'Poll: anti-lgbt 'religious liberty' laws are NOT popular with most Americans' & other Wed midday news briefs

According to one poll, anti-lgbt 'religious liberty' laws are not popular.

Most Americans don’t want “religious freedom” laws that allow anti-LGBT discrimination - This is HUGE and needs to be repeated. According to a  Public Religion Research Institute poll, 61 percent of respondents, do not, repeat, DO NOT want religious liberty laws. This doesn't mean that the fight over these abominations of laws is over, but it DOES mean we hold the good cards. 

Taxpaying lgbts shouldn't sacrifice rights to 'religious liberty' propaganda - And I REALLY want to emphasize the piece I posted last night. The lgbt community needs to hold firm on this fact. We pay taxes and our money shouldn't be given to entities who will have a free pass to discriminate against us. In addition, federal employees are also paid by our tax dollars, so if they won't serve us like they do other Americans, they need to be let go. No apologies. No deviation from that line. It's our money, dammit and there isn't a thing wrong with demanding that if we pay taxes, we should be treated like other taxpaying Americans.  

DeVos confirmed despite concerns over anti-LGBT donations - And the fact that when it becomes to education, she doesn't know her knee from her elbow. We will be watching her.  

Why Obamacare repeal would be devastating to people with HIV - Meanwhile, let's also put attention on stopping any attempts to repeal Obamacare/ACA. It would hurt a lot of people, including our community.  

Dave Daubenmire: Illuminati Tricked Americans Into Watching Lady Gaga’s ‘Celebration Of Satan’ At The Super Bowl - Okay, who talked? Geez, gay men cannot keep a secret!

Taxpaying lgbts shouldn't sacrifice rights to 'religious liberty' propaganda

Religious liberty argument shouldn't override the fact that lgbts also pay taxes.

The homophobic hate group American Family Association is alarmed that Trump has yet to sign an anti-lgbt "religious liberty" executive order. The organization, via email, is asking its supporters to sign a petition asking Trump to do so.

It is partly as follows:

Liberals and homosexual activists are advancing their radical agenda by attempting to torpedo President Donald Trump's executive order on religious liberty that was recently leaked to the media. This is an excellent executive order that will protect your First Amendment rights.

I urge you to sign the AFA petition NOW asking President Trump to protect religious freedom for all Americans. I plan to personally deliver this petition with signatures during a meeting with the Trump Administration. Help me take your voice to the White House!

This is urgent! After the executive order was leaked, radical activists demanded that the White House keep in place the policy implemented by President Obama’s executive order. The Obama policy bans federal contractors from funding if they refuse to change their non-discrimination policies to include homosexuals and “transgender” persons.

If Christians remain silent and do not let President Trump know they stand with him on religious liberty, then the only voices he will hear are those of radical homosexual activists.

  . . .  The religious freedom executive order under consideration by the Trump Administration:

• Protects Christian colleges and universities, which maintain biblical views on sexuality, marriage, and gender, from losing federal funds.
• Follows the long standing Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) that states religious exercise "includes all aspects of religious observance and practice."
• Instructs all federal agencies, "to the greatest extent practicable and permitted by law," to reasonably accommodate the religion of federal employees, as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
• Instructs the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury to grant relief to the Little Sisters of the Poor and others that are not exempt from the Obamacare contraception mandate.
• Instructs the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure the federal government does not discriminate against the religious beliefs of child-welfare providers such as foster care and adoption services.
• Instructs all federal agencies to provide protections and exemptions consistent with the Civil Rights Act and Americans with Disabilities Act to religious organizations that either contract with or receive grants from the federal government.
• Instructs the U.S. Treasury not to revoke the non-profit tax status because a religious organization's ordinary religious speech deals with politics, or because they speak or act on the belief that marriage is the union of husband and wife, that sex is based on immutable biology, or that life begins at conception.

I'm not even going to refute these bullets one at a time because they can all be handled with a question, which unfortunately, has not been asked enough.

'Mike Huckabee under fire for transphobic joke about refugees' & other Mon. midday news briefs

Mike Huckabee shows his true and ugly face with a recent bad joke.

Mike Huckabee’s Transphobic ‘Joke’ Slammed By Stars, Allies - A vile positive to the election of Trump is how certain members of the religious right are discarding their masks of piety and showing their true bigoted faces. Because mocking someone for crying about the Holocaust AND making fun of a transgender murder victim at the same time takes a special kind of nasty hate.

Editor's note - And this isn't Huckabee's first time at the "rodeo of homophobia." The article above isn't just about a simple joke. Mike Huckabee has a long history of attacking lgbts and reducing our lives to punchlines and illusions about sex all in the name of "his faith." He simply does not like lgbts, period:  

Huckabee continues to hide his homophobia behind religion  

Mike Huckabee is either a clueless fool or a brazen liar 

Mike Huckabee's 'moral values' include lies about gay community 

 In other news:

 New Katie Couric documentary explains transgender identities in compelling detail - We need more television specials like this. I get so tired of people attacking the transgender community without even knowing anything about them.

 People Have A Lot Of Feelings About This Mother Rejecting Her Gay Son On National TV - Oh no she didn't! DRAG. HER. BEHIND!

 LGBT Equality Caucus doubles its membership - "We'uns done woke up." 

 Bryan Fischer: ‘Would Jesus Be In Favor Of Restricting Immigration? Absolutely’ - Based upon some of the other stuff Fischer has said, I cringe to think what else he claims that Jesus supports.

