http://www.lgbtqnation.com News, Opinions, Arts and Culture | The Nation's LGBTQ News Magazine Thu, 23 May 2013 21:00:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/10/the-cross-in-the-closet-reinforces-transphobia-while-dealing-with-homophobia/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/10/the-cross-in-the-closet-reinforces-transphobia-while-dealing-with-homophobia/#comments Sat, 20 Oct 2012 19:30:08 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=65839 Many people that read "The Cross in the Closet" will have had little or no experience with the "T" part of LGBT. I did not start entering intimate relationships with transgender people until years into my own advocacy work. Most people outside, and some people inside the LGBT community, do not have a grasp of the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity.]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/10/the-cross-in-the-closet-reinforces-transphobia-while-dealing-with-homophobia/feed/ 3 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/10/same-sex-marriage-does-not-obstruct-your-religious-liberty/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/10/same-sex-marriage-does-not-obstruct-your-religious-liberty/#comments Sun, 14 Oct 2012 17:00:39 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=65090 What is up for vote in four states this November is civil marriage. A civil marriage is a legal contract within a state; it is not a religious marriage. Pastors will still be able to perform, or not, ceremonies at their will. No pastor will be forced to marry anyone. Period. It is true today and, no matter what the vote is on Nov. 6, it will be true then as well...]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/10/same-sex-marriage-does-not-obstruct-your-religious-liberty/feed/ 13 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/09/matthew-vines-reforming-the-gay-christian-debate/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/09/matthew-vines-reforming-the-gay-christian-debate/#comments Sun, 23 Sep 2012 18:00:18 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=63368 “What does the Bible say about loving, same-sex relationships?” Nothing. Not a thing. And in that absence of Biblical direction of support for or condemnation of these relationships, Christians need to follow the general principles of the Bible: love, justice and kindness...]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/09/matthew-vines-reforming-the-gay-christian-debate/feed/ 7 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/08/traditional-family-values-which-traditions-whose-families-what-values/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/08/traditional-family-values-which-traditions-whose-families-what-values/#comments Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:00:56 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=61080 For the past thirty years, the Bible has been so tightly intertwined into politics that we’ve been confused as to what makes up the Bible and what makes up a political platform. “Traditional family values” — what does this even mean?]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/08/traditional-family-values-which-traditions-whose-families-what-values/feed/ 5 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/08/family-research-council-the-destruction-continues/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/08/family-research-council-the-destruction-continues/#comments Sat, 18 Aug 2012 17:00:45 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=60917 There is absolutely no doubt that FRC, along with more than a dozen other “Christian” based organizations lie about LGBT people. And this is the root of the escalating tension: the propagation of lies. This does damage. This oppresses fellow humans. Those who continue to do this all use the Bible to validate their oppression, making it extremely vile to many Christians. You can only push on and denigrate people for so long before it boils over...]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/08/family-research-council-the-destruction-continues/feed/ 7 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/06/edith-windsor-vs-the-united-states-edie-4-u-s-0/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/06/edith-windsor-vs-the-united-states-edie-4-u-s-0/#comments Sat, 09 Jun 2012 16:00:34 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=55807 It seemed an intimate a moment as Edie drifted off to her memories. It was so sweet and it touched the depth of me. I was listening to a woman who fell in love at first sight and never stopped loving her partner of 44 years. “Did getting married after 42 years make a difference, Edie?”, I wondered. “Oh, Y E S ! It felt like we were finally recognized by friends and family and people around us. It felt wonderful!”]