Banned Candidate Not Your Average Grandma
Category: News and Politics

Banned Candidate Not Your Average Grandma TransNation 11.02.06 By Jacob Anderson-Minshall They may not have a restraining order, but Florida's Hillsborough County public access channel has barred county commissioner candidate Jean Batronie from stepping foot on their property—even to attend a political debate with rivals for the seat. The colorful Batronie certainly isn't your average grandmother, but that hasn't squelched concerns that Tampa Bay Community Network (TBCN) may have overstepped its legal authority in banning Batronie from the debate. The 60-year-old Batronie is an outspoken transwoman who remains married to a woman; she's involved in the BDSM community and produced the BDSM program Voyeur's Dungeon that ran on TBCN's public access Channel 20 for four seasons. Batronie insists that she's always been upfront with TBCN management regarding her show. "I told the program director… that I was a transgender person…[and] the show… is called Voyeur Dungeon, and I explained what it was. I also explained that I had a website called VoyeurDungeonLive.com that I own, and I said, 'Would that be a conflict?' and she said, 'Oh no, absolutely not…it's not the same.' So we started doing the show." During Voyeur Dungeon's run, Batronie argues, "[We] never used any type of off-color language, no nudity, nothing. It was basically show and tell, explaining how to do things, and having guests on. Once a month, we did a live demonstration." Batronie says the trouble started early 2004 when she was "forced" to allow college students to run the show—over her objections—and "they put the credits on twice at the end of the program. You're only allowed to put it on once." Three days later, Batronie was notified that she'd been suspended from the channel for a year. In response, she quickly drafted and delivered an appeal. "At that point," Batronie says, "the program director said, 'Well, we don't want anybody like you in this station,' and [she] used the terminology transsexual." Undeterred, Batronie appealed her case to the station's governing body, after which, Batronie says, "A year suspension went to two years suspension. So then I went to the cable advisory board… [and] by the time I was done I accused of commercializing my program. The director came up and said, 'Well, she now has four years suspension and if I had my way, I'd make it five years because of all the trouble and money she's cost us.'" Although Batronie previously ran for county commissioner in 2004, she says she filed this year in response to the public access brouhaha. During the campaign season, Batronie says she was invited to appear on several public access programs, including Tampa's Voices of Pride, as a political candidate. TBCN nixed each of these invitations, claiming that the suspension barred Batronie from the station's premises. Since 2001, the public access program has struggled under scrutiny by Hillsborough County Commissioners who cut the station's funding in response to programming they found offensive and repeatedly threatened to do so again. Since then TBCN has removed programming that the County Commission might find offensive. Saying, "I'd be foolish to run Republican or Democrat right now because both of them have let down their constituents," Batronie is running unaffiliated with a party. "[Both parties] have lied to their constituents. You can't distinguish them anymore." Batronie hopes to replace former incumbent Rhonda Storms—who resigned this year to run for state senate. In 2005, while a county commissioner, Storms introduced a resolution to prevent county agencies from recognizing, promoting, or participating in Gay Pride events. The resolution passed 5-1, and sparked the 2006 documentary Unbanned! (www.unbanned.org). When Batronie ran against Storms in 2004 she received thirty thousand votes with a budget of only $4,750. Batronie (www.jeanbatronie.com) says her platform is pro human rights and public transportation, and "putting trust back into our government." "I mean, it's called public servant. We're supposed to serve the public." Before running for office Batronie worked for three decades as a counselor and hypnotherapist and says her life is devoted to being of service to others. "I enjoy helping people. That's the greatest feeling in the world." Batronie's political detractors, including Storms have publicly expressed distaste with Batronie's marital status—despite the state's conservative legal system, under Florida law, Batronie remains legally married to the woman she wed decades prior to her transition. "We've been married for 38 years. We were married in a Catholic church. In the eyes of the church we are married. That is my wife." Batronie calls her wife Arlene, her soul mate and says, "Arleen is the first and only woman I've had in my life." The couple has four children—who still call Batronie 'dad'—and 11 grand children. "My grandchildren call me 'grandma.' They call my wife 'grandma'—Grandma 1 and Grandma 2." Batronie says she was drawn to the BDSM culture because she found it to be tolerant of difference. Still, she admits, "When I did make the change, I shocked the BDSM community completely. They were totally blown away when they found out." A hypnotherapist and counselor, Batronie formed a support group for BDSM individuals in 1991. "I would hear horror stories about people being hurt and abused and this …and [I had to] do something to help people in desperation not to let themselves fall prey to these types of injustice and harm." Batronie says, "any time you have a diverse community you are going to have…predators. But I would say roughly about 90-95% of the BDSM community are family people, they're very upstanding people in the community, and the relationships that they do have with their significant partner is [monogamous]." Trans writer Jacob Anderson-Minshall can be reached at jake@trans-nation.com. He co-authors the Blind Eye mystery series premiering in March 2007 with Blind Curves. © 2006 Jacob Anderson-Minshall, All Rights Reserved

