The topic was (Anti-trans laws). The speaker was Jessica Gonzales the State Representative of District 104 and the Director of LGBTQ Cactus of the Texas Legislature.
I must say how impressed with Jessica Gonzales I was. I wish more democrats would use her as an example on how to stay focused on what matters to the people that put them in office, Give real and impactful avenues for constituents to be part of the process, have their voice heard and take the time to listen to peoples concerns, fears, provide contact information for people to get answers or directed to who can give them answers. Her message (1) be informed (2) In this uncertain time be safe first. (3) make your voice heard. Email your representatives, text them call them. (4) If possible register to vote and spread the word.
Look the LGBTQ community especially the transgender community is under attack. Basically the republicans hate this community. They rather see every group represented by LGBTQ to just disappear. To do that they are placing fear into their core supporters that the LGBTQ community will destroy their way of life. They are the party of hate. So it is important that the LGBTQ community not just in Dallas/Ft. Worth but across the state and across the whole United States does not stay silent. Does not, not register to vote, that the community has to pull together as one everywhere because this isn't just about the rights of the LGBTQ community , it's about the rights for anyone that looks different from them, that thinks differently from them or has the nerve to question the people that are in an elected office.
So no matter what town, city, or state you live in a simple google search can tell you who your representative is both for the state and at the federal level. email them and ask them where do you stand when it comes to my rights? Then call them out if you think they are trying to push you aside. If their Republican you are not their top priority! Believe that!! A farm animal that will be slaughtered tomorrow means more to them then the LGBTQ does. The laws that have passed are bad and forcing the LGBTQ backwards and that is bad in itself !! If you knew the bills and laws that didn't pass but were offered up by the republicans it would make you sick to your stomach, shaking your head wondering how people with so much hate in their heart actually , wanting to be as cruel as possible to people hold a elected office "for the people"!
The other thing that impressed me Monday night besides State Representative Jessica Gonzales was where the meeting was held, The Oak Lawn United Methodist Church. I know a thing or two about churches, The United Methodist Church ( my grandfather was a United Methodist minister) The African Methodist Episcopal Church ( my ex father-in-law was an AME minister) and I have lived in 13 states and 30 cities within those states. So I also know a little about community and church connection. The Oak Lawn United Methodist Church is by far the most active and connected church to a community I have seen. This isn't because they have some mega church numbers attending every Sunday because they don't. It's not because they they billionaire people on their roll, actually I don't know if they do or not but it doesn't look like they do. They are extremely nice and genuinely excited when new people visit them. Most churches act excited but it doesn't always seem genuine to me. This church accepts people (no matter who they are, no questions just love) If you don't know god, your unsure or you really want to under stand god, they will guide you to the resources, people, groups, programs and fellowship to under stand, accept and prosper with your belief in god. This church is active, embraces and champions the LGBTQ community. GOD is love, Love thy neighbor unconditionally and only he can judge. If you are a human bein the doors of their church are open to you. This church has active youth groups, substance abuse recovery meetings (AA) meetings, prayer groups, community outreach. their is so much this church does . All those things I listed most other churches have as well. The difference that I feel is how really excited they are for the people that make up their community, the genuine warmth of everyone from top to bottom, The congregation is so diverse and they all worship as one, unconditional love ! That is where they differ from many other houses of worship. There is no don't ask don't tell here. No matter what your race, religious affiliation , sexual identity, or ones geographical origin this churches doors are open and welcoming to all.
I will be back to worship with their congregation very soon, something tells me one might feel just a little closer to god here .
I am going to add some photos I took both of the meeting I attended and some of the church where the meeting was held .
Kenneth W Grover
