Time for Change: OK to Be Takei!

Tennessee has the national spotlight. It is hard to fathom the combination of ignorance and cruelty exhibited by some members of the human species. This was posted today in the Johnson City Press:

NASHVILLE (AP) — A measure that would prohibit the teaching of homosexuality in Tennessee public schools has passed the Senate.

Under the proposal approved 20-10 on Friday, any instruction or materials at a public elementary or middle school will be "limited exclusively to age-appropriate natural human reproduction science." Republican Senate sponsor Stacey Campfield of Knoxville says "homosexuals don't naturally reproduce."

Campfield says current state curriculum is not clear on what can be taught.

The companion bill has been withdrawn from consideration in the House. But its sponsor has said he will bring it up again next year if the Senate version passes.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Tennessee would become the first state to enact such legislation if the proposal passes.

Opponents of the legislation say it would be unfair to students who have same sex parents.

Campfield said: "homosexuals don't naturally reproduce."

Just because a person is gay that does not mean that the equipment doesn't work.

What kind of people elect a person like Campfield?

I wonder about those 20 legislators who voted in favor of this. Are they as ignorant and cruel as Campfield or just so politically spineless that they cannot stand up against prejudice even when the psychological and social well-being of children is at stake?

I am thankful that many folks in Tennessee aren't just sitting around taking it. I am happy to announce a new support group for LGBTQ people and supporters between the ages of 17-22. The group is called The Change and they meet from 6-9 p.m. for supper, socializing, and support on the second and fourth Saturdays at the Presbyterian Campus House at ETSU.

None of the high schools in the Tri-Cities even has a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance), so three women decided to start one off-campus. While this age group is 17-22, there is a need for a younger age support group. Perhaps the success of this group will make that a possibility as well.

The group calls itself The Change as in "be the change you want to see in the world." What is that change? Changing attitudes. Changing hearts and minds. Changing ignorance to understanding. Changing cruelty to compassion.

It is a tall order, but it starts with courageous people saying, "We have had enough."

The next gathering will be Saturday, June 11th.

Here is the new website (still under construction) and contact information.

Celebrate
GLBTQ YOUTH/YOUNG ADULTS
SUPPORT GROUP

TO PROVIDE A SAFE, NURTURING AND CREATIVE ATMOSPHERE FOR THE GAY,
LESBIAN , BI-SEXUAL, TRANSGENDERED AND QUESTIONING YOUNG
ADULTS/YOUTH AND SUPPORTERS OF ALTERNATE LIFESTYLES OF THE
TRI-CITIES AREA.

6:00 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M.
WHERE: Presbyterian Campus House at ETSU
(1412 College Heights Road, Johnson City, TN 37604)

AGE: 17-21 years of age

This group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Saturday
of every month.

For more information:
Email us at

JCGLBTQ [at] gmail [dot] com

Or you may call Amy
423-416-5653

And you are going to love this.

George Takei has posted a very clever response to the Tennessee legislators with a plan for action!

It is OK to be Takei!


It's even OK to be Takei on Twitter and Facebook!