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Equality vs. Loyalty

Equality vs. Loyalty

What happens when leaders within the GLBT family turn their backs on GLBT candidates in an election? We all lose.

When Republican candidates won the 2000 election, fear of losing Equality had taken hold within the GLBT family. Bigotry, and ignorance directed towards the GLBT family was very apparent from the President of the United States to local government.

In the 2002, and 2004 elections, the GLBT family worked diligently to get candidates that were from the GLBT family into office. But once again the far right Republican Party held their ground and won.

When those leaders from the GLBT family realized that this did not work to their advantage, they believed that the only solution to fight for Equality is to support candidates from the Democratic Party in the 2006 election. In the process they have turned their backs on candidates from the GLBT family who are running for office. This leaves us many questions to ask our selves.

1.     Is it a good idea for the GLBT family to fully support all the candidates from a political party in order to defeat another political party in the name of Equality?

2.     What happens if candidates from that political party the GLBT family is supporting loses the election?

This is a very dangerous game of Russian roulette that leaders from the GLBT family are playing, and no pun intended can actually severely backfire. It is better to not put all our eggs in one basket, and spread our selves too thin.

Once again we have candidates from our own GLBT family running for office in the 2006 elections. Leaders within the GLBT family should not risk our rights by fully supporting a political party. Instead those leaders should be loyal to the GLBT family in supporting GLBT candidates that will take a stand for Equality.

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Sound Off!

Sound Off!

and  Mark Ferguson.

Starting back up in March 2007!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/V4J/

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My name is Jean Batronie I’m running for County Commissioner district

My name is Jean Batronie I'm running for County Commissioner district (4)

I don't have to tell you what is happening in the county, you know first hand. Time is running out for both of us and we need each other's help. You need someone on the County Commission who will treat you fairly and not be controlled by the Bible Thumping Lunatics. I'm not promising special treatment, I'm promising Fair and Equal treatment for everyone. I am
only one person but it only takes one in the right place to start the ball rolling. I am that person! I need two things from you to be that Person.
First, I need you to tell people to vote for the person and not the party. The parties don't  care about you the voter, (they haven't for a long time.)
Second, I need money, my funds have been depleted. I didn't have much when I started, and what little I did have ran out. In 2004, I ran against Ronda Storms with $4750.00, and received 30,000 votes. I need about $5,000.00 from now until November 7th. What ever you can send will help greatly.

Thank You
Jean Batronie
905 Eastwood Dr.
Brandon Fl. 33511
(813)684-3517

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Watermark Online reports:

Watermark Online reports:

http://www.watermarkonline.com/content.php?cid=1767

by published in issue #1318
Tampa
TRANSGENDER CANDIDATE BARRED FROM TV DEBATE

Unfortunately, Jean Batronie is used to discrimination. The transgender candidate for the Hillsborough County Commission District 4 seat was barred from a televised debate on a local cable access channel for reasons she believe are unfounded.

     Batronie said she was originally invited to participate in the Aug. 9 debate on the show Voice of Pride on the cable access channel Speak Up Tampa Bay. However, organizers then told her the county had banned her from the premises.

