tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-251961412024-03-18T22:21:14.137-04:00Diana’s Little Corner in the Nutmeg State"So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains<br>
And we never even know we have the key"<br>
<b>Already Gone - Eagles</b>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.comBlogger9549125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-14672154645971575342024-03-18T15:00:00.064-04:002024-03-18T15:55:32.523-04:00Blockers And The Lies<div>Now the British government has added their two pence. The right-wing conservatives lies on puberty blockers has spread to Britain and Canada…<br /></div><blockquote style="text-align: left;"><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/health-68549091.amp" target="_blank">NHS England to stop prescribing puberty blockers</a></span></b><br /><i>Children will no longer routinely be prescribed puberty blockers at gender identity clinics, NHS England has confirmed.</i><br />BBC News<br />By Josh Parry<br />12 March 2024<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The decision comes after a review found there was "not enough evidence" they are safe or effective.<br /><br />Puberty blockers, which pause the physical changes of puberty, will now only be available as part of research.<br /><br />It comes weeks before an independent review into gender identity services in England is due to be published.<br /><br />An interim report from the review, published in 2022 by Dr Hilary Cass, had earlier found there were "gaps in evidence" around the drugs and called for a transformation in the model of care for children with gender-related distress.<br /><br />Dr Cass's review follows a sharp rise in referrals to the Gender Identity Development Service (Gids), run by the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, which saw an increase from 250 per year to over 5,000 in 2022.<br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li> New youth gender services further delayed</li><li> Child gender clinic closure leaves uncertain future</li><li> What does transgender mean and what does the law say?</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">Puberty supressing hormones - more commonly known as puberty blockers - work by suppressing the release of hormones that cause puberty and are often prescribed to children questioning their gender as a way of stopping physical changes such as breast development or facial hair.<br /><br />Fewer than 100 young people in England are currently prescribed puberty blockers by the NHS. They will all able to continue their treatment.<br /><br />NHS England held a public consultation on their usage and last year introduced an interim policy which stated they should only be given as part of research trials or in "exceptional circumstances".</div></blockquote>The BIG LIE… “found there were ‘gaps in evidence’”<br /><br />And the lie has spread to the west coast of Canada to Alberta.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/2056378/how-albertas-proposed-trans-youth-rules-fit-into-a-polarized-international-landscape" target="_blank">How Alberta’s proposed trans youth rules fit into a polarized international landscape</a></span></b><br /></div><div>RCI<br />By Joel Dryden, Jennifer Lee · CBC News<br />March 11, 2024<br /><br /><br />Legislation affecting transgender and non-binary youth and adults expected this fall<br /><br />It's been a little more than a month since the Alberta government announced a planned fall rollout of legislation focused around top and bottom surgeries, puberty blockers, hormone therapies and other elements of what's referred to as gender-affirming care. <br /><br />Canadian doctors, nurses and medical groups have pushed back against the move, while an open letter was released by 36 Alberta academics, predominantly from law schools, asking the province to reconsider the changes. <br /><br />The measures in question — the strictest transgender youth rules in the country — are part of a fraught, polarized debate that has only recently entered Alberta's political landscape but have already been subjects of great controversy in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick . <br /><br />They have long been the subject of battles fought by lawmakers and courts in the United States, where gender-affirming care for minors is endorsed by a number of major U.S. medical associations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics .<br /><br />But though they have long held support from those U.S.-based medical organizations, in recent years, traditionally right-leaning states have taken a different view of the issue. More than 20 states have moved to ban gender-affirming care, according to tracking (new window) by the Kaiser Family Foundation, a non-partisan organization focused on health policy. Many of those bans are currently subject to lawsuits. </div></blockquote></div>The Republican acid has spread far and wide.<br /><br /><div>So what the research on puberty blockers? I turn to Pub Med for the research, Pub Med is run by the U.S. National Institute of Health and it is a data base of all federally financed research here in the U.S.<blockquote><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7430465/" target="_blank">Is puberty delaying treatment ‘experimental treatment’?</a></span></b><br />By Simona Giordano and Søren Holm<br />Int J Transgend Health. 2020; 21(2): 113–121.<br />Published online 2020 Apr 11. doi: 10.1080/26895269.2020.1747768<br /></blockquote><p> </p></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>In 2019 five clinicians working at the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust in London in the United Kingdom (UK) resigned (The Times, 2019), and one of the governors of the Trust also resigned (The Guardian, 2019b). Among other reasons, they adduced that puberty ‘blockers’1 are prescribed experimentally to gender diverse youth, without sufficiently robust evidence around efficacy and safety, and without sufficiently robust diagnosis.<br /><br />One issue that has emerged from these disputes is that there seems to be lack of clarity around whether or not clinicians, patients, families, and policy-makers should consider puberty delaying intervention as experimental, and, if so, in what ways. This concern has also been raised in the academic literature (Biggs, 2019; Henegan & Jefferson, 2019).<br /><br />In this editorial we unpack and analyze the claim that prescribing puberty delaying medications is experimental and we show that provision of puberty delaying medications to adolescents with gender dysphoria is not experimental, or at least not any more experimental than standard pediatric practice when there are no licensed2 treatment options for a pediatric patient population.<br /><br />We will analyze three issues in particular: 1) Does the fact that the drugs used for inducing and maintaining puberty delay are prescribed ‘off label’ make the use experimental?; 2) does the fact that the drugs do not have market authorization for puberty delay in gender diverse children make the use experimental?; and 3) does the fact that there are no randomized controlled trials of puberty delay in gender diverse children make the use experimental?<br /><br />[…]<br /><br />Conclusions<br /><br />Puberty delaying medications are currently provided off label to adolescents affected by gender dysphoria and this particular use cannot be investigated by a RCT. We have shown that this does not mean they are experimental drugs or are provided experimentally. Whether or not these (or even approved drugs) are ethically prescribed depends on whether they are likely to serve the patient’s health interests based on the evidence available at the time of prescription.<br /><br />The published literature provides insight into the likely benefits of GnRHa. In summary, they reduce the patient’s dysphoria (Cohen-Kettenis & Pfäfflin, 2003, p. 171; Kreukels & Cohen-Kettenis, 2011, p. 467), reduce the invasiveness of future surgery (for example, mastectomy in trans men; treatment for facial and body hair, thyroid chondroplasty to improve appearance and cricothyroid approximation to raise the pitch of the voice in trans women) (Cohen-Kettenis & Pfäfflin, 2003, p. 171); GnRHa is correlated with improved psychosocial adaptation (Cohen-Kettenis & Pfäfflin, 2003, p. 171; Kreukels & Cohen-Kettenis, 2011, p. 467) and reduced suicidal ideation and attempts. Hembree noted increased suicidal ideation where blockers were not given (Hembree, 2011; see further, Imbimbo et al., 2009; Kreukels & Cohen-Kettenis, 2011; Murad et al., 2010; Spack, 2008).<br /><br />In light of the collected and published evidence, it seems that the international clinical community has found a sensible point of balance: GnRHa can be prescribed to adolescents who experience strong and distressing dysphoria. GnRHa is not usually recommended for prepubertal children, when there is still significant uncertainty around the future gender identity development trajectory. The reaction to pubertal development will be part of the clinical assessment. In this way, most likely GnRHa will only be given to those who most likely will choose to continue to transition, but should the patient change their mind, then no permanent changes will have been effected (whereas, should an untreated person transition, permanent changes of pubertal development will only be partially reversible surgically). Parents, clinicians and significant others should continue to be open to the idea that the gender identity development of an adolescent might fluctuate even after puberty and therefore that the provision of gender affirming medical treatment is a separate decision from the earlier provision of puberty delaying treatment.</blockquote></div>But this will not stop the lies the right-wing conservatives with their lies. They don’t care what the facts are, they want to stir up their base and create doubt in others.<br /><br /><hr color="purple" /><br />Meanwhile down to one of our favorite state to dislike, Florida…<br /><blockquote><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/03/15/1238272873/desantis-woke-dont-say-gay-florida-stop-woke" target="_blank">Gov. Ron DeSantis' war on 'woke' appears to be losing steam in Florida</a></span></b><br />PBS: All Things Considered<br />By Greg Allen<br />March 15, 2024<br /><br /><br />In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis' campaign against ideas he considers "woke" has run into some roadblocks.<br /><br />A court settlement this week blunted his Parental Rights in Education Act, a law that critics call Don't Say Gay. And earlier this month, a federal court blocked another key measure that DeSantis introduced in 2021 and called the Stop WOKE Act. It marked the beginning of DeSantis' efforts to reshape how Floridians view and teach issues involving race and gender identity.<br /><br />The Stop WOKE Act banned instruction in schools or mandatory training in workplaces that suggest a person is privileged or oppressed because of their race, sex or national origin. Other bills and regulations soon followed, targeting programs to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. For decades, DEI programs as they're known have worked to promote fair treatment of underrepresented groups.<br /><br />DeSantis believes DEI programs that focus on issues such as race and sexual orientation are unconstitutional and discriminatory. "They call it equity," he said when introducing the Stop WOKE Act. "Just understand, when you hear equity used, that is just an ability for people to smuggle in their ideology."<br /><br />Politically, the Stop WOKE Act, which was later renamed the Individual Freedom Act was a winner for DeSantis. It helped mobilize conservatives in Florida, helping him win reelection in 2022 by a wide margin. Legally though, it ran into problems.</blockquote>You have to consider two things. First the Republicans don’t want us educated because educated people think for themselves. The second is the right-wing conservatives believe that being LGBTQ+ is a choice, they do not believe we are born this way. They think one day we sat down and thought “Gee, I want to be trans, it want to be beat-up, kicked upon, discriminated against, and just made to feel like shit.<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">*****</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Remember:</div><div style="text-align: center;">"R" is for reverse.</div><div style="text-align: center;">"D" is for forward.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't let them take us back to the 1950s</div><div><br /></div></div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-75673784736967047232024-03-18T11:00:00.012-04:002024-03-18T11:00:00.132-04:00A Bad Omen!<div>There are bad vibes coming out of the Supreme Court on drag shows! We lost a skirmish and it is not good news coming out of the courts. Notice how they avoided the First Amendment, they conveniently ignored the 1<sup>st</sup> Amendment.</div><div></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.courthousenews.com/supreme-court-allows-texas-university-to-ban-charity-drag-show/" target="_blank">Supreme Court allows Texas university to ban charity drag show</a></span></b></div><div><i>The justices rejected an emergency appeal from a LGBTQ student group seeking to put on a drag show on a Texas campus.</i></div><div>Courthouse News Service</div><div>By KELSEY REICHMANN</div><div>March 15, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Supreme Court said on Friday that West Texas A&M University does not have to allow an LGBTQ student group to host a charity drag show the school’s Christian president banned. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Spectrum WT asked the Supreme Court for emergency intervention so its annual drag show could take place on campus. The justices denied the student group’s application without an explanation. There were no noted dissents. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The student group hosts events for West Texas A&M’s LGBTQ community. One of these events is a drag show raising money for the Trevor Project, a nonprofit that provides suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last year, Spectrum WT coordinated with university staff as it planned the show. The performance would have been limited to audience members over the age of 13 and would not have featured any risque or lewd conduct. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Although the group organized the show with university staff, it was abruptly shut down by the university’s president shortly before the event. Walter Wendler said drag shows discriminate against women by stereotyping them. Wendler went so far as to claim that no drag show could ever be a harmless event. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Regardless of ‘stated intent,’ such drag shows are ‘derisive, divisive and demoralizing’ to many students on campus,” Lanora Pettit, Texas’ principal deputy solicitor general, wrote. “And just as he would ‘not support ‘blackface’ performances in our campus, even if told the performance is a form of free speech or intended as humor.’”</div></blockquote><div></div><div>So is that going to be their new focus on banning drag shows that it “... discriminate against women by stereotyping them.”?</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://www.vox.com/scotus/2024/3/15/24099943/drag-shows-supreme-court-ban-texas" target="_blank">VOX</a> writes,</div><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">The Supreme Court will allow a public Texas university’s unconstitutional ban on drag shows to remain in effect, in a decision announced Friday.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Court’s decision in Spectrum WT v. Wendler is just one line long and offers no explanation. The decision is also only temporary, but it effectively means that LGBTQ college students in North Texas are not allowed to exercise their First Amendment rights for an indefinite period of time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a story with two very clear villains. One is a university president who banned drag shows on campus, allegedly because he believes that drag is sexist. The other is a notoriously anti-LGBTQ judge.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">[…]</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Indeed, in its brief to the justices, Spectrum WT has pointed to a federal appeals court decision that held that a fraternity was protected by the First Amendment when it dressed several male students in women’s clothing and held an “ugly woman contest.” One of these men wore actual blackface, dressing as “an offensive caricature of a black woman.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">[…]</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The answer is that West Texas A&M is located just outside of Amarillo, Texas. And cases brought in Amarillo’s federal courthouse are all heard by the city’s sole federal judge, Matthew Kacsmaryk. Kacsmaryk is a Trump appointee with strong ties to the religious right. He’s best known for his stalled attempt to ban the abortion drug mifepristone.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>Hopefully the new policy to prevent judge shopping might stop these judges that Trump appointed.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-declines-lift-ban-texas-college-campus-drag-show-rcna143141" target="_blank">NBC News</a> writes,</div><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">JT Morris, a lawyer representing Spectrum WT, said the group will continue to protest the ban, with oral arguments coming up in the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals next month.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“The show is not over,” he said. Morris works for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which backs free expression on college campuses.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">[…]</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The LGBTQ group says its members’ free speech rights under the Constitution's First Amendment were violated, pointing to a university policy that bars administrators from denying access to facilities based on the political, religious or ideological views.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>Notice how the right-wing conservatives conveniently ignore the Constitution when it doesn’t serve their bigoted views?</div><div><br /></div><div>What I'm concerned about is that the Supreme Court will say that it is a "States Rights" issue and ignore the First and Fourteenth Amendments.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">*****</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Remember:</div><div style="text-align: center;">"R" is for reverse.</div><div style="text-align: center;">"D" is for forward.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't let them take us back to the 1950s</div><div><br /></div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-6039787051846541462024-03-17T12:00:00.094-04:002024-03-17T12:01:38.688-04:00A Call To All Good Citizens<div style="text-align: left;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuS-eCq6QC0uCXuc_5juDYHl-kQ9Gbn1swz-GNzO2WYPaCzhZHA6rzqdhyphenhypheneBMk5fkhyshaDtA32z7po20HzhgNcEOJd2xqDY26-ct8ekLSw4xiRwUP7PABwVsnaTUoQv5CACrp6awD0O39qZrT6_iwDdovoZ8WQjwbXJ00Mziu4omBqY-X_LxvA/s791/P9080007.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="519" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuS-eCq6QC0uCXuc_5juDYHl-kQ9Gbn1swz-GNzO2WYPaCzhZHA6rzqdhyphenhypheneBMk5fkhyshaDtA32z7po20HzhgNcEOJd2xqDY26-ct8ekLSw4xiRwUP7PABwVsnaTUoQv5CACrp6awD0O39qZrT6_iwDdovoZ8WQjwbXJ00Mziu4omBqY-X_LxvA/w154-h235/P9080007.