The grift is real - Fox News spreads lies about LGBTQ people while simultaneously hosting a webpage which celebrates Pride Month

 

It's all a grift. Fox News spreads lies about LGBTQ people while simultaneously hosting a webpage which celebrates Pride Month.

We are in an age in which people stoke things up for profit. They call it creating a debate, but it's all about nurturing the anger and stoking the prejudice until it reaps money and fame.

No entity is better at this than Fox News:

Fox News hosts and guests have repeatedly peddled false claims about Target selling "tuck-friendly" or "tuck-'em" swimsuits for children as part of its Pride Month collection, fueling right-wing viewers and activists to wage a war on companies that are supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the story being debunked by the Associated Press, such claims have emerged as part of a more extensive campaign against national brands that support Pride Month and promote efforts encouraging diversity and inclusion.

 "This is just one side of this extremist playbook," Eric Bloem, Human Rights Campaign senior director of programs and corporate advocacy, told Salon. "As we enter Pride Month this year, it has been the most historic anti-LGBTQ+ legislative year. We've had over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ pieces of legislation across different states across the country – most of them targeting the trans community."

 . . .Several of the claims being pushed out by Fox hosts lack evidence, Media Matters pointed out in its report. Host Rachel Campos-Duffy has called on other Target brands to speak out against the store, suggesting that it's their moral obligation to publicly call out the retail giant. 

"No one doubts that Chip and Joanna are good people, kind, moral, and aligned with American values, but if I had a line at a company, and my name was on it, and that brand partnered with a trans satanist that makes tuck-'em bikinis for kids, I would feel compelled to speak up," Campos-Duffy said. "Now, maybe they're raising questions internally — of course, that's possible — but why aren't they doing so publicly?"

 But Target has only been selling tuck-friendly swimsuits made for adults and not for kids as false rumors have claimed. Even after the AP debunked these falsehoods, Fox hosts have continued to push out baseless claims. Failed Michigan gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon appeared on Primetime and expressed her resentment towards Target. 

 The grand irony - and probably the most disgusting part of it all - is while Fox News amplifies false stories against the LGBTQ community, the network hosts a webpage which celebrates Pride Month. The webpage spotlights several prominent LGBTQ people, including trans child Ryland Whittington and his family. 

The webpage is currently active, including the video of the Whittington family, in spite of how Fox News publishes articles and television segments filled with dog whistles about gender-affirming healthcare in relation to trans children.

The grift is strong. And it is nasty.

Tennessee drag show ban struck down by federal judge

Many expected that this would happen. 

All of that posturing. All of the time they spent justifying the law. And it blows up in their faces. Life is good. Happy Pride, y'all.

A federal judge says Tennessee’s first-in-the-nation law designed to place strict limits on drag shows is unconstitutional. In a 70-page ruling handed down late Friday night, U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker wrote that the law was both “unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad." He also added that the statute encouraged “discriminatory enforcement.” 

 “There is no question that obscenity is not protected by the First Amendment. But there is a difference between material that is ‘obscene’ in the vernacular, and material that is ‘obscene’ under the law,” stated Parker, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump. 

“Simply put, no majority of the Supreme Court has held that sexually explicit — but not obscene — speech receives less protection than political, artistic, or scientific speech.” The Memphis-based Friends of George’s filed the complaint in March, saying the law would negatively impact them because they produce “drag-centric performances, comedy sketches, and plays” with no age restrictions. 

 Chris Geidner, who covers court issues, said that the drag ban lost on all fronts. He also said: 

Parker did not shy away from the underlying issues, either. “The word ‘drag’ never appears in the text of the AEA,” Parker wrote. “But the Court cannot escape that ‘drag’ was the one common thread in all three specific examples of conduct that was considered ‘harmful to minors,’ in the legislative transcript.” 

 After detailing that legislative history, as shown in four transcripts reviewed by the court, Parker found that “the legislative transcript strongly suggests that the AEA was passed for an impermissible purpose.” 

 That “impermissible purpose,” Parker found, was “chilling constitutionally-protected speech.” 

 In describing the concerns surrounding potential enforcement of the law, Parker seemed particularly well-attuned to the fears expressed by the plaintiffs in the case and others, writing, “The chance that an officer could abuse th[e] wide discretion [given for enforcing obscenity laws] is troubling given an art form like drag that some would say purposefully challenges the limits of society’s accepted norms.”

