What happens when you tell a stranger that you are transgender?

From Buzzfeed comes an interesting video on what happens when you tell a stranger that you are transgender:



Some in the comments section have pointed out that transgender men can be seen to be more accepted than transgender women. Certainly that is a belief which we need to have more debate about. But still, this is a very interesting video.

News brief special - Anti-gay right caught lying about 'bakeries' & love of 'religious freedom'

Dear Tony Perkins, a BAD liar is of use to no one.

Editor's note - We all know that the anti-gay right are being highly deceptive when they whine about how marriage equality and lgbt equality in general will harm 'religious freedom.' As luck would have it, two present incidents not only call attention to how they use deception to push this idea, but also begs the question just how much do they believe in 'religious freedom' in the first place. The following news briefs illustrate my point:

1. The first incident has to do with a Colorado bakery being found not guilty by the the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies of violating a potential customer's rights by refusing to put anti-gay messages on a cake. The bakery still served the potential customer and offered to sell him the equipment so he could put the message on the cake.

Now in the eyes of the anti-gay right, this is equivalent of not serving a customer for being an lgbt, a so-called right of 'religious freedom':

The "Religious Freedom" Case That Wasn't -- Right-Wing Media's Slippery Slope Argument Debunked - But as shown by Media Matters, that idea is a false equivalency. 

Cake Wars the Sequel - HOWEVER, this doesn't prevent those on the right, such as the fake news site, Breitbart and anti-gay personalities like Todd Starnes and the so-called Alliance Defending Freedom from exploiting the case via a false narrative. In the eyes of these folks, repetition is a wonderful substitute for truth.  

Stop. Lying. Tony. Perkins. - And of course where would this false narrative be without Tony Perkins and the Family Research Council? The lie he pushed in this tweet is simply SAD. Are you slipping, Tony. 

2. Now the second incident is rather simple. For all of their talk about protecting the 'religious freedom' of folks who believe that homosexuality is a sin, one wonders how does the anti-gay right feel about protecting the 'religious freedom' of those who do NOT think that homosexuality is a sin? 

Does one have to ask?: 

 Perkins: LGBT-Affirming Christians Committing 'Heresy' - Heresy? I haven't heard that word since last week when I watched the documentary on why Mary Tudor of England had over 280 people burned at the stake. Apparently they were "committing heresy."  

Barber & Staver: Baptist College President Must Be Fired For Allowing Lesbian Pastor To Speak On Campus - The only "religious freedom" Matt Barber and Mat Staver believe in is for their beliefs. Sad.

The entire point of today's news briefs is this - We have to do more. I get constantly frustrated because it seems that the lgbt community waits for the anti-gay right to define the narrative. And when they are being blatantly hypocritical, we don't capitalize on it.

The only reason why the anti-gay right gets away with a lot of the stuff they do is because we let them.  It's not enough to KNOW that the anti-gay right is lying or being deceptive. We have to let people know. We have to aggressively educate people on what's really going on in this so-called culture war.

Lgbt activist Michelangelo Signorile on 'victory blindness' and why the fight for lgbt equality isn't over

Michelangelo Signorile

"Victory blindness is something we all succumb to at times. It's a term I use to describe the phenomenon in which we focus on the wins, so starved for validation, that we allow them to blind us to the continued bigotry we face. We become enthralled, intoxicated -- spellbound by even a little bit. The effect is that it obscures our reality -- literally our vision -- and it makes us lose our gumption, not wanting to rock the boat, fearful that we'll lose what we've gained and not get what little bit we think we need, when in fact we need a lot and we should be strong and confident knowing our allies will stay with us. In that chapter I use a vivid example, in a section titled "A Story of Victory Blindness," in which too many activists, claiming that we'd gotten a lot and had a banner couple of years, asked us to accept a situation that validated bigotry and urged us to be "magnanimous," fearful that the right would portray us as going too far -- but in fact this only allowed the backlash to grow because we seemed disjointed and that made us seem weak. We were and are still hated and despised by many -- despite having so many allies now -- and we have no rights in most states nor federal protections. So this is victory blindness, and it can have the terrible effect of actually allowing the backlash to grow because it telegraphs that we will back down." - LGBT activist Michelangelo Signorile on why the lgbt community must not rest on our laurels if the Supreme Court rules in our favor on marriage equality later this year.

