There is also love in the world...

[SugarMagnolia]

Yesterday was frustrating. I attended a county supervisors meeting to support California's stance as a "sanctuary" state for immigrants. I was in guy mode and saw a bunch of the pro-Trump folks that I see at our weekly protests....and a co-worker with the same anti-sanctuary group although I don't think he's as hate filled as most of them. The noticed me on the way out and made some comments about my not presenting as female. All of that bothered me throughout the day, but wasn't that big a deal.

Cue this morning when the Westboro Baptist "church" was protesting a local school that had actively supported a young trans student. I was braced for the same sort of aggressive, hostile interactions we've been having with the pro-Trump hateniks. But that's not at all what happened!

Instead we had 200-300 lovely LGBTQ people and allies  with messages of love and acceptance. Westboro Baptist had about 6 people. It was a great feeling to see such an outpouring of support for trans kids. It couldn't have been a more wonderful morning walking around meeting new people and exchanging hugs with those that I already knew.

Another great reminder that despite the all too frequent displays of hate and bigotry that we see, there is also love in the world!

 

[Kirsten]

Wow. That’s beautiful Julie! I am amazed at all the support across the whole lgbt world. And those darn wbc people are a waste of time imho. They just hate the world. 

I am sorry that you had to deal with the stupidity of the guys from your weekly protests. But if they are resorting to tactics like that you must really be under their skin! I’d mention it next time you se me them. Be like “hey thanks for noticing me last week. You really made my day. Oh but I’m not single so sorry.” Lol. That ought to get a rise out of them.

[SugarMagnolia]

?

Our minds must work in similar ways, Kirsten. I've thought about that approach before. I'm at the point, though, where I just simply ignore them. Their only motivation is to provoke and to make us uncomfortable. Engaging only really helps them, so I'm maintaining radio silence for now.

But, yeah, it was a beautiful morning and it made me proud!

[Jani]

I understand you wanting to go to the sanctuary meeting in guy mode.  You need to focus on your safety first.  I assume you didn't want to draw attention away from the subject, by anyone that may have tried to out you.  (I hope that came out right)  I doubt the guy will say anything later at work but if he does, say "I can dress any way I like.  It doesn't change who I am or what I stand for".  

 

I'm proud of you for getting out there and being involved!
 

Cheers, Jani

[SugarMagnolia]

Jani, yes, not distracting was part of it and I was also headed to work after that and am not completely out there. You made perfect sense and while being outed is a bit of a concern I'm not too worried about that. It was more the annoyance of feeling like I demonstrated some sort of inconsistency. I know that's nonsense, but giving those nutcases any additional ammunition just annoys me. ?

Despite some of his politics, this co-worker and I share much in common and I know him to be a caring family man, so I'm not too worried about his reaction, although one never knows. I don't know that he'll ever be affirming, but I'm pretty sure that at the least he'll be professional. We'll see...

It does feel good being involved and I'm constantly reminded what a small world politics is. I opened up my CA voters guide the other day and realized that I am personally acquainted with quite a few of the statewide candidates. That's not because I do anything important, but because it's actually a pretty small group. Individuals can make a surprisingly large difference just by showing up and making themselves heard. 

[SugarMagnolia]

Here's a write up of the event. Some good video as well....

http://fox40.com/2018/05/09/3-members-of-a-hate-group-showed-up-in-rocklin-hundreds-stood-up-to-them/

[BrandiBri]

I'm sure that was embarrassing for those Baptists. Weather they got the message is debatable i'm sure. Let's hope for the best.

Only by standing together we can overcome. Awesome video and article.

 

Brandi

[Ravin]

Just now, BrandiBri said:

I'm sure that was embarrassing for those Baptists. Weather they got the message is debatable i'm sure. Let's hope for the best.

Only by standing together we can overcome. Awesome video and article.

 

Brandi

 

That's actually the typical pattern when there is advanced notice that they will be showing up somewhere, and has been since the 90's when they were attending the funerals of AIDS victims, then on through the 00's when they were crashing the funerals of fallen soldiers, etc. There are far more people that will stand against hate than will stand with it, at least when it comes to WBC's brand of hate.