Friday, February 19, 2016

'Homophobic bills could damage lgbt health' & other Fri. midday news briefs




Yes, South Dakota’s Anti-Transgender Bill Really Is That Bad - How bad is the South Dakota bill targeting our transgender children? THIS BAD:
"The consequences of this legislation cannot be overstated. It endangers every single school’s funding and budgets, and it endangers the mental health of every transgender kid in the state. Daugaard would be requiring every school district to violate federal law for the sole purpose of marginalizing transgender kids, possibly endangering their well-being to such an extent that they experience massive depression and even consider suicide."

MISSISSIPPI: House Panel Advances Sweeping Bill To Legalize Anti-LGBT Discrimination Because Jesus - And as bad as the above bill is, THIS one is worse and just for the transgender community. It also targets the entire lgbt community, unwed mothers and veterans:
 "Under H.B. 1523, religion could be used by most any individual or organization to justify discrimination against LGBT people, unwed mothers, veterans and others. Faith-based organizations could refuse to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples; deny children in need of loving homes with LGBT families; and refuse to sell or rent a for-profit home to an LGBT person — even if the organization receives government funding. As introduced, H.B. 1523 would also give foster families the freedom to submit an LGBTQ child to the dangerous practice of “conversion therapy,” and shame a pregnant unwed girl, without fear of government intervention or license suspension. It would even allow individuals to refuse to carry out the terms of a state contract for the provision of counseling services to all eligible individuals, including veterans, based on the counselor’s beliefs about LGBT people or single mothers."

Facebook Executive To Headline Anti-LGBT Religious Conference - Dear Facebook, what the HELL?!

 Magic Johnson condemns Manny Pacquiao as former sponsors distance themselves - Alright, Magic Johnson!!!! 

 These Giant Portraits Show The Kids Behind The Same-Sex Parenting Debate - Wonderful!! We need to talk more about same-sex families.

Mothers of the transgender community speak out against the hate

One thing I absolutely loath about this religious right war on the transgender community via their "bathroom bills" is how it works to dehumanize our brothers and sisters. Part of the problem is that a lot of folks don't understand that members of the transgender community are simply normal human beings. And they also have family who love and accept them as their authentic selves. The following two videos come from a series by the Human Rights Campaign called Mothers for Transgender Equality. The series spotlights the transgender community and their family: