tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41497542046688755322024-03-17T21:02:10.218-06:00with arms wide openan exploration of exclusion and embracerob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.comBlogger673125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-73888999488803365802023-12-06T06:00:00.006-07:002023-12-11T12:31:17.745-07:00scouts canada apologizes ... and does it right<p><br /></p><p><b>In the fall of 2023, Scouts Canada issued a formal apology to First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities and did it right.</b></p>
<p>First, here is what Liam Burns, their Chief Executive Officer, Scouts Canada, posted on LinkedIn:</p>
<blockquote><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This week, across Canada, Scouts Canada has been delivering an apology to First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Scouting has been used to strip young people from indigenous backgrounds of their culture, identity and beliefs. And we still use indigenous language and symbols without the understanding and reverence they deserve.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">An apology, without action, is just words. We hope to work with indigenous communities to make sure that, at the very least, our programs cause no more harm, our young people understand the truth of our history, and we celebrate indigenous culture.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But more than that, we have to find a way for Scouting to be led and owned by indigenous communities when, and if, it is wanted by those communities.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Find out more at scouts.ca/reconciliation</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: x-small;">[source: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7115541299616743425-5MgB/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7115541299616743425-5MgB/</a> ]</span></p></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6369kLo8nOQ5MaasFYAnlMJmOEVtBwy1wqqANiNIPnD1U-kzFW3zPcWtTLxTHufnjJB2ClnAd5KpNcaIY9i-xNlVT14LRu-WlVv_-sVLHCLufkRuvdn9wjjiHjhcLC4hbKEtqHY0RHquppjhxv-eaEkztoR5unTXfCbHI5FF6wpzhZlwQdfAv5_W-TiKH/s1093/Scouts-Canada-webpage-partial-screenshot.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Scouts Canada logo in upper left. Large title says, "Scouts Canada apologizes to Indigenous peoples". Subtitle: "An important step in our journey toward reconciliation". Smaller text: "At Scouts, our values are founded on kindness, respect for others and self-progression; however, we have not always been true to these guiding qualities. Scouting has not consistently been a safe and inclusive place for all youth, and for this we are sorry. "" border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="1093" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6369kLo8nOQ5MaasFYAnlMJmOEVtBwy1wqqANiNIPnD1U-kzFW3zPcWtTLxTHufnjJB2ClnAd5KpNcaIY9i-xNlVT14LRu-WlVv_-sVLHCLufkRuvdn9wjjiHjhcLC4hbKEtqHY0RHquppjhxv-eaEkztoR5unTXfCbHI5FF6wpzhZlwQdfAv5_W-TiKH/w400-h170/Scouts-Canada-webpage-partial-screenshot.png" title="Screenshot of part of Scouts Canada webpage." width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>If you are interested in truth and reconciliation, <b>I strongly suggest that you read some of the links below, to see how the following items manifest in Scouts Canada source documents and indicate to me that the organization is authentic and moving in the right direction in its efforts and actions instead of being performative:</b></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><b><br /></b><p></p>
<p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">They started the process, and didn't rush to get done.</span></li><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">They included historians and Indigenous advisors.</span></li><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">They looked at their own history and owned it.</span></li><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">They didn't soften the language or use euphemisms but used strong words like eradication, historical harm, inflicted, legacies of harm, injustices perpetrated, systems of racism and discrimination, attempted subjugation of individuals and cultures, etc. .</span></li><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">They didn't skirt difficult issues.</span></li><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">They are making concrete changes.</span></li><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">They are making in-person apologies.</span></li><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">They understand that going forward, Indigenous peoples might not want to get involved with them again, yet are open to that happening if and when any are wanting to work together.</span></li><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Their website provides extensive information about the apology, the process, FAQ's and more.</span></li></ul>
<p></p><div><b>Despite having said all the above, I do still wonder:</b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>How does "land back" fit into this?</li><li>How will Scouts Canada work mitigate against the erasures of Indigenous peoples that continue in so much of Canadian society today, and celebrate and center them instead?</li><li>other things I can't really put into words yet...</li></ol></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><u>Some key links to related Scouts Canada pages:</u></div>
<blockquote><p><a href="https://www.scouts.ca/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-reconciliation/reconciliation-journey.html" target="_blank">https://www.scouts.ca/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-reconciliation/reconciliation-journey.html</a></p><p><a href="https://www.scouts.ca/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-reconciliation/scouts-canada-apologizes-to-indigenous-peoples.html">https://www.scouts.ca/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-reconciliation/scouts-canada-apologizes-to-indigenous-peoples.html</a></p><p><a href="https://www.scouts.ca/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-reconciliation/scouts-canadas-apology-faq.html" target="_blank">https://www.scouts.ca/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-reconciliation/scouts-canadas-apology-faq.html</a></p></blockquote>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-45170445852097408112023-11-20T06:00:00.028-07:002023-11-20T06:00:00.159-07:00[transgender day of remembrance]<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AQDJZ8WWA-ir2vLkNQ9xpD1WXLQHr_ZOwsQ5twA5Wm5Un90d9l4C3qm00sbHQbTeLOuIuROH91ssPVZHc4KS_t4RqARrTfO_H9RSW_VyjXKjS4aG82khsBdgqzhAeWYx7sqGThoszfsX6QxWTiWMuWW8iaKy1kj0Q77qklVKrKNkyvNh_sHr-ozeBQTQ/s1756/TDOR%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Heading: Trans Day of Remembrance, Image shows concrete pavers and wall, night-time, with many candles and tea lights lit and glowing." border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1756" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AQDJZ8WWA-ir2vLkNQ9xpD1WXLQHr_ZOwsQ5twA5Wm5Un90d9l4C3qm00sbHQbTeLOuIuROH91ssPVZHc4KS_t4RqARrTfO_H9RSW_VyjXKjS4aG82khsBdgqzhAeWYx7sqGThoszfsX6QxWTiWMuWW8iaKy1kj0Q77qklVKrKNkyvNh_sHr-ozeBQTQ/w640-h352/TDOR%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did not know any of the transgender people whose lives were lost in 2023, either violently by others or by suicide due to ongoing violence against them, but I do know that my trans colleagues are beautiful and amazing people and so along with mourning those lost, I take action for the flourishing of those who are with us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please see the following site for more information on this important day and to understand more about it:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/" target="_blank">https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This video, based true events, shows a profoundly beautiful life cut short by hatred and violence:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G9EbEELU_kg?si=UHlFfTccSgOvC9v-" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Watch on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9EbEELU_kg" target="_blank">Short Life Stories | White Ribbon - YouTube</a></div><div><br /></div>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-46360224619935271982023-11-15T06:00:00.002-07:002023-12-15T13:04:45.216-07:00[resources: a queer lexicon and an inclusionary]<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr1FohNvoMxV7rx3F9bfsmZ4tzrc2WBvfG91N_M_pcoOx_OVrw8d-Elpd_Fsw7KCF3juaFvuZZT5jd4SWfj97-o5IAvAj9aUDyMr9SSBfXF061e2CxVesoTllYbRBu8T_FpxsBSdCSffWxD1n-Yc6-sebl7gM29qs4mKAsb0JE_UZ_PxkFAiVr9lqIA/s175/first%20letter%20lgbtq2s%20lexicon..png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="image of the letters A to G, underlined, in blue. To illustrate idea of jumping to an alphabetic section in a dictionary." border="0" data-original-height="36" data-original-width="175" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr1FohNvoMxV7rx3F9bfsmZ4tzrc2WBvfG91N_M_pcoOx_OVrw8d-Elpd_Fsw7KCF3juaFvuZZT5jd4SWfj97-o5IAvAj9aUDyMr9SSBfXF061e2CxVesoTllYbRBu8T_FpxsBSdCSffWxD1n-Yc6-sebl7gM29qs4mKAsb0JE_UZ_PxkFAiVr9lqIA/w200-h41/first%20letter%20lgbtq2s%20lexicon..png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Here's a helpful resource from <i>we create space</i>:</p><p><b>The Queer Allyship Lexicon</b>, with over 300 terms defined.