 Signorile is promoting his excellently versed new book, , It's Not Over: Getting Beyond Tolerance, Defeating Homophobia, and Winning True Equality, which is officially out today.

'The Four WORST anti-gay marriage arguments ever' & other Tuesday midday news briefs

The Four Worst Anti-Gay Marriage Arguments Ever - If it were ever discovered that this huge push against marriage equality was secretly a push FOR marriage equality, I wouldn't be surprised. These arguments are so bad, Scalia is going to come after these folks with a switch. And he is AGAINST marriage equality.  

Bobby Jindal Says He Supports Louisiana's Aggressively Anti-Gay 'Religious Liberty' Bill - Of course he does . . . 

Florida Lawmaker Reversed Adoption Bill Vote Because ‘I Simply Can’t Affirm Homosexuality’ - Oh for pete's sake, you aren't "affirming" anything but good homes for kids! Well at least we can prove that this monstrosity vote in Florida is strictly because of anti-gay animus and not concern for children needing to be adopted. Small, very small consolation. 

 North Dakota Governor Issues Memo Barring Gay Discrimination - Right after we lose a vote for it, the governor hands it over. Nice.  

Hey, Christian Business Owners: The Government Isn’t ‘Forcing’ You To Do Anything - Not forcing you to do anything BUT make money.

The Polite Right’s Bryan Fischer Problem - I hate this piece because I wish I could write like this. Probably one of the best columns I have read when it comes to these "religious freedom" laws and the mindsets behind them.

Pat Robertson will accept marriage equality, if . . .(yes it has something to do with anal sex)

Whenever Pat Robertson says something outrageous such as he did in the clip below, I like to remind folks that he was somewhat of a serious presidential candidate in the 1988 election. When they accuse me of lying, I say "it was for the Republican Party."

Then they say, "Ooooooooh."

'Florida bill would allow adoption agencies to discriminate against gays' & other Monday midday news briefs

Florida Bill Would Allow Adoption Agencies to Discriminate Against Gay Parents - Unbelievable. Another "religious freedom" piece of nonsense, but this time, children are being used as the pawns.

LGBT-Affirming Church Barred From 'Celebrate Jesus Easter Parade' In Gay-Friendly Eureka Springs, Arkansas: VIDEO - Speaking of "religious freedom" . . .

The Conservative Christian Movement That Tried To Make Religious Liberty About Homophobia - They try to make EVERYTHING about homophobia. THEIR homophobia.

 That Anti-Gay Indiana Pizzeria That Received $840,000? This 'Pizza' Supports The LGBT Community. - Or how we can turn something negative into something positive and beneficial for our kids.

FINALLY . . . some really good news:

After over a little over two years and with two webpages, my booklet, How They See Us: Unmasking the Religious Right War on Gay America has the following stats:

Over 1.1 million views,

Downloaded, copies emailed personally by me, hard copies given out - 2,441

Thank you all for the support and please continue to support me as I attempt to get this booklet out to as many folks as possible. With the anti-gay right initiating false narratives about "religious liberty," it is important that the lgbt community and our allies educate the public on what's really going on.

You can download this free booklet here or here .

Bobby Jindal's hypocritical spin on 'religious liberty' vs. anti-gay discrimination

I will give it to Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. He is slightly slicker than Indiana Gov. Mike Pence when it comes to sidestepping and being long-winded.

But all of the slick talk in the world doesn't cover up the hypocrisy which he spews. Jindal supports businesses being able to discriminate against lgbts under the guise of "religious liberty," but he does NOT support giving lgbts any legal protection from any discrimination at all.

And this is the same man who wants to be our president. God help us, indeed:

'Fox News officially an enemy of the lgbt community' & other Friday midday news briefs

What the anti-gay industry wants America to see us as.