The ruling sends a direct message to all of those feeding off of hysteria about drag queens. We have now entered the phase in which those who spread and entertained the lie that drag queens are 'grooming' kids are going to have to defend their mess in a court of law. And under oath.

They've f@cked around for a long while. Now it's time for them to find out.

Right-wing pundit freakout about LGBTQ greeting cards prove boycotts are more about bigotry than protecting kids

 

Far right pundits and activists will have you to believe that their present attacks on the LGBTQ community and companies which sell Pride merchandise is all about protecting kids.  However, thanks to right-wing pundit Alison Steinberg acting like a fool in Target via this video below, we are shown what they are actually attempting to accomplish.  The recent anti-transgender legislation and attacks are merely the gateway for the bigots to come after us all.  

Steinberg begins channeling lies about Pride swimwear, but she really blows a gasket over Target's greeting cards section. The fact that greeting cards exist for LGBTQ marriages and aspiring  parents really offends her.

Thank you  Alison for demonstrating that none of this is about protecting kids. It's all about bigotry

OAN anchor Alison Steinberg flips out over Target’s pride section and inclusive greeting cards. pic.twitter.com/zComMCLiPT

— PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) May 22, 2023

'Montana Library cancels trans speaker for fear of punishment under anti-drag law' & other Fri midday news briefs

Montana Library Cancels Trans Speaker for Fear of Punishment Under Anti-Drag Law​ -Folks need to start listening to trans activists. They WARNED everyone that this would happen.

'Backlash to the backlash' is seeing reddest parts of Florida rise against DeSantis' right-wing crusade: columnist - People are getting tired of the far-right attack on teachers and books.

Ben & Jerry’s cuts ties with Twitter due to rise in hate speech and ‘dangerous’ Elon Musk - Ben & Jerry's has always been a wonderful company. 

Most Americans say companies should voice public support for LGBTQ community: survey - Yep.

Walmart not changing Pride merchandise in spite of Target backlash

Walmart has a message for those pushing boycotts against stores and companies which sell Pride merchandise - they aren't bucking down to any pressure.

Walmart is standing firm on its Pride Month merchandise following Target's decision to pull its collection from some stores after receiving threats. Walmart's chief merchandising officer, Latriece Watkins, told reporters gathered at the company's Bentonville, Arkansas, headquarters Wednesday that it hasn't made any changes to this year's product array. "We have merchandise that we sell all year that supports different groups," Watkins said, according to Bloomberg. "In this particular case, we haven't changed anything in our assortment."

 . . .Walmart's "Pride & Joy" collection features both Pride-themed editions of items from popular brands and products created by LGBTQ-founded brands, including Pride t-shirts, gender-inclusive enamel pins, and Pride-themed accessories and home decor. Watkins said Wednesday that Walmart hasn't received any threats over its collection, according to Reuters. "In this particular case, when we think about security ... we have not done anything in particular differently related to security in our stores," Watkins said. 

This is not to pat Walmart on the back because the store chain has a lot of problems when it comes to things like fairness to employees. The point, I think, is to watch the reaction from the boycott crowd. They've been raising hell against Target even to the point of allegedly causing disruption at the stores. However, they have been mostly silent about Walmart. I wouldn't be surprised if they have a totally different view of Walmart shoppers and employees.  Perhaps they think that folks at Walmart won't put up with or be scared by what those at Target were.

If you catch my meaning.

'Biden proclaims June as LGBTQ+ Pride month, denounces oppression' & other Thur midday news briefs

 Editor's note - Today marks the start of Pride Month 2023. No matter what the opposition tries, it is still our Pride month. We don't show fear and we sure as hell don't back down. It took us a long time to get to this point and we have a long way to go still. We are not retreating.

Biden Proclaims June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Denounces Oppression - Again, voting matters. We want leaders who acknowledge us, not ignore us. 

Since Florida banned most adult trans care: People are suffering - The mainstream media has no business ignoring this story.

Indiana High Schoolers Bravely Perform LGBTQ-Inclusive Play Despite School’s Ban - This is why I am optimistic about the future. 

Pentagon leaders cancel drag show at a Nevada Air Force base - It was already approved but apparently certain folks got scared because of noise.

Fox News pundits attack LGBTQ organization which parent company Fox Corp actually supports

Fox News playing its viewers for suckers again.

Media Matters for America comes through again with what should be seen as a blockbuster. Fox News is playing both sides of the LGBTQ "culture war."