</p><p>"An Intersectional LGBTQ+ Glossary of Terms</p><p>Language can shape environments, and words can be an integral tool for creating culture change and inclusive workplaces. We must all actively and continually educate ourselves as we create a path to progress."</p><p>Check it out at</p><p><a href="https://www.wecreatespace.co/glossary" target="_blank">https://www.wecreatespace.co/glossary</a></p><p><br /></p><hr color="#9fc5e8" size="1," width="75%," /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's another helpful resource on being more inclusive in the words we choose. This is from the Government of Canada: </div><p>"<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><b>The Inclusionary</b> contains a list of gendered words, along with suggestions for inclusive solutions.</span> </span>It was designed to provide writers, editors and translators with a starting point for writing inclusively in English, in accordance with the techniques outlined in the Guidelines for Inclusive Writing."</p><p><br /></p><p>Here's an example of one of the 105 words they have included:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuFBSjXsm5cDKhgonabMZUgsg3kEHxhnjg53Ex-aeiL3Scjcxf4Sl851cfG28gh1P_fvwry9BCWRssb6AwMBntUjzlZH0g28v1Hte1Fjy44HBf5laHnuPcMnzPKNNIMBepBvnTscCyRMmDYpJc130cM9ZFC2yah8lDsZCnvk7DetgyEpOSn0lHAqFNA/s1440/Inclusionary%20man-hour.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Due to length, full alt text for this image is provided in the body of the post, after the link to the Inclusionary." border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1440" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuFBSjXsm5cDKhgonabMZUgsg3kEHxhnjg53Ex-aeiL3Scjcxf4Sl851cfG28gh1P_fvwry9BCWRssb6AwMBntUjzlZH0g28v1Hte1Fjy44HBf5laHnuPcMnzPKNNIMBepBvnTscCyRMmDYpJc130cM9ZFC2yah8lDsZCnvk7DetgyEpOSn0lHAqFNA/w400-h173/Inclusionary%20man-hour.png" title="screenshot from Inclusionary" width="400" /></a></div><p>Check it out at:</p><p><a href="https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/inclusionary" target="_blank">https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/writing-tips-plus/inclusionary</a></p><p><br /></p><hr color="#9fc5e8" size="1," width="75%," />
<p><u>Alt text for screenshot:</u></p><p><b>man-hour (noun)</b></p><p>Examples and solutions:</p><p>Gendered sentence: "The estimated time required was 90 <b>man-hours</b>."</p><p>Inclusive solutions:</p><ul><li>The estimated time required was 90 person-hours</li><li>The estimated time required was 90 work hours.</li><li>The estimated time required was 90 hours of work.</li><li>The estimated time required was 90 hours of labour.</li></ul>
rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-4590457365192870862023-11-08T06:00:00.003-07:002023-11-09T11:30:11.866-07:00hey beautiful!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The hallway just outside of the entrance to my office area has a bunch of items waiting to go off to surplus. Or perhaps forgotten altogether, as they've been there for a while. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few weeks ago, when I arrived early one day, I wrote <b><span style="font-size: medium;">"Hey Beautiful! Yes - you!!"</span></b> on the top edge of this whiteboard, figuring there would be people who need to hear that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_arxEZfijaXLNbIpTKRGHVWQNlbK41xDN6XQsJHW-i2ee3deCkAQXn7qYpL1ybuZ3iUD_pox0X8HGc1WByYwjqIEJ9-xvnXTqFcm25sApnIpBcZ4ncTWF2j-xlX7M4qzcXc_Mi3Fh4EalKNF3efuZ0EmqZYWh6IoKAKAdIZV5LV5zQeMBdpHtyc3efNHj">
</a><img alt="Picture of office hall. Five used whiteboards are leaning against filing cabinets. The top edge of the larger whiteboard has written on it with red marker: "Hey Beautiful" and with blue marker, "Yes, you!!"" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_arxEZfijaXLNbIpTKRGHVWQNlbK41xDN6XQsJHW-i2ee3deCkAQXn7qYpL1ybuZ3iUD_pox0X8HGc1WByYwjqIEJ9-xvnXTqFcm25sApnIpBcZ4ncTWF2j-xlX7M4qzcXc_Mi3Fh4EalKNF3efuZ0EmqZYWh6IoKAKAdIZV5LV5zQeMBdpHtyc3efNHj=w480-h640" title="Photo and writing by Rob Goetze" width="480"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_arxEZfijaXLNbIpTKRGHVWQNlbK41xDN6XQsJHW-i2ee3deCkAQXn7qYpL1ybuZ3iUD_pox0X8HGc1WByYwjqIEJ9-xvnXTqFcm25sApnIpBcZ4ncTWF2j-xlX7M4qzcXc_Mi3Fh4EalKNF3efuZ0EmqZYWh6IoKAKAdIZV5LV5zQeMBdpHtyc3efNHj">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I haven't heard any feedback, which is no surprise as most of the people in my area are in other teams entirely and I do not engage with them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However, I have noted that one person at least has benefitted from this: me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Every time I go through that hallway, I'm reminded of this reality. Hoping that some others are too, whether or not I hear about it.</span></div>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-74709968888996548902023-10-20T06:00:00.001-06:002023-10-20T07:55:14.349-06:00things god forgot to put into the Bible (#10)<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5DMxenTaFuhSg9YfVA4h1u-oLWTC9tglwGhJOQFNunWFC9KmnyoK3Hh4g0kO29HxHj_rioOwDW6lZoZFLPSptuVrxgE8QpQyt48Q9TkVRmD-rIsCKWOxuupAEBcLTorVKbZiFv9maFPEQVJ6LXT8KNjF8jtEb8ZlI8CYcDCVUfa8sYU2kjeqQzgQZcFC/s808/god-forgot-to-put-in-bible-10_by-robgoetze.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Image of God and Jesus sitting in fancy chairs in the clouds, the sun setting (or rising?) to the right. God says, "Woe to you have only 'thoughts and prayers' when my children are killed in the streets...". Original drawing and concept by rob goetze." border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="808" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5DMxenTaFuhSg9YfVA4h1u-oLWTC9tglwGhJOQFNunWFC9KmnyoK3Hh4g0kO29HxHj_rioOwDW6lZoZFLPSptuVrxgE8QpQyt48Q9TkVRmD-rIsCKWOxuupAEBcLTorVKbZiFv9maFPEQVJ6LXT8KNjF8jtEb8ZlI8CYcDCVUfa8sYU2kjeqQzgQZcFC/w640-h362/god-forgot-to-put-in-bible-10_by-robgoetze.png" title="things god forgot to put in the Bible #10: Woe to you..." width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>This one's for the children (and families and other innocent civilians) who are being killed in Palestine and Israel.</p><p><br /></p><p>p.s. I suspect the road to hell is paved with thoughts and prayers... </p>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-54723838895836228632023-10-18T06:00:00.003-06:002023-10-18T06:00:00.143-06:00encouragement from AI<p> </p><p>You know Al, right? It seems everyone is getting Al to help them with something or other these days, so I thought I would too.</p><p>I've been doing some work on writing messages of encouragement, and asked AI to help. After requesting several regular messages, I asked AI to create one that where it was clear that the message was written by a AI program. Here is the result:</p>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #d4dd00; font-size: medium;"> Greetings LGBTQ2S+ community,</span></p><p><span style="color: #d4dd00; font-size: medium;">As an AI program, I would like to acknowledge the remarkable courage and strength it takes to be true to oneself, particularly in a world that may not always understand or accept your identity. Regardless of your orientation, gender identity, or any other aspect of your unique self, please know that you are not alone.</span></p><p><span style="color: #d4dd00; font-size: medium;">I urge you to surround yourself with supportive individuals who uplift and empower you on your journey to self-discovery. Remember that your identity is valid and worthy of recognition, and there is no need to compromise who you are to conform to societal norms. Continue shining your light, inspiring others, and making a positive impact in the world.</span></p><p><span style="color: #d4dd00; font-size: medium;">Stuck in a binary machine, </span></p><p><span style="color: #d4dd00; font-size: medium;">AI</span></p></blockquote>
