Call it what it is - Legislative attack on drag queens is un-American, puppet government trash

When folks attack the LGBTQ community and our rights, it's always under the guise of some hysterical notion that anything about our culture will harm children. This recent hysteria about banning drag in public places is just the latest in a very long history of people masking their own ignorance and fears about LGBTQ people behind the lie that children need to be saved from us.

Republicans in Kentucky are working on a bill which would ban drag shows within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, and homes. A main target of this bill is  the popular event known as Drag Queen Story Hour in which drag queens read children's books to kids and their parents in public libraries. For years, those on the right have spun nefarious and false claims about the event in unsuccessful attempts to do away with it. Seeing that they couldn't dent the event's popularity, they are now attempting to legislate their will on people. 

I think this moment in the tweet below not only underscores the inanity of that particular bill, also but this entire crusade of fear:

Kentucky State Sen. Stephen Meredith (R) says that drag queens reading books to students could lead to bringing “prostitutes to school to talk about career day” and showing “XXX movies under the guise of art appreciation.” pic.twitter.com/5wEfOR4SU5

— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) February 23, 2023

This clip proves yet again that the main people who seem to be in need of a good drag show are the ones who oppose them. We are dealing with people who don't want to be reasoned with even though they have been told time and time again that their notions are inaccurate. They have a false idea of drag and our community in general. And it's not enough for them to have that belief. They want to force the belief on the rest of us, which is pretty ironic. They always complain that we are forcing our beliefs on them. 

But no one forces them or their kids to go to drag shows which by the way, can be either adult-oriented or child friendly just like movies. Drag in itself is not inherently x-rated. No one forces them  or their kids to attend Drag Queen Story Hour, which is an innocent event popular with both kids and their parents in general. No one is forcing them to abandon their inaccurate opinion that drag in itself is adult entertainment.  

These folks who claim that they are protecting and defending are the ones doing the forcing And they are determined to continue forcing even if it leads them to pervert our country's legislative process. They have every right to their personal beliefs that drag is dirty by nature and the LGBTQ community are out to supposedly groom children. But those beliefs are opinions, not facts. By attempting to pass these laws, these so-called moral crusaders are trying to convert these opinions into facts which they then are attempting to force the rest of us to live by. 

It's tyrannical and goes against everything America is supposed to stand for. It stinks of actions coming a puppet  government in which preconceived plans are carried out in an embarrassingly obvious show ceremony done for the sake of appearances. The rights of the people are sacrificed for the whims of those in power. Facts don't matter, integrity doesn't matter, and the people whom these folks are sworn to protect don't matter.

It seems to me that putting on a show of constitutional governance while stripping away constitutional rights is worse than any Republican imagination of a drag show could ever be.  And that is the very thing which our children should be protected from.

'GOP gubernatorial candidate says Satan is sitting in libraries' & other Thur midday news briefs

GOP gubernatorial candidate says Satan is sitting in libraries​ - Actually, I've heard he is probably in certain other places.

On CNN, a trans teen and her father discuss the dangerous effects of youth gender-affirming care bans - Glory be! The media actually talked to a trans child and her family instead of phony experts from the right? I can't believe it! It's a miracle! 

The Far Right Is Calling for the Execution of Teachers and Doctors - Because they are helping trans kids. It's not enough for those bigots to attack us. They go after those who are helping us stay healthy and feel good about ourselves. Completely deliberate and evil. 

Suspect charged with hate crime in connection with NYC pride flag fire - Girlfriend, you are busted.

West Virginia transgender sports ban temporarily halted because of appeal

It's a temporary injunction, but it is still a victory for trans kids wanting to play sports. At least for now.

From ABC News:

Transgender athletes in West Virginia can compete in female school sports while an appeal is heard on a state law banning their participation, a divided federal appeals panel ruled Wednesday. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 to reinstate a preliminary injunction, sought by the American Civil Liberties Union. The 2021 law signed by Republican Gov. Jim Justice applies to middle and high schools, as well as colleges. 

 Last month a federal judge dissolved the preliminary injunction, which he had issued in July 2021. The judge also ruled the law did not violate Title IX, the landmark gender equity legislation of 1972. 

 . . . More than a dozen states have passed laws banning or restricting transgender athletes' participation in sports based on the premise that they have an unfair competitive advantage, despite a lack of widespread cases. The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, which oversees scholastic sports, said when the suit was filed that it had not received any complaints about transgender athletes on girls' teams.

Related post - BUSTED! USA Today article makes strong case that attempts to ban trans athletes are based on lies and misrepresentations   

'Black celebrity's latest cover shoot slammed for being 'too effeminate' & other Wed midday news briefs

Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors’ latest cover shoot slammed for being too “effeminate”​ - Here we go. A black man is always made to overcompensate our masculinity. 

Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills Allowing Outing, Pronoun Bans Advance Around Nation - Interesting how these bad bills are taking place in 'red' states. 

These Black pioneers are some of the most important figures in LGBTQ sports history - Great feature. Worth reading and sharing. 

Daily Wire host: “I would rather be dead” than have a trans child - Oh Matt Walsh, I ain't saying a word.

FL school district bans three books, including one about 'gay penguins'

'And Tango Makes Three' is the latest of book banning

This nonsense about "protecting kids" by banning books is going to continue until folks recognize just stupid it is. And I hope that we are getting very close to that level.

From wuwf 881 - NPR for Florida's Great Northwest

The Escambia County School Board voted to remove three books from school libraries last night in a meeting that ran over four hours. The books in question had already gone through the district’s committee review process and had been voted unanimously to stay on the shelves in school libraries. But multiple challenges brought the books into an appeal process. 

