Pompeo no religious martyr but possibly a homophobic disaster just waiting to happen

Mike Pompeo, Trump's Secretary of State nominee, has ties with anti-LGBTQ hate group The Family Research Council.

On Friday during a confirmation hearing, Sen. Cory Booker heavily questioned Mike Pompeo, Trump's Secretary of State nominee, on his opposition to marriage equality and his past statement that homosexuality is a perversion. Since that time, various conservative groups and individuals have been sending out opinion pieces, tweets, etc in an attempt to cast Booker as a bully and Pompeo as a victim. They are whining that Pompeo supposedly treats everyone with respect and that Booker is imposing a "religious litmus test."

It's bull. I'm sure that several so-called news program - particularly on Fox - will feature these conservative talking heads to spin their story without any correction. But that's not going to happen in this blog. In a wonderful piece published by The Advocate, Zeke Stokes, vice president of programs at GLAAD broke  it down last week why Pompeo is not a victim, but rather a homophobic disaster just waiting to happen:

Mike Pompeo consulted with FRC during his time as CIA director and has earned its endorsement and praise throughout his career; he is even a regular guest on FRC president Tony Perkins’s anti-LGBTQ radio program. 

Make no mistake: These are the advisers who would follow Mike Pompeo to the State Department if he is confirmed — something that our nation cannot afford.

What messages would it send to the world to have our top diplomat hold such close ties to anti-LGBTQ extremism that runs counter to the State Department’s stated central goal of protecting human rights? 

Being gay is still criminalized in 72 countries. Transgender people face violence and death at home and abroad merely for living their truth. We cannot afford to move backwards on LGBTQ rights when so much is at stake. 

We are currently facing deeply troubling times with anti-LGBTQ state violence and discrimination. Authorities in Chechnya have detained and attacked over 100 LGBTQ citizens because of their perceived sexual orientation and 27 men have reportedly been killed by Chechen government officials. At least 141 people were arrested in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta during a May 2017 raid that was part of a county-wide anti-LGBTQ crackdown. In Azerbaijan, police carried out mass arrests of as many as 100 LGBTQ people. 

Similar crises are happening in Egypt, Russia, Ghana, Bangladesh, and beyond. In these deeply troubling times, our country needs a secretary of State who can address these human rights violations with good faith and credibility, two qualities Mike Pompeo has long since lost.

The entire piece is worth your time to read and Stokes is a guest worth booking on news shows when there are debates about Pompeo's credentials. It's not accidental that he probably won't be booked.

'Conservatives, evangelical right play defense for Trump nominee's anti-gay past' & other Mon midday news briefs

Conservatives and the evangelical right are angry at Sen. Cory Booker (right) for demanding answers from Sec of State nominee Mike Pompeo regarding his past anti-gay statements.

Conservatives defend Pompeo’s belief that homosexuality is a ‘perversion’ - Of course they will defend this mess by mischaracterizing the issue. They would get away with it but we won't let them. Case in point regarding the deliberate mischaracterization. HUGE lie on the part of the Family Research Council and Breitbart. There was no loyalty oath asked:

"Demanding a loyalty oath to Sen. Booker’s determination of which beliefs are acceptable isn’t what this country is about; indeed, it’s what we fought for independence from." @tperkins @BreitbartNews #NoReligiousTest https://t.co/9ZGCzrZEtM

— FRC (@FRCdc) April 16, 2018

LGBTQ Parenting: How Different is It from Just ‘Parenting’ - An important subject which should get lots of attention - being queer and raising children.

Federal judge shuts down Trump’s ‘new’ transgender military ban - Surprising NO ONE, this happened on Friday evening. Now who was on Pence's ad-hoc committee which gave the recommendations for this nonsense. We all know who it was, but I would like to have confirmation.

‘No Longer Alone’: LGBT Voices from the Middle East, North Africa - Again, our struggle for equality and self-determination is universal.

Video: Britney Spears, Lena Waithe steal GLAAD awards with eloquent speeches about love & acceptance

The first half of the 29th annual GLAAD Media Awards took place Thursday in Los Angeles and the show was wonderful. Congratulations to all of the recipients. LOGO network will be airing it on Wednesday at 8p.m.

But just in case you aren't able to see the telecast, enjoy these speeches from Lena Waithe, who received the award for Outstanding Individual Episode (in a series without a regular LGBTQ character) for Master of None‘s “Thanksgiving.” Waite was incredibly eloquent in her speech as she told the LGBTQ community to stick together and love each other. 

 And Britney Spears who received the Vanguard Award. Spears pretty much stole the show with her fantastic dress and awesome speech about being supported by the LGBTQ community:



 A full list of the award recipients (including my buddy Monica Roberts who became the first transgender person to receive the GLAAD award for 'Outstanding Blog') can be seen here.

'Dems seek answers from Mattis on trans ban recommendations' & other Fri midday news briefs

Democrats in Congress want to who recommended Mattis support trans ban and how decision was made.

Dems seek answers from Mattis on anti-trans military recommendations - Congressional Democrats want to know who supplied the information for Defense Secretary Mattis's recommendation to ban transgender troops. Everyone please remember this issue because it is in the backdrop and slowly simmering. If and when it explodes, it has the potential to do a lot of damage to the anti-LGBTQ industry. These are the questions they are asking:

1. Who was on the Panel of Experts?  

2. Who did the Panel consult with?  

3. Did the Panel consult with the American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association or American Medical Association or any other medical professionals with expertise in gender dysphoria?

4. In your view, what are the substantial risks associated with the accessions and retention of transgender persons? Can you please provide any examples that since June 30, 2016 these issues have arisen within the military and describe how the DOD or services handled these situations?  

