.com/

The information is readable and a must for anyone.

http://australian-indigenous-peoples.suite101.com/article.cfm/a_change_of_date_for_australia_day Why the date of Australia should be changed: so that all Australians are included and respected. A day of mourning should not be a day for celebration.

http://australian-indigenous-peoples.suite101.com/article.cfm/historic_maori_land_compensation_agreement - a historic land compensation agreement for the Maori people. Because of this agreement, transfers 176,000 hectares of forestland worth $319NZ million will return to its rightful owners and be placed into Maori hands.

http://aboriginalrights.suite101.com/article.cfm/bad_living_conditions_for_aboriginals Appalling living conditions are still rife for Aboriginal people around the world (There are still heartbreakingly high death rates for Aboriginal infants compared to non Aboriginal infants worldwide. This is just plain wrong).