Love Endures



Love will always Endure hate,
in ways both big and small



Talking To Idiots 101: "Marriage Equality"



Einstein's descendants make their mark. More like a smear.



Well, it's time for another frightening round of 

ignorant questions and thoughtful-educated-answers-

that-will-nonetheless-not-be-heeded.

After all, the morons know their 'basis' for discrimination is

ludicrous; you strip it all away and you'll get a rousing, child-like

screech of "WELL, BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT TO LIKE

YOU, THAT'S WHY!" 

(Damn me and others like me for boiling it

down to brass tax, dispersing the smoke and mirrors!)



Another Ditto-head heard from, as obviously all of "Yahweh's" laws
are undisputed and held in highest accord!



1: Q: So, why's come you gay guys and lesbians wants to get

married? What's the big deal?

A: Exactly. If it's not a big deal, then

why is it a big deal?

2: Q: This is a slippery slope--Next thing you'll be saying it

should be legal for bigamy and marrying kids.

A: No, it's all about legal adults and legitimate relationships,

consenting folks...not coercion.

Are you aware of how many heterosexuals marry

underage children in the U.S. every year, though?

3: Q: Gay people are trying to make me believe something

that goes against my religion! That's discrimination!

A: Let's first determine that one statement has nothing

to do with the other; it's an illogical train of though,

and moot since both statements are fact.

What's desired is progression, and progress goes according

to societal standards, not simply one group's notion.

Similarly, the Constitution and Bill of Rights are set up

to protect society on whole from the 'tyrrany of the majority.'

If passed, marriage equality will require that people

comply with the law. And already existing laws will hopefully

guarantee that discrimination against us homosexuals

 is prevented as we exercise our freedom to marry.

Things can exist in the world without your giving

explicit approval, or changing your lifestyle.

(Back with more educating of the unwashed

and ignorant soon!)

***

Rachel Maddow - David Bahati "Kill The Gays" Bill Sponsor - Pt. One

This is important stuff, and Rachel (as always) sums up an intricate and
complicated subject in a simple fashion, making it more easily digested.

The USA-grown homophobia which fueled and supports this bill and others
like it is ever-present as a threat against us.

Just this weekend, James Dobson attempted to make a (ludicrous)
connection between gay rights and the shooting of the children in Newton
on Friday. Dobson Shows Ass, Works Agenda After Tragedy

This is the sickness of what we face, and we owe it to ourselves to be
educated about them, even as they remain ignorant about us.

*************************************************

Some Battles..but Not the War

Keep looking to the mountain top;

There's no telling how many times we may

have to replant that flag!

Keep on keeping on...

we deserve better than they would

choose to allow us to have.

***

Make No Mistake...

Make no mistake;

Though it may embolden you to have an

official recognition under the law....

though we may deserve it fully and

have need of legal protections.....

though we might personally desire it and

be happy to receive it.....

Our love is no less valid if we were to never pass

legislation to allow for our marriages.

Many fight for the right to be 'allowed'

to be just like everyone else, as I believe we should....

but the Powers That Be can not legislate--nor

eradicate--the depths of our love or passions.

***

Choke That Chicken

So this joker, R. Clarke Cooper, who's the Executive Director of the Log Cabin Republicans
(now there are some credentials for ya! Oy!) came out swinging at his own community in the
Huffington Post in regards to the Chick-fil-A hoopla.

I'd like to give you a taste of what this pillow-biter had to squawk about from inside the
chicken factory.

"Turning a chicken sandwich into Public Gay Enemy Number One makes LGBT people look superficial, vindictive and juvenile -- everything that we as a community have worked hard to overcome. Remember, employers don't want drama queens on the payroll, military service is serious business, and marriage is not a right society grants to spoiled children. While in a perfect world our equality should not depend on our good behavior, in a world where our rights too often hinge on political reality, the way our movement conducts itself matters."

Where to begin, where to begin?!?

First of all, a sell-out Republican (who sucks up to the party most determined to eradicate
us) telling anyone what is 'inappropriate' behavior is laughable, at best. The idea that this
guy knows from public image is a farce.