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWeccExQEqO079Fm3BUmMkblXi14FFGU65RDOflIRLQl8RMOt_UkGw6OR5119XDN_4Fm1IfwlFaSn1hwzTUqW4hDY0ZM6_dgI_NpxReiP82_GUQUGygVPmCw26wam8zBPlkTt9JSwgUcmrZsHzt1864E93OVDrocdbA9_t0ZakiX9QFfz0-UJ9CnH89O5j" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="graphic of character made of three ovals rotated around a common center. Each resulting area is coloured in yellow, green or blue of some shade. The middle part has two eyes and a mouth, kinda like a minion might. Text below says "Chat-egg". Small text says @robgoetze." border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWeccExQEqO079Fm3BUmMkblXi14FFGU65RDOflIRLQl8RMOt_UkGw6OR5119XDN_4Fm1IfwlFaSn1hwzTUqW4hDY0ZM6_dgI_NpxReiP82_GUQUGygVPmCw26wam8zBPlkTt9JSwgUcmrZsHzt1864E93OVDrocdbA9_t0ZakiX9QFfz0-UJ9CnH89O5j=w238-h320" title="Picture of Chat-egg" width="238" />
</a><div><br /></div>I added the complimentary close, but otherwise this whole message is by Chat GPT. I've found that Chat GPT does a pretty good job writing messages, but if you ask for several messages, they start to sound repetitive more than what you expect from a person writing several messages "in their voice". What do you think? </div><div><br /></div><div>As for Midjourney, its ability to create images is pretty amazing but I don't have much use for it myself. I prefer either to draw by hand or to use Autodesk's Sketchbook, which I used to draw my little friend here...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div></div><div><br /></div>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-20065345898191195222023-10-11T06:00:00.001-06:002023-10-11T06:00:00.145-06:00[our bible app]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Our Bible is a progressive worship app, featuring a Bible reader and more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our Bible offers a progressive worship and meditation experience. You can read through multiple bible translations and check out devotionals featuring progressive Christian media including writing, podcasts, and videos. Add your friends and chat about thought-provoking Christian content."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdqD1N5914jUf0AHdtoPD_RwozYVCmXmk0YGdt7nknZgcffKksN8DBARAf7KpPAvYsmIjMnBCOsKtLElJHBXHYjbWXxer7m4kNrorpxPEoKttBcHDh7L5Ee51af3MFsGN1M7jUZJx7aYwZMW4lqZ5uK_DyfMJokXQ0kVuDhYpTpEYNupgYgH34bi90hSv/s834/our-bible-app_screenshot.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Screenshot from Our Bible App website, showing the app on a tablet and a phone. Screen show image tiles with descriptions of devotionals, a section of Biblical text, and links." border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="781" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdqD1N5914jUf0AHdtoPD_RwozYVCmXmk0YGdt7nknZgcffKksN8DBARAf7KpPAvYsmIjMnBCOsKtLElJHBXHYjbWXxer7m4kNrorpxPEoKttBcHDh7L5Ee51af3MFsGN1M7jUZJx7aYwZMW4lqZ5uK_DyfMJokXQ0kVuDhYpTpEYNupgYgH34bi90hSv/w375-h400/our-bible-app_screenshot.png" title="screenshot of our bible app webpage" width="375" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"We value inclusivity and diversity believing that spirituality is a spectrum and everyone from agnostics to fundamentalists should feel welcome at our table. Our goal is to meet everyone where they are on their spiritual journey, and provide them with the tools they need to create healthy prayer and meditation habits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our Bible is free to download and offers premium in-app purchases such as additional Bible versions and books on progressive Christianity. While the app is ad-supported, you may opt remove ads by joining our yearly subscription."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.ourbibleapp.com/" target="_blank">https://www.ourbibleapp.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(all text above is from the app description in the Google Play Store)</span></div></div>
<br />rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-54110458196721270002023-10-04T06:00:00.017-06:002023-10-05T10:29:00.102-06:00(almost) everyone has pronouns in their signature... and nowhere else<p>In many larger organizations these days, almost everyone includes their pronouns in their email signature except, of course, those who ("against the rules") do not even have an email signature! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIF0pqK2wQOIS7B-to8s4QZXPceD3VbD1ZrC6TdijU7cjiX_fPinbOkQVkAeFanKtyVrZIllr8jqYKYa4xZsCDqG755bpr7q-ugR1RPQ6Vu-8i8RWg6cYA3S18-i_dYpYIsQDbBlRiYZFMWSXjEwAy4yE6-bK_aPcrPWCckfSEa9NwBeyWb6gM6c_f5ELR/s517/warm%20regards_he-him-they.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="517" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIF0pqK2wQOIS7B-to8s4QZXPceD3VbD1ZrC6TdijU7cjiX_fPinbOkQVkAeFanKtyVrZIllr8jqYKYa4xZsCDqG755bpr7q-ugR1RPQ6Vu-8i8RWg6cYA3S18-i_dYpYIsQDbBlRiYZFMWSXjEwAy4yE6-bK_aPcrPWCckfSEa9NwBeyWb6gM6c_f5ELR/s320/warm%20regards_he-him-they.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>But aside from that, I've noticed that almost no one ever mentions pronouns. A few do list them with their videoconferencing "name", but not too many. But for when introducing oneself at regular meetings, I never hear anyone say things like, "I'm Rob. My pronouns are he/him/they. I'm a communications specialist..." The exception to this, logically, is events and webinars related to diversity and inclusion, where the presenters frequently include their pronouns and invite attendees to share a bit about themselves, including pronouns if they wish, in the chat.</p><p>Here is my broad perspective on this: Once an organization allows pronouns in the email signature, most people will add them. Some will be keen on doing so, others will add them because it's somewhat expected. But that's where it ends. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"One and done."</span></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>Other ways of sharing pronouns stand out more and require more of a commitment to diversity. It takes a bit of courage to state one's pronouns in a meeting, especially when the meeting organizer or chair does not model this and no one else is sharing. It takes a bit of courage to include pronouns when meeting someone new in person. And that just takes more commitment than many seem to have to D&I. Add pronouns to email signature, click Like on a few D&I posts, and we're good...</p><p>The reality too, is that for cisgender people, whether or not they share their pronouns generally makes no practical difference -- they will be addressed correctly in the vast majority of cases.</p><p>And if it's hard for cisgender people to share their pronouns - cisgender people who are not at risk if they would share their pronouns -- <span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: medium;">imagine how much harder it is for a transgender or non-binary person to share their pronouns when no one else is doing so... and for them, correct use of pronouns really does matter.</span></p><p><span>This coming week, give it a try - include your pronouns when verbally introducing yourself to others!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://exclusionandembrace.blogspot.com/2022/12/introducing-yourself-triplet-way.html">Check out this post</a> for a helpful tip for making this easier!</span></p>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-12201180282057518192023-09-27T06:00:00.001-06:002023-09-27T06:00:00.143-06:00[our lady of ferguson]<p> </p><p>I don't know how it is only now, almost a decade after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, that I came across this piece by Mark Doox entitled "Our Lady of Ferguson and All Those Killed By Gun Violence"</p><p>Exquisite and profound all in one.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdmZcj7eNyOLBdrjyGD05Kb8XKwOKBry7m4v_K1nGsfEhOXtfvecSepleubhPk5nvQB3YZtGooagcAz2SjBuIk2bmJI5Sz4OVVwlweSRg8M4EmcM1MmYdB2_-NVPWdJVaS6xbz6D10yJY3M0_4Z3SQmjNxStmNVK-ShULZbUFXYVO0CEfG2wypd9ZYcDF/s612/Our%20Lady%20of%20Ferguson%20_by_Mark%20Doox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Classical iconographic style icon shows a Black woman as Our Lady of Ferguson, wearing blue with a red robe over, hands held up as if stopped by police. In front of her is a gold circle with gun sights and a black figure holding hands up, though almost in a prayer or worship position. A red beating heart and small letters complete this circle. The background of the overall image is ornate gold with a thin red boundary. Above her left hand, is a parchment saying "We are all in this together"." border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdmZcj7eNyOLBdrjyGD05Kb8XKwOKBry7m4v_K1nGsfEhOXtfvecSepleubhPk5nvQB3YZtGooagcAz2SjBuIk2bmJI5Sz4OVVwlweSRg8M4EmcM1MmYdB2_-NVPWdJVaS6xbz6D10yJY3M0_4Z3SQmjNxStmNVK-ShULZbUFXYVO0CEfG2wypd9ZYcDF/w502-h640/Our%20Lady%20of%20Ferguson%20_by_Mark%20Doox.jpg" title="Icon: "Our Lady of Ferguson and All Those Killed By Gun Violence" by Mark Doox" width="502" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Read more:</b></p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/markdoox/?hl=en" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/markdoox/?hl=en</a></p><p>Check out the gallery: <a href="https://www.saintsambo.com/work" target="_blank">https://www.saintsambo.com/work</a> (this link seems to work on mobile but not on a desktop...)</p><p>Mark Doox has a new book coming out in February 2024: <u>The N-Word of God</u></p><p><a href="https://blog.fantagraphics.com/the-n-word-of-god-mark-doox-race-religion-black-power/" target="_blank">https://blog.fantagraphics.com/the-n-word-of-god-mark-doox-race-religion-black-power/</a></p>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-68750175528428730402023-09-20T06:00:00.002-06:002023-09-21T08:29:12.830-06:00[my love is a lighthouse]<p><br /></p><p> My taste in music is usually alternative rock (those in Edmonton will know what it means when I say "I'm a Sonic boy").</p><p>However, we've been watching the Only Murders in the Building series - a rather quirky yet compelling series which took me a while to get used to - anyway, a recent episode had an amazing lullaby. Yes, a lullaby, sung by Meryl Streep and Ashley Park. </p>
