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The Weekly Readlines February 8
BIG CUP: THE WEEK’S TOP STORIES
And just like that … the Kennedy Center gets knifed
We will be Hungary very soon at this rate. Trump claims he has fired most of the board of the Kennedy Center and is naming himself Chairman. None of this is legal, of course. Most of what they are doing it not legal, but in this new grotesque version of America, will we finally accept that ‘legal’ doesn’t mean anything to Trump and the architects of Project 2025? Nothing at all! I am weary of reading that ‘it’s not legal’ as if that is any reassurance. The rule of law is for suckers. It seems my late father fought in Germany for absolutely nothing.
LGBTQ
Impact Of Mass Deportations On LGBT People – Williams Institute – UCLA
The Hidden History Of Trans Health Care – Mother Jones
‘I Worry For Myself.’ Hundreds Debate Adding Abortion And LGBTQ Rights To CT Constitution
U.S. AND BEYOND
US Immigration Is Gaming Google To Create A Mirage Of Mass Deportations – The Guardian
Elon Musk’s Assault On US Government Prompts Muted Republican Disquiet – The Guardian
Trump Appears To Support Ending US Education Department And Says He Will ‘Wind Down’ Usaid
‘Am I Now A Walking Target?’ The Canadians Boycotting Travel To The United States Because Of Trump
Argentines March In Defence Of Diversity, Blasting Milei’s Anti-Woke Diatribes – France 24
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The Weekly Readlines February 2
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK:
America, we hardly knew ye. It’s been less than two weeks and already Trump and Project 2025 have taken a jackhammer to the country’s foundations. It’s a tragi-comedy in two acts: his first and second terms, and it’s not even intermission yet! But as horrible as it all is, remember that people have gone through worse. 400 years of slavery. Native genocide. AIDS. It’s why I cannot allow myself to shed tears only to have them savored by MAGA. We remain undefeated and unbowed.
Some Spectacular Lowlights
US Federal Websites Scrub Vaccine Data And LGBT References
Transgender People Removed From State Department Travel Page – Los Angeles Blade
CDC Researchers Ordered to Retract Papers Submitted to All Journals – MedPage Today
NOTE: “In the order, CDC researchers were instructed to remove references to or mentions of a list of forbidden terms: “Gender, transgender, pregnant person, pregnant people, LGBT, transsexual, non-binary, nonbinary, assigned male at birth, assigned female at birth, biologically male, biologically female,” according to an email sent to CDC employees (see below).”
Take a quick breather and keep reading for more news …
BIG CUP: THE WEEK’S TOP STORIES
Following the first major plane crash in 16 years, Trump blamed “DEI,” Biden, woke-whatever, and Pete Buttigieg, whom he seems to think is still the Secretary of Transportation. He also responded to a question about visiting the crash site by saying, “What site? The water? You want me to go swimming?” Comforting words for the families of the deceased.
We learned that RFK Jr. enjoyed putting baby chickens and live mice in a blender to feed his hawks. Tuberculosis made a comeback in Kansas.
Leaked DoD memo shows halting of all non-white / Christian observances, including Holocaust Remembrance Day. (Nothing says “Never again” like erasing the Holocaust.)
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The Weekly Readlines January 25
A note from the editor’s desk: we’re not apolitical at LGBTSr. We have an agenda—being there for the aging and elderly among us. This is acutely important during these times of erasure of us and the escalating assault on all things LGBTQ. If you take offense at my worldview, please be assured: it’s not going to change.
I tried that whole “I’m not going to be political” thing a few times, and the ghost of every friend I had who died from AIDS screamed, “What is wrong with you?” I heard them clearly and I won’t be getting along to get along any time soon. – Mark
BIG CUP: THE WEEK’S TOP STORIES
In less that a week in office, Trump and his administration have effectively erased every trace of LGBTQ people from federal websites and resources. But just because they can’t see us doesn’t mean we’re not here. Ditto for the Spanish-language White House website (gone), women’s health resources (gone), and anything remotely offensive to the the non-white “color blind” world Project 2025 is rapidly creating for a country founded on slavery and genocide.
