Legal experts said DeSantis may have sound policy reasons to reconstitute the authority formerly known as Reedy Creek Improvement District, but if Disney can show it was done as retaliation, the company has a strong case.
Sunday, April 30, 2023
Political Week In Review 4-30-2023
Saturday, April 29, 2023
It Is Your Pen...
Success does not happen by accident, but by habit. We have to be intentional in our interactions not only with others but ourselves. It is okay to be hard on yourself and have high expectations, but that is much different from beating yourself up. It is normal to let others’ criticisms get to us, but do not let it stop you from doing something great [necessary]. The world needs your light to shine.
Friday, April 28, 2023
The Drag Brunch That Tennessee Wants to Ban
Tennessee wants to outlaw drag shows. It’s only made them more popular.
NEWCOMER DRAG QUEEN VALENTINA D’ JANEIRO WOWS THE AUDIENCE |
By LAURA TESTINO 04/14/2023
Memphis, Tenn. — Offered alongside the dazzling drag performances and bubbling mimosas at Atomic Rose is a serving of Tennessee civics: How a bill becomes a law and how a federal judge can stop it, set to the tune of Céline Dion’s “That’s The Way It Is.”
During an Easter Sunday all-ages, family-friendly brunch at the Memphis bar and restaurant, host Bella DuBalle returned to the stage against a new backdrop that read “Drag is not a crime.” Attendees cheered as she proclaimed drag queens’ latest political win: A federal judge extended his order that halts a controversial law limiting drag shows.
“So as I told you a long time ago, when this thing first started: We aren’t going anywhere, y’all,” DuBalle said.
DRAG QUEENS ZOEY ADAMS |
In response, Memphis-based theater company Friends of George’s filed a federal lawsuit claiming the law violates First Amendment rights. A federal judge agreed the law is “vague and overly-broad” in an order that temporarily blocked it from taking effect. Tennessee’s law has drag performers “eat the proverbial mushroom to find out whether it is poisonous,” wrote U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker in the order issued March 31, the day before the law was set to take effect.
For now, drag performances can evade the law’s scrutiny due to an extension of the order. Once that extension expires May 26, however, first-offenders would face a misdemeanor, while any subsequent violations would be a felony. Although the law doesn’t explicitly ban drag shows, its broad language could leave performers like DuBalle at risk.
And yet there is a touch of irony in the way a law attempting to quash drag has brought the art to the forefront, DuBalle said. While the law itself hasn’t packed the house — Atomic Rose is already standing-room only for brunch — it has tripled the number of youth attendees each Sunday, according to Charlie Barnett, the general manager.
Attendees gushed over the drag queens, eager to tip before performances were really underway.
Jennifer Iverson explaining why she brought her young daughter to the show Sunday:
“This is what the world needs more of, explaining why she brought her young daughter to the show Sunday. Everybody is so nice, and people are so friendly, and I can’t see anything wrong with it all, in any way, shape or form.”
Thursday, April 27, 2023
Saw This Coming
Texas agency threatens to fire staff who don't dress 'consistent with their biological gender'
- The Texas Department of Agriculture sent employees a new dress code last week.
- It says that staff must dress "consistent with their biological gender," listing example clothes.
- The memo says non-compliance will be met with escalating punishments, including being fired.
AG COMMISSIONER SID MILLER’S NEW TRANSPHOBIC DRESS CODE |
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
THE RISE OF FEMININITY IN MEN’S FASHION
The latest fashion news, runway looks, and opinions
6/14/2021
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Out-Of-Date Hair Styles
Lady Di's updated hair |
Do keep in mind that styles change. Yes there are enduring styles, that will always be in vogue, day to night, and season to season. Although Western society typically associates beauty with long hair, the short-haired pixie cut challenged this notion in the 1960s. Twiggy started it all off, and then Princess Diana and Demi Moore ruled this look in the 1990s. It’s now one of the most iconic looks of all time. Still around.
Photo of a A favorite Style |
However, like the photos of me above from the early 80's, styles do change. It does not matter if you are wearing a wig or are blessed with natural hair. Find photos on-line you like and take then to your stylist. Say nothing and you will get the same style over-and -over.
Scarf Scrunchies |
Hair is becoming my favorite feminine differential.
.
