GOP Congressman, Libs of Tik Tok busted for lie that Democratic representative defended pedophilia

 It's annoying how the GOP and conservatives are tainting so many debates and conversations by accusing people of being or defending pedophiles and "child groomers." That virus of stigmatization has even spread to the halls of Congress. 

Recently, GOP Rep Ron Jackson (TX) accused Democratic Rep Katie Porter (CA) of defending pedophilia:

Porter's comments were said on Wednesday at Capitol Hill hearing, "The Rise of Anti-LGBTQI+ Extremism and Violence in the United States."  And here is something which shouldn't be a shocker.

Jackson is lying. His tweet was blistered by several people including journalists, who said that he was deliberately mischaracterizing Porter's words.

Journalists such as Daniel Dale of CNN who provided a transcript of Porter's comments:

Absolutely not what Porter said. The transcript clearly shows she was arguing that LGBTQ people are *falsely* called groomers and pedophiles on social media merely because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. She did not defend pedophilia. https://t.co/35SfSiEQuN pic.twitter.com/MAkRoF4JUo

— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) December 15, 2022

And by others who provided video footage:

This is a vicious lie and you should delete it and resign. https://t.co/9Xldz0QGiW

— Ari Drennen (@AriDrennen) December 15, 2022

While it is delightful to see Jackson being dragged on Twitter for such an egregious lie, the lie may have served its purpose. Several people are stubbornly defending Jackson on Twitter. In addition, Dale pointed out in another tweet how the infamous homophobic site Libs of Tik Tok is also spreading the lie:

(Various other accounts preceded Jackson in doing this distortion of Porter's comments, notably including "Libs of TikTok," whose tweet spread pretty widely.) pic.twitter.com/59ctwHmujU

— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) December 15, 2022

It's what they do - take something out of context, spread a lie before the truth can come out, and then stubbornly reinforce the lie.

'GOP Texas attorney general's office allegedly demanded a list of trans people in the state' & other Thur midday news briefs

TX attorney general Ken Paxton

GOP Texas attorney general’s office allegedly demanded a list of trans people in the state - Seriously, what the hell. I know an article like this gets trans folks scared, but no matter how spooked you may get, please know that so many people have your back and are in your corner.

Texas fights federal rule that would outlaw LGBTQ discrimination in state adoptions and foster care - Okay Ken Paxton, you're doing too much.

Club Q survivors blame 'hateful rhetoric' for Colorado Springs shooting - So true. 

Proud Boys Abruptly Shifted Focus to Anti-LGBTQ Action in 2022 - Speaking of which . .. 

With Davante Lewis, Louisiana Elects Its First Openly LGBTQ State Official - Ending these news briefs with good news.

Video - How Fox News and stochastic terrorism go hand-in-hand and hurts LGBTQ people

 

 If I mentioned the phrase stochastic terrorism, probably a lot of people in the LGBTQ community wouldn't know what I was talking about. But If I gave the definition, a lot of folks in the community would then know what I'm talking about because we can all relate being a victim of it. 

 Stochastic terrorism is:

the public demonization of a person or group resulting in the incitement of a violent act, which is statistically probable but whose specifics cannot be predicted.

Or when LGBTQ people are accused of wanting to have sex with kids, harm kids, recruit kids, "convert kids into trans people." I think you get my point. But a lot of folks aren't aware of just how common this sort of this happens. Every day right in front of our noses. 

According to the above video: 

 Kris Goldsmith, Veteran and Founder of Sparverious, a group dedicated to detecting and disrupting today’s greatest threats against democracy, candidly discusses his experience of being targeted by the Fox News hate machine. 

'Sam Smith's latest look encourages discussion about 'body prejudice' within LGBTQ community' & other Wed midday news briefs

Sam Smith

Sam Smith’s latest look brings out the trolls as “Unholy” continues to dominate the charts - Haters can only hate. Even when they come from our own community. 

Transgender lawmaker hopes her presence brings understanding​ - I hope so too. 

Workers and consumers say they're likely to favor pro-LGBTQ businesses, study finds - Good news. Now let's use it. 

Gay Former Top Twitter Official in Hiding Amid Attacks From Elon Musk - This right here is some evil sh!t. 