 In a packed room, dozens of parents and concerned citizens spoke about the books which include “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George Johnson, “And Tango Makes Three” by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, and “When Aiden Became a Brother” by Kyle Lukoff.

Indeed, all three books discussed in Monday’s special meeting dealt with LGBTQ themes and characters. None of the books were part of classroom curriculum but were offered in age-appropriate libraries for students to read at will. 

 "All Boys Aren't Blue" has been attacked in many places for graphic sexual content which some have claimed others have simply cherry-picked.

 "When Adrian Became a Brother" is a children's book about a transgender child becoming a big brother.

 The third book, "And Tango Makes Three," underscores just how ridiculous and dishonest this book banning crusade is. It's simply about two male penguins who raise a chick. It's a wonderful story about differences in families, but to some folks it's the latest proof of so-called LGBTQ indoctrination of children. And of course that includes inferences of sexual activity, which is ridiculous because while one book has a little sexual content, the other two have none.

 "And Tango Makes Three" is about penguins, for goodness sakes. What kind of freaky nonsense are some of these folks thinking

We all know what this is really about. No matter how many of us they see, how many of us they claim to know personally, and how many of our families surround them every say, some people are determined to pigeonhole LGBTQ people into a false designation of sexual activity. As if all LGBTQ people is have sex and think about ways to have sex, when we aren't attempting convert kids, that is.

And it's not enough for them to feel that way on a personal level. They attempt to force that designation on us, no matter who far from it we actually are. It's not enough for them to peek into closets. They are also trying to shove us into the closets.

Satan obsessed election-denial homophobe now leads Michigan state Republican Party

Michigan Republican chose Kristina Karamo as their state leader.

And you thought you had problems? I'd wager that few of your problems are bigger than that of Michigan Republicans. After an electoral wipeout which saw them lose power in the 2020, the state party is going to a strange place for leadership.

From USA Today:

Kristina Karamo, a Republican who has made unsubstantiated allegations of widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election and has yet to concede her 14-point loss in the 2022 Michigan election for secretary of state, was elected chair of the Michigan Republican Party Saturday. 

 Karamo defeated unsuccessful GOP attorney general candidate Matt DePerno of Kalamazoo, a fellow election denier who was endorsed in the party chair race by Trump. Karamo had 58% of the vote on the third – and final – ballot at the state convention. DePerno had 42%.

 "We will not betray you; we will not lie to you," Karamo said in a brief victory speech as convention delegates were hustled out of the Lansing Center. The cash-strapped state party had only paid to rent the hall until late afternoon. Officials extended the arrangement until 8 p.m., but told delegates they had to leave quickly after the third ballot. 

 . . . Karamo's election as chair signals the party leadership's shift to nearly full alignment with Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) messaging. Many longtime party stalwarts stayed away from Saturday's convention, unhappy with the party's direction. Long considered an organizational and fundraising juggernaut, the Michigan Republican Party took a historic shellacking in the November election, losing every statewide office and losing control of the Michigan Senate for the first time in 40 years. 

Election denial isn't the only thing Karamo has been vocal about. She's been extremely vocal about LGBTQ people. And in case you don't know where this is going, she doesn't like us very much. She thinks we're in league with Satan. 

From Media Matters:

CNN reported that Karamo criticized schools for teaching children about LGBTQ parents, and quoted her saying in one episode: “There is no such thing as a person with two mommies and two daddies. That is just factually incorrect.” The outlet also quoted her in another episode saying of two same-sex parents: “No, it's the parent and their homosexual lover. That's what's going on.” 

 Heartland Signal reported that on one episode of her podcast, “Karamo declares that she understands that same sex attraction ‘in and of itself is unnatural’” and “ranted about schools teaching LGBTQ issues and transgender youth acceptance. She referred to teaching those topics as ‘Satan … trying to get children while they’re small,’ and said, ‘the education system is being used as a tool to push sexual sin.’” 

And just in case girlfriend tries to claim she has been misquoted, here is some audio courtesy of Media Matters:

     

 Way to go Michigan Republicans. You certainly can pick 'em.

Virginia Democrats defeat all 12 anti-trans bills proposed by state Republicans

We have some good news  out of Virginia about the anti-trans bills state Republicans have been attempting to make into law. 

From The Advocate:

Thursday, Virginia Senate Democrats mustered a bipartisan effort to kill an anti-trans bill put forth and passed by the Republican-controlled state House. Legislators voted down a bill that banned transgender athletes of all ages from participating in sports teams aligned with their gender identity from kindergarten through college, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports. 

 During a Thursday morning committee meeting, the legislation was defeated 10-5, with Republican Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant of Henrico County voting with the Democratic majority. 

 When the bill passed the lower chamber of Virginia's legislature last week, the Human Rights Campaign issued a statement critical of the bill's advancement. "In a coordinated push led by national anti-LGBTQ+ groups, which deployed vintage discriminatory tropes, politicians in state houses across the country introduced a record 315 discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ bills in 2022," HRC wrote. 

"The majority of the discriminatory bills targeted the transgender and non-binary community, with the majority targeting children receiving the brunt of discriminatory legislation. Anti-transgender legislation took several forms, including bills aimed to prevent transgender youth from playing school sports consistent with their gender identity and bills to prevent transgender and non-binary youth from receiving life-saving, medically-necessary gender-affirming healthcare."

 Equality Virginia cheered the news that transgender rights were being upheld in the state. "

After this morning's Senate Ed & Health Committee, we can officially say that all 12 anti-trans bills are DEAD!" Equality Virginia tweeted. They noted that in Virginia, Republicans put forth three gender-affirming care bills, four bills that would out students to parents involuntarily, and five transgender sports ban bills — all of them failed. 

