Orlando Health Diversity Initiative

Review of CHAINED TO FREEDOM that mentions discrimination at Orlando Health

2010-05-24T09:53:00.001-07:00

Here is a review of CHAINED TO FREEDOM, which just opened at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. In it, the oppression at Orlando Health is mentioned...

Fringe review: ‘Chained to Freedom,’ Open Door Productions, New York, NY

By Elizabeth Maupin

Alan Bounville is a man with a mission. Bounville wants to change the laws that deny gays and lesbians the same civil rights enjoyed by heterosexuals. Chained to Freedom is the story of his fight.

It’s not an especially unusual story, although it turns out that Bounville slightly knew Ryan Skipper, the gay man who was beaten and stabbed to death in rural Polk County in 2007 and has become known as Central Florida’s Matthew Shepard.

But it wasn’t Skipper’s murder that galvanized Bounville: It was the refusal of his own employer, Orlando Health, to grant domestic-partner benefits. Bounville quit his job, picketed at a corporate-sponsored event and then moved to New York to fight the fight ion a national scale.

Good activists aren’t always practiced actors, and Bounville could work on speaking up and on not making his material sound so melodramatic. (In drama, less is often more.) Still, a little agitprop theater is nearly always a good thing. I only wish Bounville weren’t preaching to the choir.

Remaining shows: 8:35 p.m. Tuesday 5/25, 10:10 p.m. Wednesday 5/26, 5:10 p.m. Friday 5/28. Yellow venue.

Review of CHAINED TO FREEDOM - Mentions discrimination at Orlando Health

2010-05-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a review of CHAINED TO FREEDOM that is currently playing at the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival...

Fringe review: ‘Chained to Freedom,’ Open Door Productions, New York, NY

By Elizabeth Maupin

Alan Bounville is a man with a mission. Bounville wants to change the laws that deny gays and lesbians the same civil rights enjoyed by heterosexuals. Chained to Freedom is the story of his fight.

Remaining shows: 8:35 p.m. Tuesday 5/25, 10:10 p.m. Wednesday 5/26, 5:10 p.m. Friday 5/28. Yellow venue.

Orlando Health Discrimination Shared at National Conference

2010-04-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

The discrimination happening at Orlando Health continues to be shared. This past Friday a group of New York University students presented at a conference at the University of Massachusetts Amherst discussing the multiple layers of oppression Orlando Health leaders are hurling upon their employees, patients and the public in general.

It was great to continue to spread this message - and to share here that letting more and more people know about the multiple ills this large hospital system is inflicting upon people - WILL NOT DIE!

Next month, the play CHAINED TO FREEDOM will be presented at the the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. In it, great detail is taken to unpack the multiple oppressions at Orlando Health and show how they tie into a much bigger picture of oppression for queer and non queer people alike. Stay tuned (especially the Orlando Health spies and legal entities that follow this blog's every move).

CHAINED TO FREEDOM - UPLOADED ON ORLANDO FRINGE PAGE

2010-03-19T23:11:00.000-07:00

Here is the link for my new show premiering at the Orlando International Fringe Festival, CHAINED TO FREEDOM that exposes the discrimination happening at Orlando Health among other oppressions.

A portion of the proceeds from the show will benefit direct actions for LGBTQI equality in Central Florida.

http://orlandofringe.org/node/768

New Watchdog of this Blog...

2010-03-12T01:25:00.000-08:00

I would like to officially welcome Thompson, Sizemore, Gonzalez & Hearing as Obsessed Blog Follower for the Week!

I wonder - did Orlando Health waste more money and hire this firm to try and build a case to defend the discrimination happening at Orlando Health? If so, wouldn't it have been better to use that money for better use like to, I don't know, maybe - PROVIDE DOMESTIC PARTNER BENEFITS TO ORLANDO HEALTH EMPLOYEES!!???

Just a question.

To learn more about the company-centered work this firm does, go to:

http://www.tsghlaw.com/practice.html

Orlando Health Discrimination Presented at National Conference

2010-02-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

The story of discrimination at Orlando Health continues to reach wider audiences. It has been announced that a section of this story will be presented at a 2010 national educational conference. More details coming soon!

Alan Bounville

Hello Mateer Harbert PA and Orlando Health Babysitters!

2010-02-03T16:32:00.000-08:00

I have waited a while to share the following...

It's funny - Orlando Health cannot afford domestic partner benefits for employees but they can afford to have two Orlando Health employees monitor my every move on this blog. And, it looks like they have hired law firm Mateer Harbert to also follow this blog and all Orlando Health Diversity Initiative activities. And there are a number of Orlando Health employees and many people in the community who follow this blog - and the number of viewers keeps growing!

I know all of the above because I track who comes to the blog, where they come from, etc. through a common online tracking service. This blog has seen thousands of hits in the handful of months it's been live - but two Orlando Health employees and one Mateer Harbert employees are virtually obsessed with this blog! I can't imagine how they get anything else done because they are on this blog almost every day.

So - officially - Hello Orlando Health and Mateer Harbert babysitters! How are you doing today?

Alan L. Bounville

PS - I often go on this blog to pretend like I'm updating posts just to flag my babysitters that I've done something and interrupt their work day so they can check on me. Maybe if Orlando Health would get rid of my babysitters they could afford domestic partner benefits for employees. WAIT! They could already afford this because studies show that offering domestic partner benefits costs companies very little - and draws more talented employees to a company. And, since Orlando Health is SELF INSURED - in reality it would cost them nothing at all to offer domestic partner benefits!

IT. IS. TIME.

2010-01-28T10:48:00.000-08:00

There is a wave coming – no – if we want it – a new ocean in the progressive movement – an ocean of real change. Not change we are promised from afar – change that I viscerally cried out for and celebrated over in November 2008 that turned into the same old goddamn fucking NOTHING bullshit. But a real change made by real people with a real yearning, desire and need to be free. And this change challenges every fiber of our current culturally, economically and politically siloed existence.

As a middle class, white gay male shackled to this failed American Dream – drowning under hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt due to this lie I have been force fed since birth – I count myself lucky. I count myself thus because I am oppressed as a gay man only. And if I, the white gay man am in this vulnerable place – imagine what it is like for our sisters and brothers with multiple intersecting oppressive forces bearing down on their shoulders. It is time we break open the silos and let the grains of humanity pile up together and create a mountain that overshadows the system that built the silos in the first place.

As of today, no more do I feel any sense of comfort or security in the crippling invisibility cloak I can wear as a queer person to cover up my queerness. I no longer see my ability to ‘pass’ as anything but a massive hindrance to what needs to happen from here. Now, I only find safety in numbers – numbers on the right side of history who are going to stand with me in solidarity making the rainbow of us queer folk a constant image that our oppressors cannot ignore.

And finally – I am committed to do more than scratch the surface of various festering soars of segregation – FINALLY I am finding spaces where I am among others who feel just as I do. And to knock it in to where ‘it’s at’ – FINALLY this week I have intersected with the same patchwork of humanity that enveloped me at a rally a little over a year ago. At that rally I was promised by then candidate Obama that the plurality present that night was what was going to be the realized vision for America at all levels of government and industry. I was promised thathe would bring the country together – that black and white, straight and bi, gay and lesbian, trans and two spirit, yellow and red and brown, female and male and every other intersection present in this ‘great’ land was going to FINALLY be afforded equal, high quality opportunities to press forward into this century.

But, ‘the change’ was a lie. The magical intersections that I crossed that night at that rally were not manifestations of real change – I was sold a big bag of false – hope.

So, what changed my thinking forever? This week I got together with a bunch of crazy mother fucking queers and allies in the hills of Tennessee - at an historic place that has been a major organizing hub since 1932 for people who want to come together from different viewpoints and different cultures – cultures that were legally not allowed to intersect in this sacred space just a half century ago – and change the world around them. I was lifted by the spirits of all those who have done critical work there – people who we all know by name, who have immensely shaped this nation and the world – people who have been part of movements of all sizes who were ready to clash and FORCE themselves to cut through the tension and get. shit. done.

