Thank you robert for recognizing TFoV and for being such a steadfast ally of the LGBTQ community. And I am so grateful to President Biden. He truly is a man with a huge heart. 🙏🏻🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
I am an agnostic. But I was raised as a "Christian". I don't remember being taught anything in "Sunday school" about treating people differently. People are people. Judge them as individuals based on how they treat others. Help those in need. Love your neighbor, help your brothers and sisters.
I left the church as a teen when I watched those same Sunday school teachers act like bigots and haters Monday through Saturday. For them the "church" was just a social club. Something to enhance their resume, to hide behind.
Why is so much hate spewing out of the mouths of "Christians"? Where are the real followers of a compassionate Jesus? Why are so many "preachers" filled with hate? Where are the pastors who could put people back on the path of love? What disease or parasite has infected their minds?
John Pavlovitz is a shining example of a true Christian and one who is calling out these hypocrites. You might enjoy his blog. https://johnpavlovitz.com/?s=Christians
There is a “progressive” church movement to counteract the current far right “Christian” churches. There are churches from several different denominations who have joined the Progressive movement. When I decided to go back to church after a 10-year absence, I looked for a church that described itself as “progressive.” It is a whole different mindset and type of teaching and acting. To me, I am a part of what the founding church from the Gospels called The Way. BTW, it is not denominations but individual churches who are joining this movement, so you can’t join a church from a particular denomination and expect it to be a part of the Progressive movement.
Fear, greed, and power for starters. I had the same experience growing up. Golden rule ruled for the most part. Saw the same transformation and ran for my life. The repubs I know these days, didn’t exhibit fear, greed or power before the propaganda blitz from Rush, Rupert and the likes of Lee Atwater and clones. W/Dickie set the stage. The change was gradual until it hit critical mass with the tea party, then chump turned it into social catastrophe.
Robert, you once summarized the bilogical spectrum of gender at birth , that it is not always easy binary choices. I can't remember if you said it or wrote it, but it was perfect. It was aimed at the many, very good folks, who don't easily understand how typical wide ranges of gender identity are ir our personal identity. If you can find it or just write it again, you would be doing us all a great service. It was in lay terms and simple and clear and about a paragraph. I am in pediatric health care, and you explained it better than I have heard in part because you are not in health care.
I will do so again; off the top of my head, it is that 1.5 births in 1,000 are intersex, and 4 births in a thousand include ambiguous genitalia that require parents/ physicians to decide what sex the child is. And the variation in chromosomes includes xxy, xyy, xxyy, xxx, xxxy etc. I think there are about a dozen variations, which means that about 1 in 1,500 births are not xx or xx. So, in every high school, odds are that there are several students who don't fit into the "god created two sexes, male and female" category. And, of course, the above doesn't take into account the role that the brain and hormones play in gender identity and sexual orientation.
There is no good or scientific justification for bias or prejudice of any kind be that based on racial, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic, social, or economic status characteristics. Ignorance is just plain ignorance, and inexcusable.
Ignorance can be educated if one is willing; I fear that stupid more accurately describes too many cultists. The Oprah interview with Janet Mock could change a few minds that are not stuck in the Amygdala
I do not understand the GOP’s war on the LGBTQ+ community. Are they basing this on religion or on a parents’ rights to “protect” their children? It is hate mongering as far as I can see and it is disgusting! I hope that companies do pull out of Florida and stop holding their meetings there.
I don’t understand why the people of this country can’t see the hatred in the Republican Party that is behind all of their repressive laws. I thought that America was better than this.
The GOP’s war on the LGBTQ community is an old and ugly one. Their party has used culture wars issues to create distrust in hate in order to win elections, and don’t give a damn about how many people it harms. It scares the hell out of me. I remember Matthew Shepard. Most Americans are beyond this, but not the republican/fascist party.
I read an excellent book,Homosexuality: A Conversation by Dr. John H. Tyson and Dr. Gregory Prince. Dr. Tyson is a United Methodist pastor and Dr. Prince is a PhD who has been researching gender biology. Dr. Tyson, the theologian, says the “clobber passages” in the Bible regarding same sex behavior, refer to child rape and temple prostitution as practiced in the ancient world. Dr. Prince, the biologist, says the more and more up to date research indicates that gender identity is fixed in the womb. More than 1500 species exhibit same sex behavior, with humans being one. LGBTQ is just a variation on the human condition, part of the infinite ways to be a person. People are not recruited to a LGBTQ “lifestyle,” according to what I read. To assault another person’s innate human dignity is reprehensible and wrong. These GQP just want look down on others because of their self righteousness or insecurity.
I agree. My nephew is gay. He struggled for years with this. He did not want to be gay. Finally, he is proud of who he is. He is a brilliant young man. We all love him and his partner. We are proud of him and are proud that they are members of our family.