Family Research Council wants Trump to give churches unfettered political power

FRC's Tony Perkins

According to the anti-lgbt hate group the Family Research Council, the two and half weeks with Trump in power have been wonderful. And it would be even more wonderful if he would repeal The Johnson Amendment, thereby allowing churches to publicly endorse or oppose political candidates without losing tax exempt status. The following is from FRC president Tony Perkins:

President Trump didn't waste any time proving his critics wrong. People who doubted whether the Republican would make good on his promises learned pretty quickly that there's nothing empty about this president's word. From the unborn to immigration, the new White House has been working its way through a long list of priorities -- which, we know from last week's National Prayer Breakfast, includes the Johnson Amendment. From almost the beginning of his candidacy, Trump has highlighted this 1954 law as one of the worst abusers of free speech in America.

And plenty of conservatives agree. After eight years of the Obama IRS breathing down the necks of nonprofits and churches, threatening to take away their tax exempt status, the Johnson Amendment has become just another way for liberals to crackdown on pastors' ability to speak openly about political issues and candidates. That changes now, say conservatives like Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.), House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), and Rep. Jody Hice (R-Ga.), who together introduced the Free Speech Fairness Act to stop the government from muting pastors who apply God's laws to today's debates. They, like President Trump, think it's time to put an end to this culture of intimidation -- especially since that wasn't the purpose of the measure to begin with! In a joint op-ed for the Washington Post, the trio talks about their new bill and what it would mean for the pulpits of America.

"Specifically, our legislation would ensure that all 501(c)(3) organizations, including nonprofits, charities, and houses of worship are legally able to make comments about a political issue within the scope of their normal activities. An environmental nonprofit that sends out an e-newsletter educating its readers about the climate positions of candidates wouldn't have to fear an audit. A church employee who distributes election voter guides (for which her church did not incur any cost for distribution) could not be punished by the IRS."

As I said on CNN over the weekend, this has nothing to do with money being expended on political campaigns. And it certainly doesn't mean that churches will become the new arm of the Republican Party -- or either party. As Lankford, Scalise, and Hice pointed out, "Every American should be able to speak freely about their conscience and convictions -- no matter what their job is."

The truth of the matter is Americans are able to speak freely about their conscience and convictions. That is not the point. The point is should certain organizations be allowed to endorse or oppose political candidates without losing their nonprofit status? And let's not play games here. The organizations in question are in fact churches. Perkins can dodge all he likes, but we are in fact talking about churches, which is a main source of a lot of FRC's power and influence.  Perkins seeks to distract people with jingoistic or religious words like "freedom," "conscience," and "convictions" because he has yet to make a concise defense on why should churches meddle deep into politics without losing their tax-exempt status.

And my guess is that Perkins doesn't have one. Giving churches unfettered access to political power is a dangerous game to play, but it only underscores what I have said about the religious right's relationship with Trump. They don't care to act as his moral conscience. They are only acting as his alibi so that he gives them what they want.

'Lady Gaga delivers subversive message to lgbts during SuperBowl performance' & other Mon. midday news briefs

Lady Gaga Gave A Subtle Nod To The LGBTQ Community During Her Super Bowl Performance - I did not watch last night's Superbowl but I did see Lady Gaga's halftime performance and noticed her shout out to us. I don't see it as getting bread crumbs. I see it as appropriate, however subtle or subversive some may term it. She was telling plain truth.  

Claims of ‘Homosexual Agenda’ Help Kill Hate Crimes Laws in 5 States - Even in South Carolina. They have no problem protecting race and religion under hate crimes legislation, but God forbid lgbts are included.

 Pence dodges on anti-LGBT ‘religious freedom’ executive order - Uh yes you had better dodge. Have Trump sign that mess and see what happens . . .  

How Doctors’ Offices—and Queer Culture—Are Failing Autistic LGBTQ People - Articles like this are very important.

Thousands attend weekend LGBT protest against Trump at Stonewall Inn

A protest Saturday at the historic Stonewall Inn in NYC sent a message to Donald Trump that not only do lgbts and our allies think that his travel ban executive order was a rotten idea, but should he attempt to push another another executive order attacking lgbt equality, all hell will break loose complete with a couple of pitchforks figuratively shoved up his tookis.

From Time magazine:

Protesters gathered at New York City's historic Stonewall Inn on Saturday to show solidarity with immigrants and refugees affected by President Donald Trump's immigration ban.A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked Trump's executive order barring people from seven majority-Muslim countries from entering the U.S. — a decision that earned Trump's ire. People at the protest on Saturday waved rainbow flags, sang songs and held signs challenging Trump's policies.

Related post -  The 15 best signs from the LGBTQ solidarity march at the Stonewall Inn

'Trump will attack lgbt equality but we won't let him win' & other Fri. midday news briefs

Don't be fooled. Trump is not an lgbt ally

Be Certain Of This: Donald Trump Will Try To Eviscerate LGBTQ Equality - It's very gratifying to see members of the lgbt community gathering in an army (albeit loose army) in readiness for Trump's attack on our equality. However, as Michelangelo Signorile points out, that's not enough. Here are four rules we must abide by to defeat Trump and company's attack on our equality, humanity, and dignity. 

Trump's Executive Orders: Divide and Conquer - Speaking of which, DO NOT allow Trump and his allies to divide us and the Muslim community.  

Religious freedom bill passes in Va. House - And we have a problem in Virginia . . .

 How anti-LGBT laws foster a culture of exclusion that harms states’ economic prosperity - And WE WILL make sure that it does. 

‘Family’ Groups Blast Boy Scouts’ Decision To Allow Trans Kids - Family group my foot! They'll have to get over their anger.