Monday, April 24, 2023
Ron DeSantis: "Last Week Tonight" with John Oliver (HBO)
John Oliver discusses Ron DeSantis, his track record as the governor of Florida, the pitfalls of comparing him to Donald Trump, and the supposed dangers of “woke math.”
At about 10 minutes there is a good definition for "WOKE" by one of DeSantis own General Counsels, He is attempting to defend anti-woke in court. You be the judge; is this a bad thing?
Sunday, April 23, 2023
Saturday, April 22, 2023
Friday, April 21, 2023
Why Women Don’t Wear Dresses Anymore
November 16, 2022 By *Kendra
There was a time when it was considered quite normal for women to wear dresses on a daily basis. Nowadays, however, it seems like dresses are only worn on special occasions. There are a number of reasons why this change has occurred.
One reason why women don’t wear dresses as often as they used to is because of the increased emphasis on casual dress. In the past, it was more common for people to dress up for work, social occasions, and even everyday errands. Nowadays, however, it’s much more common to dress in casual clothes. This change is likely due to a number of factors, including the increased comfort of casual clothing and the decreased formality of many workplaces and social settings.
Another reason why women may be less likely to wear dresses is because of the increased popularity of pants. In the past, pants were largely considered to be men’s clothing. However, over the past few decades, pants have become increasingly popular for women as well. This change is likely due to the increased comfort and practicality of pants, as well as the fact that they can be easily dressed up or down.
Finally, another reason why women may be less likely to wear dresses is because of the increased emphasis on fitness and health. In the past, it was considered quite normal for women to be a bit heavier than they are today. Nowadays, however, many women are trying to achieve a more fit and healthy look. This change is likely due to the increased awareness of the importance of health and fitness, as well as the increased availability of workout clothes and athleisure wear.
No women wear dresses to work in a typical semi-professional setting. What percentage of women in dresses do you see anymore? Has it become a thing of the past? You are not supposed to wear heels. The heel of the shoe should not even be audible while using tiles. This is where I am currently in Thailand. I have seen some pretty, light-weight summer skirts, and the pic you posted above is more of a woman’s business suit.
I find them sexy as well. The other items on there are a nice pair of hose and a pair of gloves. Combat boots and high heels are just a few of the items in my closet. With a few sneakers thrown in for good measure. This is a woman’s cross-dresser’s outfit; you’re either a cross-dresser or a woman. It’s disgusting to see hot Latin women dressed in dental floss bikinis on a daily basis. The combination of shoes can reveal a lot about a woman’s personality.
A casual shirt can be dressy or dressy. I’m glad it’s working out well. We have plenty of spice in our lives. Jules’ closet is jam-packed with combat boots and high heels. Whenever I go near heels, I get blisters. They are cute, especially the peek-a-boo toe ones. I am always excited to see retro/1960s look trends come back… I think there weren’t many big girls then, but I guess there were.
Some girls like wearing dresses because they feel pretty or feminine in them. Others might like the way they look or the way they feel when they wear a dress. Some girls might even like wearing dresses because it makes them feel unique or different from other people.
...
A skirt is a way for women to feel powerful, attractive, and in control of their bodies. The dresses are frequently used to represent femininity, and they can be a way for girls to stand out from the boys. Girls’ presence in these settings can help them feel more confident, as well as be more self-assured.
________________
*My name is Kendra and I’m a fashion obsessed, city lovin’ girl. I am a freelance writer and contributing writer for typeF, MTV FORA, Huffington Post Style, Golden Girl Finance, and frockOn. I love pancakes, New York City, thrifting, and bulldogs.
//
Thursday, April 20, 2023
DeSantis' Assault on Freedom
'Don't Say Gay' Expansion Requested By Gov. DeSantis Approved
The Florida Board of Education has approved a ban on classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades. [K-12]
See Update 4/20/23: ‘Deeply frustrated': Florida legislators worn out by DeSantis
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ iron-clad grip on the Republican-controlled Legislature may be slipping amid growing frustration among GOP legislators.
A new billboard welcoming visitors to "Florida: The Sunshine 'Don't Say Gay or Trans' State. |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Board of Education on Wednesday approved a ban on classroom instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades, expanding the law critics call “Don’t Say Gay” at the request of Gov. Ron DeSantis as he gears up for an expected presidential run.
