Posts by Expanded-Mind

14

Fifty Years Since Stonewall

by Expanded-Mind in

jw
friends

heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

from their depictions in ancient myth (that are brought to life on the silver screen in modern retellings) to the less-sensational, yet stirring biopics of sometimes seemingly mythical, but actual flesh and blood persons who have helped shape our world, there is certainly no shortage of heroic women and men.

chances are, however, that it is the unsung hero that has likely had the most impact on our lives.

Expanded-Mind

Hi, Cofty and/or LoveUniHateExams!

• A majority of states don’t have explicit laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. – ACLU

• The number of hate crimes motivated by anti-LGBTQ bias has remained relatively steady, from a high of 1,256 in 2010 to a low of 1,097 in 2014. Since 2014, the total number has increased every year. – NBC News

• Trump’s administration started rolling back two controversial legal provisions related to the Affordable Care Act: protections against discrimination based on gender identity, and based on the termination of a pregnancy. – The Atlantic

• The Trump administration is considering narrowly defining gender as a biological, immutable condition determined by genitalia at birth, the most drastic move yet in a governmentwide effort to roll back recognition and protections of transgender people under federal civil rights law. – The New York Times

• The United States Supreme Court has allowed President Donald Trump to enforce his policy of banning certain transgender people from the military. – BBC.com

• There has been concern that the Trump administration might try to have judges put in place that could potentially overturn marriage equality in the USA. According to Snopes.com: “Donald Trump lamented the Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges decision during a Fox News appearance and suggested that strategic Supreme Court appointments could overturn that ruling”.

“lawmakers from both chambers of Congress launched yet another attempt, introducing the Equality Act of 2019, a sweeping measure that would ban discrimination in areas ranging from housing to public accommodations (a realm that includes public bathrooms as well as bakeries, two areas of recent contention). – Time.com
As I’ve already stated, no one is denying that things have changed in significant ways since Stonewall 1969 and I for one am grateful for this. But, there is still a fight for acceptance and equality, at least in the United States.

14

Fifty Years Since Stonewall

by Expanded-Mind in

jw
friends

heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

from their depictions in ancient myth (that are brought to life on the silver screen in modern retellings) to the less-sensational, yet stirring biopics of sometimes seemingly mythical, but actual flesh and blood persons who have helped shape our world, there is certainly no shortage of heroic women and men.

chances are, however, that it is the unsung hero that has likely had the most impact on our lives.

Expanded-Mind

Cofty and/or LoveUniHateExams:

Hi! I ask this sincerely: In what sense is the fight for acceptance and equality over, in particular, in the United States?

Would either of you mind expounding on that thought?

In spite of some remarkable progress made over the past fifty years, this statement, to me, seems to be at odds with current experiences of many who are LGBTQ.

I’d appreciate hearing your reasoning on this. Thanks!

ExpandedMind

14

Fifty Years Since Stonewall

by Expanded-Mind in

jw
friends

heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

from their depictions in ancient myth (that are brought to life on the silver screen in modern retellings) to the less-sensational, yet stirring biopics of sometimes seemingly mythical, but actual flesh and blood persons who have helped shape our world, there is certainly no shortage of heroic women and men.

chances are, however, that it is the unsung hero that has likely had the most impact on our lives.

Expanded-Mind

Hi, Cofty... sadly, this does not appear to be the case, at least not in the United States. In my opinion, under the Trump Administration, there has been a constant fight to undermine LGBTQ rights, in spite of Trump’s campaign promises to be a friend to and support of the LGBTQ community.

This Administration has actually been attempting to roll back protections that LGBTQ Americans already have, including preventing those who are transgender from serving their country in the military. There are some who fear that this administration may fight to reverse marriage equality in the United States. Here’s a detailed list compiled by GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation):

https://www.glaad.org/tap/donald-trump

14

Fifty Years Since Stonewall

by Expanded-Mind in

jw
friends

heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

from their depictions in ancient myth (that are brought to life on the silver screen in modern retellings) to the less-sensational, yet stirring biopics of sometimes seemingly mythical, but actual flesh and blood persons who have helped shape our world, there is certainly no shortage of heroic women and men.

chances are, however, that it is the unsung hero that has likely had the most impact on our lives.

