Tuesday 28 November 2023

Using gender as a weapon

I often wonder what I would say to someone who tells me, face-to-face, that teachers are grooming kids. The vast majority of teachers don't even have time to groom themselves! Religious groups are using their values and beliefs, to harness this topic as a weapon.  Some are being accused of 'radical gender ideology.' Such nonsense. These are kids and their lives, and well-being, is at stake. 

 Teachers work hard to create classroom communities where all kids are valued.  This is an excellent video, in response to wannabe trustees who oppose this fake issue, with great comebacks: 

There is much intolerance in the world. This storys gives me hope, though.

There was an amazing piece in the NYTimes. JB told me about it. If you do not have access to it, you can read the CBC article about the situation:

Trans kids lost roles in Texas school musical — until their parents went to bat for them 
School board nixes decision to restrict Oklahoma! casting based on gender assigned at birth

To summarize, the school board chair decided that a transgender student couldn't take a lead role in the play. The community came out and supported the kid. If you know anything about high school musicals, and acting, you know that they cast according to ability, not gender. In Shakespeare's time, men often played female roles. 

And, more from the US about the famous Macy's Parade. They always feature Broadway show performances, and I taped it to watch it. They had lots of numbers from the various shows that are currently running. But this year:

Macy’s Parade Shuns Boycott Demands From Anti-L.G.B.T.Q. Group A right-wing group that has been designated a hate group is planning to protest the Thanksgiving parade because of the inclusion of two non-binary performers.

There was a 'road rally' in B.C.,  "Stop SOGI 123" means to stop discussing Sexual Orientation and Gender Issues. 



Bill Shoker, a farmer in an expensive tractor ($200,000?), driving in the convoy, ran from the police. The tractor flipped and he was hurt (CBC). 

When Global News went to the Shokers' home, a woman who identified herself as his wife said Bill Shoker was participating in the “STOP SOGI 123” protest that was a scheduled “Road Rally” starting in Chilliwack and ending in Vancouver.
The man broke a bone in his back, and will need back surgery. Hooray for universal healthcare, as he won't have to pay for said surgery, despite being self-inflicted. 

The videos are epic.

14 comments:

Tom said...

...Moms for Liberty are a terrorist group.

Barbara Rogers said...

Wow! Many crazies out there! Poor kids who are just trying to grow up. They get to see what grown-ups are like these days!

Anvilcloud said...

People are so concerned about what others are doing when it doesn't affect them.

Teachers have very little influence over kids. Among other things, they are too busy baling the boat, so that it doesn't sink.

Elephant's Child said...

Huge sigh. And thanks for sharing that excellent video.

Cloudia said...

Ran from the police shows you what these people are all about. They have been lied to by experts and are now pawns of very dark forces. Stay in the light. Jenn! Aloha

Ontario Wanderer said...

Back in the 60's, I thought we were going to change the world for the better.

Red said...

There is just a tremendous amount of ignorance on this issue. Ignorant people are too afraid to look up some facts.

Kay said...

Thank you very much for that video! That was awesome! I need to share it with teacher friends.

Kay said...

I'm afraid you can't read the New York Times article unless you subscribe.

DeniseinVA said...

We badly need more love and acceptance in the world. Growing up is hard enough. Another great post Jenn!

Divers and Sundry said...

I'd give a lot if we could quit judging people based on their appearance. Why can't we just take people as they are and let people dress and present themselves as suits them *sigh* Maybe someday. I'm glad the extremists have had a losing season, but I fear they'll keep up their pressure.

Jeanie said...

I absolutely do not understand the hate. Life is hard but everyone deserves to be allowed to be who they are and not regarded badly for it. This makes me so sad. A most thought-provoking post, Jenn.

Olga said...

This is an important post. I did laugh at the teachers can't even groom themselves much of the time because I lived that!

William Kendall said...

The hate is discouraging.