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Stephanie Ruhle’s Fierce Takedown On Anti-Trans Athlete Bills

MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle asks West Virginia Gov. Justice why address trans girls in sports versus larger more pressing issues in his state?

MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle asks West Virginia Gov. Justice why address trans girls in sports versus larger more pressing issues in his state? This is a pretty brutal, but fair, take down by MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle on the topic of all those state’s currently banning transgender girls from playing sports in public middle schools, high schools, and universities. West Virginia Governor Jim Justice just signed such a bill into law, and Ruhle brings some direct questions to the table. “The law you just signed, bans transgender female athletes from playing on women’s school sports teams,” she began. “Can you name one example of a transgender child, trying to gain an unfair competitive advantage at a school, there, in West Virginia?” The governor was at a loss to do so. “Well, Stephanie I don’t have that experience exactly to myself, exactly, right now.” “No, not yourself,” Ruhle pressed. “Your state. Can you give me one example of a transgender child trying to get an unfair advantage? Just one, in your state. You signed a bill about it.” “I can’t really tell you one, but I can tell you this, Stephanie,” replied Justice. “I’m a coach and I coach a girls’ basketball team. And I can tell you we all know, we all know, what an absolute advantage boys would have playing against girls.” “But sir – you have no examples of this happening,” countered Ruhle. “Why would you take your time to do this? Let’s talk about other things that I can give you examples of in your state. According to US News and World Report, West Virginia ranks 45th in education, 47th in health care, 48th on the economy, and 50th in infrastructure. If you can not name one single example for me, of a child doing this, why would you make this a priority? I just named four things that would seem to me like a much bigger priority.” Justice attempted some lame babble praising girls who work so hard at their sports and they shouldn’t be disadvantaged by trans girls participating. He also said he thinks “there are only 12 kids in our state that are transgender-type kids.” Ruhle wasn’t impressed. She ended the segment with this coup de grâce: “Please come back, when beyond anecdotal feelings as a coach, you can show me evidence where those young women are being disadvantaged in your state because I can show you evidence how ranking that low in education is a disadvantage for young women and men in West Virginia.” Annnnnnd, curtain. Watch the exchange below.

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100 Million Americans Fully Vaccinated Against COVID

Vials of COVID-19 vaccine

Vials of COVID-19 vaccine White House coronavirus response director Jeff Zients announced today that over 100 million Americans are now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. From CNN:

The news comes as CNN reported that Biden’s coronavirus advisers are moving into the next phase of their response, from ramping up availability of Covid-19 vaccines to reaching those who have not yet gotten the shot.

White House officials have three overarching goals for the next 100 days: increasing accessibility, combating misinformation and assisting those without the resources to get vaccinated.

The US has administered approximately 237 million shots of the three Covid-19 vaccines as of Friday morning, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With 330 million people in the United States, medical experts say the minimum needed in order to reach the goal of ‘herd immunity’ is 70 percent or 231 million.

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Josh Duggar Indicted On Child Pornography Charges

Josh Duggar has been indicted on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography
Josh Duggar (mugshot via Washington County Sheriff’s Office)
Just when I thought I’d never see Josh Duggar’s name again. From NBC Washington:

Josh Duggar, the former reality TV star from TLC’s “19 Kids and Counting,” has been charged by indictment in Arkansas for receipt and possession of child pornography.

A release from the United States Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Arkansas stated Duggar “allegedly used the internet to download child sexual abuse material.”

“One stipulation Judge Wiedermann requested is for Duggar to have a third-party custodian should he be released on bond,” KNWA, a local news broadcaster in Northwest Arkansas, reported. “Also, the residence where he would stay must be devoid of minor children.”

If convicted, Duggar faces up to 20 years of imprisonment and fines up to $250,000 on each count.

Note: Josh Duggar and his wife, Anna, have six children and are currently expecting their seventh. “19 Kids and Counting” was cancelled in 2015 amid the revelations that Josh had molested four of his sisters and a babysitter. Duggar issued a public statement at the time apologizing, but he wasn’t done yet. A year later internet sleuths discovered he had an Ashley Madison account where folks apparently hook up for sex while cheating on their spouses. And this was all while he espoused holier-than-thou Christian platitudes.