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>A couple of bills have been introduced to Connecticut General Assembly that I just found out about today and they affect our community.</div><div><br /></div><div>I remember when I was Executive Director of CT TansAdvocacy Coalition I used to send out calls for testimony. But now there is only silence out of the LGBTQ+ organizations here in Connecticut.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don’t know why other organization didn’t spread the word about the hearings, but there wasn’t one peep from any of them about these bills. I don’t know if it is because fiefdoms and silos that they wanted to keep this information close to their chests but… the results were all I see is testimony in opposition to the bills!</div><div><br /></div><div>The first bill that I’m tracking is…</div><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB-5417&uid=diana@drlombardi.net&which_year=2024" target="_blank">SB 5417 AN ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC SCHOOL LIBRARIES</a></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">(b) Each local or regional board of education shall provide a reason if such board removes or restricts access to any library material belonging to the collection of a school library or media center. No board shall remove or restrict access to library material for any of the following:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(1) Partisan approval or disapproval of any library material by the board;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(2) An author's race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation or political or religious views;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(3) Personal discomfort, morality or political or religious views of a member or members of the board;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(4) An author's points of view concerning current events, whether international, national or local;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(5) The race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation or political or religious views of a protagonist or other characters or as otherwise represented in the library material; or</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(6) The content of the library material is related to sexual health and addresses physical, mental, emotional or social dimensions of human sexuality, including, but not limited to, puberty, sex and relationships.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>This prevents the banning of books like they do in Republican states. The books cannot be banned just because there are trans or gay characters or it is about Black history or other protected class.</div><div><br /></div><div>But get a load of the testimony…</div><div><br /></div><div>This one is by Teachers/Parents Against Porn who wrote,</div><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">Given the current state of activism within the American Library Association, it is outrageous that the Connecticut legislature would propose to restrict any elected officials rights to remove inappropriate, highly sexualized materials in school libraries. Over the past 10 years, activists have created thousands of books sexualizing children as young as infants. These social contagion materials should have never been allowed in the public schools funded by taxpayer dollars as they do not promote actual education in reading, writing, history or math. Children will never be tested on this material; it is not required for</div><div style="text-align: justify;">advancement or graduation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The ALA, CLA (Connecticut Library Association) and other proponents of sexualized materials in public schools are hiding behind policies that are intentionally deceptive to the average person. They claim that parents are trying to promote censorship and/or intolerance which is a bold faced lie. Parent’s objections are based on the immoral content including highly graphic sexualized activity. The types of books we are talking about include but are not limited to descriptions and drawings of sexual acts and introductions to sexually explicit activities including accessing pornography on the internet.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>So tell me where in the bill does it say that the law doesn’t ban pornography? To these people anything LGBTQ is porn.</div><div><br /></div><div>A person against the bill wrote…</div><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">School libraries serve children. Their function is to share knowledge through age-appropriate written material, which would not include a Pandora's Box of harmful and inappropriate information that can be misconstrued and confusing to a young mind, or an old one for that matter.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Therefore, I believe local and regional school boards are in the best position to discern what is the best interest of their student base and their decisions concerning said interests should not be stymied by Raised H.B. No. 5417, which I object to.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>Another person against the bill…</div><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">I am totally opposed to this bill...this is a complete over reach of state authority, and should NOT be in any way considered. Librarians should not have the authority to be protected under any such law so as to provide our children with books that are deemed inappropriate in their content. No Board of Education should be prohibited from overseeing what books are allowed in school libraries, and for that matter in school curriculums. This is our role as board members, hence it is why were are elected. I vehemently oppose this bill.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>Then we have this organization which opposes any LGBTQ legislation, </div><div><br /></div><div>Taking points that I want to make:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This bill does nothing more than to prevent discrimination based on protected classes, they can still ban books because it porn. What it does do is to prevent books from being removed because bias.</li><li>This bill doesn’t remove the authority of the local elected offices or boards but what it does do is to make sure that they are not banning books because of protected classes.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;"><b>*****</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The second bill that I’m tracking is,</div><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB-214&uid=diana@drlombardi.net&which_year=2024" target="_blank">SB 214 AN ACT CONSOLIDATING STATUTORY PROVISIONS RELATING TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND GENDER-AFFIRMING HEALTH CARE SERVICES.</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The bill adds…</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(2) "Gender-affirming health care services" means all medical care relating to the treatment of gender dysphoria as set forth in the most recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" and gender incongruence, as defined in the most recent revision of the "International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems"; and tatistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems"; and</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(3) "Person" includes an individual, a partnership, an association, a limited liability company or a corporation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(b) When any person has had a judgment entered against such person, in any state, where liability, in whole or in part, is based on the alleged provision, receipt, assistance in receipt or provision, material support for, or any theory of vicarious, joint, several or conspiracy liability derived therefrom, for reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services that are permitted under the laws of this state, such person may recover damages from any party that brought the action leading to that judgment or has sought to enforce that judgment. Recoverable damages shall include:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(1) Just damages created by the action that led to that judgment, including, but not limited to, money damages in the amount of the judgment in that other state and costs, expenses and reasonable attorney's fees spent in defending the action that resulted in the entry of a judgment in another state; and</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(2) costs, expenses and reasonable attorney's fees incurred in bringing an action under this section as may be allowed by the court.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Statement of Purpose:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To consolidate various provisions of the general statutes relating to reproductive health care services and gender-affirming health care services by incorporating existing statutory language concerning gender-affirming health care services into existing statutes concerning reproductive health care services.</div></blockquote><p>The testimony at the hearing really brought out a lot of negative testimony…</p><p><span style="text-align: justify;">A nun wrote,</span></p></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">Hello. I believe that the traditional American family, consisting of persons related by blood or adoption through the marriage of one man and one woman. This is the cornerstone of American society and the</div><div style="text-align: justify;">government is duty-bound to protect the integrity of the family unit as described by scripture, through legislation. This bill does not support my values.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thank you for your consideration.</div></blockquote></div></blockquote>A doctor wrote,<div style="text-align: justify;"><div><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">I am very concerned about the lack of wisdom in allowing children to transition genders. The brain doesn’t develop until age 25. To make irreversible decisions before the rational brain is fully developed is a disservice to the people they have the potential of becoming and liking as an adult (themselves). The long term health concerns of taking hormones of the opposite gender is also a serious concern. Suicidal ideation increases, general life expectancy decreases and quality of life decreases. The complications of their medical care have no good solutions. I believe it is important to protect children. That is the primary responsibility of their parents. This bill cripples a parent’s ability to help and protect their child. I strongly oppose it and hope you will too. Please protect our children.</blockquote></div><div>Boy! For a doctor he sure has it upside down the suicidal ideations is cause by people like the good doctor. By people who try to block us from our true gender, people who think we are going to hell!</div><div><br /></div><div>Another in opposition,</div><div><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">SB 214 seeks to end civilization as we know it. Our Founding Fathers, in their innate wisdom, put Christian values into our constitution. This bill seeks to tear out sacred document. “Gender Affirmation” was first used as a term by scientists in German camps in the 1940s. Just listen to it on the War Room. This is a scheme to make our children communists.</blockquote></div><div>This is the quality of the opposing, they have no idea what the bill is about but they heard it was bad from a right-wing propagandist.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>This organization has opposed every Trans or LGBTQ bill...</div><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">My name is Leslie Wolfgang and I am the Director of Public Policy for the Family Institute of Connecticut. I am testifying against SB214. I am providing some background on the bill, proposing an edit and also addressing gender-affirming health care for minors more generally. In the matter of SB214, the underlying law was likely passed in response to bans in other states of certain gender-affirming care for minors. The law creates hurdles for litigants before the State may use its resources to issue summons, subpoenas and more. The State’s ability to assist depends on whether there is “gender affirming” care and a “similar claim would exist under the laws of this state”. It is bound to raise “suspect class” issues and deserves closer scrutiny by people familiar with U.S. Constitution jurisprudence.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the root of every lawsuit is a hurting person. In the matter of these lawsuits from out-of-state related to gender-affirming health care services . . there is likely a person who received gender-affirming services as a child and is now suing a medical provider.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The law creates another level of review and mechanism for The law creates another level of review and mechanism for a counter-suit against people who are likely already experiencing mental, physical and financial anguish in pursuit of their claims. Who makes a determination about whether there would be a similar claim under CT law? How will it be proven?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Minors in particular, have no control over the laws of their state-- whether something is banned or permitted. They have no control over the state where they received treatment. This law creates uncertainties and hurdles for them as they seek to have their legal claims fairly heard and investigated.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I recommend this bill be amended to exclude claims from people who received their treatment as minors. States that have banned gender-affirming care for minors have a point. “Gender affirming” care is not new, but it is not settled science either. In my written testimony I am providing a link to a February 2, 2024, New York Times article titled “As Kids, They Thought They Were Trans. They No Longer Do” and also ‘Gender-Affirming Care Is Dangerous. I Know Because I Helped Pioneer It.’. In that article, the chief psychiatrist for one of the first international gender clinics, talks about the pressure by activists on doctors to ignore their training and provide only “gender-affirming” care. She also re-iterates data that up to 80% of children resolve their gender dysphoria if allowed to complete puberty without medical intervention. She quotes a 2020 study that states “In light of available evidence, gender reassignment of minors is an experimental practice.” and warns that “young people, whose brains were still maturing, lacked the ability to properly assess the consequences of making decisions they would have to live with for the rest of their lives.”</div></blockquote><div></div><div>There is a lot more that he writes. What we need to do is counter him with facts! Our own personal stories… but above all be respectful! Let their hate and lies show and our love shine.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>We need to write about why this bill is so important to us the trans community.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can find your legislator here… at the main <a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/" target="_blank">Connecticut General Assembly</a>’s web page, scroll down to “Find Your Legislators.”</div><div><br /></div><div>For tips on testifying and writing letters (use the same format as speaking in a hearing, but you are not limited to 3 minutes.) see what I wrote here… “<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/dianashomeinthenutmegstate/home/testifying-and-speaking-in-public?authuser=0" target="_blank">Testifying and Speaking in Public</a>”</div></div><p>We people people to counter these negative testimonies! We need you to write or talk to your legislator! Help us to help you and the others in the LGBTQ+ community.</p>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-16893862749732182692024-03-17T08:00:00.026-04:002024-03-17T08:00:00.128-04:00Okay, You Want To Be Scared?<div style="text-align: left;">[Editorial]<br /><br />These are really scary thoughts…<br />Trump is packing the national and state RNCs with his cronies.<br />Trump packed the courts with judges who ruled on ideologies not the Constitution.<br />Trump has said he would prosecute his political opponents.<br />Think back to the 1930s, does this remind you of anyone?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">*****</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-predicts-end-us-democracy-if-he-loses-2024-election-2024-03-17/" target="_blank">Trump predicts the end of U.S. democracy if he loses 2024 election</a></span></b><br />Reuters<br />By Tim Reid<br />March 16, 2024<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Donald Trump said on Saturday if he does not win November's presidential election it will mean the likely end of American democracy.<br /><br />The Republican presidential candidate, speaking to supporters in Ohio, made the claim after repeating his baseless assertion that his 2020 election defeat to Democratic President Joe Biden was the result of election fraud.<br /><br />During an outdoor speech that was whipped by strong winds and punctuated by some profane language, Trump predicted that if he does not win the Nov. 5 general election, American democracy will come to an end.<br /><br />"If we don't win this election, I don't think you're going to have another election in this country," Trump said.<br /><br />Trump, who is under criminal indictment in Georgia for trying to overturn the result of the 2020 election there, this week won enough delegates to mathematically clinch the Republican nomination.</div></blockquote>Are you scared yet?<br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">[/Editorial] <br /></div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-40761965881732375302024-03-16T08:00:00.028-04:002024-03-16T08:00:00.139-04:00Saturday 9: Charlie Mops<div style="text-align: left;"> <b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://samanthasaturday9.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Saturday 9: Charlie Mops (2007)</a></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>On Saturdays I take a break from the heavy stuff and have some fun…</i></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrv8mPQ8kvNkRAJiB6J0XyBNhV5VHz0WH4kzL9ztd803TxrnkhN5VMGNmqtDm6t2u5fIIiFT0W56dmzsHgV38ecl3E_SulOlS5bOh6n8WMA3VcODrHeCX1zvGaCt8x0cPvoYnpttB-1-Ckx7oPWKZrqPgerpwySzov7RobTkUh3Wmfsi2Huy1Nvw/s320/sams%20meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="79" data-original-width="320" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrv8mPQ8kvNkRAJiB6J0XyBNhV5VHz0WH4kzL9ztd803TxrnkhN5VMGNmqtDm6t2u5fIIiFT0W56dmzsHgV38ecl3E_SulOlS5bOh6n8WMA3VcODrHeCX1zvGaCt8x0cPvoYnpttB-1-Ckx7oPWKZrqPgerpwySzov7RobTkUh3Wmfsi2Huy1Nvw/s1600/sams%20meme.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Not familiar with this week's song? Hear it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRBOFT1sL4I" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div> </div><div><b>1. This week's song is about a legend, Charlie Mops, the man who invented beer. Tell us about something you enjoy so much you could sing about it with the same enthusiasm the Salt Sea Pirates sing of beer.</b></div><div>Oh, oh, you don’t want me to sing. I am tone deaf!</div><div>I made my own cassettes and unbeknownst to me it was slow. Well when my niece and nephews heard the tape, they noticed it off key but not me.