The Fox News Campaign To Defend Indiana's Anti-Gay "Religious Freedom" Law - A prediction I made a long time ago is now official. Fox News is now the place where anti-gay organizations and leaders can go to repeat their homophobic propaganda without challenge. This is a problem because now we have entire network working against our equality. 

Fellow liberals: Don’t harass the bigots, please - See the picture above. That and this post is dedicated to the misguided folks who netted a homophobic pizza parlor much unnecessary attention and over $500,000. Please know the difference between the pawns and the manipulators. And above all, DO NOT allow the manipulators to use the pawns in order to make you look like something you are not. Now that you know the anti-gay industry's game, PLEASE stop playing it.

 Indiana Governor Signs Measure Limiting Damage of RFRA, but LGBT Hoosiers Remain at Risk - Victories never mean an end to a war. It merely means an advantage which you must capitalize on to WIN the war.

  At Least Ten Religious Groups Have Come Out Against Anti-LGBT ‘Religious Liberty’ Laws - This brief is dedicated to Mike Huckabee who falsely claimed that gays want to eliminate the church. His statement accentuates the problem. SOME Christians feel that their version of their religion is the only one in this country which matters. That's why they attempt to grab all of the attention.

 Indiana Law Went Too Far For Most Americans To Support - The basic reason why Indiana suffered the backlash to its "religious freedom" law.  

LaBarbera: God Will Punish America For 'The Things Homosexuals Do In Private'- Dear American, I am sorry for dooming you with my Diana Ross, Nina Simone, and Sylvester James impressions. 

Photo courtesy of JoeMyGod

Lgbts win round one on 'religious freedom' bills but don't celebrate just yet

All anti-gay lies come down to this.

According to Mediaite:

Lawmakers in both Indiana and Arkansas today passed fixes to their respective religious freedom bills. Indiana, of course, is the state where this entire controversy burst forth from, after celebrities and CEOs expressed their issues with the law over potential discrimination of gays and lesbians by business owners.

Today the Indiana legislature passed clarifying language that includes this new passage. Meanwhile, in Arkansas, they had passed their own religious freedom bill, but Governor Asa Hutchinson sent it back and said he wants to see changes to it that align more with federal law on the matter. The Arkansas legislature passed the qualifying language this afternoon, and as of this posting, Hutchinson has signed the bill into law.

The article goes on to say that Pence will do the same with his bill, no doubt sending conservatives and the anti-gay right in an apoplectic mood. (Editor's note - Pence just signed the bill.)

However, don't even think of celebrating or high-fiving each other. This is only the first shot in what will probably be a long war punctuated by talking points, anecdotes, think-tank jargon, and the constant, constant repetition of lies.

If the Supreme Court rules for marriage equality later this year, expect things to go into overdrive. And I would sincerely hope that my lgbt brothers and sisters and our allies are going to be as engaged then as we were this week.

Because you just know the other side will be.

Even as I write this, I can imagine the Family Research Council, the National Organization for Marriage, the Heritage Foundation, and their friends at Fox News such as Todd Starnes and others (Bryan Fischer, Erik Erikson, etc)  planning their next salvo. Or practicing the new horror story they will tell gullible folks about the so-called war on Christianity.

It's not like this hasn't been done before.

'Anti-gay activists furious at Dan Savage' & other Thursday midday news briefs

Pat Robertson has never been one for sanity, but I think this comment tops all he has ever said (excluding the AIDS rings) 

Anti-Gay Activists Furious People Joined Dan Savage's 'It Gets Better' Campaign Against Bullying - Dan Savage is constantly getting the religious right angry at him. Darn, I'm jealous! 

 LGBT Protections Included In Fix For Indiana's 'Religious Freedom' Law - Partial good news. I say partial cause I don't trust these folks. Although I hear that anti-gay organization in Indiana is going absolutely apoplectic. 

 Arkansas Legislators Amend Controversial Religious Freedom Bill - Okay what exactly did THAT STATE do?  

CNN Debunks 'God Versus Gays' Narrative In Coverage Of Indiana's "Religious Freedom" Law - It's about time someone in the media did their jobs. 