Florida Demands Districts Comply with New Anti-LGBTQ+ Rules - This mess is far from over.

Video - History is made as President Biden signs Respect for Marriage Act

 

 Regardless of the fight ahead which may happen or anything else, President Biden signing the Respect for Marriage Act is a sweet moment in time. Even as we fight against smears and for our right to respect and self-determination, this is a victory which should always remind us that while our pursuit of equality is never going to be easy, the fight is always worth it.

'GOP senators getting verbally attacked, censured for voting for marriage equality bill' & other Tue midday news briefs

'Betrayer of Christ': Iowa Republicans flip out over GOP senator's vote in favor of same-sex marriage protections​ - Watch these folks attack their own cause she showed some decency. 

Republican senator censured by party for voting for marriage equality bill - And another one. 

House Oversight Committee to host Club Q shooting survivors in hearing on anti-LGBTQ threats - Thank you!

Here are the precious few queer nominees for the 2023 Golden Globes - Not that many.

‘Our mere existence is illegal.’ As Moscow toughens anti-gay law, LGBTQ Russians fear for the future - Some people want this mess for America.

Crowds who protest 'Drag Queen Story Hour' are made up of ignorant people with empty lives

The nonsensical controversy about Drag Queen Story Hour and kids has been created by a bunch of clout chasing, hateful, money-drooling wannabe influencers who rely on personal ignorance and prejudices to make names for themselves.

And these losers feed off of a larger bunch of losers who have false preconceived notions of drag queens and LGBTQ people in general. No matter how "tolerant" they claim to be, they choose to see our ENTIRE lives in the shadow of sexual intercourse.  And thus everything about our culture has to do with sexual intercourse. In their eyes, that is. 

Our desire to date, get married, be fairly treated at our places of employment, public areas, the techniques and the culture we've created to survive their decades of ignorance - all of that gets crushed, whittled down, and reduced to risque bits about sex, sex, sex.

That's neither our fault nor concern. It's their fault and if they were reasonable adults, they would handle their ignorance in a mature manner instead of throwing tantrums simply because LGBTQ people will not dissect our lives in accordance to their wishes and illusions of entitlement.

Other than innuendoes given to them, i.e. clipped videos and pictures taken out of context, I doubt they have actually been to or seen a Drag Queen Story Hour event. That is other than protesting outside with their signs, their guns, and dime store military paraphernalia, which are nothing more than sad attempts to fill the emptiness in their pathetic lives by pretending that they are doing something noble like "saving children."

The video above is what  actually happens at a Drag Queen Story Hour event.

Shocking, isn't it? Or not.

Drag Queen Story Hour is a perfectly innocent event enjoyed by kids AND their parents. The controversy about Drag Queen Story Hour isn't coming from the drag queens or books they are reading. It's coming from the sad sacks attempting to profit monetarily and spiritually from disrupting the event.

Seems to me that if they found a more honest way to make money or actual fulfillment in their lives, they would stop bothering Drag Queen Story Hour.

'Transphobes spew hysterical claim 'American Girl' book encourages 3-year-olds to get on puberty blockers' & other Mon midday news briefs

Transphobes claim “American Girl” book encourages 3-year-olds to get on puberty blockers - Always with creating and exploiting outrage with these people. Puberty blockers are NOT encouraged for three-year-olds. By anyone. 

Crook County library board rejects proposal to segregate LGBTQ books​ - A nice bit of good news. 

FoxNews.com is mimicking Libs of TikTok's anti-LGBTQ strategy - Surprising who? 

Right-wing media ignore the broader aims of the extremist legal organization behind SCOTUS case targeting LGBTQ protections - Deliberately, no doubt.

Farewell to LGBTQ+ People and Allies Who’ve Recently Died - A sad but necessary tribute.

Video - Merry Christmas from 'The Golden Girls'

 

 As a way to slowly ease us all into this week and continue to embrace the holiday season, enjoy the above supercut video of the best Christmas moments of The Golden Girls.

You know how us LGBTQ folks simply love our Golden Girls.

