LGBT Folk Not Welcome
I could feel my heart being crushed at the news that the Republican Governor of Mississippi, Phil Bryant, signed a bill on Friday that makes it legal to discriminate against people in the LGBT community. While not surprising coming from Mississippi, it is nonetheless disappointing. Not the first and probably not the last time the state of Mississippi is on the wrong side of history–this is not a state known for equity and equality.
Sadly, closer to home, I realize that the purported progressive Portland, Oregon hosts many homophobes as well. Last week, it came to light that the owner of The Moreland Farmers Pantry, in Sellwood, a Portland neighborhood, spewed her homophobic views. Owner Chauncy Childs posted this on her Facebook page about gays and same-sex marriage: “…a tiny minority is dictating a change of our social structure.” I guess a population wanting equality and equity needs to be more than just a “tiny” 10% of the population. Childs went on to say that she supports the right of businesses to refuse to serve gay people. The Charm Free Childs went on to say:
…that gay marriage is wrong because it is the start of a slippery slope that could eventually lead to pedophilia and bigamy.
Rest assured Ms. Childs, my gay husband and I will not get in our gay car find a gay parking spot and enter your store of hate.
Call to action: I would please ask that all of us LGBT folk in that “tiny population” boycott The Moreland Farmers Pantry. May I also ask all of our allies to also boycott Ms. Childs’ Farmers Pantry.
Sadly, the latest homophobic episodes in Mississippi and Oregon are just a constant reminder that we are never completely safe and that we must constantly remain vigilant against homophobic bigots.
Social Justice For All 
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Knew it!!! Undercurrents ….
Dr. Rex, thank you for reblogging this! The LGBT community still has a long way to go towards equity and equality. I was very sad about both Mississippi and the homophobic grocer in my own Portland.
SMH …. 😦
If I’m ever in Portland for sure I won’t go there… And two rugged guys walking in are ok. I’m sure many two rugged guys eat there… The jokes on her.
Thank you for the comment. I can only hope that her core belief about the LGBT community will evolve. Until then, she has a lot of repair work to do.
It’s interesting that those supposedly rugged guy who walk into her establishment are the same ones who have memberships at Steamworks and two “older women who have been friends for a long time” are welcomed but certain couples aren’t.. I expect Mississippi not Oregon.
Yes, I was disappointed that not just Oregon, but right here in Portland. Just proves that homophobia occupies spaces all over. I did not know about the two “older women who have been friends for a long” were welcomed. I wonder what that is about?
That restaurant owner is afraid of those thoughts she gets late at night, “mmmm what if…” She represses them and says The Bible says blah blah blah.” That’s all it is…
I suspect you are very right!
It scares them… What does that make me… Some one told me a joke.. What’s the difference between a strong buff straight Mexican and a gay strong buff Mexican… A six pack… I am Mexican so I can say that:)
It is good to keep a sense of humor about it. I shall try to keep my humor and joy!
Do that! This too will pass my friend!
Michael,
As a straight, white male in the South, I have never known what it is like to have other people hate me just for being. Folks of color have that from birth, LGBT folks have that when they dare to publicly be their true selves.So on one hand I can consider myself lucky that I didn’t have to hide anything to “get by”, but on the other hand, how would that have shaped me as a person ? Having to deal with such a strong emotion as hate, directed at me as a general feeling, without the person even knowing me, that would be dumbfounding I suspect.
It just continues to amaze me that there are folks out there like this store owner, unwilling to see past their own little worldview. No doubt, taught hatred from a young age and continuing to do as they were taught. I hope she’ll learn like the late CEO of Mozilla, that while it is a free country and she is entitled to her views, there is a price for discrimination and hatred and that since MOST of her customers probably do not share her viewpoint, they will hopefully choose to spend their dollars somewhere that hatred is not espoused as the norm. js
Jim, you and Jane are such amazing and lovely allies! Thank you for your comment here which demonstrates empathy and insight. We need more hetero allies like you! I was elated to see the removal/resignation of the CEO of Mozilla. Peace, Michael.
Reblogged this on Mavadelo's mindscape and commented:
when will things chance 😦
Marvadelo, thank you for reblogging this! I do hope things change significantly in my lifetime. You have a great blog! Peace, Michael.
Reblogged this on The ObamaCrat™.
Jueseppi, thank you for reblogging this on your fantastic blog! Let us hope we get the word out there and hopefully we can all help eradicate homophobia. Peace, Michael.
I’m for that Michael. Equality for all humans is what should be. Namaste.
Reblogged this on The Eclectic Poet and commented:
I’m a reblogging fool today and because the messages I’m sharing are so important to get out there. Please take a moment to read.
Karin, thank you for reblogging this article on homophobia. I am reading several posts on your blog today. Thank you! Peace, Michael.
Most welcome Michael and thank you. This is a cause dear to my heart and though at times I despair, lets hope that we may see the tide turn in our lifetime. Warm regards, k
Karin, thank you for your voice! Hopefully our individual voices and collective voices will create a choir of peace that helps to eradicate homophobia, racism, sexism, and poverty.
I live near Sellwood, OR–it’s an awesome part of Portland and I’m considering moving there because of it’s diversity. Thanks so much for enlightening me on these businesses–I can assure you, they’ll go out of business when this information gets out. (Just like the bakery in Gresham that refused to make the wedding cake for the gay couple. Intolerance/ignorance–ugh.
