Franklin Graham debases himself by implying that a vote for Trump = a vote for Jesus.

Franklin Graham

The noxious fusion between conservative evangelical leaders and Donald Trump took another step recently thanks to prime Trump cheerleader Franklin Graham. According to Right Wing Watch, Graham enlisted the help of several other Trump supporting evangelicals to transform an issue of a magazine run by his father's organization into a 2020 electoral brochure:

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, now led by Billy Graham’s right-wing​-activist son Franklin Graham, has turned the October issue of its “Decision” magazine into a virtual 38-page campaign brochure for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Franklin Graham hosted a “prayer march” on the National Mall on Sept. 26, the same day a group of End Time​s “prophets” hosted a rally calling for national repentance and revival.

 

It's called Election 2020 - Two Visions for America but it should be called Why Jesus Wants You to Vote for Donald Trump. And in case you think I'm being overly dramatic, check out the cover. 

Talk about throwing shade:

In case you haven't guessed by now, this magazine is an embarrassingly slobbering tribute to Trump. It's all about the courts, abortion, and LGBTQ rights (under the guise of claiming that they threaten "religious liberty). while either tiptoeing over other probably more vital issues such as the economy, racial justice, poverty, jobs, or even COVID.

'Over 500 LGBTQ candidates to appear on Nov ballots, shattering records' & other Tue midday news briefs

 

Over 500 LGBTQ candidates to appear on November ballots, shattering records - GOOD! There is nothing wrong with us being at the tables of power as long we know what we are fighting for. 

New mural in Allentown focuses on giants in LGBTQ community - This sounds interesting. 

Angelica Ross Opened Up About Her "Extremely Traumatizing" Experience On The Set Of "Claws" - Not frivolous in the least. A terrible incident. 

Education Dept Puts Anti-LGBTQ Activist At Head Of Diversity And Inclusion Council - What the hell? When Trump goes, they go. Remember that when voting.

Sorry, Family Research Council but the APA opposes 'ex-gay' therapy

It goes without saying that LGBTQ people have a lot of work to do when it comes to calling out the anti-LGBTQ industry, i.e. the organizations and personalities better known as the religious right. For years, they have been allowed to control most of the narrative when it comes to our rights and safety. They've demonized us and stigmatized our families with fear tactics, cherry-picked science, and out-and-out lies. And hiding behind  a veneer of religion while doing it.

While it has been difficult to point these facts out,  the difficulty does not lie with the lack of information or incidents of lies. Probably because they feel that they won't be called out, religious right groups and personalities openly and brazenly distort legitimate information to lie on LGBTQ people.

One example of this is recent piece by SPLC-designated hate group, the Family Research Council. 

A few days ago, Facebook removed the page of Restored Hope Network. Restored Hope Network is a  group of organizations pushing the false science of 'ex-gay' therapy or the belief that people can change their sexual orientation. Needless to say, a lot of folks on that side of the spectrum are angry, including FRC,  at Facebook over this

One of FRC's spokespeople, Peter Sprigg, claimed that it was blatant censorship. He also that there should be a debate about whether or not people can change their sexual orientation. To back up his claim, he included information from the American Psychological Association:

This focus on the causes of same-sex attraction is squarely within the realm of mainstream scientific debate. Even the American Psychological Association, though critical of SOCE (sexual orientation change efforts), has said: "[M]uch research has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social and cultural influences on sexual orientation... Many think that nature and nurture both play complex roles..."

Even though Sprigg acknowledges that the APA is critical of 'ex-gay' therapy, he deliberately omits just how critical the organization is of the practice.

'Appeals court gives another victory to gay couple and their child over the Trump Administration' & other Mon midday news briefs

Child Born Abroad To Gay Couple Is A US Citizen, Federal Court Rules - The Trump Administration lost the original case and now loses in an appeals court. It needs to stop trying to harm gay families.

Activist Tiara Mack could become the first Black LGBTQ state senator in Rhode Island - This would be wonderful. 

LGBTQ community mourns death of trans journalist Monica Roberts - Yes we are. She was my friend and my ally. She supported me without even knowing who I was. I sincerely miss this black queen. 

With Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court, could marriage equality really be in jeopardy? - A good column which I agree with a little. 

National Coming Out Day: Coming out during a pandemic - Wonderful, thought-provoking piece.

41 Times Titus Andromedon from 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmitt' Was So Beyond Extra

 

 

Who is Titus Andromedon? Probably the funniest black gay character in the history of television. He is almost every negative stereotype about gay men (minus the ones about crimes and disease) exaggerated twice and then turned on their heads to reveal an original character who is unapologetically gay and more flaming than an army of drag queens trying to meet RuPaul. He is the perfect person to spotlight on National Coming Out Day and take our minds off of a emotional heavy week while easing us into another probably stress-heavy week. 

Openly gay actor Tituss Burgess received four consecutive Emmy nominations for playing this enormously entertaining breakout character from Netflix show Unbreakable Kimmy Schmitt.

Hat tip to Next of Kin.

The Passage of a Queen

 There will be no news briefs on Friday as this blog will be celebrating the life of Monica Roberts.

Monica Roberts

I first met Monica Roberts in 2011. It was during Netroots Nation held in Minnesota. It was an interesting time for me and my blog because it was the first time I met other LGBTQ bloggers. I was very nervous as it was and being invited to participate in a panel discussion didn't exactly help me calm my nerves.

I don't remember what I said exactly. Most likely it was about myself and how my blog was created to expose religious right lies about LGBTQ people. It was all a jumble. But what I do remember was the voice in the audience which rang through the room like a one-person amen corner during my verbal introduction. 

"Tell the truth and shame the devil."

I looked to see where the voice was coming from and that's when I first saw Monica sitting upright in her chair in the middle of the room like a queen holding court. Tall and seemingly imposing but not too imposing as she smiled at me like we were old friends.  And it felt that way to me, too.

I had heard about her because she was already a legend in the transgender community and the LGBTQ community at large. She at times had gotten people angry at her. But a lot of those people had it coming. Other folks who had gotten angry at her quickly understood where she was coming from and became her friends.

I was never had an angry word for her and she never had one for me. The times we met at conferences like Netroots was always a gathering of not just old friends, but family. Monica always felt like a family member to me. An older sister who you admired for her drive, the power of her words, how she always had something going on to change the world, and most of all the fire that drove her.

That's what Monica Roberts was to me. Fire. Bright and magnificent. Power personified but always warming and welcoming. Confident in who she was, not just as a transgender woman, but a black transgender woman. She never diluted any part of who she was and she never played games with you.

She was everything I wanted to be as an LGBTQ person and as an activist - loud when needed be, outspoken and articulate,  and always having her hand in several projects to make our community safer and more complete.

I knew her mostly by her GLAAD award-winning blog Transgriot but she was involved in so many other issues and projects having to do with the trans community and LGBTQ people in general. She wore so many hats and with style. Most of all, she never forgot that it was about all of us.

She's gone now. Off to a better world and I hope a rich reward for her service. Tributes are beginning to roll in and Monica deserves all of them.

For now, my world is emptier and sadder with her not in it. But the LGBTQ community and the world in general is in a much better state because of the time she was in it.

Monica brought the fire. Let's never forget that. And even in our sadness, let's never forget to carry that fire.

Related post - Monica Roberts, Pioneering, Acclaimed TransGriot Blogger, Has Died

'Contractor fired after being caught on hidden camera slurring gay couple' & other Thur midday news briefs

 

Contractor busted on hidden camera slurring a gay couple - Whoops! Well you play stupid games and you win stupid prizes. 

Killings of transgender Americans reach all-time high, rights group says - This needs as much attention as possible. 

Why a Children's Book Is Becoming a Symbol of Resistance in Hungary’s Fight Over LGBT Rights - The struggle is real and universal. 

Ritchie Torres Is About to Make LGBTQ+ History in Congress - Gay, young, an LGBTQ of color and a soon to be Congressman. My heart is palpitating.

