There have been several very insightful articles published this month about the current wave of attacks against the transgender and broader LGBTQ+ communities. This post is an index for your reading enjoyment.
New York Times
Two weeks ago the New York Times published an excellent assessment. If I didn’t know any better I’d think the author had read my blog a year ago where I laid out almost the same analysis, but with more historical detail. In essence, the campaign against transgender people is a cynical backdoor attack against all LGBTQ+ people.
How a Campaign Against Transgender Rights Mobilized Conservatives:
Defeated on same-sex marriage, the religious right went searching for an issue that would re-energize supporters and donors. The campaign that followed has stunned political leaders across the spectrum.
Slate
Today Slate published an article looking at DeSantis’ escalating and likely self-defeating attack against Disney. He says that “Florida is where woke goes to die,” but quite likely one of his bullets is going to ricochet back and hit him. Reporter Aymann Ismail recounts an earlier unsuccessful attempt by the Southern Baptist Church to take down Disney. It didn’t go well for the Baptists, and won’t for DeSantis.
“It’s Like DeSantis Is Holding a Knife to His Own Throat”:
The Florida governor seems to forget a little something about Disney.
MSNBC
Earlier this week on its Morning Joe program, MSNBC ran the numbers showing how DeSantis’ campaign against Disney is stunningly stupid by any conventional political measure.
Just Sayin’ Now
A year ago in my blog, Just Sayin’ Now, I examined the growing attacks against transgender people. I draw on many historical examples showing how the current attacks against the transgender community are a replay the 1970s with Anita Bryant’s ‘Save Our Children’ campaign in Miami-Dade County and John Briggs’ Proposition 6 campaign in California.
The right and far-right have latched onto anti-trans rhetoric and bigotry in hopes of defeating the gains of the LGBTQ+ community as a whole — but more importantly, to empower hate generally & lock in the allegiance and money of rightwing evangelicals. Their claims of protecting youth are shameful BS, exposed in part by expanded attacks against adult trans people as well. Laws are being proposed to make gender-affirming care illegal for anyone under age 26! Limits are also being imposed on what universities can discuss or teach.
The campaign against trans people is closely linked to white supremacy, antisemitism, Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Proud Boys, and the rest.
These are two posts on my blog addressing these points:
Deja Vu All Over Again: The New Wave of Anti-LGBTQ+ Attacks
May 27, 2022
The Other Big Lie
March 12, 2023
Posted April 29, 2023
Note to Email Subscribers: Thank you for your interest and support! The email notifications you receive omit some elements and others don’t display properly. To see this post as designed and intended, please click on the post title to view it in your web browser.
A Request to my Facebook Friends: If you have a comment I encourage you to enter it below instead of on Facebook. This way everyone can participate in the conversation!
A Request to Everyone: All opinions are welcome. I only ask that we remain civil and respectful of one another.