The proposal will take effect after a procedural notice period that lasts about a month, according to an education department spokesman.
The rule change would ban lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity from grades 4-12, unless required by existing state standards or as part of reproductive health instruction that students can choose not to take. Florida currently bans such lessons in kindergarten through third grade.
The DeSantis administration put forward the proposal last month as part of the Republican’s aggressive conservative agenda, with the governor leaning heavily into cultural divides ahead of his looming White House candidacy.
DeSantis has not commented on the proposal. He previously directed questions to Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr., who said it was meant to clarify confusion around the existing law and reinforce that teachers should not deviate from existing curriculums.
“We’re not removing anything here,” Diaz Jr. said on Wednesday. “All we are doing is we are setting the expectations so our teachers are clear: that they are to teach to the standards.”
The prohibition, which began last year with the law banning sexual orientation and gender identity lessons in kindergarten through third grade, has drawn intense backlash from critics who argue it marginalizes LGBTQ+ people and has vague terms that result in self-censorship from teachers. Democratic President Joe Biden has called it “hateful.”
The current law is also the root of an ongoing feud with Disney, one of the state’s largest employers and political donors.
“Let’s put it plainly: This is part of the governor’s assault on freedom,” Joe Saunders, senior political director of the LGBTQ advocacy group Equality Florida, said in a statement, adding the policy will “further stigmatize and isolate a population of young people who need our support now more than ever.”
The entertainment giant publicly opposed the legislation last year, and as punishment, DeSantis pushed lawmakers to give him control of a self-governing district that Disney oversees in its theme park properties.
Before a set of new DeSantis appointees could assume control of the district, Disney’s board passed restrictive covenants that strip the incoming members of most of their powers, blunting the governor’s retaliation.
DeSantis has directed the chief inspector general to investigate the Disney board’s move and vowed to take additional revenge against the company through legislation.
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
The Night 20,000 Books Were Burned
Some of Them Rare Copies That Had Helped Provide A Historiography for Nonconforming People.
By Brandy Schillace
Adolf Hitler was named chancellor on January 30, 1933, and enacted policies to rid Germany of Lebensunwertes Leben, or “lives unworthy of living.” What began as a sterilization program ultimately led to the extermination of millions of Jews, Roma, Soviet and Polish citizens—and homosexuals and transgender people.
One of the first and largest Nazi book burnings destroyed the library at the Institute for Sexual Research. |
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Why do men want to wear high heels?
Published: 14 November 2021
Mens Heels Revolution |
It's a good question and not as stereotypical an answer as you might expect...
There may be a number of reasons why men would want to wear high heels. To many women who regularly wear high heels and endure pain and discomfort from wearing heels, the idea may seem absurd, until you also consider the many women who still endure that pain and discomfort for the obvious attractions that heels bring. Many men have similar reasons for wanting to wear heels as women do.
A growing number of people believe that clothes and shoes should not dictate a persons sexual orientation or gender and for that reason alone they will wear whatever they want, regardless of which (usually binary) gender label has been attached to the clothing or shoes. It's a refreshing idea if you've always stuck to social norms around gender stereotypes. It ultimately means, if you like it, wear it and for many men, dressing like this is liberating and provides an outlet for self expression. More recently this idea has been expressed by high profile stars such as Harry Styles and Justin Bieber, though it has been the case for many years with stars such as Prince and David Bowie wearing clothes labelled for different genders.
For some men an extra height boost is one reason. This can bring additional confidence and especially when your partner is also wearing heels it can restore the height differential which male and female partners often desire.
For more fashion conscious men, the reason may be to be just be different from the crowd, more fashion forward, and they will often be more adventurous with the rest of their clothing choices, seeking more distinctive fabrics, colours, textures and patterns. Many men are simply bored with the same old re-cycled options on offer in the mens section and want something different. With this dissatisfaction often comes a desire to change the aesthetic of their outfits by mixing and matching from all the options on offer and higher heels can instantly change the look of an outfit.
Some men want to express outwardly how they feel about their gender. More recent publicity of gender and how it's expressed in almost limitless terms when you consider gender as non-binary, can help some men feel like they have way of explaining why they want to wear heels.