Fox News has been attempting to stir up vitriol about corporate support for GLSEN, a nonprofit group that works to combat anti-LGBTQ bullying. If they’re looking for companies to boycott for supporting GLSEN, they don’t need to look far: Fox News’ parent company Fox Corp. previously said it has “raised awareness and demonstrated support” for the pro-LGBTQ group. 

 Fox News has been waging war against corporate support for LGBTQ causes, including recent attacks on Bud Light and Target. It has also begun criticizing Target for partnering with GLSEN, an organization whose “mission is to create safe, inclusive learning environments for K-12 students.” Fox editor Hannah Grossman has written two anti-GLSEN articles in the past week that carry the headlines: “Target partners with org pushing for kids' genders to be secretly changed in schools without parental consent” and “Target marketing VP holds senior position at org pushing secretive transgender policies in K-12 schools.” 

 Media Matters points out that these accusations against GLSEN lodged in the articles have also been repeated on the news network. However, if GLSEN is so bad, then why does Fox News' parent company, Fox Corp openly support GLSEN?

. . .Fox Corp. stated in 2021 that it supports the nonprofit, writing in its corporate social responsibility report that it has “raised awareness and demonstrated support for organizations working on behalf of the LGBTQ community including” GLSEN It also lists GLSEN in its 2022 corporate social responsibility report among organizations that it supports. Additionally, Fox Corp. names GLSEN in a video posted on the front page of its website of organizations it supports. 

And here is something worth remembering during Pride Month when Fox News pushes its anti-LGBTQ narrative:

 Fox Corp. has written that it is “committed to LGBTQ+ equality” in material to shareholders and ad buyers while Fox News has spent years attacking the LGBTQ community on its programming. Even Fox News has a website claiming it “celebrates the contributions to America by the LGBTQ+ community.”

'White supremacist who targeted LGBTQ people confesses to owning child pornography' & other Wed midday news briefs

White supremacist who targeted LGBTQ+ “pedos” confesses to owning child pornography - Well, well, well, well, well. 

Activists Urge Target and All Businesses to Push Back on Anti-LGBTQ+ Campaigns​ - It's aggravating how these bigots do the same thing while making the same charges (we are recruiting or grooming kids) while we end up looking unalert and flatfooted every time. 

Alabama expands ban on trans athletes to include college teams - So unnecessary. 

Blue Jays fans donating to LGBTQ causes in Anthony Bass' name - Somebody put his foot in his mouth part 1. 

Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass apologizes for sharing post supporting anti-LGBTQ boycotts - Somebody put his foot in his mouth part 2.

Report - Fox News amplified false claim that Target was sexually grooming kids while devoting only one minute to allegations of actual sex abuse

The report from Media Matters for America is further proof that the "leave the kids alone" narrative is a lie in which bigots place their building blocks of homophobia and transphobia upon. Fox News went all out implying that Target was grooming kids with its Pride merchandise that the network paid very little attention to a scandal which actually saw children being sexually abused. 

 Fox News aired more than 2 hours of coverage of the backlash to Target’s Pride Month displays, while running less than a minute of coverage on a new report detailing sex abuse in the Catholic Church in Illinois. Fox added to the right-wing media backlash against Target’s LGBTQ Pride displays as part of a recent crusade against corporate Pride Month campaigns. The company decided to pull some merchandise celebrating Pride Month from store shelves after receiving threats against the safety of its workers. 

 From May 23 through 9 a.m. ET May 30, Fox aired over 2 hours and 12 minutes of coverage of the Target controversy. In comparison, Fox reported for just 22 seconds on the Illinois attorney general’s recent report that Catholic Church clergy members and lay religious brothers had abused nearly 2,000 children in the state since 1950. 

 Much of Fox’s extensive coverage of the Target boycott included expressions of outrage that children were exposed to clothing with positive messages about the LGBTQ community. While Fox repeatedly fearmongered about this supposed threat to children, the network almost completely ignored the reports of sexual abuse in the Illinois Catholic Church, airing only one segment on the attorney general’s report.

Just like the social media influencers exploiting the issue for their own gain, no one at Fox News gives a damn about actual child sex abuse. They only care about what they can gain by appealing to people's bigoted notions about just who the abusers are.

'Biden calls for immediate repeal of Uganda's anti-gay law' & other Tue midday news briefs

Biden calls for immediate repeal of Uganda’s anti-gay law - There certainly is work to do. And let's not be naive. Politicians like Ron DeSantis want what happened in Uganda to be the future of this country. The only difference is how they are slow walking it. 

