Author: Bob McCranie

I am so proud to run Texas Pride Realty Group. We set out on a mission in 2009 to serve the diverse communities of Texas and to hire kick-ass agents who practice the highest ethics and professionalism. I believe that the agent's role is to help the consumer make well-educated decisions, even if those decisions lead away from a purchase or sale. I believe that education is vital in this industry. I currently have over 1300 hours of real estate courses on my transcript with the State of Texas. Additionally, I am a Real Estate Business Coach at Tom Ferry International, the largest-real-estate specific coaching company in the world. I coach agents in the US and Canada, and have coached clients in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Switzerland. I also have knowledge of the UK and Irish markets. Opening Texas Pride Realty was always a goal of mine and I am working night and day to be sure it is successful. The best way to do that is to be sure clients are satisfied and agents are busy. What better legacy could someone leave in this industry than a group of well-trained, high-quality brokers who do your job better than you?

Ohio and Michigan Republicans, as revealed in released audio, discuss their ‘endgame’ objective, which is to prohibit transgender care ‘for everyone.

This blog originally appeared at Advocate.

Audio from a Twitter Space, initially intended for a small audience, featured Republican legislators from Ohio and Michigan.

In audio released Friday evening, senators and representatives from Ohio and Michigan revealed the “endgame” is to ban transgender care “for everyone.”

The recording was inadvertently made public, capturing discussions where legislators revealed the ultimate goal of their anti-trans legislation – to ban transgender care “for everyone.” The Space, which had measures to remove uninvited participants, hosted several Michigan senators and representatives, along with Ohio Representative Gary Click, who sponsored the contentious gender-affirming care ban in the state. Throughout the conversation, the legislators openly discussed their plans and strategies for targeting transgender care. Towards the conclusion of the Space, the dialogue shifted to a plan for the “endgame,” involving discussions among Republican legislators and anti-trans activist Prisha Mosley about various strategies aimed at “banning this for everyone,” specifically referring to gender-affirming care.

Representative Brad Paquette of Michigan hosted the Space, providing a platform for an unstructured conversation about potential developments in Michigan and the ongoing strategy for anti-trans legislation in Ohio. Notable participants included Representative Gary Click, along with Michigan Representatives Josh Schriver and Tom Kunse, as well as Senators Lana Theis and Jonathan Lindsey.

Although the initial part of the Space predominantly addressed transgender care for youth, around the 49-minute mark, the conversation shifted to focus on transgender adults. Representative Shriver posed a question, stating, “In terms of endgame, why are we allowing these practices for anyone? If we are going to stop this for anyone under 18, why not apply it for anyone over 18? It’s harmful across the board, and that’s something we need to take into consideration in terms of the endgame.”

Representative Click subsequently replied, “That’s a very astute observation. I think legislatively, we have to take incremental steps.”

He then shifted to Governor DeWine’s efforts to address transgender adult care clinics, remarking, “The other thing is Planned Parenthoods; they pass out hormones like candy, he’s put a stop to that. That’s one of the places a lot of adults go. There’s also Euphoria and Plume.”

Governor DeWine’s regulations extend beyond typical transgender bans in the United States and have the potential to lead to the widespread closure of gender-affirming care clinics for transgender adults. Similar regulations were implemented in Florida, resulting in the elimination of 80% of all transgender care through burdensome requirements imposed on clinics, including the mandate for in-person care and restrictions on nurse practitioners providing it. In Missouri, there were attempts to impose targeted restrictions on gender-affirming care providers, leading to the closure of many clinics. Notably, the regulations concerning transgender adults in Missouri were halted by a court ruling.

Following this discussion, Representative Shriver persisted in asserting that adults consenting to gender-affirming care should be prohibited. He went to the extent of drawing comparisons to consent for “self-mutilation” and “euthanasia.” He reiterated, stating, “we have to be looking at the endgame simultaneously, maybe even using that to move the window to say that this isn’t just wrong 0-18, it’s wrong for everyone and we shouldn’t be allowing that to happen.”

Representative Click affirmed the strategy, stating, “We have to take one step at a time, do it incrementally.”