Two debates, two takes - 'Apex predator' versus the 'lying bitch'

I wasn't going to say a word about the VP debate but a tweet caught my eye and because of it, I'm going to bring up a point which should speak for itself. Last week, after Trump's disastrous performance at the first presidential debate, folks at Fox News created an alternate reality by categorizing his constant interrupting and general rude behavior as as positive:

"I think what we saw tonight, Donald Trump is absolutely a fighter," said Sarah Sanders, the former White House press secretary. "He has been since day one." 

"Trump is an apex predator, he's the Lion King," Fox News contributor and right-wing media personality Dan Bongino declared. "Trump went out there tonight and did what Trump does. He's the shark in the ocean and he acted like it."

"Joe Biden did look frail," commented Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz.

In contrast, this is Republican consultant and Trump surrogate Harlan Z Hill described Sen Kamala Harris's behavior during her debate with VP Mike Pence, behavior which stemmed from watching Pence either lying during his time or talking over her and moderator Susan Page:

Kamala Harris comes off as such an insufferable lying bitch. Sorry, it’s just true.

— HARLAN Z. HILL 🇺🇸 (@Harlan) October 8, 2020

I cannot begin to speak on what it's like to be a woman, particularly a woman running for political office. But I don't think you have to be a woman to be disturbed by the ugly double standard shown here. 

'COVITA' starring Donald Trump

 

 

If you Broadway fans loved Evita, then you'll absolutely adore  Covita, starring that unloveable super spreader, Donald Trump. And you wouldn't be alone. Released on Tuesday, the video has already received over 1.5 million views.

'Seven self-care tips if the news cycle is pummeling you right now' & other Wed midday news briefs

 

7 Self-Care Tips If The News Cycle Is Pummeling You Right Now - Dedicated to all of my friends everywhere.

Fight against gay marriage still 'alive and well' in U.S., advocates warn - Well duh. It never ended. 

New Mexico House candidate addresses gay adult film past - Oh? Things just got interesting. 

Are You LGBTQ? How Are You Feeling About This Election? - How much time do you have?

Family Research Council elevates of the myth of 'Super Trump' defeating COVID

Tony Perkins and his group, the Family Research Council, embraces the lie that Trump defeated COVID.

In spite of Trump's recent irresponsible behavior with regard to his COVID diagnosis, he can always find support from the religious right. These groups and their leaders will shower Trump with praise no matter what he does or the lives he endangers. They are so dependent on the power he gives them over White House policy and the choices he makes when it comes to judges, that they bend over backwards to embrace his version of reality. Even to the point of openly embarrassing themselves.

An example of this is an incredibly awful piece from Family Research Council president Tony Perkins. With a title like Trump Tests Positive for Fearlessness, you just know it's going to be some straight up bullshit.

And Perkins doesn't disappoint. 

While the other side is trying to push Americans back into their caves, President Trump refuses to believe that the solution is hiding out until the virus has passed. He made the decision long ago that the business of the country must go on, even choosing -- to the horror of liberals and their friends in the media -- to host a Rose Garden ceremony for the nomination his Supreme Court pick, Amy Coney Barrett. Now, days later, as the country pours over the photo from that event, dissecting who was and wasn't masked, there's plenty of finger-pointing and speculation about who might have been exposed. But in the end, that's all it is: speculation. The reality is, no one knows where and when the president was infected.

Some people have noticed that I was in the photo too, sitting just a few seats away from former Governor Chris Christie. I wasn't wearing a mask, because I've already had coronavirus. And those of us who have the antibodies need to be out and about, because we become part of the process that stops the spread. But if we hide in our homes, waiting for a vaccine, we'll never reach herd immunity. And in the meantime, we'll destroy our economy, drive up societal pathologies because of isolation and stress, and leave hurting people -- thanks to shuttered churches -- without a single place to turn.

 . . . We all need to take our cue from this president and stare down these challenges with boldness. "His push to reopen the economy, get people back to their jobs... were exactly the kinds of things a president must do to rally the nation during a crisis," Michael Goodwin applauded. "While many on the Left have help up Biden's hermit-like behavior as a model of safety, it is impossible to govern that way. No president can remain isolated and appear frightened and still command the respect and trust of the public. To his everlasting credit, Trump never stopped being president out of fear of getting sick."