I add my profound thanks to those of all of the other readers who thank you for your LGBTQ support. Attacking Disney is like kicking the baby Jesus. The Justice Department has been in deep trouble somewhere along the line, perhaps since Eric Holder left. We will get out the vote, we will expose cynical GOP ploys. Thanks, Robert!
Thank you, Robert, for explaining again, in the comment below, how we can differ genetically from the "norm." Now if I could only understand why fundamentalist religions are enraged by these variations, why they promote such rigid and binary sexual identities and behaviors, and why they spread hate about anyone who differs from what they think their god intended.
I'm guessing Ronny D and his folks haven't looked at the results of NC passing HB2 in 2016 - The public facilities privacy & security act. This bill cost the state many millions of dollars in revenue from tourism, movie production, business relocations and even NCAA competitions and more. I predict the same will happen in Florida - the people don't deserve it but the QOP sure does.
My mother always taught me that I should treat other people the way I would want to be treated. She also taught that being selfish (acting only according to what I wanted) was the wrong thing to do, and that it was more blessed to give than to receive. The dignity of every person matters. One day someone may look to treat YOU as less than, and therefore, disposable. Then what?!
A Supreme Court Justice is not above the law any more than a President is. Where are the checks and balances that check the Supreme Court Justices? Why isn't Justice Thomas recusing himself from anything related to the January 6 attack on the Capitol? It is clear that the Supreme Court is in the process of dismantling democracy. It is all about power bought by money between Citizens United, gutting the Voting Rights Act, and now taking away the existing rights of women and transgenders. Does the Constitution need an upgrade?
I fear that the collective epiphany of republicans has to do with how easy it is to overcome normal political rules and traditions with cheating and propaganda. It’s not just a few Southern states. The idiocy and the war on the middle class, LGBT persons, reproduction, immigrants, social programs, and Democrats is out in the open for all to see. Yet, they are treated as a competent political party, with widespread political support and media acceptance. This boggles my mind as I wonder “What’s The Matter With America.”
As so often, your post brings me to tears. And as usual, tears of comfort and joy, for your compassion and wisdom, and in particular your naming that we are in good hands with Biden. Thank god for that!
Thank you robert for recognizing TFoV and for being such a steadfast ally of the LGBTQ community. And I am so grateful to President Biden. He truly is a man with a huge heart. 🙏🏻🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
❤
I am an agnostic. But I was raised as a "Christian". I don't remember being taught anything in "Sunday school" about treating people differently. People are people. Judge them as individuals based on how they treat others. Help those in need. Love your neighbor, help your brothers and sisters.
I left the church as a teen when I watched those same Sunday school teachers act like bigots and haters Monday through Saturday. For them the "church" was just a social club. Something to enhance their resume, to hide behind.
Why is so much hate spewing out of the mouths of "Christians"? Where are the real followers of a compassionate Jesus? Why are so many "preachers" filled with hate? Where are the pastors who could put people back on the path of love? What disease or parasite has infected their minds?
John Pavlovitz is a shining example of a true Christian and one who is calling out these hypocrites. You might enjoy his blog. https://johnpavlovitz.com/?s=Christians
There is a “progressive” church movement to counteract the current far right “Christian” churches. There are churches from several different denominations who have joined the Progressive movement. When I decided to go back to church after a 10-year absence, I looked for a church that described itself as “progressive.” It is a whole different mindset and type of teaching and acting. To me, I am a part of what the founding church from the Gospels called The Way. BTW, it is not denominations but individual churches who are joining this movement, so you can’t join a church from a particular denomination and expect it to be a part of the Progressive movement.
Fear, greed, and power for starters. I had the same experience growing up. Golden rule ruled for the most part. Saw the same transformation and ran for my life. The repubs I know these days, didn’t exhibit fear, greed or power before the propaganda blitz from Rush, Rupert and the likes of Lee Atwater and clones. W/Dickie set the stage. The change was gradual until it hit critical mass with the tea party, then chump turned it into social catastrophe.
Robert, you once summarized the bilogical spectrum of gender at birth , that it is not always easy binary choices. I can't remember if you said it or wrote it, but it was perfect. It was aimed at the many, very good folks, who don't easily understand how typical wide ranges of gender identity are ir our personal identity. If you can find it or just write it again, you would be doing us all a great service. It was in lay terms and simple and clear and about a paragraph. I am in pediatric health care, and you explained it better than I have heard in part because you are not in health care.
I will do so again; off the top of my head, it is that 1.5 births in 1,000 are intersex, and 4 births in a thousand include ambiguous genitalia that require parents/ physicians to decide what sex the child is. And the variation in chromosomes includes xxy, xyy, xxyy, xxx, xxxy etc. I think there are about a dozen variations, which means that about 1 in 1,500 births are not xx or xx. So, in every high school, odds are that there are several students who don't fit into the "god created two sexes, male and female" category. And, of course, the above doesn't take into account the role that the brain and hormones play in gender identity and sexual orientation.
