Thoughts on Transgender articles
The Richmond Times-Dispatch published articles on transgender youth and transgender policy Nov. 21, 2021. I found these to be interesting and thought provoking, especially in light of the Book Ban Blues column by Michael Paul Williams in the Nov. 17, 2021 issue of the paper.
I think perhaps a set of guidelines for presenting transgender and non-binary people in the media is in order. I do not however have any faith in government issued guidelines. Government officials seem way to inclined to bend to the will of whoever whines and moans the most, especially if the whining and moaning is accompanied with lots of money. I would prefer a set of guidelines that comes from the artists, writers, musicians and performers within the entertainment industry itself.
I would like to make use of the 40 day prayer practice outlined by Mike Batterson in his "Draw the Circle" book. Pray for 40 days in groups of 3 or more. Take note of any responses you think your getting be they dreams, coincidences or bursts of imagination. Participants start sharing their responses with other members of their group beginning on day 21. I would prefer lots of groups participating throughout the United States establishing a national standard with regional variations. We are a big country after all and I am deeply suspicious of the one size fits all approach to the arts and humanities.
For the transgender and non-binary community I propose the following prayer: "No woman shall wear an article of men's clothing, nor shall a man put on woman's dress; for those who do these things are abominable to the lord God. Deuteronomy 22:5; So God created man is his own image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27. Heavenly Father in Jesus name we pray help us to craft a set of guidelines for presenting trans and non-binary characters in the media consistent with our national covenant: We hold these truths to be self- evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Amen"
I would also like to see a standard for Boys Love presentation in U.S. media. Same 40 day prayer approach, just say: "I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; dear and delightful you were to me; your love for me was wonderful, surpassing the love of women. 2 Samuel 1:26; Jesus looked straight at him, his heart wormed to him, and he said, 'One Thing you lack; go sell everything you have, and give to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; and come, follow me! Mark 10:21. Heavenly Father in Jesus name we pray help us to craft a set of guidelines for presenting gay characters in the media consistent with our national covenant: We hold these truths to be self- evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Amen"
Of course if we are doing boys love we will also need industry guidelines for the love between women. Again a 40 day prayer period and say: "She gave her maid her liberty. Judith 16:23; So she kept close to his girls, gleaning with them till the end of both barley and wheat harvest; but she lived with her mother-in-law. Ruth 7:23. Heavenly Father in Jesus name we pray help us to craft a set of guidelines for presenting lesbian characters in the media consistent with our national covenant: We hold these truths to be self- evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Amen"
Moving on to the bisexual community try: "Jonathan pledged himself afresh to David because of his love for him, for he loved him as himself. 1 Samuel 20:17; So he sent messengers to fetch her, and when she came to him, he had intercourse with her, though she was still being purified after her period, and then she went home. 2 Samuel 11: 4. Heavenly Father in Jesus name we pray help us to craft a set of guidelines for presenting bisexual characters in the media consistent with our national covenant: We hold these truths to be self- evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Amen"
And finally close it out with the Asexual community: "To the unmarried and to widows I say this: it is a good thing if they stay as I am myself; but if they cannot control themselves, they should marry. 1 Corinthians 7:8; Reason is not the extirpate of the passions, but their antagonist. 4 Maccabees 2:6. Heavenly Father in Jesus name we pray help us to craft a set of guidelines for presenting asexual characters in the media consistent with our national covenant: We hold these truths to be self- evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Amen"
Despite the obviously Christian nature of these prayers I hope that members of other faith groups in the entertainment industry; Jewish, Atheist. Hindu, Muslim, Pagan, Buddhist, Scientologist, etcetera, will also participate and add their viewpoints. Yes, you read that right I do count Atheist as a faith group and I admit to being mildly curious as to what examples from sociology, psychology, history and philosophy they will bring to the table.
I like to think that we already have heterosexual relationships covered, but in case some people want guidelines for straight couples as well try this: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and the two become one flesh. Genesis 2:24; Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will provide a partner for him.' Genesis 2:18. Heavenly Father in Jesus name we pray help us to craft a set of guidelines for presenting heterosexual characters in the media consistent with our national covenant: We hold these truths to be self- evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Amen"
I suspect that artists will create and post online throughout the 40 day period. I doubt that interested parties will exclude themselves from participating just because they are not part of the entertainment industry. If your interested in the subject and have 2 or more friends or family members who will show up for the whole 40 days of prayer, go for it.