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News Round-Up: April 29, 2021

Ewan McGregor as Halston

Ewan McGregor as Halston
Ewan McGregor as Halston (via Instagram)
Some news items you might have missed: • LGBTQ Nation: 17-year-old Jace King has become the first out transgender Eagle Scout in his small town of Splendora, Texas, and may be one of the first in the country. King had always dreamed of becoming an Eagle Scout like his brother, but due to the scouts’ ban on transgender boys, he was not allowed to join until 2019. • The Daily Beast: Podcast host Joe Rogan walked back a statement he made on his podcast last week that young, healthy people shouldn’t get the COVID-19 vaccine. Rogan conceded, “I’m not a doctor, I’m a fucking moron. There’s some legitimate science behind this…I believe [the vaccines] are safe.” • Instinct Magazine: Actor Ewan McGregor (above) is defending his decision to take on the role of gay fashion design icon Halston in the upcoming Netflix mini-series. https://www.instagram.com/p/COAu9YLnrhd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link • New York Times: Three Georgia men were indicted on federal hate crime and attempted kidnapping charges in connection with the death of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man who was shot to death while jogging through a South Georgia neighborhood last year • American Greatness: Conservative author Peter D’Abrosca is refusing to get a COVID vaccine in an effort to ‘own the libs.’ “It makes them mad when they hear about my refusal. That, in turn, makes me happy.” • Out: The Tennessee CEO of a telehealth technology firm was fired after he was captured on video harassing a teen who was wearing a dress for prom. Sam Johnson, 46, was fired from his position at VisuWell after video of his exchange with Dalton Stevens, 18, at the Harpeth Hotel last Saturday went viral.

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Short Film Dives Into Deep Waters Of Eating Disorders

Michael Henry in ‘How Do I Look?’ (screen captures)
For years now, funny guy Michael Henry has explored LGBTQ culture with lots of humor and creativity. His latest short film takes a different tone as he addresses the inner demons many gays battle in regard to body image and eating disorders. The video begins with Henry staring into space as images of fit, lean gays attending a fun and frolicsome pool party float by. Henry is there as well, but wearing his t-shirt and shorts as he chills in the pool. We follow Henry’s silent observations as he ponders burgers, fries…or fruit? Or not? He double-taps on InstaHunk after InstaHunk as he eats alone in the dark. Potato chips and his bedroom mirror bedevil him leading him to utilize the one escape route he knows. As the images come faster and faster, time rewinds until we land on the view of a West Hollywood billboard that succinctly sums up Henry’s message without uttering a single word.

The 100 second video is striking in its embrace of silent storytelling. And for someone who’s made a name for himself knowing how to crack wise as he spoofs gay culture, it’s clear the topic at hand is important to Henry. “I wanted to make this film with the sole intention being that you’re not alone,” wrote the writer/director in an Instagram post. “Millions of men have disordered eating behaviors and gay/bisexual men are at an even higher risk.” Studies have shown that among men who have eating disorders, 42 percent identify as gay even though LGBTQ people only make up about 4 percent of the U.S. population. A national survey of LGBTQ youth in 2018 found that 54 percent of respondents had been diagnosed with an eating disorder. If you or someone you know needs assistance when it comes to disordered eating call or text the National Eating Disorders Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. https://www.instagram.com/p/COLiH-_BbeZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Washington: Super-Spreader Event Leads To Spike In COVID Infections

A super-spreader event in Washington state has led to nearly 100 COVID-19 infections

A super-spreader event in Washington state has led to nearly 100 COVID-19 infections
(screen capture via KREM2)
The pandemic deniers are still at it. From NBC News affiliate KREM2:

A three-day-long super-spreader event in Republic, Washington is causing a spike in COVID-19 cases in Ferry County. As of Wednesday, nearly 100 people had been infected.

The event was set up to recruit new Eagle’s Club members the weekend of April 9-11. Some said it was advertised as a protest against COVID-19 restrictions. The club president said it was simply a dinner and poker night to attract new members.

Health officials in Republic said patient zero was traced back to the event. Since then, infections have reached far into the community.

The bank in town had to shut down early and brought in temporary workers. One of the only grocery stores also had limited capacity and county services have taken a hit with court cases being delayed because so many workers are either home sick or in quarantine.

These kinds of events have been happening throughout the past year as the pandemic has raged on.

(h/t JoeMyGod)

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Biden To Trans Americans: ‘Your President Has Your Back’

President Joe Biden calls for Congress to pass the Equality Act

President Joe Biden calls for Congress to pass the Equality Act In his first address to a joint session of Congress, President Joe Biden spoke to several issues as well as his proposed American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan. Along the way, the president took time to call for the passage of the Equality Act: “I also hope Congress can get to my desk the Equality Act to protect the rights of LGBTQ Americans.” He added a special message to transgender folks: “To all the transgender Americans watching at home — especially the young people who are so brave — I want you to know that your president has your back.”

