Posted on Jun 2, 2021
LGBTQ Pride Month: Battles Fought After the War is Over - Is the War Really Over?
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Last week, a friend and I were talking about LGBT Pride Month, and I stated that a more appropriate reference would be LGBTQQIP2SAA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Pansexual, 2-spirited, Asexual and Allies) Month. The puzzled look on their face demanded clarification. I shared that I researched the topic a few years ago. Listed below is a summary of our conversation.
In 2018, I was required to conduct research on and present findings on a culture other than my own. I choose the LGBT+ community, due to being harassed for collaborating and advocating for the LGBT+ community while running a table at a local VA. Many individuals stopped by to obtain information, etc., but some stopped to ask questions such as “Are you gay, too?”, “Why are you advocating for them?” “You know the Bible says this is wrong.” One individual refused to accept any information unless I answered his invasive questions. My response, “Unfortunately, that is not a requirement to participate, but please do stop by if you wish to learn more”. These responses prompted me to learn more and try to understand why there is such a stigma around LGBT+ and why they are treated so badly at times.
My findings:
In 1993, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was established under the Clinton Administration. It intended to lift the ban enacted during WWWII to prevent homosexuals from serving in the military. What resulted was the prevention of homosexuals from serving openly. The same thing happened to Dr. Frank Kameny, an American Veteran. Dr. Kameny was discharged from the military in 1946. He began working for the U.S. Army Map service in 1957 and was terminated in January of 1958 after a background investigation raised questions about his sexual orientation. At that time homosexuals were banned from federal service. In 1953 President Eisenhower issued Executive Order 10450 that broadened the definition of “national security risks” to include any criminal, dishonesty, immoral, or notoriously disgraceful conduct, habitual use of intoxicants to excess, drug addiction, or sexual perversion as reasons for termination from federal employment. The State Department used the executive order to fire suspected homosexuals, as they believed them to be more suspected to blackmail by spies and that homosexuality was unmoral and sexually perverted. Dr. Kameny filed petitions with the U.S. Supreme Court, founded the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, fought to stop these firings, and his fight became part of the Gay Rights Movement. Too many of our Servicemembers honorably served their county for 18+ years, put their lives on the line serving multiple deployments, only to be dishonorably discharged if they were identified as lesbian or gay. In 1975 the U.S. Civil Service Commission stopped denying homosexuals the right to federal jobs. Dr. Kameny was at the 2010 signing ceremony when President Obama repealed Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, but sadly he passed away in 2011. This was only ten years ago and was long overdue; but not soon enough for over 10,000 service members. Since that time, both the Trump and Biden administrations have implemented policies that significantly impacted LGBT+ members' ability to serve in the military.
While researching, I came across a documentary regarding a 16-year-old boy who ended his life following countless harassment, bullying, and rejection. His mother donated his heart; however, when she attempted to donate his eyes, she was told that “a gay man’s organs, tissue, and blood cannot be donated”. This is due to an FDA policy stemming from the HIV crisis during the 80s and 90s and is still in effect. It is not just in the FDA; the field of psychology has discriminated against LGBT as well.
The 1952 DSM classified homosexuality as a mental disorder. Sadly, this verbiage did not change until 1973 when political pressure was placed on the American Psychiatric Association following the Stonewall Riots in NYC in the Summer of 1969. This was a bitter-sweet victory for the LGBT community. Though homosexuality was removed as a disorder, DSM 3 (published in 1980) included a chapter on psychosexual disorders and endorsed gender identity disorder (transsexualism). Sadly, best practices dictate that Transgender individuals must receive a mental health diagnosis of gender dysphoria and live as their desired gender for one year before they can have the sex reassignment surgery. Not to minimize anyone or their experience, but if I wanted to go out this weekend and get breast implants, I can do that; if I wanted to get a vaginoplasty, I can do that too; the law states that I have a right to terminate a pregnancy without having to receive a mental health diagnosis prior to doing so. I understand that the desire to transition is much more complex than the examples I provided. I just want to illustrate the discriminatory practices.
