Allyson Robinson Named as Trans Rep at HRC

Post by **DonnaT** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 6:49 am

I know Allyson, and believe she will be a good addition to the HRC.

Allyson Robinson Named Human Rights Campaign Foundation Associate Director of Diversity
Longtime activist, ordained minister Robinson to lead organization’s work on transgender issues

WASHINGTON–The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights group, today announced that Allyson Robinson has been named Associate Director of Diversity of the organization. Robinson, a longtime activist and ordained minister, will lead HRC and its volunteer base in promoting awareness of transgender issues and ensuring that all program areas demonstrate measurable commitment to transgender equality and inclusion.

“I am delighted that Allyson Robinson has joined the HRC team and I am eager to begin the hard work of educating the public and our elected officials about transgender issues with her,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “Allyson’s background of facilitating communication and fostering meaningful relationships make her the ideal person to fill this crucially important role.”

“Advocacy to me means being a voice for the voiceless by ensuring their perspectives are heard and their needs fully considered,” said Allyson Robinson, the new HRC Associate Director of Diversity. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join HRC at this crucial moment in its support of full inclusion for the transgender community, and look forward to working with HRC Steering Committees and in partnership with other fair-minded and LGBT-inclusive organizations to lead that effort nationally.”

Allyson is a 1994 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she majored in physics. She received her Master of Divinity degree in theology, with a capstone emphasis in Social Justice, from Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary in 2007. Prior to her transition, she pastored congregations on two continents for nine years.

Robinson’s hiring has been applauded by leaders of the transgender community.

“Allyson is a committed activist for trans people and the people who love them,” said best-selling author Jenny Boylan. “A lot of work needs to be done to mend fences between HRC and the trans community, and Allyson, by dint of her dedication, compassion, and articulate insight, is the one to do it. I am sure her wisdom, poise, and humor will do well for all the members of our community, and I wish her all the best.”

“Allyson is a great addition, and as someone who works closely with HRC nationally and locally, I’m delighted to add her energy to expand the quantity, quality and awareness of fully inclusive workplaces and to support our diversity initiatives in Boston,” said HRC Business Council and Steering Committee member Diego Sanchez.

“Allyson comes to the position with my full support. Her ministerial teachings and learning, combined with her West Point training will be a great asset to HRC and the LGBT community where she will be able to listen to hearts and emotions of all people”, said Meghan Stabler, HRC Business Council and HRC Houston Steering Committee member. Stabler continued, “As a transgender person, she will be able to educate internally within HRC and externally with the community and allies on key issues, including HRC’s call for an inclusive ENDA.”

Robinson was selected to be Associate Director of Diversity following a four-month national search.

“The idea to create this new position came to life in spring 2007, just weeks into my new job. I envisioned strengthening HRC's capacity to fulfill our stated commitment to transgender equality and inclusion,” said Cuc Vu, HRC Chief Diversity Officer. “Allyson now rounds out our diversity team and we will continue striving to meet our goals.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

Carolynn · Post by **Carolynn** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 9:27 am

I guess I will wish her luck and hope she watches her back. HRC folks are past masters at the political expedience back stab, as her predecessors can attest. However, her presence in the position does not repair HRC's image in my mind, nor my trust. The "proof is in the pudding", as my grandmother was wont to say, and HRC's pudding has been spoiled more than once.

Carolynn

Anita · Post by **Anita** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 11:38 am

I'll be interested in what The San Francisco Bay Area Times has to say about this. They had a lot of articles about the prominent local politicians who boycotted the HRC fundraiser here, including Mark Leno, the newly elected state senator from SF. Mark has been a long-time advocate for both gay and transgender rights, so his participation in the boycott meant something to us here.

Post by **DonnaT** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 4:48 pm

http://www.sfbg.com/entry.php?entry_id=6798

OPINION On July 26, the Bay Area's gay and lesbian elite will gather at the posh Westin St. Francis to raise money for the Human Rights Campaign in the name of securing and protecting LGB rights. Despite flip-flopping its position on a federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which should include protections for gender identity as well as sexual orientation, HRC will rake in money to further advance a version of human rights in the political world of Washington, DC in which transgender and gender-non-conforming people are apparently less than human.

Luckily, there's a fabulous alternative. Outside the Westin St. Francis we'll be throwing the "Left Out Party: A Genderful Gay-la" in support of an inclusive ENDA that protects gender identity. Leaders in the city's progressive community will be partying in the streets in support of our transgender brothers and sisters.

Why outside? The not-so-fabulous truth is that in promoting a noninclusive ENDA, the Human Rights Campaign abandoned the values of equality and inclusion. Transgender Americans need employment nondiscrimination protections at the federal level.

Period. A recent study of the transgender community in SF found that 70 percent of transgender women in San Francisco are unemployed. This points to the need for an inclusive ENDA.

(more at link)

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Wed Jul 23, 2008 8:46 pm

Maybe Anita can shed some light on this. First, what does the above article define as "transgendered woman?" Second, 70% unemployed of any group is totally unacceptable - where is the ACLU when we need them!?

When it comes to politics "talk is cheap!" I hope that Allyson will do "us" right!

Virginia