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/06/edith-windsor-vs-the-united-states-edie-4-u-s-0/feed/ 4 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/05/mel-white-exposes-lies-the-christian-right-tell-us-to-deny-gay-equality/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/05/mel-white-exposes-lies-the-christian-right-tell-us-to-deny-gay-equality/#comments Sun, 27 May 2012 18:00:51 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=54328 How and why do otherwise kind and Jesus-esque people become machines motivated by fear and unleashed in ignorance when the topic switches to the gay community? And how, on this one topic, do some Christians neglect the clear Biblical mandates to care for the poor and the outcast and turn all their negative energy onto the LGBT community? Who can we “thank” for this diversion and inoculation of deception and ignorance? "Holy Terror: Lies the Christian Right Tells to Deny Gay Equality," by Mel White, is a treasure map to the answer... ]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/05/mel-white-exposes-lies-the-christian-right-tell-us-to-deny-gay-equality/feed/ 5 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/04/day-of-dialogue-from-focus-on-the-family-is-sacred-discrimination/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/04/day-of-dialogue-from-focus-on-the-family-is-sacred-discrimination/#comments Sun, 08 Apr 2012 17:00:00 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=50637 I have a hair-trigger sensitivity for the protection of LGBT youth. Even if an action is wrapped in heart-themed paper and tied with a Jesus-loves-you ribbon, when there is something rotten inside, I can smell it. There is something very rotten at the core of the Day of Dialogue event sponsored by the conservative Christian ministry Focus on the Family. ]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/04/day-of-dialogue-from-focus-on-the-family-is-sacred-discrimination/feed/ 11 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/03/the-bible-and-homosexuality-a-biblical-presentation-with-matthew-vines/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/03/the-bible-and-homosexuality-a-biblical-presentation-with-matthew-vines/#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:46:48 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=49716 Matthew Vines attended a conservative Presbyterian church growing up. He excelled in school and went to Harvard in 2008, and in that less restrictive social and academic environment, Matthew came to understand and accept that he was gay. In conservative denominations, there are only a few options for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members: leave it all behind to possibly find a welcoming denomination, stay and hide out or submit to a reparative therapy program, or leave the church altogether. None of those seemed acceptable to Matthew...]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2012/03/the-bible-and-homosexuality-a-biblical-presentation-with-matthew-vines/feed/ 8 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/12/i-no-longer-identify-as-a-christian-they-often-write/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/12/i-no-longer-identify-as-a-christian-they-often-write/#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:30:40 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=41685 If part of a person’s expression of faith means treating people unequally, denying rights of others and making them a target of their fear, that faith is not aligned with the God of the Bible. They may be aligned with a God of a party or a denomination, but they are missing the heart of the Father God, the One who created and loves His children. Every one of them.]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/12/i-no-longer-identify-as-a-christian-they-often-write/feed/ 21 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/11/student-non-discrimination-act-needed-to-protect-lgbt-students-from-bullying/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/11/student-non-discrimination-act-needed-to-protect-lgbt-students-from-bullying/#comments Sun, 13 Nov 2011 17:30:55 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=40165 It’s essential that the Student Non Discrimination Act becomes part of Elementary and Secondary Education re-Authorization Act (ESEA) when it comes for vote in the Senate. It will expand the protection from bullying based on: religion, sex, national origin and disabilities to include protection for sexual orientation and gender identity for LGBT students.]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/11/student-non-discrimination-act-needed-to-protect-lgbt-students-from-bullying/feed/ 9 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/10/brown-lively-cite-christian-faith-as-source-of-passion-against-radical-gay-agenda/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/10/brown-lively-cite-christian-faith-as-source-of-passion-against-radical-gay-agenda/#comments Sat, 22 Oct 2011 23:00:31 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=38819 I have given up on trying to influence either Brown or Lively, both with whom I have had extensive interaction. But, watching and listening, are well-intended, good Christian people trying to discern the truth in this dialogue. All one needs do is pay attention to the tone of the message. ]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/10/brown-lively-cite-christian-faith-as-source-of-passion-against-radical-gay-agenda/feed/ 10 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/10/linda-harvey-the-game-of-peek-a-boo-is-over-gay-people-exist-grow-up/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/10/linda-harvey-the-game-of-peek-a-boo-is-over-gay-people-exist-grow-up/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:00:55 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=35966 Linda, the game of peek-a-boo is over. You are a grown Christian woman now. Not only is yours the attitude of a two-year old, it is wholly non-Christian to ignore and discount others. What Jesus would do if He encountered His gay