As I read about Michigan State Rep. Matt Maddock mistaking the Gonzaga basketball team for a busload of “illegals”, I couldn’t help but shake my head in disbelief at the sheer ignorance and racism displayed by some individuals in positions of power. It’s alarming to think that someone entrusted to make decisions on behalf of the public could jump to such baseless and offensive assumptions without even bothering to fact-check.
The fact that Maddock doubled down on his mistake by dismissing those who corrected him as “kommies” speaks volumes about the current state of political discourse and the lack of accountability among certain lawmakers.… Continue reading
As a soldier, the honor of receiving an award for bravery and sacrifice is undoubtedly a moment of validation and pride. So, when Ukrainian soldier Yulia Mykytenko rejected the award after the church annulled her fellow gay soldier’s medal, it speaks volumes about the strength of camaraderie and solidarity among troops. Mykytenko’s powerful statement, “It was my first award. It was valuable to me. But I do not need an award from an institution that does not fully understand what it is like to give up one’s life and, in anticipation of death, defend people and freedom,” encapsulates the essence of sacrifice and the importance of recognition from those who truly understand the sacrifices made by soldiers.… Continue reading
Ghana recently passed a bill making it illegal to identify as LGBTQ+. This news is deeply troubling on so many levels, especially considering the myriad of pressing issues facing the country. It’s astonishing how something as personal and intrinsic as one’s sexuality can evoke such strong reactions and prompt legal action, especially in a country where there are numerous other urgent matters that demand attention.
I’ve always found it perplexing how individuals can become enraged over accusations of being gay, even when it’s entirely unfounded. The mere suggestion seems to elicit a visceral response, leading to heated arguments and sometimes even violence.… Continue reading
As I read the appalling statement made by the Oklahoma lawmaker, Tom Woods, calling LGBTQ people ‘filth’ in the wake of the tragic beating death of a bullied nonbinary teen, I am overcome with a mix of emotions – anger, disbelief, and deep sorrow. How can someone in a position of power and influence spew such hateful rhetoric, especially following a senseless and heart-wrenching tragedy? The insensitivity and lack of empathy displayed by Woods are not only unacceptable but also unworthy of someone entrusted to represent the people.
The fact that Woods justified his derogatory remarks by claiming that Oklahoma is a “Christian state” and citing religious beliefs as a basis for his prejudice is deeply concerning.… Continue reading
As I reflect on the tragic death of Nex Benedict and the aftermath that has unfolded in Oklahoma, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of sorrow and anger. The fact that a young individual faced months of bullying and ultimately lost their life is heartbreaking. Regardless of the specific circumstances surrounding Nex’s death, the reality is that hate and discrimination played a role in this tragedy.
The idea that elected officials in Oklahoma would refer to LGBTQ+ individuals as “filth” is not only appalling but indicative of a much larger issue at hand. Hate has long been a foundational principle in Oklahoma, as evidenced by the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples, African Americans, poor people, and the LGBTQ+ community.… Continue reading
I can’t believe I actually heard this with my own ears – Trump telling Black conservatives that his criminal charges are the reason Black people like him. I mean, seriously? The audacity of this man knows no bounds. When he mentioned that some big Black dudes wanted his “goldest sneakers” because of his criminal charges, I cringed. It’s as if he tries to connect with the Black community through the lens of criminality. It’s so offensive and ignorant, it’s almost laughable if it weren’t so disturbing.
For Trump to equate criminal charges with popularity among Black people is not only misguided but deeply offensive.… Continue reading
Swiss police probe hotel ski rental ban for Jewish guests
The recent news of a hotel ski rental ban for Jewish guests in Switzerland has left me deeply disturbed. How is it possible, in this day and age, that such discrimination and hatred continue to persist? As I read the details of this incident, one question kept nagging at me: how do they even know if someone is Jewish? Are they requesting proof of religion upon check-in? It seems absurd and utterly unacceptable.
I found myself yearning for more information about the so-called “annoying incidents” that supposedly led to this decision.… Continue reading
Utah teenager under police protection after school board member falsely implies the girl is transgender, prompting threats | CNN
I sit here, bewildered and infuriated, as I read about the recent incident involving Natalie Cline, a school board member from Utah. It’s hard to fathom the audacity and cruelty of someone who would go out of their way to attack and endanger a young girl based on unfounded assumptions and prejudice. As I reflect on this story, it becomes clear that there are deeper issues at play here, issues that speak to the broader landscape of transphobia in our society.
Natalie Cline, in her remarks, attempted to justify her behavior by suggesting that we live in strange times, where it is normal to question people’s identities due to the push to normalize transgenderism.… Continue reading
As a trans person living in Florida, I am deeply disturbed and saddened by recent news that the state will throw trans people in jail if they try to update the gender on their driver’s licenses. It is disheartening to see that Florida is actively working to implement discriminatory and harmful laws that directly target the trans community.
The comparison to a fascist state is not unfounded, as it seems like Florida is heading down a dangerous path of legalized bigotry and discrimination. This echoes the tactics used by the Nazis before World War II, where they systematically targeted different groups, starting with the most vulnerable.… Continue reading
Ban of transgender people from Utah’s public bathrooms passes Senate
As I read about the recent decision to ban transgender individuals from using public restrooms in Utah, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of anger, frustration, and disbelief. It is disheartening to witness such discriminatory policies being passed in this day and age, especially in a country that prides itself on equality and freedom.
The statistics speak volumes about the direction of American politics. With 28% of Gen Z identifying as LGBTQ+ and 22% identifying as Republican, it is clear that the demographics are shifting. However, the ban on transgender people using public bathrooms in Utah shows that certain factions of the Republican party are digging their heels in and trying to resist change.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood