Newsletter

On February 1st the Newsletter and Message Board will combine in a new format. The 'Olelo Mahuwahine page (Island Goddess Speaks) will replace both. It should provide the same news, information, letters and comments that you are familiar with. Anita and Shelley have been working during the month to improve and expand the Island Goddess Pages. You can access old Newsletter 1, 2 and the Message Board by clicking on the Archive link on the opening page.
Your comments are welcomed. postmaster@islandgoddess.org Preview 'Olelo Mahuwahine

Events
Saturday, December 5th           December 22nd
Help is on the Way for the Holidays VI       Winter Holiday Ball
Gala Fundraiser, San Francisco       Reception at 5 Dinner at 6
         Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center
December 11th              January 16th
Hawaiian Christmast Special with Bill Keale Miss Michigan DQOY 2005
and Hula Halau Hokulea Brothers Beta Club
7 to 9 pm in Bend, Oregon
December 11th       January 22nd
Hapa    Kiola Beamer, John Keawe, Chris Yeaton
   Shows at 3 and 8 pm IMAC theater
   Whittier College, Southern California Huntington, New York
December 11th January 29th
O'ahu Homeboyz   Makaha Sons
8:00 pm SW corner Masonic Avenue & Geary Blvd. Shows at 3 and 8pm
5 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco      Whittier College, Southern California

December 17th    February 6th and 7th
    Hawaiian Holiday Music Mr and Miss Black US of A
7:30 pm Mayer Theater Jungle
Santa Clara University, Santa Clara Atlanta, Georgia

On the Internet
HAWAI'I SUPREME COURT
TO HEAR TRANSGENDER, TRANSSEXUAL CASE
THURSDAY. MARCH 4. 2004. 9-10 A.M.

         The Hawai'i Supreme Court (Court) will hear oral arguments in RGIS Inventory Specialist v. Hawai'i Civil Rights Commission No- 25679 (Civil No- 02-1-1703-07) Appeal horn the First Circuit Court (Hon. Eden Elizabeth Hifo Judge) Thusday, March 4, 2004, 9..10 a.m. at the Hawai'i Supreme Court. Judiciary Building. (pertinent opinions are linked to the HCRC website at the end of this release).

         The Hawai'i Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) appeals from the 2003 circuit court decision which defined "sex" as biological or anatomical. arguing that such a narrow definition denies HCRC jurisdiction over complaints of sex discrimination on the basis of gender or identity or stereotypes. The circuit court reversed the June 28, 2002 Commission declaratory ruling that the HCRC had jurisdiction over complaints of sex discrimination filed by transgendered individuals, including claims of gender stereotyping.

         On appeal, the HCRC argues that the lower court's definition of "sex" is inconsistent with state law -- the Hawai'i Constitution, state civil rights statutes, and rules. Several amici curiae (friends of the court) have filed briefs, including the Hawai'i Women's Law Center, Hawai'i Woman Lawyers, National Employment Lawyers Association, Kulia Na Mamo, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Human Rights Campaign, Gay and Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Link to decisions below: DR 02-0015: http://www.state.hi.us/hcrc/DRInd.html

Questions regarding media coverage at the Supreme Court of the arguments should be directed to Marsha Kitagawa of the Judiciary (539-4909), marsha.e.kitagawa@courts.state.hi.us

What's News from Reporters:

Melenie Eleneke
San Francisco, California

Jerrine Jeffries
Honolulu, Hawaii

Shelley Ho
Seattle, Washington

Kung Hee Fat Choy! Cock (Rooster) Year 4702. For all the Pakes out there, just a reminder that Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year or Springtime Festival) is February 9th concluding with the Lantern Festival on the 23rd (14 day celebration). Visit the China Pages for history and details of the celebrations in mainland China. I plan on attending Quan Am Temple here in Seattle to enjoy the festivities. It's a great excuse to cook Chinese or visit your favorite Chop Suey House! You have 14 days! My favorite restaurant is the Super China Buffet -very Vegas like.

Aunty Ho'oponopono
She makes everything right
postmaster@islandgoddess.org

Dear Aunty Ho'oponopono

It was been hard for me to be positive about the future since November 3 rd . My choice for the highest office did not win. I've been so depressed and concerned about the next 4 years under BUSH. Yes , I am worried for my brothers , sisters , & transgenders . Who lives and rights which future is a in the hands of a President that has the support of the right wing of the south (CHURCH).

