Analyzing and refuting the inaccuracies lodged against the lgbt community by religious conservative organizations. Lies in the name of God are still lies.
Latest ruling against Trump's trans ban could ensnare the anti-LGBT right.
Amidst all of the nonsense of the latest Trump Administration scandal, a ruling took place this week which probably means further doom for Trump's nonsensical ban of transgender troops. What makes this ruling extra special is that it has the potential to wreak havoc on the anti-LGBTQ right.
A federal judge in Maryland has denied an effort by President Donald J. Trump's administration to shield information it used to implement a ban on transgender people in the military.
The American Civil Liberties Union sued the administration on behalf of a dozen transgender people who are currently serving or want to serve in the armed forces.
U.S. Magistrate Judge A. David Copperthite ruled Tuesday that the documents are relevant to the administration's intent. He says whether the ban was for military purposes or for purely political and discriminatory purposes "is at the very heart of this litigation."
The ACLU contends the ban violates the constitutional guarantees of equal protection and substantive due process by singling out transgender individuals for unequal and discriminatory treatment.
The lawsuit is one of several challenging a ban that Trump announced on Twitter on July 26, 2017, citing “consultation with my Generals and military experts” and the “tremendous medical costs and disruption” of transgender service members.
Editor's note - two things will be accomplished by today's news briefs. First, the usual postings. And also a tribute to one of the greats as she transitioned to her eternal reward - Aretha Franklin.
More than 2 Dozen LGBTQ Parents Running for Office in 2018 - One aspect of LGBTQ primary victories which should be noted. LGBTQ parents were also the big victors. From a good friend of mine and fellow GLAAD Media Award recipient Mombian is the list. When they decide laws regarding our families, these folks want to be on the front lines to give us a voice. THAT is one aspect of how we win and secure the future for ourselves, our families, and especially our children.
And today, the world is saddened over the passing of the legendary Miss Aretha Franklin. True story - the first album I could remember listening to was her 1976 album Sparkle. Specifically as a gay black man, Aretha always touched my heart with her enduring talent, loving nature, and attention to style. It was truly "all about the music" to her, which was why she endured all of these years. All of the tributes, every one of them much deserved, will come in the next days. Allow me to give my own little one.
The LGBTQ community can make huge steps forward in the upcoming midterm elections.
Some people are predicting a "blue wave" in the November midterms, i.e. the idea that the Democratic party will benefit greatly from Trump's many missteps and get control of the House of Representatives and maybe the Senate.
I say folks should concentrate on making this happen instead of predicting. There is so much at stake. And now it's looking like the LGBTQ community could be a huge part of that.
According to the Democratic National Committee, there are more LGBTQ candidates running for office in November than ever before and all under the Democratic banner. There will be:
11 LGBTQ people for statewide office This includes 4 for governor (CO, OR, TX and VT), each of whom represents a different segment of the LGBTQ community.
13 LGBTQ people for federal office in both houses of Congress
All in all, LGBTQ folks are running for office in 23 states as diverse as:
The LGBT Democratic candidates who have won their primaries for governor include:
Lupe Valdez, a lesbian woman running in Texas. Jared Polis, a gay man running in Colorado. Kate Brown, a bisexual woman who's the incumbent governor of Oregon. Christine Hallquist, a transgender woman running in Vermont.
which is why I'm going to have like the stereotypical bitchy queen here. All of this "history being made" is nice but it's better that we celebrate after it's all over. We still have a long way to go before the actual mid-term elections and fighting the mess Trump is making in our community in general. In other words, it means more to be in the winner's circle or closer to our goals then celebrating because we are only halfway there.
Drag Queen Story Hour is an event which has been taking place across America for a long time now. It's when drag queens read stories to young children in order to encourage inclusiveness and tolerance.
And while religious right groups have been attacking repeatedly it, they really have no ground to stand on because Drag Queen Story Hour is very popular with children and their parents, who of course have to give their permission for their children to attend. And sometimes these parents also attend and enjoy themselves.
Still, that doesn't keep religious right and anti-LGBTQ personalities like 'The 700 Club' host Pat Robertson from raging about it. Geez, Pat Roberson is so decrepit here that you can practically see the dust coming out of his mouth. It's like watching a religious right version of 'The Mummy.'
Yes, what I said was cruel and I almost didn't want to post this. But then I remember when I was young and trying to come out, how watching 'The 700 Club' and Pat Robertson attack LGBTQs made me feel so awful. I don't consider this a revenge post, but a simple reminder about whose time it is right now.
Lastly on that same note, it seems to me that if God was going to "judge" America, I think He would be looking at things other than drag queen reading books to children and their parents. Such as a certain Orange Menace populating the White House who steals children from their parents and puts them in cages and generally wrecking the integrity of this country.
It's becoming apparent that Trump probably rubbed his butt with this flag after the picture was taken. That's what he has done to the LGBTQ community in general since taking office.
New Trump administration directive lets federal contractors discriminate against LGBT people – for Jesus - The Trump Administration weaponizes religion to discriminate against the LGBTQ community again. So now on the basis of "religious liberty" the Trump Administration is allowing federal contractors to discriminate against the LGBTQ community. If anything, this makes the argument against the Log Cabin Republicans & other LGBTQ Trump supporters. They supported Trump but aren't pushing back against the myriad ways he is dogging our community. A political group with ACTUAL political power would do that instead of acting like it is in an abusive relationship making excuses for their partner and attacking those who try to make them see the truth. The truth in this case being Trump don't give a damn about us.