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. The lyrics tell us beer goes well with breakfast, dinner and snacks. Think about what you dined on yesterday. What beverages did you have with your breakfast, your dinner, and your between-meal snack?</b></div><div>I had a beer for lunch.</div><div>Four of us seniors when out to lunch at the Westbrook Lobster in Wallinford and I had beer to go with the Tuscan Seafood.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. "Charlie Mops" was chosen because it's an Irish drinking song and Sunday is St. Patrick's Day. Do you expect to raise a glass in honor of the day?</b></div><div>Nope. But my cousins will, one is even in an Irish band.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. Beer is not the only beverage often dyed green for St. Patrick's Day. In 1970, McDonald's introduced the Shamrock Shake, a milkshake made with a minty green syrup. If we were to go out for shakes right now, what flavor would you order?</b></div><div>Well there is only one flavor to get and that is Chocolate!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. Legend has it that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, who can be mischievous pranksters. Is there anyone you would like to avoid today?</b></div><div>Nope.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>6. For all our talk of green, it was not the original color of St. Patrick's Day. Through most of the 18th century, blue was worn across England and Ireland to honor St. Patrick. The Irish switched to green to express their independence from the English. Which color do wear more often: blue or green?</b></div><div>Blue, as in blue jeans.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>7. Today St. Patrick's Day is observed all over the world. In Tokyo, it's not a single day but a weekend celebration. When you think of Japan, what's the first thing that comes to mind?</b></div><div>Cars.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>8. One of the biggest parades each year in Buenos Airies is for St. Patrick's Day. Have you ever participated in a parade?</b></div><div>Yes, when I was a scout, we pretended to be camping on the back of a trailer used to carry bulldozers. We had a tent, logs to sit around a make believe fire, and some potted shrubs.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>9. Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA, crowns a Miss St. Patrick's Day. Tell us about an event you recall from your college days.</b></div><div>A bunch of us from the dorm went up to Letchworth State Park for a weekend, we rented a cabin in the park. They were all liberal arts major who didn't have a problem missing a class, a friend and me were engineering majors who couldn’t get out of class on Fridays. My friend was a pilot and signed out the college’s student flying club plane.</div><div>Here we are trying to find a grass airstrip in the middle of hay country. Every fields was grass! We finally found it and landed safely.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks so much for joining us again at <i>Saturday: 9</i>. As always, feel free to come back, see who has participated and comment on their posts. In fact sometimes, if you want to read & comment on everyone's responses, you might want to check back again tomorrow. But it is not a rule. We haven’t any rules here. Join us on next Saturday for another version of <i>Saturday: 9</i>, "Just A Silly Meme on a Saturday!" Enjoy your weekend!</div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-62018366403293706942024-03-15T15:00:00.079-04:002024-03-15T15:00:00.135-04:00I Don’t Think That It Is Over.<div>I think this is only the first of many lawsuits against the law.<br /><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68541059" target="_blank">Florida settles lawsuit over LGBT education bill</a></span></b><br />BBC News<br />By Kayla Epstein,<br />March 12, 2024<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Gender identity and sexual orientation can be discussed in Florida classrooms as long as it is not a part of formal instruction, a legal settlement says.<br /><br />The settlement, announced on Monday, clarifies the scope of a controversial state education law, but left it standing.<br /><br />Plaintiffs had challenged Florida's 2022 parental rights bill, arguing it could marginalise LGBT youth.<br /><br />Both Florida officials and the plaintiffs claimed victory on Monday.<br /><br />Roberta Kaplan, the lead lawyer in the lawsuit, said in a statement that the legal settlement provides "much-needed clarity" and "represents a major victory for the many thousands of LGBTQ+ students, teachers, parents, and their allies throughout Florida".<br /><br />Florida Governor Ron Desantis's office called it a "major win".<br /><br />"We fought hard to ensure this law couldn't be maligned in court, as it was in the public arena by the media and large corporate actors," said general counsel Ryan Newman.<br /><br />The Parental Rights in Education Act - dubbed by critics as the "Don't Say Gay" bill - initially prohibited classroom discussion and instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation in kindergarten through third grade in state public schools.<br /><br />[…]<br /><br />The plaintiffs challenging the law argued its vague language would have a chilling effect in schools and lead to confusion about what teachers were allowed to discuss with their students, including things like sharing details about their family lives.</div></blockquote>Meanwhile Florida Equality writes…<br /><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://eqfl.org/historic-settlement-achieved-challenge-floridas-dont-say-gay-or-trans-law" target="_blank">Historic Settlement Achieved in Challenge to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” Law</a></span></b><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">TALLAHASSEE, FL — Equality Florida celebrates a landmark achievement in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Florida by announcing a historic settlement in the challenge against the "Don't Say Gay or Trans" law. This settlement, reached with the Florida State Board of Education, Florida Department of Education, and various school districts, embodies the bravery of over a dozen parents, students, and teachers, along with the steadfast commitment of our allies at Family Equality.<br /><br />This agreement successfully dismantles the most harmful impacts of the law, ensuring it cannot be wielded as a tool of discrimination against LGBTQ+ students, educators, and families. The settlement secures several critical protections and clarifications, including:<br /><ul><li><b>Free Expression Restored:</b> Students and teachers can now speak and write freely about sexual orientation and gender identity in classroom participation and assignments.</li><li><b>Anti-Bullying Protections Strengthened:</b> The settlement reinforces safeguards against bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity.</li><li><b>Gay-Straight Alliances Protected:</b> GSAs are officially protected, providing students with essential support and advocacy spaces.</li><li><b>Classroom References Clarified:</b> The law cannot prohibit references to LGBTQ+ individuals, relationships, families, or topics in any educational or extracurricular context.</li><li><b>Non-Discrimination Assured:</b> Targeting LGBTQ+ persons, couples, families, or issues under the guise of this law is explicitly forbidden.</li><li><b>Extracurricular Activities Protected:</b> Participation in and support of LGBTQ+ student clubs and cultural presentations remain unaffected.</li></ul></div></blockquote>Until the law is struck down or repealed there have been no victory, just a win in a skirmish. <br /></div><div><br /></div><hr color="purple" /><div><br /></div><div>I came across this article on AP News about Putin.</div><div><div></div></div><blockquote><div><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-russia-election-ukraine-war-crackdown-f7ad48f31c83a5241526b0f62425405d" target="_blank">The drama in Russia’s election is all about what Putin will do with another 6 years in power</a></span></b></div></div><div>BY JIM HEINTZ</div><div>March 14, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">As Vladimir Putin heads for another six-year term as Russia’s president, there’s little electoral drama in the race. What he does after he crosses the finish line is what’s drawing attention and, for many observers, provoking anxiety.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The voting that concludes on Sunday is all but certain to allow Putin to remain in office until 2030, giving him a full three decades of leading Russia as either president or prime minister.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The heft of that long tenure and the thorough suppression of effective domestic opposition voices gives Putin a very strong — and perhaps unrestrained — hand.</div></div></blockquote><div><div></div></div><div>And what caught my eye was...</div><div><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">Russia last year banned the notional LGBTQ+ “movement” by declaring it to be extremist in what officials said was a fight for traditional values like those espoused by the Russian Orthodox Church in the face of Western influence. Courts also banned gender transitioning.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ben Noble, an associate professor of Russian politics at University College London, said he believes the LGBTQ+ community could face further repression in a new Putin term.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the Kremlin’s eye, they “can be held up as an import from the decadent West,” he said.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>Our Russian gay brothers, lesbian sisters, and our trans and queer are going to be in for more brutal oppression at the hands of Putin. Mister Macho Man hates any male who does not live up to his ideal male. Putin theme song...<br /></div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yxxj73JCV4Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="yxxj73JCV4Q"></iframe></div><br /> </div></div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-1289709857189842572024-03-15T11:00:00.028-04:002024-03-15T11:00:00.241-04:00Bull!<div style="text-align: left;">The judge has blinders on is he doesn’t see the harm it is doing to us.<br />Kansas judge rules keeping biological sex on IDs does not harm transgender people<br /><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/kansas-judge-rules-keeping-biological-sex-on-ids-does-not-harm-transgenders" target="_blank">Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach called the ruling 'a victory' for 'common sense'</a></span></b><br />Fox News<br />By Jamie Joseph<br />March 12, 2024<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A Kansas judge ruled in favor of the state's conservative attorney general on Monday and determined that prohibiting sex changes on state IDs and driver's licenses does not violate the rights of individuals who identify as transgender.<br /><br />In a memorandum, District Judge Teresa Watson kept in place an existing ruling she previously made in July 2023 to prohibit the Department of Revenue from allowing transgender individuals to change their biological sex on ID cards.<br /><br />Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach first sued Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly in 2023 after a law passed by the legislature suspended sex changes on ID cards. Kelly vetoed the bill – SB 180 – sparking the lawsuit. The court then issued a temporary restraining order.<br /><br />"This decision is a victory for the rule of law and common sense," Kobach said in a statement. "The Legislature wisely stated that state agencies should record biological sex at birth, and today the court held that the meaning of the law is clear."</div></blockquote>In an article by <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kansas-judge-says-drivers-license-changes-doesnt-violate-trans-peoples-rcna142877" target="_blank">NBC News</a> they write,<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>The Kansas law was part of a wave of measures from GOP-controlled Legislatures across the U.S. to roll back transgender rights. Montana, North Dakota and Tennessee also enacted laws defining man and woman, and Republican governors issued executive orders in Nebraska and Oklahoma, where nonbinary teenager Nex Benedict was bullied and died after a fight in a girls bathroom at a school. Similar measures have been proposed in at least 13 other states.<br /><br />The Kansas law doesn’t mention driver’s licenses or birth certificates but says for the purposes of any state law or regulation, a person’s sex is “either male or female,” based on their “biological reproductive system” identified at birth. Watson ruled that the law’s language is clear and “there are no exceptions.”</blockquote></div>It is based on an outdated theory that gender is based only on outward appearance and chromosomes. And it totally ignores intersex people.<br /><br />Saying that there is no harm in having your documents not showing your true gender is false, the harm it does is it keeps us from getting jobs, it questions out ability to get loans and financial aid, it causes us to be discriminated and harassed. I don’t keep track of the numbers of times that I have been carded going into a bar… a 70+ year old being carded! How many seventy year olds get cared? They just wanted to see the gender on my driver license and can you imagines the harassment if it showed my gender assigned at birth?<br /><br />Yes judge, it does harm us!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><hr color="purple" /><br />President Biden had this to say about the death of Nex Benedict,<div><div></div></div><blockquote><div><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/03/14/nex-benedict-nonbinary-biden-bullying/72976046007/" target="_blank">Joe Biden mourns death of Nex Benedict, nonbinary teen who died by suicide</a></span></b></div><div>USA Today</div><div>By Michael Collins</div></div><div>March 14, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">President Joe Biden mourned on Thursday a nonbinary Oklahoma teenager whose death by suicide after a school fight sparked widespread outrage and calls for change.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Biden said in a statement that he and first lady Jill Biden were heartbroken by the death of Nex Benedict, who was pronounced dead Feb. 8, one day after being injured in an altercation inside an Owasso High School bathroom. A state medical examiner said Wednesday said the 16-year-old died of suicide.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Every young person deserves to have the fundamental right and freedom to be who they are and feel safe and supported at school and in their communities,” Biden said. “Nex Benedict, a kid who just wanted to be accepted, should still be here with us today.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nex’s death raised questions about the issue of bullying and whether the school district was doing enough to protect students subjected to harassment. Nex, who used the pronouns he, him, they and them, had been bullied in the past over their gender identity. Police are investigating what led to the fight in the school bathroom, including whether the teen was targeted in an act of gender-based violence.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A summary autopsy report concluded Nex died of toxicity from diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, and fluoxetine, an anti-depression medication. A full autopsy report is due soon.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In his statement, Biden described nonbinary and transgender people as “some of the bravest Americans I know.” But, he said, “nobody should have to be brave just to be themselves.”</div></blockquote><div></div><div>Why can't we all get along together in peace?</div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-40014801909683687672024-03-14T15:00:00.045-04:002024-03-14T15:00:00.160-04:00Lies, Lies, And More Lies!We have our work cut out for us, we need the three “Es” Education, Enlightenment, and Eradicate the lies. As Joseph Goebbels is attributed as saying, “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.” the Republicans have the lesson down pat.<br /><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/lgbtq/4526784-support-same-sex-marriage-dips-first-time-decade/" target="_blank">Support for same-sex marriage dips for the first time in nearly a decade: Survey</a></span></b><br />The Hill<br />By Tara Suter<br />March 12m 2024<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Americans’ support for same-sex marriage has dropped for the first time in about a decade, according to new data from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI).<br /><br />The data from PRRI’s American Values Atlas (AVA) survey found support for same-sex marriage dropped two points, from 69 percent to 67 percent, from 2022 to 2023. The last time Americans support form same-sex marriage dropped in the same survey was between 2014 and 2015, from 54 to 53 percent.<br /><br />The survey also showed support for non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people falling for the first time since 2018. Americans’ support for those protections reached a peak of 80 percent in 2022, but fell to 76 percent last year.<br /><br />“Our survey shows that support for LGBTQ rights has dipped slightly from 2022 to 2023, although the vast majority of Americans continue to endorse anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ Americans and the rights of same-sex couples to marry,” Melissa Deckman, the CEO of PRRI, said in a statement in a press release Tuesday.<br /><br />“The growing partisan divide on these issues show the effect of the continuous use of LGBTQ identity and LGBTQ rights as a wedge issue in our nation’s culture wars,” Deckman continued.</div></blockquote>This is the result of the constant hammering of us by the Republicans! The never ending lies that they put forward is taking its toll. We need to start speaking up about their lies, “If you hear mean, intervene” intervene by educating people to their lies.<br /><br />One of their favorite lies are the we are promiscuous with one night stands, what we have to do is show the long term relationships you are in. We have to bring back the way we worked for marriage equality in the first place. We cannot let the negativity stand unopposed, we need to speak up! We have to heed <a href="https://daily.jstor.org/harvey-milks-gay-freedom-day-speech-annotated/" target="_blank">Harvey Milk</a>’s words…<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>Come out to your neighbors, to your co-workers, to the people who work where you eat and shop. Come out only to the people you know, and who know you. Not to anyone else. But once and for all, break down the myths, destroy the lies and distortions.</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">*****</span></b><br /></div><div><br />But all is not bleak there are bright spots...<br /></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.advocate.com/news/lgbtq-nondiscrimination-laws-support" target="_blank">Even in red states, the vast majority of Americans support LGBTQ+ protection laws </a></span></b><br /><i>Most Americans support nondiscrimination laws and other protections, and a large number of them intend to vote based on it. However, those numbers are on the decline according to a new survey.</i><br />The Advocate<br />By Ryan Adamczeski<br />March 12 2024</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The majority of Americans support nondiscrimination laws for LGBTQ+ people — even those who are religious or live in red states.