Ted Cruz Condemning Uganda's Anti-Gay Law Raises Eyebrows - I'm as shocked as you are. 

Trans couple harassed in Montana Target by man throwing Pride clothes on floor​ -OOO I WISH a fool would start with me . . . 

15 history-making LGBTQ+ veterans who fought for equality - Very appropriate for Memorial Day weekend. 

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem Calls for Drag, Pronoun Ban at Colleges - She wants to be a GOP vice presidential pick at the very least. Using our community for her political ambitions.

Conservatives attack drag queens while ignoring report that almost 2,000 kids suffered sexual abuse from Catholic clergy

 

Editor's note - I am not trying to disrespect anyone's religion but fair is fair. Why are legislators and so many others pointing accusing fingers at drag queens and accusing them of sexually grooming kids when the following is happening right in front of them?

From Ja'han Jones of  The ReidOut Blog, MSNBC: 

 The Illinois attorney general released a report Tuesday finding that almost 2,000 children suffered sexual abuse by 451 Catholic clergy between 1950 and 2019.

 “It is my hope that this report will shine light both on those who violated their positions of power and trust to abuse innocent children, and on the men in church leadership who covered up that abuse,” Kwame Raoul said in a statement. “These perpetrators may never be held accountable in a court of law, but by naming them here, the intention is to provide a public accountability and a measure of healing to survivors who have long suffered in silence.” As the attorney general's statement appears to acknowledge, state law limits how long after an alleged crime a suspect can be charged, meaning many of these allegations may never be heard in a court of law. So the question then turns to what exactly we are to do with this information.

 . . . The Illinois report adds to the thousands of previously reported incidents of child sexual abuse by clergy in conservative-leaning religious institutions over the past few decades. This includes last year’s report from Southern Baptist Convention leaders on allegations of widespread sexual abuse within the ultraconservative denomination.

 By comparison, there have been no credible reports, to my knowledge, of child sexual abuse at drag shows. And, of course, I’m only making the comparison here because many conservatives — including religious leaders in the Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Convention — falsely equate drag shows or LGBTQ people with sexual perversion. In response, Republican lawmakers are pushing measures that bar minors from attending drag shows.

No need to ask certain questions because the answer is no. No, we will not see social media campaigns by people like Matt Walsh and the Heritage Foundation calling out churches. No, we will not see Twitter and TikTok videos of people going into Catholic and Southern Baptist Churches and interrupt services while calling out the abuse. No, we will not see people posting memes and tone rap songs calling out these churches.

All of that is reserved for drag queens and companies like Target, Kohls, or North Face.

And why?

Because it's probably considered as too boring. And it's not financially and socially advantageous for conservative social media crusaders. No one is going to put you on Fox News or Newsmax or any of those other far-right stations for calling out the church. Neither Matt Walsh, Charlie Kirk, nor any right-wing cockroaches infesting Twitter will amplify you if the attack is on churches. And you can't build a network of right-wing droolers who attach themselves to your every lie and outrage like the lemmings they are.

It's never been about protecting kids. It's always been about profit, social attention, and above all, prejudice.

Orlando Pride festival will take place despite Florida laws, organizers say' & other Fri midday news briefs

Pride festival will go on in Orlando despite new Florida laws, organizers say​ - Good. It only takes one to make a brave stand. And I HOPE its a pride filled with drag queens and families (including the kids) enjoying themselves. 

Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation Could Threaten Gains Made in HIV Epidemic - No doubt the opposition knew this when pushing this legislation. 

Target Boycott Follies - Matt Walsh wants you to buy his baby dolls. Victim of Target boycott sees increased sales - Post from last night. A Matt Walsh plush baby doll sounds creepy.

Impeachment of Texas's Anti-LGBTQ+ Attorney General Appears Imminent - So much for being upright and moral. He was busy attacking us while hiding some ugly behavior of his own.

Target Boycott Follies - Matt Walsh wants you to buy his baby dolls. Victim of Target boycott sees increased sales

Anti-LGBTQ culture warrior (and James Bond villain wannabe) Matt Walsh wants to you to help his fight against the anti-LGBTQ community by buying a plush, infantilized version of himself.