The reality is a bit less pandering towards Trump:

Trump mounts bizarre and misleading White House return despite warnings

Trump's Covid performance makes you wonder if he believes his own lies — or just wants us to

Trump returns to comparing COVID-19 to the flu: 'We have learned to live with it'

Domestic Workers React With Anger After Trump Says 'Don't Be Afraid of Covid'

Trump's focus remains on himself even as virus ravages country

'It's insane': White House staffers are mad about Trump's diagnosis and terrified now that he's back from the hospital while still infected, reports say

We have all seen that Trump is willing to sacrifice Americans for the sake of being re-elected. Now we are also seeing that Perkins and the Family Research Council is willing to do the same to keep their "access" to Trump and the power he gives them.

'COVID 19 pandemic wreaking mental havoc on LGBTQ youth' & other Tue midday news briefs

Majority of LGBTQ youth experiencing anxiety, depression amid Covid, poll find - This is a serious problem.

Twitter users take over Proud Boys hashtag with photos of LGBTQ love - In case you missed it, LGBTQ folks struck a serious blow against hate. Symbolic in a way but it meant the world to a lot of people. 

Gavin Newsom nominates first gay, Black man to CA Supreme Court - Sweet!

Supreme Court Smacks Down Appeal By Official Who Refused Same-Sex Marriage Licenses - However, two justices revealed that they are practically drooling to snatch marriage equality away from us. And on the most ridiculous grounds.

LGBT History Month 2020 should remind us to never stop fighting and never give up

 

 

In spite of all of the madness of the recent days and especially the Trump regime in general, our people need not forget to celebrate ourselves and our progress. October is still LGBT History Month and the above video reminds us of that. 

Let this year's honorees, from Billy Porter to Kate McKinnon to Lil Nas X, remind us not to be afraid to fight for what's ours no matter who we have to fight against or how powerful they claim to be.

 Editor's note - The names of this year's honorees are between 6:13 and 10:37

'Trump Administration ordered to turn over documents on transgender military ban' & other Mon midday news briefs

 

Trump Administration Ordered To Turn Over Documents On Transgender Military Ban - Closer and closer to the truth. 

Mike Pence is waiting to take reign of the country. He has the potential to be worse. - The potential? For LGBTQ people, he probably would be worse.

Hulu's First Day Shows Trans Kids They're 'Not Alone' - Good. We need more shows like this. 

LGBTQ Minnesotans have ‘concerns’ about Amy Coney Barrett - Oh chyle, we ALL do!

White House Gift Shop already selling commemorative coins bragging about Trump's 'victory' over the coronavirus

With Donald Trump sick in the hospital from the coronavirus and there not being a consistent message on how he is doing, Americans are divided into two camps when it comes to his recovery.

There are Trump supporters and others who consider themselves to be basically patriotic in wishing for his recovery. On the other side of the spectrum are folks whose opinions range from indifference to wishing him well for while noting his blame for his own condition to finally those who have thrown all caution to the wind in wishing that he suffers as much as possible. Even to the point of death.

I guess I am leaning a bit in the second camp. I do hope Trump recovers, but I also hope that he doesn't gain sympathy for his condition for two reasons. The first reason has to do with how he put himself in this bind because of his own reckless and selfish behavior. He refused to take this pandemic seriously and undermined efforts to fight it. 

The second reason has to do with basic cynicism. 

In an idealistic world, Trump would take his bout with the coronavirus as a sign that his behavior needs to change. In an idealistic world, Trump would finally take on the role as president and steer the country in a direction which would lead us out of this situation.

