'Dayna Smith becomes first transgender person to run for public office in South Carolina' & other Tue midday news briefs

Dayna Smith

A preacher, a delivery driver and a trans activist: Meet these SC Senate hopefuls - And just like that, history is made. Dayna Smith has become the first transgender person to run for public office in South Carolina. I've known Dayna for a long time and I can tell you that this is not joke. She is serious about becoming a state senator and will do a wonderful job. All of the naysayers (because they always come out when it comes to LGBTQ progress in South Carolina) need to remember that progress doesn't come from sitting on your ass and dismissing possibilities. Progress comes from making possibilities.

White House won’t say if Kennedy successor will uphold LGBT rights - Hell, I can guess the answer to that question. That's why it is imperative that many of us who can do what Dayna Smith is doing. This is our country, too. 

Is the Supreme Court poised to side with ex-gay conversion therapy? - I don't necessarily agree with this but it is something to ponder. 

The Healing History Of Two-Spirit, A Term That Gives LGBTQ Natives A Voice - This is wonderful. Our communities has such a diverse outreach and history. To inhibit it via spotlighting only one region of the country or one group limits us severely.