Armed Protester Barges Into Public Library To Disrupt Drag Queen Storytime

James 'Doc' Greene Sr.

A protester armed with a gun barged into a Houston public library this past weekend in an attempt to disrupt Drag Queen Storytime.

James ‘Doc’ Greene Sr., who was previously issued a trespassing warning by the Houston Public Library for similar protests, entered the Freed-Montrose Library on Saturday at 1:45 p.m., just minutes before the monthly story time event.

When Greene refused to leave, library management called the police for help.

A spokesperson for the Houston Police Department told Outsmart Magazine, “A manager asked us for assistance because [Greene] was banned from the library, and would not leave when he was asked.”

“He was previously banned for filming children at the library, and has been known to cause disturbances,” she added. “Several officers had to escort him out.”

Greene, a conservative radio host for Raging Elephants Radio, was disarmed by the police, put in handcuffs, and placed in a police car. At that point, he began to complain of chest pains.

An ambulance was called and Greene was transported to a local hospital. The District Attorney declined to press charges.

At some point after the police arrived, Greene began recording the incident. He posted part of the video to YouTube where you can see he questions why he was being ejected from the library.

“How am I trespassing?” asks Greene in the video. “I want the law, I want to see the law. How many cops does it take to tell me what the law is?”

“You were given a trespass warning,” an officer responds. “They have requested you to not be on the property anymore.”

After several minutes of citing his status as a taxpayer and “member of the press,” at the 4:10 mark, Greene is shown the trespass affidavit but he disregards it.

The police then escort him out of the building where he declares for the camera, “We have a bunch of homosexuals that are molesting children, and they are doing it with your help.”

Organizers of Drag Queen Storytime say protesters are nothing new for the event, which features drag queens reading to children and their parents to encourage imagination and creativity.

On January 3, Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal dismissed a lawsuit by anti-LGBTQ activists who were attempting to stop the events.

Drag Queen Storytime has become so popular it was recently announced that there will be additional readings added to the schedule.

"Toothless Racist" Apologizes For Traffic Rant Claiming Bi-Polar Condition

Charles Geier

Janet Sabriu was driving to her polling station in Houston last week when an angry, middle-aged gay Trump supporter pulled alongside her at a traffic light and began spewing racist, misogynistic slurs.

“You’re driving in two lanes, you stupid b*tch!” the man screams. “That’s not how we drive in America. Trump’s deporting your stupid cousins today, b*tch!”

Somehow, Sabriu, an American citizen, remained calm and asked the man if he had voted yet.

“B*tch - learn English, b*tch,” the man continued. “It’s my country, b*tch, get out!”

“You’re ugly, you need a gay friend to help you with makeup and clothes,” he continued as Sabriu’s young daughter sat in the backseat listening to his tirade. “Ugly b*tch - ugly tacky stinky skanky b*tch!”

Throughout the incident the racist laughed with a cackle that you would expect to hear coming from the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz.

Watch below.

Can we make this pleasure of a guy famous? Twitter is good at taking down racists. Took place in Houston. @MollyJongFast @krassenstein @EdKrassen @MattNegrin pic.twitter.com/Bbh5BpFfRP

— Santiago Mayer (@RocketAgo) October 26, 2018

This being 2018, the hideous man (dubbed the “toothless racist” on Twitter) was quickly identified by social media users as Charles Geier, a 58-year-old gay man.

Sabriu told local news station KHOU that she has filed a police report against Geier.

“We have to stop all of this hate,” Sabriu told the station. “Speak up. Don’t be afraid. That’s the only way that we can stop all this hate is just showing and exposing the people because I think the majority [are] good people that don’t want this to continue.”

According to a new study released by Pew Research Center last week, nearly four-in-ten Latinos have experienced harassing incidents since the Trump administration launched a tougher stance on immigration enforcement.

On Saturday, Geier spoke to local ABC News affiliate KTRK using the name “Kevin” saying he’s ‘received death threats.’

Geier apologized saying, “All I want to say to her is ‘Miss, I’m so sorry, I hope you can understand more and I wish you nothing more than love and happiness for your family.”

Geier told KTRK that he takes full responsibility, "I reacted in a poor manner, I said things that were offensive that I shouldn't have said, but what I want people to know is that I suffer from bi-polar disorder. It's very real, it's not a joke, it's not an excuse."