The dialogue extended further as Prisha Mosley, an anti-trans detransitioner and right-wing political figure, commended the discussion, expressing, “I did want to say that I’ve kind of been waiting for a state or a representative or anyone to be brave enough to address that… you cannot consent to a lie. Most of these doctors are straight up lying about the effects and saying it’ll magically cure every bad feeling you’ve ever had and that you can magically change sex.”

Towards the conclusion of the conversation, Representative Shriver suggests they should “prohibit this for all individuals,” prompting Representative Paquette to reply, “We’ll chat offline about all this good stuff.”

More and more, anti-trans groups and politicians are directing their efforts towards transgender adults. In a recent critique of the World Health Organization panel on trans care, the anti-trans group Society for Evidence in Gender Medicine (SEGM) did not advocate for access to trans care for those aged 18-25. Leor Sapir, affiliated with the Manhattan Institute, a right-wing think tank, argued that permitting “adults to do what they want” regarding gender-affirming care no longer aligns with “the libertarian position.” Additionally, bills and laws targeting transgender adults are becoming increasingly prevalent, including bathroom bans in Utah and Florida, medical care restrictions for incarcerated trans adults, and numerous bills aiming to ban gender-affirming care for various age groups, including adults.

Never before have elected representatives explicitly outlined the strategy of banning care for transgender adults as clearly as in these recordings. Representative Gary Click is affiliated with the Heritage Foundation and the Center for Christian Virtue, both well-known for their involvement in the formulation and drafting of anti-trans legislation. These newly revealed recordings offer a significant glimpse into the endgame of anti-trans legislation: the complete exclusion of transgender people from public life by prohibiting care at any age.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton persists in targeting transgender individuals, once again requesting data from out-of-state sources.

This blog originally appeared at Advocate.


Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has once more sought medical records from a transgender healthcare provider in another state, even though he lacks legal jurisdiction.

Without legal jurisdiction, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has once more sought medical records from a transgender healthcare provider in another state.


The recent request was directed to QueerMed, a telehealth clinic in Georgia that caters to patients nationwide. Dr. Izzy Lowell, the founder of the organization, verified Paxton’s inquiry to the Houston Chronicle but refrained from providing details about the subsequent actions the group plans to take in response.

“I’m not breaking any laws,” she told the outlet. “We are doing everything by the book according to state law.”


This marks the second identified inquiry from Paxton, who previously demanded in November that the Seattle Children’s Hospital furnish information related to the count of Texas minors undergoing gender-affirming care at the clinic, their diagnoses, prescribed medications, and even guidance on gradually discontinuing such treatments.


In December, a judge in Washington prevented the hospital from disclosing the records, citing the state’s recently enacted shield laws that protect patients from civil or criminal legal actions for procedures prohibited in other states, such as gender-affirming care or abortions. Following this, Seattle Children’s Hospital filed a lawsuit against Paxton, urging him to halt the investigation.

Paxton has refrained from making public comments on the Seattle case or the inquiry in Georgia. His office has opted not to disclose details about other ongoing inquiries involving transgender health providers.

Texas is among 23 states that have implemented prohibitions on gender-affirming care for minors, contrary to abundant medical evidence. Organizations such as the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, the World Medical Association, and the World Health Organization collectively endorse the evidence-based and medically necessary nature of gender-affirming care for both adults and minors.

In his capacity as the attorney general of Texas, Paxton lacks jurisdiction over healthcare provided in other states, regardless of the patients’ place of residence. Despite Paxton’s request, Lowell affirmed that she is “not going to stop or be intimidated.”

“The unfairness and blatant discrimination and harassment and persecution of trans people in this country right now is outrageous, and I’m only becoming more and more passionate about it as things have gotten worse,” she continued.

Maine Democrats withdraw support for a bill establishing the state as a sanctuary for transgender individuals in the face of intense opposition from the far-right.

This blog originally appeared at Advocate.

Seemingly influenced by a significant online campaign led by Libs of TikTok’s Chaya Raichik, Maine legislators voted against a bill addressing gender-affirming care for minors.


In Maine, a bill aimed at ensuring security for individuals seeking gender-affirming care sparked significant controversy online, leading lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to abandon the measure.