Second, there is no "we," sweetheart. You and I do not play for the same team.
All you Log-Sucking Wannabees with your endless efforts to fit in and pry acceptance
are nauseating. We do not have the same goals in mind, nor do you speak for my community
or me.

You're meant to be a proponent for Equality?!?! You're chastising the rest of us for
speaking our minds?!? Get real, you apologist asshole.

Your over-the-top assumption that any one's trying to drive a huge multinational 'out of
business' is absurd, as was your soft-balling of the issue. It isn't about just fast food, ya moron; and continuously mocking the severity of the issue won't do anything but convince folks you
are exactly what you are....a mouthpiece who wants all of us to be a 'good' little croney and
mind our place, like you've been 'smart enough' to do.

You are doing a grand job serving those massers real good now, House Boy Roy, and I shore
nuff knows they appreciates it. So much so they may let you keep dancing your self-deprecatin'
Bojangles dance while they wet themselves laughing.

To you, 'earning respect' is all about playing a role. A role that isnt' genuine, to receive
handouts and respect that isn't real.

(By the by, it is a free country--on paper at least--and if this asshole felt so great a need to
shove his agenda down the public's throat, then he gets the repercussions that follow. No
one made him mix business and politics. Sacrifice for what you believe in. The rest of us do.)

This response to the C-F-A Prez is opposition to a dated homophobic policy of a major
corporation with lots of money, lots of outlets, lots of pull. You downplaying the impact of such policies is ridiculous.  Either you're not very smart or you presume we aren't.

We're not talking about philosophical differences or disagreements here. This man
willingly and vociferously and proudly stated opposition to gays marrying on moral grounds,
and has thrown his hat in the ruing with others who have a more visibly violent agenda;
to degrade and disregard and disrespect us in every arena. To lessen our roles in the world
we live in.

Them's fighting words.

These folks promote a rabid distaste for us--an unbound, angry, rhetoricized lust for our
undoing that is not limited to curbing our social and civil rights. Their lies, venom, and
embitteredness for us is a machine that drives hate, embeds lies, and takes lives.
That's where your precious 'fast food' money is going, jackass.

Hate speech and discrimination concepts fuel and rule the world of closeted people
everywhere. It is not a small matter. And these people do not care about nor respond
to diplomacy. YOU go be silent some more, why don'tcha?

Businesses, churches, politicians, and others are circling the wagons, and it isn't
about cutesy sound-bites you see on TV. Pull your chicken-head out of your monkey-ass
and wake up.

Turncoat Slams Other Activists: Cooper's Rant in Full

************************************************************************

'Chock-Full-a' Shit

Chick-fil-As Prez looks pretty comfy with
wrapping his lips and sucking.

Who'd want to eat greasy, microwaved substitute chicken in the first place,
I'm sure I don't know.

Chick-fil-A has always been synonymous with defibrillation, and they've
always had a 'Christian agenda' (which, of course, never has anything to
do with so-called-Christianity at all.)

But this media war has provided the Reich in this country a focal point for
their disdain and psychosis.

Now, I don't care anything about trying to get them to change, since hard-asses
don't develop consciences or clues, but I'm all about boycotts and getting their
sponsorship out of 'inappropriate places' where they might be able to spread
their dangerous agenda .

Here's some info from the group "All Out" in reference to the nasty fast food
chain's faux pas, squared.

***********************************************************

Chick-fil-A has gone off the rails. President Dan Cathy has said that the fast food chain is "guilty as charged" for funding homophobia to the tune of millions every year - and they're proud of it.

This Wednesday, Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum, and the biggest anti-gay organisations across the country are sending every one of their followers to chow down in Chick-fil-A and celebrate their homophobic agenda. This is the moment to show Chick-fil-A that homophobia is just plain rotten.

We can hit Chick-fil-A where it hurts - their bottom line. By not buying their food, and signing the petition to show your support - we can create the biggest demonstration of America's pro-equality agenda, ever. We have until Wednesday to make it happen - will you sign on and tell Chick-fil-A no way?
www.allout.org/NoWay_ChickFilA

All over America, people are saying no way to Chick-fil-A's anti-equality stance. Chicago has said the franchise is not welcome. Boston has told Chick-fil-A they cannot set up shop where America's first, legal same-sex marriages were held. Students at University of Kansas and Wichita State University are demanding that Chick-fil-A get out of their schools.

