July 26, 2019

DignityUSA Leads Catholic Objection to
Trump's Commission on Unalienable Rights

On Monday July 8, the Trump administration announced the formation of the “Commission on Unalienable Rights,” with the express goal to examine "the role of human rights in American foreign policy.”

Many critics have come forward, noting several members of the commission are known for their active hostility towards LGBTQI rights and protections. Among them is commission leader, Mary Ann Glendon, who has vociferously promoted a ban on same-sex marriage. The commission also has broad support from LGBTQI foe, The Family Research Council.

Marianne Duddy-Burke, Executive Director of DignityUSA, along with Mary E. Hunt, Miguel Diaz and Bryan Massingale have written a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The authors express their concern that the commission supports a very limited view of human rights that is not inclusive to vulnerable populations. The letter has now been signed by over 125 additional Catholic theologians, community leaders, and activists.

The full text of the letter can be found on our website.

DignityUSA is proud to be the leading Catholic voice, along with many other human rights groups across the country and around the world, in rejecting the commission.

This developing story has been covered by Crux, the National Catholic Reporter, NBC, and the Washington Examiner, among others. Follow DignityUSA on Facebook and Twitter for additional updates, and consider making a donation to support the mission of DignityUSA to work for respect and justice for all people.

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Bylaws Voting Begins

At the beginning of May, all DignityUSA members in good standing were contacted by email or postal mail with information about the proposed amended version of the DignityUSA Bylaws.

Developed in a multi-year process, the proposed revisions seek to achieve the following objectives:

Update our bylaws to reflect current operational and environmental realities
Ensure the format and content better conform to the requirements of the District of Columbia Code where we are officially registered
Simplify and streamline our bylaws to maximize our efficiency and ability to adapt to changing internal and external conditions.

We asked members to study the revised bylaws document to provide their input by mail and during the Membership Meeting at the 2019 Chicago Conference.

Members in good standing will soon receive either an electronic ballot from Survey Monkey or a paper ballot in the mail. Voting begins on July 27 and concludes on August 26. Results will be announced to all members by September 16.

If you did not receive either an electronic or paper ballot and believe you should have, please contact info@dignityusa.org or call 1-800-877-8797.

Also in Your Inbox

Conference attendees were recently sent an evaluation survey through Survey Monkey.

Please take a moment to fill out the survey and provide valuable input to the National Conference Committee.

Survey Monkey emails frequently get flagged as junk mail, so be sure to check your spam folders for this email, as well as your bylaws ballot.

Dignity Out and About

Members of DignityUSA will be representing our organization with tables and participation at the following upcoming conferences:

Philly Trans Wellness: Philadelphia, PA July 25-27, 2019

LCWR Assembly: Scottsdale, AZ August 13-16, 2019

New York Coming Out International Transgender Conference: New York, NY October 30-November 3, 2019

Dignity on YouTube

DignityUSA’s YouTube channel is a treasure trove of videos we've posted just for you!

Videos from the 2019 Conference have been uploaded, with more to come. Take a few moments to experience both Mary E. Hunt’s keynote speech and the 50th Anniversary video entitled In Our Own Words.

DignityUSA YouTube

Inclusion Mass Held at Milwaukee Catholic Church

Brian Burmesch, a leader in the Dignity/Milwaukee chapter, was photographed in an article featured on the New Ways Ministry website about the inclusive mass held Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Located in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, the church welcomed LGBTQI people and allies. Father Greg Greiten, an openly gay Catholic priest, presided at this first openly inviting LGBTQI mass in the Milwaukee area.

DignityUSA thanks Father Greiten for his welcoming ministry, and offers our prayers of hope for more inclusive masses to come.

Protect Trans Health

Protect Trans Health, a campaign to mobilize transgender people, friends, families, allies, and medical professionals, is asking people to tell the Department of Health and Human Services that you support protection for trans health rights.

The public comment period runs through August 13th. Visit the Protect Trans Health website for instructions and a template. Tell the Trump administration no one should be denied access to care, or live in fear of being turned away when they most need help.

Transitions

Lori Sue Heine, a member of Dignity/Arizona, passed away peacefully in her sleep.

May she rest in the peace of the Creator.