Part of the project required a direct immersion with the community being researched. An individual that I interviewed shared that the Midway Café is open every Thursday to provide a safe space for individuals who do not have families to go to over the holidays, so I attended their Queeroke night on Thanksgiving. Before I entered the door, I felt something overwhelming that stopped me mid-step (I think it was fear). Not fear of the people, but fear that they would find out that I am not queer and would not allow me to stay. Can you imagine what they must feel like in similar situations... I sat at the bar, danced, and sang in my seat (don’t judge me, I can’t dance or sing but no one could tell with the loud music). There were all colors, shapes, and sizes of people there truly enjoying themselves. I had a blast! Sadly, where there is hate, there is bound to be hurt. I don’t know if any of you recall the mass shooting at an FL LGBT club in 2016. 49 people were killed and 53 were injured. They were in what they believed to be a safe space. For those of you who are surprised by that number, this is not an isolated event. I will discuss this more in detail in a different post.
I leave you with this: Our LGBT+ friends, family, neighbors, employees… are no different than me, you, or the next person; and should be respected and allowed the liberty to live whatever life they chose. Before beginning my project, I thought I knew a decent amount about different cultures. What I realized is how much I don’t know, and how much more there is to do. This post is not enough to truly understand different cultures or the inequalities and/or oppressions they face; but I hope it provided you with the drive to want to learn and do more. In the famous words of Maya Angelou, now that you know better, do better.
Until next time.
Listed below are additional LGBTQ resources and information
Preventing Suicide Among LGBT Veterans: https://rly.pt/3g16LPf
Lesbian, Gay Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Service Members, and Veterans: https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/lgbt.asp
VA Patient Care Services: https://www.patientcare.va.gov/lgbt/
You can also find the following 4 PDF fact sheets at https://www.patientcare.va.gov/lgbt/
VA Female Veterans – Lesbian and Bisexual Healthcare Factsheet
VA Female Veterans – Transgender Female Healthcare Factsheet
VA Male Veterans – Gay and Bisexual Healthcare Factsheet
VA Transgender Male Factsheet
Coming out to your VA Healthcare Provider: https://rly.pt/3vQ5W2w
How to Apply for a Discharge Upgrade: https://rly.pt/3iboQwL
FAQ’s:
Are there any providers specializing in transgender Veteran care in my area?: https://rly.pt/2SU6Qwk
Why do you use the term “LGBT and related identities?”: https://rly.pt/3g0NpK1
How do I get transition-related care at the VA?: Veterans can apply for VA health care enrollment by completing VA Form 10-10EZ. Apply online, or visit, call or write to any VA health care facility or Veterans' benefits office. You can also call the VA Health Benefits Call Center toll-free at 877-222 VETS [login to see] ). Get the latest on VA health care eligibility and enrollment. Watch a new video that helps guide patients through the enrollment process. You can also use the Vets.gov site to obtain additional information.
In 2018, I was required to conduct research on and present findings on a culture other than my own. I choose the LGBT+ community, due to being harassed for collaborating and advocating for the LGBT+ community while running a table at a local VA. Many individuals stopped by to obtain information, etc., but some stopped to ask questions such as “Are you gay, too?”, “Why are you advocating for them?” “You know the Bible says this is wrong.” One individual refused to accept any information unless I answered his invasive questions. My response, “Unfortunately, that is not a requirement to participate, but please do stop by if you wish to learn more”. These responses prompted me to learn more and try to understand why there is such a stigma around LGBT+ and why they are treated so badly at times.