This right here proves that all of this stuff coming from people like Matt Walsh about saving kids from "LGBTQ influence" is merely a money-making tactic. The attacks on trans healthcare, the boycott against Bud Light, and the present boycott against Target is all one big grift. It's all about rage posting to monetize hate.  It's been successful for Walsh as he has devoted books, documentaries, and social media posts smearing our community as threats to kids and society at large.

Now he's going into the baby doll business.

The front page of the Daily Wire is advertising a product for children that is an infantilized version of Matt Walsh. They specifically list that it's for children. They want kids to hold a baby version of Matt Walsh in their hands.

This is disgusting and vile. pic.twitter.com/kaWWNsgkOY

— The Serfs (@theserfstv) May 25, 2023

In the words of actor Samuel Jackson, that right there is some repugnant sh!t. It's probably the single most creepy mess I will see this year. In all honesty though, I'd rather buy an adult version of a Matt Walsh doll. That way, I could bang it against the wall every time I heard him say something especially vile.

Speaking of the boycott against Target, one person being victimized by the social media right-wing campaign is now benefitting from it.

Erik Carnell is a trans designer whose merchandise was pulled at Target after people spread false stories about how it was Satanic and being marketed through kids by the store. Carnell, via his brand Abprallen, does have merchandise with has pentagrams and horned skulls. And some do reference Satan. But none of it is sold at Target.  

However, this inconvenient fact was ignored by folks on social media, like all things which don't fit their narrative. They at first spread the lie about how Target was marketing pro-trans swimwear to kids and when that was refuted, they are now claiming that the store is marketing Satanic material for Pride Month. 

The lie led Target to remove Carnell's items from their stores.

 Target's Pride collection included more than 2,000 products from clothes and music to home furnishings, and while several are under review the only ones removed so far from its website and stores are from Carnell's brand Abprallen.

However, the sales of his overall merchandise have actually increased.

While support for his products from Target disappeared, the Abprallen store has seen an outpouring of support. According to the store's Etsy message, Carnell has seen an "unprecedented number of orders" since the backlash began. 

 "Your support during this extremely difficult time means more than I can express," Carnell posted after placing the shop on a temporary hiatus. "I am putting my shop on holiday mode and not accepting new orders until I catch up on the ones I currently have. Thank you so much for your understanding!"

It's ironic how social media wannabees exploited Carnell to attack Target but now they are the ones being exploited. Not only is Carnell getting a lot of media attention because of their actions but he seems to also be getting many allies on Twitter. They are bombarding threads which attack him with links to where to buy his merchandise:

https://t.co/qrpoCJF1Y2

This is the actual artists store. You are giving money to someone trying to profit by stealing his designs. His store is temporarily closed because he’s overwhelmed by orders. Better to wait and give him the profit/credit/support.

— Elisa Kerchmar (@EJKerchmar) May 25, 2023

 

— Babadybbuk🏳️‍🌈👻✡️ (@InfantaRaquel) May 25, 2023

https://t.co/p6QrAJhfM9

— Alexandria Burns. (@alex_d_burns) May 25, 2023

If you ask me, Carnell's merchandise, while not suited to my tastes, is a whole lot LESS creepy than a Matt Walsh baby doll.

Rock legend Tina Turner passes away, how the gay agenda took over tv & other Thur midday news briefs

 

Editor's note - Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters would like to pay tribute to Tina Turner upon the news of her passing. The queen of rock she was and will always be.

 

 In other news: 

How the Gay Agenda Took Over TV - My friend Matt Baume, whose videos I've amplified several times on this blog, has a wonderful book about queer characters on television and behind the scenes. 

“Paris Is Burning” star Venus Xtravaganza’s home declared a historic landmark - I cried a little at this news. Venus was a star who was taken away before she could shine like she should have. So many wonderful trans folks have been taken away before they could shine. 

 Right-wing media melt down about Fox News complying with trans-inclusive discrimination laws - Garbage in. Garbage out.

Daily Wire host: “The Pride flag symbol, we need to make that toxic” - Michael Knowles moves from wanting to 'eradicate transgenderism' to wrecking LGBTQ symbols. We told folks he wanted to cause the entire community chaos.

3 Montgomery County families sue MCPS over LBTQ books - This lawsuit makes no sense. The proponents claim that they don't want to remove books but instead give the parents an opt-out option. I don't think anyone is forcing their kids to read these books.

Louisiana Senate kills anti-trans bill and let's talk about Pride and Target

Two items. First, good news out of Louisiana.