Bayard Rustin - the link between the lgbt & African-American civil rights movements

Seeing that it's Black History Month, this is a perfect time to pay tribute to my idol, activist and chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, Bayard Rustin. In actuality though, anytime is always a good time to pay tribute to Rustin, an unsung gay black man who should have larger status in American history.

'Anti-lgbt 'religious freedom' EO would harm lgbt youth & same-sex families' & other Thur. midday briefs

Trump's anti-lgbt executive order would harm same-sex families physically and psychologically

One thing which sticks in my craw about that possible anti-lgbt "religious freedom" executive order is how our side isn't fully expressing how devastating it would be. It would not only codify anti-lgbt discrimination into law but it also would send an awful message to our most vulnerable - lgbt children and children who are members of same-sex families.

Much like segregation did to African-American children (and this was tested and proven), an executive order allowing people to discriminate against lgbts would send an awful message to lgbt children and children in same-sex households that they and their families are inferior and aren't deserving of rights or respect. I refuse to believe any true Christian would support this.

That's why I have one eye open on this below:

Just In: The White House tells me this morning it has no current plans to issue an executive order on religious freedom. pic.twitter.com/m0HYAUZLID

— Dominic Holden (@dominicholden) February 2, 2017

And I'm not the only one:

Why LGBTQ Advocates Are Scared, Despite What The White House Says - Cause we don't trust Trump and we shouldn't.

In other news:

 Legislation Targeting Transgender Students Pulled in South Dakota - It ain't all bad news, luckily. Good for South Dakota.  

How France’s Nationalist Party Is Winning Gay Support - How is this racist party doing it? Same way Trump and company tried to in America. Attack the Muslim community. Sigh!!!  

Trump defends professional bigot Milo Yiannopoulos after Fox News tells him to - Right wing on one side, "professional anarchists" on the other leave the students trying to peacefully protest in the middle of an ugly incident. And Milo Y. on the side counting the money like Willie Dynamite's "bottom bitch."

Leaked draft of anti-lgbt 'religious freedom' executive order is an explosive piece of discrimination

Anti-lgbt discrimination would not be the only thing to worry about if a draft of a Trump executive order is accurate.

Earlier this week when it was announced that Trump would be keeping Obama's executive order protecting lgbt federal workers, I noticed that there was a somewhat mute if not silent reaction from members of the religious right.

I think it's safe to assume that the following is the reason why.

Investigative journalist Sarah Posner just got her hands on a leaked draft of a "religious freedom" executive order. To put it nicely, the draft is a monstrous piece of work.

From her article in The Nation:

 A leaked copy of a draft executive order titled “Establishing a Government-Wide Initiative to Respect Religious Freedom,” obtained by The Investigative Fund and The Nation, reveals sweeping plans by the Trump administration to legalize discrimination.

The four-page draft order, a copy of which is currently circulating among federal staff and advocacy organizations, construes religious organizations so broadly that it covers “any organization, including closely held for-profit corporations,” and protects “religious freedom” in every walk of life: “when providing social services, education, or healthcare; earning a living, seeking a job, or employing others; receiving government grants or contracts; or otherwise participating in the marketplace, the public square, or interfacing with Federal, State or local governments.”

The draft order seeks to create wholesale exemptions for people and organizations who claim religious or moral objections to same-sex marriage, premarital sex, abortion, and trans identity, and it seeks to curtail women’s access to contraception and abortion through the Affordable Care Act. The White House did not respond to requests for comment, but when asked Monday about whether a religious freedom executive order was in the works, White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters, “I’m not getting ahead of the executive orders that we may or may not issue. There is a lot of executive orders, a lot of things that the president has talked about and will continue to fulfill, but we have nothing on that front now.”

 . . .  The breadth of the draft order, which legal experts described as “sweeping” and “staggering,” may exceed the authority of the executive branch if enacted. It also, by extending some of its protections to one particular set of religious beliefs, would risk violating the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution. 

 Ira Lupu, a professor emeritus at the George Washington University Law School, is quoted in Posner's article. He  goes into detail as to how it may violate the Establishment Clause::

In particular, said Lupu, the draft order “privileges” a certain set of beliefs about sexual orientation and gender identity—beliefs identified most closely with conservative Catholics and evangelical Christians—over others. . . . Lupu added that the language of the draft “might invite federal employees,” for example, at the Social Security Administration or Veterans Administration, “to refuse on religious grounds to process applications or respond to questions from those whose benefits depend on same sex marriages.” If other employees do not “fill the gap,” he said, it could “lead to a situation where marriage equality was being de facto undermined by federal employees, especially in religiously conservative communities,” contrary to Supreme Court rulings.

 I haven't even talked about what it says about gays and the adopting of children. I suggest that folks read the article in its entirety.

I would also like to point out that this possible executive order  seems to be part of a larger desire of religious right and evangelical groups to take a more aggressive attempt to seize power in the political arena.

Earlier today, the Family Research Council sent out a Washington Update bragging about a press conference it held with various religious and Congressional leaders to introduce what the organization calls The Free Speech Fairness Act, H.B. 781. This act would overturn The Johnson Amendment, which forbids tax-exempt organizations (i.e churches) from openly endorsing and opposing political candidates.

According to FRC:

Pastors have for too long been intimidated into silence. As I told the press today, Dr. Martin Luther King -- the greatest "political pastor" in the nation -- spoke forcefully from the pulpit about how the issues of the day were to be driven by pastors and the people in pews. For the whole of American history, churches have been at the forefront of shaping debate and public policy. That's where they ought to stay.

So now not only is there a possibility of an executive order which could enshrine all sorts of discrimination into law, but there is also a push to allow churches to endorse or oppose political candidates without losing their tax-exempt statuses.