Senator Says Critics Of Indiana Should Get ‘Perspective,’ Be Thankful State Doesn’t Execute Gays - Oh do shut up, Tom Cotton.

Anti-gay spokesmen throw furious tantrums over losses in Arkansas, Indiana

Just how can the lgbt community sufficiently enjoy victories over the Indiana and Arkansas anti-gay "religious liberty" bills without taking note of the flailing huffing and puffing by members of the religious right.

First on deck, Bryan Fischer of the American Family Association:

There is Mike Haggee:



Last but not least, Pat Robertson from The 700 Club who wins the booby prize:



Abd they wonder why they lose. ;

'Arkansas will not repeat Indiana's homophobic mess, governor wants changes to bill' & other Wednesday midday news briefs

#BigGay here to stay #BigGayMovies #BigGayBooks pic.twitter.com/vgmVLQLe0c
— Andrés Duque (@Blabbeando) April 1, 2015

Indiana Republicans Were Warned About Their Anti-Gay Bill - Another lie by Pence and company exposed. It turns out they SHOULD have expected the backlash because they were WARNED about their anti-gay "religious freedom" bill and refused amendments which would have strengthened lgbt protections. I am in the camp that Pence simply didn't care. Oh well, he does now.

Indiana law draws Republican White House hopefuls into the culture wars - This story reveals that while Pence was flailing in cow manure of his own making, anti-gay leaders nationwide were trying to give him a lifeboat by getting other Republican presidential candidates to publicly come to his aid. They were successful but the effort did NO good.

Meanwhile In Arkansas - While Pence is continuing to flail, let's look at Arkansas which has passed a similar bill and their governor, Asa Hutchinson, has said he would sign.

AR Governor Sends ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill Back to Legislature for Changes - THIS JUST IN. Hutchinson will sign it AFTER changes are made.

Here Are 16 Major Companies Protesting States' New Anti-Gay Laws - Sixteen reasons why Gov. Hutchinson did the right thing.

 Indiana Pizzeria Vows To Never Deliver A Pizza To A Gay Wedding - Meanwhile, THIS. A pizzeria is obviously attempting to get some publicity and is getting more than they can handle or would like. You really shouldn't bait us like that.

Ky. Gov Says Straight People Can't Have Same-Sex Marriage, Either - I'm really trying to be snarky here, but the headline is enough snark by itself.

Arkansas poised to give lgbts more control of 'religious freedom' narrative

As Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and the state deals with the repercussions of that awful anti-gay "religious freedom" bill, Arkansas is poised to pass a similar one. And that's a good thing:

From Think Progress:

Arkansas is a penstroke away from having a “license to discriminate” law nearly identical to Indiana’s. HB 1228, the Arkansas “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” (RFRA), already passed both the House and the Senate, though it is awaiting a final consensus vote in the House before advancing to Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s (R) desk for his signature. Unlike the scramble now happening in Indiana, lawmakers do not plan to include any clarification or carve-outs for nondiscrimination protections and activists are already pressuring Hutchinson to veto.

The Arkansas RFRA shares all of the characteristics of the Indiana bill that distinguishes both from other laws across the country with the same name. While other RFRAs only apply to complaints against the government, a person could cite the Arkansas RFRA as a defense against another citizen, claiming a burden on their religious belief. And like in the Indiana law, those religious beliefs are similarly broad, allowing for religious beliefs a person might hold “whether or not the exercise is compulsory or central to a larger system of religious beliefs.”

Whereas Indiana’s corporate backlash didn’t happen until after the bill became law, several companies have already spoken out in Arkansas. Walmart, which has its headquarters in the state and is its biggest employer (after the government), spoke out against the bill last month, as did the Arkansas Municipal League.

  . . . This is in addition to the nationwide opposition to such bills issued by companies like Apple and Yelp in the wake of Indiana’s law passing. Apple previously spoke out about Arkansas’ bill specifically, noting, “Our employees in Little Rock have a right to equal treatment under the law, as do their coworkers in Cupertino and around the world. We join the many voices across Arkansas in opposing H.B. 1228 and we urge the State’s legislators to vote against the bill.” Tuesday afternoon, the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce came out against the bill in a statement posted on Facebook.

