As I read about the incident where London police threatened to arrest an “openly Jewish” man near a pro-Palestinian protest, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of shock and disbelief. The fact that a man was targeted simply for being visibly Jewish in a public space is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted antisemitism that still exists in our society today. The idea that someone’s religious or cultural identity could be seen as a provocation, or worse, a justification for potential violence, is both alarming and deeply troubling.
The notion of being “openly Jewish” should not be a cause for alarm or a reason for someone to be singled out in such a hostile manner.… Continue reading
John Leguizamo’s recent statement about Trump’s lack of support for the Latino community is incredibly powerful and rings true in so many ways. As a Latina myself, it’s frustrating and disheartening to see fellow Latinos supporting a president who clearly does not value or respect us. The reality is that Trump’s xenophobic and racist policies directly harm the Latino community, yet some individuals within our own community continue to support him.
It’s perplexing to witness Latino Trump supporters who ignore the blatant racism and discrimination that he promotes. They may believe that supporting Trump will somehow exempt them from the same prejudices and injustices faced by other marginalized groups.… Continue reading
As I sit here reflecting on the heartbreaking reality of trans folks resorting to peeing in bottles or avoiding water altogether due to the traumatizing harassment they face under Florida’s discriminatory bathroom law, I can’t help but feel a range of emotions. The fact that residents have taken it upon themselves to police restrooms, often incorrectly enforcing the law, is appalling and deeply disturbing.
The very idea of someone monitoring bathrooms and challenging individuals based on their perception of gender is not only invasive but also dangerous. The accounts of trans individuals being denied entry or harassed in public restrooms are a stark reminder of the hatred and bigotry that still exists in our society.… Continue reading
As a parent of an autistic child, it is extremely disheartening to hear about the recent incident at a Lake Worth-area private school where Autism Awareness Week was canceled after a pastor deemed it ‘demonic’. The level of ignorance and discrimination displayed in the pastor’s email is truly shocking and unacceptable. The pastor’s statements about Autism Awareness Week being idolatrous and demonic because it supposedly takes away from Jesus are not only misguided but also harmful.
The pastor’s narrow-minded view that anything that teaches children to have their identity in anything other than Christ is demonic is not only a dangerous mindset but also a form of religious extremism.… Continue reading
As I sit here reading about Best Buy offering to screen LGBTQ nonprofit donations after conservative pressure, I can’t help but feel disappointed. It’s disheartening to see a company cave to the demands of a conservative think tank, especially when it involves organizations that support LGBTQ individuals. The fact that Best Buy is considering screening donations to LGBTQ causes is a clear indication of the influence that these conservative groups hold.
The proposal from the National Center for Public Policy Research’s Free Enterprise Institute, urging Best Buy to end its partnerships with LGBTQ nonprofits and initiatives, is alarming. The language used, referring to these organizations as “predatory butchers,” is not only inflammatory but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misinformation.… Continue reading
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
John Q. Hosedrinker