If ever there were a Devil, they could not have timed their diabolical deeds better.

Within the same 24-hour period that presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump declared, on a Philadelphia-based radio show, that he would reverse the Biden administration’s recently announced Title IX protections for transgender students “on day one” if he were re-elected, the Virginia-based right-wing Center for American Liberty (CAL) announced that it will move forward with its lawsuit against Port Townsend.

The origin of the lawsuit lies in Port Townsend resident Julie Jaman’s infamous confrontation with a transgender employee at the city owned Mountain View Pool, which is run by the YMCA.

“It’s like men playing in women’s sports,” Trump declared. “It’s like open borders for the world to come in…” Were that not enough, he also posted a video on his preposterously titled “Truth Social” network in which he outlined a platform that includes a nationwide ban on gender affirming care and federal policies that will only recognize two genders. It’s the one-two punch to CAL’s pending lawsuit, which will demand that the ban against Jaman’s use of the pool be lifted and she receive financial compensation for “damages” incurred for the alleged violation of her First and 14th Amendment rights.

These concurrent abominations occurred virtually two weeks before the start of June’s “Pride Month,” when towns and cities across the U.S. and beyond celebrate the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion. At “Stonewall,” patrons of the Stonewall bar in New York’s Greenwich Village fought back against police intimidation and assault. The rebellion, which began on June 28, 1969, extended over many nights, spurred the founding of Gay Liberation Fronts around the world, and gave rise to the modern 2SLGBTQ+ movement.

For those who have enjoyed the glorious post-Stonewall flowering of rainbow rights and freedoms in the U.S., this counter-push is more than disturbing. We who refuse to dwell in illusion understand full well how this movement to limit our right to self-determination and personal autonomy could impact all aspects of our lives.

As I write this, my thoughts turn back to June 26, 2015. Just two days before annual Pride celebrations in many cities, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 5-4 vote, legalized same-sex marriage throughout the United States. That morning, before the ruling came down, I initiated a demonstration in the triangle park (which I wish were named Freedom Triangle Park) across from the Food Co-op that was intended to either celebrate our victory or affirm that we would keep fighting for our rights. As it turned out, lesbians, gay men, trans people, and allies alike were out there from 10-6, rejoicing in our hard-earned freedoms.

It's time to do so again. Rather than retreat, it’s imperative that everyone who lives, honors, and respects LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms head to Pope Marine Park for Port Townsend Pride on Saturday, June 8 from 10-4 p.m. Whether you dress in rainbow colors or business garb, attending this marvelous Production Alliance event is a major way that you can say “yes” to freedom and “no” to hatred and bigotry.

I’ll be there, at a booth jointly sponsored by the WA State LGBTQ Commission, our first official state-wide survey of Washington’s LGBTQ community, and (in spirit) gudlife. For hugs and more, please stop by. If home is where the heart is, you’ll find heart galore on June 8.

--

A brief update on the family of five next door who had hoped to raise sufficient funds to buy the house they’ve rented for over six years. Despite many generous pledges, they’ve been unable to find a way to remain. Instead, they are hard at work repairing a prefab house in Port Hadlock for which the description “fixer-upper” is woefully inadequate. Port Townsend may have lost yet another hard-working blue-collar family, but the three kids will be able to remain in the Port Townsend public school system and their parents at jobs in town. Thank God, they will not end up out on the street, as have so many others in similar situations.

May we all find our way home. 

---

Jason Victor Serinus is the oldest member of the WA State LGBTQ Commission, A critic of culture, music, and audio, he’s also a professional whistler. Column tips: jvsaisi24@gmail.com