5. In your view, what are the specific issues that could undermine readiness, disrupt unit cohesion, and impose an unreasonable burden on the military? Can you please provide any examples that since June 30, 2016 these issues have arisen within the military and describe how the DOD or services handled these situations? 

 6. Were any government officials outside of DOD or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) involved in the Report or your Memorandum to the president? If so, who were these officials and what was the basis for their involvement?  

 Additionally, the letter requests “the specific medical and scientific data that supported the conclusions contained in your memorandum.” 

Army chief of staff pulls rug out from under transgender military ban - And the issue just got more interesting. We know where the anti-transgender troops recommendations probably came from - Pence and his ad-hoc committee of anti-LGBTQ spokespeople.

Evangelical Leaders Could Use Stormy Daniels To Get Even More From Trump - Thus demonstrating how calculating un-Christian these people are. 

High Court of Trinidad and Tobago Rules Code Criminalizing Same-Sex Activity is Unconstitutional - Wonderful! 

GLAAD Media Awards Honors ‘This Is Us’ As Outstanding Drama Series - Congratulations to all of the GLAAD award recipients, particularly my good friend Monica Roberts whose blog, TransGriot, received the award for 'Outstanding Blog.'

Trump's Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo sidesteps an important question about being gay

On Thursday, Mike Pompeo, Trump's nominee for Secretary of State, answered questions in front of a Senate committee. Pompeo has a lot to answer for regarding his past Islamophobic statements and alliances as well as his anti-LGBTQ record. Naturally, this means that those on the right, particularly the religious right, support him. They claim that he will stand up for "religious liberty."

Pompeo was questioned on his past comments by Senator Corey Booker. To hear the Family Research Council tell it, Pompeo came out smelling like a rose:

Later, when Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) tried to paint Pompeo as a hater or Islamophobe, Mike asked him to stop and consider the facts. "My record is exquisite in dealing with people of very different faiths... I've heard these critiques... I promise I will treat persons of other faith or no faith with the dignity they deserve." 

Booker's attack became more intense, suggesting that Christians who believe in the Bible's definition of sexuality had no business running a government agency. Mike replied simply, "When I was a politician, I had a very clear view that [a same-sex couple] should not be married. Senator, I continue to hold that view." When Booker interrupted and asked how he could lead the State Department with that belief, Pompeo reminded him that you can disagree with someone and still treat them with respect. "We have married gay couples at the CIA, you should know. My respect for every individual, regardless of sexual orientation, is the same."

Bear in mind that this is the Family Research Council; a group which has been called out for lies and distortions time and time again by myself and so many others.

In this particular case, FRC chose to dance around an important part of the Booker/Pompeo exchange, i.e. the part where Booker asks Pompeo does he still think that being gay is a "perversion." The video below is timed to that exchange (1:40):


 

The fact that Pompeo refused to directly answer the question says much about why he is opposed. And FRC's attempt to use religion as a way to sidestep the exchange makes the situation even more problematic. Religious views have paved the way to anti-LGBTQ persecution in other countries.  And many of those views are the same as the one Pompeo earlier expressed. So where specifically would he stand on speaking out against this persecution. Evasive answers about treating people with respect isn't enough here. Would Pompeo speak out against international anti-LGBTQ persecution or will he  (to cite FRC president Tony Perkins's favorite word) give it a "mulligan" on the grounds of  "religious liberty?"

'Will Uganda reintroduce bill which could put gays in jails for life?' & other Thur midday news briefs

Ugandan MPs want to reintroduce anti-homosexuality law that could imprison gay people for life - And we are HERE again. Just in case you need a reminder, this monstrosity was originally unveiled thanks to American homophobes coming to Africa and scaring the heck out of people.

Related post - Slouching Toward Kampala: Uganda’s Deadly Embrace of Hate - GLAAD Media Award nominee Box Turtle Bulletin was the first and only news source to give an entire break down on what happened in Uganda to cause this mess. 

Column: You’re not alone: LGBTQ students face dual stigma regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health - Whenever we get blase or jaded about fighting for equality and especially calling out the anti-LGBTQ industry, we need to remember that our kids are depending on us.

Extremists compare so-called ‘Must Stay Gay’ bans on conversion therapy to Jim Crow - OH HAIIIL NO! 

Mat Staver: Media Is Waging Satanic ‘Psychological Warfare’ Against Trump - Well dang! I thought we in the LGBTQ community was waging "Satanic Psychological Warfare."

Kissing or holding hands in public - video shows how complicated simple PDAs are for LGBTQ community

This video from BBC Scotland is a brilliant look at how and why displays of public affection from the LGBTQ community causes lots of discussion.

 From LGBTQ Nation:

 BBC Scotland‘s “The Social” touts itself as “comedy, lifestyle & more from fresh talent in Scotland,” but it’s newest video “Time for Love” is anything but funny. The video is quickly going viral as thousands of queer men and women see themselves in the spot and share it on social media. Instead of laughs, the piece is striking a deep chord for many in our community who see themselves, their lives and their fears expressed so eloquently and raw. Most LGBT people have said in numerous studies that they are uncomfortable holding hands or kissing their romantic partner in public. This is why.

It's already caused a lot of comments on the LGBTQ Nation webpage and for good reason. Displays of public affection in the our community causes lots of debate. In fact, I am willing to predict that someone, voicing an objection, will conflate simply hand holding or short kisses with slobbery French kisses, deliberately missing the point that we are talking about simple public displays of affection, not gay recreations of the movie In The Realm of the Senses.