So one side of the spectrum with Trump in the White House is Steve Bannon and his bunch pushing xenophobic discrimination (i.e. the Muslim ban) disguised as an act protecting Americans from terrorists. And now on the other is a push to enshrine a Christian evangelical theocracy disguised as a push for liberty and free speech.

'Trump selects right-wing group's handpicked for SCOTUS' & other Wed. midday news briefs

Neil Gorsuch, the Heritage Foundation's pick.

LGBT Activist Groups Up in Arms Over Gorsuch SCOTUS Nom - One thing hardly anyone is mentioning about Trump's SCOTUS nominee is that Trump didn't necessarily pick him. He came to Trump as a pick from the right-wing, racist Voter ID law pushing, anti-lgbt Heritage Foundation. 

The Religious Right Is Thrilled About Neil Gorsuch - Naturally the religious right is extremely happy over this. While I'm still mad about how the GOP treated Obama SCOTUS pick Merrick Garland, I will console myself with the fact that should Gorsuch is appointed, his possible vote will only count as Scalia's vote. He doesn't sway the court in another direction. Now the next SCOTUS pick . . .  

Texas Mayor Jess Herbst Comes Out As Transgender - Good for you!!  

Can You Name These Lesbian Film From Just One Line? - A little levity in the midst of the storm is always a good thing.  

Britain posthumously pardons thousands of gay men in 'Turing law' - I GUESS this is a good thing but the situation should have never come to this in the beginning. So many lives needlessly destroyed.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin's sexual orientation targeted in ugly attack

Sen Tammy Baldwin

The fact that there are some folks who are attacking Wisconsin senator Tammy Baldwin for her sexual orientation (Baldwin is the first lgbt ever to be elected to the United States Senate) is abominable. The fact that that they are trying to recruit blowhard Milwaukee sheriff and Fox News jackal David Clarke to run against her (particularly when he has a bad reputation in performing his duties, i.e. four people dying in his jail including an infant) is just downright ridiculous:

The Huffington Post has the entire story.

'GLAAD Media Award nominees showcase the richness, diversity of our community' & other Tue. midday news briefs

GLAAD Media Award Nominees Revealed - While we are embroiled with an earth-shaking battle for equality and self-determination with the "Orange stain" in the White House, let's not forget the richness and diversity of our community. We should never stop loving ourselves and celebrating who we are. Besides, this is THIS BLOG'S THIRD NOMINATION FOR OUTSTANDING BLOG!!!!!!!!! "Booty dance! Booty dance!" I am currently looking for a copy of that red feathered outfit which the late Zsa Zsa Gabor wore when she made a cameo in "A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 3." It will look good on me as I watch the show on twitter with my fingers crossed. For more details, see GLAAD's webpage.

Boy Scouts welcome transgender boys, prompting conservatives to flee - This is just silly. Why are they scared of transgender children? Why do they get scared of transgender men and women in the first place?

Trump to preserve Obama order barring anti-LGBT discrimination - I got my arms crossed with my best "mmmm hmmm" face. And I suggest that the rest of the lgbt community should also. We have to neither like nor trust Trump. Just let him know that if he steps the wrong way . . .

Don’t Fall For Donald Trump’s Latest Ploy. He Is No LGBTQ Hero. - Like I was saying . . .

Senate Must Stand Firm Against Anti-Equality Supreme Court Candidates - And let's not forget the really HUGE fight. I'm saving my good tennis shoes for this one.

Possible anti-lgbt executive order is a nasty piece of discrimination

This will NOT be our future!

UPDATE - According to The New York Times, it looks like Trump may not be pushing an anti-lgbt executive order. In fact, he will be keeping Obama's 2014 pro-lgbt executive order:

The White House said on Monday that President Trump would leave in place a 2014 Obama administration order that created new workplace protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. In a statement issued in response to growing questions about whether Mr. Trump would reverse the Obama order, the White House said the president was proud to embrace gay rights. “President Trump continues to be respectful and supportive of L.G.B.T.Q. rights, just as he was throughout the election,” the statement said. “The president is proud to have been the first ever G.O.P. nominee to mention the L.G.B.T.Q. community in his nomination acceptance speech, pledging then to protect the community from violence and oppression.”

I personally don't trust Trump. He has shown his capacity to lie at the drop of a hat. At the very least, he is still suffering from the negative publicity of his anti-Muslim immigrant executive order. At the state he is in now, getting the lgbt community all up in arms would be like all of the fires of hell collapsing on his head. DO NOT get slack and close your eyes with this administration.

We knew it was coming the night Trump won the election. And all during the day today, I've heard rumblings from various sources. Now the confirmations are slowly coming in.

There will be an anti-lgbt executive order from Trump. According to blogger Joe Jervis,  Washington Post reporter has claimed that there is a draft targeting adoption and other issues.

LGBTQ Nation adds more details:

Several sources spoke with LGBTQ Nation on the condition of anonymity who have told us that the order will allow for discrimination in a number of areas, including employment, social services, business, and adoption.

From what we’ve heard, the executive order could be far-reaching, and could include: making taxpayer funds available for discrimination against LGBTQ people in social services; allow federally funded adoption agencies to discriminate against LGBTQ parents; eliminate non-discrimination protections in order to make it possible to fire federal employers and contractors based on their sexual orientation or gender identity; and allow federal employees to refuse to serve people based on the belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman, and that gender is an immutable characteristic set at birth, which would impact a broad range of federal benefits.

The order is expected to come in the packaging of so-called “religious freedom,” which argues that someone’s religious beliefs should be enough to prevent them from having to provide goods and services to members of the LGBTQ community if doing so would conflict with said beliefs.