There is no good or scientific justification for bias or prejudice of any kind be that based on racial, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic, social, or economic status characteristics. Ignorance is just plain ignorance, and inexcusable.
True. Understanding transgender is new to many. A clear explanation is helpful. Thanks.
Ignorance can be educated if one is willing; I fear that stupid more accurately describes too many cultists. The Oprah interview with Janet Mock could change a few minds that are not stuck in the Amygdala
Agree on Robert’s summary of the biological spectrum ! Robert, is there a way to have a search function ?
I do not understand the GOP’s war on the LGBTQ+ community. Are they basing this on religion or on a parents’ rights to “protect” their children? It is hate mongering as far as I can see and it is disgusting! I hope that companies do pull out of Florida and stop holding their meetings there.
I don’t understand why the people of this country can’t see the hatred in the Republican Party that is behind all of their repressive laws. I thought that America was better than this.
The GOP’s war on the LGBTQ community is an old and ugly one. Their party has used culture wars issues to create distrust in hate in order to win elections, and don’t give a damn about how many people it harms. It scares the hell out of me. I remember Matthew Shepard. Most Americans are beyond this, but not the republican/fascist party.
I read an excellent book,Homosexuality: A Conversation by Dr. John H. Tyson and Dr. Gregory Prince. Dr. Tyson is a United Methodist pastor and Dr. Prince is a PhD who has been researching gender biology. Dr. Tyson, the theologian, says the “clobber passages” in the Bible regarding same sex behavior, refer to child rape and temple prostitution as practiced in the ancient world. Dr. Prince, the biologist, says the more and more up to date research indicates that gender identity is fixed in the womb. More than 1500 species exhibit same sex behavior, with humans being one. LGBTQ is just a variation on the human condition, part of the infinite ways to be a person. People are not recruited to a LGBTQ “lifestyle,” according to what I read. To assault another person’s innate human dignity is reprehensible and wrong. These GQP just want look down on others because of their self righteousness or insecurity.
I agree. My nephew is gay. He struggled for years with this. He did not want to be gay. Finally, he is proud of who he is. He is a brilliant young man. We all love him and his partner. We are proud of him and are proud that they are members of our family.
Me, too. Thank you.
So did I, hatred is a fatal disease, for the whole country
I add my profound thanks to those of all of the other readers who thank you for your LGBTQ support. Attacking Disney is like kicking the baby Jesus. The Justice Department has been in deep trouble somewhere along the line, perhaps since Eric Holder left. We will get out the vote, we will expose cynical GOP ploys. Thanks, Robert!
Thank you, Robert, for explaining again, in the comment below, how we can differ genetically from the "norm." Now if I could only understand why fundamentalist religions are enraged by these variations, why they promote such rigid and binary sexual identities and behaviors, and why they spread hate about anyone who differs from what they think their god intended.
I'm guessing Ronny D and his folks haven't looked at the results of NC passing HB2 in 2016 - The public facilities privacy & security act. This bill cost the state many millions of dollars in revenue from tourism, movie production, business relocations and even NCAA competitions and more. I predict the same will happen in Florida - the people don't deserve it but the QOP sure does.
My mother always taught me that I should treat other people the way I would want to be treated. She also taught that being selfish (acting only according to what I wanted) was the wrong thing to do, and that it was more blessed to give than to receive. The dignity of every person matters. One day someone may look to treat YOU as less than, and therefore, disposable. Then what?!
Equal justice under law for ALL
I am so thankful I can read you daily. You always sort out the complexities of our national issues. Thank you. Cindy Piper
PLEASE increase the volume on the audio!
HI, Betsy. I have done everything i can to increase the input volume on my side.
Eye opening. What a struggle but we can't sit back. This article was a call to battle!
A Supreme Court Justice is not above the law any more than a President is. Where are the checks and balances that check the Supreme Court Justices? Why isn't Justice Thomas recusing himself from anything related to the January 6 attack on the Capitol? It is clear that the Supreme Court is in the process of dismantling democracy. It is all about power bought by money between Citizens United, gutting the Voting Rights Act, and now taking away the existing rights of women and transgenders. Does the Constitution need an upgrade?
Florida is fighting back with billboards ! “ Don’t Say Gay”
https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/billboards-florida-encourage-people-say-gay-rcna22037
They are calling out "Say Gay!!" Yay!!!!
MadDog PAC is great with billboards
I fear that the collective epiphany of republicans has to do with how easy it is to overcome normal political rules and traditions with cheating and propaganda. It’s not just a few Southern states. The idiocy and the war on the middle class, LGBT persons, reproduction, immigrants, social programs, and Democrats is out in the open for all to see. Yet, they are treated as a competent political party, with widespread political support and media acceptance. This boggles my mind as I wonder “What’s The Matter With America.”
As so often, your post brings me to tears. And as usual, tears of comfort and joy, for your compassion and wisdom, and in particular your naming that we are in good hands with Biden. Thank god for that!