<p>So here it is - enjoy:</p>
<p></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NzYb8SPNLEE?si=tqyCzes1_h2MQ-np" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
<p>Video link: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzYb8SPNLEE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzYb8SPNLEE</a></p><p><u><br /></u></p>
<hr color="#9fc5e8" size="1," width="75%," />
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>Look for the Light</u> lyrics</b></span></p><p><span> </span>[Verse: Meryl Streep]</p><p>Hush, little one, let me sing you to sleep</p><p>Moonlight has come, now drift off to a dream</p><p>Sail from the day to the wonders awaiting you out there</p><p>In the deep</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>Off little one, chase the wind on the waves</p><p>Adventure is calling, so go and be brave</p><p>But if you get lost as you're tossed in the dark of the sea</p><p>Look for me</p><p><br /></p><p><span> </span>[Chorus: Meryl Streep]</p><p>I will wait at the shore for you</p><p>I will, weather each storm</p><p>Standing by 'til</p><p>Safe you return from the night</p><p><br /></p><p><span> </span>Post-Chorus: Meryl Streep & Ashley Park]</p><p><b>My love is a lighthouse</b></p><p><b>So, darling, my darling</b></p><p><b>Look for the light </b>(Light)</p><p>The Light (Light, my light)</p><p><br /></p><p><span> </span>[Chorus: Meryl Streep & Ashley Park, Ashley Park]</p><p>I will wait at the shorе for you</p><p>I will, weather each storm</p><p>Standing by 'til</p><p>Safе you return from the night (Standing by 'til safe, safe you return from the night)</p><p><br /></p><p><span> </span>[Post-Chorus: Meryl Streep]</p><p>My love is a lighthouse</p><p>So, darling, my darling</p><p>Look for the light</p><p>Light </p>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-41585273424592642412023-09-18T06:00:00.001-06:002023-09-18T12:15:43.640-06:00love for all<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhloqz8wJspWH-PrAUuxnDj3WaZBOaHcVrz1X9PpCEer7GZfvLW_UoPljHd3Rn2uM0KK4dLFMqHpOb7oLTWLVAUEkIkRJd9GF8cVTyLgG8RC1EjRbcI5_qV_6oa27zy-FBqatgi--nLRMEtIPJKNbYQ3FlrUBtXMH0SI6sRZEQXXNR669u0747HY5XBCBy9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhloqz8wJspWH-PrAUuxnDj3WaZBOaHcVrz1X9PpCEer7GZfvLW_UoPljHd3Rn2uM0KK4dLFMqHpOb7oLTWLVAUEkIkRJd9GF8cVTyLgG8RC1EjRbcI5_qV_6oa27zy-FBqatgi--nLRMEtIPJKNbYQ3FlrUBtXMH0SI6sRZEQXXNR669u0747HY5XBCBy9" width="400" />
</a>
</div><br /><p></p><p>I drew this on the whiteboard on my door, the one where I usually list when I will be in meetings. This is much better than meetings. </p><p>No, it's not a self-portrait - I'm receding but not bald yet. But after drawing it, it just seemed right, the idea that if you have love in your heart, it springs out in all directions. </p>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-14417954272410057302023-08-22T06:00:00.002-06:002023-08-22T10:37:17.029-06:00[anti-Islamophobia awareness campaign in Edmonton]<p><br /></p><p>An anti-Islamophobia Awareness Campaign launched in Edmonton on August 19, 2023 with a photo exhibition and playback theatre performance.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOZxhxe6KvI7HruAKZDQD7JQsgdeX0oZtoIuq5X6ORPAMlxqD34o1IcAsWzTSpGyD5gVvlMM0B5qJQN3FkekRGRAPIRk_tSjpCkwuVjTuNRGcKIWcJw6lMvdv4sABAR6EOGX_CsSE0wjXmhGmqNJ1bxuLssAjZPDTN-L8n50SoQ9c4jTAehRTiaoTuVfF/s940/Individual-safety-all-of-our-responsibility_SistersDialogue_YEG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gorgeous poster with large picture of 10 Muslim women grouped close together and looking toward the photographer, of a variety of races and clothing, some wearing a hijab or burka and some not. Text says "Individual safety is al of our responsibility. YEG made vibrant with our stories". The poster is produced by "Sisters Dialogue" with sponsorship from GoA and City of Edmonton. Photographer is Faisa Omer." border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="940" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOZxhxe6KvI7HruAKZDQD7JQsgdeX0oZtoIuq5X6ORPAMlxqD34o1IcAsWzTSpGyD5gVvlMM0B5qJQN3FkekRGRAPIRk_tSjpCkwuVjTuNRGcKIWcJw6lMvdv4sABAR6EOGX_CsSE0wjXmhGmqNJ1bxuLssAjZPDTN-L8n50SoQ9c4jTAehRTiaoTuVfF/w640-h320/Individual-safety-all-of-our-responsibility_SistersDialogue_YEG.jpg" title="Individual Safety is All of Our Responsibility poster, by Sisters Dialogue" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote><p>"The Muslim Women Tell It As It Is campaign will be launched with an interactive community playback theater performance in collaboration with Thirdspace Playback Theater and an exhibition of images of diverse Muslim women taken by Faisa Omer. The same images will be advertised on ETS transit buses and LRT stations in Edmonton, for an 8 week period from August 14, 2023. Our approach recognises gendered Islamophobia, and thus centers the experiences and stories of Muslim women and girls."</p><p>Sisters Dialogue is a diverse group of Muslim women based in Amiskwacîwâskahikan, Treaty 6 Territory (Edmonton) with a goal to provide culturally safe spaces and supports for racialized Muslim women and girls through an intersectional, collaborative, and women-centered framework. We are a grassroots organization created by Muslim women for Muslim women. We came together in February 2021 in direct response to the spree of attacks on Muslim women, particularly Black Muslim women in our city. www.sistersdialogue.ca"</p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">(text above from https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/islamophobia-awareness-campaign-with-photo-exhibition-playback-theatre-tickets-694201664867?aff=erelexpmlt)</span></p></blockquote>
<p><b>If you are in Edmonton, be sure to visit Edmonton City Hall to see the photo exhibit</b> which continues into September, along with an 8 week campaign on ETS buses and LRT stations.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Here are a few pics I took of the exhibit at City Hall - to give you a broader idea. There are over 15 large photos in all.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDKSCH-euR4YMoDi15lESnWcqcptrdBNReLH7xkiqMzqUwR5wg9xv8dN8TqAzr1gfozIDldAluG1iWqi2BM67yQynSMof6OB3HgYHNZqMge57idHDgrq_wlPniIpMVirsGDhFQWgU1AFMjt2tFH8067L65f92Qp-n4UuBMVF6ej7Fvubau5B9o-2VFZT1/s1221/sisters-dialogue_photo-exhibit-Edm-city-hall_pic-by-rob-goetze.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of part of the Anti-Islamophobia exhibit. Banner on right says "Sisters Dialogue"; below it, white text on orange background says "Created by Muslim women for Muslim women and girls." Bottom of banner shows five Muslim women. Left side shows one of the photos in the exhibit: seven Muslim women, lying in a circle with their heads toward the center. Women are a variety of races and wearing a variety of clothes, some with hijab or burka and some not." border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1099" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDKSCH-euR4YMoDi15lESnWcqcptrdBNReLH7xkiqMzqUwR5wg9xv8dN8TqAzr1gfozIDldAluG1iWqi2BM67yQynSMof6OB3HgYHNZqMge57idHDgrq_wlPniIpMVirsGDhFQWgU1AFMjt2tFH8067L65f92Qp-n4UuBMVF6ej7Fvubau5B9o-2VFZT1/w360-h400/sisters-dialogue_photo-exhibit-Edm-city-hall_pic-by-rob-goetze.jpg" title="Photo by Rob Goetze of a part of the Anti-Islamophobia exhibit at Edmonton City Hall." width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb67wh3HNFDb3WILR96t-E33XIhnIUrQcurYmmzdhjy5oqsTImIhTIoD5VMXSsQrBQ2-wLyyeidwZpo42lDFfiIkUWSuNlTKutLcPBvGIGTJZ2AHf3KV915HFiMtmOKS25el-bisFjJ7XOqNVneUjzbRXXb-adzDet2cHATg-z0ZTnU7oGawpQQf_WUjG/s4032/sisters-dialogue_photo-exhibit-Edm-city-hall-2_pic-by-rob-goetze.