Should this mess come to pass, I am making a guess and a "read."

The guess is that I am seriously doubting anyone employed by the Trump Administration is crafting this junk. The grubby fingerprints of The Heritage Foundation, the Family Research Council, or other anti-lgbt organizations and hate groups will be all over this mess.

Now the read, or for the sake of those who aren't familiar with that gay term, "the throwing of shade:"

The situation  that our opposition call "religious liberty" was never about bakers or florist supposedly forced to participate in same-sex weddings. That was a smokescreen. This is the same anti-lgbt mess from the same crowd of self-righteous, lying fake-ass "Christian" morality groups who've made it their life's work to stamp out lgbt equality.  It has nothing to do with protection. It's exploiting spite, i.e. the spite of individuals who don't want to admit that horror stories and fear tactics they used to scare people about lgbts failed them time and time again in the courts of America. They seem to think that special rules apply to them; that they can spin all sorts of lies about lgbts (such we are a health hazard  or we "recruit" children) without any reprisal  When the reprisal does come, be it their lies being exposed or them losing hard in the courts, they blame the so-called "forces of darkness" rather than the schadenfreude of their lies biting them in the ass. In the cases of adoption rights, private sexual behavior, and marriage, we've beaten them down. And with each loss, they deceive themselves into thinking that God is telling them to "try harder" the next time. I think He is telling them something, but they are too full of their own egos to get the correct message.

So now they come with this executive order junk, which sends so many ugly messages. Not only does it give homophobes the right to take lgbt tax dollars while discriminating against us, it also tells lgbts "You are inferior. Yes, we have a right to your money and don't have to respect you as taxpaying Americans And we don't have to respect your family, either. Why? Because of Jesus." 

No matter the excuse, discrimination is discrimination. No matter what happens, we are in this for the long haul. We are lgbts. We are American citizens, families, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, taxpayers, job creators, etc.

We will not stand for being disrespected and treated like second class citizens. Trump can sign whatever he wants and he can attempt to hold to it for how long he wants. But it will not stand. It will crumble. And then we will stampede all over it, just like we have done to everything else used to hold us down.

Come for us.

'Lgbt-affirming pastor calls out Franklin Graham for supporting Trump's immigration ban' & other Mon. midday news briefs

Mark Wingfield

Here’s How Franklin Graham Justifies Trump’s Expected Refugee Ban - Before Trump pushed that awful immigrant ban, Franklin Graham that the issue isn't "biblical." 

On immigration, Franklin Graham is dead wrong - But Pastor Mark Wingfield would like a word with Graham.  I should point out that Wingfield is an affirming associate pastor whose church, Wilshire Baptist Church (Dallas, TX), has gotten into trouble for performing same-sex marriages. 

 LGBT Refugees’ Lives Depend on the U.S. Resettlement Program - Let me again remind folks that we are involved in this issue. DEEP.

 All Democratic senators will oppose DeVos as education secretary - We are NOT buying the trash that DeVos is a friend to the lgbt community. 

 Due to “Administration-Related Changes,” the EEOC May Withdraw From a Trans Rights Case - This AIN'T good, folks.

Lgbt community registers fierce opposition to Trump's immigration ban

You have to be living under a rock to not have heard about Donald Trump's awful ban on immigrants from Muslim majority Middle Eastern countries and the rage and protests it has caused in so many circles.

Just in case you are wondering, one of the those circles is the lgbt community. The ban affects our community and we will not be quiet.

Shadi Ismail, a gay man from Syria, came to the U.S. in 2012. Since then, he’s resettled in Boise, and even found love with boyfriend Ian Guthrie
.
In all, 11,469 Syrian refugees were admitted into the U.S. between October 2015 and September 9, 2016. of them, 118 have relocated to Idaho. (The number in Boise is twice that of New York City.)

Back in September, Ismael told McClatchy, “it’s good, very good news—people coming in, being safe now. They will have a life.” But just four months later, his mood has changed drastically. He worries for his countrymen, and fears Trump’s policies are “signing them to die.”

LGBT organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders have gone on record condemning the ban. Meanwhile, members of the lgbt community are also joining protests.

According to The Washington Blade:

Kent Fogg, a gay 31-year-old D.C. resident, said he came to protest the executive order because he opposed it based on his experience working for human rights overseas in Kosovo, a Muslim-majority country.

“I just spent the last two years living as a guest in a majority Muslim country in Kosovo,” Fogg said. “Everyone was not only incredibly open and welcoming to me, but they look to America as a model of a place that’s welcoming. And as a country in the Balkans that recently had its own refugee crisis, you heard the personal stories of what people went through, why people become refugees, and it’s just inhumane and against everything we stand for for us not to have the compassion that’s required to respond to the situations that are going on, and to let people in regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.”

 . . .  Joe Sudbay, a gay D.C.-based progressive activist and blogger, was among those at the demonstration and said it was important to “make your voice heard in front of the White House” against Trump. “Donald Trump needs to know, the American people, the people of D.C., do not stand for hate, do not stand for the Muslim ban, do not stand for his wall,” Sudbay said. “We’re vehemently opposed to his policies. He’s out of touch, and we need to tell him, and we need to tell him all the time.”

'Gay State Dept. employee resigns rather than work in Trump Administration' & other Fri. midday news briefs

Gay State Dept. employee says Trump prompted resignation - Can you blame him? 

Trump proves that the religious right is a 'religious fraud' - And speaking of our Orange Encrusted Overlord and the religious right, a repeat of this morning's post.

 Citing HB2, national group pulls out of meeting planned at Rowan-Salisbury Schools - Just a reminder that the boycott of North Carolina because of HB2 is still on.  

