Just Plain Different - Isn’t Even Welcome Here!

Born different? In Colorado Springs, apparently you can just skip the issue of whether or not your difference is by birth. On varying subjects this could be debated back and forth, ad infinitum. What some in this city cannot handle is just that which falls under the heading of "Different". But let me shift my subject a bit. Councilman Herpin’s allegation that the Born Different "Moo" banners (see www.borndifferent.org ) are a politicization of what hangs from the city’s lampposts is so pathetically weak a reason for objection to them that it’s almost not worth the time to explain... but for the denser among us, I feel compelled to.Flags are political symbols, aren’t they? Should we disallow hanging Old Glory from those posts as well? Or the Rainbow standard of the LGBT Community? Or the logo of ANY socio-political entity? You cannot have it both ways, Mr. Councilman... Herpin should clean up his logic before sounding off half-cocked!In most larger cities, the signs seen on that municipality’s buses are what most assume are endorsed by that particular city. Postings like "Stop Domestic Violence" or "Just Say No to Drugs", etc. reiterate a positive message every time a bus rolls into view - and are often there to let the citizens know that City Hall cares about what matters to them.Having said that, I marvel that the Herpin-Rivera Anti-Moo Axis has not yet attacked the rolling Moo billboards. Certainly they cannot allow tourists to get the impression that Colorado Springs has a heart for it’s LGBT Community - now, can they?And when is it right to change the rules of the game, just because you do not think your side is winning? Or to plan the demise of any organization that affords freedom of speech to those whose views differ from your own? That’s exactly what Councilman Herpin has on his agenda. (see related article: www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1319184&table=story_archive&sec )Did he consult any of his constituents or colleagues in all this? Who knows - but It all smacks of some unilateral fascist power grab if you ask me.At least Focus on the Family entered the fray without stealth or dis-ingenuity. They are consistent in their quest to pillory all LGBT people under the dark label of SIN. To them, the only good Gay is an Ex-Gay...As I said at the top of this article, different in this town is not welcome at all.I should know; I’m a Transgender woman who got fired right here in this "Best Place To Live" Award Winning City (according to CNN Money’s 10 Best Big Cities, 2006)  http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/top100/bigcities.html just because I declared that I would cease from living a lie incognito and openly be who I truly am on my job. It didn’t matter if I was born this way or somehow acquired it after the fact. Nor did it figure in that I never had a bad review prior to my Confession. To some, Appearance trumps Ability - and Tradition vetoes Equality. And that’s the way it is! It’s a beautiful day in the Neighborhood - unless Mr. Rogers is Gay or becomes Ms. Rogers!!!