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The Weekly Readlines January 10
TOP TAKES AND TIDBITS
The Readlines is a short ‘top takes’ roundup from the weekly news, delivered family style so you can take what you like. Garlic knots are an upcharge. – Mark
LGBTQ+ People Relive Old Traumas As They Age On Their Own (Daily Kos)
Ontario Premiere Offers to Buy Alaska and Minnesota
Justice Department To Release Part Of Trump Election Interference Report, Leaving Out Documents Case
Why Would Trump Want Greenland And The Panama Canal? Here’s What’s Behind U.S. Interest
Jimmy Carter Funeral: Biden And Four Former Presidents Attend Memorial Service – Latest Updates
Social Security Fairness Act Brings Retirement Changes For Some Pensioners – CNBC
Is Bird Flu The Next Pandemic? What To Know After The First H5N1 Death In The US
Lifelong Exercise Promotes Brain Health In Older Adults | National Institute On Aging
166 Million-Year-Old ‘Dinosaur Highway’ Discovered In Southern England
Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary Fame Dies at 86
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The Weekly Readlines December 15
A note from the newsroom: It’s been a year, hasn’t it? And it’s not over yet. We’ve seen gains, we’ve seen losses, we’ve felt hope and we’ve felt heartbreak. Kind of like every year, when you think about it.Two very recent losses brought my youth to mind: the death of poet and activist Nikki Giovanni, and the passing of Michael Cole, one of the three now-dead leads from Mod Squad (1968 – 1973). It wasn’t until I saw the headline about Cole’s death that I remembered him as one of my boyhood TV man-crushes. Some others were Robert Conrad on Wild Wild West (“Who is your tailor, Mr. Conrad? Such tight fitting blue suits”) and Bill Bixby on The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.Nikki Giovanni was among a handful of poets I devoured in high school, learning from them how to use words most effectively, and how to make sense of a world I generally found unwelcoming.She was 81, he was 84, I’m 66. We all take a licking and keep on ticking … until the clock stops. So long, you two, thanks for being part of the puzzle that is me. – Mark
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
“There is always something to do. There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well. And while I don’t expect you to save the world I do think it’s not asking too much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those whom you call friend, engage those among you who are visionary and remove from your life those who offer you depression, despair and disrespect.”
Poet and Activist Nikki Gionanni (1943 – 2024)
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The Weekly Readlines November 24
A note from the newsroom: I’ve been asked to facilitate a journaling group for LGBTQ participants, mostly older, who live in and around New Hope, PA (I already run an adult writers’ group at the library there). The reason given to me was that many of us are worried and maybe even frightened by the incoming administration and its plans for us. I said yes, of course. I’m not personally scared, but I am determined to be supportive and to not “get along” with people who would be delighted to see us silent or dead … and really, is there a difference?
A lot of us don’t have the luxury of not being political. I don’t live a life free from concern for others who aren’t like me. I lost dozens of friends and loved ones to AIDS. I was shaped by some amazing transgender people. I maintain a website for older LGBTQ readers. My life is political and always has been. – Mark
– Mark
THE WEEK IN HEADLINES
LGBTQ
Singer Khalid Comes Out As Gay After Being Outed: ‘I Am Not Ashamed’ – Pinknews
Trump Nominates AIDS Denier Kennedy for HHS Secretary – BBC
City That Placed $10,000 Bounty On Trans People Who Use Public Restrooms Makes Law Even Worse
LBTQ+ Afghans ‘Suffer Sexual And Physical Abuse’ In Detention Under The Taliban – PinkNews
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Cat Talk Radio with Hosts Molly DeVoss and Dewey Vaughn: Why Bone Broth for Your Cat?
You’ve probably heard a lot about bone broth for cats lately, but what does it really DO for your cat? Molly and Adrian Pettyan, founder of Caru Pet Food, talk about the specific physical and mental benefits of adding a functional bone broth to your cat food. Molly searched far and wide for THE BEST cat bone broth available – tune in to find out which brand it is, where you can get it, and why you should rush to buy it now!
Cat Talk Radio is all about cats, what makes them do what they do, why they occasionally misbehave and what cat guardians can do to fix it. We educate you on how to modify unwanted cat behavior by providing the proper environment and stimulation, enabling cats to express their natural behaviors in ways that are preferable for both the humans and cats. You will learn how to have fun with your cat, fascinating cat facts and be inspired to try new things, which will lead to a happier relationship and closer bond with your cat. We’ll also call attention to the plight of cats in our country, feel compassion for their challenges and share the message.