     "I was told that (station manager) Louise Thompson did not want me to come to her private TV station for the debate," Batronie said. "I used to host a show on Channel 20, but they removed me after saying I violated their rules. That's just not true."

     Batronie and her partner, Arleen, produced two shows for the station. Station management cancelled Batronie's show because a guest criticized the county government and made some off-color remarks. Batronie said the comments had nothing to do with her personally and weren't even supposed to be aired.

     When management found out Batronie was a guest caller on Arleen's show, they cancelled that show as well.

     "It's just ridiculous," Batronie said. "And the point isn't that I can't have a show. The point is that there was an open debate for candidates to discuss the issues and I couldn't participate because of something so small. It just doesn't make sense."

     Batronie plans to file suit against the station for violating her First Amendment rights. She also has an active suit against the county-supported cable access station for ending her show. Thompson didn't have much to say about the ban.

     "Anyone and everyone are welcome to come down to the station and view the records with regard to the way that these producers' suspensions were handled," Thompson said. "(Then they can) decide for themselves what they think about it."

     Batronie said her ban from the debate and the station is just another reflection on the county's policy toward the GLBT community.

     "We've been singled out again because the county doesn't like the content of our shows and don't like us as people," Batronie said, referring to the GLBT community. "It's just typical Hillsborough County politics. The commission has made it very clear that gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender individuals are not welcome in this area. I want to change that. The public wants to see that changed."

     In 2004, Batronie faced District 4 Commissioner Ronda Storms, who gained notoriety last summer for her motion to ban GLBT pride events in Hillsborough County. In the spring, Storms led an unsuccessful attempt to limit the type of programming on the cable access show.

     Storms has long-targeted the public-access station. According to Mark Ferguson, president of Brandon Pride, Storms told the station in 2001 she was offended by some of its programs and that she would fight any support for the county to fund the station unless things changed. Since then, Speak Up Tampa Bay has removed programming that major contributors have found offensive.

     "The GLBT community and the overall community are tired of the games played by the county commission and our other county leaders," Batronie said.

     Batronie said she has a strong backing for this fall's campaign and plans to win the District 4 seat with no party affiliation.

     Storms is vacating the position to pursue a District 10 Senate seat. That means Batronie will not face an incumbent in the November general election. She will, however, face Republican Al Higgenbotham – who is unchallenged in the Sept. 5 primary – and the winner of the Democratic primary race between Lisa Rodriguez and James Rowell.

http://www.watermarkonline.com/content.php?cid=1767

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JEAN BATRONIE FOR DISTRICT 4 COUNTY COMMISSIONER

JEAN BATRONIE 

FOR DISTRICT 4 COUNTY COMMISSIONER

YOU DESERVE THE BEST POSSIBLE REPRESENTATION

THE CURRENT COMMISSION HAS IGNORED

                                 TRANSPORTATION MISMANAGEMENT 

                                 BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL COUNTY RESIDENTS

                                 RESPONSIBILITY FOR RAPID COUNTY GROWTH MANAGEMENT 

 RESPONSIBITLY FOR SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

   MISTRUST AND QUESTIONABLE OBLIGATIONS TO BIG BUSINESSES

HELP JEAN PUT THE UNITY BACK IN THE COMMUNITY AND THE SERVICE BACK IN PUBLIC SERVICE

Ive lived in Brandon for over 20 years. I have been married for 38 years with. I have 4 children and 11 grandchildren.I have operated my businesses for 32 years. In 2004 I was chosen Small Business Person of the year by The Presidents Advisory Committee for Small Businesses. I have been active in my church, school programs and various public programs and charitable organizations. I am a person who supports all facets of our community.