Expanded-Mind

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. From their depictions in ancient myth (that are brought to life on the silver screen in modern retellings) to the less-sensational, yet stirring biopics of sometimes seemingly mythical, but actual flesh and blood persons who have helped shape our world, there is certainly no shortage of heroic women and men. Chances are, however, that it is the unsung hero that has likely had the most impact on our lives. And for many of us, but sadly not all, those first heroes might be our mothers and fathers or other guardians, who first lovingly nurtured us.

As we grew from infancy and expanded our horizons by venturing out into the world, through school and other social functions, we found that the heroes in our lives increased; there were teachers, athletes, musicians, or other artists who held that honor. As we got even older, there may have even been heroes who had a more spiritual or political influence in our lives (I am reminded, with a smile, of Alex P. Keaton’s near worship of President Ronald Reagan on “Family Ties”).

Each of these heroes filled a need for a specific time in our lives. And regardless of whether they were fictional or real, they all had something in common: the ability to inspire, each in their own unique way, helping us muddle through the trials and tribulations (and sometimes just the mundanity) of life.

Fifty years ago this month, an event occurred that changed the course of American, even world, history. A group of women and men, patrons of the Stonewall Inn, and their supporters, engaged in a protest that would come to symbolize the fight against oppression and discrimination that had been the lot of those identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer. June, known by the LGBTQ community as “Pride Month,” celebrates the collective contribution these brave heroes embarked on in the infancy of this fight for equality. Their protests, induced by chronic police raids on establishments that catered to the gay community, including the Stonewall Inn, were admittedly far from peaceful. But these heroes had reached the tipping point. Reacting to what they viewed as injustice, they echoed the words of Popeye of cartoon fame: "That's all I can stands - I can't stands no more!"

It wasn’t solely at the Stonewall Inn that these heroes had to face oppression and discrimination. Sadly, for most, it was a daily occurrence, happening in their families, their workplaces, their places of worship, and from the government. “Don’t tell,” rather than “don’t ask, don’t tell,” was likely how these heroes who had been silenced by societal and legal norms managed to live day-to-day. Many Americans have never had to face such dire circumstances.

Still, the fight didn’t end fifty years ago… it is ongoing. And contrary to some commentary, no person that is LGBTQ wants more protections or rights than their straight brothers and sisters. They seek the same legal assurances so that:

· They can live their lives authentically, be themselves and love whomever they love, without fear of verbal or bodily harm.

· They no longer have to fear being denied housing, being fired from employment or losing healthcare benefits. MERELY FOR BEING WHO THEY ARE.

I am deeply indebted to those patrons of Stonewall and their supporters, as well as the multitudes of other brave women and men who, prior to and after Stonewall, have risked their freedom (and sometimes their lives) to live authentically. Because of these heroes, the world I inherited is a bit more tolerant, accepting and safe. But, as we know from daily news headlines, the fight is far from over: There is a long struggle ahead in this fight as we seek equality for all.

“It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right.”

― Henry David Thoreau, Civil Disobedience

Todd AKA ExpandedMind

**Image from https://heartlandpride.org/2019pride/

4

Seventh Day Adventists

by HappyBlessedFree in

so i was doing some research on the russell’s origin which we all know is advetism.

i live close to the mecca of advetists and wanted to learn more about them.

wow is it interesting!

Expanded-Mind

Hi! I believe this is the same document mentioned. Its full title is "The Truth About Seventh-day Adventist 'Truth,'" and I am posting the link to it. The author is a former Seventh-day Adventist named Dale Ratzlaff, who left their group sometime in the 1980's. http://www.lifeassuranceministries.com/pdf%20files/freett.pdf

ExpandedMind

9

The best and worst Do Co & Elders in New Zealand

by belogical in

i will start the ball rolling with the best do his name mike kramer a lovely man i believe he went to japan then had a burn out anyone know where he and alice are now.

Expanded-Mind

Hi Belogical!

Mike Krammer and I were best-friends shortly after he came into the Watchtower Organization, to the time I left (which was May 1984). I actually met Mike’s Dad in the door-to-door work and placed a couple of magazines with him. When I made a return visit, his Dad suggested I talk to Mike, which I did and that led immediately into a study. While we were studying we both realized that there was a deep-friendship growing. I even shared in baptizing him.

Mike moved to where the need was greater and that’s where he met Alice. They got engaged and Mike asked me to be his best-man. I still have pictures of his and Alice’s wedding… so long ago.

I had been having a struggle with things I learned about the Watchtower Organization’s history (even before Mike moved away). Mike knew something was bothering me and I shared with him all my research. We immediately went to talk to an elder, who said that he’d find out some answers for me. Sadly, that never happened. Instead, I was told that what I wrote bordered on apostasy I decided to, once again, focus on the Organization and having Mike in my life certainly encouraged that.