So why is this a good thing? In the case of Indiana, America saw the true face of the anti-gay industry.  America saw hypocrites talk about morality and faith while, at the same time, deliberately lie and distort.

Now having been exposed, one would think members of anti-gay groups and their allies would regroup, but they can't. They are unable to because of their internal beliefs of entitlement and infallibility. They are incapable of admitting that they are wrong and acting accordingly. No matter how much these folks publicly shed their pretenses of morality and expose themselves as the liars they are, they will continue to go full-speed ahead.

Or in this case, they will continue to go straight down until they hit bottom. 

People have been made aware of what these so-called "religious freedom" bills are actually for. They have objected in mass number and loud voices. Hopefully, the numbers will grow and the voices will become louder in opposition to these "religious freedom" bills no matter what state they may pop up.  That being said, it is nice to note that any discussions or debates on these bills can only help the lgbt community.

America saw the face of the anti-gay industry that those of us in the lgbt see every day. And just like us, they didn't like what they saw.

Mike 'Pence press conference nothing but glorified self-pity' & other Tuesday midday news briefs

Indiana Governor Mike Pence Holds News Conference On Anti-Gay 'Religious Freedom' Law - What a sad press conference. You know it was bad when people on twitter was talking about Pence's strange breathing. But did it solve anything? No. Pence seems to be stubborn. No matter. Keep up the pressure, folks.

The True Intent Of Indiana’s ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill, According To The People That Helped Write It - That would be THESE folks in the tweet below. The folks Pence wouldn't acknowledge when asked about them (see next news brief). By the way, please keep tweeting this out. The vilification of a deceptively anti-gay governor is something we can take all part in:

#BoycottIndiana If Indiana's law isn't anti-gay then why did Mike Pence invite anti-gay leaders to watch him sign it? pic.twitter.com/av4JoBnanU
— Holy Bullies (@holybullies) March 30, 2015

 
‘Own what you are’: CNN host exposes Indiana law backer as gay conversion therapy promoter - Chris Cuomo calls out Indiana anti-gay activist. 

 These Events Were Canceled Because Of Indiana's New Anti-Gay 'Religious Freedom' Law - The boycott against Indiana is going exceedingly well. 

 10 Things You Can Do For Transgender Day Of Visibility - In the middle of this ado, let's not forget what today is.

  2015 Trans 100 Honors Positive Work By Transgender And Gender Non-Conforming People Nationwide - 100 wonderful people you should know about.

Anti-gay groups, conservatives playing useless game of catch-up in Indiana controversy

#BoycottIndiana If Indiana's law isn't anti-gay then why did Mike Pence invite anti-gay leaders to watch him sign it? pic.twitter.com/av4JoBnanU
— Holy Bullies (@holybullies) March 30, 2015

Gov. Mike Pence and Indiana legislators aren't the only ones who was taken by surprise by the backlash to that awful anti-gay 'religious freedom' bill the state recently made into law.

Anti-gay groups and conservatives find themselves playing defense in a big hole in which they continue to dig. That's not to say that they don't get an 'A' for effort.

Ryan T. Anderson of the Heritage Foundation took part in a debate on the MSNBC show 'All In' with former RNC head Michael Steele and lgbt activist Dan Savage. It didn't go well for him. Since then, he has been on twitter pushing out right-wing articles supporting Indiana's bill and attacking those who have publicly spoken against it.

Meanwhile, some folks on Fox News have been doing their level best to either minimize or degrade the backlash. Megyn Kelly gave an absolutely abysmal defense of the law. The supreme irony is that her bad journalism was already undercut earlier in the day by her Fox colleague Brett Baier on his show.

Baier actually debunked Kelly's arguments hours before she went on. One has to wonder do these people on Fox News know the meaning of the word "coordination."