Browns’ Joe Thomas: Every NFL locker room would welcome gay teammate with open arms - I don't know . . .  

While Trump Grabs Headlines, Texas Republicans Launch New Wave of Assaults on LGBT Rights - We are paying attention.

Trump proves that the religious right is a 'religious fraud'

The religious right have their 'Jesus.'

In a short but sweet post, Mother Jones blogger Kevin Drum  nails something I've mentioned on this blog and what we all need to be pointing out every chance we get.

Trump's election and the silence of religious right organizations with regards to his behavior since then only proves that their entire routine about upholding morality and Christian values is just talk.

Groups like the American Family Association and the Family Research Council cheerlead the possible elimination of Obamacare (even though it will leave millions of Americans without health care) or urge Trump to push against a law which restricts pastors and churches from endorsing political candidates. Meanwhile so-called religious leaders like Franklin Graham and the Catholic Church are silent when Trump threatens to sign executive orders against immigrants, which doesn't exactly hold up to the tenet Jesus spoke about when he told the parable of  The Good Samaritan.

In the case of Graham, the silence is truly sad, seeing that he doesn't ever seem to be at a loss for words when it comes to denigrating lgbts and especially smearing the transgender community.

As Drum points out, religious right groups and leaders aren't interested in acting as Trump's moral conscience. They are too busy providing him with an alibi.

The entire piece is wonderful reading. But I especially loved this part:

The Christian right has never been about actual faith. Like any other interest group, they just want what they want: abortion restrictions, money for private schools, opposition to gays, and so forth. As long as you're on board, they don't care what's in your heart. They never have, and that's why the suggestion that Democrats need to be more publicly devout has always been so misguided. Faith doesn't matter. Empathy for people of faith doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is supporting the Christian right's retrograde social views, and Democrats were never going to do that.

'Trump's immigration executive order also affects lgbt community' & other Thur. midday news briefs

 America ‘turns back on’ LGBT refugees who fled ISIS persecution as Trump axes resettlement plan - Just in case you think the lgbt community isn't affected by Trump's anti-immigration madness. Sad irony alert - there were some folks saying that we should vote for Trump if we fear what ISIS would do to lgbts. We are now seeing that was verbal nonsense. If you won't protect my brothers and sisters from other countries, then I really don't expect you to protect me. And yes, major lgbt organizations have raised the alarm over this.  

The Queer Response To Trump’s Promise To Build Wall Along Mexican Border - And we don't like his jacked up idea about a wall, either.  

The insidious new line in South Dakota’s bill attacking transgender kids - People who are bound to create havoc can use anything for their own purposes, even one seemingly innocent word.

State treasury official resigns after declaring homophobic jokes ‘back on’ under President Trump - Fools are going to slowly but surely learn that Trump being president can't save their ass should they choose to BE asses.

Meet Anti-LGBTQ Extremism’s Insidious New Leader - "Look, Martha. We got another one."

I'm in love with this Kellogg's commercial featuring 'Mark & Chris'

This Kellogg's commercial from the United Kingdom featuring gay couple Mark and Chris is so simple, yet says so much. This is partly what it's all about. Having a normal life with someone you love.

From The Huffington Post:
 

Chris Hall and Mark Hearfield, who hail from Bury, England, are among the eight families featured in Kellogg’s “My Perfect Bowl” effort, which highlights the “weird ways” that people eat the signature cereal. In the clip above, Hall, 42, says he likes his cereal with “piping hot” milk and honey. Hearfield, 59, prefers a more straightforward, “room temperature” preparation. The men, who have been together for 22 years, told The Bury Times that they were thrilled to take part in the commercial, which debuted on YouTube and British network television on Jan. 6.

'Spokesman - DeVos supports marriage equality' & other Wed. midday news briefs

DeVos

Betsy DeVos Supports Same-Sex Marriage, Spokesman Says - Trump's nominee for Secretary of Education supports marriage equality? After ALL of the stuff we have heard about her family giving generously to anti-lgbt groups and causes, we are just hearing this NOW?! Yeah. Okay. My medicine isn't THAT strong to make me buy that.

Future of U.S. LGBT envoy remains unclear - We are watching this situation with MUCH interest.

You Probably Missed The Troubling Thing Sean Spicer Said About LGBTQ Rights - We caught it.  

Charlotte, N.C., Government Fears Retaliation for Pro-LGBTQ Legislation - And the mess in North Carolina continues. 

 Politics are personal for those who are LGBT, inducing self care - You'd better believe it, jack.

 5 hours later, LGBT non-discrimination ordinance advances 4-3 at relocated council meeting - Even in the midst of negativity, lgbts and our allies are succeeding. From what I hear, the crowd at this council meeting in Jackson City (Michigan) was full of folks who supported the ordinance. Of the 86 speakers, 82 favored it.

Randy Rainbow is the perfect antidote to the 'age of Trump' and its 'alternative facts'

I'm not completely familiar with this performer, Randy Rainbow, but I love this video. In the "age of Trump," we are going to seriously need comedy, we are seriously going to need satire, and we are seriously going to need to be "bitchy." I'm talking "Joan Crawford bitchy." And this video of Randy Rainbow taking on Kellyanne Conway about "alternative facts" fits the bill and then some. Yes it's a stereotype to say so, but sometimes it takes a queen . . .

''Moonlight' makes Oscar history, part of huge crop of diverse nominees' & other Tue. midday news briefs

Not So White After All: Oscar Nominations End Diversity Drought With New Honorees - FINALLY! The 2017 Oscar nominations made history big time today. 'Moonlight' received eight nominations and became the first lgbt of color themed movies to be recognized, particularly with the nod for Best Picture. And it is a member of a triumvirate of African-American themed movies ('Fences', 'Hidden Figures') to receive the nomination for the big award (Best Picture). And that's just the beginning. Nominations in other categories (especially acting) were also historical in terms of diversity. 