Long-time opponent of LGBTQ community Vicky Hartzler wept in muted fury against passage of Respect for Marriage Act

 

Long-time opponent of LGBTQ community, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler can only weep at the end of her speech while unsuccessfully attempting to keep The Respect for Marriage Act from passing the House.

The House passed Respect for Marriage Act today and President Biden will sign it soon. But the moment folks are talking about is below:

Here’s Vicky Hartzler crying as she urges Members of Congress to oppose rights for gay and interracial couples.

Tears of joy for discrimination.

This is the Republican Party in 2022. pic.twitter.com/PKbXy1ERh3

— Equality PAC (@lgbtequalitypac) December 8, 2022

According to The Advocate: 

 Anti-LGBTQ+ U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler of Missouri started crying on the House floor Thursday as she begged her fellow representatives to vote against the Reflect for Marriage Act, which will write marriage equality into federal law. “I’ll tell you my priorities,” said Hartzler, a Republican. “Protect religious liberty. Protect people of faith. And protect Americans who believe in a true meaning of marriage. I hope and pray that my colleagues find the courage to join me in opposing this misguided and this dangerous bill.” She teared up toward the end of her remarks.

What the hell is she crying about? How can she even have the gall to cry as if someone is doing wrong to her? As evil as that woman has been to LGBTQ people throughout the years, she has got one hell of a nerve.

Let me put it this way. There are people who don't like LGBTQ folks and then there are people simply can't stand us. And based on Hartzler' s legislative career, she simply could not stand us.  I would venture to say that if given the chance, Anita Bryant would have pulled her aside to tell her to lighten up on LGBTQ people. 

Kirk Cameron claims that his faith-based books are being banned from libraries. But his story is highly sketchy

Kirk Cameron's latest attempt to market his 'Christian' brand is deceptive and highly cynical.

Here we go again with far-right evangelical victimhood. 

From RadarOnline:

'90s sitcom star Kirk Cameron claimed he was banned as a featured author at over 50 libraries across the public system, in addition to being prohibited from presenting his new faith-based children's book at a storytime event. Cameron was allegedly told his book's contents did not "align" with one library's values, RadarOnline.com has learned. The child actor-turned-writer/producer, along with his publisher, Brave Books, condemned the banning and claimed the refusal was a threat to "our kids" and "this country."

Cameron's claim is being amplified throughout the right-wing media with personalities comparing how libraries have no problem with allowing drag queens to read to kids while supposedly banning Cameron's faith-based books. The following from conservative personality Charlie Kirk is indicative of the narrative:

When something like this happens, folks on social media and the like figuratively step all over each other trying to be the first to give their two cents. Unfortunately, very few seem are even trying to get the true story. All we know is that libraries won't allow Cameron to read his books to kids because of anti-religious discrimination as per the story told by Cameron and his publisher.

In other words, Cameron is claiming that libraries are banning him from reading this book. That's the story - Cameron is making claims.

Florida lawmaker who sponsored state's 'Don't Say Gay' law indicted by federal grand jury for COVID loan fraud

Florida State Rep Joe Harding

Editor's note - The one thing I will NEVER stop loving about this blog is the support I receive. Many folks know what I am trying to accomplish here, so they support me with their readership, words of encouragement, ad sales, and tips such as the one below. 

From The Associated Press:

The Florida lawmaker who sponsored the controversial law critics call “Don't Say Gay” has been indicted on charges of defrauding a federal coronavirus loan program for small businesses, officials said Wednesday. Federal prosecutors said Rep. Joe Harding, 35, illegally obtained or tried to obtain more than $150,000 from the Small Business Administration in pandemic aid loans. He is being charged with two counts of wire fraud, two counts of money laundering and two counts of making false statements. 

According to Politico:

The indictment, unsealed Wednesday night, alleges that between Dec. 1, 2020 and March 1, 2021 Harding used the dormant companies on applications for loans on the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications, including using false bank statements as supporting documentation. . . . Harding, 35, was formally indicted on Tuesday. He had a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, and was

The Associated Press article went on to point out that Harding sponsored the state's infamous 'Don't Say Gay' bill which later became law.:

Harding, a Republican, became nationally know this year over his sponsorship of a law that forbids instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, as well as material that is not deemed age-appropriate. 