The Equality Act would add legal protections for LGBTQ Americans to existing federal civil rights laws. The legislation has already passed in the House, but faces a steep climb in the Senate where Democrats will need 10 Republicans to join them in passing the bill. A CBS News poll following Biden’s address showed 85% of Americans who watched approved of his speech, 15% disapproved. And 78% say the speech made them feel “optimistic” about America. As an example of how partisan politics have become, of those who watched Biden’s address, 54% identified as Democrats, 18% as Republican and 25% as independent, according to CBS News. So, basically, Republicans didn’t tune in to watch. By comparison, 76% of the audience (that leaned Republican) approved of Trump’s speech in 2017.

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Economists Predict Post-Vaccine Boom As Economy Continues To Rebound

A photo of cash

A photo of cash
(image via Sharon McCutcheon/Unsplash)
Good news from the Commerce Department as the U.S. economy continues to rebound. From the New York Times:

The economy picked up speed last quarter, shaking off some of the lingering effects of the pandemic as consumer spending grew, bolstered by government stimulus checks and an easing of restrictions in many parts of the country.

The Commerce Department reported Thursday that the economy expanded 1.6 percent in the first three months of 2021, compared with 1.1 percent in the final quarter last year.

On an annualized basis, the first-quarter growth rate was 6.4 percent.

Over at Axios, Nicholas Johnston reports on a research note from Goldman Sachs (titled ‘Anatomy of a Boom’) that forecasts “more than 7% growth in 2021, a sustained pace not seen in more than 30 years.” According to the research note, economists post-vaccine hopes for an economic rebound are “changing from ‘from forecast to fact.'” You’ll recall during the presidential campaign last year, “the former guy” constantly told his followers the economy would tank if he wasn’t reelected. While the stock market isn’t “the economy,” check out these charts tracking the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 for the past four months.

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InstaHunk Round-Up: Hump Day Edition

https://www.instagram.com/p/COLqA-9LZJh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Checking in on the hunks of Instagram this fine Hump Day. Billy Reilich (above) lightens the day with some comedy: Why do bananas need sunscreen? Because they peel… Mr. Brazil Gay 2020, Max Souza, is giving you serious Speedo action at the beach. https://www.instagram.com/p/COJR_imrRk5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link International pop star Ricky Martin went for black leather & blond beard for his cover of Schon Magazine: https://www.instagram.com/p/COOAcYRnSg_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Woofy Fran Dullon is pining for the days of gay cruises. Fact – I actually met the InstaHunk on my last Atlantis Cruise in August 2019, and he was uber-charming. https://www.instagram.com/p/CONkDP7D9V8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Actor Jim Newman is “anaconda hunting” in the Amazon??? #PleaseStayInTheBoat https://www.instagram.com/p/COLymivlKqh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Curtis Fitzgerald definitely did NOT skip leg day at the gym: https://www.instagram.com/p/COMbXfsAF2u/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Out singer/songwriter Milahroy is giving you ‘mood’ as he preps for the release of his next single,”Daylight,” on Friday: https://www.instagram.com/p/COJBy5_hCHV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Brock Yurich throws down the gauntlet on what actually constitutes “shorts:” https://www.instagram.com/p/COOZcEtpGVV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Fitness trainer Nathan McCallum pretty much proves he’s super-human in this series of core workouts. I can’t do this but I like his music… https://www.instagram.com/p/COMR9t7A2xq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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Switzerland Will Hold National Vote On Same-Sex Marriage

Same-sex wedding

Switzerland will hold a public referendum on whether to legalize same-sex marriage

I was surprised to learn today that Switzerland, of all countries, still has not legalized same-sex marriage.

One of the few European countries still lacking marriage equality, Switzerland will now ask its citizens to vote on the whether gays and lesbians can marry the person they love.

Switzerland’s journey to same-sex marriage has taken several twists and turns over the years.

Swiss lawmakers have been working on the issue since 2013 when the first bill was presented by the nation’s Green Party.

But the legislation stalled as lawmakers contemplated whether the move would require a change to Switzerland’s constitution.

In April 2020, the Council of States, the nation’s upper chamber, finally agreed a legal change was unnecessary.

On December 18, 2020, the National Council (Switzerland’s lower chamber) voted in favor of same-sex marriages by a vote of 24 to 11 with 7 abstentions. That bill also provides lesbian couples with access to sperm donation.

 

That vote triggered an uproar by two conservative groups – the Federal Democratic Union and the Swiss People’s Party – who quickly got to work collecting signatures for a petition calling for a referendum on the issue.

Reuters reports that Switzerland’s democratic system allows opponents of decisions by parliament the right to force a referendum, or a public vote, if a group can collect 50,000 signatures within 100 days.

On Tuesday, the Federal Chancellery confirmed that over 61,000 signatures had been collected.

In May, the government will announce a date for the vote which will probably happened this fall.

The good news is a survey commissioned by the LGBTQ advocacy group Pink Cross in 2020 showed 82% of Swiss citizens (in a country of 8.5 million) support same-sex marriage.