But this is the real world. Therefore, instead of desired leadership, we get tripe like this:

The White House Gift Shop is selling a “Donald J. Trump defeats Covid” commemorative coin. You can pre-order it now for $100. https://t.co/aPQ0vNRHB3

— Christina Wilkie (@christinawilkie) October 4, 2020

 

. The idea of selling coins bragging about a "victory" over the coronavirus is extremely tacky and a slap in the fact to the over seven million who are presently infected. And especially to the over 200,000 who have already died.  More than that, it epitomizes Trump's inherent selfishness and basic incompetence. A leader like him makes patriotism so difficult. Even though I hope and pray for Trump's recovery,  I fully understand why others are either indifferent to his health or wishes that he suffers. You simply cannot show any sympathy for someone who will exploit it without any sense of shame.

'National Organization for Marriage slithers into 2020 election with inane political ad' & other Fri midday news briefs

 

 

New political ad uses video of Kamala Harris officiating a lesbian wedding to motivate Republicans - The National Organization for Marriage just slithered into the Amy Coney Barrett SCOTUS fight with an ad just as bad as the infamous 'Gathering Storm' nonsense. 

Activists pressure debate moderator to question Pence, Harris on LGBTQ issues - Yes! 

Joe Rogan and his guest lament they can't use anti-trans slur after saying it - F@k Joe Rogan. Seriously. Just f@ck him.

Viola Davis Stars as the Legendary Queer Blues Singer Ma Rainey - Viola Davis is going to rock this movie.

GOP smearing gay Michigan Congressional candidate as 'pedo sex poet'

 

 

 Michigan state congressman Jon Hoadley hopes to become Michigan's first openly gay Congressman in the United States House of Representatives. But not if  Republicans in the state can stop him. And in their attempts, they are using the classic lie of gays being hateful oversexed pedophiles. That's evidenced by the above political ad. And, like so many other times in which our community is branded and stigmatized, the claim is coming from statements taken completely out of context. 

 According to LGBTQ Nation: 

 John Hoadley is running as a Democrat for the U.S. House and the Republican super PAC Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF) is using words from his Live Journal from 2004 to 2007 to imply that he’s a pedophile who takes meth. At the time, Hoadley was in his early 20s, while his Republican opponent was in the U.S. Congress voting for a constitutional amendment to ban marriage equality. 

 CLF’s ad accuses Hoadley of being “creepy” because, the ad claims, he called women “breeders,” said he wanted to “learn about crystal meth,” admitted to having sex with a “victim,” and wrote the words “four-year-old in a thong.” 

The blog has already been deleted. In context, though, the quotes are very different. He wrote in June 2005 about going to “straight bars” and he used the word “breeder” to refer to straight people of all genders: “I’m not going to lie: breeder=weird/bad dancers.”

 CLF’s reference to Hoadley wanting to “learn about crystal meth” is even more outrageous: Hoadley was writing about going to a meeting to literally learn about the dangers of the drug and even told his blog’s readers, “Don’t do meth.”

 The ad’s claim that Hoadley was a sexual predator with a “victim” is a reference to a poem he wrote about calling a man to discuss hooking up: “I turn to my little black book that’s commonly called a cell phone. My fingers walk as I talk to the latest victim of my sexual conquest.” Poetry criticism aside, the line was not about sexual assault, but about talking with a potential partner before having sex. 

 The last line and the one that has received the most attention is the words “four-year-old wearing a thong.” The phrase is from a 2004 blog post where Hoadley posted a text conversation where one of his friends complained about the over-sexualization of children: “I KNOW! I mean I shudder everytime [sic] I see a four-year-old wearing a thong.”

So damn tacky. But unfortunately, so damn typical.

'Eric Trump says he is not gay. Gay community overjoyed' & other Thur midday news briefs

Eric Trump

Eric Trump backtracks after saying he's 'part of' the LGBT community on 'Fox & Friends'- Good! We don't want him.

Conservatives In Washington Seek To Overturn Sex Ed Bill With Statewide Referendum - Oh great. Another one of these.

Why 'The Boys in the Band' still resonates after 50 years - Never really liked it. Sorry.

Drag Race queens hit the road for Halloween drive-in shows across US - Interesting. Sounds like a good idea to me.