neighbor? ]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/10/linda-harvey-the-game-of-peek-a-boo-is-over-gay-people-exist-grow-up/feed/ 19 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/09/trans-stonewall-chaz-opens-the-door/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/09/trans-stonewall-chaz-opens-the-door/#comments Sun, 18 Sep 2011 20:30:01 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=34491 I imagine I serve a Wonderful Creator Who really is creative; in all this lovely complexity of humanity, He understands both gender and sex. Yet plenty of people are already plotting the next onslaught of bigotry directed at the transgender community. Some people will react with scorn and “how dare he/she” comments. Try not to be in that prison with them. ]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/09/trans-stonewall-chaz-opens-the-door/feed/ 14 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/09/str8apology-lady-visits-charlotte-pride-jesus-loves-you-just-the-way-you-are/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/09/str8apology-lady-visits-charlotte-pride-jesus-loves-you-just-the-way-you-are/#comments Mon, 05 Sep 2011 19:00:32 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=33193 As in any group, there are extremists Christians who intensely dislike and even hate the LGBT community. At the other end of the spectrum, are affirming Christians and denominations who welcome equality in both ordinations and unions. Then, in that big middle majority space are the ones who are still trying to decide where they land on the issues of inclusion and reconciliation of faith and orientation. Those are the ones I am challenging.]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/09/str8apology-lady-visits-charlotte-pride-jesus-loves-you-just-the-way-you-are/feed/ 19 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/09/bullies-with-bibles-preachers-and-screechers-descend-upon-charlotte-pride/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/09/bullies-with-bibles-preachers-and-screechers-descend-upon-charlotte-pride/#comments Sat, 03 Sep 2011 17:30:02 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=32931 One of the most severe forms of bullying is the misuse of the Word of God — with its intrinsic message of love — to try to coerce anyone to conform and worse, to do harm to people. ]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/09/bullies-with-bibles-preachers-and-screechers-descend-upon-charlotte-pride/feed/ 17 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/09/god-does-have-a-better-way-dont-stand-in-the-path-of-it/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/09/god-does-have-a-better-way-dont-stand-in-the-path-of-it/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:00:59 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=32795 Be advised, you do not dictate the rules for God’s House of Worship. God does have a much better way. If you can't figure it out or understand it, get out of the way, because a revival is hitting the LGBT Christian community and more are navigating their way around your “repent or burn” banners...]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/09/god-does-have-a-better-way-dont-stand-in-the-path-of-it/feed/ 13 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/08/god-has-a-better-way-protest-planned-stifle-charlotte-gay-pride-festivities/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/08/god-has-a-better-way-protest-planned-stifle-charlotte-gay-pride-festivities/#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:00:43 +0000 By Kathy Baldock http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=31457 I don’t appreciate anyone telling me that God has a better way in a context that is only used to change or “fix” me into what they think God wants for me. What about what I have come to know God wants for me? They are not serving Jesus, they are serving their own ignorance...]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/08/god-has-a-better-way-protest-planned-stifle-charlotte-gay-pride-festivities/feed/ 19 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/08/trans-mockery-in-the-house-of-god-get-educated/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/08/trans-mockery-in-the-house-of-god-get-educated/#comments Sun, 07 Aug 2011 18:00:59 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=30780 As the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities find more acceptance in churches and in society, still left in the shadows and in the back corners hidden from our kind considerations are the transgender people. I am witnessing them become the next target of religious leaders.]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/08/trans-mockery-in-the-house-of-god-get-educated/feed/ 23 http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/07/jesus-left-room-for-same-sex-marriage-and-new-york-state-moved-in-mazel-tov/ http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/07/jesus-left-room-for-same-sex-marriage-and-new-york-state-moved-in-mazel-tov/#comments Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:30:34 +0000 [kbaldock] http://www.lgbtqnation.com/?p=30122 Look for the message of Jesus in the Bible. He is the Bringer of Equality. He is the Breaker of Tradition. He is the Bridge for All. He is the Door to Freedom. He has left room at the marriage altar for all the children He loves.]]> http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/07/jesus-left-room-for-same-sex-marriage-and-new-york-state-moved-in-mazel-tov/feed/ 8