My findings:
In 1993, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was established under the Clinton Administration. It intended to lift the ban enacted during WWWII to prevent homosexuals from serving in the military. What resulted was the prevention of homosexuals from serving openly. The same thing happened to Dr. Frank Kameny, an American Veteran. Dr. Kameny was discharged from the military in 1946. He began working for the U.S. Army Map service in 1957 and was terminated in January of 1958 after a background investigation raised questions about his sexual orientation. At that time homosexuals were banned from federal service. In 1953 President Eisenhower issued Executive Order 10450 that broadened the definition of “national security risks” to include any criminal, dishonesty, immoral, or notoriously disgraceful conduct, habitual use of intoxicants to excess, drug addiction, or sexual perversion as reasons for termination from federal employment. The State Department used the executive order to fire suspected homosexuals, as they believed them to be more suspected to blackmail by spies and that homosexuality was unmoral and sexually perverted. Dr. Kameny filed petitions with the U.S. Supreme Court, founded the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, fought to stop these firings, and his fight became part of the Gay Rights Movement. Too many of our Servicemembers honorably served their county for 18+ years, put their lives on the line serving multiple deployments, only to be dishonorably discharged if they were identified as lesbian or gay. In 1975 the U.S. Civil Service Commission stopped denying homosexuals the right to federal jobs. Dr. Kameny was at the 2010 signing ceremony when President Obama repealed Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, but sadly he passed away in 2011. This was only ten years ago and was long overdue; but not soon enough for over 10,000 service members. Since that time, both the Trump and Biden administrations have implemented policies that significantly impacted LGBT+ members' ability to serve in the military.
While researching, I came across a documentary regarding a 16-year-old boy who ended his life following countless harassment, bullying, and rejection. His mother donated his heart; however, when she attempted to donate his eyes, she was told that “a gay man’s organs, tissue, and blood cannot be donated”. This is due to an FDA policy stemming from the HIV crisis during the 80s and 90s and is still in effect. It is not just in the FDA; the field of psychology has discriminated against LGBT as well.
The 1952 DSM classified homosexuality as a mental disorder. Sadly, this verbiage did not change until 1973 when political pressure was placed on the American Psychiatric Association following the Stonewall Riots in NYC in the Summer of 1969. This was a bitter-sweet victory for the LGBT community. Though homosexuality was removed as a disorder, DSM 3 (published in 1980) included a chapter on psychosexual disorders and endorsed gender identity disorder (transsexualism). Sadly, best practices dictate that Transgender individuals must receive a mental health diagnosis of gender dysphoria and live as their desired gender for one year before they can have the sex reassignment surgery. Not to minimize anyone or their experience, but if I wanted to go out this weekend and get breast implants, I can do that; if I wanted to get a vaginoplasty, I can do that too; the law states that I have a right to terminate a pregnancy without having to receive a mental health diagnosis prior to doing so. I understand that the desire to transition is much more complex than the examples I provided. I just want to illustrate the discriminatory practices.
Part of the project required a direct immersion with the community being researched. An individual that I interviewed shared that the Midway Café is open every Thursday to provide a safe space for individuals who do not have families to go to over the holidays, so I attended their Queeroke night on Thanksgiving. Before I entered the door, I felt something overwhelming that stopped me mid-step (I think it was fear). Not fear of the people, but fear that they would find out that I am not queer and would not allow me to stay. Can you imagine what they must feel like in similar situations... I sat at the bar, danced, and sang in my seat (don’t judge me, I can’t dance or sing but no one could tell with the loud music). There were all colors, shapes, and sizes of people there truly enjoying themselves. I had a blast! Sadly, where there is hate, there is bound to be hurt. I don’t know if any of you recall the mass shooting at an FL LGBT club in 2016. 49 people were killed and 53 were injured. They were in what they believed to be a safe space. For those of you who are surprised by that number, this is not an isolated event. I will discuss this more in detail in a different post.