'Proud Boys' leader used dildo on himself to 'own liberals' and prove he wasn't homophobic

 

Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes using a dildo on himself to 'own liberals' and prove he wasn't homophobic

After Tuesday night's debate, Donald Trump is in really big trouble. His overbearing and rude behavior during the debate was enough to draw heat, but the vast majority of the criticism seems to centering on what he didn't do. When asked by moderator Chris Wallace to disavow white supremacist groups, Trump dodged doing it. In fact, when asked to disavow one group in particular, The Proud Boys, Trump instead said “stand back and stand by.”

That comment turned out to be the most memorable moment of  the debate because it echoed back to his "very fine people on both sides" comment after Charlottesville, his claim that Obama wasn't an American citizen, and general accusations that he is a racist.

So basically all day Wednesday, Trump and his allies have faced a universal firestorm, even from other Republicans like Sen Tim Scott from South Carolina, because of his refusal to simply disavow white supremacists. It's so bad that even Fox News personalities like Brian Kilmeade, called him out. 

As Trump clean up his mess, attention has been focused on The Proud Boys, the group in the center of the storm.. What exactly is this group and who is behind it. The Southern Poverty Law Center has designated them to be a hate group and according to People for the American Way:

The Proud Boys . . .  has a long history of violence, hateful rhetoric, and coziness with GOP stars and operatives, most notably Trump confidant, Republican fixer, and convicted felon Roger Stone. The group, founded by Canadian media personality Gavin McInnes and currently led by Enrique Tarrio, held a ​Sept. 26 rally in Portland, Oregon, prompting the governor to declare a state of emergency. Although the rally attracted far fewer attendees than anticipated, the event was spun by Tarrio with expressions of pride in having not incited violence—an effort to make their group more palatable. The group is, of course, better known for its members’ attendance at the 2017 Unite the Right white supremacist gathering ​in​ Charlottesville, Virginia, in which counterprotester Heather Heyer was murdered by a white supremacist.

In other words,  they are a bunch of right-wing racist, homophobic idiots who jump in the middle of protests to physically assault people. If they weren't so dangerous, they would be comical. But truth be told, they are very dangerous and are responsible for many acts of violence.  And McInnes himself is a an interesting piece of work.

 According to Forbes magazine: 

A regular media personality appearing in various conservative talk shows, McInnes announced to the world Proud Boys as a secret club for “Western chauvinists,” men (“women are not allowed”) focused on “anti-political correctness” and “anti-white guilt” with meetings that would consist of “drinking, fighting and reading aloud from Pat Buchanan’s Death of the West.” The election of President Trump skyrocketed interest in the group, and by the end of 2017, the Proud Boys Facebook and Twitter pages had over 20,000 members, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, with chapters around the world, and possibly coaxed by McInnes’ inflammatory rhetoric (McInnes admitted he may be Islamophobic and acknowledged being sexist), began to attract the attention of extremist groups.

McInnes claims to have distanced himself from the group after their street brawling brought several charges against them in New York.  But he did leave an enduring image which I think epitomizes what exactly the Proud Boys are. 

On live television (I'm not sure of the year), he stuffed a dildo up his butt to supposedly "own liberals" and prove he has no problem with gays. So he said. 

Come on Gavin. It can't hurt that much. I saw you lube it up.

I kid you not. This happened. I once saw the video and it was unappealing to say the least.  But for those who are interested in things like that, you can see a play-by-play of McInnes via screenshots here. To say that it's not safe for work would be an understatement. Cute tushy, though.

And that's basically what the Proud Boys are. A self-deluded "fight club" made of "he-men woman haters" either overcompensating for their many inadequacies or attempting to create an illusion of machismo because they are scared to be real with themselves. 

Maybe if more of  them used dildos on themselves, they too would have no need for the group.

'Migraines affect staggering number of gay, bi people, study finds' & other Wed midday news briefs

Migraines Affect Staggering Number of Gay, Bi People, Study Finds - Probably because of some of the junk we have to deal with.

Gay 13-year-old kicked out of an “inclusive” church finds true community in love from strangers - Awful situation with a happy ending.

LGBTQ themes found in half of the past decade's 20 most-banned books - They try but they can't shut us down or shut us out.

Advocates work to get LGBTQ community registered to vote - Absolutely.