Last year, Chick-fil-A spent around $2 million to fight marriage equality across the country, publishing false "reports" claiming that gay and lesbian people are abusive parents and, worst of all, pushing for criminalization of homosexuality all over the world.

We know there are other corporations funding anti-equality measures - but Chick-fil-A has taken this to new heights. They're proud to be peddling hate; "guilty as charged". In 2010 alone, Chick-fil-A gave almost $2 million dollars to anti-gay groups. A national outcry is creating an international media storm and it's telling one story - Chick-fil-A are on the wrong side of history.

With America's most powerful anti-gay organizations gathering behind one of their biggest funders - we need to send a message that it's not okay to play chicken with love and equality. It's time to show Chick-fil-A, and those whose anti-gay agenda they fund, that there are more people who believe in equality than oppose it. Our message is short and sweet - but we need to make it heard now. Wednesday is Chick-fil-A appreciation day - will you sign now and tell Chick-fil-A you don't appreciate their anti-gay stance?

www.allout.org/NoWay_ChickFilA
Thanks for going All Out.
Best,
Andre, Aviya, Guillaume, Hayley, Jasmin, Jeremy, Michael, Pablo, Tile and Wesley.



SOURCES:

Chick-fil-A Thrust Back Into Spotlight on Gay Rights
www.nytimes.com/2012/07/26/us/gay-rights-uproar-over-chick-fil-a-widens.html

Christian Science Monitor: Chick-fil-A dilemma
www.csmonitor.com/Business/Latest-News-Wires/2012/0727/Chick-fil-A-dilemma-Uphold-principles-or-just-sell-chicken-video


Kansas City Star: Chick-fil-A controversy reaches Kansas universities
www.kansascity.com/2012/07/26/3725629/chick-fil-a-controversy-reaches.html


Equality Matters: Chick-fil-A donated nearly $2M in 2010 alone
www.equalitymatters.org/factcheck/201207020001


********************************************************************

"The License" takes on Anti-Gay Marriage Opponents

A really hilarious piece from always-funny Keith Hartman and crew regarding
the nonsensical hypocrisy and bias of legally regulating gay marriage based on
the teachings of the Judeo-Christian Bible. (And somehow, it's only 4 minutes
long, when there's more than 4 hours of lampooning to be done at expense of
fundamentalists with no knowledge of their own documents and no understanding
of 'separation of church and state!' ) Enjoy!

(And be sure and order the full length movie "You Should Meet My Son!"
from Itunes or Amazon!)


************************************************************

Tea Party: More Trouble Brewing

"It's all just a little bit of history repeating."

The following is an excerpt from an article entitled "It's Their Party:
How the Tea Party Sustains the Anti-LGBT Right" by Pam Chamberlain.

Article published by Political Research Associates' "The Public Eye" magazine.
(link follows excerpt)

The more things change....

Remember; bigots won't stop hating just because laws exist and social
view change on whole; they find more insidious means of practicing their
discriminatory nature, and they find ways to institutionalize bias..without
labeling it such.

Awareness is such a wonderful thing.

**************************************************************

The Christian Right, including both the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy and
conservative evangelical Protestants, has been the driving force in opposing
LGBT rights in the U.S. An effective infrastructure of grassroots organizations,
charismatic leaders, media networks, and consistent funding provided the scaf-
folding for this Christian constituency to join with other burgeoning social move-
ments in a powerful political force.

The rise of the Tea Party has reinforced the visibility and ultimately the electoral
focus of the Christian Right. While initially galvanized around issues such as lower
taxes, smaller government and national security concerns, about half of the Tea
Party identifies with the Christian Right. This overlap has helped reinforce a
political “litmus test” for candidates on so-called social issues like abortion,
sexuality education, and the place of religion in public life. Right-wing strategists,
and the candidates who follow their counsel, have targeted various groups such
as immigrants, African-Americans, and Muslims as opportunities arose.