.Just a reminder that those pervert who power won't yield without a fight. The struggle for equality and the right to self-determination isn't supposed to be easy. The first step in winning is not allowing yourself to be run over.

Always fight. If not for yourself, then for the younger ones and those who have less capacity to fight.

'Drag bans could result in arrests at Pride parades' & other Thur midday news briefs

Drag bans could result in arrests at Pride parades​ - If these folks pushing these bans knew what I knew, they would cease and desist. The attention it would get if they arrested people at Pride for wearing drag - and not just the drag queens - would be massive. And we won't mind the attention.

Kentucky high school students walk out in protest of anti-LGBTQ legislation - The children are indeed our future.

These New York Times Contributors Say The Paper’s Coverage Of Gender Issues Is Hurting Trans People - Not just them. A lot of people signed that letter. Me included.

Texas lawmakers clash over resolution recognizing LGBTQ business groups - Unfortunately, a possible prelude.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s priority bills signal another swing at pushing Texas to the right - Guess which community he has in his sights. Simply a sign about the dangers of giving a politician too much power and allowing him to stay in office. Patrick thinks he is a king.

Mike Pence would rather attack trans kids than testify about the Jan 6 insurrection

 

Former VP Mike Pence sent out this tweet earlier on Wednesday:

According to The Advocate:

He spoke at the downtown event as GOP presidential candidates are beginning to throw in their hats for 2024, with Nikki Haley announcing her run this week. Former President Donald Trump announced his candidacy in November. 

 “The truth is the average American today is being dragged into a left-wing culture war that’s invaded our schools, our colleges, and our workplace,” Pence lamented. “Every day we’re told that we must not only tolerate the left’s obsessions with race and sex and gender, but we must earnestly and enthusiastically participate or face severe consequences. And nowhere is the problem more severe or the need for leadership more urgent than in our public school classrooms,” the conservative Christian former vice president warned. 

 Pence has yet to declare himself a candidate despite traveling the country and releasing a new book a few months ago. After his Minneapolis appearance, Pence was on his way to Iowa, which remains the first stop for Republicans in the presidential race. 

 It's the usual junk we've come to expect from Pence, who has made a political career on weaponizing religion to smear LGBTQ Americans. 

This time however, has an ironic feel to it.

Last week, Pence was subpoenaed by special counsel Jack Smith. Smith was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate Donald Trump's attempts to stay in the office after losing the 2020 election. Trump and his allies pushed the continuously proven-to-be-false belief that the election was "stolen." This constant pushing of this false narrative ultimately led to the infamous January 6th riot/insurrection at the Capitol in DC where - among other things - participants called for executing Pence for not being more helpful in pushing the 'stolen election" story.

Aside from making those vile statements against trans youth, Pence said he would fight the subpoena. According to CNN:

“My fight is on the separation of powers. My fight against the DOJ subpoena very simply is on defending the prerogatives that I had as president of the Senate to preside over the Joint Session of Congress on January 6,” Pence told reporters in Minneapolis. “For me this is a moment where you have to decide where you stand and I stand on the Constitution of the United States,” he added.

 . . . Sources previously told CNN that Pence will raise claims under the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause, which protects legislators from certain law enforcement actions if the conduct in question is linked to their legislative duty. Pence is expected to point to the role he played, when he was vice president, as president of the Senate. In that role, he presided over Congress’ certification of the 2020 election results on January 6.

 Other witnesses have raised Speech or Debate Clause arguments in efforts to resist subpoenas in the DOJ probe and in the other investigations into January 6. But Pence’s plans to invoke the clause in his role as president of the Senate is believed to be untrod legal ground.

Washington DC online publication, The Hill, points out that several attorneys called Pence's strategy a "stretch." One of them said the following:

“I’m a skeptic,” said Neil Eggleston, who served as White House counsel under President Obama. “Although the Constitution gives the vice president a role in vote counting, the Constitution does not make the vice president a senator. Senators are defined in Article One. The vice president is not a senator. And I read the speech and debate clause as only applying to senators and representatives. … I don’t think the language of the Constitution permits any other reading.”

The entire situation merely underscores the basic hypocrisy and cynicism in that "Bible-thumping heart" Pence claims to have. He's attacking trans kids for the same reason he doesn't want to testify against Trump. He will no doubt run for president and is trying to appeal to the Trump base by throwing out red meat while the same time not trying to alienate them (something he would do if he did in fact testify.)

Don't be fooled by his entreaties. Pence isn't eyeing a place in Heaven by his words and actions. He has his eyes completely on the White House

'Anti-LGBTQ+ bills in 2023 already surpassed amount proposed in 2022' & other Tue evening news briefs

Editor's note - working on a personal project so just news briefs tonight

Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills in 2023 Already Surpassed Amount Proposed in Entirety of 2022 - It's been war these past two years. But we know HOW to win wars. 

Court to reconsider Connecticut's transgender athlete policy - An unexpected reconsideration of a case in which our side won. Don't get spooked just yet. 

20 Gay Celebrity Couples Who Make Us Believe in Love - This is sooo sweet. 

Colorado Springs nightclub Club Q announces plan to reopen after deadly mass shooting shuttered the LGBTQ ‘safe space’ - Good for them!

'Wyoming GOP defends child marriage while claiming that trans rights will harm children' & other Tue midday news briefs

Wyoming GOP defends child marriage while claiming it’s trans rights that harm children​ - Lawd hammercy. 

Florida Medical Boards Tighten Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors - And they simply continue to get worse. 

Jesus Super Bowl Commercials Funded by Group With Anti-LGBTQ+ Ties - Not surprising at all. 

Czech footballer Jakub Jankto becomes first active international men’s player to announce he is gay - Good for him!