I leave you with this: Our LGBT+ friends, family, neighbors, employees… are no different than me, you, or the next person; and should be respected and allowed the liberty to live whatever life they chose. Before beginning my project, I thought I knew a decent amount about different cultures. What I realized is how much I don’t know, and how much more there is to do. This post is not enough to truly understand different cultures or the inequalities and/or oppressions they face; but I hope it provided you with the drive to want to learn and do more. In the famous words of Maya Angelou, now that you know better, do better.
Until next time.
Listed below are additional LGBTQ resources and information
Preventing Suicide Among LGBT Veterans: https://rly.pt/3g16LPf
Lesbian, Gay Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Service Members, and Veterans: https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/lgbt.asp
VA Patient Care Services: https://www.patientcare.va.gov/lgbt/
You can also find the following 4 PDF fact sheets at https://www.patientcare.va.gov/lgbt/
VA Female Veterans – Lesbian and Bisexual Healthcare Factsheet
VA Female Veterans – Transgender Female Healthcare Factsheet
VA Male Veterans – Gay and Bisexual Healthcare Factsheet
VA Transgender Male Factsheet
Coming out to your VA Healthcare Provider: https://rly.pt/3vQ5W2w
How to Apply for a Discharge Upgrade: https://rly.pt/3iboQwL
FAQ’s:
Are there any providers specializing in transgender Veteran care in my area?: https://rly.pt/2SU6Qwk
Why do you use the term “LGBT and related identities?”: https://rly.pt/3g0NpK1
How do I get transition-related care at the VA?: Veterans can apply for VA health care enrollment by completing VA Form 10-10EZ. Apply online, or visit, call or write to any VA health care facility or Veterans' benefits office. You can also call the VA Health Benefits Call Center toll-free at 877-222 VETS [login to see] ). Get the latest on VA health care eligibility and enrollment. Watch a new video that helps guide patients through the enrollment process. You can also use the Vets.gov site to obtain additional information.
LGBTQ+
Pride
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Resources
Support
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 18
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I prefer DADT. I know what that is--"Don't Ask, Don't Tell. I've always been a firm believer in what you do away from work, on your own time, and in the privacy of your lodging is nobodies business but yours. I don't who you have an affair with; my questions are: [1] Can you do the job? [2] Do you have family problems? Don't bring your home issues to work with you.
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SGT Tim. Wilson
CPO (Join to see) The only problem is that DADT wasn’t handled that way across the board. You still had guy’s wives dropping them off or bringing them meals, etc. You still had the guys sneaking girls into their rooms and girls sneaking guys into theirs! Usually the upper NCOs felt it was no harm no foul, unless it was a civilian then someone would get their ass chewed and some extra duty but usually not much more than that.
DADT was only extreme for those that someone “thought or suspected” might be gay or lesbian. Hell, I even had a 1SG that told all of us NCOs if anyone suspected that we were to do everything we could to find out for sure so he could kick them out. Little did he know that in the midst of all of us was both a gay SFC and a lesbian Sgt. He still managed to ruin 5 good soldiers lives in three years!
DADT was only extreme for those that someone “thought or suspected” might be gay or lesbian. Hell, I even had a 1SG that told all of us NCOs if anyone suspected that we were to do everything we could to find out for sure so he could kick them out. Little did he know that in the midst of all of us was both a gay SFC and a lesbian Sgt. He still managed to ruin 5 good soldiers lives in three years!
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A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
If they're Wanting More Laws,
Don't Bother. All The Actual Necessary Ones Are Already On The Books.
If Those Are Enforced,The Issues Become Non-existent..
As Bill Gates Is Credited To Have Said:. "Life Isn't Fair....Get Use To It."
Don't Bother. All The Actual Necessary Ones Are Already On The Books.
If Those Are Enforced,The Issues Become Non-existent..
As Bill Gates Is Credited To Have Said:. "Life Isn't Fair....Get Use To It."
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SMSgt Bob W.
SP5 Donna Barr - BFD. Hope you like it. Any special reason you like it? Donna, please float the photo around, I need some new people to discuss issues with.