And speaking of excuses, Twitter had no patience for Geier and his hate.

First off #CharlesGeier, would think a gay man. might have more tolerance towards others in a minority. I'm sure you have had your share of name calling, and I'm sorry you are bitter, but passing that bitterness on is unexcuseable. Second, try using a signal to cut across lanes

— HawkTalker54 (@HTalker54) October 26, 2018

#CharlesGeier needs to not be gay. We don’t want him.

— Efren (@EfrenBlackjack) October 26, 2018

I wonder if #CharlesGeier is still cackling since the "bitch" made him go viral? #WhosTheBitchNow #FuckRacism https://t.co/kUm6KE3A4h

— Bailey's Comet (@BaileysComet_xo) October 27, 2018

https://t.co/8GlsSZnWGQ
Charles Geier was driving around & saw a woman who did not look just like him & decided it would be good to scream at her & her toddler daughter to get out of "his" country. I don't know about others, but I would sure rather *he* left.#BathroomSelfieGuy

— kimwagner (@kimwagner) October 27, 2018

The major irony here is about 99% of his fb friends are seemingly gay latino men... get off the racist meth tirade train Charles Geier - you've been outed for the sad little man you are #texas #twitter #draghimforfilth #recieptshavebeenposted #StopTheHate https://t.co/y1dqKgU3Gp

— Prayers from a Texas Blue Voter #Beto2018 (@MyNamesDany) October 26, 2018

Houston Man Attacked/Beaten Walking Home From Bar

Christopher Bradford

A gay man was violently beaten by a group of attackers as he walked home from a bar in the Montrose area of Houston.

Seconds before the brutal beating, Christopher Bradford says he remembers hearing footsteps running behind him.

From ABC13:

"Someone grabbed me from behind (and) threw me to the ground," Bradford said. "I was getting punched, kicked, and then, belt buckles we're flying at me."

Bradford said the attacker used the buckle end of a belt to hit him while he was down.

"Got me across the side of my head and I got four metal staples. They hit me with a rock in the forehead," he said.

Bradford said many people were around, but no one helped. He was on the phone with a friend when the beating started and that friend drove up, scaring the attackers off.

"There was blood everywhere. It was in my eyes. I couldn't see," he said.

He believed the attackers targeted him because he's gay.

"I kept asking why. I was like, 'What did I do? Why are you hitting me?'"

Caleb Tout (mugshot)

The suspect, Caleb Tout, 19, was later arrested. He reportedly told officers he was drinking and beat Bradford because he was looking for someone else who allegedly exposed themselves to Tout's girlfriend.

"You really don't know the intention behind it. One of them was laughing. They were getting amusement out of this," Bradford said.

Bradford says coming out of this incident, he's learned a lesson he'll never forget.

"I will never walk home alone. That's never going to happen again," he said.

Podcast: SCOTUS Refuses Houston Same-Sex Marriage Benefits Review; "Call Me By Your Name" Racks Up More Awards; Tom Goss Has A Musical Message For Christmas

In this week’s podcast:

• The US Supreme Court denied the city of Houston’s request to review a court decision saying marriage equality doesn’t mean equal benefits.

• Bermuda is the first nation to legalize then repeal marriage equality.

• Gay coming of age movie "Call Me By Your Name" continues to rack up awards and nominations

• My suggestions for end of the year charitable donations.

• New music from Tom Goss "Gay Christmas"

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

Houston Challenges Texas Supreme Court Over Same-Sex Spousal Benefits

Earlier this summer the Texas Supreme Court ruled in Pidgeon v. Parker that the Obergefell decision from the U.S. Supreme Court, which legally recognized same-sex marriages, did not determine whether gay couples are entitled to the same spousal benefits of opposite-sex married couples.

The city of Houston, however, says the 2015 landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges did conclude that any rights/benefits attached to marriage must be equally provided to all married couples, straight or gay.

So, Houston has filed a petition asking SCOTUS to review the state court's ruling and determine once and for all the constitutional rights guaranteed under Obergefell.

For now, the city of Houston will continue to provide spousal benefits to all married city employees.