So, we queers and allies got together to purposefully clash our various culture lines in the queer movement and try to get to a deeper place of connectedness and cultural competence to do something that, up until now en masse we have all failed to do - to understand the intricacies of our intersectional oppressions and USE THAT knowledge as the fuel to propel queer people forward towards liberation. To use our often polarizing differences to force a wedge into our own complex and exhausting culture to come out on the other side aligned through the power of combined cultural knowledge and DEMAND LIBERATING EQUALITY THROUGH DIRECT ACTION AND CIVIL DISOBEDEICE that is integrated into winnable local and national campaigns.

And we learned it’s going to be hard as fuck! And it’s going to take lots of patience and persistence. And it’s going to be sharply criticized from all sides – and that’s all in line with what must happen for this radical inclusivity to work.

The work to shift the queer movement into this direction did not start with this week – it’s been a long time coming. But this week potentially galvanized this new direction. And it allowed about forty people to come together to start knitting us all into a mass network of boots on the ground activists, an online army and a massive support team.

The room was filled with people from all over the country, representing a dynamic blend of ethnicities, races, socio-economic classes, political inclinations, experience levels and ages. The group did not by any stretch encompass all cultural intersections and multiple identities that exist in our queer community, because that would take getting us all in a room together – but know – the room was radically diverse.

We as queer and allied people have one of the most complicated charges in history. And in that charge, we have one of the most humbling opportunities the world has ever seen. Queer people have always been there at the forefront of social change – change that has brought cultures together for centuries. And now, at this moment it is our turn to be the center of this new spiraling movement. And here’s where it REALLY GETS EXCITING - by taking this radically inclusive approach to queer liberation we do something far greater than liberate queer people. We will press forward the unfinished work of the Civil Rights Movement. And that is fucking huge!

And we take on this seemingly impossible task no more through asking nicely, no more through disconnected means – but DIRECTLY AND UNIFIED. And in this new direction we set in motion a trajectory where we strategically look at the local and national level to find where our oppressions are most clearly manifesting themselves. Then, together we hammer more fucking wedges, this time into these oppressive systems and blast open impossible situations for our oppressors so that the wedges crack the systems of oppression so deep they blasts through our intersectional oppressions as well to create the world we not only want - but need for the human race to thrive.

And we will persist. For each target – we will not give in to failed back room negotiations. We will not start something we don’t plan on finishing. We will take the exhausting road to freedom and the whole while, with powerful pride we will sing the good ole chant…

The people united can never be defeated.

We must commit NOW to persist and build into one mass culturally combined movement until ALL segregation is obliterated for all people!

And while we do this work we will remember every step of the way to make this experience the biggest fucking ongoing party of our lives! This shit needs to be so damn exciting the clubs turn into strategizing spots. The bathhouses become recruitment stations. Every social group in town turns into a think tank. And the only way to see that world is to make sure our movement stops being so goddamn stuffy and realizes that queer and allied people are party people too!

When we gather – we MUST create space for us to get loose and sexy. We must make sure we don’t misstep trying to assimilate into an oppressive equal status with straights, but help transform equality into a new space where a stripper at a straight man’s bachelor party in Rick Warren’s church and an assless chap wearing leather daddy marching down the streets of Birmingham, Alabama are not shocks to anyone’s consciousness but potentialities in this newly invented world.

So, don’t think for a second if we ignore the sexiness of people we will be truly successful. At the same time we are fighting for our trans sisters and brothers to be safe in the world and the workplace we need to be doing lap dance parties in the streets. We need to be comfortable intersecting ALL of us – knowing that sex and sexuality is a huge part of every human being – and is a huge part of the foundation of the queer movement that has gotten us this far.

No matter where you live – you are now immediately patched into this network if so you choose. All you have to do is stand up and ask who in your area was part of this week’s gathering. I will immediately get you connected so locally you can start getting shit done – and together, along with all the other people out there already doing this work, we will start turning this country on it’s head.

Alan L. Bounville - queerrising@gmail.com

Next Direct Action Against Orlando Health

2010-01-14T23:06:00.000-08:00

If you would like to learn more about the next action against Orlando Health, email:

alanbounville@gmail.com - with "Next Orlando Health Action" in the subject.

I will be announcing some details here soon - but at this point, it is better the planning of the next action stays tight lipped. It is past the time for Orlando Health to have any specific knowledge about the planning of the actions that are being taken to - on the ground - expose the discrimination happening against their employees and patients.

Orlando Health - like Birmingham in the 60s, YOU are coming into the spotlight and will forever be remembered for your bigotry and oppression. This Dr. King weekend, let us all remember, as King said, "Justice too long delayed is justice denied."

The time has come.

Orlando Health Discrimination Mentioned by National Media Outlet

2010-01-07T10:45:00.000-08:00

Read the link below that details the group I have co-founded here in New York City and see how the oppression at Orlando Health is mentioned. This is the second media mention of the oppression taking place at Orlando Health - and it is in a national LGBTQI publication, reaching thousands of people.

As this movement continues to grow and allow more and more people to feel comfortable talking openly about the bigotry and oppression at Orlando Health - the better off we all will be.

LINK TO ARTICLE

Note: The article is featured on the main New York City page and is linked from all EDGE city home pages pages nationwide.

Orlando Health - be prepared for direct action because it's coming your way as we DEMAND equality in the workplace. NO MORE EXCUSES.

If you would like to get involved in direct actions against Orlando Health, please contact me at:

Alan L. Bounville

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

Orlando Health Silences All Facebook Fans

2010-01-01T14:57:00.000-08:00

I wanted to let you know that it appears Orlando Health has decided since they can't get away with discriminating on their Facebook fan page, they have blocked all fans from sharing any comments, be them supporting the status quo or critical of the organization.

In one sense this is good news, since it is not right for them to have been silencing some and not all. In another sense it is bad news, since they are doing as they have been this whole time - trying to suppress the truth about the organization - that Orlando Health is a great place to work for some people and an oppressive environment for others.

Many Orlando Health employees, patients and patient family members have reached out and contacted me since I have started sharing information on this blog. If I were Orlando Health, I'd do the right thing soon to avoid being dragged into a very public light for the discrimination and censorship they have pressured onto people - not just on Facebook, but every day in this top down business environment.

One thing you may be able to do still is add your thoughts to the Facebook discussion page Orlando Health opened on the waaaaay back pages of their Facebook group about domestic partner benefits (one of a number of problems addressed in the proposal that started all of this - the well reasoned proposal Orlando Health employees presented to 'leaders' that was ignored).

If you have been following the Facebook part of this story, you will know that Orlando Health decided to create the discussion page to address the domestic partner benefits part of this much bigger discussion. But regardless, they opened up a forum to discuss their own oppression. Take advantage of that. If you are fearful of being retaliated against, ask fellow employee Mike Cherry how he is being treated, since he openly provided critical feedback on this discussion page. If he can do it - so can you - or at least, you can encourage others from the community to stand up and add their voices.

As others have done, let me know what your concerns at Orlando Health are. You have my commitment to keep your identity strictly confidential, as I have done with everyone who has come to me in private to date.

Alan L. Bounville

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

The "Employer of Choice" Scam

2009-12-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

As I finish writing the first draft of the play I will be performing in Orlando in May about this whole saga, I want to share with you some of the research that is helping me frame the content of the play.

If you've read previous posts you'll have learned that Orlando Health hires a company known as The Herman Group to 'rate' them as an Employer of Choice. This bogus certification is nothing short of disgusting. As you travel this holiday season, in case you need a hospital, you may want to look at the links below to see which hospitals are also clients of this bogus Herman Group. And then you may choose to give your business to culturally competent organizations that are listed as such in the second link below, which is the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) 2009 Healthcare Equality Index. You can review medical facilities based on a series of criteria that tell you whether or not the organization is truly culturally competent.

The HRC report is complied by healthcare providers themselves filling out a survey and is very cut and dry - and is free. The Herman Group's rating is based on criteria that only benefits the organization, not the employees or patients and is a paid for service by the client (the hospital).

To simplify: HRC Healthcare Equality Index - Good; The Herman Group's Employer of Choice program - bad - very, very bad.