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Personally, I don't really care what two consenting individuals do in the privacy of their own domicile. I have to many failed relationships of my own to even think about telling someone else who they should/shouldn't be romantically involved with. I knew several "closet" homosexual/bisexual/lesbian individuals during the time of DADT. Never really mattered to me. The lifestyle isn't for me but it's not my place to judge other's preferences in that regard. The only question I had was, "Can you perform the task at hand?" As long as the answer was in the affirmative, the rest was irrelevant to me. Incidentally, most of them were damn fine service members and I was proud to have served with them.
I can't really speak to the "gender fluid", transexual, or non-binary orientations because I don't have enough first hand exposure. I've only encountered one individual that I know of who was transitioning and that particular individual had way more issues going on than just trying to redefine their physical attributes. Some may have already made the transition but never confided in me about it so I have no basis from which to form a stance that isn't rooted in ignorance and/or bias.
I can't really speak to the "gender fluid", transexual, or non-binary orientations because I don't have enough first hand exposure. I've only encountered one individual that I know of who was transitioning and that particular individual had way more issues going on than just trying to redefine their physical attributes. Some may have already made the transition but never confided in me about it so I have no basis from which to form a stance that isn't rooted in ignorance and/or bias.
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SPC Daniel Dresen
I had an NCO who was gender fluid. It didn't stop her from doing her job. She was like one of the guys in the motor pool section. And as long as their transition doesn't affect performance, a person should be allowed the opportunity to serve. Who a person loves or what is in their pants is irrelevant as long as their head is clear downrange.
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I had 25 years. I absolutely guarantee you I commanded gays. Wanna know how many did do their job??? EVERY ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney
SFC Robert Walton - .. I Can't Even Imaging What It Must Be Like To BE In The Services Today.......Do They Have To Come In When The Streets Lights Go On?
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SFC Robert Walton
A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney - No they can't do that it would have too much organization to it, you no longer take care of Soldiers you your a circus clown for the babies.
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SFC Robert Walton
If you are organized, take care of people, expect professional results, You are simply Toxic leadership and have no understanding of today's communication and Needs of the minions.
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SMSgt Bob W.
Many of you and the present leadership in Washington, DC are trying to correct society through SOCIAL EXPERIMENTS in the military. It don't work. It was tried during the Viet Nam Conflict--Project 100,000. This project was a failure. In the 1970s Adm Zumwalt's "...you can grow a beard..." program for the Navy to boost morale [another bust]. THE MILITARY HAS ONE PURPOSE--DEFEND THE UNITED STATES!! The leadership of the military needs to stop feeding the troop "milk toast" and "make soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen out of the recruits--red, yellow, black and white, gay and straight, male and female and the other alphabetical groups."
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You celebrate dysfunction and are not helping anyone to find true happiness. At best, they can find comfort with each other. At worst, they will simply become more depressed as a result of following up on your advice to call the VA to get help with transitioning.
To be fair, why don't you discuss how the LBGTQ+ community has pooled their resources and targets Christian-owned businesses for destruction. It's not enough for them to be left alone. They are seeking special protected status for their poor choice to engage in a sexually oriented lifestyle that is statistically proven to be self-destructive to those that engage in it. They are more prone to engage with multiple partners in short-term relationships, more prone to drug abuse, depression, disease, suicide, etc. Calling one's self "gay" and "proud" is symptomatic of the fact that the truth is just the opposite for most of them.
Do I hate them? No. Do I feel sorry for them? No. My best man was gay. He's the only one alive of all the dozen or so gay people I've known on a personal level. I don't judge them and we can agree to disagree about their lifestyle as a suitable alternative. The rest are dead now as a result of AIDS, suicide, and drug abuse. I know more about that lifestyle than I care to know and wouldn't wish their burdens on anyone. Their so-called 'new normal' is anything but normal. They're not well. They need help... but not the help you offer.