<br /><br />While support for LGBTQ+ rights differs by state, it remains strong among most Americans. More than 75 percent support nondiscrimination laws, including 71 percent of red state residents, 75 percent in battleground states, and 79 percent in blue states, according to a new survey of more than 22,000 American adults by the Public Religion Research Institute.<br /><br />This was also found across religions, as "strong majorities" of Americans — including most people of faith — support LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination protections in housing, employment, and accommodation.<br /><br />The majority of those in red states (54 percent) are also opposed to religious refusals, compared to 58 percent in battleground states and 66 percent in blue states. By political alignment, a majority of Independents (59 percent) and most Democrats (82 percent) oppose allowing small business owners to refuse service to LGBTQ+ people based on their religious beliefs, compared to 40 percent of Republicans.<br /><br />Majorities across all states also support marriage equality, with some variation. In states where marriage equality would continue if the Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell decision were overturned, 72 percent of people favored allowing same-sex couples to marry, compared to 64 percent of those in states where marriage equality would no longer be legal if Obergefell were overturned.</div></blockquote><div>But we cannot take their support for granted, we have to go out and let them know that we appreciate their support in these troubling times. And we need then to elect politicians who support us.<br /><br />We did it once!<br />We stopped the Lavender Scare.<br />We stopped Anita Bryant.<br />We got marriage equality.<br />We got our rights to be our true selves.<br />We can do it again!</div><div> <br /></div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-50680775489282761852024-03-14T11:00:00.004-04:002024-03-14T11:00:00.136-04:00The Old Space Camp Grounds…<div style="text-align: left;">The Republicans don’t care about the laws only their oppressive laws that they pass.<br /><br />We all know how the Republicans are passing anti-trans laws and anti-LGBTQ+ laws even though they violate federal laws. Case in point Alabama has passed some of the most repressive laws against us and now it is coming up squarely against federal laws.<br /><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.waff.com/2024/03/12/parents-lawmakers-voice-opinions-us-space-rocket-center-transgender-employee/" target="_blank">Parents, lawmakers voice opinions on U.S. Space and Rocket Center transgender employee</a></span></b><br />WAFF News<br />By WAFF 48 Digital Staff and Savannah Sapp<br />March 11, 2024<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Numerous parents and residents across North Alabama have been voicing their concerns about a transgender employee at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.<br /><br />Those parents and residents have taken to Facebook to make posts about the employee who identifies as she/they and works as a Camp Counselor for the Space Camp program.<br /><br />One parent, Clay Yarbrough, said his daughter had planned on going to Space Camp this week until he learned about the transgender employee.</div></blockquote>These parents have a right to not to send their children to camp, but they do not have the right to demand that the Space Camp break federal law. The article goes on to say…<br /><blockquote>According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, there are laws and policies in place that protect transgender workers. A few of those laws are as follows:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964</b> prohibits sex discrimination in employment. Numerous courts and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have agreed that discrimination because an employee or job applicant is transgender or gender non-conforming, or because he or she fails to conform to gender stereotypes, is sex discrimination under Title VII.</li><li><b>The Civil Service Reform Act of 197</b>8 prohibits discrimination by the federal government on the basis of “conduct which does not adversely affect the performance” of an applicant or employee. This includes being LGBT.</li><li><b>Executive Order 13087</b> prohibits discrimination in federal employment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.</li><li><b>Executive Order 13672</b> prohibits anti-LGBT discrimination by federal contractors. If you work for a company that contracts with the federal government, you are protected.</li></ul></blockquote>The U.S. Space and Rocket Center of a government facility and must obey all state and federal laws but in the case that the state laws are opposite to federal law, federal law prevails as stated in the Constitution’s Article VI, Paragraph 2 the Supremacy Clause.<br /><br />The Space and Rocket Center issued a statement…<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>We are aware of rumors circulating on social media about a Space Camp employee. We would like to assure parents, teachers, and the public that the safety and security of Space Camp students is our number one priority. Any allegations of misconduct are taken very seriously. We are working to determine the facts in this case, after which we will take appropriate action.<br /><br />The U.S. Space & Rocket Center adheres to all state and federal laws regulating hiring practices. Our camp staff undergo extensive nationwide criminal background checks that include state, county, and municipal court-level information, Department of Corrections data, state sex offender registries from across the country, and multi-panel drug tests.<br /><br />We also have rigorous standards and procedures regarding the behavior of Space Camp employees to ensure the safety of students. These include:<br /><br />No physical contact between staff and students beyond a fist bump or high five.<br /><br />No staff is allowed to be alone with a student behind a closed door.<br /><br />No sharing of personal details including personal phone numbers, email addresses, or social media information.<br /><br />No discussion of religion, sexual topics, politics, or sharing of opinions and beliefs that may be controversial.<br /><br />Additionally, staff sleep in separate rooms from students and use separate bathroom facilities. We also provide 24-hour onsite security including round-the-clock video surveillance, regular foot and vehicle patrols, and controlled campus and building access.<br /><br />We are an apolitical organization with no social agenda. Our singular mission is to inspire and educate.<br /><br />Space Camp has been a trusted institution since its founding in 1982 with more than one million graduates from all 50 states and 150 countries. Many of those graduates have gone on to apply the leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills they learned at Space Camp to successful careers as scientists, engineers, teachers, doctors, and astronauts. We will continue to work hard to foster trust with each family and student that walks in our doors.<br /><br />– U.S. Space and Rocket Center</blockquote></div>Somehow I don’t think this will appease the conservatives. The Republican politicians had this to say,<br />His post received just over 4,500 shares and caught the eye of Senator Tommy Tuberville and Congressman Dale Strong who each took to X(formerly known as Twitter) with their own statements.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wuEVnKAZu3TErzOY3qflslONhIMCTlz3HNZYazMuMkF8cPA7H0NObrFX4-nNUh0jwvJM4dgrP7EDZxlqIclIFT8O6BqaqzQda2de6oAHiZotcR-Gdq7k3fYJkAwMZr6QSuuXRw8u7Wk0O6ekxG0veWKlSOq_Veau9BIXkNaUD_6G_1IbVFQH4Q/s1080/tubville.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wuEVnKAZu3TErzOY3qflslONhIMCTlz3HNZYazMuMkF8cPA7H0NObrFX4-nNUh0jwvJM4dgrP7EDZxlqIclIFT8O6BqaqzQda2de6oAHiZotcR-Gdq7k3fYJkAwMZr6QSuuXRw8u7Wk0O6ekxG0veWKlSOq_Veau9BIXkNaUD_6G_1IbVFQH4Q/w391-h391/tubville.gif" width="391" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-G4wcI7VAwdPAIguL8I1X8XHhkOxdr09hGbV-1agNqpgbUGHdX-LLyxFw-pjXZjTwK9Kaj23IxP79dKpnYRGr_c3MLGausYU9ifTOoi9Z-EuO7A4oqf4z7qgp_cH-cWVmP6bwObbFAefGRcIGNKIzLbGfe-G3XBMcY3o4b1yRFRGAy0YxxtX2A/s940/strong.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-G4wcI7VAwdPAIguL8I1X8XHhkOxdr09hGbV-1agNqpgbUGHdX-LLyxFw-pjXZjTwK9Kaj23IxP79dKpnYRGr_c3MLGausYU9ifTOoi9Z-EuO7A4oqf4z7qgp_cH-cWVmP6bwObbFAefGRcIGNKIzLbGfe-G3XBMcY3o4b1yRFRGAy0YxxtX2A/w406-h340/strong.gif" width="406" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It is stirring up a hornets nest...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/alabama-republicans-target-transgender-space-camp-employee-rcna143094" target="_blank">Alabama Republicans target transgender Space Camp employee</a></span></b></div><div><i>Republican Rep. Dale Strong called for Space Camp to remove a transgender employee after a viral social media post called the person a “freak.</i>”</div><div>NBC News</div><div>By Jo Yurcaba</div><div>March 13, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Three Republican Alabama officials are expressing concern that a transgender person is employed at Space Camp, an educational program for children held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the lawmakers is calling for the employee to be removed and for the center to “open a safety review to consider the potential harm and damages they have inadvertently caused children.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The backlash began Saturday after Clay Yarbrough, a father who lives just outside of Huntsville in the small town of Owens Cross Roads, posted a screenshot of the LinkedIn profile and social media photos of a crew trainer at Space Camp on Facebook. Yarbrough said he had planned to send his daughter to Space Camp the following week, “but we have just found out that this freak is a team lead and a hall monitor in the girls dorms and at times could be allowed to be alone in the halls at night.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">[…]</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yarbrough’s post was then shared on Facebook and X by Libs of TikTok, a far-right social media account that criticizes LGBTQ teachers and allies, hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to minors and others. An NBC News investigation last month, which Libs of TikTok called a “hit piece,” found 33 instances in which people or institutions that were the subject of posts by Libs of TikTok later reported being the target of bomb threats or other violent intimidation.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>I think we have more to worry about from these right-wingers then from us.</div><div><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">The Alabama Transgender Rights Action Coalition, a trans advocacy group, condemned conservatives’ comments in a statement Monday, noting that Yarbrough “could not name any wrongdoing on the part of the employee, only that they were a transgender person.”</blockquote></div><div>Maybe NASA should move their facilities out of states that that discriminate against minorities and that block women’s rights.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe, just maybe the legislators should look in their own party for people who don’t belong in bathrooms.<br /><br />I asked Perplexity.AI: "How many republicans have been arrested in bathrooms?"<br /><blockquote>Answer*<br />At least three Republican legislators have been arrested for soliciting or performing sexual acts in bathrooms. Some notable cases include:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>John Hinson, a former Mississippi congressman, was arrested in 1981 for oral sodomy in a Capitol Hill building bathroom.</li><li>Idaho politician Larry Craig was arrested in 2007 at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for a sex-sting operation.</li><li>Former Florida state representative Bob Allen was arrested in 2007 for agreeing to pay an undercover male police officer for oral sex in a park bathroom.</li></ul>These incidents highlight instances where Republican lawmakers have faced legal issues related to inappropriate behavior in bathrooms.</blockquote>I asked a follow-up question: "How many transgender people have been arrested in bathrooms?"<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>Answer<br />There have been zero reported cases of transgender people being arrested for misconduct in bathrooms. In contrast, incidents involving Republican legislators engaging in inappropriate behavior in bathrooms have been documented, with at least three cases reported.<br />It is important to note that the focus on transgender individuals using bathrooms has often been fueled by misconceptions and fear, as highlighted by the lack of actual incidents involving predatory transgender individuals.</blockquote></div><hr color="purple" width="60%" /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Mppr7OogZ0" width="320" youtube-src-id="6Mppr7OogZ0"></iframe></div><br /><br /><hr color="purple" width="60%" /><br />*These are the references that Perplexity.AI<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.complex.com/life/a/amanda-wicks/republican-legislators-arrested-for-bathroom-misconduct" target="_blank">More Republican legislators arrested for bathroom misconduct than trans people</a></li><li><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/196/comments/11c7kpx/daily_ruleminder_that_more_republican_congressmen/" target="_blank">Daily r(ul)eminder that more republican congressmen have been arrested for sexual harassment in bathrooms than trans women</a></li><li><a href="https://www.logotv.com/news/2fqw8s/zero-trans-people-have-been-arrested-for-bathroom-misconduct-but-these-three-republicans-were" target="_blank">ZERO TRANS PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ARRESTED FOR BATHROOM MISCONDUCT—BUT THESE THREE REPUBLICANS WERE</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/article/a3377d14856e4f4fb584509963a7a223" target="_blank">90 state lawmakers accused of sexual misconduct since 2017</a></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_federal_political_sex_scandals_in_the_United_States" target="_blank">List of federal political sex scandals in the United States</a></li></ul></div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-15441248683372345472024-03-13T19:46:00.006-04:002024-03-13T19:46:51.818-04:00News Flash: Medical Examiner Report on Nex Benedict Autopsy Report<div style="text-align: left;">When your own government turns against you, when harassment become too much, when others look away at the bullying we are driven in to despair.</div><div></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/03/13/nex-benedict-suicide-cause-of-death/72961973007/" target="_blank">Oklahoma teen Nex Benedict’s cause of death revealed in autopsy report</a></span></b></div><div>USA Today</div><div>By Molly Young</div><div>March 13, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">An Oklahoma teen whose death sparked widespread outrage and calls for change died of an overdose, authorities said Wednesday. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nex Benedict was pronounced dead Feb. 8, one day after being injured in an altercation inside an Owasso High School bathroom. A summary autopsy report concluded the 16-year-old died of toxicity from diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, and fluoxetine, an anti-depression medication. The medical examiner ruled the teen died by suicide, and that the full report would be released in about 10 business days.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The findings cap weeks of speculation over how the teen died, but many questions remain unanswered about the fight that preceded Nex’s death. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nex had been bullied in the past over their gender identity, which did not align with societal stereotypes. Nex, a descendant of the Choctaw Nation, used the pronouns he, him, they and them, friends and relatives have said. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jacob Biby, a lawyer for the teen’s family did not immediately return messages regarding the medical examiner’s conclusions.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>There is no place to turn, the authorities turn a blind eye, there is no hope.</div><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">Federal civil rights investigators in the U.S. Department of Education have also said they will look into allegations that the school failed to adequately address past instances of sex-based bullying. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">More:What we know about death of Oklahoma teen Nex Benedict after beating in school bathroom</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nex told a school resource officer that the bathroom fight started because a group of girls they did not know were making fun of the way the teen and their friends dressed and laughed. Police released a recording of the conversation captured by the officer’s body camera.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>There is no doubt in my mind, their death was caused the politicians creating an environment of fear, hatred, and indifference that cause Nex to be looking in a dark tunnel with no end and no way out.</div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-6011367560697446702024-03-13T15:00:00.053-04:002024-03-13T15:00:00.129-04:00Threats!<div>That is what happened when the legislature in Maine was holding hearings on bills protecting Maine healthcare providers from out-of-state subpoenas for abortion and trans healthcare.</div><div></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.centralmaine.com/2024/03/08/police-state-house-evacuated-after-a-bomb-threat-made-to-two-legislators-maine-democratic-party/" target="_blank">Bomb threats sent to Maine State House, 2 legislators, Democratic Party</a></span></b></div><div><i>The State House was evacuated Friday morning, but no bomb was found following the hoax threat that promised death to pedophiles.</i></div><div>Kennebec Journal</div><div>By Emily Duggan</div><div>March 8, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Capitol Police evacuated the State House on Friday morning after bomb threats were made to two legislators, the State House and the Maine Democratic Party, but the claims were deemed hoaxes after nothing was found.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The threat, which was also emailed to the Portland Press Herald, promised death to pedophiles. It included a number of typos, stating: “We are not (going) to stand idly by as you degenerates mutilate our children and push your perverted sexual fantasy upon us.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The threat went on to claim bombs had been placed at the homes of state Rep. Anne Perry, D-Calais, and state Sen. Donna Bailey, D-York, as well as at the headquarters for the Maine Democratic Party and the Maine State House. The email claimed bombs would “detonate in a few hours” and ended with an expletive.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While the threat’s motive wasn’t entirely clear, it came after hearings this week by the Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee on a contentious bill that would shield Maine’s health care providers from laws in other states that ban or limit abortions or gender-affirming care. Perry and Bailey are the chairs of that committee.