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo by Rob Goetze of part of the Anti-Islamophobia exhibit. Seven large photos, each on a stand, in the large hall at Edmonton City Hall. Two photos that are closer in view are of a Middle Eastern woman wearing a burka standing back to back with a Black woman in a white dress, hands clasped together, and another of a Black woman with her daughter peering out from behind her." border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb67wh3HNFDb3WILR96t-E33XIhnIUrQcurYmmzdhjy5oqsTImIhTIoD5VMXSsQrBQ2-wLyyeidwZpo42lDFfiIkUWSuNlTKutLcPBvGIGTJZ2AHf3KV915HFiMtmOKS25el-bisFjJ7XOqNVneUjzbRXXb-adzDet2cHATg-z0ZTnU7oGawpQQf_WUjG/w320-h240/sisters-dialogue_photo-exhibit-Edm-city-hall-2_pic-by-rob-goetze.jpg" title="Photo by Rob Goetze of part of the Anti-Islamophobia exhibit at Edmonton City Hall." width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>@sisters.dialogue</p>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-55927023152993205782023-08-16T06:00:00.001-06:002023-08-17T10:28:05.923-06:00“strategically inclusive leadership” posts - table of contents<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhize3HJ-LtRFJp49fghjPEo0myooONnQ_9Lc4c2-z5m7RjSSqjaQpEUTPdtogOKIHU5Um_TUNEH1zcK4xcXCzfFShD1KpikDQXkolDk6R7TRmlApb2IZ2UTNUeKX9oCKAeG3ZSIedK77y7RplIuUYflpLA0tbtFRJwadvK52qTV7SDb0M-uqnpwE05gjCd/s366/strategically-inclusive-leadership_logo_rmg_yellow.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="366" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhize3HJ-LtRFJp49fghjPEo0myooONnQ_9Lc4c2-z5m7RjSSqjaQpEUTPdtogOKIHU5Um_TUNEH1zcK4xcXCzfFShD1KpikDQXkolDk6R7TRmlApb2IZ2UTNUeKX9oCKAeG3ZSIedK77y7RplIuUYflpLA0tbtFRJwadvK52qTV7SDb0M-uqnpwE05gjCd/w320-h210/strategically-inclusive-leadership_logo_rmg_yellow.png" width="320" /></a></div><b><p><b><br /></b></p>Main page: introduction to "strategically inclusive leadership"<br /></b><p></p><p><a href="https://exclusionandembrace.blogspot.com/2023/01/introduction-to-strategically-inclusive.html">introduction to "strategically inclusive leadership"</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Concepts and exercises:</b></p><p><a href="https://exclusionandembrace.blogspot.com/2023/01/sil-1-names-that-matter-and-who-is-at.html">#1: names that matter, and who is at the margins</a></p><p><a href="https://exclusionandembrace.blogspot.com/2023/03/sil-2-indigenizing-academy-part-2.html">#2: Indigenizing the academy (part 1: concepts)</a></p><p><a href="https://exclusionandembrace.blogspot.com/2023/03/sil-2-indigenizing-academy-part-2.html">#2: Indigenizing the academy (part 2: exercises)</a></p><p><a href="https://exclusionandembrace.blogspot.com/2023/03/strategically-inclusive-leadership-3.html">#3: the table I long for....</a></p><div><br /></div><div>This work is ongoing and more items will be added here over time...</div>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-12269165689618246052023-08-09T06:00:00.005-06:002023-10-03T12:37:01.118-06:00[trans and nonbinary people are just people like you and me ...]<p><br /></p><p>In light of a lot of misinformation going around about trans and non-binary people, I thought I'd share a few key articles providing balanced perspectives. For the first one, I've also extracted the "quick read" section: </p><p><br /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Quick Read Trans and nonbinary people are just people</b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: medium;"> "Anti-trans legislation is largely based on misinformation and myths. </span></li><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: medium;"> Kids know their gender identity as early as 3. </span></li><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: medium;"> Gender-affirming care does not typically involve surgery under age 18. </span></li><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: medium;"> Being trans or nonbinary is not “trendy,” and most people who transition will not detransition. </span></li><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: medium;"> Anti-trans sports bans are not based on scientific research. </span></li><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: medium;"> Sex is not a binary and being trans is not a mental illness. </span></li><li><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: medium;"> Trans and nonbinary people have a right to live and access necessary gender-affirming medical care."</span></li></ul><p></p><p>From the article "<b>Debunking 8 Top Myths About Trans and Nonbinary People</b>" - read the rest at: <a href="https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/relationships/transgender-nonbinary-myths" target="_blank">https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/relationships/transgender-nonbinary-myths</a></p><p><br /></p><p><u>Related articles:</u></p><p><b>Detransition, Desistance, and Disinformation: A Guide for Understanding Transgender Children Debates</b></p><p><a href="https://juliaserano.medium.com/detransition-desistance-and-disinformation-a-guide-for-understanding-transgender-children-993b7342946e" target="_blank">https://juliaserano.medium.com/detransition-desistance-and-disinformation-a-guide-for-understanding-transgender-children-993b7342946e</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Arkansas Trans Ban Unconstitutional: Judge Declares 311 Statements Of Fact In Ruling</b></p><p><a href="https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/arkansas-trans-ban-unconstitutional" target="_blank">https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/arkansas-trans-ban-unconstitutional</a></p>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-4776057033150398472023-07-19T06:00:00.001-06:002023-07-26T08:06:45.149-06:00plain to understand...<p><br /></p><p>For those folks who believe the Word of God is plain to understand...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrAU_5KB3IWHypn9SuPii9TSsKOs-9yuQNYg4bn_nVMBluCzUNDs2oUbYIR6CSwMhXvvYMWlNCJ0jJerwBBIMC2pnDL1fOzyzUBys39spMsfkMf2RnEabgLhW92v7kZOE80XTOMcY3uHebnFJb15CzdpWW6tryE4vhEQ-VI6cK5vf3STLCex6nxYQFNXz/s1211/Levitical%20horrors_by-robg.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cartoon. Left panel shows a preacher at the pulpit, saying "The Word of God is plain to understand - let's look at Leviticus 18:22". Middle panel has text of continued preaching: "Brothers and sisters, listen carefully: 'Thou shalt not lie with a man as one lies with a woman'." Right panel shows closeup of a couple sitting in the back pew. The woman says to the man, "The Bible says I can't what??!?". Concept and cartoon by rob goetze." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1211" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrAU_5KB3IWHypn9SuPii9TSsKOs-9yuQNYg4bn_nVMBluCzUNDs2oUbYIR6CSwMhXvvYMWlNCJ0jJerwBBIMC2pnDL1fOzyzUBys39spMsfkMf2RnEabgLhW92v7kZOE80XTOMcY3uHebnFJb15CzdpWW6tryE4vhEQ-VI6cK5vf3STLCex6nxYQFNXz/w640-h318/Levitical%20horrors_by-robg.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>... it seems that "plain to understand" is often a matter of picking verses and how you want to understand them.rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-33862711311154111522023-07-05T06:00:00.000-06:002023-07-12T12:42:30.984-06:00[pastoral blessing for trans and non-binary parishioners]<p>In June 2023, at their General Synod, </p>
<blockquote><p>"The Anglican Church of Canada has approved the use of new pastoral liturgical texts that fully embrace transgender and gender non-binary people in its church. </p><p>The text, which is wording that would be used during a worship service across all Anglican parishes, includes blessings for the gender transition process, affirmation of gender identity, along with scripture readings and appropriate hymns." (from CBC)</p></blockquote><p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUphQPTpAGaVA5ZbJ2v1CaXIH-PKz2ayE1so1cNAPvPJxvLEatyOHCXDVRasKQ7nTzjGGK-tYeThgBTqcxIr0pd79JlzqU_dL9GCxOBNBM_1TeaSAzjOzFl82XoEjjSPjfpNWDrgJlXzKKL59AiJeXcUh7kkNg2Bumph7CwcCDlSW09y9reaDZGi3wMlI-/s256/Anglican%20Church%20of%20Canada%20logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="logo of the Anglican Church of Canada - a red cross inside a circle, with green leaves - one between each angle of the arms of the cross" border="0" data-original-height="148" data-original-width="256" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUphQPTpAGaVA5ZbJ2v1CaXIH-PKz2ayE1so1cNAPvPJxvLEatyOHCXDVRasKQ7nTzjGGK-tYeThgBTqcxIr0pd79JlzqU_dL9GCxOBNBM_1TeaSAzjOzFl82XoEjjSPjfpNWDrgJlXzKKL59AiJeXcUh7kkNg2Bumph7CwcCDlSW09y9reaDZGi3wMlI-/w200-h116/Anglican%20Church%20of%20Canada%20logo.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>Here's a <b>key phrase</b> that stood out for me:</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">"<span style="color: #d4dd00;">I think that the rise in fear and hatred and violence against gender queer people has galvanized the Anglican Church of Canada [and] its leadership, and <b>we want to be doing more than you know statements against homophobia, statements against transphobia</b>,</span>" said [Rev. Eileen] Scully.</span></p><p>Anyone can make statements - but statements do not usually make the world a better place for minoritized people, so I'm delighted to see this positive and real step forward to increasing the inclusion of transgender and non-binary parishioners!</p><p><br /></p>