Sometimes men are simply just curious about what it's like to walk in heels and may capitalise on any suitable opportunity to try it out. We've often heard the expression "to walk a mile in someone else's shoes" as a metaphor for understanding someone's experience, however in literal terms, men can also fully experience a flavour of what it's like for a woman to wear heels.
Diversion is another reason why men wear heels. Some men enjoy playing with that taboo that comes with gender boundaries and the experience can either be a form of mockery or great reverence for women or social constructs around gender standards.
A more stereotypical view of a man in heels is the practice of cross-dressing. Where a man, typically heterosexual, will dress entirely in women's clothing. The same term also applies to women who dress in men's clothes, though the term is seldom used when women cross-dress. Cross-dressers may derive a sense of peace or euphoria from dressing entirely in women's clothing, some may also derive sexual pleasure from it. Synonymous with "cross-dresser" is the term "Transvestite" although this is outdated and often viewed as offensive, as is the "Tranny" slang version.
Transgender people may wear high heels for any of the reasons above, though more usually to help affirm their gender identity. Most transgender people seek to bring their bodies into alignment with their gender identity. This is called transition. Some men realise that their biological sex and gender are fundamentally misaligned and for them, this is a way for them to express their true gender. Like all people, many transgender women will want to wear high heels, though this is not always the case. Their gender is every bit as valid as everyone else's and is often reflected in how they express themselves.
In conclusion, there are many reasons why a man would want to wear high heels, or anything else for that matter. All are valid reasons and are perfectly fine. As awareness of this trend increases, you're likely to see more men expressing themselves in this way. For men's fashion, breaking these long-standing gender stereotypes is perhaps long over-due!
Read the Comments on the site Men Heels Revolution.
My Favorite:
"I wear high heels 👠 and women’s clothes despite being 6’2” for a few reasons. One is because men’s clothes are (for the most part) boring and pedestrian. I’m a little different from a lot of Xdressers in that I don’t desire to be or impersonate a woman. I have no desire to appear female. I’m a straight man who is into fashion, and I look hot as hell in a miniskirt and heels. And lastly, there’s some internal drive, be it a past life remnant or a genetic punctuation, or anything, that gifts me the super power to live life outside the box. I exercise this super power to help other men learn that they too can grow this super power. As I say on my page, the first time a “Dude Bro” sees a man in heels and a skirt, he sees a gay alien 👽 who has come to abduct and convert him. By the third time he sees this, he sees a human being. That’s why I do it. It only takes three times to normalize it."
Monday, April 17, 2023
Media Mocks Prayers
'Subtle smears' against Christianity marks coverage of Nashville massacre
By Kendall Tietz | Fox News
Published Thursday March 29, 2023
As a nation, we owe these families more than our prayers. We owe them action."
Tenn Congressman Thomas Massie’s - Nashville District, Christmas family photo. "Merry Christmas! PS: Santa, please bring ammo.” |
Associated Press reporter Kimberlee Kruesi criticized Lee, who in 2019 "said he believed if Tennesseans prayed to God to favor the state - specifically mentioning school shootings - God would answer those prayers. Ever since, Lee has resisted calls to strengthen gun control laws - a common theme in TN."
"If thoughts and prayers alone worked to stop gun violence, there wouldn't have been a shooting at a Christian elementary school," It's your actions - including weakening the state's gun laws - that's killing kids in Tennessee. SHAME ON YOU. Covenant School," Gun control activist Shannon Watts of Moms Demand Action tweeted in response to Lee's call for prayers.
... others slammed the state for banning drag shows and gender-affirming care for children instead of guns.
"Drag shows and gender-affirming care for minors were banned in Tennessee this month, while assault weapons remain legal," Newsweek tweeted.
"Thank god Tennessee protected the children from the so-called horrors of drag and gender affirming care so they can be shot up at school by an AR-15 instead," civil rights attorney and Harvard law clinical instructor Alejandra Caraballo said in a since limited tweet.
Houck said "subtle smears" had marked the press coverage, such as ABC's Terry Moran noting the "state of Tennessee earlier this month passed and the governor signed a bill that banned transgender medical care for minors."
Sunday, April 16, 2023
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Friday, April 14, 2023
Déjà Vu
The GOP’s 2020s Culture War Is A Throwback To The 1970s
straight from the '70s in pursuit of a new national majority.