The ideas that LGBT and homosexuality are threats to society were constructed
as part of its overall strategy to mobilize support based on scapegoating and
fear.[v] Ample historic precedence exists for blaming immigrant communities
of color for economic and social problems. LGBT people have been singled
out both because they are easy targets based on fear of the “other” and that
they represent departure from the idealized sexual norm.[vi] "





Full Article Here


*************************************************************

Thanks to  PFLAG Tallahassee,  Welcoming Resources and More Light Presbyterians

*************************************************************

The End of the World as We Know It

The President's statement in support of gay marriage was an immense
decision. He had been on the fence about taking action, conceivably to
try and politically placate both sides of the argument. (Why certain people
are even involved in the matter and determined to create an argument
is another day's story.)

Roberts with the President for his interview

There were several contributing factors that came together to serve
as impetus for the declaration; Vice President Biden's strident and
supportive weekend comments in favor of allowing gay marriage,
an upcoming fundraiser in Hollywood where gay influence and
liberal intent is prime, ongoing pressure from all sides to make a
declarative statement on his position, and the just-passed anti-gay
marriage amendment in North Carolina (on Tuesday.)
 (A decision, by the way, with much further-reaching problems for
more than just gays and lesbians, and of course setting a precedent,
making it easier for other states to follow suit.)


Some will say he is pandering to his base, but it was the riskiest
of moves. I'm afraid I don't share my fellow Queers glowing delight
at this announcement. Proud as I am of the action, the timing may
be devastating for the greater good.

(Too little, too late?)

Homosexuality causes the most rancor and debate and division
over any other topic or civil rights issues today; it is still social
suicide, though opponents would paint a different picture of our
world, as one of liberalism run amok and Bible-lovers being
discriminated against and hard lined. Nothing could be further
from the truth.

There is a cancer of social conservatism and totalitarianism
threatening to overtake our country. Opposition to treating we
homosexuals fairly (and well) may be the foot they use to get in
the door more fully.

The Latino voter base, Black voters, older voters, and religious
voters are all predominantly vehemently anti-gay, and this 'topic'
is of the make-it-or-break-it variety.

Conflict of Interest

This is an issue of dark hatred for many. Churches still preach of
hellfire and brimstone and utter contempt for homosexuals, labeling
it as everything from demon possession to fallen men and women
to being unclean. This pathological intensity to interpret the world
through a supposedly moral lens of unflinching certainty and 'moral
superiority'  is a troubling one. These are the people, of course, who
engage in--and excuse--all manner of 'sin' and 'immorality' of their
own, but still see fit to try and condemn and regulate others as their
personal business.

They want the world to be stuck in the superstitious and frightened
lack of progressive thinking they have been subjected to.



The swing looks good on paper...but paired with a black liberal,
will pro-gay rights be the death knell for Obama?

Being anti-gay and openly, ardently opposed to gay marriage is what won Bushie Jr. his 2004 're' election. Forget the war, forget
the fuck-ups, forget the economy, forget everything; being anti-gay
was the polarizing force that pulled all his noncommittal and non-
plussed pseudo-supporters to the polls in throngs, ready for '4 more
years.' 

"Can't let them gays marry; it'd be the end of the world."


Yes, it is just that clear-cut and insane for these people.

So, too, will all doubting Thomases in the Republican--and Romney
and conservative and evangelicals--camp now be consolidated behind
Little Mitt. He's now their 'Savior-appointed' godsend to turn back
the tide of the liberal and immoral Democrats...as they see it. These
folks really believe in all this righteousness and warfare baloney.

(Silly me; I thought marriage was about love.
Don't see much love in the opposition's anti-gay stances.)

The big issue will be seeing if all the progressive young liberals who
are registered as Independent or who were thinking of voting for
Ron Paul or whatever other Indy candidate may run on the ticket
can shift their consciousness in the next few months.

They intend to idealistically use their votes to promote the unlikeliest
underdog of candidates to send a message and open the door for
future support of these reforms. But that isn't what it'll do.