In particular, Harding wanted a controversial amendment included:

A portion of the bill originally said that school officials must out LGBTQ students to their parents unless "a reasonably prudent person would believe that such a disclosure would lead to abuse, abandonment, or neglect . . ." 

In a change suggested by the bill's sponsor, Rep Joe Harding, school officials would be required to out LGBTQ kids to their parents regardless of whether or not it would lead to abuse, abandonment, or neglect.

Harding later withdrew the amendment after a huge round of criticism from parents, students, and teachers.

The post isn't about gloating but simply a reminder that LGBTQ people are not the problem. But those who undermine our rights and safety? Well . . .

Karma don't play.

'U.S. House poised to pass same-sex marriage bill, show shift in attitudes' & other Wed midday news briefs

U.S. House poised to pass same-sex marriage bill, showing shift in attitudes - LGBTQ people and our allies won this fight through good old fashioned blood, sweat, toil, and tears. Through the same sacrifices, we can not only keep marriage as a right but overcome all of the other mess thrown at us by the haters. Don't ever forget that.

Marvel actor leaves Great American Family after Candace Cameron Bure's anti-LGBTQ comments​ - Folks need to realize that 'traditional families' are comprised of LGBTQ people. We were always there. Candace Cameron Bure is learning that lesson. 

Fact check: Respect for Marriage Act explicitly protects religious tax-exempt status - Yet the anti-LGBTQ industry will continue to lie. It basically comes down to them not wanting to see LGBTQ people married. 

Club Q shooter charged with 305 counts, including murder & hate crimes - Put that f@ker under the jail. 

Wisconsin school board member sues over new sex-ed curriculum - And of course national anti-LGBTQ groups are stoking the controversy while the majority of folks there are not on their side. 

Same-sex couples wary despite federal marriage rights bill - It is frustrating but it's not supposed to be easy. It never was.

Video - Brave people always combat hatred and bigotry

 I amplified a video such as this before and I got a lot of positive comments. The LGBTQ community has a lot of ugliness thrown at us right now. People are organizing to undermine our rights and the safety of our kids by falsely calling us groomers. We got some idiotic group called the Proud Boys feeding their egos by disrupting our events. We got legislators and other government officials plotting to either erase us or undermine our healthcare.

But we also have truth on our side and as long as we stand up for truth in spite of all of the evil and lies thrown at us, we will not lose. That's what these folks in the video should remind us all about. To combat evil and lies, first you have to stand up to hate and combat it face to face. Never back down.

'Will SCOTUS make another boneheaded anti-LGBTQ ruling with recent case?' & other Tue midday news briefs

SCOTUS leans toward web designer with anti-gay marriage stance​ - If SCOTUS makes this move, it will not be good for them. They already have a problem with credibility and this case really should have never made it to them. 

The Easy-to-Miss Twist That Makes the Supreme Court’s New Gay Rights Case So Strange - More about this case. 

High-profile drag queens are now touring with armed security and metal detectors - Never thought I would live to see the day. But if it's necessary, then it's necessary. 

  Gays Against Groomers Headline Anti-LGBTQ+ Rally in Ft. Lauderdale - Just a mess.

Putin, Russia crackdown on country with expanded anti-LGBTQ law

Russian President Vladimir Putin

As you read this, remember that it all started when Putin pushed for anti-LGBTQ laws for the sake of "protecting the children." Sound familiar?

From CNN

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed into law a bill that expands a ban on so-called LGBTQ “propaganda” in Russia, making it illegal for anyone to promote same-sex relationships or suggest that non-heterosexual orientations are “normal.” 

 The ban was rubber-stamped by Putin just days after a harsh new “foreign agents” law came into effect, as the Kremlin cracks down on free speech and human rights as its military operation in Ukraine falters. The new laws significantly broaden the scope of a 2013 law which banned the dissemination of LGBTQ-related information to minors. (Editor's note - italics added by me) 

The new iteration extends the ban on promoting such information to adults as well. The new laws make it illegal to promote or “praise” LGBTQ relationships, publicly express non-heterosexual orientations or suggest that they are “normal.” The package of amendments signed by Putin include heavier penalties for anyone promoting “non-traditional sexual relations and/or preferences,” as well as pedophilia and gender transition. 

