A commentary on this article from the Huffington Post, which reports about a conservative group's effort to repeal the recently passed legislation regarding transgender students.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...
I don't believe I knew anyone growing up who was narrow-minded, bigoted, etc., who didn't receive those lessons around the dinner table. Their fear of "other" was not innate; it was a seed that was planted and hatefully cultivated. If these groups truly want to do something for "the children," they will set the example of thoughtful reflection combined with an open heart and not teach them to be confused about something that, on their own, they will be OK with.
At One-n-ten, a safe haven/social space for LGBT youth here in Phoenix, there is a series of rules posted on the walls, and before any group activity, they are read aloud. My favorite, bar none, is "Don't 'yuck' anyone's 'yum.'" I think it's a beautiful edict, on par at least with the Golden Rule, and it simply means that no one in that safe space should attack or tear down what brings joy to someone else and which also doesn't hurt anyone else.
Do I always follow it? No, but I am trying more and more every day to take it to heart, and all I would ask these conservative groups to do is the same. Affirming a trans youth's identity hurts no one and does not inhibit anyone's right to express religious beliefs.
The article doesn't mention religion, but I went to your web site, and it's right there in the toolbar at the top of the page. Allow me to make something clear; you may still believe that certain actions are sins and hold dear to your desiccated hearts the conviction that those people will burn in the hottest pits of Hell for all eternity upon shuffling loose their mortal coils. Go ahead and believe the shit out of it! Meet once, twice, seven times a week and shout it from your pulpit. I don't agree with it, but you're in your building among your people, so go to town.
Please do not forget, however, that there are boundaries to that right, and you cross one of them when you leave that building. You cross another every time you presume to restrict anyone from doing anything simply based on your firmly held beliefs. Passing legislation to benefit the rights of another doesn't impede your ability to freely express your religious beliefs; it does, however, impede your ability to be an ass, and that's not a right you have. It's just a choice.