And let's not omit the Family Research Council and its president Tony Perkins. Besides being given free reign (i,e, not having to debate an opposing side) on Kelly's show,  Perkins and FRC have been busy sending out muted, whiny statements:

Indiana Governor Mike Pence recently signed into law a Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) that protects people who live their daily lives according to their faith against government discrimination. This law reflects polling that shows 81% of Americans support the freedom to live out one's beliefs. The Indiana law is like the federal RFRA that was signed by President Bill Clinton in 1993, and RFRAs in 19 other states. Now, a leftist-driven movement has spread misinformation about the law, threatened boycotts and fomented false rhetoric in the media and online. Even in our day, the price of freedom is steep, and Governor Pence is standing strong for freedom despite the cost. Efforts are about to pressure Governor Pence to support changing or amending the law to weaken it. All Americans who live according to their religious beliefs should be free from fear of government punishment. I stand with Governor Pence in his support of religious freedom as stated in the Indiana RFRA, and urge him to oppose all efforts to change the law. 

Of course Perkins omits the fact the the polling in question was done in part by his own organization.

Meanwhile, nothing has abated the backlash against that Indiana law.  Statewide and nationwide, major businesses and individuals are either voicing their concern or intense disagreement.  This includes Tim Cook, the openly gay CEO of Apple as one of many. The state of Connecticut and cities such as San Fransisco and Seattle are banning state-funded travel to Indiana.

Columns and editorials in the Indy Star, The New York Times and even ESPN Online are criticizing Indiana

And let's not forget twitter. The tweet at the top of this post, created by twitter user @SeaMonkey237 is just one of many which are going super viral (Editor's note - feel free to retweet. Let's see if we can hit over 1,000.)

The point here is clear. Indiana, anti-gay organizations, and conservatives never had a shot. And no matter how much they play catch-up, they are still going to be behind.

Eight is Mike Pence's unlucky number

While Arkansas may still pass an awful "religious freedom" bill and North Carolina's Governor Pat McCrory coming out against one, it's important that we continue to hammer the lies told by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence with regards to that state's "religious freedom" law

This video by the Human Rights Campaign needs to go viral.  It condenses Pence's 'This Week' interview to the eight times he refused to say whether or not Indiana's religious freedom law could be used to discriminate against lgbts.

To reiterate, Pence was asked this question eight times and every time, he wouldn't give a definite answer. Pence's sidestepping is an indictment against his character and that of these anti-gay "Christian conservatives" who claim to stand for God, morality, and values, but then would use underhanded tactics while hiding their motives.

They have been doing this sort of thing for decades, but now it is not only time for us to strike back, but also demand answers. If they want to engage in a debate regarding the positive existence of lgbts, we should demand that their anti-Christian lies and tactics be a part of the debate.

'Backlash against 'religious freedom' bills reaches other states & CNN' & other Monday midday news briefs

The video above outlines lgbt success in two ways. One - Chris Cuomo of CNN blisters the Family Research Council's Peter Sprig for attempting to defend Indiana's anti-gay "religious freedom" law. Secondly, and of specific interest to me, Cuomo mentions the picture of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signing the law while being flanked by anti-gay lobbyists. This picture contradicts Pence's claim that the law wasn't meant to be a vehicle for anti-gay discrimination. See what we can accomplish when we work together to spread good information. For more on this lovely beat down, including some background info on Sprigg's past dips into homophobia, check out Jeremy Hooper. 

 Opposition rallies to keep anti-gay bill dead - Don't think for a minute that folks aren't watching what's going on in Indiana. Georgia's "religious freedom" bill is just about dead. And many folks are doing to do what they can to keep it flatlined.  

Montana House Narrowly Defeats 'Religious Freedom' Bill With Evenly Split Vote - Another one just died in Montana. 

  The Big Lie The Media Tells About Indiana’s New ‘Religious Freedom’ Law - Speaking of that anti-gay law in Indiana, the anti-gay right and conservatives are mounting a big defense of lies, claiming that it's similar to bills in 19 states. You wanna bet . . . .  