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>GLBTQ Advocates And Defenders wrote…</div><div></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.glad.org/dont-let-threats-stop-critical-work-and-care-for-our-communities/" target="_blank">Don’t let threats stop critical work and care for our communities</a></span></b></div><div>Our community and publicly elected allies are experiencing escalating threats and even violence as LGBTQ+ people are increasingly the subject of politicized, misleading rhetoric and punitive laws. Last Friday, International Women’s Day, this reached a despicable and unacceptable level in Maine. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the wake of a virulent disinformation campaign by local and national anti-LGBTQ activists, opponents of LD 227 – a bill to protect Maine health care practitioners who provide legal patient care for transgender people and people seeking reproductive care – made bomb threats at the State and the personal homes of lawmakers. These threats sparked fear and disrupted the work of legislators, non-partisan staff, and Legislative Committees. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thankfully, no bomb was found at the State House or in the homes of the legislators who sponsored LD 227. Thankfully, no one was hurt and the work of the legislature was only delayed by a few hours. </div><div><br /></div><div>But the message, and the attempt to influence policy through intimidation, were clear: if you cannot win on the merits – win through fear. </div><div><br /></div><div>We remain incredibly grateful to the legislators who continue their important work for all people of Maine on the many vital issues impacting them, and who now must do so in the face of these threats. </div><div><br /></div><div>So we want to send a different message. A message of gratitude and strength. Of acknowledgment and partnership with legislators committed to making a positive difference for our State.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>The far right-wing will go to any lengths against us, even to violence.</div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-22425037594001572902024-03-13T11:00:00.100-04:002024-03-13T11:00:00.129-04:00A Schism?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4ZdVIXU6c-oXMptIDfa8AsDi7scQeZUruadVVRJy2m0Oko0zHc2qU7jDbDP_MeCR-apffo7wIAMsNxD9ZuuPBkj62HrypBK-C8v972NPR0bLdOKHyAD1f9XQZe5XDswBs5rCRy6VdPZuEfURjtvQOanxoYQaZWdY5B31tEXOkVy_oxym1TpcWg/s640/trumpidol.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4ZdVIXU6c-oXMptIDfa8AsDi7scQeZUruadVVRJy2m0Oko0zHc2qU7jDbDP_MeCR-apffo7wIAMsNxD9ZuuPBkj62HrypBK-C8v972NPR0bLdOKHyAD1f9XQZe5XDswBs5rCRy6VdPZuEfURjtvQOanxoYQaZWdY5B31tEXOkVy_oxym1TpcWg/w201-h134/trumpidol.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>Has a schism just happened in the Republican party?<br /><br />Sometimes when you split a log you can’t control how it splits.<br /><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-to-know-about-a-growing-gop-divide-over-trump-support-and-the-partys-future" target="_blank">What to know about a growing GOP divide over Trump support and the party’s future</a></span></b><br />PBS News Hour<br />By Laura Barrón-López and Harry Zahn<br />March 9, 2024<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Laura Barron-Lopez:</b><br /><br />Donald Trump is the presumptive GOP nominee for president after a near sweep on Super Tuesday. But when his last major opponent standing, Nikki Haley dropped out this week, she didn't throw her support behind Trump. Despite calling on Haley voters to support him, Trump made clear he doesn't want anyone critical of him in the party.<br /><br /><b>Donald Trump, U.S. Republican Presidential Candidate:</b><br /><br />The greatest movement in the history of our country, and they say always tried to demean. Well, MAGA really represents 48 percent of the Republican Party. No. It represents 96 percent than maybe 100 percent. We're getting rid of the Romney's of the world. We want to get Romney's in those out.<br /><br /><b>Laura Barron-Lopez:</b><br /><br />Exit polls tell a slightly different story. A third of Republican primary voters in North Carolina and Virginia said they would not vote Republican in November regardless of the nominee. Tuesday's elections did more than just decide the Republican nomination. They reflected a deep schism in the party dividing some lifelong Republicans from Trump's MAGA faction.<br /><br />To discuss this. I'm joined today by two Republicans, former congressman Denver Riggleman from Virginia and strategist Barrett Marson, who's based in Phoenix.<br /><br />Denver and Barrett, thank you so much for joining. Denver. I want to start with you. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell endorsed Trump within 24 hours after his Super Tuesday wins. That's the same man, Mitch McConnell, who called Trump morally and practically responsible for the January 6 insurrection. Does McConnell's attempt at Unity reflect the reality for voters?<br /><br /><b>Former Rep. Denver Riggleman (R) Virginia:</b><br /><br />Yeah, I think it does. You know, I mean, if you look at the economy, it's no different than what McCarthy did after January 6, when he rolled over and showed his belly and went to Mar-a-Lago after he blamed Trump for January 6.<br /><br />You see all these individuals coming home. And I think a lot of that has to do with what I call leash politics. It's like my leash. I will do with that will ask me do, you know, something like that. It's just absolutely unbelievable to me.<br /><br />But, again, what did Trump get about 75 percent of the vote? No, a lot of people said there were individuals that would not vote for Trump and things of that nature. But most people do come home. I remember, in my little convention in a church, you know, everybody's saying Denver will never, you know, vote for this guy. He's awful. But they did.</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">*****</span></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/key-battleground-state-striking-republican-schism-persists-rcna139044" target="_blank">In key battleground state, a striking Republican schism persists</a></span></b><br /><i>The Michigan GOP is either led by an election denier who has odd thoughts about demons, or a former congressman who was accused of leaking like a sieve.</i><br />MSNBC<br />By Steve Benen<br />February 15, 2024<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Identifying the current chair of the Michigan Republican Party is far more difficult than it probably should be.<br /><br />Last month, state party officials voted to oust Kristina Karamo as the head of the state party. Karamo said she didn’t recognize the legitimacy of that vote and insisted that she remained the chair of the Michigan Republican Party. Her intraparty opponents chose former Rep. Pete Hoekstra to replace her, leading to widespread confusion over who’s in charge.</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #800180;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">******</span></b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/03/10/republicans-voice-anger-election-lara-trump-rnc/8811710093700/" target="_blank">Some Republicans are voicing anger over election of Lara Trump to RNC</a></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">UPI News<br />By Adam Schrader<br />March 10, 2024<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some Republicans are voicing anger over last week's election of Lara Trump to the role of co-chair over the Republican National Convention.<br /><br />Lara Trump, who is married to Donald Trump's son Eric Trump, was elected to the role with chairman Michael Whatley - another of the former president's supporters -- at a meeting in Houston, Texas, the RNC said in a news release Friday.<br /><br />"I will be laser-focused on protecting our elections, ensuring that the RNC's money is spent with maximum impact, and building out key capabilities to ensure that we win close races on the margins," Lara Trump said.<br /><br />"Everything I do at this committee will have one focus: re-electing Donald Trump, flipping the Senate, and expanding the House this November."<br /><br />Many people online said that they are officially "no longer a Republican" while others said the GOP gets "progressively worse" with each new party boss and that the "nepotism on display" would amount to a "major Democrat party victory."</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #800180;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">*****</span></b><br /></div><div><blockquote><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/20/politics/republicans-russia-divide-what-matters/index.html" target="_blank">Schism over Russia drives Republicans apart</a></b></span></span><br />CNN<br />Analysis by Zachary B. Wolf<br />February 20, 2024<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are emerging signs of a deep schism in the Republican Party over how or even whether the US should stand up to authoritarianism in Russia.<br /><br />How to approach Russia and help Ukraine is a topic that separates true believers of Donald Trump from the Republicans who may have simply fallen in line behind the former president.<br /><br />It’s also the issue former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley is talking about as she vows to carry on with her presidential campaign even if, as seems increasingly likely, she loses the Republican primary Saturday in her home state of South Carolina, where she once served as governor. Saturday also happens to be the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.<br /><br />In recent days, Haley has made passionate arguments about the need for the US to stand up to autocrats and bristled at Trump’s attempt to compare himself to Alexey Navalny, the Russian opposition leader who died in jail.<br /><br />She delivered what was billed as a “major” speech in South Carolina Tuesday to make clear that, no, she would not be dropping out of the race anytime soon. With a not-so-subtle nod to Trump’s failure to criticize Russia for Navalny’s death, she compared elections in democracies to those in autocracies. </div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">*****</span></b></div></div><div>The <a href="https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-03-12/donald-trump-maga-republican-party-rnc-election-2024-jonah-goldberg" target="_blank">Los Angles Time</a>s writes in an opinion article,</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote> Some would argue, with ample evidence, that this happened a long time ago. Particularly in Congress, the party is divided into three sometimes overlapping factions: Reaganites, pragmatists and populists, the last being Trump’s “MAGA” faction. Politicians from the first two groups have been retreating, retiring or reinventing themselves in Trump’s image for years now.</blockquote></div></div><div>The new Republicans vs. the old guard Republicans.<br />The MAGA Republicans vs. the old guard Republicans<br />The Trump's cult vs. the old guard Republicans<br /><br />This is not your father’s Republican party this is king Trump’s party. Trump who may be under Putin’s thumb.<br /></div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-40063449865481917172024-03-12T15:00:00.037-04:002024-03-12T15:00:00.144-04:00The Closer The Elections Get…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV27cY0G9ODAEzHzjcgmuhAJSOx2jsDU1h6FGzu-4DoI4FUu91xJws0_ACKvDHXL4zUOYL4E2HGwCWDUdgjHVVKmp1vsF7R5g1nEZ99rlumAYdOOgvO0h8gtaXIFPO3XLpthl2e7qzph0vPijBZBFTeSE1j_BkifQhEIqJS3x5zUc4N96DRO2EaQ/s640/trumpidol.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV27cY0G9ODAEzHzjcgmuhAJSOx2jsDU1h6FGzu-4DoI4FUu91xJws0_ACKvDHXL4zUOYL4E2HGwCWDUdgjHVVKmp1vsF7R5g1nEZ99rlumAYdOOgvO0h8gtaXIFPO3XLpthl2e7qzph0vPijBZBFTeSE1j_BkifQhEIqJS3x5zUc4N96DRO2EaQ/w239-h160/trumpidol.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>… The more worried I become, it is my life that I am worried about, with the government telling me what to with my body. I worry that they will criminalize me.<div></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ruth-ben-ghiat-donald-trump-saddest-part_n_65eee27de4b032e17a82d20b" target="_blank">Authoritarianism Expert Highlights 'Saddest Part' Of Donald Trump Cult</a></span></b></div><div><i>Ruth Ben-Ghiat was asked if she'd "ever seen loyalty like this that doesn’t come at the barrel of a gun?”</i></div><div>HuffPost</div><div>By Lee Moran</div><div>March 11, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">MSNBC’s Ayman Mohyeldin asked authoritarian expert Ruth Ben-Ghiat to explain why Republicans like Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) are “going out of their way to kiss the ring” of Donald Trump with their endorsements of the former president in the 2024 election.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Have you ever seen loyalty like this that doesn’t come at the barrel of a gun?” Mohyeldin asked Ben-Ghiat, a history professor at New York University and author of “Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“That’s actually the saddest thing about this, is that in many regimes, if you criticize the leader even if he’s no longer in office, you go to jail or you’re shot,” Ben-Ghiat replied.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the GOP, however, it is loss of office or reputations that are at stake, she said.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>For those he want to seek vengeance from… like me and the LGBTQ+ community. Beware!</div><div><br /></div><div>In Trump own words he said he will seek retribution. <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4311194-trump-signals-revenge-in-second-term/" target="_blank">The Hill</a> wrote last November that,</div><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">Trump’s own words have made increasingly clear how fixated he is on revenge and targeting his perceived enemies if he wins a second term in the White House next November. The former president has openly mused in recent days that his own indictment has “released the genie out of the box” and would allow him to weaponize the government against his opponents.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">His comments have raised alarms among critics, some of whom fear a second Trump administration will lack some of the guardrails that existed during his first four years in office.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“His policies are not centered around improving the lives of his supporters or Americans in general, it’s centered around consolidating power for Trump, and that way he can wield it to enact that revenge on anyone he deems as an enemy,” said Sarah Matthews, a former Trump White House and campaign press aide who resigned over the Jan. 6 riots.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“And that is what is scary, and I wish that was penetrating through more in the minds of voters,” Matthews added.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>He is focused on one thing, crushing his “enemies” not on what is good for the country.</div><div></div><blockquote><div><b>"When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."</b></div><div><span style="font-family: Dancing Script;">Dr. Maya Angelou</span></div></blockquote><hr color="purple" /><div><br /></div><div>Trump is like a 10 year old on a school playground calling other derogatory names,</div><div><div></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/adding-ugly-record-trump-mocks-bidens-stutter-rcna142802" target="_blank">Adding to an ugly record, Trump mocks Biden’s stutter (again)</a></span></b></div><div><i>Donald Trump's fractured relationship with human decency is especially evident when it comes to those with disabilities.</i></div><div>MSNBC News</div><div>By Steve Benen</div><div>March 11, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A couple of months ago, while on the campaign trail in Iowa, Donald Trump had plenty to say about President Joe Biden, though there was one line of attack that stood out: The Republican thought it’d be appropriate to take aim at the Democrat’s childhood speaking impediment.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just hours after Biden’s remarks on the anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack, the former president told supporters, “Did you see him? He was stuttering through the whole thing. He’s saying I’m a threat to democracy. ‘He’s a threat to d-d-democracy.’”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The rhetoric wasn’t just cheap, it was also false: At no point in Biden’s Jan. 6 remarks did he struggle with the word “democracy.”</div></blockquote><div></div><div>This isn’t the first time Trump mocked the disabled during the 2016 elections,</div><div></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/donald-trump-criticized-after-he-appears-mock-reporter-serge-kovaleski-n470016" target="_blank">Donald Trump Criticized After He Appears to Mock Reporter Serge Kovaleski</a></span></b></div><div><i>Trump appeared to imitate Kovaleski, who suffers from arthrogryposis.</i></div><div>NBC News</div><div>By Daniel Arkin</div><div>November 26, 2015</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is under fire after he appeared to ridicule a reporter with a congenital joint condition that limits movement in his arms.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At a rally in South Carolina on Tuesday, Trump defended his widely discredited claim that thousands of Muslims in New Jersey cheered as the World Trade Center collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001. He then appeared to impersonate reporter Serge Kovaleski, one of the authors of a 2001 article in The Washington Post that referred to "a number of people who were allegedly seen celebrating the attacks."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Now, the poor guy — you ought to see the guy: 'Uh, I don't know what I said. I don't remember,'" Trump said, as he contorted his arms in an apparent imitation of Kovaleski, who suffers from arthrogryposis.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kovaleski just a day earlier had told MSNBC's Steve Kornacki that he did "not recall anyone saying there were thousands, or even hundreds, of people celebrating."</div></blockquote><div></div><div>Is that presidential behavioral? It is not even school yard behavioral.</div></div><div></div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-16291316992581353522024-03-12T11:00:00.034-04:002024-03-12T11:13:54.015-04:00Fallout!<p>When bullying and harassment is condoned it begins to run rampant and unchecked. With a wink and a nod evil is done.<br /></p><blockquote><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nex-benedicts-death-lgbtq-youth-group-saw-200-rise-crisis-contacts-okl-rcna142279 " target="_blank">After Nex Benedict’s death, LGBTQ youth group saw 200% rise in crisis contacts from Oklahoma</a></span></b><br /><i>The Rainbow Youth Project, a national LGBTQ suicide prevention group, also said calls increased ahead of a protest in Owasso, Oklahoma, by Westboro Baptist Church.</i><br />By Jo Yurcaba<br />March 7, 2024<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A national LGBTQ youth nonprofit group said crisis calls from Oklahoma more than tripled in the weeks after transgender student Nex Benedict died there on Feb. 8.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lance Preston, founder of the Indianapolis-based Rainbow Youth Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization, said the group’s crisis hotline for LGBTQ young people received 1,097 contacts, including calls and online messages, from Oklahoma in February — an increase of more than 200% from its monthly average of 350 contacts.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The group received just under 1,000 of those contacts after Feb. 16, when Nex’s death began to receive widespread media attention. Of the 1,097 contacts, 87% reported incidents of bullying in Oklahoma schools.