Under the new law, it will be banned across the internet, media, books, audiovisual services, cinema, and advertising. As Russia struggles in Ukraine, repression mounts at home Under the new law, individuals can be fined up to 400,000 rubles ($6,370) for “LGBT propaganda” and up to 200,000 rubles ($3,185) for “demonstrations of LGBT and information that encourages a change of gender among teenagers.” These fines rise to up to 5 million rubles ($80,000) and 4 million rubles ($64,000) respectively for legal entities.

'DeSantis helped anti-LGBTQ group members get on school boards to settle old scores' & other Mon midday news briefs

Ron DeSantis helped Moms for Liberty members get on school boards to settle political scores​ - People need to pay attention to DeSantis because he is going to run for president. And all of the unscrupulous stuff he's done to LGBTQ folks in Florida will be done on a national level should he get into the White House. When it comes to anti-LGBTQ persecution, DeSantis has the potential to make Trump look like RuPaul.

Same-sex households in the U.S. surpass 1 million for the first time, data shows - And will continue to grow. 

Jim Kolbe dies at 80 - One of the first openly gay Congressmen after having to out himself. And he was a Republican, showing yet again how far that party has fallen. 

After record election year, some LGBTQ lawmakers face a new challenge: GOP majorities - Keep your fingers crossed.

Texas man arrested on federal charges for threatening physician who provides care to transgender community

People need to recognize before things get worse.

From The Texas Tribune:

A Texas man was arrested Friday on a federal charge that he left a threatening voicemail message for one Boston doctor who provides care to the transgender community, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Massachusetts. The man, Matthew Jordan Lindner, 38, of the Hill Country town of Comfort, was charged with one count of transmitting interstate threats. Comfort is in Kendall County, about 50 miles northwest of San Antonio. 

Lindner, whose company Lindner Ammo was a federal firearms license in 2019, is accused of leaving a voicemail message on Aug. 31 threatening to kill the doctor who works at the Boston-based National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center. Following the phone call to the Boston doctor an FBI agent stated in an affidavit that Lindner called two other phone numbers assigned to a Rhode Island university where the doctor is a faculty member.

 The calls were made from his company’s number, according to AT&T phone records cited by federal investigators. Lindner was arrested Friday morning and made an initial appearance in the Western District of Texas. He is being held without bail . . .

This is the latest in a series of threats which children's hospitals and physicians who treat transgender patients have been receiving this year because of a right-wing campaign of lies involving gender-affirming care for trans kids. Certain individuals have falsely claimed that gender-affirming care for trans children entails hysterectomies.

According to NBC News:

NBC News previously reported that social media accounts such as LibsofTikTok have fanned the flames in recent weeks, making numerous claims including that Boston Children's Hospital is providing gender-affirming hysterectomies to children younger than 18. Conservative influencers have shared the allegations with their millions of followers without evidence. The medical facility has denied that it provides such care to children under 18 and multiple fact-checking organizations have debunked the claim.

In August, Catherine Leavy, a Massachusetts resident, was arrested for making a bomb threat hoax to the Boston Children's Hospital.

Video - There is no difference between Fox News and Nick Fuentes

 Many have pointed that the Fox News Network mimics the language and narratives of white supremacists but without the label of "white supremacy."  I think this video makes a very good case. It is from The Daily Show and compares things said by Fox News personalities to things said by infamous white supremacist Nick Fuentes. Fuentes has been in the news lately because of a recent dinner he had with Donald Trump.

'DHS warns of domestic terror threats to LGBTQ, Jewish, and migrant communities' & other Thur midday news briefs

DHS warns of domestic terror threats to LGBTQ, Jewish and migrant communities - We've got PROBLEMS. 

On World AIDS Day, Think About What You Can Do - Then Do - Amen.

School district ends partnership with LGBTQ+ program after right-wingers get mad at card game​- The idiotic 'groomer' accusation strikes again. 

Drag Queen Who Lost Friends at Club Q and Pulse Tells Anti-LGBTQ Lawmakers Blood 'Is on Their Hands'- Preach!!