DENVER -- The first hate-crime case to involve a transgender murder starts in one week in Weld County, and the victim's family will be featured in full-paged advertisements in newspapers nationwide Wednesday.
The goal of the ad is to raise awareness about the crime and push for the passage of federal hate crime legislation.
Allen Andrade is accused of killing Angie Zapata (born Justin Zapata) in her Greeley apartment last year, after he discoveAndrade now faces multiple charges, including a state hate-crime charge.
Federal law currently does not cover hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and gay-rights activists are pushing to have new legislation passed.
"What you're doing is setting policy that this type of behavior is no longer acceptable," said Carlos Martinez, with the GLBT Community Center of Colorado. "I think you start changing the mindset of people and over time, you definitely will see a reduction in hate crimes."
Read more about the Zapata case from the gay and lesbian alliance against defamation.red she was still biologically male.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Arrest Made In Transgender Teen Slaying Case
A Colorado man suspected of killing a man who had been living as a woman told investigators his victim survived two blows to the head with a fire extinguisher and was struggling to sit up when he struck her again.
Allen Ray Andrade, 31, faces several charges, including second-degree murder in the death of Justin Zapata, 20, who was known as Angie Zapata. Her bloodied, battered body was discovered in her apartment by her sister on July 17.
Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck said he was considering filing first-degree murder charges and may prosecute the death as a hate crime, which adds another felony charge. Hate crimes are those committed based on a person's race, religion or sexual orientation.
"Angie, she was a fun-loving young woman who was taken from us far too early," said Crystal Middlestadt, director of training and education for the Colorado Anti-Violence Program. Middlestadt is working with Zapata's family.
The Colorado Anti-Violence Program condemned the crime as possibly motivated by an anti-transgender bias.
Zapata's sister, Monica, was quoted in a press release from the Colorado Anti-Violence Program as saying, “We want to let everyone be aware that all she wanted was to be beautiful. We want this violence to end. Transgender people deserve to be treated with respect."
Andrade was arrested in the Denver suburb of Thornton, where he lives. Police responding to a noise complaint said they found him in Zapata's 2003 PT Cruiser, which had been missing.
Colorado Anti-Violence Program
Angie Zapata
Andrade told investigators that he met Zapata through MocoSpace, a social networking Web site, and that they agreed to get together after exchanging contact over several days, according to an arrest affidavit released by Greeley police. The two met July 15 and spent the day together.
Andrade told investigators that Zapata performed oral sex on him but wouldn't let him touch her, according to the affidavit.
He said he also spent the night at Zapata's apartment, but in separate beds. The next day, Zapata left Andrade alone in her apartment, and Andrade noticed several photographs that led him to question Zapata's gender.
Andrade confronted Zapata when she got back. Zapata answered: "I am all woman."
He grabbed Zapata's crotch area, felt male genitalia and became angry, the affidavit states. He took a fire extinguisher off a shelf and struck Zapata twice in the head, telling investigators he thought he "killed it."
"It's disgusting," Greeley Police Chief Jerry Garner said of Andrade's reference to Zapata. "It's a horrible thing to say."
Added Middlestadt: "He could be speaking to the fact that he couldn't see Angie as a person."
Andrade told investigators he covered Zapata with a blanket and started gathering evidence he thought might link him to the crime when he heard gurgling sounds and noticed Zapata was sitting up. That's when he picked up the fire extinguisher and hit her again, police said. He left the apartment and took her car, he said.
Garner said police believe Andrade acted alone but that the investigation was continuing. Both he and Buck said the slaying appeared to be an isolated case in Greeley, 50 miles north of Denver.
"Greeley is a very tolerant community, very sensitive to diversity," the police chief said.
Middlestadt said gay, lesbian and transgendered bias crimes happen on a daily basis nationwide, with 19 slayings reported to groups like hers last year.
"It's not an unusual incident," she said.
Allen Ray Andrade, 31, faces several charges, including second-degree murder in the death of Justin Zapata, 20, who was known as Angie Zapata. Her bloodied, battered body was discovered in her apartment by her sister on July 17.
Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck said he was considering filing first-degree murder charges and may prosecute the death as a hate crime, which adds another felony charge. Hate crimes are those committed based on a person's race, religion or sexual orientation.
"Angie, she was a fun-loving young woman who was taken from us far too early," said Crystal Middlestadt, director of training and education for the Colorado Anti-Violence Program. Middlestadt is working with Zapata's family.
The Colorado Anti-Violence Program condemned the crime as possibly motivated by an anti-transgender bias.
Zapata's sister, Monica, was quoted in a press release from the Colorado Anti-Violence Program as saying, “We want to let everyone be aware that all she wanted was to be beautiful. We want this violence to end. Transgender people deserve to be treated with respect."
Andrade was arrested in the Denver suburb of Thornton, where he lives. Police responding to a noise complaint said they found him in Zapata's 2003 PT Cruiser, which had been missing.
Colorado Anti-Violence Program
Angie Zapata
Andrade told investigators that he met Zapata through MocoSpace, a social networking Web site, and that they agreed to get together after exchanging contact over several days, according to an arrest affidavit released by Greeley police. The two met July 15 and spent the day together.
Andrade told investigators that Zapata performed oral sex on him but wouldn't let him touch her, according to the affidavit.
He said he also spent the night at Zapata's apartment, but in separate beds. The next day, Zapata left Andrade alone in her apartment, and Andrade noticed several photographs that led him to question Zapata's gender.
Andrade confronted Zapata when she got back. Zapata answered: "I am all woman."
He grabbed Zapata's crotch area, felt male genitalia and became angry, the affidavit states. He took a fire extinguisher off a shelf and struck Zapata twice in the head, telling investigators he thought he "killed it."
"It's disgusting," Greeley Police Chief Jerry Garner said of Andrade's reference to Zapata. "It's a horrible thing to say."
Added Middlestadt: "He could be speaking to the fact that he couldn't see Angie as a person."
Andrade told investigators he covered Zapata with a blanket and started gathering evidence he thought might link him to the crime when he heard gurgling sounds and noticed Zapata was sitting up. That's when he picked up the fire extinguisher and hit her again, police said. He left the apartment and took her car, he said.
Garner said police believe Andrade acted alone but that the investigation was continuing. Both he and Buck said the slaying appeared to be an isolated case in Greeley, 50 miles north of Denver.
"Greeley is a very tolerant community, very sensitive to diversity," the police chief said.
Middlestadt said gay, lesbian and transgendered bias crimes happen on a daily basis nationwide, with 19 slayings reported to groups like hers last year.
"It's not an unusual incident," she said.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Boyle's Got Talent
by Mike Krumboltz
"American Idol" isn't the only launching pad for aspiring singers. Across the pond, "Britain's Got Talent" scored a huge boost in the Buzz after an unassuming contestant gave an amazing performance.
Susan Boyle (remember that name) became a Web phenomenon after singing "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables. The performance brought the audience to its feet and left the judges (including Simon Cowell) either speechless or in tears.
Before going on stage, Ms. Boyle admitted some self-deprecating facts about herself (she's never been kissed and lives alone with her cat, Pebbles). For those reasons and more, audiences were expecting the female William Hung. They were wrong.
Lookups on the sudden star posted huge gains. A no-name just the other day, Ms. Boyle quickly surged into our top 5,000 overall searches. Blogs and gossip rags went wild. The Mirror jumped on the story, reporting that while Ms. Boyle thought she "looked like a garage" on TV, she received a standing ovation when she showed up at her local church.
Other sources write that as a child, Ms. Boyle was the target of bullies because of a disability. But, with her newfound fame, she is getting the last laugh. In fact, she's already meeting with officials from Mr. Cowell's Sony BMG label. This may have been the first you've heard of her, but it certainly won't be the last. You can watch her performance on http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/92464?fp=1
"American Idol" isn't the only launching pad for aspiring singers. Across the pond, "Britain's Got Talent" scored a huge boost in the Buzz after an unassuming contestant gave an amazing performance.
