Summer's here and the time is wrong

Memorial Day passed yesterday, so now it's unofficially summer.  My fave season, because I hate being cold, and I love the freedom it used to represent.  

I really don't have much to write today, as I'm not feeling it.  I finished my dissertation proposal and turned it in last Friday, so now I wait for the next step (which will be defending it.)  After that, I can start the IRB process, as I will be using human subjects in my research.  Once I get through that, I can begin my actual research.  

Florida has become a fascist state under the GQP.  The HRC and NAACP as well as other organizations have issued travel warning to LGBTQ and people of color, warning that travel to Florida could be dangerous.  

https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2022/11/12/florida-bans-transgender-care-minors-whats-next/

I found two articles in a Pensacola newspaper (actually, the amazing Sabrina Pandora found them, and I read them.)

The first is about Florida now able to legally kidnap children,

https://www.pnj.com/story/news/politics/2023/05/17/florida-sb-254-florida-abduction-transgender-bill-now-law-what-it-does/70206291007/

The second is what to do if you're transgender and living in Florida.

https://www.pnj.com/story/news/politics/2023/04/25/floridas-trans-people-parents-of-trans-kids-see-options-steadily-banned/70132161007/

In other words, if you're trans, they GQP is coming for you, and this is what they want for ALL of the US.  Remember, the GQP has said out loud that they want us eradicated.  Or parents who allow their transgender kids to live should be shot in the head.  

So, yeah, I'm feeling a bit down.  I wonder if my research is too little too late against the tide of right wing Hate.  They lie, and people believe the lies.  We have science on our side, but the GQP has a propaganda machine that stokes anger and fear.  

Why hasn't the federal government stepped in?  HRC?  Lambda Legal?  Anyone?  (Answer: because we're transgender.)

Sigh.

Stay safe and be well.

Mid May Musings

 Spring sprung, with its pollen and leafiness.  Here in the mountains, the leaves are in their raw green coats and flowers are beginning to show themselves.  The spring semester ended, and a whole crop of fresh graduates are unleashed upon the world.  

This group is a little special to me as they arrived on campus when I returned four years ago- they in pursuit of their first degree and I looking for my third.  I remember that first day of class, a cool, dewy morning as I arrived early and went to the little store that is among the East halls dorm complex.  I was startled to learn that they didn't take cash- card only- as I bought a coke (I needed caffeine).  I looked around at all the freshmen (East halls are mostly freshmen) and felt so old.  These students were young enough to be my children.  I received some odd looks.  Were they due to my age or my being trans... or both?  In any case, for many of them, their college days are now behind them, and they will re-live those stories they made for the rest of their lives... just probably not to their children.  

Parents are funny that way.

Still working on my dissertation proposal, but now I have a deadline: May 26.  

Now 11 US states have anti-trans laws in place, with many more coming.  Texas has the lead with over 60 proposed bills and several passed into law.  Florida is doing its best to out-crazy them though.  How long before we're wearing pink triangles?

In any case, summer's here and the time is right... for doing whatever you do during the summer.  

Stay safe and be well.