The Herman Group's Employer of Choice Client List:

http://www.employerofchoice.com/employers_recognized.html

The HRC's 2009 Healthcare Equality Index:

http://www.hrc.org/documents/Healthcare_Equality_Index_2009.pdf

I will share more of Orlando Health's hypocritical implementation of their Herman Group rating in a future post.

Oh how the bigotry never ends - UNTIL YOU MAKE IT END!

Alan L. Bounville 407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

PS I will be organizing a direct action as part of the upcoming Orlando Health protest. I'll be announcing that information soon, so stay tuned - and join the fight against bigotry in your back yard.

First Civil Disobedience Action for LGBTQI Equality Here in New York

2009-12-23T21:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Orlando Health,

I've been quite busy this week coordinating the start of a new group here in New York City fighting for LGBTQI equality through direct actions. We launched our first action last night - a symbolic party crashing. Here is a video capturing the event.

LINK TO VIDEO

I share this with you for two reasons:

1. I took my normal time spreading the message about the bigotry you support at Orlando Health and redirected it to equality seeking behavior in my own back yard.

2. You can look forward to a future of direct action to continue to press you to change and embrace the calls to action in the well reasoned proposal.

Whenever you are ready to change your disgusting bigotry - your team members and patients are waiting - but if you continue to refuse - we will have no choice but to resort to direct action and the shame you have received to date will be nothing compared to the light that will be shone upon your organization in the future.

Thank you for reading (as you always do) - and happy holidays.

Alan L. Bounville

Orlando Health Randomly Removing Posts

2009-12-21T12:43:00.000-08:00

Orlando Health is now randomly removing posts from their Facebook page. They have warned people they will be removing any posts that have to do with diversity or domestic partner benefits if the posters do not move those comments to the back page discussion board they've opened up for - JUST domestic partner benefits.

Again, Orlando Health is setting themselves up for legal trouble. They are indiscriminately censoring certain people and not others - IN AN OPEN FORUM.

Don't mistake Orlando Health's lies for the truth - Orlando Health created the Facebook page and prompted people to post nice things on it to counter act the abundance of critical information that has amassed on the internet to the contrary. Further, Orlando Health's number one fear is their employees getting the idea that they have power in the work place.

BUT - people are starting to wake up. I received a communication from an Orlando Health employee recently stating the following,

"I am a team member, if u do not use my name I will help you. How about addressing the illegal act of requiring exempt team members to take mandatory time off during the holidays without paying them when the law requires a set salary???"

Orlando Health team members - does the 'leadership' actually change anything from your suggestions on the team member surveys?

Orlando Health patients - how do you feel knowing Orlando Health has five levels of VIP patient status and if you are just a regular patient you are not getting the same attention as other more powerful people or connected people?

YOU CAN ALL ORGANIZE AND GET WHAT YOU DESERVE AT ORLANDO HEALTH. UNIONS ARE NOT ALL BAD - AND IF THE COMPANY IS GOING TO BREAK THE LAW OR TREAT CERTAIN PEOPLE AS LESS THAN EQUAL TO OTHERS - SOMEONE NEEDS TO STAND UP AND SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. YOU ARE THAT SOMEONE.

If you want to confidentially share inequalities you notice in the Orlando Health workplace, as several people have started to do - email or call me. My info is below. We'll work together in confidence to set the next wave of this plan in motion - actually, without sharing details here - that is already happening. You can join in and will be protected.

Don't let people who make more than they should for their level of job tell you what to do. Be your own person.

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

Message Removed from Orlando Health Facebook Page

2009-12-19T05:29:00.000-08:00

Here is a message someone shared on the Orlando Health Facebook page that was removed this morning. See graphic below. It was the first message on the page. Why are they trying to suppress the truth? They are silencing some people and not others - all sharing the same message. Sounds like they are getting themselves into a possible legal situation since so many people on their Facebook page are saying the same thing. And no reasons are given to the three people who have been silenced (Rick Sanchez, myself and now Andrew Conte). Orlando Health is acting with knee jerk reaction and indiscriminately as they single people out and do what they seem to do best - DISCRIMINATE.

When will they stop silencing the truth?

Click on the image below to read Mr. Conte's deleted remark

What are Orlando Health 'Leaders' Thinking?

2009-12-17T21:16:00.001-08:00

Pay No Attention... or Union Avoidance?

2009-12-16T23:14:00.001-08:00

After a year and a half bringing this message to light, yesterday Orlando Health FINALLY acknowledged that there is a conversation going on about the blatant discrimination taking place at their business. The admission came out in a post from them on their Facebook page They tried to contort the messages on the Facebook page, (that clearly stated for themselves the truth) making it sound as if this was only about domestic partner benefits (clearly, this is about a fully inclusive diversity program - domestic partner benefits are a cornerstone to a company being truly culturally competent, but not the be all and end of of the discussion going on).

Further - Orlando Health does not want to offer domestic partner benefits for a much bigger reason than because of bogus financial concerns they put on their new back page discussion item - they don't want to give something other hospital systems in the region don't offer because that gives you - the reader here - the idea that you could get other things like a better vacation policy, a diversity office that examines your specific cultural needs, a more transparent pay structure to ensure all are being paid equal for equal work - and even more.

Imagine if you had an empowered voice at Orlando Health. Imagine that - if just for a moment.

What is the cost of equality? That is the real question.

And what lengths would Orlando Health go to silence people so they don't get the idea that if they band together they can have more than domestic partner benefits or a full fledged diversity office. By organizing, employees at Orlando Health can have a real voice for change.

Why are there no LGBT people or very few people of color in leading positions at Orlando Health? Are those groups not worth such high level positions? They have lived in the community as long as the white leaders and people of color in greater numbers than white leaders.

Have we changed so far from the days Dr. King fought in the south for freedom?

If you've read this post this far, you may want to take a look at this link. If Orlando Health is so concerned about finances when it comes to doing what's right, maybe they should consider cutting some top level salaries to redirect funds towards the power of equality.

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

PS - Orlando Health - two people now have been censored from posting this message of inclusion (that DOES affect all of Central Florida) on your main Facebook page (Rick Sanchez and myself). How many more voices will you silence - because I guarantee you we WILL find out. People will not stop exposing the truth. You save lives everyday - that is a given - you are a hospital - that is your job. Now start treating everyone equal. That will position you on the right side of history.

Only Marrieds and Straights Given Full Benefits Here

2009-12-15T23:14:00.000-08:00

Letter from Birmingham Jail

2009-12-15T10:11:00.001-08:00

Dr. King would most assuredly support the tactics employed by this campaign to free a group of people from the oppression in the workplace that exists at Orlando Health. Read here a quote from his Letter from Birmingham Jail that still shapes our consciousness in regard to equal treatment of ALL people.

And for those who say Dr. King was a Christian leader and would not support what the Orlando Health Diversity Initiative promotes - look again at history - look at his lead march organizer and advisor, Bayard Rustin, an openly gay black man. Why would Dr. King, a Christian man, take advice from an openly gay man if he did dot believe in equality for all?

Section of Letter from Birmingham Jail by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action"; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a "more convenient season." Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.

I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and that when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress. I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that the present tension in the South is a necessary phase of the transition from an obnoxious negative peace, in which the Negro passively accepted his unjust plight, to a substantive and positive peace, in which all men will respect the dignity and worth of human personality. Actually, we who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive. We bring it out in the open, where it can be seen and dealt with. Like a boil that can never be cured so long as it is covered up but must be opened with all its ugliness to the natural medicines of air and light, injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, to the light of human conscience and the air of national opinion before it can be cured."

Don't say this is not your fight - get people to sign the petition TODAY!

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

PS I will be announcing my next visit to Orlando to fight this oppression on the ground very soon.

Orlando Health Diversity Initiative - Video 9

2009-12-13T23:28:00.000-08:00

Here is the link to this week's video that discusses Orlando Health's action in silencing my voice on their Facebook page this week. In silencing me, they opened the door for several others to stand up for equality in the workplace. See the short video at the link below.