From The Hill:

A Louisiana Senate committee on Wednesday killed a bill that would have banned gender-affirming health care for transgender minors, dealing a rare victory to LGBTQ people in the largely GOP-controlled South. Louisiana’s House Bill 648 failed Wednesday during a final vote in the state Senate Health and Welfare Committee, where Republicans have a one-seat majority. State Sen. Fred Mills, a Republican from south-central Louisiana, voted with all Democrats to defer the bill. Mills, a pharmacist, said during Wednesday’s vote that he trusts physicians more than legislators to make medical decisions that are in the best interest of patients.

 “I always in my heart of hearts have believed that a decision should be made by a patient and a physician,” Mills said. Gender-affirming health care for transgender youths and adults is supported by most major medical organizations, including the Americans Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Mills also said that a Louisiana Health Department study on gender-affirming health care last year helped influence his decision to vote against the bill. 

 The report found that no gender-affirming surgical procedures were performed on Medicaid-enrolled minors in the state between 2017 and 2021. The prescription of medications including puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy to treat gender dysphoria in minors during the same time period was also exceedingly rare, the report found. 

 More to this article on The Hill. 

 Second item - People are flipping out because Target is said to be moving some Pride items due to some people are coming in causing a commotion and threatening workers. Those doing this nonsense are empowered while members of our community - at least some - are weeping, raging at Target, or (and most annoying) using this situation to whine about capitalism and such. But here is something to keep things in perspective:

These are photos from a Target in my area. The Pride stuff is in full display here just as it was last year - in the middle of the clothing section with huge displays. I talked to a worker to commend the store. She laughed and said thank you. And I've read that there are Target displays of Pride items still up in other areas around the country.

 This is not to defend Target because the chain clearly 'didn't have a handle on the hysteria.  I am simply trying to remind folks about what's actually going on before you begin sad sacking, spinning portents of doom, or begin knitting the burial shroud for the LGBTQ community.

My point is yes, the opposition is threatening, and they are causing problems. But it's good to remember that a lot of them - especially Matt Walsh - engage a lot in self-aggrandizing superhero shadowboxing. They tend to inflate their power and the effects of their actions. They do this because it feeds their ego and also, it's a psychological tactic designed to make us fear them. 

 Part of their power is fear and with that fear comes chaos which causes us to lash out. DO NOT take the bait.   Everything about them is fake, particularly their screams of "let kids be kids" or leave the kids alone."

If these idiots actually cared about children, they would be protesting and organizing to stop child hunger and gun violence in schools. If they really cared about children, they would be raising hell at the churches who hide pedophiles.

We should remember this when we deal with them and when we react to what they are doing to Target. Yes, I am disappointed with Target to an extent, but I am also mindful as to who the real enemy is and how it is in my best interest not to allow them to play games with my head. They want us scared. They want us off of our heels and shrieking every which way. But that's not who we are. We've come too far to allow some haters to bowl us over with old lies.

 It is our Pride and our power. They have no right to diminish it with their lies.  And they won't as long as we remember who we are and act accordingly.

Anti-LGBTQ activists spreading lies about Target and trans-friendly swimwear for kids

Editor's note - There probably won't be any news briefs for Wednesday. I have another funeral to attend. My uncle - my mother's closest brother - passed away recently. So until tomorrow evening, enjoy this and please share it on Twitter, etc. Pride Month is coming up and based on this post, the anti-LGBTQ activists have already begun to start trouble. 

I say bring it on, b!tches. I am not scared of these fools and neither should the rest of you be.

LGBTQ Pride Month is coming in June and anti-LGBTQ activists are gearing up. They've already started cause problems with department store Target by doing what they do -  lying their hateful asses off.

From The Associated Press:

CLAIM: Target’s Pride collection features a bathing suit for kids that is labeled “tuck-friendly.” 

 AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. The “tuck-friendly” swimsuits are only offered in adult sizes, according to a spokesperson for the company and Target’s website. Kids’ swimsuits in the collection do not feature this label. 

 

Why is this a big deal? For the benefit of those who don't know, tuck-friendly swim wear allows trans women who have not had gender-affirming surgery to conceal their private parts. It shouldn't be a big deal but anti-LGBTQ activists and wannabe poseurs spin lies about how Target is making this swimwear available to kids with the inference being another thread in their noxious conspiracy theory that kids are being 'groomed' to become transgender. Geez, I miss it when they used to say that we were 'grooming' kids to be gay. I guess that stopped being a money-maker and attention getting for these fools. 