(source)

How You Can Help Houston After Hurricane Harvey

The Montrose Center, Houston’s LGBTQ counseling and community center serving more than 35,000 LGBT clients with its programs, is hoping to raise $100,000 to provide food and housing, particularly for the many homeless LGBT youth who use its resources.

From the campaign:

The LGBTQ Disaster Relief Fund will be used to help individuals and families begin to rebuild their lives through counseling, case management, direct assistance with shelf stable food, furniture, housing and more. The Center’s dedicated case management team is on call to help homeless youth, seniors, people living with HIV, hate crime survivors, and those devastated by the storm.

While the Montrose Center will focus primarily on empowering the LGBTQ community to rebuild after the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, we serve all people in need regardless of their sexuality.

Click here to donate.

SNL Slaps Down Houston's Anti-LGBT Rights Activists

Via HRC Blog:

Last night, Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update took on the recent vote on the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance.

HERO aimed to protect 15 classes -- -- from LGBT people to women to veterans -- from discrimination. In the lead up to November 3, anti-LGBT organizations launch a fear-mongering campaign that painted a categorically incorrect picture of women in men’s bathrooms.

Actor Pete Davidson called out the anti-LGBT campaign with this great line:

“So the theory is that guys, in their relentless quest to watch women go to the bathroom, are going through years of hormones, surgery, changing their names, their wardrobe, coming out to their families, all for that big payoff of peeing in a room without urinals. What is this fantasy that they think is going on in there?”

Houston: Seth Meyers Deconstructs The Lies Used By Haters To Bring Down Equal Rights Ordinance

Late Night with Seth Meyers takes "A Closer Look" at how the anti-LGBT forces in Houston distorted the facts about the now-failed Houston Equal Rights Ordinance.

Bravo, Seth!

(via Media Matters)

Michelangelo Signorile On Why HERO Failed Last Night In Houston

LGBT activist and SiriusXM host Michelangelo Signorile gives his (spot on, in my opinion) analysis on why Houston's Equal Rights Ordinance failed at the ballot box last night:

Political strategists warned LGBT activists in the days ahead of the vote: There was little Spanish-language outreach, no big ad buy in Spanish-language media -- in a city that is 44% Hispanic -- countering the lies of the opposition, who'd certainly been doing their own outreach. Monica Roberts, a long-time African-American transgender activist, warned of little outreach in the black community, which makes up 24% of the city. There was little emphasis by the LGBT rights coalition on the terrible economic impact that a "no" vote to equality would have on the city -- something else that political strategists warned was lacking in their campaign as well. And no ads by LGBT rights proponents held the equal punch that the nasty hate ads embodied. Instead, they overwhelmingly ran nicey-nice ads about good neighbors and equality and human dignity.

And so, it wasn't a shock, really, that the vote wasn't even close last night. LGBT rights were clobbered, hammered, devastated in the city of Houston by voters, as the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) was repealed.

Michelangelo goes on to note that the haters opposing Prop 1 were extremely successful in recasting the entire issue as "men" using ladies rooms.

The campaign by LGBT advocates lacked the "bite" that our opponents brought to the fight. We played too nice, mimicking what happened in 2008 in California with Prop 8.

Michelangelo warns of "victory blindness" many seem to be suffering from after years of success bringing marriage equality to the country.

Truly, it is time to shake that off and realize we still have great work to do on behalf of equal rights for LGBTs.

Read the entire essay at Huffington Post.

Houston: Haters Vote Down LGBT Protections Ordinance HERO

In a heartbreaking loss, Houston voters succumbed to dramatic anti-LGBT ads to vote down the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, known as HERO.

Prop. 1, known as Houston's Equal Rights Ordinance, would have barred discrimination on the basis of race, age, military status, disability and 11 other categories in a variety of areas. (Religious organizations and institutions would be exempt from the requirements.)

It was HERO's protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, however, that attracted the most attention and made the ballot measure the center of the LGBT community's efforts this election.

The Houston City Council narrowly approved the equal rights ordinance last year, but after a petition drive by anti-gay activists, the Texas Supreme Court ordered the city in July to either repeal it or put it on the November ballot -- giving each side just a few months to make their case.

Conservative activists -- who were heavily outspent by LGBT advocates -- dubbed Prop. 1 the "bathroom ordinance" and adopted the slogan "No men in women's bathrooms," playing up fears that passage could lead to male sexual predators dressing up as women and entering women's restrooms.

