lgbtq — Truth in Progress Blog Archive

"OLD MEN": WHITE, BLACK, and ALL EVANGELICAL MEN, REPENT!

Once the Methodist/United Methodist Church was viewed as "America's Church." We boasted that Methodism was present in every County seat town. Those of us who are not Dallas Cowboys ("America's Team") fans despite their success this year, believed that we as a Church were more "American" than the Cowboys. But today in a distortion of the meaning of "Globality", we sacrifice the inclusivity, although not yet perfected, of the USA, in order to "use" the biases taught by missionaries, to justify discrimination in the UMC.

"From Selma to Stonewall - Are We There Yet?"

I do not believe that most men, upon reflection, would want a negative depiction of men (as expressed in the slogan) to justify the rejection of an equal rights ordinance. "Men ofHouston", I do not believe you deserve the fear-mongering that used your gender to defeat an equal rights ordinance!

Words of Support for the Equality Act from an 81-year-old former CR Movement "Foot Soldier"

Different Struggle Same FightMarilynJuly 26, 2015Equality Act, lgbtq, March on Washington, marriage equality, Martin Luther King Jr-, Mississippi Freedom Summer, Poor peoples campaign, Selma to MontgomeryComment

Reflections on the Ferguson decision re: Black Rights and Gay Rights

My wish is that LGBTQ persons, same sex married couples and gay rights organizations could "speak out" against the overt anti-black racism that was so evident in the no verdict decision of the Ferguson Grand Jury. The Prosecutor in his public announcement made Michael Brown the perpetrator and the one who shot him, the victim. Thus, the Jury decided what it did.

SOME PEOPLE IN THE USA and THE UMC ARE STILL AFRAID OF BLACKS and GAYS

I long ago ceased engaging in debate about the differences between the discrimination/oppression of blacks and gay. There is no equivalence! I have written these words to call for a new and/or renewed coalition of Blacks and Gays and our ally/advocates as we confront the "isms" that empower some at the expense of others. The economic, educational, healthcare, business ownership, residential and other inequities that divide us, call for activist coalitions.

Different Struggle Same FightMarilynOctober 15, 2014homosexuality, lgbtq, Malcolm X, marriage equality, police abuse, racism, SCOTUS, segregation, Selma, stonewall, umc, USAComment

Truth in Progress affirms withdrawing support for ENDA

Religious fundamentalism, regardless of the religion, whether it is Islamic Sharia Law, Christian teachings, or any other religious law or teaching may serve the adherents of the religious believer. But, if we continue to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in schools and public places and end it with the words, "With liberty and justice for all," then we cannot allow so-called “Religious Freedom" to make a mockery of those words.

TRUTH IN PROGRESS DOCUMENTARY "From Selma to Stonewall" launched TODAY, JUNETEENTH, on Kickstarter!

On this Juneteenth and in honor of LGBTQ Pride celebrations worldwide, Truth in Progress is celebrating by launching our crowd-funding campaign on Kickstarter for our 30-minute documentary film FROM SELMA TO STONEWALL!... The power of the human story to connect people, bring deeper meaning, and unite rather than divide is immeasurable. When a people rise up together, out of the struggle, there is a power that is unstoppable. FROM SELMA TO STONEWALL will be a resource for many audiences, individuals, national and local organizations, and classroom studies. Please back this goal by making a donation today. On this JUNETEENTH, freedom is on time!

Reflections on the Life and Death of Nelson Mandela

The brutality of apartheid as depicted in the scenes that are presented on television, or painted by radio accounts, reminds us again of how despite our rhetoric about humanity and justice, and justice for all, our deeds too often are quite distant from our creeds. And, for those of us who claim and are claimed by religious faith, we see again how the silence of the majority of the faithful and their institutions, in the face of injustice, reveals how frightened and fragile are these religious/spiritual institutions.

Different Struggle Same FightMarilynDecember 6, 2013Apartheid, Howard Thurman, lgbtq, Nelson Mandela, same-sex marriage, slavery, South AfricaComment

Chicago Tour Begins!

How can all communities have genuine conversation about racial realities in the United States of America in 2013? What can we learn from those living at the intersection of multiple "identities?" Come join us not to take ourselves seriously but to seriously consider how together we can create a better world for everyone!

Guest blogger Bobbie Zenker, Transgender attorney and author

Those experiences hurt. But I thank God for them now. They have opened my eyes, not just to the plight of trans people, not even only to the LGBT class to which I ostensibly belong, but to the broader notion of justice.

Guest ColumnMarilynJanuary 30, 2012gender identity, lgbt non discrimination, lgbtq, missoula, mlk day, transgender equality, transgender youthComment

FROM ONE QUEER TO...

Your compassion was formed in the crucible of lawful violent acts meant to demean, demoralize, and defeat, even unto death. You know the reality of such evil and out of that knowing you can imagine what that beating-down does to others. But you offer your hand anyway without knowing if there is mutual respect and commitment.

Signatures welcome from persons across the racial spectrum

We still live in a time of racial and racist paradox. Some of my black colleagues have wondered why those who are active in the Gay Rights Movement have not identified with our continuing Black justice struggle as they have wanted us to join theirs. I, as one who "stands in the gap" would deeply appreciate it if my white colleagues and others would add their names to the statement.

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