Trans pharmacist questioned about her 'genitalia' by state senator during Arkansas judiciary hearing

At first I didn't want to post this but I decided otherwise because I felt it was necessary. 

I think a lot of us don't understand the plight of transgender Americans as they are hit with an onslaught of bills attempting to erase their basic gender-affirming care and their very lives. This onslaught are attacks on their dignity and person. Republican and their cohorts behind these efforts aren't even attempting their basic hatred anymore.

Decorum flew entirely out the window Monday, as Arkansas senators insulted, attacked and silenced transgender people and their supporters who’d shown up at the Capitol in hopes of stopping yet another bill targeting LGBTQ+ youth. Republican lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee, all of them white men, compared gender-affirming care to frontal lobotomies and child abuse. They dismissed testimony from doctors and therapists, and suggested lawmakers are the ones who know best when it comes to medical decisions. Freshman Sen. Matt McKee (R-Pearcy) made it all quite personal when he asked a transgender pharmacist who came to testify against the bill if she has a penis. 

I would have some very choice words to say. To her credit though, the pharmacist refused allow this humiliating question to throw her off. She handled herself rather well in spite of the circumstances.

Arkansas State Senator Matt McKee is a disgusting horrible man who does not deserve to be a state senator and this question he asks proves he has poor judgement on top of being #transphobic #arkansas #senmattmckee #TransRightsAreHumanRights #Equality pic.twitter.com/8D4pkyP3Ya

— Lance J. Gosnell (@lancejgosnell) February 13, 2023

Unfortunately but not surprisingly, the bill made it out of the hearing:

The bill being discussed (and eventually passed Monday morning, with only the one Democrat at the meeting voting against it) is Senate Bill 199 to open up doctors who provide gender-affirming care to youth to significant new loopholes and additional malpractice liabilities far beyond the standard for doctors in other fields. 

It's ironic that these people who claim that they are "protecting children" won't treat their adult constituents with basic dignity and respect. 

'Right-wingers falsely label peaceful protest as 'trans mob'' & other Mon midday news briefs

Peaceful protest or a trans 'mob'? Oklahoma demonstration riles the right - Of course the right lied about this protest. It's their brand and sometimes they do it so much that it's difficult to keep up with them.

Out, Black, and Proud, Ernestine Eckstein Fought For Us Before Stonewall​ - Another example of how Black and LGBTQ history intertwines. 

Utah's GOP governor defends new ban on gender-affirming care - He tried so hard to thread the needle here. It simply doesn't work for him.

Meet the 4 known gay players to appear in a Super Bowl - I certainly didn't know this. 

30 Football Players Who Came Out of the Closet - While we're on the subject . . .

Reminder - Black history is LGBTQ history and LGBTQ history is Black history

  

Some words are worth repeating and some videos are worth reposting. We are unfortunately living in a time in which certain attempting to erase the intersection between Black and LGBTQ history. They will not succeed.

Anti-trans 'influencer' Matt Walsh exposed and humiliated during Tenn legislative hearing

Matt Walsh is an anti-trans, homophobic "influencer" at the forefront of the statewide attacks on trans Americans.  He has done things like creating an anti-trans propaganda documentary film, authoring an anti-trans children's book, and amplifying lies about gender-affirming care for trans kids. These lies have led to bomb threats against Boston Children's Hospital, which Walsh initially claimed was a hoax. In September of last year,  a Boston woman by the name of Catherine Leavy, was arrested for making one of those threats.

Walsh claims that his actions are all about saving children from "mutilation." In reality, he has created a successful business model built upon fear and scientific distortions hiding behind a flimsy veneer of "common sense."

People like Walsh are always troublesome but eventually amusing to watch. You get angry watching the havoc they create and the lives they disrupt. Sooner or later, though, they always get some sort of comeuppance because their egos blind them to their limitations. For Walsh, this took place on Thursday during a legislative hearing on an anti-trans bill in Tennessee.

🏳️‍⚧️ WATCH: “YOU HAVE NO MEDICAL BACKGROUND, CORRECT?”

Using his own words, TN Dems @VoteBo @JRClemmons @CalebHemmer grill Matt Walsh about the #TransYouthHealthCareBan his fearmongering pushed @WilliamLamberth @SenJohnson @GovBillLee to prioritize this session (over kids’ lives) pic.twitter.com/4DYEKZsQMV

— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) February 9, 2023

This video was highly embarrassing for Walsh's brand and he knows it. Subsequently, he has been posting tweets of other parts of the hearing in an attempt to claim that he actually got the best of the Democrats. One tweet features a video of Walsh supposedly creating awkward silence from the panel by asking an inane question. In reality, the silence was because Walsh broke the protocol by interjecting that nonsense when they were asking him questions. Perhaps he was channeling  Mellissa Carone, the woman who became a comical meme sensation after the 2020 election hearing in Michigan.

Like I said before, people like Matt Walsh are always amusing to watch as they climb a peak of relevancy to the point in which their egos cause the bottom to drop from under them. Unfortunately, while Matt's present humiliation underscores his dishonesty, people are still being led to believe the worst about trans Americans and the healthcare they need to survive. They are still seen by people like Walsh as a commodity for wealth and influence.   Trans Americans, particularly our trans kids, continue to be bombarded by messages that people hate them and want them dead simply for attempting to be their authentic selves. 

Taking all of that into account, the situation becomes less amusing and instead, increasingly infuriating.