I agree with taking a stand. I also agree that Obama is in many ways
'just another politician' and a part of a broken system.


He's also the far better alternative to a religious fanatic/conservative
Republican stooge who hasn't stayed the course on anything in all
his years in public office; a billionaire who has made a living destroying
businesses and eliminating jobs and living a blue-blood high life completely
disconnected from reality. A corporate thug. Romney would be a
disaster for this country, and a vote for an independent candidate will
only take away from a vote for defeating Romney; it'll be the Nader
disasters all over again.
 

Romney responded Wednesday to the president's comments by stating
that he believes personally that marriage is only between a man and a
woman. He was very casual, almost matter-of-fact, as if this is just a
meaningless thought and he isn't actually intending to impose the
obliterating of gay marriage with a vengeance.

Well, he didn't need to be condemning or vocal of the president; the
shit storm from nut bag evangelicals will be like nothing this country
has ever seen. From Fox News to talk radio to CBN and every church
in this nation, this is the new Hot Button.

Oh, and Mitt also added that his position "has never changed" (To which
he smartly added "In the campaign!" Meaning of course that Mitt did in
fact previously offer full support on the issue of gay marriage, since the
only thing he has ever done consistently is flip-flop on every major issue--
gun control, gay rights, abortion, health care, bailouts, etc.)

(Reaction to North Carolina's new amendment on Tuesday)

Can we get people to understand the severity and danger of a police
state in this country? Can we motivate people to stop being apathetic
about the Powers That Be? The ones who want to run things already
have the money, the power, the influence to get big numbers to the poll.
Because they aren't satisfied with the control they have--they want to
impose their will on everything. Minds. Schools, Actions, Rights.
Bedrooms. Words. Eradicating difference wherever they find it.

(Fox Nation's website image post-statement;
since reworded. Mm-hmm!)

Yes, there are six more months in the campaign. But many will never
hear another word on another argument after the president's proclamation
supporting equal rights. They will be fervently opposed for the duration.
Because clearly, if you're not familiar, Baby Jesus was known through-
out that Judeo-Christian Bible for telling his 'followers' to get riled up
about the personal doings of others, implementing laws for the masses
that reflect the opinion of the few, imposing religious beliefs on others,
advocating prejudice and judgement and discrimination, etc.


(These are also the same folks that go on and on about having 'less
government,' right? Hmmnnn.)
 
Somebody tell me again why people are more worked up about gay
sex and relationships than they are any other subject matter?

North Carolina's Amendment One

Here's the latest frightening letter from Adam Bink of the

Courage Campaign.

Anyone can respond to this, so here it is in its entirety.

Click on the links for more info.

This is an important report on reprehensible behaviors

of those out to take this country backwards.

Fore-warned is fore-armed.

Don't despair; take action!

********************************************************

Robert: late last night, confidential memos by the National Organization for Marriage to its Board of Directors were published -- and they're disgusting(1).
In them, NOM's leaders pledge to:

"Drive a wedge between gays and blacks" by pushing these communities to fight over the language of "civil rights";


"Develop side issues to weaken pro-gay marriage political leaders" such as "protection of children," pornography and religious liberty;

"Find, train and equip young leaders" to become a "next generation of elites" working to defeat marriage equality; and

Emphasize "the consequences of gay marriage for parental rights."

But the most important part of this: NOM trumpeted their plans to dump millions of dollars into state-level campaigns while avoiding disclosure. In fact, they just reported a $50,000 contribution to pass Amendment One in North Carolina(2).

We're fighting back -- yesterday's launch of a nationwide moneybomb raised over $30,000 across ActBlue to defeat Amendment One, including over $10,000 from Courage members. Will you chip in on ActBlue to fight back against NOM's nauseating tactics and match their contribution in North Carolina?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Robert:

On May 8th, North Carolina will vote on Amendment One, which bans marriage equality and any other form of recognition for same-sex couples. Polls show the public increasingly against Amendment One, but our opponents just began running an ad this weekend that spreads lies about same-sex families and urges a Yes vote on Amendment One. Our side has ads of its own, but we need the money to get them on the air.