I've never met a gay person that can't point to a time in their life when they made a conscious decision to engage in that lifestyle. There is no gay gene. They are not born that way. People may be born with a predisposition to be alcoholic but every alcoholic becomes one by taking that first drink. And just as alcoholics can harm themselves if they don't get help, so it is with those who identify as LGBTQ+. TG's that have had surgery don't find that their lives are any better. It's not going to make them any more accepted by society in general. Real men don't want TG females. In fact, many TG's lament their decision later, after it's too late and they've burned all the bridges behind them. Their lives just get more complicated and more depressing.
The LGBTQ+ community is engaged politically and their influence is felt far beyond what one would expect from the < 2% of the population that identifies with their dysfunctions. The Progressive movement promotes abortion as a means of birth control, and they support the LGBTQ+ community because these things suit their depopulation agenda. Gays typically don't reproduce; instead, they must rely on recruiting others to maintain their numbers.
To be fair, why don't you discuss how the LBGTQ+ community has pooled their resources and targets Christian-owned businesses for destruction. It's not enough for them to be left alone. They are seeking special protected status for their poor choice to engage in a sexually oriented lifestyle that is statistically proven to be self-destructive to those that engage in it. They are more prone to engage with multiple partners in short-term relationships, more prone to drug abuse, depression, disease, suicide, etc. Calling one's self "gay" and "proud" is symptomatic of the fact that the truth is just the opposite for most of them.
Do I hate them? No. Do I feel sorry for them? No. My best man was gay. He's the only one alive of all the dozen or so gay people I've known on a personal level. I don't judge them and we can agree to disagree about their lifestyle as a suitable alternative. The rest are dead now as a result of AIDS, suicide, and drug abuse. I know more about that lifestyle than I care to know and wouldn't wish their burdens on anyone. Their so-called 'new normal' is anything but normal. They're not well. They need help... but not the help you offer.
I've never met a gay person that can't point to a time in their life when they made a conscious decision to engage in that lifestyle. There is no gay gene. They are not born that way. People may be born with a predisposition to be alcoholic but every alcoholic becomes one by taking that first drink. And just as alcoholics can harm themselves if they don't get help, so it is with those who identify as LGBTQ+. TG's that have had surgery don't find that their lives are any better. It's not going to make them any more accepted by society in general. Real men don't want TG females. In fact, many TG's lament their decision later, after it's too late and they've burned all the bridges behind them. Their lives just get more complicated and more depressing.
The LGBTQ+ community is engaged politically and their influence is felt far beyond what one would expect from the < 2% of the population that identifies with their dysfunctions. The Progressive movement promotes abortion as a means of birth control, and they support the LGBTQ+ community because these things suit their depopulation agenda. Gays typically don't reproduce; instead, they must rely on recruiting others to maintain their numbers.
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SP5 Donna Barr
My gay agent was beaten to death because of lies like this. And you do know we all have screenshoot function, RR Tracks?
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Thank you for sharing this important work and for highlighting the daily courage these individuals often need to show, and the challenges that the overall community still needs to find ways to overcome.
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I had one Maxim that I followed no matter what
"Do your job and we all come home together"
I had one openly Gay NCO, and he volunteered for NEO Warden and was one of the best NEO Wardens we ever had.
I do not care what body part you prefer and it is none of my business and does not affect my military responsibilities. I was Infantry so my job was simple: Kill the Enemy and deny them access to the ground upon which I stand and the terrain I am set to secure. A gender preference for consensual sex is not part of my duty and responsibilities and is therefore none of my concern. Likewise, a persons faith has no bearing as does what they like to do when they have time off... I did not discriminate against people who lik3d to fish any more than people who called Soccer "Futball"
The ever increasing number of letters ("The Alphabet Gang") is meaningless and in fact just confuses things rather than enlightening or including anyone else. Stick to the LGBT+ and be done with it... More letters is just stupid and an attempt to prove you are more "Woke" than the LGBT+ standing next to you using one less letter.
