Parents of trans youth remind us what is important in this 'culture war'

HRC's Parents for Transgender Equality National Council

When it comes to transgender issues, the anti-LGBTQ industry and activists generally bogart the conversation  so much that it's difficult to hear from transgender men, women, children and their families. That's why this recent event held by the Human Rights Campaign's Parents for Transgender Equality National Council is so important and needs to be elevated in the spotlight:

Today, HRC's Parents for Transgender Equality National Council, a group of the nation’s leading parent-advocates in the fight for transgender equality, met with members of Congress to discuss their families’ moving journeys and the urgent need for Congress to pass the Equality Act. The Equality Act is a comprehensive LGBTQ civil rights bill which is a priority for the U.S. House’s new pro-equality leadership and is expected to be re-introduced soon. 

U.S. Representative Joe Kennedy, III (D-MA), chair of the Congressional Transgender Equality Task Force, hosted the convening of parents of transgender and gender expansive young people. Representative Kennedy was joined by U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Mark Takano (D-CA), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Gil Cisneros (D-CA). 

“For transgender young people, passing the Equality Act would be life-affirming and, in some cases, lifesaving,” said Jay Brown, Acting Senior Vice President, HRC Programs, Research & Training. “These parents’ children need and deserve clear protections from discrimination throughout daily life, from welcoming schools to inclusive health care. The unique stories and voices of these parents have already changed countless minds, and they will be critical in continuing to push equality forward alongside allies like Representative Kennedy and the Congressional Transgender Equality Task Force.” 

“For two years, transgender children have fought daily battles against intolerance in their schools and their communities, while the adults tasked with protecting them at the highest levels of this Administration offer words of bigotry and hatred instead,” said U.S. Representative Joe Kennedy, III, chair of the Congressional Transgender Equality Task Force. “Listening to these parents today demonstrated once again that there is no force greater than a parent’s love and no force darker than a government that fails to see the humanity in her youngest citizens. We fight with those children and their parents because they should never doubt that they are heard and they are seen, and they should always know that they will never be erased.”

The entire story is here and deserves a read and a share.

''Radical feminists' unite with anti-LGBTQ group for bout of wanton transphobia' & other Wed midday news briefs

The Heritage Foundation plays divide and conquer with LGBTQ community.

A far right conservative group is aligning with ‘radical feminists’ to attack trans rights - When I told folks about this, they hardly believed me and I really couldn't blame them. Now here is confirmation from LGBTQNation. A bunch of so-called feminists are teaming up with a noted anti-LGBTQ group, The Heritage Foundation,  to attack the transgender community. And yes, there are lesbians involved in this awful effort. Seriously, what the hell? What makes these folks think that they can join in an anti-LGBTQ group's attack on one segment on their own community without any negative consequences for themselves?  Hate, fear, and ignorance are powerful things.

Poll: 70% of U.S. voters support transgender military service - In Qunnipiac University Poll results which will most certainly be challenged by the religious right, 70 percent of those surveyed oppose Trump's ban on transgender military men and women.

"Empire" actor Jussie Smollett had noose around his neck when officers arrived, police say - More confirmation on the Jussie Smollett story. BUT with that confirmation from the police about the circumstances, come also the twitter trolls. Because no suspects have been arrested as of yet, a lot of armchair detectives and wannabe "Lara Loomer" activist journalists have come out speculating. And you know how that turns out. My guess is that they waited for a day for no suspects and then uncaged themselves. This situation is still playing itself out. 

Husband/wife tandem working to ensure discriminatory, religiously biased regulations of Trump Administration - My post from last night because this situation needs more attention devoted to it.

Orthodox Jewish therapist claims NYC’s conversion therapy ban violates his rights - The continued weaponization of religious beliefs. Your beliefs shouldn't allow you to do participate in a fraudulent practice. And guess anti=LGBTQ hate group is pushing THIS lawsuit- the Alliance Defending Freedom. That group is trying hard to make itself the arch-enemy of the LGBTQ community.