Texas Supreme Court considers same-sex spousal benefits an open question - Texas is getting on my nerves. Get with the program, guys. Marriage equality is legal so stop with the nastiness about benefits. 

 Kim Davis’s Lawyer Makes Bizarre Claim About Orlando Victims And AIDS - Yes it was nasty. I swear . . .  

The religious right have been using 'alternative facts' against the lgbt community for years - I posted this last night and thanks to a wonderful bunch of folks who read and spread it, it has gone viral BIG TIME. But it needs to be said and repeated again. A visual on how the anti-lgbt religious right have been using "alternative facts" to harm our community LONG BEFORE Kellyanne Conway coined the term. 

 Nigeria’s anti-homosexuality laws block access to care - A reminder that our fight for equality and self-determination is global.

The religious right have been using 'alternative facts' against the lgbt community for years

The controversy over the use "alternative facts" is actually nothing new to the lgbt community. As the graphics and soundbites below will tell you, religious right and "traditional morality groups" (the Family Research Council, the American Family Association, the Liberty Counsel, the National Organization for Marriage, etc.) have been creating their own "alternative facts" over the years about the lgbt community. The goal has always been exploiting religious beliefs against homosexuality to paint us as immoral, God-hating, disease ridden public menaces.

And while these soundbites and graphics seem comical, they have been highly successful over the years. It's something to remember as we all engage further into the argument over "religious liberty." Truth be told, that particular argument is nothing different than what these groups have done to us. It still paints us as invading outsiders, but with a gentler tone.

Religious right "alternative facts" about the lgbt community over the years (click on graphic to make it larger):

 

 

 

'The drag queen who attended Trump's inauguration . . . ' & other Mon. midday news briefs

RuPaul’s Drag Race star Courtney Act attended Trump's inauguration.

A Drag Queen Went to Donald Trump’s Inauguration (Video) -  You simply have to see this! RuPaul’s Drag Race star Courtney Act attended Trump's inauguration and interviewed the folks there.

The faces of the Women’s March turn Washington from red to rainbow - Last weekend Women's March on Washington of course included the lgbt community in a large number.

 Iceman finally has his first gay kiss in X-Men – see the glorious full page illustration - Nice! 
 

Amid worry, gay conservatives see hope for LGBT rights in Trump - I'm afraid I got some bad news for SOME folks . ..  

Gay Buddhist monk is also a makeup artist who helps trans people look their best - I ADORE positive stories like this one.

Hate group leader spews 'alternative facts' about Christianity, Obama, & Trump

Trump aide Kellyanne Conway's unfortunate turn of the phrase "alternative facts" is an excellent segueway to this morning's post featuring Family Research Council president Tony Perkins and his "glorified gloating" about Trump's inauguration:

This is truly an exciting time as the oppressive anti-family, anti-faith policies of the outgoing administration will soon be history. There's no question that people not only hope again -- but genuinely believe that America can be great again. But the prospects of America's greatness cannot be separated from our goodness. Last night, I had the privilege of opening the official inaugural candlelight dinner with that message as I prayed for the president and vice-president. The event, which was held at Union Station, also included most of the president's staff and those nominated for cabinet posts. Quoting from Proverbs I reminded those gathered what one of the wisest kings wrote, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."
To be great, we must be good. And government can never make us good, only God, working in each of our hearts can accomplish such a task. That's why religious freedom is so intertwined with America's success. We must be free to pursue God and obey God. As Jesus said, if you love me, you will keep my commandments. We are grateful for the incoming president to restore America's religious freedom -- our ability to live our lives according to our faith.

I don't know which is more laughable - the lie that the Obama Administration was anti-family and anti-faith, or the fact that Tony Perkins is actually citing Biblical verses to justify the election of an odious bully who once bragged about sexually assaulting women.

Perkins's tone deaf kissing up is indicative of religious right and so-called white evangelical leaders like himself who have abandoned the tenets of Christianity in pursuit of political power.   Apparently they have taken to heart the idea put forth in the Old Testament about a "chosen people" (in this case it is them rather than the Israelites) and have ignored what Jesus said in the New Testament about loving thy neighbor and doing right by the poor (Perkins and company have either cheerleaded or ignored the possible elimination of Obamacare regardless of the fact that it would leave millions without any healthcare.)

For my money, however, it's ironic how Perkins takes on the visage of a saint when his past comments would disgrace devils:



To paraphrase an old saying - Mr. Perkin, DO NOT play the lgbt community cheap. We got you on tape and your paper trail is even longer.

'Ain't nobody scared of no #&@! Donald Trump!'

"Cry 'Havoc!', and let slip the dogs of war.". - Julius Caesar

In November of last year for whatever reason, America took a headfirst leap into a dark abyss. We elected a blundering, lying boob with more mouth than sense and more inane bravado than integrity.

The so-called upholders of virtue and morality let their masks slip as they abandoned the integrity they claimed to have in order to cheerlead his ascension. They fashioned a halo from his horns and ignored his tail and pitchfork. They ignored the fact that over 18 million people may lose their healthcare if he carried through with his plans and pushed aside whatever other calamities, lies, and all around disasters which may happen under his guard as they drooled over the prospect of making America a "Christian" nation. "Christian" by their interpretation, of course.

And they stand in front of a pack of pampered, trust fund holding, over privileged hordes eager to remake America in the images they have discussed and dreamed about while planning all sorts of chaos in their think tanks and foundations.