Susan Boyle (remember that name) became a Web phenomenon after singing "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables. The performance brought the audience to its feet and left the judges (including Simon Cowell) either speechless or in tears.
Before going on stage, Ms. Boyle admitted some self-deprecating facts about herself (she's never been kissed and lives alone with her cat, Pebbles). For those reasons and more, audiences were expecting the female William Hung. They were wrong.
Lookups on the sudden star posted huge gains. A no-name just the other day, Ms. Boyle quickly surged into our top 5,000 overall searches. Blogs and gossip rags went wild. The Mirror jumped on the story, reporting that while Ms. Boyle thought she "looked like a garage" on TV, she received a standing ovation when she showed up at her local church.
Other sources write that as a child, Ms. Boyle was the target of bullies because of a disability. But, with her newfound fame, she is getting the last laugh. In fact, she's already meeting with officials from Mr. Cowell's Sony BMG label. This may have been the first you've heard of her, but it certainly won't be the last. You can watch her performance on http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/92464?fp=1
Mel Gibson Divorce: Robyn Gibson Files For Divorce After 28 Year Marriage!
Mel Gibson’s wife Robyn has filed for divorce from the actor after 28 years of marriage! Gibson has rumored to be cheating on his wife with Russian musician Oksana. Read more on Mel Gibson’s divorce below!
Robyn Gibson has filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences in the papers, which was signed last Thursday. And TMZ is reporting there is no prenuptial agreement between the couple, who married in 1980.
Actor Mel Gibson is worth an estimated $900 million. Robyn Gibson is reportedly seeking spousal support, joint custody of their child Tom (the only minor of their 7 children together) and attorney fees.
Some sources say that those “irreconcilable differences” include Mel Gibson cheating and vacationing with another woman.
According to RadarOnline.com, the “Braveheart” star was recently spotted at his Costa Rica vacation home with a stunning Russian musician named Oksana.
On March 4, Radar caught the two in a loving embrace on the beach. According to the report, several of his sons and their girlfriends were also on the trip.
for pictures visit http://stupidcelebrities.net/2009/04/13/mel-gibson-divorce-robyn-gibson-files-for-divorce-after-28-year-marriage-photos/
Kalas got to live his dream
By Frank Fitzpatrick
This story was first published on Jul 28, 2002
NAPERVILLE, Ill. - Carol Drendel recalled the long-ago date when a young Harry Kalas, his blond crew-cut Brylcreemed to a perfect ridge in front, took her to a drive-in movie in his father's Packard.
"He just sat there the whole night," she said, "and pretended he was announcing a baseball game. "
Her husband, Gib Drendel, remembered the hard-of-hearing world history teacher at Naperville Community High School in Kalas' junior year.
"In that class, to entertain everyone, Harry used to cup his hands around his mouth and pretend to be announcing a Washington Senators game," Drendel said. "He'd go, 'Here's the 3-2 pitch from Cam-il-o Pas-cual. ' "
A half-century ago, Naperville was a small town. Many of its 7,000 residents worked at Kroehler Manufacturing Co.'s massive furniture factory and lived on quiet, tree-shaded streets, some of which ran near the wide banks of the DuPage River. It was, looking back anyway, a kind of malt-shop Valhalla.
"During the 1950s," reads a town history written in 1981, "Centennial Beach, the YMCA, summer band concerts with ice cream socials were Naperville's prime public recreational offerings. "
Few would have believed that by 2002 its population would be swollen to 133,000. Fewer still could have envisioned the disappearance of the surrounding dairy farms and forests as Naperville transformed itself from Main Street to Main Line, becoming a yuppie haven for Chicago commuters.
But no one who knew him back then would be the least bit surprised that Harry Kalas became a legendary baseball broadcaster.