The Associated Press further said

 

 THE FACTS: Target’s seasonal collection of clothes for Pride month collection has been the subject of several misleading videos in recent weeks, with social media users claiming the retailer is selling “tuck-friendly” bathing suits designed for kids or in kids’ sizes. Many of the posts criticizing Target have also urged people to boycott the company, following similar threats and transphobic commentary from conservative social media personalities towards brands including Bud Light and Nike over promotional campaigns featuring transgender people. 

 Posts criticizing Target shared photos or videos of either a one-piece swimsuit with a bright pink, orange, green and blue colorblock pattern, or black swim bottoms with colorful line stitches. Both feature a circular tag that reads, “Tuck-Friendly Construction,” and “Extra Crotch Coverage.”

 “Did you know @Target also sells ‘tuck-friendly’ bathing suits for children in the Pride section? Well now you do,” reads one post sharing a photo of the tag on Twitter. The post has received more than 4,000 likes. 

 Another video on Instagram, which had more than 100,000 likes as of Monday, shows footage of the tag on the one-piece swimsuit, and claims that while it is not specifically in the kids’ section, it is available in kids’ sizes.

 However, the swimsuits labeled “tuck-friendly” are only in adult sizes, and are not available in kids’ sizes, Kayla Castaneda, a spokesperson for Target, told The Associated Press. 

 Both the colorful one-piece and black swim bottoms seen in the photos and videos online are clearly labeled on Target’s website as adult swimsuits. Both pages list the products as coming in “general adult sizing” and offer adult XS as the smallest size for sale. “The ‘tuck-friendly’ swim suits are for adults only,” Castaneda said. The kids’ swimsuits in the Pride collection are not the same design or construction and do not have the same label, Castaneda confirmed. 

 I doubt that this will hinder the anti-LGBTQ activists from spreading their lies. I'm sure that when confronted with the truth, they claim that Target is lying while eagerly spewing the phrase "okay groomer" to whomever dare to challenge their pitiful assertions that they are somehow saving children.

But never forget no matter what these people are

Some are liars and haters filled with fear which is motivated by their prejudices. They are nothing but empty vessels with nothing to do but transfer the abject pitifulness of their lives into some fantasy that they are somehow stopping evil and saving kids. Then there are pathetic culture warriors who delude themselves into thinking that they are part of some movement. It keeps them away from their reality filled with unfulfilled life goals while intoxicating them with fantasies of acclaim; fantasies which they recognize as basic bullshit when they come down from the high of causing chaos. That reality is their constant companion but they are powerless to do anything about it except blame their scapegoats.

.And then there is the third segment - users and manipulators trying to get an easy payday by exploiting prejudice. They move from issue to issue by inflaming the gullible and feeding off of their rage which makes them feel like they are messiahs of a new order.  The issues are different but the underlaying emptiness of their souls are like mythical monsters -  always hungry no matter how much food they receive. They can't ever be filled or satisfied. And the saddest thing of it all is they see this as an attribute instead of what it is - the quality which makes them the most pathetic.

LGBTQ people will survive like we always do. And we will win, like we always do. We do this by refusing to back down while continuing to be our authentic selves. Unlike our haters.

'Moms for Liberty leader says is Biden is behind effort to make kids LGBTQ' & other Tue midday news briefs

Moms for Liberty chapter chair Darcy Schoening thinks President Biden is trying to make kids LGBTQ.

Moms for Liberty Leader Says Biden Behind High-Level, Coordinated Effort to Make Kids LGBTQ (Video)​ - Mercy! She is as spacey as she sounds. Old lies never die. They are simply the basis for new attacks. 

FactCheck - Young Children Do Not Receive Medical Gender Transition Treatment - This has to continuously be repeated because like so many anti-LGBTQ tropes, when they are refuted, the anti-LGBTQ industry tries to drown out the truth but constantly repeating their lies. 

School district’s book ban created “hostile environment” Dept. of Education says - Hopefully another lawsuit is imminent.

Illinois Senator Says All-Gender Restrooms Will Cause Violence "From Dads Like Me" - This idiot knows nothing about these bathrooms. They are always threatening violence but if their threats lead to actions which backfire against them, then they will play the victim.

Orlando restaurant, Hamburger Mary's, is suing DeSantis and Florida over anti-drag law

Hamburger Mary's is suing FL Gov Ron DeSantis over the state's new anti-drag law.