The economy and the war. The funding & Research for Aids /Stem Cells . I could go on and on.........Bush Is The Spawn Of Satan

Auntie, I try to be positive...however this is hard for me. I still feel like someone has died and I am in mourning . I keep reaching for the color black in my daily wear. Auntie please advise me.... I do not want to take drugs for a quick fix of this depression.

SAD SISTER

Dear Sad Sister, First of all black is beautiful. It's natural to feel the way you do. Since things did not go as you had wished now is the time to create the world you hoped a leader would create. World peace exist in our minds and smiles. People with their own agendas to make a difference in our favor are makings great strides in their endeavors. And without the support of political or religious leaders. WE are the leaders. It is up to us to make our own feature and move forward. So chill out Dea. No huhu. When you smile the world smiles with your beauty and your depression will vanish forever. Aunty Loves You And So Does The Universe.

HIV and AIDS in our Community
Melenie Eleneke
Transgender Health Program Coordinator
Filipino Task Force on AIDS (FTFA)
HIV Stops With Me

Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center
Tatiana Kaneholani
Transgender Health Educator, Na Kanaka Ma'oli
API Wellness Center

Aloha Sistahs all over,
Greeting from the Asian and Pacific Islander Sisters in San Francisco. Wishing all a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year. Remember it is not where you go, but how you get there.

A Hui Hou
Tatiana Kaneholani

Island Goddess
Anita Jasmine Lee
Ambassador of Aloha
anita@islandgoddess.org

Aloha Mahuwahines,

To my Exotic Flowers, wishing each one of you a Happy Holidays and a Fruitful New Year. This is a time to reflect on 2004 and look forward toward a new beginning in 2005 . Give Thanks for the Blessing that you have in your life........which maybe a career , family , friends or just making it each day. Remember you are SPECIAL and WE COME FROM A RICH & COLORFUL MAHUWAHINE CULTURE. THIS IS ALSO A TIME TO REMEMBER OUR SISTERS WHO HAVE PASSED ON. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE ALSO WITH SISTERS WHO ARE DEALING WITH SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES.

Remember to Spread the Aloha In Your World . Embrace the Goddess Within You , Be good to yourself.

With Much Love & Respect,

Aunty Anita

Queen Mother
Lindsey Lau aka Isadora Sei
House of Sei
alii@islandgoddess.org

                                                            a wise person once wrote:

                                           The Grand essentials to happiness are;
   Something to Do,
                                                         Something to Love,
                                               and Something to Hope for.
                               Joseph Addison
Aloha and Grandest of Cheer for the Holidays!

It seems like it was not too long ago since I saw big smiles and laughter in the air here in Las Vegas. The sound of Jingle Bells are in the air and soon the singing of 'Old Lang Zyne" will bring in the New Year, bringing us closer to our next reunion 2007 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The News of a couple of our sisters passing in the last month maks me think about hoew important this is for ust to be together.

Sometimes we forget how time is moving on before us. In '07 it will be 38 years of my 'coming out'. Woo!

At this time, I am "hoping" for all the Happiness in the Holidays to come and I am sending all the "Love" for a prosperous New Year.

Somethin to 'do' Sharing my Aloha and words and thoughts to you til we meet again. Best of Health to All.

Aloha Nui,
Isadora Sei

Reunion 2007 Hawaii Co-Host
Richard Fischer

richard@islandgoddess.org

TOP NEW YEAR"S RESOLUTION

1. Watch less reality television (because 30 hours a week is just scary)

2. Become more active in my religious community.

3. Talk to my friends and family about the importance of marriage equality (while convincing my mother that I am not just in it for the registry at Crate & Barrel.)

4. Buy more products from GLBT-friendly companies, and convince my family and friends to do the same.

5. Write one letter to each member of Congress from my state, even if I live in California and it takes me all year to do it.

6. Talk to my children about the importance of acceptance and use the holidays to teach by example.

7. Come out of the closet to someone else besides the cute couch expert at Pottery Barn.

8. Say thank you to all of my straight allies, and let them know they make a difference.

9. Ride my bike to work one day a week, and accept the fact that helmet hair is a sacrifice I am willing to make for the environment.

10. Write a letter to the editor when an injustice makes me angry, because the pen is mightier than the sword, and the newspaper is more effective than an IM conversation with my best friend.