"Harry got to live out his dream," said Gib Drendel, a family-law attorney in nearby Batavia. "How many people can say that? "
His deep-voiced destiny was so clear to the rest of the 109 seniors in 1954 that someone at the high school's yearbook, the Arrowhead, placed these prophetic words alongside the photo of the blond kid with the impish smirk:
"Harry Kalas . . . Future Sports Announcer. "
"Harry loved baseball, and he had this big loud voice," said classmate Gene Drendel, Gib's cousin, a retired school administrator who still lives here. "We all knew he was going to be announcing sports somewhere someday. We just assumed it would probably be in Chicago. "
In the days leading up to Kalas' induction today into the broadcasters' wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame, longtime residents here recalled fondly the tow-headed teenager whom, because of his diminutive stature through most of high school, they called "Pots. "
The friendliness, tearful sentimentality and broadcasting gifts that are Kalas' hallmarks were born here in this Ozzie and Harriet community, nearly 30 miles west of Chicago. Harry Kalas at 66, in fact, is not much different from "Pots" Kalas at 16, say his Naperville acquaintances, right down to his fondness for a postgame cocktail and a cigarette.
"He has stayed the same through the years," said Jeanine Warnell, a retired Naperville Community teacher who introduced Kalas to public speaking in her sophomore English class. "He was just one of those students I've never forgotten. I'm so proud of him. "
Kalas was described as a bright and good-natured boy who swam with friends in the local limestone quarries, consumed square scoops of ice cream and drank "Green Rivers" (lime juice and soda water) at a riverside drive-in called Prince's Castle, watched Western movies at the Naper Theater downtown, and starred - in drag - in his senior class play.
He also was the son of a preacher, though as those same friends point out, that hardly qualified him as an angel. One look at Kalas' yearbook photos reveal that this 1950s teenager must have admired James Dean as well as Dizzy Dean.
His blue jeans were rolled up roguishly at the bottom. He wore a defiant crew cut and had a mischievous grin. Like many of his classmates, he smoked at the soda shops and ice-cream parlors, snuck a couple of beers on weekends, and loved to play poker in the basement of Gene Drendel's Washington Street house during school lunch breaks.
"Harry was . . . well, Harry was a real fun-loving guy," said Gib Drendel. "Still is, from what I understand. I'll always remember the night we sat in a car outside his house and made bets on whether or not he would be able to walk into his house without falling down. He fell flat on his face short of the door.
for more go to http://www.philly.com/inquirer/breaking/sports_breaking/20090413_Kalas_got_to_live_his_dream.html
Monday, April 6, 2009
Reds' Gonzalez 'ready to go'
Alex Gonzalez proved his fitness in the field and at the plate.
The Cincinnati Reds shortstop made an outstanding defensive play and doubled in a run in a 9-6 exhibition victory over the club's top minor leaguers yesterday in Dayton, Ohio.
Gonzalez, who also turned two double plays, missed last season with a compression fracture in his left knee and strained his right hamstring in a Grapefruit League game March 23.
"I'm ready to go," he said. "I'm excited to be back in uniform and with my teammates. Monday will be a big day for me."
Gonzalez ranged behind third and made a strong throw to take a hit away from one prospect, earning raves from manager Dusty Baker.
"This guy's one of the best I've seen," Baker said.
Edwin Encarnacion and Jerry Hairston Jr. hit two-run homers for Cincinnati, which lost 12-4 to the prospects on Friday night. Johnny Cueto allowed one run and four hits in four innings.
Chris Valaika, the Reds' Minor League Player of the Year in 2008, hit a three-run homer and Todd Frazier a two-run shot for the Futures team.
Red Sox option Buchholz
The Boston Red Sox optioned right-hander Clay Buchholz to Triple-A Pawtucket and put five players on the 15-day disabled list.
Right-hander John Smoltz (shoulder surgery), outfielder Mark Kotsay (right elbow), shortstop Julio Lugo (right knee surgery), outfielder Jonathan Van Every (right ankle sprain) and right-hander Miguel Gonzalez (elbow surgery) all went on the DL retroactive to March 27.