The Maine Legislature’s Judiciary Committee rejected a proposal following online backlash from right-wing extremists who discovered the bill. Far-right influencers, including Libs of TikTok, singled out lawmakers involved in the legislation, contributing to the decision against it.

LD 1735, a proposed measure designed to protect gender-affirming care for transgender individuals, including minors, faced a pivotal moment on Thursday as the decision reflects a significant shift in the state’s stance on transgender rights and healthcare.

Initially championed by Democratic Rep. Laurie Osher of Orono, LD 1735 enjoyed support from various advocacy groups, including the Maine Nurse Practitioner Association, the Maine Psychological Association, the National Association of Social Workers, as reported by the Maine Beacon. The bill’s primary aim was to shield Maine from collaboration with law enforcement in states where gender-affirming care is prohibited. Specifically, in instances where individuals sought such treatment in Maine and authorities from other states attempted to intervene, the bill sought to relieve Maine from any obligation to assist them.

This legislation held significant importance for advocates of transgender rights during this session. It was perceived as an extension of the legislative advancements made last year, which granted 16- and 17-year-olds in Maine access to gender-affirming care without requiring parental consent or notification, aligning with the state’s laws on abortion and contraception for minors.

Related: Maine’s bill on transgender healthcare triggers a right-wing uproar, fueled by unfounded concerns about phantom kidnappings.


Nevertheless, notable opposition arose, particularly from Republican lawmakers, as reported.

The discourse surrounding the bill appeared to be shaped by a social media campaign spearheaded by Chaya Raichik, the operator of the Libs of TikTok account. On January 16, Raichik mobilized her 2.8 million followers to actively oppose the proposed legislation. Subsequently, on Wednesday, she issued another plea.

“BREAKING: The Maine legislature is set to vote tomorrow on the trans minor sanctuary bill. Following public backlash, the vote has been rescheduled for January 25th, which is tomorrow. Ensure to send emails to all state legislators TODAY. Find their email addresses in the tweet below,” urged Libs of TikTok, providing a list of lawmaker email addresses.

In response to this rallying cry, the Judiciary Committee voted unanimously with a 12-0 decision (one member was absent), putting a halt to the bill’s advancement after a brief period of deliberation.

Led by Democrats Sen. Anne Carney and Rep. Matt Moonen, the Judiciary Committee, in an unusual display of unity cutting across party lines, unanimously rejected the bill. Democrats, who had previously endorsed the legislation, pointed to the inclusion of unnecessary language as a primary factor influencing their shift in stance.


Republicans contended that in its current state, LD 1735 could potentially encourage child trafficking—an assertion stemming from online conspiracy theories propagated by conservative influencers—and undermine parental rights. Within its provisions, the bill sought to prevent the enforcement of orders from other states that might sanction the separation of a child from their parent or guardian based on the receipt of gender-affirming health care or mental health care.


The Advocate reached out to Osher for comment but did not receive a response.


The committee’s unanimous dismissal of LD 1735 represents a substantial setback for providers of gender-affirming care and advocates for transgender rights in Maine.

Seattle cops raided two gay bars, finding an exposed nipple & a jock strap

This blog originally appeared at LGBTQ Nation.

Over the weekend in Seattle, a task force conducted raids on two gay bars, ostensibly in search of “lewd conduct” by both patrons and staff.

“You’re allowed to be who you are in Seattle as long as you don’t go into a gay bar.”

Over the weekend in Seattle, two gay bars were raided by a task force allegedly searching for “lewd conduct” among both patrons and staff.

During the raids in Seattle, investigators reported finding a bartender with an exposed nipple at one venue, and patrons wearing jock straps at another.

The raids in Seattle were carried out by the Joint Enforcement Team (JET), a coalition involving the Police and Fire departments, the state Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB), and others. Around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, ten task force members entered The Cuff brandishing flashlights, as reported by owner Joey Burgess. Some patrons left the bar, particularly where the exposed nipple incident occurred, during the raid.

On the following night, two members of the Joint Enforcement Team (JET) entered the Eagle at approximately 11:30 p.m., according to owner Keith Christensen. The inspection at this venue revealed patrons wearing jock straps.