I NEED YOUR HELP NOW!!! PLEASE VOLUNTEER OR HELP FINANCIALLY. Your input is needed, respected and appreciated

PHONE: 813-684-3517

E-MAIL: jean4946@hotmail.com

WEBSITE: www.jeanbatronie.com

Pd. Pol. Adv. For by The Jean Batronie Campaign, Approved by Jean Batronie

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/V4J/

http://groups.myspace.com/voteforjeanin2006

Just on a side note when Jean ran against Republican 

Incumbent for County Commission District 4, 

Jean ran with no party affiliationand still received 

30,000 votes, and endorsed by:

Watermark Magazine 

http://watermarkonline.com/index.php,

The Gazette http://gazettetampabay.com/,

League of Pissed off Voters 

http://www.indyvoter.org/,

Equality Florida 

eqfl.org/issues/pdfs/Hillsborough_Voting_Guide.pdf

and GayPinellas.com

www.gaypinellas.com/ez/index.php?/gp/podcast

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Transgendered Candidate Banned From Public Debate

For Immediate Release

Date: August 8^th, 2006 Tuesday

Contact: Jean Batronie

Phone: 813-684-3517, 813-495-2171

Email: jeanbatronie@yahoo.com

Transgendered Candidate Banned From Public Debate

First ever Trandgendered candidate for Hillsborough County Commission District 4 Jean Batronie has been banned from participating in a live on air public debate on Bright house networks public access channel 20 that was set for August 9, 2006 on the COUNTY SUPPORTED cable access show called Voice of Pride.

According to Jean, I was contacted by a Guest Coordinator for the show, and was told that the Station Manager Louise Thompson did not want me to come to her private TV station for the debate. Jean has been banned from producing a show at the station for four years. Read attachments following this press release.

Jean and Arleen Batronie produced two shows that station operators temporarily canceled because of alleged rule violations. The Two former show producers at Hillsborough County's public access television station have sued its operators, saying their suspensions violated the First Amendment. According to Jean, The charges that led to our suspensions were bogus and that they singled us out because the station operators did not like the content of our shows. Cable subscribers back the station, and some of the more risque shows it runs by independent citizen producers have rankled Hillsborough commissioners - particularly Batronie's 2004 political opponent, Ronda Storms. Anyone and everyone is welcome to come down to the station and view the records with regard to the way that these producers' suspensions were handled, and decide for themselves what they think about it," said station manager Louise Thompson.

Back in 2001, Hillsborough County Commissioner Ronda Storms was offended by some of the public access programs, and told Louise Thompson that her mind was already made up not to support funding for public access, and that she would do all she could do to get others on the commission to vote against it. Since then Speak up Tampa Bay has removed any type of programming that the public access channel major contributors the Hillsborough County Commission would find offensive.

According to Jean I will file a suit against the station for breaking Chapter 97 of the Florida Code concerning appearances by political candidates, which is clearly stated in TBCN's Policies and Procedures Manual.  http://www.tbcn.org

Attachments:

The email

From: "Mark Nash" <mnash3781@hotmail.com>
To: jean4946@hotmail.com
CC: voiceofpride@yahoo.com, mrmartinsicard@yahoo.com,
veneguy04@yahoo.com, hailcaesar76@aol.com
Subject: RE: candidate forum
Date: Tue, 08 Aug 2006 13:52:43 -0400

Hi Jean,

Thank you for replying to my invitation to appear on Voice of Pride -
Hillsborough County's LGBT News & Views TV show, available on TBCN
(Public Access Cable for Hillsborough County).

Given your current status with Tampa Bay Community Network, I am being
told that you are not able to appear on our show, since the facility (TBCN)
will not allow you on the property.

Regards,

Mark W. Nash (Voice of Pride - Guest Coordinator)

From:  "jean batronie" <jean4946@hotmail.com>
To:  mnash3781@hotmail.com
Subject:  candidate forum
Date:  Fri, 04 Aug 2006 13:12:42 -0400
Dear Mr..Nash: per your written invitation to be on Voice of Pride
August 9 2006, I would be honored to be part of your candidate
forum. I look forward to enlighting the voters on my views about the
election.