Mandy, thank you for commenting here! Thank you for standing in solidarity with those of us in the LGBT community. I hope you are right. I hope the Farmers Pantry will face the same fate of the homophobic bakery that was in Gresham. Peace, Michael.
Rest assured, Michael, it will!
Thank you, Mandy. 🙂
Reblogging this because I am appalled by this attitude. Such intolerance and homophobia is depressing and unnecessary.
Thank you for reblogging this post on homophobia, Alien Aura! Thank you for taking a stand against homophobia! Peace, Michael.
My pleasure, Michael. I cannot bear homophobia. You are doing great things on your blog. Alienora
Thank you, Alienora! I am in good company. Peace, Michael.
Reblogged this on ALIEN AURA'S BLOG: IT'LL BLOW YOUR MIND! and commented:
This shocked me, and has saddened me too. There is no need for this kind of intolerance.
Great message. I’ll add that we have an obligation to be vocal as well. In the day of social media we should share on facebook, twitter, etc that Farmers Pantry is on the wrong side of history and supporting her business is, in essence, funding her hate. Let’s tell Ms. Childs she is wrong and why.
“The purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.” Robert Kennedy.
Shawn, what a lovely comment of solidarity! Yes, I do hope everyone will share this story on social media and let Farmers Pantry and Childs know that we will not “fund hate.”
And the conversation gets broader and ripples out.
Seán, I hope the conversation results in opening people’s minds and hearts and helps all of us look at how we may or may not be working towards social justice.
I, too, appreciate your comments, Michael. Today’s newspaper announced a discussion with Harry Esteve about this issue at 12:00 noon at oregonlive.com/politics. Nick Zubin wrote that this is “boycotting people for their thoughts and beliefs, as opposed to their actions.” People like Childs vote against LGBT rights and support others who would discriminate against anyone who doesn’t follow their narrow religious beliefs. Voting is an action. The Supreme Court has again ruled that money is speech. I choose to deny Childs and other bigoted people my money because of her actions, thereby using my “speech” against her behavior.
Great comment. I did not know about today’s discussion with Harry Esteve. I will have to go and look at it. Yes, I will be denying Childs and other bigots my money as well. Yours in solidarity, Michael.
Dear WordPress, i feel it’s Time we add more buttons besides “Like”. I may be alone in this, but i really want to Acknowledge my Friends’ work more appropriately, and “Like” is something i don’t feel like clicking on here. This isn’t the writer’s fault, but the Story itself i find upsetting. jus’ sayin’…. i appreciate this work, regardless that it upsets me…..
I wholly agree. It is very upsetting. I hope I have at least motivated people to take action and stand in solidarity with those of us in the LGBT community. I further hope people will share this story and for us all to work at eradicating homophobia, racism, misogyny, and poverty. Thank you for the thoughtful comment. Yours in solidarity, Michael.
….i’m feelin’ inspired to drive down to Portland right now, jus’ so i can NOT patronize someone’s mean-spirited “Pantry”……. harumpf! 😡
Violet, you are quite lovely! 🙂 Let us hope you inspire others as well! I suspect you do.
“Ogolly,” blushes Violet to the shade of garnet as she dips her head to concentrate on kickin’ pebbles in the dust with her naked toe…..
Reblogged this on Central Oregon Coast NOW.
Nancy, thank you for reblogging this unfortunate story of homophobia.
Reblogged this on Spirit In Action and commented:
I simply cannot understand people who try to use religion to justify hate, exclusion and unkindness to others. All religion is about love and connection.
When Alabama and Mississippi stop using state power to oppress minorities whether immigrants, gay people or anyone else different we will know America has FINALLY grown into the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr’s vision for us.
I’ve encountered a lot (unfortunately! ) of pedophiles and their deep spiritual sickness is as far from normal homosexual people and relationships as it is from normal heterosexual people and relationships.
Blaming and harming ordinary people for the destruction caused by criminals is absurd. Treating everyone with kindness, compassion and equality is a step in the opposite direction from pedophilia. That crime like many similar abusive behaviours is rooted in control, hate, fear and power over. It is a symptom of a culture rooted in hierarchy and trauma conditioning.
Thank you for reblogging this article and for your very thoughtful comment here. If only more people were able to use their voice for issues around social justice, as you do. Yours in solidarity, Michael.
https://www.facebook.com/BoycottMorelandFarmersPantry
fight for equality. well when you step up publicly, you realize it’s really a war. great respect to you and all those out there fighting this war every day, dealing with the underbelly of human nature that the safety of hiding behind a computer brings out in people.
Rachel, thank you for lending your voice of support. Yours in solidarity, Michael.
On another note …… “It Is What It Is” has been nominated. Paying it forward.
http://hrexach.wordpress.com/2014/04/10/community-of-bloggerz-award-for-it-is-what-it-is/
Thank you, Dr. Rex. As always, I am honored and humbled! Yours in solidarity, Michael.
We are together … I’m glad you accepted!!
Hugs … and Peace!!! 8-0
Thank you for speaking out on behalf of tolerance. Hugs & Peace to you as well, Paulette
Paulette, thank you for your voice and solidarity. Peace, Michael.