That's why Courage Campaign is joining with the Coalition to Protect North Carolina Families to launch a nationwide $50,000 moneybomb and help the campaign hit its $1 million goal to get its first ads on the air. Will you chip in on ActBlue to help get our response up?

Robert, we can win this campaign. This month's Elon University poll showed 56.9% of North Carolinians oppose or strongly oppose an amendment that would ban civil unions and domestic partnerships for same-sex couples(3). That poll is one in a long string of polls showing increasing percentages of North Carolinians opposed to Amendment One.

We know what that means -- the more North Carolinians learn about how Amendment One harms same-sex families and their children, the more they're opposed to it. Our message is winning, Robert: now we just need the resources to get that message on the air. That's where you come in.

Please, chip in $15, $25 or more to help raise $50,000 on ActBlue this week so the Coalition to Protect North Carolina Families can respond to anti-gay ads and get our message on the air. We can beat this, with your help.


Amendment One harms families, especially children. It will hurt businesses and the economy when families decide to move out of a state that treats them as second-class citizens. Whether you identify as LGBT or are a straight ally, Amendment One will hurt North Carolina. President Obama knows this -- that's why he publicly denounced Amendment One on March 16th. Courage members like us have to tell that story to the rest of the state and we've got just over a month to do it.


Thank you for doing your part to beat Amendment One,

Adam Bink
Director of Online Programs, Courage Campaign

 (1) "Top 10 Highlights From NOM's Race-Wedging, Donor-Hiding, Victim-Playing Confidential Strategies," Think Progress, March 27, 2012, http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2012/03/27/452430/top-10-highlights-from-noms-race-wedging-obama-smearing-donor-hiding-victim-playing-confidential-strategies/

(2) "Independent Expenditure Report: National Organization for Marriage" North Carolina State Board of Elections, February 27, 2012, http://www.ncsbe.gov/

 (3) "New Poll Shows Increasing Opposition to Amendment One," Coalition to Protect North Carolina Families, March 9, 2012, http://www.protectncfamilies.org/press/new-poll-shows-increasing-opposition-amendment-one

To support our efforts to defeat Amendment One, click here to chip in on ActBlue:

NEW YORK TIMES commentary

August 11, 2011

We Want Cake, Too

By JENNIFER FINNEY BOYLAN

Belgrade Lakes, Me.

A few years ago, I did an article on a ventriloquists' convention in Fort Mitchell, Ky., home to 8,000 souls and the Vent Haven Museum, where dummies go to die.

As a transgender woman, I felt strangely at home at this convocation of adorable misfits. Not only were there guys walking around with puppets, there was a Puppet Ministry run by a preacher who sold his own line of dummies (Satan was the most expensive).

There was this whole scene down in the bar after hours. One guy tried to pick me up using something he called "the muffle voice." People threw their voices. There were fights. One guy, staring into his beer, said, sadly, "A bunch of magicians in the same room? That's a conversation. A bunch of ventriloquists? That's an argument."

I thought of this line after New York passed its marriage-equality law in June. Since then, gay men and lesbians have been lining up from Fire Island to Niagara Falls in order to tie the knot.

As this wave of progress ripples through the country, though, one group of people has been prominently left behind. In conversations with transgender people, again and again, I hear the refrain: Enjoy your cake, folks. Meanwhile, the rest of us remain at risk for discrimination and violence.

More than a few transgender people feel they've been sold out by the gay-rights movement and lament the way the "T" in "L.G.B.T." always comes last. It makes me think, "A bunch of straight people in a room? That's a conversation. A bunch of L.G.B.T. people in a room? That's an argument."

When you look at the staggering statistics concerning the struggles of transgender people, it's easy to understand resentment over the amount of resources put into the fight for marriage rights. Transgender people, according to a nationwide study released early this year by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality, are nearly four times more likely to live in poverty than the general population. Forty-one percent of respondents reported attempting suicide; of those who came out as students, 78 percent reported harassment, 35 percent physical assault and 12 percent sexual violence. Nineteen percent said they had been homeless. Among transgender people of color, the numbers are even worse.

