2010- When Official Republican Persecution and Bigotry Went Unchecked

Dec30 by D Gregory Smith

For me, 2010 is/was about Republican political shaming of The Gays. The Montana GOP approved a platform which included this blatant piece of ignorance and bigotry:

We support the clear will of the people of Montana expressed by legislation to keep homosexual acts illegal.

And, despite the fuss I made, that others made, the discomfort from one Montana Republican leader (no leader of the Democrats said a word), the platform plank is still there. No one really paid much attention. Despite my letters to elected officials, to the Log Cabin Republicans, to advocacy groups, no one really paid much attention. fact, I only got one lukewarm response- from GLAAD. The issue got mentioned a few times- including once by Rachel Maddow, then it seems, was forgotten.

It’s sad. It’s even more sad when you figure the Texas GOP into the equation. They, too have a “Jail The Gays” plank.

Why can’t we get it together?

I tried to make the case that “Montana Matters“- a few nibbles, a few more voices added to the chorus, but still, nothing changed. I’m not sure I should be surprised, but it doesn’t keep me from being disappointed. I want us to be better than that. I want the LGBT community to speak out against this with one voice. I want Republican allies and Log Cabin Republicans to take a stand. I want straight allies and parents of LGBT children to speak up. I want Democrats to see this for what it is: blatant persecution and bigotry- and do something about it. I want to live in a world- or at least a state, where ugliness and hate don’t win- not even one round.

I know. As my mother says “..and people in hell want ice water.”

But they won this one. Again, I remind you, nothing changed. That plank is still there. In both states. Despite the amazing victories we’ve had this year, despite the DADT repeal, despite the increased awareness of anti-LGBT bullying, despite the increased polling numbers for same-sex marriage, despite the popularity of Glee- institutionalized homophobia is alive and well.

They got away with it.

My resolution for 2011 is this: I will work to bring liberty and justice for all- even in the so-called “flyover” states. Because this phrase in the Pledge of Allegiance isn’t true yet. Because the erosion of our humanity is happening right in front of our noses- and I find it troubling, offensive, perverse and distinctively Un-American.

Don’t you?

I Am Part Virus

Dec28 by D Gregory Smith

dopamine receptor

It’s something that I’ve said time and again, but this short piece from Andrew Sullivan is well worth reading.

The Storm Brewing In Uganda

Dec28 by D Gregory Smith

Excellent assessment of the gay panic in Uganda promulgated by Christianists. The obsessive passion which the U.S. right-wingnuts are fomenting here is inexcusable and distinctly anti-Christlike.

Kathy Baldock takes it apart here. Please read it.

Wisdom

Dec27 by D Gregory Smith

From my meditation time today, I realized the following truth:

“The root of great personal wisdom for me consists of two things:

Knowing when to hold on and knowing when to let go.”

~D Gregory Smith

David Mixner on witnessing the death of DADT

Dec24 by D Gregory Smith

Read it here.

Equality Is A Jesus Value

Dec23 by D Gregory Smith

Kathy Baldock does it again, explaining the Christian case for LGBT equality.

Check it out at Canyonwalker Connections.

Political cartoon of the day

Dec22 by D Gregory Smith

“The Rainbow Belongs To Everybody”

Dec22 by D Gregory Smith

So says Patricia Nell Warren in a beautiful post on Bilerico today.

Lettin’ in “the gays”

Dec21 by D Gregory Smith

The ban on allowing only certain people to serve without secrecy and shame in the United States Military has ended, giving all LGB (not T?) persons another venue in which to pursue their chosen career path with a semblance of integrity.

I have always had mixed feelings about the ban. On the one hand, having worked with a number of U.S. veterans, I think military culture often has a negative impact on individuals, especially when it comes to relating to civilian life. Life in the barracks or on active duty can be far removed from the reality of most Americans’ day-to-day lives. Some of my military friends say that is how it needs to be in order to combat the enemy. I’m not so sure. I do know that the culture offers very little support for soldiers re-entering civilian life, resuming relationships and entering the workforce. It’s even worse for those with PTSD.

On the other hand, I think everyone has the right to choose their own path to empowering themselves as human beings- sometimes this is the only (or at least glaring) option for those without other resources to gain a shot at higher education or skill training. So if someone wants to serve, being able to do so without shame or fear of discovery- at least officially, can only make the military better, and camaraderie more honest. And when official shaming ends, we move closer to full acceptance and integration into society- and further away from internalized homophobia and humiliation.

All good things.

And for those who think the president hasn’t done enough: I believe he and his administration are doing as much as they can- and carefully enough that the changes they do make will stand. Across the board, from Health and Human Services to the Justice Department to the FDA, changes that reflect good science and social practice are being carefully integrated into public policy- as are the diversity of the personnel involved (which include a large number of LGBT persons). That isn’t often remembered because it’s not sexy, sensational or scintillating. But it’s totally important to our well-being as a diversity-accepting country. It’s the Obama Long Game. And I’m a fan.

They haven’t lost me, because I know this would have never happened under President McCain.

PUPPY FEVER

Dec19 by D Gregory Smith

So, I’ve been very busy with Phyllis as you can imagine. She arrived from Billings on Thursday afternoon, met Ken and me, Bandit and Quimby and then I drove her to Butte to live in the Big House the next day.

Through it all she’s been a trooper- met lots of new people and dogs, took car trips, and never really freaked out. In fact, she’s been remarkably easy. She sleeps through the night, crates when she’s asked- and is content to be in there chewing her toys (as long as she can see me). She did that while I worked with several clients on Friday, sitting quietly or sleeping during sessions.

So, for your enjoyment, a few pictures from that initial meeting.