I am glad this is happening. DeSantis pushed for this law, now let him and his people try to defend it:

From The Orlando Sentinel:

Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando is suing Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida in federal court, claiming the restaurant has been deprived of its First Amendment rights and is already losing customers under a new law affecting drag shows. 

 Gov. DeSantis signed bills last Wednesday taking aim at transgender treatments for minors, pronouns in schools, bathroom use and children attending drag shows. The changes included penalties for venues letting children into “adult live performances” and potential first-degree misdemeanor charges for violators. 

 Hamburger Mary’s filed the lawsuit Monday, which also names as a defendant Melanie Griffin, secretary of Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, is asking the court to stop the law from being enforced. 

 And while defenders of the law saying either that it doesn't target drag or it only calls out sexually explicit performance, Hamburger Mary's lawsuit puts both assertions into question.

The restaurant, which opened in 2008, has hosted drag performances that include bingo, trivia and comedy. On Sundays, the downtown Orlando restaurant has “family friendly” drag shows to which children are invited, the lawsuit said. 

 After the law was signed, the restaurant told customers that children would not be allowed at any drag shows and it lost 20% of its bookings for Sunday and future events, according to the lawsuit. “They simply cannot take the chance that their business or liquor licenses would be suspended for hosting a drag show where children attend,” the lawsuit states. “In addition, the criminal penalties of the law put individuals at risk of prosecution because of the content of their speech.”

 The lawsuit argues the law is broad enough to include “even the most innocent drag performances, to reach into the private homes of Florida citizens, and to determine on behalf of parents what is and is not appropriate entertainment for their children.

'Dodgers facing backlash for disinviting drag charity group after right-wing complaints' & other Mon midday news briefs

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

The Dodgers booted the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Then came a big-league backlash - See what happens when you cave in to right-wing pressure nonsense. 

Court temporarily blocks N.J. school district policy to out LGBTQ students​ - The block is a product of the state attempting to stop the school from pushing a bad policy instead of the other way around. 

Here’s how the Biden administration plans to fight trans sports bans - And both sides are waiting. 

Kirk Cameron's Anti-LGBTQ+ Children's Book to be Released On First Day of Pride Month - I don't think he is going to get as much attention as he wants here.

AP - Anti-trans bills are 'ready-made' products of far-right groups, critics complain about how they deliberately distort science

While they certainly took their sweet time doing it, the national media is finally putting an in-depth focus on these bills and the parties behind them.

And it shouldn't be surprising to a lot of us what they found. The Associated Press recently published an article, Many transgender health bills came from a handful of far-right interest groups, AP finds, detailing the following:

At least 17 states have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, though judges have temporarily blocked their enforcement in some, including Arkansas. An Associated Press analysis found that often those bills sprang not from grassroots or constituent demand, but from the pens of a handful of conservative interest groups. 

 Many of the proposals, as introduced or passed, are identical or very similar to some model legislation, the AP found. Those ready-made bills have been used in statehouses for decades, often with criticisms of carpetbagging by out-of-state interests. In the case of restrictions on gender-affirming care for youths, they allow a handful of far-right groups to spread a false narrative based on distorted science, critics say.

 . . . The AP obtained the texts of more than 130 bills in 40 state legislatures from Plural, a public policy software company, and analyzed them for similarities to model bills peddled by the conservative groups Do No Harm, which also criticizes efforts to diversify staffing in medicine, and the Family Research Council, which has long been involved in abortion restrictions. One of the clearest examples is in Montana, where nearly all the language in at least one bill can be found in Do No Harm’s model.  . . .  

 . . . Do No Harm’s model and the 2021 Arkansas bill endorsed as a model by the Family Research Council also have many similarities, including the assertion — rebutted by major medical organizations — that the risks of gender-affirming care outweigh its benefits. 

 . . . Such bills often distort valid science that supports gender-affirming care for youths, said Dr. Jack Drescher, a psychiatry professor at Columbia University who edited the section about gender dysphoria in the American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic manual. Do No Harm cites the manual in its model bill. 

 “These bills are not at all interested in patient care,” Drescher said.  “These bills are designed to inflame.” 

 It’s problematic “any time policymakers are cherry-picking isolated studies or scientific research that arrives upon a different conclusion than the rest of the community or that relies upon studies without having that expertise,” said Marty P. Jordan, an assistant professor of political science at Michigan State University. “It’s problematic for the individuals that the legislation could impact. It’s problematic for the larger public, and problematic for democracy writ large.”