The right to marry clearly isn't the most urgent civil rights issue lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (L.G.B.T.) people face.

Still, it's not surprising that marriage rights came first. The lives of gay men and lesbians have finally become part of the fabric of American life. It seems to be harder for people to get their minds around the transgender experience. It takes a much larger leap of imagination for straight people to understand the difference between who you want to go to bed "with," and who you want to go to bed "as." Frequently, gay and lesbian people struggle with this distinction just as much as straight people do.

But if transgender people are sometimes at odds with their gay and lesbian allies, they're also at odds with themselves. The community is rife with disagreements about whether transsexuals (individuals who change, or wish to change, their gender via medical intervention, and whom some define as simply having a "birth challenge" like, say, a cleft palate) even ought to be grouped, politically, with "transgenders" (an umbrella term that includes cross-dressers and drag queens).

Whenever I hear about groups splintering into smaller factions, it's hard for me not to think of John Cleese in Monty Python's "Life of Brian," protesting that he's not with the Judean People's Front; he's with the People's Front of Judea. In short, infighting seems to guarantee that whatever progress is made for gay men and lesbians, transgender people will continue to lag behind.

We can't afford that. It is painful that the pressing issues of trans-rights seem forgotten beneath the din of wedding bells, but progress in civil rights can only come with the numbers and resources found in unity. Gay men and lesbians, for their part, ought to remember, on the way home from Niagara Falls, that it was drag queens and transsexuals at Stonewall who began this fight.

At that convention in Fort Mitchell, I met a female ventriloquist who was clearly one of my people. Among the crowds and wild-eyed talking figures, the two of us drew close. She said she'd read my memoir about my transition. I said, with a smile, "I think you and I have something in common."

But it was clear from her expression that whatever group she thought I belonged to, it was at odds with her own. Her dummy wiggled its wooden ears and looked at me with irritation and contempt. "Why Jenny Boylan," it said, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Jennifer Finney Boylan, the author, most recently, of "Falcon Quinn and the Crimson Vapor," serves on the board of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and is a guest columnist.

The Pendulum

We need to be cautious and smart in the days that
come, because danger is unfortunately looming.

Throughout history, there has always been significant
backlash whenever society lurches forward against
the wishes of certain parties.

With all the changes in military policy regarding
gays and lesbians, advances in the right to marry,
visible strength in the rise of the gay-straight
alliances, sports stars and politicians in support
of gay rights and protection, and the anti-bullying
campaigns continuing to gain momentum,
many who oppose gays and lesbians are truly
'sick of hearing about it.'

When social progress pushes through, there will
always be an equal and opposite resistance to
it. Add to that the violent and hateful guttural
response that people in this country have towards
the mere idea of homosexuality, and there is a
tempest in a tea pot. (Allusion intentional.)

With the influence of extremists and the religious,
there is a lot of fear and misinformation and absolutism
afoot. It all makes for a lot of sick folks who are
looking for a place to have their 'voice' heard.

SPLC reports attacks on gays and lesbians up
significantly this last year. (And with worsening
economic conditions and other uncontrollable
circumstances burdening people, everyone loves a
good scapegoat.)

Attacks and vandalism surrounding pride parades
this year were insane.

All the nut ball Republican candidates are out to
get us with both barrels...literally, it seems.

These people know that there are freaks like the
Norway shooter out in the crowd, soaking up their
rhetoric and hate speech....and they play to it.
The fanatics are the core base for this new group
of wing nuts. It's a dangerous game, and all they have
to do is play innocent when someone gets hurt or
dies.

The attacks will be more outspoken.
The attackers will be without remorse.
We will be blamed for causing our own pain.

They feel attacked by virtue of our being treated
appropriately. They feel justified by their dislike,
supported by a twisted version of a divine creator.
They see themselves as inherently right, and us
as a 'cause'--not human beings--to be stopped.

So be wary....be on guard. We can't let them make
us stop living our lives, but just be alert and know that
with great freedom and respect come more obstacles
and threats. Such is life in these Un-tied States.

Peace...