This factually dishonest message proved to be incredibly effective: Many Houston voters seemed to think the measure was solely about access to restrooms and were unaware of the broader nondiscrimination protections in the measure.

Over 200 American cities have similar LGBT protections in place.

Pat Robertson: God Will Wreck U.S. Financial Markets Over Marriage Equality

I can't believe I'm quoting former Vice President Dan Quayle, but as he once misquoted the slogan of the United Negro College Fund: "It's a terrible thing to lose your mind."

That would seem to be appropriate here after watching Pat Robertson blather on about God's wrath against financial entities over same-sex marriage today.

The 700 Club's resident bigot flipped out saying that the United States is becoming Sodom. robertson predicted God will cause financial ruin in America over marriage equality and equal rights for transgender folks.

Via Right Wing Watch:

“Now it’s a constitutional right for sodomites to marry each other,” he lamented, warning that “the wrath of God is revealed against this stuff.” He explained: “I don’t want the wrath of God to hit this country, it’s a great country, I’d like to see America continue strong, but this is one way of weakening it. First of all, we’re going to have this financial collapse. We’re setting up for a massive financial collapse and I think if God is going to hurt this country that’s probably the way he’d do it.”

Can you believe this man was once considered to be a "moral leader?"

Texas: Gov. Greg Abbott Urges Anti-Gay "No" Vote On Houston's Prop 1

Walking in lockstep with the anti-LGBT haters in Houston, Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted the above out this morning.

According to JoeMyGod, there's a sense that things may not fare well for the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance tomorrow at the ballot box.

Apparently, turnout has been heavy in early voting - especially in conservative districts.

If you live in Houston, or know anyone there, make sure you urge them to vote "YES" for Proposition 1.

The vote is tomorrow.

Houston is the fourth largest city in the country.

Houston: Sally Field Calls Out Anti-HERO Campaign "It's A Lie. It's A Lie. It's A Lie. It's A Lie"

Sally Field (center) with women political leaders in Houston

Speaking with political leaders in Houston this week, Academy Award-winner Sally Field offered her full-throated opinion of the anti-LGBT campaign fighting the city's equal rights ordinance known as HERO.

“It’s a lie. It’s a lie. It’s a lie. It’s a lie.”

The last few weeks have seen a deluge of TV spots claiming HERO would allow male sex predators to prowl women’s restrooms in order to sexually assault young girls.

“Not a single case of this,” Field said. “Not one single case has ever been reported. And believe me, if it had happened, it would have been reported. Evil lies are evil lies.”

Via Buzzfeed:

BuzzFeed News interviewed more than a dozen voters on the streets of Houston this week. While only a handful had heard of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, all had heard about the “bathroom ordinance.” Several of those voters, having no idea the law on the ballot Tuesday had a wider scope than just restroom use, said they were voting “no” after hearing claims that it would endanger women and children from rapists who lurk in restrooms.

Titled as Proposition 1 on Tuesday’s ballot, HERO bans discrimination against 15 classes of people — including racial minorities, women, people of faith, and LGBT people — in places of housing, employment, and public accommodation. More than 200 jurisdictions in Texas already have LGBT nondiscrimination laws on the books, including many of states largest cities.

President Obama, Vice President Biden & Hillary Clinton Support Houston's Equal Rights Ordinance

No one should face discrimination for who they are or who they love—I support efforts for equality in Houston & beyond. #HERO #YesOnProp1 -H

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 29, 2015

BREAKING: Obama and Biden give nod toward Houston voters passing LGBT nondiscrimination law on Tues., Nov. 3. pic.twitter.com/X3lDqDvcvV

— Dominic Holden (@dominicholden) October 29, 2015

Michael Sam Speaks Out In Support Of Houston's Equal Rights Ordinance

Pro-footballer Michael Sam speaks out to fair-minded Houstonians to vote “yes” on Proposition 1, protecting the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (#HERO).

Michael Sam Joins the Call for Houston’s Proposition 1
Football legend Michael Sam is urging fair-minded Houstonians to vote “yes” on Proposition 1, protecting the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (#HERO).Learn more: http://www.hrc.org/preview/blog/michael-sam-joins-the-call-for-houstons-proposition-1 Houston Unites HRC Houston #YesOnProp1
Posted by Human Rights Campaign on Thursday, October 29, 2015

Sally Field Supports Houston's LGBT Protections Ordinance

In an appearance to show her support for Houston's Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO), Sally Field took us all back to her iconic, Oscar-winning role as "Norma Rae" holding up a sign of solidarity with the pro-equality community of Houston. Field has an openly gay son.

