What is in Kelvin's Head?

  • Statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance 2019

    Earlier this year, someone was convicted in Glasgow Sheriff Court of sending me threatening and abusive messages. The offence was found to be aggravated by prejudice related to both sexual orientation and transgender identity. Someone had threatened my life, and my own association and support for trans people was one of the reasons for the prejudice and one of the reasons that the court and the police took the offence as seriously as they did.

    Whilst it was unpleasant having to deal with that incident, I’m well aware that it was the one time in my life when I’ve seriously suffered myself from prejudice against people with a trans identity. Those who are trans have to deal with this prejudice every day as they make their way through life. Such prejudice seems to have become more vocal and confident recently.

    My own limited and partial experience of dealing with this is one factor in why I am prepared to stand alongside those who mark today as the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Violence and prejudice against people is wrong. Trans people are simply people. Prejudice and violence against trans people is simply wrong.

    However, in stating that I stand alongside trans people in remembering that they suffer from violence and prejudice, I also am reminded that as I stand alongside trans people I stand alongside people whom I’ve known to be creative, brave, funny, interesting and whole. I know and have worked with trans priests and admire them. My own congregation includes trans people with all kinds of diverse experience who are not simply defined by their trans identity. When I think of them, I think of people who make the world a better place.

    The world will be a better place when violence against anyone because of their identity is eliminated.

    Remembering trans people whose lives have been taken from them, I lament their loss and pray that they may rest in peace and rise to make heaven more glorious.

    Remembering trans people who are alive, I thank God for them and pray that their lives may be filled with joy.

    [Comments on this post will be moderated]

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7 responses to “Military Reunion Videos”

  1. Susan Sheppard Hedges Avatar
    Susan Sheppard Hedges

    Yes, the first one is a little too well produced.

    Such sweet doggies in the second!!!

    Reply
  2. agatha Avatar
    agatha

    I’m imagining the cat version: disdainful look; “have you been away? my food bowl’s empty” miaow; walks off.

    Reply
  3. Ruth Avatar
    Ruth

    Having enjoyed the doggie reunions video very much, Opal the Cat wishes to say that he hasn’t looked at his food dish once since I got back here tonight, nose rubbing, tummy tickling, head butting and general joyous ‘glad to see you’ stuff for a couple of hours, then an interesting video, followed by a companionable sleep on the table – on my hand ….

    Reply
  4. Zebadee Avatar
    Zebadee

    I know someone who ,when he was young, used to get a similar reception from a boxer dog called Tess

    Reply
  5. Brother David Avatar
    Brother David

    Yes, the first one is neatly packaged, but it appears to be a commercial, not home videos.

    Sorry, but it doesn’t take returning from a tour of duty for dogs to act this way, just go to the grocery store for 30 minutes and dogs will behave the same over-the-top way!

    Reply
  6. Craig Nelson Avatar
    Craig Nelson

    Some of the dogs are bigger than the humans

    Reply
  7. Brother David Avatar
    Brother David

    In case no one saw it, here’s video number one in real life;
    http://lgbtweekly.com/2012/04/26/gay-marine-says-i-do-on-base-a-first/

    Reply

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