LINK TO VIDEO

Then do the following:

1. Join Orlando Health's Facebook page and share the message mentioned in the video.

2. Call Orlando Health and ask them why they don't offer domestic partner benefits and why they don't have a diversity office. 321-841-5111.

Thank you for your support.

Alan L. Bounville

Former Orlando Health employee and current donor

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

Hateful and Disturbing Facebook Emails

2009-12-10T20:47:00.000-08:00

I sent this person a Facebook friend request this evening as I do to many people who are fans of Orlando Health. Some people ask who I am and of course I tell them. Here is the whole chain of messages between us. As I continue to say, when you scratch the surface you uncover so much...

From Ed Laucks in response to my Facebook friend request:

You don't say who you are. You picked me off a site that daughter is on. She doesn't know you. So, what's the deal? I don't agree with a lot of what you say.

My reply to Ed Laucks:

Ed,

I am a former employee and current donor of Orlando Health. I have several friends who work there - gay and straight. Orlando Health has for years been trying to suppress voices. They don't want to offer domestic partner benefits to gay or straight employees, they don't want to create a diversity office to allow employees to bring their different cultural voices to the shaping of the organization.

What part of what I say don't you agree with?

Ed Laucks' reply to me:

Well, for one you are barking up the wrong tree. I am Christian and do not believe in queer life styles. I've had too many queers hit on me in my life who don't know how to take no for answer. And then you expect me to support your cause? Not a chance! I've been married for 30 years! I was raped by a male doctor when I was young in his office.

You would never want to step in front of me. I don't care what you think of me! I don't believe in anything you say! I have my rights to believe in what I want. And you can't make me think otherwise. So bark up somebody elses boner.

My response to Ed Laucks:

Ed,

I am sorry you were raped by a male doctor. That is horrible. Whether that feeds into your homophobia or not - what you say here is extremely hurtful and parallel to the hate people express to people of color, women or any other minority group.

It is also very unfortunate if you are spreading this hate to your family.

And if some day I do happen to step in front of you I would hope you would not cause me any physical harm as that would not at all be Christian of you. In fact, I can't at all what is Christian in any of your statements - unless being Christian means also being homophobic and threatening to LGBT people.

My final message to Ed Laucks:

Ed,

You should know I have posted our communication on the blog I manage in regard to this movement. I assure you - if you were to pursue any kind of further threat I will seek legal action.

Here is the link to the blog post.

http://ohdi.blogspot.com/2009/12/hateful-and-disturbing-facebook-emails.html

Sincerely,

Alan L. Bounville

Video 8 - Beginning Preparation for the Stage

2009-12-10T00:12:00.000-08:00

This week I share a bit of the early preparation of turning this story into a staged piece of theatre for presentation at the 2010 Orlando International Fringe Festival. Writing this short script was quite emotional for me - but sharing the reality of the resistance to this movement is vital for all to see the hate and misunderstanding that exists against those who seek to allow more voices into the conversation.

LINK TO VIDEO 8

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

Former Orlando Health employee and current donor - who doesn't give up.

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

Orlando Health Fights Back!

2009-12-09T12:38:00.001-08:00

PLEASE READ THE FIRST POST OF TODAY BEFORE READING THIS ONE.

As a direct result of people defending my right to speak about the need for Orlando Health to be more culturally competent today - just now Orlando Health updated it's status and created a new policy of how it wants to control the public's interaction with their Facebook page. Let's break this down for all to see what they are REALLY doing here...

Orlando Health Post - Made today at 3:29 pm after four people have defended my position that Orlando Health should not have removed me from having the ability to share the message of inclusion that 215 have voiced to date through the online petition supporting a more inclusive environment at Orlando Health:

"Our fan page is 5 weeks old – and we’re thrilled at how quickly it’s growing. In response to that growth, we’ve created an etiquette policy for our fan page. We’ve posted it under the notes tab for you to review. It details our commitment to protecting the integrity of this community. We encourage all of our fans to be relevant and respectful to the community as a whole. Thanks for being a fan of Orlando Health."

Here is what the policy they uploaded at 3:06 pm today states. Note the sections bolded with my response below:

"Facebook is a place where Orlando Health fans can engage the organization and each other. Orlando Health is responsible for protecting the integrity of the community on our fan page. The page is designed to be a safe place to share information, ideas, stories and even differing opinions. However, there are some general rules of conduct that we expect our fans to follow when participating on this page.

Here they are:
• Posts may not be to the detriment or disturbance of the community or its members.
• Posts may not be abusive, defamatory, obscene, fraudulent, harassing, deceptive or misleading, solicitous or promotional in nature, or in violation of any law or regulation.
• The topics covered on the page must be relevant and respectful to our community as a whole. Any posts representing niche messaging will be reviewed for relevance and respect, and may be removed.
• Fans may not post advertisements, chain letters, or pyramid schemes, and may not post the same note more than once, or ‘spam’.
• All grievances with the organization should be filed through the proper channels.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations must be followed at all times. Posts should never contain another person’s full or partial personal health information.
• Team members of Orlando Health should refer to the Orlando Health social networking policy for more information and further guidelines.

Orlando Health reserves the right to do the following:
• Remove communications that are in violation of the Orlando Health Facebook Etiquette policy.
• Block a user from participating if that user’s behavior disrupts the community.

The comments posted by fans to this page do not represent the opinions of Orlando Health, its officers, directors, or affiliates."

My response:

1. Orlando Health is blocking out my differing opinion. That is against their own knee jerk reaction policy.

2. Everything that I have shared on the Orlando Health Facebook Page has been relevant an respectful to the community as a whole for injustice anywhere - IS injustice everywhere.

3. What pray tell are the proper channels one must navigate for Orlando Health to follow through with the proposal presented to leadership that calls for the organization to offer domestic partner benefits, create a diversity office and come into the 21st century in regard to being culturally competent.

4. I wonder what the 'team member' social networking policy is? I wonder if it includes team members only being allowed to say nice things about the place they work. Sounds very similar to the mandatory anti-union meetings the hospital is making all employees sit through.

Please continue posting what's in your heart and mind on Orlando Health's Facebook Page.

Orlando Health - you put up a transparent fight - but sooner or later you will have to concede - Equality ALWAYS wins.

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

Former Orlando Health employee and current donor

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

I'm Blocked from Making Comments on Orlando Health's Facebook Page

2009-12-09T09:12:00.001-08:00

For weeks now I have been periodically posting petition signer's comments on the new Orlando Health Facebook Fan Page. I have also provided other valuable feedback about things people and the organization have posted that fly in the face of true cultural competence. This morning I woke up and found out I've been 'unfriended' from their page. I was able to rejoin, but am not longer able to post anymore comments. NOTE - NOTHING I HAVE POSTED IS OFFENSIVE OR QUESTIONABLE - IT IS ALL FACTUAL AND COMES FROM A LEVEL MINDED PLACE.

BUT - everyone else can still post comments.

Please, if you haven't already join the Orlando Health Facebook Fan Page and let them know silencing a message of diversity and inclusion is wrong. Here are points to mention:

Orlando Health needs to offer Domestic Partner Benefits to employees.
Orlando Health needs to create a diversity office where ALL voices are heard and empowered.
Orlando Health needs to revise its patient and employee policies so that all people are ensured equal treatment at the hospital.

Then, email the hospital president at john.hillenmeyer@orlandohealth.com demanding a response.

Central Florida Residents - This is YOUR hospital that is treating people unequally. My friends who are LGBT or people of color who work there are not equal in the workplace.

Everyone Else - The more light that is shed on this issue the better - like Dr. King said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

Former Orlando Health employee and current donor

alanbounville@gmail.com

407-484-6671

Video 7 - Boston, MA

2009-11-27T17:16:00.001-08:00

Here is this week's video filmed in Boston, MA.

Wherever I go, so goes this message.

Sign the petition today.

Alan L. Bounville

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

Organizational Oppression - A One Man Show

2009-11-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

It is official. The play I am writing detailing this whole movement has been selected by the Orlando International Fringe Festival for their 2010 season.