Zambrano speaks heresy
Standing in the plush visitors' clubhouse at the new Yankee Stadium, Carlos Zambrano made a plea for Chicago to replace Wrigley Field, the Cubs' home since 1916.
"You come into a ballpark like this and you see great things," the Cubs' ace said before yesterday's 10-1 exhibition loss to the Yankees. "You wish that Chicago'd build a new stadium for the Cubs."
Manager Lou Piniella disagreed.
"There's no question the facilities need to be redone, but that's going to happen," he said. "My favorite time of year is when the ivy turns green. It's really a great environment to play a ballgame."
The Cincinnati Reds shortstop made an outstanding defensive play and doubled in a run in a 9-6 exhibition victory over the club's top minor leaguers yesterday in Dayton, Ohio.
Gonzalez, who also turned two double plays, missed last season with a compression fracture in his left knee and strained his right hamstring in a Grapefruit League game March 23.
"I'm ready to go," he said. "I'm excited to be back in uniform and with my teammates. Monday will be a big day for me."
Gonzalez ranged behind third and made a strong throw to take a hit away from one prospect, earning raves from manager Dusty Baker.
"This guy's one of the best I've seen," Baker said.
Edwin Encarnacion and Jerry Hairston Jr. hit two-run homers for Cincinnati, which lost 12-4 to the prospects on Friday night. Johnny Cueto allowed one run and four hits in four innings.
Chris Valaika, the Reds' Minor League Player of the Year in 2008, hit a three-run homer and Todd Frazier a two-run shot for the Futures team.
Red Sox option Buchholz
The Boston Red Sox optioned right-hander Clay Buchholz to Triple-A Pawtucket and put five players on the 15-day disabled list.
Right-hander John Smoltz (shoulder surgery), outfielder Mark Kotsay (right elbow), shortstop Julio Lugo (right knee surgery), outfielder Jonathan Van Every (right ankle sprain) and right-hander Miguel Gonzalez (elbow surgery) all went on the DL retroactive to March 27.
Zambrano speaks heresy
Standing in the plush visitors' clubhouse at the new Yankee Stadium, Carlos Zambrano made a plea for Chicago to replace Wrigley Field, the Cubs' home since 1916.
"You come into a ballpark like this and you see great things," the Cubs' ace said before yesterday's 10-1 exhibition loss to the Yankees. "You wish that Chicago'd build a new stadium for the Cubs."
Manager Lou Piniella disagreed.
"There's no question the facilities need to be redone, but that's going to happen," he said. "My favorite time of year is when the ivy turns green. It's really a great environment to play a ballgame."
Saturday, April 4, 2009
World Cup qual - Duo banned by Scotland
Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor have been told their Scotland careers are over and they have been suspended for two weeks without pay by Rangers.
More Stories
Team news: McGeady fit
Smith: Duo are an 'embarrassment'
The club handed out the maximum sanction available after the pair were summoned to a meeting with chief executive Martin Bain having been sent home from training earlier in the day.
Both players were involved in a drinking session at Scotland's team hotel at the weekend and then enraged club and national team bosses by apparently making V-signs while on the bench after being dropped for Wednesday's 2-1 win over Iceland at Hampden.
The Scottish FA claimed that the matter was closed but have since acted by announcing Ferguson and McGregor will no longer be considered for international selection.
The SFA have been besieged by phone calls and e-mails from Scotland fans.
It is understood the negative reaction from supporters and supporters' groups added to the pressure for the matter to be discussed again.
Following a further meeting between chief executive Gordon Smith and manager George Burley, sanctioned by the SFA board, it was decided neither player would play for Scotland again.
An SFA spokesman said: "In light of the events of the past 48 hours and following further discussions between the national team manager and the chief executive, it has been decided that Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor will no longer be considered for international selection by Scotland.
"This action has been taken in the best interest of the squad, the fans and the country.
"We are determined to qualify for the World Cup and we must ensure that nothing is allowed to distract us from achieving this goal."
Ferguson - who has been stripped of the Rangers captaincy - and McGregor were called to a meeting with Bain at Murray Park, where they were informed of the action being taken by the club.