Hat tip to The Tennessee Holler

'Anti-LGBTQ bills in NC and VA clear hurdles, but have good chance of being ultimately defeated' & other Thur midday news briefs

 Two disastrous anti-LGBTQ bills pass in NC and VA state houses. However, all may not be lost. Both have a very good chance of being ultimately defeated. However, they are still an indication of what we are facing this year in state legislatures:

North Carolina senate passes “Don’t Say Gay” bill that would out trans kids to their families

Virginia House passes bills to forcibly out trans kids & ban them from sports 

In other news:

GLAAD to Honor Christina Aguilera, Bad Bunny, and Jeremy Pope - Congratulations! All very deserving! 

Even Gay Men Prefer Straight-Acting Men in Leadership Roles: Study - This right here is some straight-up bullsh!t. 

 GOP, Democrats clash on parental involvement, LGBTQ students at year’s first Education hearing - This article demonstrates the necessity of having of having LGBTQ members of government. Representation matters, y'all.

Congresswoman AOC blasts Libs of TikTok for its campaign of lies against Boston Children's Hospital

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

We simply have to give Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) her props for doing something which should have been done a long time ago by members of Congress. During a hearing on Wednesday, she called out the bigoted Twitter site Libs of TikTok for  its vile campaign of lies against the LGBTQ community and against Boston Children's Hospital (lies which have led to bomb threats against the hospital).

She even had a little bit of "reading" left for the Republican Party for its part in the smearing of LGBTQ Americans.

Thank you @AOC for calling out @Twitter for supporting Chaya Raichik / Libs of TikTok even after incitement of threats against Boston Children’s Hospital by wielding misinformation — & calling the GOP “the party that cannot pick on anybody their own size”. pic.twitter.com/YBLyCARwmz

— Michael O’Brien, MD (@DrOBrienMD) February 8, 2023

''Gays Against Groomers' created by conspiracy theorists and right-wing operatives' & other Wed midday news briefs

Jaimee Mitchell, 'founder' of Gays Against Groomers

Grifter Gays: How conspiracy theorists and right-wing operatives created Gays Against Groomers​ - Not surprising. I bet you will reach the same conclusion about Libs of TikTok. 

My post from last year about the group is a wonderful tie-in - 'Gays Against Groomers' founder has history of promoting white supremacist ideas and personalities 

Montana House approves of bill allowing religious-based medical discrimination - Bad idea. They will find out. 

Content creators are filling the gap on Black, LGBTQ history - The more they try to shut us down, the louder and clearer we shout.

It begins: Donald Trump shares memes accusing Fl Gov Ron DeSantis of 'grooming' and pedophilia

The 2024 Republican primary has officially begun. In the mud.

I don't like Donald Trump or Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, so I am enjoying this. 

Political pundits and the like all agree that Trump and DeSantis may be the top two vying for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination and it looks like the competition is already starting. 

In the mud, that is.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump sent out the following message on Truth Social implying that DeSantis groomed underaged girls in the past:

Trump going heavy on the "DeSantis is a pedophile" stuff today. pic.twitter.com/LS2zRpke3z

— Will Sommer (@willsommer) February 7, 2023

The accusation of sexually grooming kids is bad enough but DeSantis being accused of it is rather stark, seeing that the Florida governor has exploited the narrative of  "child grooming" to make several legislatives moves against the state's LGBTQ community. Specifically was last year's "Don't Say Gay" law. To me it's comical that a distortion tactic which served DeSantis well in the past is now being used against him. 

While DeSantis hasn't commented on Trump's move, others on the right aren't so quiet. They are accusing Trump of "grooming."

The "don't call each other pedophiles" truce is breaking pic.twitter.com/0VRwzMiAQo

— steven monacelli (@stevanzetti) February 7, 2023

This is  disgusting, vile, and a total blight on the integrity of our political system. It's shamefully disgusting and completely degrading.

And I hope it continues. These two jerks were made for each other.

We all know how vile Trump is and how subtle DeSantis tries to be. Maybe if we're lucky, they will wreck each other like the Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat in that poem I remember so well from my childhood.

'DeSantis trying to control Disney theme parks via legislative process' & other Tue midday news briefs

Fl Gov Ron DeSantis

DeSantis appointees would oversee Disney’s theme parks under bill to revamp Reedy Creek​ - DeSantis is investing too much time in this fight with Disney. Combined with his attacks on the LGBTQ community, trans Floridians in general, higher education, and African-American studies, he may be making himself a hero to the conservative base, but he is spooking more people than he should. The base means nothing if you get everyone else united against you. Trump learned that the hard way. 

Ron DeSantis tries to punish venue that hosted Christmas drag show - Keep it up, my friend. Alienate more people that those who would support you. 

Insurers Refused to Payout Thousands to Trans Doctor After Her Name Change - This is ridiculously unfair what they are doing to her. 

Connecticut's first LGBTQ-centered school to open later this year - Good for Connecticut! 

How antisemitic tropes are being used to target the LGBTQ community - Not surprising.

Hate group proves that conservative outrage over Sam Smith and the Grammys is simply about grabbing attention and money

 It's been like this all day Monday. 

Recording artists Sam Smith and Petras performed their hit song 'Unholy' at the Grammy Awards Sunday night and conservative activists and provocateurs have been almost literally stepping over each other to get their moment in the spotlight condemning the performance.

But hate group the American Family Association gets to the gist of the outrage - rage posting for clout and attention. And forget Sam Smith and Petras because AFA has its eye on a goose more golden than either singer:

On Sunday, many Americans gather to worship God as a family of believers. 

 But to Pfizer, CBS and the Grammys, Sunday is a time to bring debauchery and Satanic worship to the world. During the annual Grammy Awards ceremony on Feb.5, originally designed to recognize outstanding artists in the music industry, Pfizer pharmaceutical company felt it fitting to sponsor performers Sam Smith, who claims to be non-binary, and Kim Petras, who claims to be transgender. These two gave the nation a Satan-themed performance of their song "Unholy," in which Petras performed inside a cage with drag queens dressed in devil costumes, while Smith gyrated in a costume with devil horns sticking out from a top hat. 