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“The high volume of contacts underscores the pressing need for intervention and support services — support services that are far too often unavailable, especially in rural areas of the country,” Preston said at a news conference Thursday hosted by the Human Rights Campaign, the country’s largest LGBTQ advocacy organization.</div></blockquote>Bigotry is a learned trait, it is passed down through generations, children of racist learned to be racists. The American Psychological Association wrote an article about how bigotry runs in families, it is taught from one generation to another.<br /><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/06/anti-racist-children" target="_blank">Raising anti-racist children</a></span></b><br /><i>Psychologists are studying the processes by which young children learn about race—and how to prevent prejudice from taking root</i><br />By Kirsten Weir<br />May 18, 2023<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Racism occurs across a spectrum. It lives within individuals and between them, within institutions and across society. And at every level, children are affected by discriminatory beliefs and practices, said Farzana Saleem, PhD, an assistant professor in the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University. “Racism is learned early on in development, and children receive many messages about race and racism from a young age.”<br /><br />Kids pick up on what their parents and teachers say (and don’t say), who and what they see on TV, what their dolls look like, and how other people are treated in their schools and neighborhoods. “Humans are sponges for their social environment,” said Evan Apfelbaum, PhD, an associate professor of management and organizations at the Questrom School of Business at Boston University. Over decades, research has explored how children come to understand race—and how they learn racism. Yet the science is a long way from prescribing a formula for anti-racism. “There’s a whole host of factors that can affect kids’ holistic understanding of race—and so much research that needs to be done,” he said.<br />Tell me what does it teach the when you “Can’t Say Gay?”<br />Race in early childhood<br /><br />When do children understand race? It’s not an easy question, in part because “race” isn’t the rigid construct it’s often made out to be. “It’s well established that there’s no biological basis for race,” said Diane Hughes, PhD, a professor of applied psychology at New York University. “Race has meaning because we give it meaning—especially in the U.S., where our history is largely structured to uphold these ‘racial differences,’” she said. “We assume that there are unobservable underlying personality traits that correlate to certain physical characteristics.”<br /><br />[…]<br /><br />Within the first years of life, children are bombarded with messages from their environment that shape their beliefs and judgments about other people. It doesn’t take long for such messages to stick. By preschool, children begin showing both implicit and explicit bias toward members of other races. Kristin Shutts, PhD, at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, found that at age 3, White children are equally likely to befriend Black or White children. But by age 4 or 5, White children are more likely to choose other White kids as friends (Child Development Perspectives, Vol. 9, No. 4, 2015).</div></blockquote>You got to be carefully taught.<br /><br />I asked Perplexity.AI: <i>“Is bigotry is a learned trait, that is passed down through generations in families?”</i><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>Bigotry is indeed a learned trait that can be passed down through generations in families. Children learn prejudice and discrimination from observing the society around them, including their parents, teachers, and peers. Research indicates that children start developing attitudes about various groups in society as early as ages three or four, and these attitudes become more difficult to change as they grow older. Social learning theory suggests that prejudice is learned through association, reinforcement, and modeling, primarily from the messages children receive in their environment.<br /><br />Racism is learned early in development, with children receiving messages about race and racism from a young age. Children absorb these messages from what their parents and teachers say, media representations, toys they play with, and how people are treated in their surroundings. It's emphasized that no one is born racist; rather, individuals learn racism easily through societal influences but can also unlearn it with proper guidance and education.<br /><br />Furthermore, racism can have transgenerational consequences, impacting health outcomes across generations due to the embodiment of inequality transmitted through epigenetic influences. The stress of racial discrimination can lead to alterations in gene expression with significant implications for bodily systems' healthy functioning. Racism affects children's health in various ways, including physical health risks like exposure to environmental hazards and limited access to healthcare, as well as mental health issues such as higher rates of depression and anxiety.<br /><br />Parents play a crucial role in combating the transmission of bigotry by openly discussing race and inequality with their children, exposing them to diverse role models, helping them build a strong cultural identity, and teaching them to be agents of positive change against racism. By providing children with the language to address these issues and instilling pride in their cultural identity early on, parents can empower their children to recognize bias and contribute to efforts for racial equality and justice.</blockquote></div>Just look at Trump’s family, his father Fred Trump was arrested twice, the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2023/04/04/fred-trump-arrests/" target="_blank">Washington Post</a> writes,<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>Trump’s father, Fred Trump, was arrested twice: in 1927 during a Ku Klux Klan riot, and in 1976 over code violations at a building he owned in Maryland.<br /><br />[…]<br /><br />This was not Fred Trump’s first arrest. Forty-nine years earlier, in 1927, he was arrested at a Ku Klux Klan rally that turned violent in Queens on a charge of “refusing to disperse from a parade when ordered to do so,” according to a newspaper report at the time. He was 21 at the time of this arrest; his son Donald would not be born for another 19 years.</blockquote></div>The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-59988153730718084742024-03-11T15:00:00.025-04:002024-03-11T15:00:00.134-04:00It Is Pure Evil.<div>There is no limit to the harm they are doing, it is almost like they are gleeful in the harm they are doing.</div><div></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/03/08/us/missouri-lawmakers-felony-transgender-students-reaj/index.html" target="_blank">Proposed Missouri bill would make teachers register as sex offenders if found supporting transgender students who socially transition</a></span></b></div><div>CNN</div><div>By Chandelis Duster</div><div>March 8, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A newly proposed law in Missouri could charge teachers and counselors with a felony and require them to register as sex offenders if they’re found guilty of supporting transgender students who are socially transitioning.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Missouri state Rep. Jamie Gragg, a Republican, introduced HB 2885 last week. If passed and signed into law, the legislation would criminalize the act of “contributing to social transition” for anyone acting in an official capacity at their school, including providing informational or material support.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The proposed bill joins a string of anti-LGBTQ measures that have been filed in states across the US and comes amid a growing “parental rights” movement that seeks to empower parents to decide what can be taught in classrooms about gender, sexuality and race.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>Do you believe this junk? How sick they are.</div><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">In an interview with CNN affiliate KY3, Gragg said the goal of the bill is to “put the social learning development of our children back in the hands of the parents.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Ultimately, whose children are these? They belong to the family that they come from. If there is a situation where they don’t have that parental or guardian to go back on or to talk to, there is other help, professional help they can get,” Gragg told the outlet.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is unclear if Gragg’s bill will be taken up in the state House and it has not been scheduled for a hearing.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>This all make sense if you think back to the 1950s when people thought we chose to be trans. These people don’t believe in science they don’t believe in vaccines, they don’t believe in evolution, they believe in the lies that they are feed everyday by the Republican. They believe the lies the Republicans tell about us, they believe that we prey on small children.</div><div><br /></div><hr color="purple" width="60%" /><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/lgbtq/4516762-voters-transgender-lgbtq-2024-poll/" target="_blank">Most voters oppose candidates who campaign against transgender people: Poll</a></span></b></div><div>The Hill</div><div>BY BROOKE MIGDON</div><div>March 7, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Candidates who often discuss restrictions on transgender Americans or signal support for policies that limit access to gender-affirming health care may be drumming up more opposition than support, according to a survey released Thursday by GLAAD, an LGBTQ media advocacy organization.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">More than 50 percent of both registered and likely voters surveyed by the group in January said they would oppose a candidate who “speaks frequently about restricting access to health care and participation in sports for transgender youth.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">[…]</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The party’s shift to the right on transgender issues has mobilized some voters, however, and former President Trump marveled at a North Carolina crowd’s enthusiasm for his proposal to ban transgender athletes and lessons about gender identity from schools in June.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">They are in an echo chamber and let us hope that the echos are wrong and our echo chamber is correct.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Federal agencies under his administration would also be instructed to immediately cease programs that promote the concept of gender transition “at any age,” Trump said in a February 2023 straight-to-camera video released on Rumble.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Under my leadership, this madness will end,” he said.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>You have to remember an elephant never forgets and Trump is the head elephant. He runs on revenge and I believe that the macho-man never got over being forced to allow trans-women in the beauty pageants, I believe he is worried that he will have the “hots” for a woman and she will be trans. He probably has nightmares over it.</div><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">LGBTQ voters surveyed by GLAAD said they are highly motivated to vote in November’s elections, with 83 percent indicating they are “definitely” voting. When asked about their level of motivation to participate in this year’s elections on a zero to 10 point scale, 88 percent of LGBTQ voters rated themselves between seven and 10.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">LGBTQ voters exhibited a strong preference for President Biden and Democrats running for Congress this year, consistent with prior findings that they are more likely to be registered Democrats and support Democratic candidates in elections. A Washington Post analysis found that LGBTQ voters represented 7 percent to 8 percent of the overall electorate in 2020, playing a key role in Biden’s win over Trump that year.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>This election is going to be won by those who can turnout the vote.</div><div><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">More than 80 percent of LGBTQ voters said they expect to see more restrictions on the rights of parents of transgender children, abortion and renewed attempts to outlaw same-sex marriage over the next two years, regardless of whether Democrats or Republicans control the White House or Congress.</blockquote></div><div>We need to make sure that we vote! We have to be aware that the Republicans will put every roadblock that they can to prevent us from voting, they will most likely have poll watchers at the polling place to intimidate the voters.</div><div><br /></div><div>Vote!</div><div><br /></div><div>Vote like your life depends upon it! Because it does!</div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-78393847404069455062024-03-11T11:00:00.000-04:002024-03-11T11:00:00.339-04:00Good News... For Now<div>The ruling will be challenged in court, this is just a temporary injunction but it is still good news.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/03/us/texas-paxton-transgender-records.html" target="_blank">Texas Judge Temporarily Blocks Paxton’s Demand for Transgender Minors’ Records</a></span></b></div><div><i>An L.G.B.T.Q. organization had sued after the state’s attorney general asked for documents on children receiving gender-affirming care.</i></div><div>The New York Times</div><div>By Colbi Edmonds</div><div>March 3, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A judge on Friday temporarily blocked the Texas attorney general from forcing an L.G.B.T.Q. organization to turn over documents on transgender minors and the gender-affirming care they may be receiving.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In Texas, medical care for gender transition is prohibited for minors under a law passed last year. As part of an investigation into violations of the ban, the office of Attorney General Ken Paxton demanded early last month that the nonprofit PFLAG National, which supports families in accessing gender-affirming care for children, provide information on minors in the state who may have received such treatments.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But on Friday, Judge Maria Cantú Hexsel of Travis County District Court issued an injunction against Mr. Paxton, just days after PFLAG sued to block the request, saying turning over the documents would cause “irreparable injury, loss or damage” to the group. The judge added that such an ask would infringe on the group’s constitutional rights and that its members would be subject to “gross invasions” of privacy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In a statement, PFLAG’s lawyers, including the American Civil Liberties Union, said they were “grateful that the court saw the harm the attorney general’s office’s intrusive demands posed.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The judge’s words sound encouraging! This sound very positive, “would cause “irreparable injury, loss or damage” in that the judge feels like overreach and a fishing expedition.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>The judge scheduled a hearing for March 25 to give the attorney general a chance to argue against the injunction.</div><div>They argue “State’s Rights!” but they want other state to kowtow to them and force their draconian laws on the other states. Somehow this doesn’t sound like “State’s Rights!” but rather it sounds more like the The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.</div></div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-22433511343509560812024-03-10T15:00:00.040-04:002024-03-10T15:00:00.138-04:00It Is World Wide.<div>Wherever you look the right-wing spreads their animosity against all things LGBTQ+ and we are the most visible so we get the brunt of their attacks.</div><div></div><blockquote><div><a href="https://variety.com/2024/film/global/trans-couple-attacked-thessaloniki-documentary-festival-1235936616/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;">Shocking Attack on Trans Couple Rattles Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, but Greek LGBTQ Community Defiant: ‘We Are Not Afraid!’</span></b></a></div><div>Variety</div><div>By Christopher Vourlias</div><div>March 10, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A shocking attack on a transgender couple in plain view of hundreds Saturday night has rattled filmmakers and guests at this year’s Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, which has a spotlight on queer cinema as one of the focal points of its 26th edition.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">During the terrifying episode, which took place around 10:30 p.m. Saturday night, a mob of close to 200 black-clad youths cursed, spat and threw bottles as they pursued the couple across Aristotelous Square, whose historic Olympion theater hosts red carpet premieres during the Thessaloniki doc fest and its sister event in November. The couple took refuge in a nearby restaurant until the police arrived on the scene. At least 21 suspects have been arrested so far.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The attack — which took place in front of packed restaurants and cafés in a square that is the heart of public life in Thessaloniki — has shocked and outraged attendees of the festival.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>It is world wide and spreading and right here in the U.S. is where it is being cultivated.</div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-91255435570609714972024-03-10T11:00:00.074-04:002024-03-10T11:00:00.129-04:00Compromised?<div>[Editorial]</div><div><br /></div><div>There are some uncorroborated reports that the Russian security service, the FSB has something on him. I think when Trump owned the Miss Universe Pageant that he was compromised. <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68499543" target="_blank">BBC</a> reported,<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>This included uncorroborated intelligence claims, denied by Mr Trump, that the former US president had been "compromised" by the Russian security service, the FSB.<br /><br />The High Court was told last year that Mr Trump was bringing a data protection claim over two memos in the dossier which claimed he had taken part in "sex parties" in St Petersburg and engaged in "golden showers" with prostitutes in Moscow.</blockquote></div>You have to wonder what was discussed when Trump met Putin alone with just the Russian interpeter present. I asked Perplexity.ai: “<i>How many times when Trump was president did he meet with Putin alone?</i><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>During his presidency, Donald Trump met with Vladimir Putin alone at least five times. Their most famous meeting was in Helsinki on July 16, 2018, where they talked for over two hours accompanied only by interpreters. Additionally, Trump has spoken privately with Putin at least 16 times since taking office in 2017. These one-on-one meetings have raised concerns due to the lack of transparency and the potential implications for US foreign policy.