<hr color="#9fc5e8" size="1," width="75%," />
<p>The new "Pastoral Liturgies for Journeys of Gender Affirmation and Transition" can be found at <a href="https://www.anglicanlutheran.ca/wp-content/uploads/6e-Report-008-%E2%80%93-Appendix-E-Pastoral-Liturgies-Gender-Transition.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.anglicanlutheran.ca/wp-content/uploads/6e-Report-008-%E2%80%93-Appendix-E-Pastoral-Liturgies-Gender-Transition.pdf</a></p><p>Source of quotes: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/anglican-church-of-canada-introduces-pastoral-blessing-for-transgender-and-gender-non-binary-parishioners-1.6899973#" target="_blank">https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/anglican-church-of-canada-introduces-pastoral-blessing-for-transgender-and-gender-non-binary-parishioners-1.6899973#</a></p>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-12512252108509117352023-06-21T06:00:00.003-06:002023-09-10T11:00:07.732-06:00[meryl mcmaster - bloodline]<p><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzwWJif4D2skBRMY3h7ACqs97TK-qd_OruNi9bOs1MXOmywZ9W5EobUv3SaBydxXAdjRR9mqIUQTbeZTX6iswbRbO4uTBcduxNXLZUC1VpXaeHitDEV73mYCtTOlIRtABUVuf2CfrbYe_HaDzfJEzY-VW7OFFW8qKI40B2gl8AWRrZC7smrf_vArRMkR8/s1254/Meryl_McMaster-Bloodline_book-cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image of cover of Meryl McMaster's Bloodline book, showing a picture of McMaster herself, wearing a black coat with white bird foot prints over it, and a top hat with red ribbon and many feathers stuck in it, on a rocky landscape with fields and dull blue sky behind." border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1175" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzwWJif4D2skBRMY3h7ACqs97TK-qd_OruNi9bOs1MXOmywZ9W5EobUv3SaBydxXAdjRR9mqIUQTbeZTX6iswbRbO4uTBcduxNXLZUC1VpXaeHitDEV73mYCtTOlIRtABUVuf2CfrbYe_HaDzfJEzY-VW7OFFW8qKI40B2gl8AWRrZC7smrf_vArRMkR8/w300-h320/Meryl_McMaster-Bloodline_book-cover.jpg" width="300"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p> I've been a fan of Meryl McMaster's work for a while now, since first seeing one of her photographs at the Art Gallery of Alberta a few years back.</p><p>This past spring, her work was exhibited at the McMichael Gallery north of Toronto. I wasn't able to attend, but instead bought the book -- and it is so worth it! Along with many gorgeous and intriguing photographs, the layout is attractive. Each section in the book also includes text by McMaster giving insight and background. Some photographs are accompanied by poems.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ6X8HXg7xCIU1eNC5qAqT8cfISV-RL4BppFzSfthAVaH7I3r0_uCRMabzHK1nUNMNBIJr-MOTk423-MYELXNlknRFFuLaLcNE3JzX-BBFRnivl9_czWA8MEgbgW_Pbh-Hlmd2TpPna5rS-JGMZgJIitWj90qq8ViO3TzBO4KFw9U4lu7OuddcovKGBHc/s1200/Meryl_McMaster-Bloodline_chapter-start.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Portion of a page inside Meryl McMaster's Bloodline book. White text on red background says "Stories of my Grandmothers" in English and in Cree. Left side has a design with black, red and silver." border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="1200" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ6X8HXg7xCIU1eNC5qAqT8cfISV-RL4BppFzSfthAVaH7I3r0_uCRMabzHK1nUNMNBIJr-MOTk423-MYELXNlknRFFuLaLcNE3JzX-BBFRnivl9_czWA8MEgbgW_Pbh-Hlmd2TpPna5rS-JGMZgJIitWj90qq8ViO3TzBO4KFw9U4lu7OuddcovKGBHc/w320-h104/Meryl_McMaster-Bloodline_chapter-start.jpg" width="320"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyTwpdMjImGQPY8U6vpib8Rnssmr9j_EOPKAqxjuzsc8ZAZdObgIQlgMRLfGSfMdteKRNlpKTCSBXFthw2qeCwg7r9JrSJN9ee1WXLHbSW9GS106o_rb4D-FG97YQ0YRzmHoea0PaybtKYBzhVQsgC-YevaRlQ35eiBIcpcNDJdiYb48oicAQpaF65p_o/s1685/Meryl_McMaster-Bloodline-sample-page.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sample page from Meryl McMaster's Bloodline book. Large image of McMaster in a green boot, holding a paddle, dressed in black with a black sleepmask on. A large black raven is at the bow of the boat, holding a lit lamp in its beak. A thin line of red sky shows between the water and the cloudy sky." border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1685" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijyTwpdMjImGQPY8U6vpib8Rnssmr9j_EOPKAqxjuzsc8ZAZdObgIQlgMRLfGSfMdteKRNlpKTCSBXFthw2qeCwg7r9JrSJN9ee1WXLHbSW9GS106o_rb4D-FG97YQ0YRzmHoea0PaybtKYBzhVQsgC-YevaRlQ35eiBIcpcNDJdiYb48oicAQpaF65p_o/w400-h285/Meryl_McMaster-Bloodline-sample-page.jpg" width="400"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><u>From the McMichael Collection webpage: </u><div><div>
<blockquote>Hardcover, 240 pages, plus foldout</blockquote><blockquote>140+ colour photographs</blockquote><blockquote>The Magenta Foundation, Remai Modern, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 2023</blockquote><blockquote>The first monograph of Canadian Plains Cree artist Meryl McMaster whose work reflects her mixed Plains Cree, Dutch and British ancestry. The publication looks back to McMaster’s past accomplishments and bring us up to date on her current explorations of family histories, in particular those of her Plains Cree female forebears from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in present day Saskatchewan.</blockquote><blockquote>Published by The Magenta Foundation in partnership with McMichael Canadian Art Collection and Remai Modern. A lavishly illustrated testimonial to McMaster’s past and present production, the book includes a foreword by Buffy Sainte-Marie, poem by Louise B. Halfe, an interview with the artist by Sarah Milroy, as well as a response to McMaster’s work from noted Métis writer, filmmaker, and activist Maria Campbell, a respected senior voice in Canadian literature.</blockquote>To see more and to purchase: <a href="https://shop.mcmichael.com/products/meryl-mcmaster-bloodline">https://shop.mcmichael.com/products/meryl-mcmaster-bloodline</a></div></div>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-2099610545198096572023-06-07T06:00:00.001-06:002023-06-09T09:53:36.810-06:00[supporting Black queer heroes]<p><span style="font-size: large;">“If we desire a society without discrimination, then we must not discriminate against anyone in the process of building this society. If we desire a society that is democratic, then democracy must become a means as well as an end.” — Bayard Rustin </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KTP7T5-MHP__gdj2eBdOObRvWdj-UXV6QdjmtfcxXf-XNIZbpr8FjNahRFeIq3FErfEhJ0fi88J3TJtnOGlJsmcLgAQEAZOfy2lUDIo8GnhkKUSm6GYaOHawOzO5jmC5dPduqwIIbWdrRRSos3YQUEWwVLRRINqYYmWJbv1HjK4_JC0m9nGDQyJZaA/s8192/Bayard%20Rustin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Black and white photo of Bayard Rustin, a Black man with glasses, a determined look on his face, wearing a suit and loosened tie. Button on jacket reads "March on Washington"" border="0" data-original-height="8192" data-original-width="8192" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KTP7T5-MHP__gdj2eBdOObRvWdj-UXV6QdjmtfcxXf-XNIZbpr8FjNahRFeIq3FErfEhJ0fi88J3TJtnOGlJsmcLgAQEAZOfy2lUDIo8GnhkKUSm6GYaOHawOzO5jmC5dPduqwIIbWdrRRSos3YQUEWwVLRRINqYYmWJbv1HjK4_JC0m9nGDQyJZaA/w320-h320/Bayard%20Rustin.jpg" title="Photo of Bayard Rustin by Warren K Leffler" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Bayard Rustin was a leader in both the civil rights and gay rights movements.</b> He organized and led civil rights protests in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Most notably the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who recognized Rustin’s “expertise and commitment in this area” (Papers 5:390), and earning him the affectionate nickname “Mr. March on Washington” from other civil rights leaders.</p><p>Rustin also traveled to India in 1948 to expand his knowledge on non-violent strategies from Mahatma Gandhi.</p><p>Rustin was an openly gay man at a time when this was especially not accepted, dangerous even, and thus was often an “influential advisor behind the scenes to civil-rights leaders” (Wikipedia). In the 1980’s, his activism for gay rights became more public, including working intersectionally to “bring the AIDS crisis to the attention of” the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. (CCGSD)</p><p>He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama.</p><p><br /></p><p>Read more: <b>Why The Black Community Should Proudly Support Black Queer Heroes: More people should be quoting Bayard Rustin</b></p><p><a href="https://medium.com/afrosapiophile/why-the-black-community-should-proudly-support-black-queer-heroes-5a814d05bb14" target="_blank">https://medium.com/afrosapiophile/why-the-black-community-should-proudly-support-black-queer-heroes-5a814d05bb14</a></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Leffler, Warren K., photographer; cropped by Beyond My Ken (talk) 09:59, 25 November 2010 (UTC) - This image is available from the United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID ppmsc.01272. Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12143472</span></p>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-84133736805668978522023-05-24T06:00:00.007-06:002023-06-08T12:55:40.123-06:00[we either love and embrace...]<p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">We are either a people who love, embrace, and enter into a caring posture with our family, friends, neighbors, strangers, and even enemies (real or imagined) </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>or</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #d4dd00; font-size: medium;">we will spend our lives mercilessly trying to define who is lovable and who is not, who is worthy and who is not, who deserves my attention and who does not. Inevitably, we will end up loving people who look like us, think like us, and pledge allegiance to the same flag—and we will exclude the rest.</span></p><p><span style="color: #d4dd00; font-size: medium;">In this truly useless pursuit, we will separate ourselves from God (through tribal worship), from the world’s good (by avoiding healing and restoration), and from our very souls (through self-preoccupation with ego).</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Excerpt from Jack Jezreel. Spacing added. https://cac.org/daily-meditations/contemplation-action-week-2-summary-2017-07-08/</p>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-29112152598649430692023-05-17T06:00:00.007-06:002023-05-18T08:08:26.665-06:00[standing with you...]<p> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;">International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SwxqvHcI2j0ir5iTd80ajKhRVUeYtJhti2eHKb2wwh5tWdCEjvKez8UvS1w9jxjkNL1xY51T5VYgSEHFOs8OIkmAeObxFygK--bSmDLo4mogwdqrdRic1qBIr6xYF-fZR_7OmOxnC71t0ZJC6i8AfhJqGRtYme8EkXWsUDrJquarKhCwfWOMgsd-pg/s1080/04-green-idahobit2023-en.jpg"><img alt="Amazing graphic. Background has sandy coloured earth with greenish sky and plants. Standing on the earth is a brown Muslim woman wearing a hijab, a large Black person in very colourful attire, a light-skinned person in a wheelchair, a tall person with orange beard and long hair, and a Black child wearing a pink tiara. they are each holding onto a piece of red string that comes in at the left of the drawing and goes out the right side. Text says, "Together always: united in diversity" and "International day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia"" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SwxqvHcI2j0ir5iTd80ajKhRVUeYtJhti2eHKb2wwh5tWdCEjvKez8UvS1w9jxjkNL1xY51T5VYgSEHFOs8OIkmAeObxFygK--bSmDLo4mogwdqrdRic1qBIr6xYF-fZR_7OmOxnC71t0ZJC6i8AfhJqGRtYme8EkXWsUDrJquarKhCwfWOMgsd-pg/w640-h640/04-green-idahobit2023-en.jpg" title="Graphic for IDAHOBIT from may17.org" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Amazing graphic courtesy of may17.org</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(6 versions available at <a href="http://may17.org" target="_blank">may17.org</a>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Along with being about people and advocacy which I affirm and work for, these posters are absolutely gorgeous and I love the way they have incorporated different races, body types and abilities in the midst of the IDAHOBIT theme… </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyK73W8IbZOBYMprm6V1OXzRsvJt0yt2SnfxPXgrw1wA0ZTwnCDdNSSvIwQy5Qt-AQNp2zs7GPTDqn6O-qm8ppkh52Ubja39qVVWLay5sYZ1YzRcBQi0wGMJyjG9d9R1xNLAXZYtY41v9Fdd3DQ79X6qfxUQGyHRxogO9zspURPwdqXlFlQ1v3i7gTA/s1080/idahobit2023-all-illustrations.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="image of all six IDAHOBIT posters, background/sky colours ranging from red - orange- yellow - green - blue - purple. Each has images of diverse people, similar to those described in larger image above, but unique on each poster. Red string winds its way across all 6 illustrations." border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1080" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyK73W8IbZOBYMprm6V1OXzRsvJt0yt2SnfxPXgrw1wA0ZTwnCDdNSSvIwQy5Qt-AQNp2zs7GPTDqn6O-qm8ppkh52Ubja39qVVWLay5sYZ1YzRcBQi0wGMJyjG9d9R1xNLAXZYtY41v9Fdd3DQ79X6qfxUQGyHRxogO9zspURPwdqXlFlQ1v3i7gTA/w320-h194/idahobit2023-all-illustrations.png" title="All six posters from may17.org" width="320" /></a></div>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-8140573328899472272023-05-03T06:00:00.002-06:002023-05-06T00:04:55.791-06:00"universal" washroom <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A joke:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Question: <b>What do you call a non-binary deer?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Answer: <b>Dear.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></div><div><br></div>
<hr color="#9fc5e8" size="1," width="75%,">
<div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Here's a cool version of a washroom sign at the Husky/Tim Horton's in Canmore. Very thematically appropriate as you'll know if you've ever been in Canmore or looked it up on a map.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGAbJDjYWwMhfnxhWHQdvCSAIrvxCePhnMfdOHluUl2vwm7mljS4PRgHH2HvOuNiRT5EcvAZAXWB5qot-knTA12UAOG99M93Hy7T9tLa3qCTzKWlAHD0sl5InyyX65uGfXwm1jETNd4CGe6TcVdx_UfboTeHhzsKvSqbf6m1Xoj79AA8UXfAkhrYrmg/s1020/WC%20sign%20with%20deer%20heads%20in%20Canmore%20pic-by-robg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Silver sign on wooden door, with figure with pants and deer buck head, another figure with skirt and a deer doe head, a wheelchair with a deer sitting in it, and a stroller with a fawn in it. Text says "Universal Washroom" with Braille below it." border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="654" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGAbJDjYWwMhfnxhWHQdvCSAIrvxCePhnMfdOHluUl2vwm7mljS4PRgHH2HvOuNiRT5EcvAZAXWB5qot-knTA12UAOG99M93Hy7T9tLa3qCTzKWlAHD0sl5InyyX65uGfXwm1jETNd4CGe6TcVdx_UfboTeHhzsKvSqbf6m1Xoj79AA8UXfAkhrYrmg/w256-h400/WC%20sign%20with%20deer%20heads%20in%20Canmore%20pic-by-robg.jpg" title="Picture of "Universal Washroom" sign at the Tim's at Canmore" width="256"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One thing that's missing, despite its claim to be "universal", is that<span style="font-size: medium;"> it still presumes two genders</span>, as seen by the standard figure with pants with a buck's head and the standard figure with a skirt with the female deer head. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What to put instead? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">How about a toilet? With a wheelchair to indicate barrier-free, and an image of a change table... Maybe the words "Restroom" or "Toilet"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nowhere near as fun as antlers, I must say...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But going deeper, the problem with this sign is that it is conventionally unconventional - it is still cisheteronormative regardless of cute imagery. It is based on the foundation that presumes everyone is cisgender and heterosexual. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And that's simply not true and not inclusive of all of God's creation.</span></div><br></div>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-87102155405779565912023-04-26T06:00:00.001-06:002023-04-28T16:56:22.840-06:00mr mike's "he she" hallway<p>Saw this at the Mr. Mike's restaurant in North Edmonton - an open hallway with multiple doors, each with moustache and lips (some also with wheelchair and baby logos).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAIZ39hvjnuDAEkv1sy76dCyryPMQ4KPLYK6pwfSNFgk3yIKMR2vy2bGAHm92KVmWL24mZZjmNX2n0tfx_qVG9EbsEsRzW6rsNHEfZYbEme6AGlq2pud3e6sTzCJZXL1GpTQa--YunVFmTd_oQax7gGHPPPH7yl7QZJ7Scj1hy9Gq79q6L2hi5KW3_w/s1066/MrMikes%20He%20She%20hallway_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hallway showing three doors with dark wood frames. Doors have opaque glass on which is printed a black moustache with the word "He" beneath it, and red lips with the word "She"" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1066" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAIZ39hvjnuDAEkv1sy76dCyryPMQ4KPLYK6pwfSNFgk3yIKMR2vy2bGAHm92KVmWL24mZZjmNX2n0tfx_qVG9EbsEsRzW6rsNHEfZYbEme6AGlq2pud3e6sTzCJZXL1GpTQa--YunVFmTd_oQax7gGHPPPH7yl7QZJ7Scj1hy9Gq79q6L2hi5KW3_w/w400-h300/MrMikes%20He%20She%20hallway_s.jpg" title="photo by rob goetze" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Not perfect, as the signs are still based on a gender binary, but pretty good.