 The entire "performance" depicted a hellish scene with lots of darkness, blood red colors and flames. 

 And now to the gist of AFA's "concern" 

 Pfizer's sponsorship and ads suggest the company wants your body to be healthy but has no concern about souls celebrating hell. 

 TAKE ACTION 

 Sign our petition to Pfizer, urging the company to distance itself from controversial programs that have a history of offending decency and disrespecting people of faith. You might consider using alternative health products and medicines to those made by Pfizer. Some of Pfizer's most recognizable products include Advil, Celebrex, Robitussin, Chapstick, Preparation-H, Sensodyne toothpaste, Centrum vitamins and Nexium for heartburn.

 

But why Pfizer?

 For those who don't know, Pfizer has been a huge target of rage of the religious right and other conservatives because of the COVID vaccine it helped to develop. There are a vast number of conspiracy theories accusing Pfizer of helping to create COVID to supposedly exaggerating the impact of COVID to lastly undermining the alleged harm of vaccines. 

AFA's dragging of Pfizer into the Sam Smith pseudo-outrage is simply a dog whistle to conspiracy theorist on the far right and others who have taken a similar narrative. 

And it gets more confusing the deeper one gets into that world.  All together, those on the right are weaving a jumbled up, highly confused narrative that Pfizer, COVID and the Sam Smith's performance at Grammy Awards is tied together in some sort of  plot to usher in a "globalist world of Satanic worship, pedophiliac elites trafficking children."

Or something like that. 

Basically what we are talking about here is a calculating, cynical attempt to exploit a music performance in order to gain some attention and make some money. Truth be told, I am willing to bet that someone from the AFA not only watched the Grammy performance but also had the petition drawn up before it was over.

In the long run, it's about making money and when your business is outrage, you can't make the money if you don't exploit the outrage. 

'17 year-old trans kid in Utah having to uproot life because of state's anti-trans law' & other Mon midday news briefs

I'm a 17-year-old trans kid in Utah, and I'm uprooting my life because of a law that bans gender-affirming care​ - This should not have to happen, but it is happening.

Black lesbian Ernestine Eckstein was protesting when most gays thought protests were crazy - We need to have more history lessons like this one. 

Here are 90 LGBTQ-inclusive efforts from the NFL, its teams and players - Just in time for Superbowl Week. 

DeSantis Calls Special Session to Punish Disney's 'Don't Say Gay' Opposition - DeSantis really needs to learn the definition of the word "overkill."

Video - The (Gay) Harlem Renaissance - The History You Didn't Learn

 Happy Black History Month 2023! 

This year is a big more poignant than most because some folks out there (Ron DeSantis) are trying to undermine how Black History and LGBTQ history intersect. DeSantis and those like him try to eliminate learning how African-American and LGBTQ history intersect because they want to keep both communities divided and at each other's throats about hierarchy and access. When we learn about things like the LGBTQ impact of the Harlem Renaissance, we realize just how similar both communities are in terms of culture and equality struggles.  We also remember the people who are a part of both communities and celebrate their existence instead of aiding and abetting in their erasure.

'Daily Wire host: Doctors who provide gender-affirming care should be executed' & other Fri midday news briefs

Matt Walsh

Daily Wire host: Doctors who provide gender-affirming care should be executed​ - Matt Walsh is spinning the same game plan people on his side of the political spectrum did when they began targeting physicians who performed abortions. This is so dangerous. 

How Tennessee axed millions in HIV funds amid scrutiny from far-right provocateurs - Matt Walsh again with the help of others laying down the blue print. Don't even THINK they will stop at targeting trans Americans.

Virginia Democrats kill six proposed anti-trans bills - BUT as long as we fight, we win. Keep fighting, y'all. '

School choice' is culture-war focus for Kansas legislators - Claiming that we are 'sexualizing' kids to push for private schools. That's a new one. 

Gay Dem Blasts Marjorie Taylor Greene for Going After Drag Shows at Hearing - AND she delightfully made a fool of herself.

Former lawmaker says Christians must take over the government because America won't be free with drag queens 'running the place'

Jason Rapert

 I personally think drag queens running America would be a welcome change. But that's just me.

Former Arkansas state senator and founder of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers Jason Rapert declares that Christians "must take authority" over government: "Do you think that America is gonna be free with a bunch of drag queens running this place?" pic.twitter.com/cUp6pyr4XF

— Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) February 2, 2023

This is simply a reminder that all of the lies and fake concern from certain folks about drag queens and kids is simply subterfuge. It's all about seeking power by appealing to people's fears and prejudices.

Hat tip to Right-Wing Watch

'Dozens of Congress members participate in an anti-LGBTQ prayer service' & other Thur midday news briefs

‘We Are Babylon’: Dozens of Congress Members Participate in Anti-LGBTQ Prayer Service​ - Not surprising, but what are we going to do about it? 

Utah's ban on gender-affirming care is set to face a legal challenge - You damn right it is. 

Trump Vows to Gut Transgender Rights if Reelected President - The attempted undermining of the rights and safety of trans Americans is becoming a presidential campaign issue. It affects us all and I say let's fight. 

The chilling Trump speech on “left-wing gender insanity” came straight from right-wing media - Proof again that Trump will latch on anything to get elected.

Of course anti-LGBTQ+ trolls are review bombing “The Last of Us” - They stay mad, don't they? 

Questions Every Gay, Bi Man Should Ask at Their Physical - Amen.