Mar 25, 2023
Déjà vu - The face of Modern Authoritarianism |
With the GOP having lost the popular vote in eight out of the last nine presidential elections, their hope is that they can resurrect the fears of the 1970s under the brand of anti-“wokeness” to build a new majority coalition. Instead, it increasingly looks like a desperate effort to hold together the party’s divergent voting and donor bases.
Thursday, April 13, 2023
How Do Cults Treat Transgender Members
Understanding the plight of Trans Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses
Trent Coleman and Hayley Polykarpos share their experience of exiting Jehovah's Witnesses while braving insensitivity and derision for taking positive steps to address their gender dysphoria by transitioning.
Lloyd Evans is an X-JW that provides help to those who have left the cult and inside information on the inner working of the organization. Also understanding to those "studying", to understand the danger this cult poses to family, friends, and livelihood.
Sorry to go negative with this info, but this provides understanding on cult thinking.
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
I love A Success Story - Shawn Skelly
DoD’s highest-ranking trans official: ‘Ostracizing anybody’ will hurt military readiness
04/09/2023 07:00 AM EDT
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness Shawn Skelly is seen in her office at the Pentagon.
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness Shawn Skelly sits for an interview in her office at the Pentagon on April 3. | Francis Chung/POLITICO
Shawn Skelly was a Navy commander working to help fend off roadside bomb attacks when she came to a realization about herself — one that meant her career in the military was over.
It was 2006, and “don’t ask, don’t tell,” which permitted gay and lesbian Americans to serve in the military as long as they kept their sexual identity under wraps, was still in effect. Skelly had identified as a man up until that point and — now that she felt she could no longer do so — decided to retire from military service as soon as possible.
Skelly, then stationed at a Marine Corps base in Virginia, told her commanding general she was out.
Skelly speaks during the Center for a New American Security Mission Brief at the Pentagon on Feb. 15, 2022. | Brittany A. Chase/U.S. Air Force |
“I had fear at that time,” Skelly said in an interview. “I determined quickly that I needed to get out, get out safely, because I understood what I needed to do to be the best, healthiest version of myself.” It took two years for her to make the leap, and she left in 2008.
Now she’s back at the Pentagon, this time as a civilian. As assistant secretary of defense for readiness, Skelly oversees military preparedness for warfighting, including training programs, equipment safety and munitions supplies.
And Skelly has a message for Republicans accusing the Department of Defense of promoting diversity and inclusion in the armed forces at the expense of military readiness: their campaign is what’s hurting the military’s warfighting capabilities.
Skelly, speaking at the Pentagon in her first in-depth interview since taking the job in 2021.:
“If you want to be ready, then you have to ensure that everybody that is in your force can be their best selves and contribute as a member of a team and be seen as valuable,”
She is the DoD’s highest-ranking openly transgender official, and the second to hold an office that requires Senate confirmation. The first was Rachel Levine, who serves as assistant secretary of health.
Skelly’s appointment was welcomed as a powerful signal of support by transgender troops now serving openly since President Joe Biden overturned a Trump-era ban on trans service members.
But Republicans in Congress are looking to roll back those changes through proposed legislation to ban transgender people from serving in the military.
It’s part of a larger push by some Republican lawmakers who argue that personnel policies like diversity trainings, racial justice education and events like a recent drag show on a military base alienate some potential recruits and distract from the forces’ main mission: fighting wars and protecting the homefront.
“When I talk to people and say, ‘Well, why aren’t you looking to join the military?’ A lot of them say, ‘Well, the military has been over-politicized. Well, the military has gone woke,’ said Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) during a March 9 hearing with the military’s senior enlisted leadership. “We’re saying that this new focus, this new shift, this new kind of woke ideology is not impacting recruitment and not impacting our readiness and lethality? I have a hard time believing that.”
Skelly said she regularly speaks with members of “Gen Z” who express reservations about serving in the military because they fear they or their friends won’t be treated with respect.
“I don’t know what ‘wokeism’ is, it’s not a defined term,” she said. But “If people understand that they’re not going to get a fair shake, because they come from a specific ethnic origin, or based on their identity, or based on who they love, we are going to be worse off because not enough Americans are going to want to be a part of the U.S. military.”