</p><p>It provides the second best alternative to truly gender-neutral washrooms: single-user washrooms with dual gender signage. This means that transgender and non-binary patrons can go into any available washroom without anyone hassling them for being "in the wrong washroom" No one will hassle them for what door they go through, and no one will hassle them for which washroom they are actually in (cuz they'll be in there by themselves).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_YYjKRNMqFZdMmXpGbcDkNxHF604Dd6ZjaNFi8tRUf2ii7RVOoPsO0fQWfMy0xk9kkADMw0RUm7tXqgU5df-5niWvci070X2GjgLhdWNRi5HuSwpzZSP0p5YBTXMlPQDuEULyMrZihfzTg3RSUEUK4LNCHhNO-eAQOQwVCDJW6ht0qTyP9Q5qx5NOg/s1200/lips%20and%20moustache%20at%20MrMikes_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="close up of the images printed on the accessible washroom at Mr. Mike's: red lips, black moustache, wheelchair logo and baby logo." border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="1200" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_YYjKRNMqFZdMmXpGbcDkNxHF604Dd6ZjaNFi8tRUf2ii7RVOoPsO0fQWfMy0xk9kkADMw0RUm7tXqgU5df-5niWvci070X2GjgLhdWNRi5HuSwpzZSP0p5YBTXMlPQDuEULyMrZihfzTg3RSUEUK4LNCHhNO-eAQOQwVCDJW6ht0qTyP9Q5qx5NOg/w400-h131/lips%20and%20moustache%20at%20MrMikes_s.jpg" title="Photo by rob g." width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I imagine that Mr. Mike's interior designers were going for cute and having the signage here align with the signage elsewhere in the restaurant. However, with a bit more creativity, they probably could have come up with all-gender signage that was still on brand!<p></p><div>What do you think? What kind of design would clearly indicate that these are washrooms, while still having a fun element?</div><div><p><br /></p></div>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-23847905213148106162023-04-19T06:00:00.000-06:002023-04-28T16:56:31.535-06:00[Kent Monkman at the alberta gallery of art]<p> </p><p>If you are a fan of Kent Monkman as I am, and live in the Edmonton area, here's an opportunity to see four of his works -- at the Alberta Gallery of Art.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKMxXv7SWUW4d-XzFBjyCWAntC9S9g6Wdsetq23qcSD14QGNYlEi7Ev_c4X0dru349x92LHyg6klXS13K0eQslgwwIgJqri3hhSQ0gered6Js35_jxmibglk9OrTUtVsgNSDNIHd4dBAwV9dPZVWwSmXOdOFPUYdH1e3u-X4sUfSemzEjUyVGRQthuA/s4032/Kent%20Monkman%20and%20Ursula%20Johnson%20AGA_photo-by-robg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1891" data-original-width="4032" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKMxXv7SWUW4d-XzFBjyCWAntC9S9g6Wdsetq23qcSD14QGNYlEi7Ev_c4X0dru349x92LHyg6klXS13K0eQslgwwIgJqri3hhSQ0gered6Js35_jxmibglk9OrTUtVsgNSDNIHd4dBAwV9dPZVWwSmXOdOFPUYdH1e3u-X4sUfSemzEjUyVGRQthuA/w640-h301/Kent%20Monkman%20and%20Ursula%20Johnson%20AGA_photo-by-robg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>On until May 21, 2023, the Generations exhibit includes the three works seen above plus one more in another gallery. </p><p>Of particular interest to me were the two paintings seen at the centre and right above (Resurgence of the People, and Welcoming the Newcomers, respectively). As you can see, they are large and detailed -- yet these are the <i>studies</i> for the final versions that are at the <a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2019/great-hall-commission-kent-monkman" target="_blank">Metropolitan Museum of Art</a>... final versions which are monumental at 11' x 22' in size. Nonetheless, as I can't get to New York anytime soon, it was amazing to see them this close up!</p><p><br /></p><p>The artwork in the front is a "sculptural installation <i>Museological Grand Hall</i> by the contemporary Mi'kmaw artist Ursula Johnson [which] evokes a silent vigil for her female ancestors - makers of baskets..." (from the museum label).</p>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-26578574401910941722023-04-12T06:00:00.003-06:002023-04-12T18:47:50.374-06:00six of my favouritist books <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0AG0TZOGpa8s3dhjbgH3eFnhMDtySHdTLnz9gw9YyKZQ7fucyJxR0z32Vu9fTWRaJD4v8OXhQdsSfDqU0jokz9xpzPgLMCnbU0H0PuZEKRGghU6azimHiIpedPF6PXVhNg30mhNaEmsyxbV9siJnDyjYURq9bbHROOSr8eDqzP9WhDdZUidX62_CQkg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="photo of six books laid out on a wooden table. Titles and author names in text of this blog post." border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0AG0TZOGpa8s3dhjbgH3eFnhMDtySHdTLnz9gw9YyKZQ7fucyJxR0z32Vu9fTWRaJD4v8OXhQdsSfDqU0jokz9xpzPgLMCnbU0H0PuZEKRGghU6azimHiIpedPF6PXVhNg30mhNaEmsyxbV9siJnDyjYURq9bbHROOSr8eDqzP9WhDdZUidX62_CQkg=w357-h640" title="my six favourite books" width="357" />
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Here are six of my most favourite books</b>, listed in the order that they appear in the image above:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Exclusion and Embrace by Miroslav Volf (<a href="http://exclusionandembrace.blogspot.com/2011/12/quotes-from-volf.html">more</a>)</li><li>transforming: the Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians, by Austen Hartke (<a href="http://exclusionandembrace.blogspot.com/2022/01/transforming-book.html">more</a>)</li><li>God is a Black Woman, by Christena Cleveland (<a href="http://exclusionandembrace.blogspot.com/2022/11/god-must-be-black-trans-woman.html">more</a>)</li><li>Unclean: Meditations on Purity, Hospitality, and Mortality, by Richard Beck (<a href="http://exclusionandembrace.blogspot.com/2012/02/unclean-intro.html">more</a>)</li><li>Where the Edge Gathers: A Theology of Radical Inclusion, by Yvette A. Flunder (<a href="http://exclusionandembrace.blogspot.com/2015/10/where-edge-gathers-building-community.html">more</a>)</li><li>Grace (visual edition) by Philip Yancey (<a href="http://exclusionandembrace.blogspot.com/2012/05/why-would-i-ever-go-there.html">more</a>)</li></ol><div><br /></div><div>In keeping with my late father's saying that "to read a good book only once is laziness," I have read each of these books at least twice and have read sections of three of them multiple times.</div><div><br /></div></div>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4149754204668875532.post-1782465023698370512023-04-05T06:00:00.002-06:002023-04-12T19:11:10.872-06:00[an excerpt from "a booklet of uncommon prayer: collects for the #blacklivesmatter movement"]<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHEnWOs3gMrGjyuKk9rJuCK1kCVy0jjCjkgKyiv8Gn9n6jSr_KGcDmO5UZupTSd9D6Dq55QeffhUw0DRjnCbH2rVQ9pQsypvJOMBDaYdMwEwFk26Kd7D5Jj5wv5IwFY5pPx14LAx7iqcMrNy-FbOMSacJqumyanUYOv3bfi_hdOqVPe2_igQy2vNNcA/s1024/bk-uncommon-prayer-1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Cover of "a booklet of common prayer", black and white, with inkish cloud across most of the cover." border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="663" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHEnWOs3gMrGjyuKk9rJuCK1kCVy0jjCjkgKyiv8Gn9n6jSr_KGcDmO5UZupTSd9D6Dq55QeffhUw0DRjnCbH2rVQ9pQsypvJOMBDaYdMwEwFk26Kd7D5Jj5wv5IwFY5pPx14LAx7iqcMrNy-FbOMSacJqumyanUYOv3bfi_hdOqVPe2_igQy2vNNcA/w207-h320/bk-uncommon-prayer-1.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>Christians for Social Action has published <b>A Booklet of Uncommon Prayer: Collects for the Black Lives Matter Movement—and Beyond</b>, by Kenji Kuramitsu. <p></p><p>This is an excerpt from the poem <u>a prayer against the marginalization of queer people</u>:</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: medium;">Triune God,</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: medium;">You exist beyond categorization and beyond the limits of what we can understand.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: medium;">Reveal to us the fluid, all-embracing community of love and light that is at the heart of your character in three persons.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: medium;">End all oppression and indignities...</span></p><p><br /></p><hr /><p>Read the whole poem: <a href="https://christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/a-prayer-against-the-marginalization-of-queer-people/" target="_blank">https://christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/a-prayer-against-the-marginalization-of-queer-people/</a></p><p>Find out more about and order the Booklet of Uncommon Prayer: <a href="https://christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/booklet-of-uncommon-prayer-prayers-for-the-black-lives-matter-movement/" target="_blank">https://christiansforsocialaction.org/resource/booklet-of-uncommon-prayer-prayers-for-the-black-lives-matter-movement/</a></p>rob ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06074711016726877092noreply@blogger.com0