At #LGBTmedia13

The fourth annual Haas Convening is underway in Philadelphia, where about 70 LGBT journalists have gathered for brainstorming and training on critical issues facing the community. Among today's presenters are noted lawyer Lavi Soloway, who advocates for bi-national couples who face DOMA-related deportations.

Other issues on today's agenda include LGBT rights abroad and asylum rights, aging and seniors in the gay community, transgender rights, and the LGBT community's place in the labor movement. In the photo above, Shuya Ohno skypes in from the National Immigration Forum. Follow the goings-on via the Twitter hashtag #LGBTmedia13.  The Haas Convening is sponsored by the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association.

MICHIGAN: Union Supporters Tear Down Koch Brothers Tent At Capitol Building

Via Breitbart:

A group of pro-union, progressive protesters leveled a large tent with people inside during Tuesday's demonstrations outside the Michigan Capitol building in Lansing against right to work legislation. The protesters shouted "scab" and "Walmart tent" as they advanced. The tent, one of many at the demonstration, had been put up by the pro-right to work group Americans For Prosperity. Breitbart News' footage shows the mob demolishes the tent in less than two minutes. The large structure appeared to be approximately 40’ x 40’ in size and was put up on the front lawn of the Michigan capital. The tent had been used by AFP to house members who were reportedly threatened at last week’s demonstration.

AFP stands for Americans For Prosperity, the Koch Brothers' astroturf anti-labor group that masquerades as a "grassroots" organization.

RELATED: This afternoon Michigan's GOP-dominated House approved its "right to work" bill which outlaws requiring union membership for employment. The bill is expected to displace thousands of automotive workers who will be replaced by lower-paid employees.

MICHIGAN: Teabaggers Battle Unions Over Pending Right To Work Law

The Michigan legislature is expected to vote today to make that state the 24th to endorse a so-called "right to work" law which will make it illegal to require union membership as a condition of employment.  Yesterday President Obama denounced the bill.

The House session has started and the Capitol has been closed because it has reached capacity. Insp. Gene Adamczyk of the Michigan State Police announced the Capitol was "way over capacity," then said police decided to let 100 more people in, but control entry closely. Ray Litt was standing on the sidelines outside the Capitol this morning, holding a sign that perfectly portrayed his feelings: "Gov. Snyder, Shame on You for Caving to the Right." Litt, owner of Litt Electrics in Detroit and a longtime union member and supporter, said the legislation attempts to undo all "the wonderful, positive things unions have done for people."

Early this morning Tea Party advocates traded screams with union supporters on the steps of the Michigan Capitol Building.  Breitbart has posted the below video.