Does a group need to an IRS recognized organization to be relevant?

Recently a part-time blogger at a well known LBG blog suggested that a group must be a 501(c)3 or (c)4 in order to exist.






There are numerous groups which are quite relevant in the political universe which are not 501c3 or c4s. The notion that they must be regulated by the Internal Revenue Service is laughable. Ask the DC TransCoalition if they wish to be a c3 or c4? I'm positive their response will be a resounding "Hell No!"

Please take note at the time of Ms Ramseyer's statement and in fact her original post, the organization she was shilling for did not even exist in the eyes of the State of Maryland and was not and is still not an approved "501c3 nor c4" It wasn't even registered with the State of Maryland until May 24, 2011.

Let's review the "political players" in Maryland last legislative session.

Equality Maryland - Pro HB235
Trans Maryland and TransUnited- Pro amending HB235/comprehensive bill
(please note members of The Maryland Transgender Alliance lobbied with TransMaryland and TransUnited against passing a bill without public accommodations.

Status today?

Eqaulity Maryland lost most of its staff including Executive Director Morgan Menese-Sheets and its Board Chair has resigned in disgrace. They are a501c3 and have a Foundation which is a c4. They are in disarray.

TransMaryland and TransUnited welcomed the formation of MTA and encourage others to become involved in the political process. We are still " in business".

What Ms Ramseyer is truly suggesting is, unless you believe in her 'political ideology" you don't exist.

Grassroots exist for a reason. What happened to Equality Maryland should be a cautionary tale to those who wish to run roughshod over others.

We own our Voices.

Statement from Governor Martin O'Malley on Baltimore County Hate Crime Case

Annapolis, MD (May 17, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following the hate crime charge in the beating of Chrissy Lee Polis last month in Rosedale:
“I want to commend Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott D. Shellenberger for using every available means to prosecute the heinous beating of Chrissy Lee Polis last month.
“Even with Maryland's 'hate crimes' law, it is clear that more must be done to protect the rights and dignity of transgendered people. In the struggle for justice and equality for all, I'm committed to working with the Maryland General Assembly during the next legislative session to increase awareness and provide even greater protections for transgendered people.
“As some have noted, out of this awful beating has come a moment to foster a deeper understanding and respect for the dignity of all persons. We should not allow the moment to pass without greater action.”