</blockquote></div>Then there are all the secret documents he took from the White House, what was he going to do with them?<br /><br />Also I asked Perplexity.ai: “<i>How many times did Trump praise Putin?</i>”<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>Donald Trump has praised Vladimir Putin numerous times throughout his presidency and beyond. Trump's admiration for Putin has been evident in various public statements, where he has referred to Putin as "smart," "a strong leader," and even praised his actions in Ukraine as "genius". Despite criticism and concerns raised by others, Trump has consistently expressed his positive views of Putin, highlighting his perceived strength and strategic acumen on the world stage.</blockquote></div>Then Trump is always saying he want to put out of NATO, why? Was it on Putin’s orders? And his comments on the invasion of the Crimea, <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/trump-crimeas-people-prefer-russia-elected-putin-ukraine/story?" target="_blank">ABC News</a> said,<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>Donald Trump said that the people of Russia-annexed Crimea appear to want to remain under Russia's control –- and that a President Trump would "look at" whether the U.S. would recognize Russian control of the territory.<br /><br />"I'm gonna take a look at it," Trump told ABC News' George Stephanopoulos in an interview on "This Week" Sunday. "But you know, the people of Crimea, from what I've heard, would rather be with Russia than where they were. And you have to look at that, also."</blockquote></div>And the invasion of Ukaine he said according to <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/02/23/trump-putin-ukraine-invasion-00010923" target="_blank">Politico</a>,<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday described Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine as “genius” and “savvy,” praising his onetime counterpart for a move that has spurred sanctions and universal condemnation from the U.S. government and its trans-Atlantic allies.<br /><br />“I went in yesterday and there was a television screen, and I said, ‘This is genius.’ Putin declares a big portion of the Ukraine — of Ukraine — Putin declares it as independent. Oh, that’s wonderful,” Trump said in a radio interview with “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show.” “He used the word ‘independent’ and ‘we’re gonna go out and we’re gonna go in and we’re gonna help keep peace.’ You gotta say that’s pretty savvy.”</blockquote></div>So ladies and gentlemen what is your verdict? Does Putin have something on Trump?</div><div><br /><div class="OPP-linkBack" style="color: grey; font: 11px arial; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.easypolls.net" style="text-decoration: none;">online polls</a></div> <script data-height="300px" data-id="65ea2567b7d77900609f280e" data-width="300px" src="https://vote.easypolls.net/em.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><div><br /></div><div>[/Editorial]</div><div><br /></div><hr color="purple" /><div><br /></div><div>Now consider this... Trump has control of the Republican party!!!!</div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCzXgY_kEO5r23xPpX5hiKGr0HC_3x1wG-fBLDafRyKBszFVG90vk9VmeZJWVjUlKvdT5zqH_EXhaN27_3bFxAAcmaF7pHWnkBotn2T_b08fVPga3Ny6SN4iAehnVPam6c0BWjsih1nmaBBgig-zyvFJJGC4z7cqFabr_Tmq5CfrSJ8zIaYYT1g/s640/trumpidol.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCzXgY_kEO5r23xPpX5hiKGr0HC_3x1wG-fBLDafRyKBszFVG90vk9VmeZJWVjUlKvdT5zqH_EXhaN27_3bFxAAcmaF7pHWnkBotn2T_b08fVPga3Ny6SN4iAehnVPam6c0BWjsih1nmaBBgig-zyvFJJGC4z7cqFabr_Tmq5CfrSJ8zIaYYT1g/w310-h207/trumpidol.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The cult of King Donald!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://apnews.com/article/republican-national-committee-trump-whatley-legal-fees-53402f8e8ac845db3cf4ab82c882ea74" target="_blank"></a></span></b></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://apnews.com/article/republican-national-committee-trump-whatley-legal-fees-53402f8e8ac845db3cf4ab82c882ea74" target="_blank">RNC votes to install Donald Trump’s handpicked chair as former president tightens control of party</a></span></b></div><div>AP News</div><div>BY STEVE PEOPLES AND MICHELLE L. PRICE</div><div>March 8, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Republican National Committee voted Friday to install Donald Trump’s handpicked leadership team, completing his takeover of the national party as the former president closes in on a third straight presidential nomination.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Michael Whatley, a North Carolina Republican who has echoed Trump’s false theories of voter fraud, was elected the party’s new national chairman in a vote Friday morning in Houston. Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law, was voted in as co-chair.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Trump’s team is promising not to use the RNC to pay his mounting personal legal bills. But Trump and his lieutenants will have firm control of the party’s political and fundraising machinery with limited, if any, internal pushback.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“The RNC is going to be the vanguard of a movement that will work tirelessly every single day to elect our nominee, Donald J. Trump, as the 47th President of the United States,” Whatley told RNC members in a speech after being elected.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>The Fox is in charge of the hen house!</div><div></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/08/us/politics/trump-rnc-lara-michael-whatley.html" target="_blank">Trump Ally and Daughter-in-Law Officially Take Over R.N.C. Leadership</a></span></b></div><div><i>With the installation of Michael Whatley and Lara Trump, Donald Trump tightened his already firm grip on the party apparatus.</i></div><div>New York Times</div><div>By Michael Gold</div><div>March 8, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Republican National Committee on Friday selected new leaders who were handpicked by former President Donald J. Trump, a move expected to tighten the expected nominee’s hold on the party’s machinery ahead of the general election.</div><div><br /></div><div>The committee unanimously elected Michael Whatley, who led the North Carolina Republican Party and was the R.N.C.’s general counsel, as its chair and Lara Trump, Mr. Trump’s daughter-in-law, as co-chair.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both Mr. Whatley and Ms. Trump were endorsed by Mr. Trump last month after Ronna McDaniel, the committee’s leader since 2017, privately told the former president she planned to leave the position. Ms. McDaniel was for months the focus of intense pressure from inside and outside the Trump campaign to step down over the committee’s lackluster fund-raising and criticism over Republicans’ performance in 2022.</div></blockquote><div></div><div><a href="https://www.politico.com/interactives/2023/trump-criminal-investigations-cases-tracker-list/" target="_blank">Politico</a> writes,</div><div><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">For the first 234 years of the nation’s history, no American president or former president had ever been indicted. That changed this year. Over a five-month span, former President Donald Trump was charged in four criminal cases. In Washington, D.C., he faces four felony counts for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. In Georgia, he faces 13 felony counts for his election interference in that state. In New York, he faces 34 felony counts in connection with hush money payments to a porn star. And in Florida, he faces 40 felony counts for hoarding classified documents after he left office and impeding the government’s efforts to retrieve them.</blockquote></div><div>Wake up folks… Remember when he was in the White House and the judges he appointed with Putin pulling the strings?</div><div><br /></div><div>In a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-campaign-russia-government-contact-timeline-2018-7" target="_blank">Business Insider</a> article in 2019 they write about how Russia interfered in the elections to help Trump,</div><div></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">Mueller identified two separate Russian interference efforts: an online disinformation effort spearheaded by a firm called the Internet Research Agency, and a targeted campaign that waged cyber attacks on the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's campaign. Those attacks obtained DNC and Clinton campaign materials later disseminated to the public by WikiLeaks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">[...]</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are now more than 101 known points of contact between the Trump campaign and Russian-government linked people or entities, including 23 meetings or calls.</div></blockquote><div></div><div>The question is, why did Putin back Trump? Did they want to back him because they had compromised Trump and he was Putin stooge? Will we see Russia interference in this election? Are they putting out fake news about Biden? </div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, this is exactly how the Nazi party was formed in the 1930s!</div></div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-4062179880505666432024-03-10T08:00:00.001-04:002024-03-10T08:00:00.232-04:00Cuckoo Award<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHmn7QCoO3ITQHj-nGy20pBD_FAsh20KsqpTHNtE6YnJVEXorFF3TYnPaSTZUhW6xVEs3d4P1_4e1hG7ffV-CZpZOCE433-iui5pV7recPGmUB2LSP4q8ONm4mcyCkUSspo65DNlRedn4-7eT_Mi42t20D2w00SI6621xURSX8yVT73hPJuHo7w/s1543/pngaaa.com-329651.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1543" data-original-width="942" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHmn7QCoO3ITQHj-nGy20pBD_FAsh20KsqpTHNtE6YnJVEXorFF3TYnPaSTZUhW6xVEs3d4P1_4e1hG7ffV-CZpZOCE433-iui5pV7recPGmUB2LSP4q8ONm4mcyCkUSspo65DNlRedn4-7eT_Mi42t20D2w00SI6621xURSX8yVT73hPJuHo7w/w119-h197/pngaaa.com-329651.png" width="119" /></a></div>This week’s Cuckoo Award goes to an Arizona Republican that told women to keep their legs together!</div><div></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/laurieroberts/2024/03/08/arizona-gop-senator-aspirin-birth-control-ban/72896881007/" target="_blank">Aspirin between the knees as birth control? Is this GOP leader dumb or merely insulting?</a></span></b></div><div><i>Opinion: Welcome to the 1950s. Senate Majority Leader Sonny Borrelli has a suggestion for women who want a state law guaranteeing access to contraception.</i></div><div>Arizona Republic</div><div>By Laurie Roberts</div><div>March 8, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Gov. Katie Hobbs on Thursday held a news conference, calling on the Arizona Legislature to pass a state law guaranteeing women the right to contraception.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Of course, the Republican-run Legislature isn’t about to pass a law guaranteeing that women can remain in control of their own bodies, and Hobbs knows it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What she may not have known is that women, apparently, have an alternative to contraception.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Leave it to Senate Majority Leader Sonny Borrelli to mansplain our options.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Like I said, Bayer Company invented aspirin,” he told Arizona Mirror’s Gloria Rebecca Gomez. “Put it between your knees.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Borrelli didn’t indicate how that aspirin between the knees would help women with polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, premenstrual issues or even pregnancy. (Perhaps he ought to give the Kama Sutra a look?)</div></blockquote><div></div><div>And it got even worst! He went on to say,</div><div><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">So, yeah, color me not so reassured by Borrelli’s assurance that a woman’s right to have children at a time of her choosing is not at risk by the far-right fringe that has taken over the Republican Party.</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;">So this week’s Cuckoo Award goes thumbs down to Senate Majority Leader Sonny Borrelli. </div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-62598263934415688992024-03-09T08:00:00.086-05:002024-03-09T09:05:26.224-05:00Saturday 9: Hold Me Now<div style="text-align: center;"><div><b>Daylight Savings Time Begin tomorrow!</b></div><div><b>My clocks will once again have the right time.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><hr color="puple" width="60%" /><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: courier; font-size: xx-large;"><a href="https://samanthasaturday9.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Saturday 9: Hold Me Now (1983)</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>On Saturdays I take a break from the heavy stuff and have some fun…</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7-kmsdF9dg6gNOaBdEb5HFbu5eocJwod-WOTAyRlLfAH6v47bVEP_raQcflm-shkhAjCXlEg40yXrcIdNl7GMVHEQRXiSCvdL0kMqRXJKkzhIcQmFxXXIpaM9kfoVVjz9hr_F6kBloGP9_MfSUhQ-iwntPWRyRrTzkPo-eLVF6F_JBi25Rq13A/s200/sat9%20(1).gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="53" data-original-width="200" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7-kmsdF9dg6gNOaBdEb5HFbu5eocJwod-WOTAyRlLfAH6v47bVEP_raQcflm-shkhAjCXlEg40yXrcIdNl7GMVHEQRXiSCvdL0kMqRXJKkzhIcQmFxXXIpaM9kfoVVjz9hr_F6kBloGP9_MfSUhQ-iwntPWRyRrTzkPo-eLVF6F_JBi25Rq13A/w360-h95/sat9%20(1).gif" width="360" /></a></div>Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvzVTRK1nOY" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1) This week's song begins with a young man gazing at a picture of himself and his girlfriend in happier times. Are there any photographs in the room you're in right now?</b></div></b><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, I am up at my brother’s and sister-in-laws condo in Maine and they have pictures of their grandchildren,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2) His girl tells him he's a dreamer. Do you consider yourself more a dreamer or realist?</b></div></b><div style="text-align: left;">I am a realistic dreamer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b>3) "Hold Me Now" was a big hit for the British pop band, The Thompson Twins. They got their start in the late 1970s in the English city of Sheffield, so named because the River Sheaf runs through it. Do you know how your town got its name?</b></div></b><div style="text-align: left;">Nope, but it is better than the original name “The Great Swamp Society.”</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b>4) Today lead singer Tom Bailey performs solo and is an outspoken advocate for veganism. Vegans abstain from consuming animal products, particularly in their diets. Are you a vegan, or have you ever tried to stick to a vegan diet?</b></div></b><div style="text-align: left;">Yuck… No. I hate vegetables.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b>5) Tom's former bandmate Joe Leeway has left show business altogether and concentrates on a career in hypnotherapy. This therapy is commonly used to treat insomnia, smoking cessation and obesity. Is hypnotherapy something you have tried, or would consider?</b></div></b><div style="text-align: left;">I tried it once to lose weight and I ended up with a nice nap that cost $100!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b>6) In 1983, when this song was popular, Motorola introduced the first cell phone. Today cell phones are an essential part of our every day lives. Do you still have a landline?</b></div></b><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, one of the reasons is some people only have my landline number.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b>7) Also in 1983, American West airlines took off, flying between Las Vegas and Phoenix. Where did you travel to on your most recent flight?</b></div></b><div style="text-align: left;">The most recent flight was in 1999 to the west coast for a wedding.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b>8) In 1983, Princess Diana was the world's top cover girl. Are there any magazines in the room you're in? If yes, who or what is on the cover?</b></div></b><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, but it is <a href="https://newengland.com/" target="_blank">Yankee Magazine</a> and has a farm house on the front (They have a recipe for Aragosta Lobster Pasta).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b>9) Random question: Is anyone on your bad side this morning?</b></div></b><div style="text-align: left;">No one is ever on my bad side.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks so much for joining us again at <i>Saturday: 9.</i> As always, feel free to come back, see who has participated and comment on their posts. In fact sometimes, if you want to read & comment on everyone's responses, you might want to check back again tomorrow. But it is not a rule. We haven’t any rules here. Join us on next Saturday for another version of <i>Saturday: 9, "Just A Silly Meme on a Saturday!</i>" Enjoy your weekend!</div></div><div><br /></div><hr color="puple" size="5px" /><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">It has been a roller coaster, I just got back from a week at my brother’s and sister-in-law’s condo in Maine. So I went up there and it was sunny, in the mid-fifties, I get up there and it is in the low-forties and cloudy. It rained from Monday until Friday morning when the sun came out as I was leaving.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You know what it didn’t matter, I got to spend some quality time with them. It was the first time since COVID that we saw each other except for the holidays. And as we get older we never know what coming tomorrow.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For supper one night I made <a href="https://dianascookinginthenutmegstate.blogspot.com/2022/09/lobster-newburg.html" target="_blank">Lobster Newberg</a> for us, and the <a href="https://thelobsterco.com/" target="_blank">lobsters</a> right off the boat! While we were there a fisherman was unloading lobster.</div></div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-62680916078734649592024-03-08T15:00:00.020-05:002024-03-08T15:00:00.130-05:00I Won't Back Down<div>But they did, a school district in Texas back down and will allow the play Laramie to go on, I <a href="https://dianacorner.blogspot.com/2024/03/they-are-at-it-again.html" target="_blank">wrote</a> about it on Sunday but now they changed their minds.</div><div></div><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/timber-creek-high-schools-performance-laramie-project-will-go-on/287-e02dea17-1e34-45aa-b64d-06e9239d0c48" target="_blank">Timber Creek High School's performance of "The Laramie Project" will go on after all, district says</a></span></b></div><div><i>Students had lobbied to continue the performance despite school leaders previously nixing "The Laramie Project" for another play.</i></div><div>WFAA</div><div>Rachel Snyder</div><div>March 6, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The production of “The Laramie Project” will go on at Timber Creek High School in Keller ISD in May after all, a district spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.</div><div><br /></div><div>“The Laramie Project” details a Wyoming town’s struggle with the murder of a gay 21-year-old. Roles were cast for the play in January, but school leaders said the week of Feb. 26 that the students would perform a different play. Students, including at a recent school board meeting, had lobbied to continue the production as scheduled.