Apple CEO Tim Cook Says Anti-Gay Religious Freedom Laws Are Dangerous - It's so nice to have one of your own with an extreme power of the purse. Money always talks, my friends.  

Anti-Gay Florist Fined $1,000 And Ordered Not To Discriminate - She'll continue to turn it down. Her lawyers want her case to reach the Supreme Court. 

 Glenn Beck's Co-Author Decries Gay Parenting As A 'Profound, Disgusting, Vile Evil' - Just a reminder that no matter how victorious we may look, the battle is never over. We are dealing with folks who want to devalue EVERY aspect of our lives.

Mike Pence's claim about his anti-gay law contradicted by picture of him with lobbyists

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence will have you to believe that the recent 'religious liberty' bill he signed into law isn't anti-gay. He claims that beliefs of the alleged anti-gay animus of this law is some sort of campaign of mis-education.

Don't believe Pence.  He is lying. And the proof comes from the signing ceremony of the bill.

While the signing of the bill was private, this particular picture was released on Pence's twitter account. It shows the governor with  priests, nuns, orthodox Jewish leaders, and lawmakers:

HOWEVER, this picture below shows the governor with a different group of folks, i.e. lobbyists who pushed for this bill. Thanks to GLAAD and Twitter user @SeaMonkey237, we know who these folks are. Their names and what they have to do with anti-gay activism are clearly described (click on pictures if you need to enlarge them.):

Just in case you need the links concerning the folks in the second picture and their  history of vicious anti-gay activism:

www.glaad.org/cap/micah-clark

www.glaad.org/cap/curt-smith

www.glaad.org/cap/eric-miller

Based upon this picture we now know why Gov. Pence wasn't forthcoming about his "religious liberty/freedom" law on 'This Week.'

If he had said no when asked does the bill allow for anti-lgbt discrimination, he would have been clearly lying.

And that picture of him with those anti-gay lobbyists is the smoking gun.

Failure Alert! Indiana Gov. Mike Pence fails to clarify anti-gay law on 'This Week'

In reviewing the interview of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence on Sunday's edition of 'This Week,' two adages come to mind:

"It's not always about what's said, but what's not said" and "give your enemy enough rope and he will hang himself."

No doubt, Pence thought he was going to cast the image of righteous defiance in supporting that awful anti-gay "religious freedom" law his state passed and he signed last week. His interview was part of his effort to somehow reclaim the narrative which was lost the moment he signed the bill. However, he failed on a monumental scale and this was chiefly because of his not answering interviewer George Stephanopoulos's direct question of whether the law allows anti-gay discrimination. And Stephanopoulos asked the question more than once.

Needless to say, Pence did nothing to quell the controversy started by this law and I think he significantly hurt his image . Don't be surprised is his interview only adds to the the constantly growing backlash:

Indiana restaurant begins barring gays thanks to new 'religious freedom' law

Whether the following is a hoax or not, it just made the brush fire started by Indiana's new "religious freedom" law explode into a veritable firestorm. To say the religious right and other supporters of "religious freedom" laws have lost the narrative would be an extreme understatement:

An Indiana business owner went on a local radio station and said that he had discriminated against gay or lesbian couples even before Gov. Mike Pence (R) signed a law on Thursday protecting business owners who decide to discriminate for “religious liberty” reasons. He then defended the practice and suggested he would do it again.

The business owner, who would not give his name or the name of his business, said he had told some LGBT “people” that equipment was broken in his restaurant and he couldn’t serve them even though it wasn’t and other people were already eating at the tables. “So, yes, I have discriminated,” he told RadioNOW 100.9 hosts. The hosts were surprised the owner said he was okay with discriminating.

“Well, I feel okay with it because it’s my place of business, I pay the rent, I’ve built it with all my money and my doing. It’s my place; I can do whatever I want with it, “he said. “They can have their lifestyle and do their own thing in their own place or with people that want to be with them.”

You can hear the audio here

As Indiana deals with an ugly backlash from businesses and celebrities such as Broadway's Audra McDonald, this audio only makes things worse. The old adage of "being careful what you wish for" definitely comes to mind here.