Bain said: "The overall conduct of the players during the last week while on Scotland duty has, regrettably, fallen considerably short of the standards expected by Rangers Football Club and our supporters and has brought the club into disrepute.
"The management of the club has taken the view that this has damaged both Rangers and Scotland and is unacceptable.
"Even though our club is entering the critical stage of the league season and the later stages of the Scottish Cup, appropriate disciplinary action was required."
Rangers has agreed with the players that part of their deducted wages will be donated to charity.
Both players issued an apology for their actions and spoke of their disappointment that their international careers are now over.
Ferguson said: "I deeply regret what happened last weekend and the events during the last week and apologise wholeheartedly for the embarrassment caused to Scotland, Rangers, both sets of supporters and my friends and family.
"I have always considered playing for Rangers and Scotland an honour and a privilege and nothing will change that and I am bitterly disappointed by the announcement that I will not be selected for Scotland again."
McGregor - who made his competitive debut against Holland on Saturday - added: "I was absolutely delighted to be selected for Scotland last weekend and I am deeply sorry over what has happened since then.
"We all make mistakes in life and I am very disappointed to have let Rangers, Scotland, my family, all the fans down.
"I am also desperately disappointed that I will not be selected again for Scotland at this stage in my career."Sporting Life / Eurosport
More Stories
Team news: McGeady fit
Smith: Duo are an 'embarrassment'
The club handed out the maximum sanction available after the pair were summoned to a meeting with chief executive Martin Bain having been sent home from training earlier in the day.
Both players were involved in a drinking session at Scotland's team hotel at the weekend and then enraged club and national team bosses by apparently making V-signs while on the bench after being dropped for Wednesday's 2-1 win over Iceland at Hampden.
The Scottish FA claimed that the matter was closed but have since acted by announcing Ferguson and McGregor will no longer be considered for international selection.
The SFA have been besieged by phone calls and e-mails from Scotland fans.
It is understood the negative reaction from supporters and supporters' groups added to the pressure for the matter to be discussed again.
Following a further meeting between chief executive Gordon Smith and manager George Burley, sanctioned by the SFA board, it was decided neither player would play for Scotland again.
An SFA spokesman said: "In light of the events of the past 48 hours and following further discussions between the national team manager and the chief executive, it has been decided that Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor will no longer be considered for international selection by Scotland.
"This action has been taken in the best interest of the squad, the fans and the country.
"We are determined to qualify for the World Cup and we must ensure that nothing is allowed to distract us from achieving this goal."
Ferguson - who has been stripped of the Rangers captaincy - and McGregor were called to a meeting with Bain at Murray Park, where they were informed of the action being taken by the club.
Bain said: "The overall conduct of the players during the last week while on Scotland duty has, regrettably, fallen considerably short of the standards expected by Rangers Football Club and our supporters and has brought the club into disrepute.
"The management of the club has taken the view that this has damaged both Rangers and Scotland and is unacceptable.
"Even though our club is entering the critical stage of the league season and the later stages of the Scottish Cup, appropriate disciplinary action was required."
Rangers has agreed with the players that part of their deducted wages will be donated to charity.
Both players issued an apology for their actions and spoke of their disappointment that their international careers are now over.
Ferguson said: "I deeply regret what happened last weekend and the events during the last week and apologise wholeheartedly for the embarrassment caused to Scotland, Rangers, both sets of supporters and my friends and family.
"I have always considered playing for Rangers and Scotland an honour and a privilege and nothing will change that and I am bitterly disappointed by the announcement that I will not be selected for Scotland again."
McGregor - who made his competitive debut against Holland on Saturday - added: "I was absolutely delighted to be selected for Scotland last weekend and I am deeply sorry over what has happened since then.
"We all make mistakes in life and I am very disappointed to have let Rangers, Scotland, my family, all the fans down.
"I am also desperately disappointed that I will not be selected again for Scotland at this stage in my career."Sporting Life / Eurosport
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