In not surprising news, but still WTF news, the LGBTQ community continues to be treated like garbage. Yes, yes, I know. Progress is being made and acceptance is on the rise, but you know what? It’s not enough, and it’s not fast enough. I am tired of having to justify my identity and my relationship because of religion, ignorance, and hatred. I am queer, not a criminal. I am a gay parent, not a pedophile. I am non-binary, not an “it” or a freak. I am a human who is exhausted by the nonsense I am about to share with you. These news stories are reminders of how far away we are from people not just accepting, but tolerating LGBTQ individuals and families.
Transgender 7th Grader Called “half baked maggot” and Threatened to Have Her Penis Cut Off
An entire school district was shut down for two days in Achille, Oklahoma because of threats made against a transgender 7th grader. 12-year-old Maddie, who has been living her true female self since 5th grade, used the girls’ bathroom on the first day of 7th grade. A staff bathroom had been assigned to her, but when she couldn’t find it, she used the bathroom she should have every right to use. Parents found out and like the cowards and trolls they are, took to message boards to shame, harass, and threaten Maddie.
Jamie and Burney Crenshaw were the ringleaders of the attack in the Achille ISD Parents Facebook group. “The transgender is already using the girls bathroom,” Jamie Crenshaw wrote. And because she is clearly fed up and seems to think she is the final say on this issue, added, “Enough is enough.” This painfully hateful comment fueled others to add their opinions, too. Parents thought an ass whooping would solve the problem, as would a “good sharp knife.” And because people need to spread hate over hate, other commenters expressed their dislike for the “queer teacher” at the school.
Maddie’s mother sought a restraining order against Burney Crenshaw. Achille ISD Superintendent Rick Beene reassured the public that they are going above and beyond to protect all students. “We appreciate all the concern for our Achille students…While I will not go into specifics, we have increased security.”
I want to be optimistic, but all I can do is hope for Maddie’s safety and confidence to live her truth.
Libraries Ban LGBTQ-Themed Displays
A library director in Utah confirmed that LGBTQ displays have been banned in all libraries in Washington County. The catalyst for this was when a library employee was asked to remove his LGBTQ Reads button during Pride Month. Apparently books in a library are controversial. Washington County Library Director Joel Tucker claims that after many complaints, the signage to allow patrons to find LGBTQ books was removed from all libraries. “We don’t want to advocate for one position over another. We want to be that middle ground, that resource for people who agree with that perspective and those who don’t,” said Tucker
Okay, Joel. Aren’t LGBTQ books considered a resource? Shouldn’t people know how to find them? You know, because you are a FUCKING LIBRARY and libraries are full of information and are safe spaces for people to find themselves in books that may save their lives.
But you go ahead and hide behind your reasons while LGBTQ youth continue to kill themselves because they don’t feel accepted or seen. Well done, Joel. Well done.
Guidance Counselor Is Put on Paid Leave for Being Gay
Shelly Fitzgerald has been at Roncalli High School in Indianapolis, Indiana for 15 years. She has been with her partner for 22 years, and the two were married in 2014; they have one child together. Fitzgerald had kept her personal life personal, but someone found her marriage certificate and presented it to the school administration. Roncalli is a Roman Catholic school, and the archbishop of Indianapolis and school Principal Chuck Weisenbach weighed in.
Fitzgerald was given three options: “dissolve” her marriage; resign; or stay quiet and hope to make it the rest of the year knowing she wouldn’t be asked back next year.
Because it’s bullshit, Fitzgerald is not divorcing her partner. She also said this: “I ask that you pray for my family, for change in the world, and know I have absolutely loved my job for the past 15 years.”
A Facebook group has been set up to support Fitzgerald, and in less than a week, over 4,000 members have joined. Sadly, the outpouring of love will not likely save Fitzgerald from religion’s job discrimination.
I could go on, but I have dinner to make, bills to pay, and kids to raise, because that is what queer people do. We really are full of controversy and debauchery over here.
This has been this week’s news of anti-LGBTQ fuckery.