Video - Fox News claims of 'woke mind virus' nothing more than sneaky way to be racist, homophobic

 "Wokeism" is the latest word used by conservatives and those on the right to voice to smear anything modern or progressive in the world, particularly all things involving the LGBTQ community and people of color. The above video from The Daily Show demonstrates how Fox News exploits the bigotry behind usage of the word to generate constant fear and  rage from its viewers. The way the network goes on and on about the 'woke mind virus' as if it's a contagion from that sci-fi show The Last of Us would be amusing if not for the real world consequences it produces for those of us the network targets. 

In reality, it's the newest way certain people can employ racist or homophobic tropes. Or in other words, the word "woke" is now the conservative way of  relaying the connotation of such slurs as 'ni@@er' and "fa@@ot" without actually saying the words.

 A coarser way of saying "reverse racism" or "homosexual lifestyle," if you will.

'News coverage of trans kids deliberately exploiting anxieties' & other Wed midday news briefs

Coverage of Trans Kids Exploits the Anxieties of Middle-Class Parents​ - So the coverage is deliberately bad. 

Michigan Gov. savages Indiana & Ohio for “bigotry” as conservatives fume - Get it, girlfriend! 

Creepy new details emerge about drag-hating senator whose GOP colleagues mysteriously turned on her last week - Chyle, nobody needed your advice on breastfeeding. 

Sam Smith's Music Video for 'I'm Not Here to Make Friends' Is Causing Controversy for Multiple Reasons, Including in the LGBTQ+ Community - I am personally enjoying how they have everyone all worked up with the video.

Tenn lawmaker says trans kids should look at themselves naked and that drag performers 'made him sick to his stomach'

Tenn lawmaker Paul Sherrell don't like trans kids or drag queens

Two pieces of bad news came from Tennessee on Tuesday evening:

Tennessee's Republican-dominant Legislature on Tuesday advanced a handful of proposals that would ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth and severely limit where drag shows can take place.

 . . . If enacted, doctors would be prohibited from providing gender-affirming care to anyone under the age of 18, including prescribing puberty blockers and hormones. However, the legislation includes exceptions that would allow doctors to perform these medical services if they're treating an abnormality or if the patient's care had begun prior to July 1, 2023 — which is when the ban is proposed to go into effect — and the doctor believes ending the care would harm the patient. 

. . . On Tuesday, the bill advanced out of a subcommittee. It still needs to clear additional committees and the GOP-controlled House and Senate chambers before it can be reviewed by Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who supports the legislation. 

 Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers also advanced legislation designed to limit where drag shows can take place by classifying them as an “adult cabaret performance.” The legislation doesn't explicitly include the words “drag show,” but instead the definition of adult cabaret in Tennessee's law would be expanded to include “male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest, or similar entertainers.” Prurient interest is not defined in the bill.

The religious right and its far-right allies claim  that these bills are necessary to "protect the children." Of course that's a lie which LGBTQ people have heard so many times just about every time the religious right and their allies in various legislatures try to pass bills curtailing our rights.

This time you don't have to take my word for it this time. Thanks to a legislator, Paul Sherrell, being honest for a change, we can see the hatred behind the fake concern:

Republican rep Paul Sherrell says “if you don’t know what you are go into the bathroom and take your clothes off”

He also said the drag performers “made him sick to his stomach”

— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) January 31, 2023

 

The exact comment Sherrell made about bathrooms was directed towards trans boys and girls and is just as vile in its entire context:

"Maybe there is children listening ... Our preacher would say, 'If you don't know what you are, a boy or girl ... just go in the bathroom, take your clothes off and look in the mirror.'"

It's rather sad that someone who claims to be all about protecting kids can get away with being so flippant about the welfare of certain children simply because he is ignorant about their lives. They don't need to look at their genitals to know who they are. They already know it. Supportive parents know it. The medical community knows it.  The problem is people like Sherrell refuse to know it. They're already convinced that they know it all, either through their limited religious beliefs or warped idea of common sense. They're not prepared to listen because they've already decided that they won't listen. In reality, they don't care about trans children, only a bastardized version of children. That in itself it is bad, but consider the fact that people like Sherrell have legislative power to manipulate and warp the reality of trans kids until it fits the reality they think is valid. And they don't care if their actions make trans kids psychologically damaged as the so-called physical mutilations people like Sherrell conjure up as justifications for their anti-trans legislation.

And his comment about drag queens also has an additional vileness to it. Apparently this push to make limit drag show stems from an incident last year in which a video of a child touching the costume of an actress dressed as Disney's The Little Mermaid was taken out of context. The video was passed around on Twitter with certain provocateurs falsely claiming that the actress was actually a drag queen and was encouraging the little girl to "stroke his crotch."

As you can see, even though the truth came out, lawmakers like Sherrell are still determined to manipulate the incident to hinder drag shows. And not to protect kids, but because drag performers make Sherrell "sick to his stomach." 

This is not about protecting kids or the community. This is about Sherrell and people like him  exploiting  legislative power to validate their personal prejudices at the cost of people's rights and health.

'State and local LGBTQ elected officials detail how they battle hate' & other Tue midday news briefs

State and local LGBTQ elected officials detail how they battle hate - I'm all ears. 

Democrat files bill to ban church youth camps as hotbeds of child abuse & “religious indoctrination”​ - "She proposed the amendment to make a point. The penalties and language echo a Republican bill to ban drag shows for anyone under 19." 

Cheyenne Jackson’s 6-year-old twins came out to him and it was adorable - READ the article. It is so cute. 

Minnesota's LGBTQ lawmakers form Queer Caucus in show of growing political power - I'm all for it. More of this, please. 

FDA proposes easing blood donation rules for gay and bisexual men - Good for them.