The corollary to my Maxim also stands true
"If you cannot do your job, you should not be in place and someone else needs to be there so we all come home together"
The third set finishes this out and I followed all three for 20 years and brought my people home every time.
"Lead, Follow, or get the Hell out of my Way"
"Do your job and we all come home together"
I had one openly Gay NCO, and he volunteered for NEO Warden and was one of the best NEO Wardens we ever had.
I do not care what body part you prefer and it is none of my business and does not affect my military responsibilities. I was Infantry so my job was simple: Kill the Enemy and deny them access to the ground upon which I stand and the terrain I am set to secure. A gender preference for consensual sex is not part of my duty and responsibilities and is therefore none of my concern. Likewise, a persons faith has no bearing as does what they like to do when they have time off... I did not discriminate against people who lik3d to fish any more than people who called Soccer "Futball"
The ever increasing number of letters ("The Alphabet Gang") is meaningless and in fact just confuses things rather than enlightening or including anyone else. Stick to the LGBT+ and be done with it... More letters is just stupid and an attempt to prove you are more "Woke" than the LGBT+ standing next to you using one less letter.
The corollary to my Maxim also stands true
"If you cannot do your job, you should not be in place and someone else needs to be there so we all come home together"
The third set finishes this out and I followed all three for 20 years and brought my people home every time.
"Lead, Follow, or get the Hell out of my Way"
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SFC Mark Bailey
I am a Pagan, specifically a Druid.... (essentially a Celtic Shaman) and came in when you could not have it on your dogtags. I spent 20 years in the Infantry being a Druid....being called into the Bn. Chaplain only to be told I was going to Hell every 90 days. I had a very Catholic Squad Leader that thought he could "Save me" and came in every Sunday for months trying to do so. I had a few SGT's and SSG's over the course of my career and several Officers as well think they I was just a "Satanist in camo"....
I probably understand far more than you realize, and we had no defense or recourse for what we endured.... and that included several of my friends dying in combat without the ability to have our symbol of religious belief on their grave markers.
The "Community" you reference is but one of many...possibly hundreds... that all have had things they need to deal with and things they cannot overcome amongst some individuals. I am an active Pagan Leader in my hometown, and have probably 20-30 people that identify as one of those letters...some of them actually also say there are just too many letters while others like to have that inclusive feel.
For me, when someone calls me "Pagan" it is actually an insult because I am not a Pagan, I am a Druid...but I smile and keep going because it really only matters to me and the other Druids around me (yes there are more).... the people who incorrectly addressed me as a Pagan dont know me, and that is okay .... its a big world
I probably understand far more than you realize, and we had no defense or recourse for what we endured.... and that included several of my friends dying in combat without the ability to have our symbol of religious belief on their grave markers.
The "Community" you reference is but one of many...possibly hundreds... that all have had things they need to deal with and things they cannot overcome amongst some individuals. I am an active Pagan Leader in my hometown, and have probably 20-30 people that identify as one of those letters...some of them actually also say there are just too many letters while others like to have that inclusive feel.
For me, when someone calls me "Pagan" it is actually an insult because I am not a Pagan, I am a Druid...but I smile and keep going because it really only matters to me and the other Druids around me (yes there are more).... the people who incorrectly addressed me as a Pagan dont know me, and that is okay .... its a big world
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SSG (Join to see)
Amen.
Should people be treated with dignity and respect?
Absolutely.
Should people be discriminated against based on what they do behind closed doors with other consenting adults?
No.
But I've hit the point where I'm tired of other people demanding that I use invented personal pronouns and learn about everything they like to do behind closed doors and even celebrate it, otherwise I be labeled some kind of bigot.
Guess what, everybody has a set of genitals. And everyone has things they like to do with their genitals. And everyone has circumstances under which they like to do those things. If you're not into the same things I'm into, fine. You do you. But let's stop pretending that everyone who likes to do something different with their genitals needs a special celebration and set of pronouns. I've had it. I just want to do my job and go home.