Organizational Oppression - A One Man Show is a one-act play that details one person's journey as an emerging activist. Through the very personal true story, I will share how much of an impact oppression in the workplace had on my life and why I choose to stand up against it in such a public and artistic way. I hope you will join me in May, 2010 at the Orlando International Fringe Festival!

A portion of the proceeds will benefit future performances of this play in other cities where this kind of oppression exists. Another portion of the proceeds will benefit outreach efforts to continue encouraging Orlando Health to embrace the calls to action in the ignored proposal and petition. And yet another portion will benefit my bank account. I'm a poor grad student living off student loans. It's the sad state of education in this country, being financially penalized to further ourselves. I digress.

If Orlando Health or anyone tries to thwart this play's production - whether it be by subversive means or direct affronts I am fully prepared to engage in legal action.

To learn more about the Orlando International Fringe Festival visit:

www.orlandofringe.org

Alan L. Bounville

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

PS Orlando Health employees will receive a $2 discount to the show.

Giving Thanks

2009-11-24T21:13:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be appropriate to share during this season of thanks - some of my thanks.

I worked at Orlando Health for 2 1/2 years. I lived in Orlando for about 20 years. And I am gay. Much of my work in Orlando centered around fundraising and marketing. As the public face to different organizations I was often part of meetings or in groups with those who would identify as conservative. Often in these settings I would be nervous to speak my mind, interject with a criticism or let my hair down, so to speak and just be myself.

Since moving to New York and starting my graduate studies at New York University I have found a pressure I didn't even know was there dissipating. More and more I feel I am coming into my skin - caring less and less how I am perceived - and able to go about my daily life at work and school with less anxiety and more focus on what is important to me - getting the most of my very expensive, probably-will-never-be-able-to-pay-back education.

I am surrounded by supportive people - people who think the idea of not extending domestic partner benefits to Lesbian, Gay, Straight, Transgender, Bisexual unmarried employees in any setting is appalling. When I share with people the pressures I felt as a gay person working for Orlando Health they understand me. They know that any organization that does not stand on the side of all their employees is oppressing some of them for certain. The people I confront here don't understand why Orlando Health won't provide domestic partner benefits and further establish a diversity initiative where all employees have a voice. In 2009 they say such bigotry is ridiculous and is a clear sign something is wrong.

When I think of what a true commitment to diversity will bring to the whole Central Florida community - I don't understand either why it is so hard for Orlando Health to - just - change. All I can think now is - in doing so, Orlando Health would create an imbalance in benefits and opportunities hospitals provide in Central Florida causing employees from all hospitals to want to lobby for more voice in their organizations - which would probably lead to...

UNIONS!

Yikes! What if all the leaders in healthcare in Central Florida had an unwritten agreement to not stray to far away from the status quo as to not give the common folk the idea that they have more power than they think they have at present?

Hmm...

In contrast, as we see the tide towards equality shifting among the common folk we see coalition building starting to happen in the Central Florida community. I'd like to give you the contact information for a leader who is committed to working with all who support initiatives like the petition encouraging Orlando Health to be more culturally competent. His name is Paul Wilson. Paul is the president of the Central Florida AFL-CIO. He has been a great ally fighting for equality in the workplace. You can contact Paul confidentially to discuss how employees can have more voice in the workplace in all areas - not just those outlined in the petition.

Paul Wilson, President

ATU LOCAL 1596 &

CF AFL-CIO

407-463-4428 cell

Pwilson122@cfl.rr.com

Well, I said I was going to share some of what I am thankful for. Here goes:

I am thankful we are near the 200 mark in petition signers.

I am thankful I have a weight lifted from my shoulders as an out and proud gay man.

I am thankful that I am on the right side of history.

I am thankful for my loving family and friends who support equality.

And I am thankful that you are reading my words right now.

Have a wonderful weekend with those you love!

Alan L. Bounville

Former Orlando Health employee and current donor

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

Weekly Video - Video 6 and Facebook Opportunity

2009-11-21T10:08:00.001-08:00

Here is this week's video encouraging Orlando Health to be more culturally competent.

I want to say thank you to everyone who has been supporting this movement so far. I'm sure at Orlando Health there are plenty of closed door conversations trying to thwart these efforts. I know this because it happened while I worked there - and the public actions they have taken as of late to try and show how wonderful they are parallel that of staged propaganda.

Recently, Orlando Health established a Facebook Group. Please join the group and share how you feel about equal benefits in the workplace. There are over 1,400 members of the group and two very interesting things are happening:

1. The people who are posting comments are all saying essentially the same thing - 'I've worked at Orlando Health for x numbers of years and I love it.' But, only I seem to be addressing what the organization could do better. Sounds a bit fishy.

2. I have sent friend requests to many of the members of the group and many have accepted my request. My profile picture is very clear that I am on a mission - so it's not as though I'm trying to trick people into becoming my Facebook friend.

Though is seems somewhat manipulative, I would like to thank Orlando Health for providing such a public venue for feedback. Now, if people would use it to do more than reinforce the status quo the group could really be something useful. I'm not saying wonderful things don't happen at Orlando Health. They do. It's just, well...we shall see if you join me and seize this opportunity to provide critical feedback to a company responsible for saving and improving lives - so they can do just that even better.

Your voice matters.

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

Former Orlando Health employee and current donor

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

What Was Faxed to Doctors?

2009-11-19T08:44:00.000-08:00

I've received the question - what was faxed to Orlando Health affiliated doctor offices?

Below is the copy of the single page fax that I sent to doctor's offices over the past couple days. Why this would inspire such hateful emails to me and stern voice messages only shows what is really under the surface in Central Florida in regard to inclusivity.

"Dear Orlando Health Affiliated Physician Group,

Since I’ve been blocked by Orlando Health to email you – I am sending you this second fax in what will be a series you will receive. In the last fax I shared with you why it is important for healthcare providers who are affiliated with Orlando Health to stand up and support the petition at www.tinyurl.com/ohdiversity encouraging Orlando Health to fall in line with true healthcare leaders like:

Yale-New Haven Hospital, Children’s Hospital Boston, Duke University Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Group Health Central Hospital, Bedford Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic and many more to among other things provide domestic partner benefits for their employees. It is just wrong that Orlando Health does not treat all employees the same. How can Orlando Health be on the forefront of healthcare without adhering to the principles outlined in the petition? The truth – they are not on the forefront of healthcare because of bias such as this.

Here are some recent petition signatures:

Orlando Health Affiliated Physician, Dr. Mark P. Trolice (signed after I faxed over 1,700 Orlando Health doctor offices like yours)

“Increasing education and cultural awareness of diverse patient populations is critical to the health of our society and mandatory for any health care provider/organization. Our goal must be to facilitate the comfort of our patients as we provide the highest quality of care.”

Orlando Health Employee, Michael Cherry

“I am a team member of Orlando Health and while I am often proud of the work done here I am ashamed of the message this kind of bias sends out. This institutionalized bigotry flies in the face of the values that our caring work normally reflects. Institutionalized bigotry contributes to violence and strife in the workplace and the community. It is in direct opposition to the Orlando Health mission of promoting health in the community.”

Community Member and Healthcare Provider, Cynthia Grow

“Community providers, myself included, need to be vigilant by doing all we can to encourage companies and individual public servants to support EQUAL rights for ALL no matter what! Doing NOTHING or remaining SILENT regarding crucial company policies that would alleviate suffering or protect individual's and couples' rights means that your company CONDONES discrimination. SHAME on you, ORLANDO HEALTH. Step up and DO what's RIGHT!!”

The petition to support this effort can be found at: www.tinyurl.com/ohdiveristy

All videos, a copy of the original proposal Orlando Health ignored and history on this movement can be found at: www.ohdi.blogspot.com

There are 190 signatures on this petition to date.

Your voice matters! Sign the petition today.

Sincerely,

Alan L. Bounville

Former Orlando Health Employee and Current Donor

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

“We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr."

Hateful Speech from Princeton Pediatrics - Faxes to Doctors who Work with Orlando Health

2009-11-18T10:09:00.000-08:00

Since Orlando Health has blocked me from emailing any Orlando Health employees or doctors (they removed all doctor's emails from their website because I was pulling their email addresses offline and emailing them) I downloaded a list FROM Orlando Health's website that had all their affiliated doctor's contact information listed and decided to start faxing them all - all 1,700 + of them.