Thank you
jean batronie

__________________________________

Resources:

http://www.weeklyplanet.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A818&comments=yes  

http://www.voiceoffreedom.com/archives/publicaccess/funding111202.html  

sptimes.com/2005/02/01/news_pf/Hillsborough/Two_public_access_TV_.shtml

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September 2006 Gazette Interview

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Vote for Jean in 2006!
Category: News and Politics

Vote for Jean in 2006!

Hi, my name is Jean Batronie, and I am running for County Commissioner of District 4, not as a politician, but as a PUBLIC SERVANT. My only responsibility is to the voters that elects me to represent them. My only allegiance is to my community to look out
for your best interest and to be your voice in government. This is what a true representative of the people must be. Our country was
founded on a set of principles and beliefs that are as sound today as they when they were first created by our forefathers. We have to
bring Honesty, Trust, Respect and Faith back to our local government. By keeping the community better informed on the issues
effecting the county. County officals must be held accountable to the community they represent. Our community does not need anymore setbacks from someone who puts
her interests ahead of everyone else.

On November 7, 2006 vote for JEAN BATRONIE for HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 4 (NPA) "Where I will take a Stand on Issues and Concerns that effect Our Community"

Pd.Pol.Adv.Paid for by The Jean Batronie Campaign Approved by Jean Batronie. If you live, or know of anyone who lives in Tampa, Florida please share this with them. Jean is also available to come, and speak at any event, business, talk show, etc.....Also if you, or you know of someone who would like to help Jean win the November election please contact Jean Batronie at jeanbatronie@yahoo.com or at 813-684-3617, or 813-495-2171. For more information please go to Jeans website:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/V4J/

http://groups.myspace.com/voteforjeanin2006

Jean's Endorsements:

Just on a side note when Jean ran against Republican Incumbent Ronda Storms in 2004 for County Commission District 4, Jean ran with no party affiliation and still received 30,000 votes, 30f the vote and endorsed by:
Watermark Magazine http://watermarkonline.com/index.php,
The Gazette http://gazettetampabay.com/,
League of Pissed off Voters http://www.indyvoter.org/,
Equality Florida http://eqfl.org/,
and GayPinellas.com
http://www.gaypinellas.com/ez/index.php?/gp/podcast

Jean's Bio 

* Lived in Brandon, Florida for over 20 years.
* Married for 38 years with 4 children, and 11 grand-children.
* An active member in her church.
* Has taught classes in religious studies, and self improvement.
* Former Vice President of North Brandon Little League.
* Instrumental in raising money for numerous schools, churches, and charities including St. Judes Hospital, Muscular Dystrophy, Ronald McDonald House, and for Sudden Infant Syndrome(SID).
* Self Employed for 32 years.
* Owned and operated her own business for 20 years.
* Was Producer for a local public access channel, and radio station.
* Chosen as Business Person Of The Year 2004 by the Presidents Advisory Committee for small businesses.

Background history about the T-shirt "A Governement against the people" by T-shirt designer Jean  

Introducing the A Government Against The People shirt that says it all. Most Americans feel that way today. Everyday our freedoms and rights are being eliminated.

I created the shirt as a way to express these feelings. The caricature is names Gilbert that stands for Government IS Literally Banishing Everyones Rights Today. If you notice he is not wearing any pants?

This is because many politicians have been caught with their pants down, so I felt Gilbert should be appropriately dressed. In his right hand he has all the things that are prevalent in our country today namely Greed, Tyranny, Injustice, Deception. In his left hand he has all the things that are been eliminated namely Freedom, Constitution, Bill of Rights, Injustice, Liberty, & Civil Rights. As you can also see he is stepping on and killing the people (our fathers,brothers,sons,daughters our military in Iraq OUR COUNTRY!!!!!.

I even sent one of the shirts to Mr. Bush with a letter telling him I want my Country and what it stands for back, Truth, Justice, and the Real American Way, not his New World Order.
 
T-Shirt design by Jean Batronie. T-shirts available by contacting Jean at jeanbatronie@yahoo.com Or go to A Government against the People T-Shirt and Official Site at

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/V4J-2/

Past Interviews with Jean

http://www.print2webcorp.com/news/tampa/Decisions/20041015/p20.asp

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