Today, she will participate in a press conference urging Houstonians to vote "Yes" for the legislation.

The final day of voting for the issue is Tuesday. Polls show a slim lead for the good guys, but too many "Undecided" to be comfortable.

Houston is the fourth largest city in the U.S., and the only city of it's size to not have protections in place for LGBTs.

(h/t JMG)

Julian Castro Urges Houstonians To Vote 'Yes' for HERO

HUD Secretary, and former mayor of San Antonio, Julian Castro released this message urging Houston voters to support the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO), the LGBT protections ordinance currently in early voting.

"Everyone should have a fair opportunity to earn a living, and provide for their families free from the fear of discrimination."

Castro is often mentioned as a possible running mate for Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Houston Texans Owner Rescinds Donation To Opponents Of Houston's LGBT Protections Ordinance

Last week, Houston Texans owner (and billionaire) Robert McNair made a publicly touted $10,000 donation to the anti-gay group opposing Proposition 1 currently in early voting.

Proposition 1, known as HERO (Houston Equal Rights Ordinance) would provide important LGBT protections in terms of businesses that serve the public, private employers, housing, city employment and city contracting. Religious institutions are exempt.

The ordinance also bans discrimination based on sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy and genetic information, as well as family, marital or military status.

After huge national backlash against the haters, McNair has now made a statement rescinding his donation.

“I recently made a personal contribution to Campaign for Houston because my thorough review of the HERO ordinance led me to believe that a thoughtful rewrite would provide a better ordinance that would provide strong non-discrimination protections for all Houstonians, which I would support, and would be less divisive of our city.

“It was on these principles that I made my personal contribution to Campaign for Houston. To my great dismay, Campaign for Houston made numerous unauthorized statements about my opposition to HERO in print, broadcast and social media – including attributing certain statements of belief to me. Their actions and statements were never discussed with nor approved by me. Therefore I instructed the Campaign to return my contribution.

“I do not believe in or tolerate personal or professional discrimination of any kind. I also believe that we Houstonians should have an ordinance that unites our community and provides a bold statement of non-discrimination. I encourage all Houstonians to vote on November 3. Robert F. Kennedy once said, ‘Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work together to change a small portion of events, and in the total of those acts will be written the history of our generation.'”

Richard Carlbom, campaign manager for Houston Unites, the pro-HERO group, said McNair's decision makes sense.

"Like Bob McNair, many Houstonians are taking a step back and realizing the opposition's ads on the Equal Rights Ordinance are intended to raise anxiety with outright distortions and quite frankly lies," said Carlbom. "When you take a second look, the Equal Rights Ordinance protects all Houstonians from discrimination and makes Houston a place everyone can be proud to call home."

Houston is the fourth largest city in the country.

Voting continues through October 30.

Houston: Polls Very Close On Proposition One LGBT Protections Ordinance

Folks are a little worried down in Houston as early voting has begun (through October 30th) for the LGBT protections ordinance nicknamed HERO.

One poll shows the issue leading for the good guys 43%-37%. But the error of margin when factoring a whopping 18% of undecideds calls for concern.

A second poll shows support at 45% versus 36%, but 20% undecideds.

The haters are running several anti-transgender ads on TV trying to tip the issue in their favor.

Houston is the fourth largest city in the U.S. Considering that size, it's amazing that the city does not have any LGBT protections.

It's important that if you can to please make a donation to Houston Unites, who is organizing support for this very important issue.

Houston Haters Launch New Attack Ad On LGBT Protections Ordinance

As early voting begins in Houston regarding the city's LGBT protections ordinance, the haters at Texas Values Action Pac have begun running the spot below hoping to gin up the anti-transgender vote.

Of course, the ad doesn't mention that the protections in HERO help not only LGBTs but veterans and other groups.

And seriously, do you really see some straight guy dressing like a woman just to get some locker room peek at women? Who would go to all that trouble when you can see free porn on the internet?

(h/t JMG)