I have sent two faxes - one in October and one last night. I thought I'd share with you an email I just received from one of their partner physician groups.

"DO NOT SEND ANY FURTHER FAXES TO OUR BUSINESS 407 290 9941. I AM NOT INTERESTED AT ALL IN YOUR LIBERAL FACIST IDEAS OR YOUR EXTREME LEFT VIEWS. IF YOU DON'T LIKE ORLANDO HEALTH DON'T WORK FOR THEM.

THANK YOU

PRINCETON PEDIATRICS"

If one were to read the petition they would see that what is being promoted here is far from fascist or extreme left. If I were a patient of Princeton Pediatrics I'd worry about the healthcare they are providing to me or my family because of the above comment.

No longer does it amaze me at what comes out of the can when you open it. This is the kind of hate that is under the surface in Central Florida. This is the kind of hate that we know goes on behind closed doors all the time. But it has been through projects such as this one where you really get to see what people are thinking. Though it is hard to read words such as the representative from Princeton Pediatrics' - especially since these words represent a healthcare facility that serves the community - and especially since they are affiliated with Orlando Health - though it is hard to read these words - it is necessary to reveal them so we never forget what we're up against - and keep fighting.

Please contact Princeton Pediatrics to let them know they are causing harm to patients by holding such extreme views:

Princeton Pediatrics

6388 Silver Star Road, # 2B

Orlando, FL 32818

Phone - (407) 290-3344

Fax - 407-290-9941

email address that sent me the hateful email - prinpeds@cfl.rr.com

SIGN THE PETITION TODAY - to let Orlando Health know you don't support them having this kind of business partnership with doctors in the community.

Why All Voices on this Petition Matter

2009-11-17T20:50:00.000-08:00

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from Birmingham Jail.

SIGN THE PETITION TODAY

The Growth of the Walking Collection of Voices

2009-11-13T22:22:00.000-08:00

Orlando Health Diversity Initiative - Video 5

LINK TO VIDEO

(I will be uploading the video to the blog later, but until then you can access it on my YouTube channel.)

As an act of civil disobedience, you may know that I do not remove people from my email list who don't want to know about this Walking Collection of Voices encouraging Orlando Health to embrace the calls to action in the proposal and petition.

So you can see what we're up against, here are a few such messages I have received since starting this blog and video project.

August 20, 2009 - From me to John Bozard, president of Orlando Health Foundation and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children (one of Orlando Health's hospitals):

"John,

I wanted to follow up with you to see where you are at in meeting Michael Freeman to discuss Cultural Awareness opportunities for Orlando Health. As you and I discussed, there are many, many facets to this topic and how Orlando Health can benefit from taking solid steps towards broadening its cultural awareness. Michael as an expert in this area with a well respected track record for working with organizations like Orlando Health will, as we discussed, help break down this process into manageable action items so that the organization can work over time towards being more culturally competent.

I know you are very busy, but I am confident your meeting with Michael will prove valuable for the organization both in the near term and for long term growth.

Thanks,

Alan"

August 20, 2009 - John Bozard's reply to my above email:

"Alan, good to hear from you. I hope you are doing well and that things are going well for you. When you have time, be sure to give me an update on what you are doing, with contact information, etc. As you can imagine, we have been very busy getting ready for the Sept 5th birthday party to honor Mr. Palmer and to celebrate the 20yr anniversary of APH. I have been traveling a little more than normal these past days trying to visit some potential donors. I had planned to follow up on things but just have not had a chance.

I did get a call from Michael Freeman a few weeks ago, trying to get a meeting on my calender. As it turns out, Michael Freeman and I have known each other for a long time. Many years ago, Michael and his wife were good friends with my sister and brother in law. I have not yet had a chance to return his call or to get something set up.

After you and I had the meeting with Nancy Dinon, Nancy ask that I let her office be the ones to follow up on anything to do with Cultural Awareness as she was adding some new staff members, and she felt that it was important that this issue be handled appropriately by her team. In that regard, I am going to forward Michael's contact information to Nancy and ask her to please have someone on her team to follow up. I will do that next week.

Again, it was good to hear from you and please stay in touch with us at the Foundation. I appreciate the great work that you did for us while you were part of the team.

John Bozard"

October 13, 2009 - Email from Jan Stratton, Universal Orlando's vice president of Diversity & Community Relations:

"Please take me off of your e-mail distribution list."

Ms. Stratton's desire to be removed points to a big problem among leaders at businesses that do embrace diversity in a truly culturally competent way. Ms. Stratton should be pressuring Orlando Health to change. Universal Orlando donates to Orlando Health - they have power to tell Orlando Health to get with the times - but instead their diversity leader asks to be removed from my list. Ironic as well since this week the following Universal Orlando team member signed the petition with the following comment:

John Goodwin, Florida

"I work for NBC Universal Orlando. We have one of the best diversity programs I have seen. Diversity is not just a "gay" issue. This is about working in a diverse society and recognizing the needs and issues of many groups. You can't leave your house and not notice how diverse central Florida is. You are welcome to come and learn from our program."

October 13, 2009 - Email from West Orange Chamber of Commerce Board Member (I send to chamber board members because they should be part of the solution - not part of the problem like this board member.):

"Let the market decide. Please do not send me any more of your campaign and other e-mails.

A. Kurt Ardaman
Fishback, Dominick, Bennett, Stepter,
Ardaman, Ahlers & Langley LLP
1947 Lee Road
Winter Park, Florida 32789
ardaman@fishbacklaw.com
Phone: (407) 425-2786
Fax: (407) 425-2863"

September 11, 2009 - Another West Orange Chamber of Commerce Board Member - Little does Mr. Densmore know that my own father threatened to sue me over emailing him similar type messages last year. If I'm not afraid of my own dad, Mr. Densmore, what makes you think I fear you?:

"Mr. Bounville:

Once again I advise you to *_IMMEDIATELY REMOVE ME_* from your email list. I am prepared to take legal action if I receive another email from you.

Mr. James K. Densmore"

September 11, 2009 - From the president of the African American Chamber of Commerce, Robert Spooney:

"Please remove me from your distribution list."

September 4, 2009 - From Betsey Bell - Orlando Health employee and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board Member - She is referring to one of my many emails I've sent out on this subject to the chamber:

"Please disregard this message. I am going to look into it- Alan is not a team member and this is the first I'm hearing of anything like this.

Thank you for your understanding. I will follow up once I find out more details.

Thank you!

Betsey Bell
Orlando Health
321. 230. 9710 cell"

There are a handful more of these emails. I share these above so you see that no matter who you are in the Central Florida business elite, it seems you don't want to be part of the solution. So, as I've been saying all along - the self appointed 'leadership' is doing a poor job at leading. It really is a sad situation. But, this is par for the course for social movements. It is always the people who are under the thumb of oppression who have the most powerful voices. And the more they rise up and share their stories and their experiences the closer a movement comes to tangible change.

Will you commit to add more voices to this movement?

SIGN THE PETITION TODAY!

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

Former Orlando Health employee and current donor

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

Taking a Week Off?

2009-11-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

Hardly!

I wanted to let you know that the only reason I have not posted the weekly video showing this week's additional signatures is because I have taken on a protest project this week, here in my new home of New York City. Trust me - the momentum has most definitely moved forward this week and it's killing me not to be able to share it all with you until next week.

However know this:

Some very - VERY powerful comments have come through the petition this week (hint: you could just go to the petition link above if you want to read them right now).
There is a coalition forming between this movement and other health care institutions who are going through similar inequality struggles.
An exciting organizational endorsement to the petition is on its way.

Though it is very exciting to see the momentum continue to build - it is also disheartening that Orlando Health leaders are still inactive. Let me rephrase that because I'm not under their thumb anymore and I can say it like it is - it's disgusting!

But - this is what bigots do. In every social movement where an oppressed group is seeking equality, those who hold the power can wield it at their discretion - that is until enough pressure is put on the oppressing group to force a change. Each movement's tipping point is different, but what is clear is that it takes all kinds of activities to gain equality.