Meanwhile, us regular and common folks seem to be like naked villagers in the dead of winter, shivering from cold and fear while the wolves surround us. Particularly those of us who are lgbts. We wait in anticipation of the possible havoc to come as certain parties are eager to undo all of the progress we made over the last eight years.

We wait in anticipation, but not in fear. Some of us are scared and that's healthy. But I look at it this way. We fought hard for our progress and we are not going to hand it over. We fought hard for our healthcare and we won't be giving it up without a fight.

No one is scared of you, soon-to-be President Donald Trump. And no one is scared of those who are coming with you. We are going to fight your nonsense. We are going to take you to the limit in everything. And we are going to win.

So enjoy your inauguration day. Whatever fantasies you have in finally gaining power and respect are fulfilled. You got the prize. 

We have to deal with your mess for probably four years at the very least. But you also have to deal with us.  I would suggest that you stumble yourself into correct behavior. Accidentally do the right things if you must.

But if and when you step out of line, WE. WILL. CORRECT. YOU. You weren't elected king. You now work for us.

And as for your friends, particularly those attempting move the needle backwards on lgbt equality, DO NOT fool yourselves. You are still immoral liars masquerading as virtuous upholders of Christianity.

And lies told in the name of God are still lies. And you will never win.

'LGBT advocates plan push back against Trump Administration' & other Thur. midday news briefs

LGBT advocates plan to ‘defy’ Trump - Oh yeah. WHEN Trump doesn't do us right (because it's not an "if" but a "when"), the brother gonna be in trouble.   
 
Wow. Indiana Republican Actually Blocks Anti-Transgender Bill - This happened on the 16th, but it's still amazing particularly when one hears the reason. State Representative Cindy Kirchhofer said more focus was needed on state's opium and heroin epidemic, i.e. she felt there are more important and pressing things to focus on rather than discriminating against the transgender community. Yeah, I know. Common sense from Mike Pence's state. Wow!  

Oklahoma considers extreme pro-discrimination ‘religious liberty’ bill - Oh fun, fun, fun!

Jesse Lee Peterson: Obama Commuted Chelsea Manning’s Sentence Because He Has A ‘Weakness’ For Gay And Transgender People - Dear white gay folks. THIS is our real life "Uncle Ruckus." 

 11 Heartwarming And Hilarious Stories About LGBT Parents Coming Out To Their Kids - I once had a boyfriend with three daughters who probably knew before he even told them. Thank goodness they never called me "Uncle Alvin."

Obama proud of his LGBT legacy, credits the 'individual activists'

Yesterday in his final press conference as president, Obama said that he is proud of the legacy his Administration has in the cause of lgbt equality and credited individual activists for what they did to help move the needle forward.

That's right. Under Obama, we worked hard and gained a lot. And we will keep what we gained in spite of Trump and the ugly horde he brings with him. Don't waste time despairing. Now is the time to remember who we are and whose shoulders we are standing on.

'Senator Franken tangles with Trump cabinet nominee over support of anti-lgbt groups' & other Wed. midday news briefs

Trump nominee Betsy DeVos

WATCH: Al Franken destroys Education appointee Betsy DeVos over her support for gay conversion therapy - Other than that "bear" comment, this was a serious highlight of yesterday's hearing with Trump's pick for secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. Al Franken is a serious boss! 

DeVos rejects anti-LGBT views, but bruised in bumpy hearing  - Another article on the situation.

 Lambda Legal: Price would endanger health of LGBTs, people living with HIV - Speaking of another one of Trump's cabinet nominees . . . 

 Donald Trump Meets with SCOTUS Candidate William Pryor who Supported Criminalizing Gay Sex - Will the "homosexuality is a dangerous, deadly lifestyle" talking point take center stage again? If it does, the situation is going to get ugly because I got enough material saved up to make it ugly. And I won't be holding A THING back.  

Hate group Family Research Council wants Special LGBT Envoy gone from State Department - My post from this morning deserves another look because I didn't post it right the first time.  

Gay teen at risk of deportation because Sweden doesn't believe he's gay - What the $#@!  

Transphobic Slurs And Death Wishes: How Right-Wing Media Responded To The Commutation Of Chelsea Manning’s Prison Sentence - Disgusting. Can't even present their arguments in an intelligent manner.

Hate group Family Research Council wants Special LGBT Envoy gone from State Department

FRC wants Randy Berry purged.

In its Washington Update yesterday, SPLC-designated hate group the Family Research Council made it more than clear that with Trump's incoming administration, it would like to see one state department official purged.

Why? Because he was appointed by Obama as Special LGBT Envoy.

Randy Berry has served less than two years at his job, but to hear the Family Research Council tell the story, he has been causing chaos:

The new administration is sending Obama's diplomats packing -- but some are not going too far. In the case of LGBT Envoy Randy Berry, the move may be a short one. Inside the State Department, rumors are swirling that Secretary John Kerry's pro-gay protégé just took a different job in the department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor division -- giving the radical agenda a permanent home in an agency that some claim has nothing to do with social issues.

"I plan to come to work the day after the inauguration," Berry told the Blade a year ago. "I serve the U.S. government. I serve the American people." Unfortunately for voters anxious to return to real diplomacy, he may be close to making good on that promise. Berry, who spent more than a year and a half on a worldwide "tolerance" tour, has been very clear about his intentions from Day One. Special rights for people who identify as gay or transgender "creates a more durable, healthier nation," he's insisted. He took that message on the road through most of 2015 and 2016, leaning on other countries in an effort to force them to open their doors to extreme policies at the expense -- not just of the host nation's values, but of international religious liberty.