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Cat Talk Radio with Molly DeVoss and Co-Host Dewey Vaugh: Adolescence in Cats
One of our listeners, Teague, sent in seven very thoughtful questions about adolescence in cats. This is a crucial period for your cat, as the kitten social development period is, that can dictate their personality as an adult. Learn when adolescence is, the behaviors to expect, and the best way to mitigate behavior issues during this time.
Cat Talk Radio is all about cats, what makes them do what they do, why they occasionally misbehave and what cat guardians can do to fix it. We educate you on how to modify unwanted cat behavior by providing the proper environment and stimulation, enabling cats to express their natural behaviors in ways that are preferable for both the humans and cats. You will learn how to have fun with your cat, fascinating cat facts and be inspired to try new things, which will lead to a happier relationship and closer bond with your cat. We’ll also call attention to the plight of cats in our country, feel compassion for their challenges and share the message.
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Cat Talk Radio with Molly DeVoss and Co-Host Dewey: Do You Love Your Cat More Than Your Children?
A recent study showed that 55.5% of American pet owners felt that their pet is just as important as their children – and one in ten stated that their pets are MORE important than their children.
Cat Talk Radio is all about cats, what makes them do what they do, why they occasionally misbehave and what cat guardians can do to fix it. We educate you on how to modify unwanted cat behavior by providing the proper environment and stimulation, enabling cats to express their natural behaviors in ways that are preferable for both the humans and cats. You will learn how to have fun with your cat, fascinating cat facts and be inspired to try new things, which will lead to a happier relationship and closer bond with your cat. We’ll also call attention to the plight of cats in our country, feel compassion for their challenges and share the message.
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Cat Talk Radio with Molly DeVoss and Co-Host Dewey: Dr. Brian Hurley Talks about Feline Heart Disease
Click to hear the audio version of this post. Narration by WondervoxAI.
Molly and Dr. Hurley talk about the risks of your cat getting Heart Disease, symptoms, and things you can do to help prevent it.
CLICK TO LISTEN TO CAT TALK RADIO PODCAST
Dr. Hurley is the National Medical Director for AmeriVet Veterinary Partners. He will be a guest on Cat Talk Radio monthly to answer your medical questions about cats! We’re very excited to welcome him to the show and look forward to many engaging episodes as he shares his knowledge.
Cat Talk Radio is all about cats, what makes them do what they do, why they occasionally misbehave and what cat guardians can do to fix it. We educate you on how to modify unwanted cat behavior by providing the proper environment and stimulation, enabling cats to express their natural behaviors in ways that are preferable for both the humans and cats. You will learn how to have fun with your cat, fascinating cat facts and be inspired to try new things, which will lead to a happier relationship and closer bond with your cat. We’ll also call attention to the plight of cats in our country, feel compassion for their challenges and share the message.
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Cat Talk Radio with Molly DeVoss and Dewery Vaughn: Why Is My Cat Always Hungry?
Do cats get food obsessions? What types of behaviors do cats exhibit when obsessed with food? What can I do to get my cat to stop pestering me for food?
Cat Talk Radio is all about cats, what makes them do what they do, why they occasionally misbehave and what cat guardians can do to fix it. We educate you on how to modify unwanted cat behavior by providing the proper environment and stimulation, enabling cats to express their natural behaviors in ways that are preferable for both the humans and cats. You will learn how to have fun with your cat, fascinating cat facts and be inspired to try new things, which will lead to a happier relationship and closer bond with your cat. We’ll also call attention to the plight of cats in our country, feel compassion for their challenges and share the message.
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Cat Talk Radio with Molly DeVoss and Co-Host Dewey: 6 Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Cat
I met certified cat behaviorist Molly DeVoss when we adopted our cats Wilma and Peanut, both shelter cats and both adults when we brought them home. A friend suggested I reach out to Molly in Dallas to deal with some behavioral issues. I did, and her advice was spot on. Our “girls” are as much a part of our family as we are, and I can’t thank Molly enough for her advice. CLICK TO LISTEN TO THE EPISODE.