It takes petitions, meetings of those who support equality, acts of civil disobedience, one-on-one talks with anyone and everyone involved on both sides of the issue, money (in this case my personal money) and most importantly - a desire to achieve the end result.

In all these areas, with this movement we are witnessing change before our eyes. In my silly costume I ask every week in the video project, How Many Voices Does it Take for Change to Take Place? Today I also ask - how much do those who want to see this change take place care to see the end result come to fruition and what else are you going to do to make it a reality?

Never forget: Florida is one of if not the most oppressive states in the United States. I can tell you from personal knowledge as a patient of health care institutions here in New York and in Florida that there is a marked difference in how health care is delivered in regard to cultural competence. In New York there are more inclusive questions on in-take forms, I am questioned less about my health care concerns that may indicate something about my culture (like I was at Orlando Health - not as an employee, but as a patient), there are more protections for non-white or non-Christian people like domestic partner benefits and diversity offices do an excellent job here of using the diversity of employees and patients as a tool to make the delivery of health care better.

It is always the case that oppressed people truly don't feel the oppression they are under until they are out from its stronghold. Then, and only then can they reflect back at how bad it really was and appreciate everything they did to get to the other side.

Keep getting people to stand up and fight Orlando Health's bigotry!

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

Gay Apartheid Protest this Sunday in New York City - Plan One in Your City Too

2009-11-04T10:32:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 4, 2009

Media Contact:

Alan L. Bounville
Activist and Graduate Student
New York University
407-484-6671
alanbounville@gmail.com

www.tinyurl.com/gayapartheidprotest

REACTION TO GAY APARTHEID IN MAINE

New York City Residents Protest this Sunday, November 8, 2009 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Join supporters of equality outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral this Sunday to show those who oppose equality the faces of their discrimination. Stepping beyond the comfort zones of rallies and marches we take our message directly to the people and one of the organizations that have brought about gay apartheid in the United States.

Protesters should come with signs and their voices. This is a peaceful demonstration, but the anger against the members of the Catholic Church in New York City, who helped by their affiliation to the Catholic Church in Maine pass the hateful Question 1 in Maine yesterday need to know that no longer can we live as a nation that is separate and not equal.

Protest participants are also encouraged to call their U.S. elected officials at 202-224-3121 and tell them that supporting gay apartheid on all fronts is wrong. It is against the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Protest Details can be found below and at:
www.tinyurl.com/gayapartheidprotest

Gay Apartheid Protest Details:

Sunday, November 8, 2009
Outside St. Patrick's Cathedral
9 AM - 1 PM
460 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10022-6863
___________________________________________________

Alan L. Bounville is an organizational oppression and LGBTQI activist and graduate student at New York University in New York City. His current project, encouraging the fifth largest employer in his former city, Orlando, FL to provide domestic partner benefits, create a multicultural office and open the dialogue about diversity can be found at: www.ohdi.blogspot.com.

For My Grandmother...

2009-10-30T01:30:00.000-07:00

I dedicate this video to my grandmother, Norma Glass, a white woman who was never afraid to sit on the back of the bus. Grandma - rest in peace.

Sign the petition today - www.tinyurl.com/ohdiversity - and please, tell everyone to do the same.

Thank you.

Alan L. Bounville

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

PS Next week I will be sharing some disturbing emails I have received since this process began - and some from people you would not guess would be against receiving this information.

Thank you to University of Central Florida's SAFE Group

2009-10-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

I would like to say thank you to the University of Central Florida's SAFE (Students Advocating for Equality) group for promoting this blog and the petition encouraging Orlando Health to be more culturally competent. Here is what they sent out to their members this week as part of their LGBTQ pride week agenda:

"All week:

Healthcare for GLBTQ people here in Orlando
Alan Bounville, an incredible activist here in our Orlando community, uses his voice each and every day to “break apart the ‘good ole boy’ network” at Orlando Health. Check out his blog and, if interested, sign the petition to support inclusion of LGBTQ diversity at Orlando Health.

Blog
www.ohdi.blogspot.com
Petition
www.tinyurl.com/ohdiversity"

Again - Asia Equality Russell and team - thanks!

Why I Call Orlando Health Leaders Bigots - and New Information about MD Anderson Cancer Center

2009-10-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

As you will see in this week's video, a lot has been discovered in the past seven days. After watching the video check out the below links to learn more.

Here is a link that shows the new Office of Institutional Diversity at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas - an affiliate to MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando.

Why is it MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas has this office and MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando does not?

Here is a link for you to research people you know who signed petitions in Florida, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Oregon and soon Washington that oppress people in those states.

Here is a link to learn more about Ryan Skipper (referenced in the video).

For press inquires about the movement encouraging Orlando Health to be more culturally competent please contact:

Alan L. Bounville

Former Orlando Health employee and current donor

407-484-6671

alanbounville@gmail.com

Orlando Health Bigoted Leaders and National Equality March

2009-10-12T20:56:00.000-07:00

Here is your weekly video documenting the movement to encourage Orlando Health to be more culturally competent.

Orlando Health - doing the minimum required under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, OPHS Office of Minority Health's National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care is not enough. Because this is what you teach your health care deliverers – I will continue to bring the voices of change.

You can compare Orlando Health's training material to the national standards here:

Orlando Health’s Cultural Competence in Healthcare Self-Learning Packet 2008:

http://www.orlandohealth.com/pdf%20folder/SLP/CultComp_2008_final.pdf

Link to National Standards:

http://www.omhrc.gov/assets/pdf/checked/executive.pdf

Notice how in Orlando Health's training packet they are focused on the 'liabilities' of not providing the bare minimum (the four culturally competent care federal requirements) instead of just coming out and saying it - The more they don't provide culturally competent care - THE MORE PATIENTS THEY KILL – AND IT’S OK TO KILL PATIENTS FOR WHOM ORLANDO HEALTH DOES NOT GET FEDERAL FUNDING. Also notice the truncated definition of cultural competence at the beginning of the packet. I'm not sure about you, but when I quote something - I QUOTE IT - I don't alter a quote!

And finally - notice how the term "sexual orientation" is never once mentioned in their packet, but the words "race" and "ethnicity" are mentioned many times. It appears to Orlando Health LGBT people are part of a non-existent culture in Central Florida. Hmm - that's interesting - SINCE WE ARE AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN EVERYWHERE AND ARE BECOMING MORE VISIBLE THAN EVER AND MORE WILLING EVERYDAY TO SHARE OUR STORIES AND MAKE YOU LISTEN TO US!

Billy Manes Article on This Movement

2009-10-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

From Orlando Weekly's Billy Manes:

Full article can be found at: http://www.orlandoweekly.com/columns/story.asp?id=13447

SIGN THE PETITION TODAY!

"Orlando Health – the parent company to the Orlando Regional Medical Center, Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and the Winnie and Arnold Palmer health complexes, among others – has come under fire in recent months for not keeping up with times, or other local employers, by tiptoeing through the dicey terrain of diversity training. According to Alan Bounville, a “former Orlando Health team member and donor in good standing with the organization,” as the area’s fifth largest employer, Orlando Health should step up to the level of Disney and Universal in incorporating multicultural training into their employment rubric.

Following failed attempts to convince the corporate suits otherwise, Bounville has launched a petition campaign to pressure Orlando Health into being more PC. According to his e-mails, the organization currently ignores ethnicity training, forbids employees from forming discussion groups on diversity,does not protect gender identity for employees or patients, lacks domestic partner benefits, and, while it does boast a nondiscrimination policy for staff, it lacks the same in its patients’ bill of rights. Bounville’s quest has drawn endorsements from Equality Florida, OneOrlando.org and the Metropolitan Business Association; as of last week, the petition had garnered more than 100 signatures (although some on Bounville’s e-mail list are threatening legal action if they aren’t removed, something Bounville wouldlove). And nothing is happening.

On to Plan B, then. Bounville and company are threatening to crash a Sept. 26 block party celebrating the 20th anniversary of Arnold Palmer Medical Center and the 11th annual “Miracle Mile” runs preceding the party with picket signs, petitions and promotions.