</div><div><br /></div><div>“Keller ISD’s administration recognizes the time and effort that has been put into the adapted version of ‘The Laramie Project’ by students and staff members,” Keller ISD Superintendent Tracy Johnson said in an email Wednesday. “Upon further consideration of this, the administration has decided to proceed as previously planned with the May performance of ‘The Laramie Project.’”</div></blockquote><div></div><div>This is good news the murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998 lead to the passing of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009.</div><div><br /></div><hr color=purple /><div><br /></div><div>I’m home!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been up to my brother’s and sister-in-law’s condo in Maine all week as you read this I’m somewhere between here and there. I haven’t visited them there since BC… before COVID. It was nice to quality time plus I got to used my culinary skills to make Lobster Newberg for them.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The weather didn’t co-operate. I went from spring to winter and it rained everyday but it didn’t dampen my spirit. </div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-65146808089886358642024-03-08T11:00:00.069-05:002024-03-08T11:00:00.139-05:00Zippered!<div style="text-align: left;">Silenced, tossed out, gagged, stifled, a Republican legislator kicks out for telling the truth!<br /><blockquote><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/01/critics-of-kansas-bills-blocking-transgender-medical-care-to-minors-tossed-from-house-hearing/" target="_blank">Critics of Kansas bills blocking transgender medical care to minors tossed from House hearing</a></span></b><br /><i>Doctor, politicians defend legislation viewed as a shield against child abuse</i><br />Kansas Reflector<br />BY: TIM CARPENTER<br />MARCH 1, 2024<br /><br /><br />Kansas House Rep. Brenda Landwehr kicked the first person out of Thursday’s hearing on anti-transgender legislation for cradling a protest sign in the room.<br /><br />Landwehr, a Wichita Republican and chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee, bounced someone from the second row about 45 minutes later during questioning of proponents of legislation sharply restricting access by minors to gender-affirming medical care.<br /><br />At the outset, she had warned the standing-room-only crowd that outbursts of any kind would be unacceptable and offenders would be asked to leave or be escorted out by uniformed officers of the Capitol Police.<br /><br />“I said no talking, no disruption, and I meant it,” Landwehr said. “I think I was pretty plain.”<br /><br />During questioning of a teacher opposed to intrusion of legislators into personal lives of school children, Landwehr warned the witness not to speak over her because “if you’re talking, you’re not listening.” Near conclusion of the day’s proceedings, Landwehr slapped her gavel to declare Lawrence transgender activist Iridescent Riffel out of order for asserting a vote in favor of anti-transgender bills meant the blood of children would “be on your hands.”<br /><br />Landwehr didn’t hesitate to issue the expulsion order: “Please leave the room or we will escort you out.”</blockquote>They don't want to hear the truth! The truth doesn't fit their narrative about us, it calls their lies out! <br /><blockquote>OPINION<br /><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/04/a-lawmaker-ejected-and-threatened-transgender-kansans-her-hearing-was-a-disgrace/" target="_blank">A lawmaker ejected and threatened transgender Kansans. Her hearing was a disgrace.</a></span></b><br />Kansas Reflector<br />By Clay Wirestone<br />MARCH 4, 2024<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Rep. Brenda Landwehr: What you did to LGBTQ+ Kansans at your Thursday hearing in the Kansas Statehouse has no excuse.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Your committee was considering bills that would criminalize lifesaving care for children. The mere act of debating House Bill 2791 and House Bill 2792 harmed transgender kids across the state. A host of advocates and activists, parents and children, told you this through testimony and email messages, opinion columns and public speeches.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You didn’t listen.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Instead, you issued imperious orders. You expelled prominent LGBTQ+ advocates after one knocked over a water bottle, threatened speakers with capitol police, and cut off testimony that offended you.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You added to the abuse. You negated compassionate souls who were looking out for themselves and those they loved.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“It was more than unnecessary. It was shocking,” said Melissa Stiehler, advocacy director for youth voter engagement organization Loud Light, describing the ejection of one advocate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A couple of folks used strong words in addressing you and your compatriots on the House Health and Human Services Committee. That’s because the bill you were hearing could lead to the deaths of their friends. They didn’t make that choice. You did. The least you could have done for these brave souls was to sit and listen, as you did when you allowed HB 2791 sponsor Rep. Ron Bryce, R-Coffeyville, to call gender reassignment surgery the equivalent of a lobotomy.</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-size: x-large;">*****</span></b></div><br /><blockquote><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.aol.com/kansas-republicans-want-ban-transgender-100717828.html?" target="_blank">Kansas Republicans want to ban transgender youths from getting gender-affirming care</a></span></b><br />Gannett<br />Jason Alatidd, Topeka Capital-Journal<br />March 2, 2024 at 5:07 AM<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Kansas Republican legislators were successful last year at enacting several pieces of anti-transgender legislation over the vetoes of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, the GOP has renewed the push for the one bill they couldn't get enacted last session: a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Supporters of banning gender-affirming care say they are protecting children from abuse, but LGBTQ rights advocates say such a ban would worsen the higher suicide rates among trans people.</div></blockquote>I just don't understand why they hate us? Is it just politics? But when you reads comments it goes much beyond politics, they rank and file, really, really hate us to the point that they want us dead or made criminals.</div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-64053983076179719962024-03-07T15:00:00.000-05:002024-03-07T15:00:00.243-05:00Supreme Court Rulings Don’t Mean Anything!<div>Have you noticed that court ruling do not mean anything to the Republicans, they just ignore it!<br /><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.christianpost.com/news/tennessee-allows-officials-not-to-perform-same-sex-marriages.html" target="_blank">Tennessee passes bill allowing officials not to perform same-sex marriages</a></span></b><br />Christian Post <br />By Ryan Foley, <br />February 27, 2024<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A new Tennessee law will allow public officials to refuse to perform same-sex marriages if their religious beliefs make them unable to do so in good conscience. <br /><br />Tennessee's Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed into law House Bill 878 last Wednesday.<br /><br />The Republican-controlled Tennessee Senate approved the bill in a 27-5 vote earlier this month after the House of Representatives passed the legislation in a 74-22 vote last year.<br /><br />While the vote fell along party lines, one House Democrat joined all House Republicans in supporting the legislation. <br /><br />[…]<br /><br />"Marriage equality was settled by the Supreme Court in 2015, reaffirmed by a bipartisan majority in Congress in 2022, and there is overwhelming support nationally for same-sex marriage," Molly Whitehorn, an organizer with the Human Rights Campaign, told The Tennessean. <br /><br />"All Tennesseans have a right to marry the person they love regardless of gender and should not be turned away by a government employee based upon that employee's personal beliefs." </div></blockquote>In case you forgot… The case of Obergefell v. Hodges<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Question</b></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">(1) Does the Fourteenth Amendment require a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex?<br /><br />(2) Does the Fourteenth Amendment require a state to recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex that was legally licensed and performed in another state?<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Conclusion</span></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, yes. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy delivered the opinion for the 5-4 majority. The Court held that the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees the right to marry as one of the fundamental liberties it protects, and that analysis applies to same-sex couples in the same manner as it does to opposite-sex couples. Judicial precedent has held that the right to marry is a fundamental liberty because it is inherent to the concept of individual autonomy, it protects the most intimate association between two people, it safeguards children and families by according legal recognition to building a home and raising children, and it has historically been recognized as the keystone of social order. Because there are no differences between a same-sex union and an opposite-sex union with respect to these principles, the exclusion of same-sex couples from the right to marry violates the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment also guarantees the right of same-sex couples to marry as the denial of that right would deny same-sex couples equal protection under the law. Marriage rights have traditionally been addressed through both parts of the Fourteenth Amendment, and the same interrelated principles of liberty and equality apply with equal force to these cases; therefore, the Constitution protects the fundamental right of same-sex couples to marry. The Court also held that the First Amendment protects the rights of religious organizations to adhere to their principles, but it does not allow states to deny same-sex couples the right to marry on the same terms as those for opposite-sex couples.</div></blockquote><div>Are we as a nation going to have two set of laws?<br /><br />Can someone ignore the Constitution by saying the magic words, “It is my firmly held religious beliefs that…”<br /><br />This is the path we are going down that path of Christian Nationhood?</div><div> </div><hr color="purple" /><div>Vacation is over! I've been up at my brother's and sister-in-law's condo in Maine, it is the first time we have been together since seeing them for one day on the holidays. It was nice to be able to relax with them for an extended period of time instead of the craziness that holidays bring.</div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-48054981807345066952024-03-07T11:00:00.036-05:002024-03-07T11:00:00.147-05:00Florida, Need I Say More?<div style="text-align: left;">I worry about our trans brothers and sisters that live in Florida, a new legislative session has begun and with a whole slew of anti-trans legislation has been introduced.<br /><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/02/23/florida-transgender-drivers-license-bill-hb-1639" target="_blank">Florida House advances trans driver's license bill</a></span></b><br />Axios<br />By Kathryn Varn<br />February 23, 2024<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As transgender Floridians grapple with the fallout of a new driver's license policy, a bill with even farther-reaching implications is gaining momentum in the state House.<br /><br />What's happening: Lawmakers in the House Infrastructure Strategies Committee approved House Bill 1639 on Thursday after more than two hours of public comment, mostly from speakers, many of them trans, who opposed the bill.<br /><br />Why it matters: The legislation is another in a long line of GOP-led policies restricting health care, public expression and more for trans Floridians and the broader LGBTQ+ community, advocates and Democratic lawmakers say.<br /><br />What they're saying: "The only clarity this bill provides is its lack of compassion for transgender Floridians like me and its intent to escalate state discrimination," Quinn Diaz, a public policy associate for Equality Florida, told lawmakers Thursday.<br /><br />Details: HB 1639 would codify in law a recent change in state policy requiring trans people to display their sex assigned at birth, not gender, on their driver's licenses.<br /><ul><li> It would require health insurance companies that cover transition-related medical care to also cover care for those who detransition — a choice that several speakers noted, and studies show, is rare.</li><li> The legislation also mandates that health insurers cover "mental health or therapeutic services to treat a person's perception that his or her sex … is inconsistent with such person's sex at birth by affirming the insured's sex."</li></ul></div></blockquote>My questions are:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What about the trans people who live in Florida but were born in another state that allow birth certificate changes, will Florida recognized the change?</li><li>What about those who already changed their license will Florida change them back to their gender assigned at birth?</li></ul><p>The governor is working off his frustration of not being the next president. <br /></p><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ron-desantis-anti-lgbtq-agenda-failed-nationally_n_65b2b2bde4b04d89951053cd" target="_blank">Ron DeSantis’ Anti-LGBTQ+ Push Didn’t Work Nationally. But It’s Working Too Well In Florida.</a></span></b><br /><i>The last year of DeSantis’ anti-LGBTQ+ agenda has offered a window into what the future might look like for queer and trans residents of the state.</i><br />HuffPost<br />By Lil Kalish<br />Jan 25, 2024<br /><br /> <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended his campaign for the GOP presidential nomination earlier this week. It was the end of his less-than-year-long presidential bid, in which he has repeatedly attacked the LGBTQ+ community in the hopes of scoring political points with Republicans.<br /><br />When she saw the news that DeSantis was out of the race, Floridian Simone Chriss said she felt a brief moment of relief.<br /><br />“Thank God he’s not going to be at the helm of our country,” she recalled thinking.<br /><br />But Chriss, a civil rights lawyer at Southern Legal Counsel in Gainesville, is also worried about the governor turning his undivided attention back home. “The other side of me was like, ‘He’s not distracted now and campaigning and traveling and focused on the presidency. He’s going to have all of his volatility and hostility and whatever motivates him just to laser focus back on Florida.’”<br /><br />[…]<br /><br />These laws have created widespread fear, prompting hundreds to leave Florida in order to find gender-affirming care for their children or themselves. Scores more Floridians, like many of Chriss’ clients, cannot afford to move, whether due to their jobs, the financial toll, or simply because Florida is their home.</div></blockquote>Sadly America is reverting back to the era of Jim Crow, when trans people need to wear three items of male clothing, and gays could be jailed. <br /></div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25196141.post-78012472922612351922024-03-06T15:00:00.031-05:002024-03-06T15:00:00.128-05:00You Get To Be Carefully Taught…<div style="text-align: left;">The kids know, the kids don’t care whether you are trans, Black, Asian, an immigrant, they only care if you’re their friend.<br /><blockquote><div><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-you-can-make-bathrooms-safer-for-trans-and-nonbinary-people" target="_blank">How You Can Make Bathrooms Safer for Trans and Nonbinary People</a></span></b><br />Teen Vogue<br />BY KATE SOSIN, THE 19TH*<br />MARCH 5, 2024<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For many trans and nonbinary people, bathrooms can be complicated places to navigate — a fact highlighted by the death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict in Oklahoma.<br /><br />Oklahoma is far from an outlier when it comes to failing to provide safe and equitable bathrooms for transgender people. According to the Movement Advancement Project, which tracks LGBTQ+ policy, 13 states have a policy that prevents transgender people from safely or legally using public bathrooms.<br /><br />But data shows that even in states with trans-friendly policies, transgender and nonbinary people report high rates of harassment in public bathrooms. Advocates say everyday people can have a big impact in interrupting discrimination in gendered restrooms. Here’s how anyone can help prevent abuse.</div></blockquote><i>Before you are six or seven or eight, To hate all the people your relatives hate—</i><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>Allies can help tremendously by locating and pointing out gender-neutral bathrooms to friends or family who might need them. This is especially important for people planning events or parties. Make sure your space has safe bathrooms.<br /><br />[…]<br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Offer to be a bathroom buddy to your trans and nonbinary friends</b></span><br />Carrie Soto, a South Dakota parent of a transgender child, said she lives by the mantra “see something, say something.”<br /><br />That means speaking up when there is bullying and harassment and volunteering to accompany a trans/nonbinary friend or family member when they have to head into a public bathroom.<br /><br />“Validate a trans person’s fears and anxiety about the situation,” Soto said. “ If [my daughter] uses a gendered restroom and feels anxious, I go with.”</blockquote></div><i>You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear, You’ve got to be taught from year to year,</i><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>“If you see someone who you clock as trans or nonbinary, just smile or pay them a non-provocative compliment. … Wish them good day or good evening, and move on,” Green said. “Of course that only goes for the women’s room! In the men’s room, talking is extremely rare.”</blockquote></div>The reason the Republicans don’t like diversity in schools, the reason they don’t want us to talk about being trans or gay, the reason they don’t want Black history being taught is just one reason, they know when you know someone who is trans, Black, from another country you won’t hate them. They don’t want White children playing with a minority because they might become friends and see through all the lies the Republicans spew.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><i>You’ve got to be taught to be afraid<br />Of people whose eyes are oddly made,<br />And people whose skin is a different shade—<br />You’ve got to be carefully taught.</i><br /><a href="https://rodgersandhammerstein.com/song/south-pacific/youve-got-to-be-carefully-taught/" target="_blank">South Pacific</a> – Lyrics By Oscar Hammerstein II Music By Richard Rodgers</div></div>Diana_CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14223056441901730531noreply@blogger.com0