Should people be treated with dignity and respect?
Absolutely.
Should people be discriminated against based on what they do behind closed doors with other consenting adults?
No.
But I've hit the point where I'm tired of other people demanding that I use invented personal pronouns and learn about everything they like to do behind closed doors and even celebrate it, otherwise I be labeled some kind of bigot.
Guess what, everybody has a set of genitals. And everyone has things they like to do with their genitals. And everyone has circumstances under which they like to do those things. If you're not into the same things I'm into, fine. You do you. But let's stop pretending that everyone who likes to do something different with their genitals needs a special celebration and set of pronouns. I've had it. I just want to do my job and go home.
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5
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Thank you MSG (Join to see) for posting a perspective that has drawn significant responses.
Sadly too many people are incensed by external characteristics and choices people make.
1st God accepts each person as we are throughout our lifetime. HE loves each person and has tremendous patience with us. I am a conservative Christian who tries to demonstrate respect for each person I interact with.
2nd in the early 20th century while I was assigned to HQDA, G-4 in the Pentagon, there was a transgender woman who had gone through surgery and follow-on treatment to go from male to female. This individual was a retired LTC. I did not work directly with this individual; yet I passed by her in cubicle city from time-to-time. I was saddened by how this person was ostracized especially by people I new were Christians. When she went to the latrine, no women would go in, etc.
I made it appoint to greet this person and ask how she was doing, etc. This shocked many and caused me to be ostracized to some degree. That did not change my behavior since I have tried to be respectful to all. Over time this woman was accepted more and more. Change is hard. Significant personal change is incredibly hard - tests relationships ad friendships.
FYI SSG Jacey R. PO1 William "Chip" Nagel CPT Aaron Kletzing SFC James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SPC Michael Terrell MSgt Dave Hoffman PO3 Phyllis Maynard MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SMSgt Lawrence McCarter PO1 H Gene Lawrence Linda Lawrence SSG Michael Noll SMSgt Dr. G. A. Thomas SMSgt Mark Venzeio SFC Ralph E Kelley SPC Nancy Greene SSG Diane R.
Sadly too many people are incensed by external characteristics and choices people make.
1st God accepts each person as we are throughout our lifetime. HE loves each person and has tremendous patience with us. I am a conservative Christian who tries to demonstrate respect for each person I interact with.
2nd in the early 20th century while I was assigned to HQDA, G-4 in the Pentagon, there was a transgender woman who had gone through surgery and follow-on treatment to go from male to female. This individual was a retired LTC. I did not work directly with this individual; yet I passed by her in cubicle city from time-to-time. I was saddened by how this person was ostracized especially by people I new were Christians. When she went to the latrine, no women would go in, etc.
I made it appoint to greet this person and ask how she was doing, etc. This shocked many and caused me to be ostracized to some degree. That did not change my behavior since I have tried to be respectful to all. Over time this woman was accepted more and more. Change is hard. Significant personal change is incredibly hard - tests relationships ad friendships.
FYI SSG Jacey R. PO1 William "Chip" Nagel CPT Aaron Kletzing SFC James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SPC Michael Terrell MSgt Dave Hoffman PO3 Phyllis Maynard MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SMSgt Lawrence McCarter PO1 H Gene Lawrence Linda Lawrence SSG Michael Noll SMSgt Dr. G. A. Thomas SMSgt Mark Venzeio SFC Ralph E Kelley SPC Nancy Greene SSG Diane R.
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Why would anyone be so concerned with sex that they make it their whole purpose in life? I do not care what you do in the privacy of your home so why do you feel it is appropriate to push your private life at me? The current military is going down the crapper with all this woke idiocy. Can you do the job? Are you component? I do not care what your private life is if the unit is functioning and the mission can be performed
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