Newest anti-LGBTQ religious 'martyr' is a sad joke

Former Georgia police officer Jacob Kersey

Here we go again - far-right Christian learns that comments have consequences and then tries to make himself a martyr by using his religion to shield his bigotry. In this case, add sheer stupidity to bigotry.

I'm not a fan of using Fox News as a source, but in this case I will make an exception:

A former Georgia police officer who was investigated for a religious social media post that claimed "there's no such thing" as gay marriage said he felt pressured to resign after he was told he could be fired for sharing his beliefs. Jacob Kersey, 19, who quit the Port Wentworth Police Department earlier this month, told Fox News Digital that he was placed on paid administrative leave Jan. 4 after he refused to remove the Facebook post he made regarding his Christian belief about marriage. "God designed marriage," 

Kersey wrote in the post that was flagged by his superiors following "an anonymous complaint," according to a Jan. 13 letter of notification first reported by the Daily Signal and provided to Fox News Digital. "Marriage refers to Christ and the church. That's why there's no such thing as homosexual marriage." 

Now here is the comical part here.  You're going to love this:

Kersey wasn't fired after the investigation, but he said he decided to quit because he was told he could face termination for future social media posts that others find offensive. He said he has spoken with a law firm about possible legal action. 

 In his letter to Kersey, Maj. Bradwick Sherrod explained that while the department's investigation into his social media posts "did not find sufficient evidence to establish a violation of any policies," his posts regarding "protected classes" such as the LGBTQ community "could raise reasonable concerns regarding your objectivity and the performance of your job duties when a member or suspected member of the LGBTQ+ community is involved."

 "As we have discussed previously, please be reminded that if any post on any of your social media platforms, or any other statement or action, renders you unable to perform, and to be seen as able to perform, your job in a fair and equitable manner, you could be terminated," the letter reads. 

Kersey did not get into trouble for the post but was told to be careful about future posts or any actions which could put his credibility to be objective in the performance of his duties as a police officer in doubt. But apparently Kersey doesn't think that he should have been investigated at all and should also have the freedom to figuratively show his ass in future posts. So sensing that he wouldn't be getting his way, he quit..

That doesn't make Kersey a martyr or a victim. It makes him an entitled fool. And one not to bright. No one made him resign. He decided to because he felt that his personal beliefs were more important than keeping the trust of folks he swore to protect and serve. Like it or not, those folks include married gay couples. 

This isn't a free speech issue. Public servants such as police officers have a duty to maintain trust with the public and Kersey's social media comments hindered creating that trust. And based upon the image of police in general. particularly in light of the awful death of Tyre Nichols, the last thing we all need is a police officer too bull-headed to show some discretion and so egotistical that he plays the "religious persecution" card instead of simply toning it down.

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

'A wave of anti-LGBTQ laws for schools in red states has Biden administration weighing a response' & other Mon midday news briefs

A wave of anti-LGBTQ laws for schools in red states has Biden administration weighing a response - And it needs to be a good response. 

'It's all a fabrication': Florida teacher blows the lid off Ron DeSantis' agenda​ - Pretty much. And it will backfire. 

Utah becomes first state in 2023 to ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors - Under the guise of "preventing surgeries for trans kids," the state has outlawed all gender affirming health care for trans kids. And the surgery narrative is a dodge. It is VERY rare that trans kids have any type of "surgery." But the law blocks them from the care they need, including hormone therapy which is safe. Lawsuit time. 

Hormone therapy improves mental health for trans youth - And of course those "we need to protect the kids" liars ignore stuff like this when they push for the above laws. 

Pro-hockey player fired after slew of anti-LGBTQ+ tweets - One less fool to think about.

Florida church demands that members sign a statement against LGBTQ rights and freedoms or leave the congregation

For those wondering why so many people are abandoning churches, look nor further:

Calling the "sexual revolution" a "threat to our church," First Baptist Church in Jacksonville will now require congregants to sign a statement affirming their opposition to LGBTQ+ freedoms if they want to remain members. 

In a video message posted on the church website, Senior Pastor Heath Lambert said members will be required to sign a document affirming that people are "either male or female and that this creation is a fixed matter of human biology, not individual choice." They must also affirm that "marriage...is between one man and one woman, and is the only context for sexual desire and expression."

 . . . “It means to rule out all sorts of sexual sins," Lambert said. "It means to rule out pornography and polygamy and fornication and adultery and homosexuality.” He said this is not controversial to Christians.

 “Everybody in our culture is fighting about sex," Lambert said, "and we want our congregation to be happy and kind, and so we don’t want to fight about it, and so it’s just very helpful to say, ‘Here’s what we think about it, and if you want to be a part of our congregation. If you don’t, that’s fine too.’”

The issue isn't even solely about bigotry against the LGBTQ community. A church has no right to psychologically corral a member's journey of faith or relationship with God by demanding that they "sign" statements having to do with personal beliefs.  What's next? Demanding that members sign a statement supporting a political candidate? Or are we already past that point? 

A church should never resemble a fascistic country but unfortunately this is the path many of them are choosing.  

Certainly, those congregants who don't agree can  leave. But it's not as simple as you would think, especially into account the friendships and  personal relationships which would be lost and the possible shunning taking place which has the potential to wreck families.  Worse than it, it sends an ugly impression of the church in general - self righteous, bitter, strident, unyielding, no sense of humility and downright hateful. Aren't these characteristics supposed to be antithetical to Jesus who the church claims to follow?

When they supported Donald Trump, some churches revealed just how little in regard they hold their own faith compared to how much they desired power. Now they are revealing just how much they are willing to weaponize their faith in order to demand control over their members' minds and personal lives.