The folks at Orlando Health have until Sept. 19 to come up with a “viable” plan and present it to both Bounville and the public. Then, and only then, will they be able to avoid the rhetorical posterboard and public humiliation that will make them feel less than human. Like their employees."

First Weekly Video 'Showing' the Growing Support

2009-10-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

Here is the first video that recaps this movement to date and leads into my weekly commitment to 'show' the growing support for this movement.

Orlando Health - How many voices need to be heard for change to take place?

WE'RE ABOUT TO FIND OUT.

VIEW VIDEO HERE:

You can also watch a bigger version of the video at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw4ru8CN5PM

SIGN THE PETITION

SIGN THIS PETITION TO STOP ORGANIZATIONAL OPPRESSION AT ORLANDO HEALTH

2009-10-06T14:52:00.000-07:00

Since Orlando Health ignored the call to action in the proposal presented to them as early as February, 2009, a petition was created to shame them into change.

Orlando Health wants voices to do what is right - we'll bring them voices.

Sign the petition TODAY.

The Beginning - The Ignored Proposal

2009-10-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

The proposal that was presented to Orlando Health leadership as early as February, 2009 is posted below. There is a page missing - the endorsement page. The endorsement page was removed because the petition is now the main hub of support for this effort.

This proposal promotes a team member led diversity council. The goal of the diversity council is to provide voice to team members to discuss and make organizational recommendations in regard to diversity/multiculturalism. As the petition states, Orlando Health needs to do more than what is outlined in this proposal, but this was the starting document for this movement.

Orlando Health Diversity Council Proposal

Clarity of Values in a Changing Environment

February 5, 2009

Dear Orlando Health Leadership,

We are presenting the following proposal for the approval to officially start a team member led Diversity Council at Orlando Health. This would be the first of its kind for our organization and would open the doors to a more inclusive, proactive approach to our mission. Orlando Health is a world class organization that has the opportunity to become a leader in this area, strengthening its patient, physician and team member relations and becoming more of a destination of choice for all who are part of our business model.

The formation of this Diversity Council has strong support within the community, internal leadership and among team members. Many individuals and organizations are excited and hopeful Orlando Health will embrace this group and open greater doors of opportunity in all areas.

We understand there may be a short window of time needed to review and approve the formation of the Diversity Council at Orlando Health and that official sign off will come through internal Human Resources policy. Representatives of the Diversity Council planning group would like to be part of that policy creation to ensure the mission and vision of the Diversity Council – which supports that of Orlando Health – is met.

Thank you for reviewing this proposal and submitting it to the proper channels for review and approval. We respectfully request formal action items to keep the process moving forward.

Sincerely,

Orlando Health Diversity Council planning group

Mission Statement

The mission statement of Orlando Health is “to improve the health and quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve.” Minority groups will comprise roughly 50% of the US population by 2050 and a commitment to diversity must be reflected in all aspects of our organization to meet the needs of our changing community. (http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/popul

ation/012496.html)

Orlando Health Diversity Council’s mission – To foster an inclusive workplace where diversity is transparent, and where consideration of the diversity of team members and patients improves quality of care, patient satisfaction and corporate reputation.

Specific goals of the Diversity Council include improving patient and team member policies (through review, research and recommendations to Human Resources), supporting Orlando Health through diversity-related philanthropic projects and improving communication regarding diversity in our community.

Diversity Council Areas of Focus

Healthcare outcomes

Patient satisfaction

Team member recruiting and retention

The Diversity Council will work as a resource and center point for Orlando Health groups who are already working on these issues (Language Services, Human Resources, Creative Services, Information Services, Nursing Informatics, Recruiting, etc.)

The council will look at all existing areas to fulfill its mission. The council will also help coordinate future diverse groups that may emerge. By working together with the council the diversity-related efforts of Orlando Health will be more coordinated, integrated and efficient.

Corporate reputation

In an increasingly consumer-driven marketplace, a corporate reputation for respecting diversity directly affects which healthcare provider patients choose as well as influencing marketing, philanthropy, community relations and recruitment initiatives.

Team member satisfaction and union avoidance

A team member led council illustrates that all team members are respected and have clear ways to communicate their concerns and ideas in the workplace. Respect and communication are vital elements of team member satisfaction.

Successful Corporate Diversity Programs

Orlando Health has a tradition of leadership in healthcare in Central Florida and the formation of the Diversity Council matches that tradition. However, there are established diversity programs within well-respected companies, including our partners through vendor relations and philanthropy: Anheuser-Busch, AT&T, Clear Channel Communications, Corporate Express, Darden Restaurants, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Oracle, Owens & Minor, SODEXHO, SunTrust, Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World name just a few such companies. Establishing a team member driven diversity program clearly states to our partners and the community that diversity is a fully-integrated value at Orlando Health.

DiversityInc magazine’s Top 50 List (http://www.diversityinc.com/public/3272.cfm) is derived exclusively from corporate survey submissions. To make the list, a company must score above average in CEO Commitment, Human Capital, Corporate and Organizational Communications and Supplier Diversity. What sets the companies below named in the most recent list apart from other companies is that their clarity on diversity values and adherence to those core beliefs globally is integral to their business success.

1. Verizon Communications

2. The Coca-Cola Co.

3. Bank of America

4. PricewaterhouseCoopers

5. Procter & Gamble

6. Cox Communications

7. Merrill Lynch & Co.

8. Johnson & Johnson

9. IBM

10. American Express

11. Marriott International

12. Sodexo

13. JPMorgan Chase

14. Wachovia

15. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida

16. Deloitte LLP

17. Ernst & Young

18. HSBC Bank USA, NA

19. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

20. Cummins

21. Merck & Co.

22. AT&T

23. Turner Broadcasting System

24. Prudential

25. Monsanto Co.

26. Wells Fargo & Co.

27. Ford Motor Co.

28. PepsiCo

29. Pepsi Bottling Group

30. Xerox Corp.

31. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

32. General Mills

33. KeyBank

34. Health Care Service Corp.

35. Sprint

36. The Walt Disney Co.

37. Abbott

38. Accenture

39. Macy's

40. Henry Ford Health System

41. Bright Horizons Family Solutions

42. WellPoint

43. Kaiser Permanente

44. General Motors

45. Citigroup

46. Capital One Financial Corp.

47. CSX

48. Toyota Motor North America

49. KPMG

50. Hilton Hotels Corp.

Leading by Example

“Merrill Lynch is a global company that spans a broad array of clients, asset classes and business lines. Roughly half of Global Markets & Investment Banking revenues are non U.S.-based; we’re expecting that to be closer to 75 percent within 5 to 10 years. As a firm, we are in the intellectual capital business, and people are what differentiate us from the competition and give us the edge. To continue to win in this business, we need the creative eclectic approaches that different people bring - those innovative ideas that will help us shape the future of our industry and our role in it. Diversity is critically important from a business standpoint. The smartest solutions come from highly motivated groups of talented diverse employees. We work extremely hard to recognize and enable all of our employees to succeed. Every culture is different; we wouldn’t bring a U.S. model to Turkey. But the underlying philosophy is the same: A diverse, eclectic workforce is critical to retaining a high level of intellectual capital.”

Greg Fleming

President & COO

Merrill Lynch

Above quote from Transcending Boundaries in 2008 - Diversity & Inclusion at Merrill Lynch

Orlando Health Diversity Council Structure

The Orlando Health Diversity Council will hold monthly meetings lasting an hour. The meeting time will best accommodate both clinical and corporate team member schedules and will be held at a central location. To become fully inclusive, focus in early meetings will be placed on using technology to allow those who are interested but unable to attend – due to travel time and distance – the opportunity to be part of the meetings. Other ideas to make sure the Diversity Council is as available as possible to team members will be considered.

A formal board structure will be in place for the Diversity Council. Each calendar year a new board of directors will be voted into existence. The board structure will help ensure proper ethics are maintained and maximize the time in and out of meetings to further the mission of the council and Orlando Health. The board structure will also allow new leaders to be introduced to the council growing the body of ideas and impact of the group.