After Mike moved away, I found that the questions I had had still loomed and eventually talked to a couple of elders and told them that this time, I WANTED ANSWERS. Of course, they had no substantial answers and I decided to leave the organization. (I heard that one of these elders also eventually left the Organization. Mike and I talked for the last time not long before my disassociation and he was always trying to encourage me… right down to the end. I heard through the grapevine that he and Alice had been in New Zealand. I've also, more recently, heard that they are now back in the States.

I still love and miss him and Alice so very much. And I so hope that, with all the information he has likely seen in his time with the Witnesses that, just maybe, their eyes will be opened up. None of us are getting any younger and it would be incredible to see them again.

Not to be gossipy, but what kind of burnout did Mike have in Japan? Do you know? I hope he is fully recovered.

ExpandedMind

14

Venus and Serena William's mother in a Mother's Day commercial

by Expanded-Mind in

jw
friends

i think this is such a cute commercial!

(link below) however, if venus and serena's mother is a loyal witness, i am surprised that she would consent to do a mother's day commercial.

we all know what they teach about celebrating this and so many other holidays.

Expanded-Mind

I also think I have read that Venus and Serena are not baptized and that their father was never a JW, but thought I had heard that their mother was an active JW. That's why I find it strange that she would do this type of ad.

14

Venus and Serena William's mother in a Mother's Day commercial

by Expanded-Mind in

jw
friends

i think this is such a cute commercial!

(link below) however, if venus and serena's mother is a loyal witness, i am surprised that she would consent to do a mother's day commercial.

we all know what they teach about celebrating this and so many other holidays.

Expanded-Mind

I think this is such a cute commercial! (link below) However, if Venus and Serena's mother is a loyal Witness, I am surprised that she would consent to do a Mother's Day commercial. We all know what they teach about celebrating this and so many other holidays. From the Reasoning from the Scriptures book:

"What is the origin of the practice of setting aside a day to honor mothers?

The Encyclopædia Britannica says: “A festival derived from the custom of mother worship in ancient Greece. Formal mother worship, with ceremonies to Cybele, or Rhea, the Great Mother of the Gods, were performed on the Ides of March throughout Asia Minor.”—(1959), Vol. 15, p. 849.

I wonder if she would have been counseled about this. Or maybe it explains, to a degree, why Venus and Serena haven’t always adhered strictly to Watchtower precepts.

Has anyone heard anything?

ExpandedMind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MST1CBFotw

29

My Dead Mother Called Me This Morning!

by minimus in

jw
friends

i woke up a little after 5 am this morning and looked at the clock and realized i had more time to sleep so i fell right back asleep.

i had this dream that i was letting my girlfriends dog out of her house and the next scene i was at work and i got a phone call.

the room i was in simply had a table and phone it was very bare.

Expanded-Mind

Minimus,

Enjoyed reading about your dream...

This past year or so, I've been doing a lot of reading and researching on the paranormal, but mostly from a scientific perspective. Everything was so black & white for me as a Witness... everything/anything paranormal was of the devil. There have been many studies that indicate that ESP and telepathy really do happen (exactly how it works or exactly what they are seem to be a bit of a mystery). Anyway, this touches on other subjects like reincarnation and life-after-death. Some of the experiences I have read by people who have been/are skeptics, many of whom have scientific credentials, is pretty amazing. I am sharing with you one book you may like reading, by journalist Leslie Kean. She's an amazing writer, bringing together all sorts of "evidence," but still maintaining her skeptical/journalistic perspective. Here's a link to her book. http://www.survivingdeathkean.com/surviving-death/

ExpandedMind

27

Moving Back to Chicago - Don't care

by LevelThePlayingField in

my wife was diagnosed with ms about two years ago.

we have been living in ohio for the last 5 years but were recently assigned to a new congregation because of the dissolving and sale of our congregation/kh.

my wife's symptoms spiked after being relocated to our new hall back in january.

Expanded-Mind

Hello!

You may already be aware of this, but there is a group of exJWs that meet periodically in the Chicago/Chicago Suburbs. Once you've settled in (and if you feel comfortable doing so) take a look at the Meetup website and join in. Not sure when the next gathering will be, but we have a good time when we do!

The Chicago Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses Meetup Group

https://www.meetup.com/exjw-29/

Best wishes!

ExpandedMind