transgender military ban Archives

Transitioning to a Better World? When one of my children identified as coming out as trans, among my first emotions was gratitude. I thought, “At least the world is a safer more accepting place for them right now.“ I was grateful for Caitlyn Jenner being so public about her transition, even though I disagreed with some of her publicity choices—she made her decisions and went for it. And also for my sweet friend Mina Caputo, who shared her very personal journey so openly through her music and interviews. The world isn’t perfect, but it seemed to be getting better.I get it—I know I live in the NYC bubble. However, my kid does not; they go to school in Texas. But the moment they came out the school allowed them to use the restroom of their chosen gender and called them by their chosen name. Texas isn’t known for being progressive, but the school officials know the law and how to cover their asses. The acceptance may not be genuine on the part of every staff member, but it’s something—it means something. Humans are malleable enough that some of them may even change their feelings, if not their beliefs, due to laws being put in place to protect people who would otherwise face persecution in the name of…Two nights ago via social media I read status updates regarding the recent tweeted decision by our president to no longer allow trans people to serve in the military. There was an onslaught of comments: "Our tax dollars shouldn’t have to pay for these degenerates…these perverts…these scumbags…these mentally ill…” One person who tried to defend trans people was met with hateful responses usually reserved for the anonymity of Twitter. It was like someone opened the door to a fallout shelter and the worst of the 50’s escaped. In the same way that my child is kept safe and treated with respect in full view of their impressionable peers due to a law, another law is provoking venomous ignorance, fear, and hate in the most public time in human history.Don’t get your panties in a bunch and assume that I would ever advocate any law that infringes freedom of speech. Don’t assume that I don’t understand the difference between a public high school, which is essentially a government facility, and public forums such as social media. I will always be one of the first to say, “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” By all means, expose your true selves so I know who you are.My point is that, in a different way than I used to, I get it. What our leaders say matters and influences us—whether those leaders are artists and entertainers or government officials—because we are primarily malleable sheep, whether we like it or not.Furthermore, I am not afraid of the uglier side of the true nature of the human animal. The animals I agree with are ugly too, and their backlash will further incite the changes I want to see in this world. Changing attitudes takes time, pain and generations to forget what was. I just hope that my great grandchildren who, if genetics has anything to do with it a percentage of whom will be queer, will truly appreciate the freedoms that this era will afford them instead of wasting their privileges whining about the past.To the bigoted assholes of the world: “Keep up the good work!” May your scare tactics and hateful horse shit continue to shine a spotlight on the continued existence of racism, sexism and homophobia. You remind those who no longer wish to be distracted from personal growth and achievement by the outworn morals of imaginary gods that there is always more work to be done.—Witch Heather Height

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Basics of Satanism

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Essays & Interviews

transgender military ban