Seattle established the JET task force a few years ago to address nuisance businesses and criminal activity. Neither The Cuff nor The Eagle has a history of alcohol or violence-related offenses.

In Washington, venues where alcohol is served are prohibited from allowing nudity.

The owners, along with a coalition of LGBTQ+ advocates, including writer Dan Savage, released a joint statement condemning the raids.

“The absence of violence or liquor-related issues in the citations indicates a concerning focus on targeting queer individuals in queer spaces,” the statement read.

“The community recalls the generational trauma and the homophobia-driven policies of the not-so-distant past, making the recent actions particularly distressing.”

Cuff owner Burgess mentioned that he has been facing the same issue since Pride celebrations in 2022 when the Liquor and Cannabis Board cited his bar for a customer wearing a jockstrap.

Since then, Cuff staff have been compelled to act as “hall monitors” for patrons’ fashion choices; jock straps are prohibited at the venue, and exposed cracks are not allowed.

Burgess attributes a decline in business to the outdated regulations and points to nearby Cal Anderson Park, where individuals are allowed to play kickball in their jockstraps.

“You’re allowed to be who you are in Seattle as long as you don’t go into a gay bar,” Burgess said. “They’re not going into the other bars the same way as this.”

It’s discrimination, according to Burgess. “There is no other answer.”

Eagle owner Keith Christensen is still awaiting a response from JET regarding a potential citation. He mentioned losing 70% of his business due to citations in February 2008.

“These regulations that are so paternalistic, that control people’s bodies and sexualities, pretty much only affect marginalized communities and non-conforming people,” said Madison Zack-Wu, who directs the worker-led group Strippers Are Workers (SAW).

“I do see the thread here of queer venues being raided and strip clubs being prevented from having a sustainable business model as ultimately authoritarian judgment on how queer people and sex workers are trying to move through the world… Both of our communities should have the right to speak up against this.”

Unhinged dad banned from high school basketball games after accusing player of being trans

This blog originally appeared at LGBTQ Nation.

Following an incident where a Utah dad became belligerent at his high school-aged daughter’s recent junior varsity basketball game, alleging that a player on the opposing team was transgender, he has been banned from attending future games.

“I wasn’t born yesterday, I know that’s a boy!” the dad shouted at the principal.

Jeff Haney, spokesperson for Canyons School District, informed The Salt Lake Tribune that during a game on January 19, the dad in question was actively challenging the eligibility of a player, vocally expressing concerns based on his perception of the student-athlete’s gender.

The man, whose identity remains undisclosed, allegedly confronted the principals of both his daughter’s school and the opposing school after the incident. Both principals reassured him that every player on the court, including the 17-year-old girl in question, had met the eligibility requirements outlined by the Utah High School Athletics Association (UHSAA). UHSAA mandates that student-athletes provide a birth certificate to verify their gender, and for transgender students, proof of undergoing at least one year of hormone therapy is required.

“I wasn’t born yesterday, I know that’s a boy and you better be able to prove yourself because I am going to the top,” the man insisted after the game, according to one principal.

Haney said the man became so belligerent that he was asked to leave, and the principal of his daughter’s school banned him from future games. “We do not tolerate people coming into our community and our schools and harassing our student-athletes,” Haney said.

The incident on January 19 is the most recent case of parents challenging a student athlete’s gender in Utah since the passage of H.B. 11 in 2022. This law prohibits transgender girls in grades K–12 from participating in girls’ sports. However, the law is currently on hold due to a legal challenge initiated by the families of three transgender students. The legal proceedings are ongoing in court.

In 2022, the parents of two girls who secured second and third place in a Utah track event lodged complaints urging the Utah High School Athletics Association (UHSAA) to investigate the gender of the girl who claimed first place. David Spatafore, a spokesperson for UHSAA, disclosed that additional complaints had been received, asserting that the student did not “look feminine enough.” However, Spatafore clarified that upon investigation, it was found that the student had consistently identified as female since kindergarten.

According to The Salt Lake Tribune, there have been additional similar incidents in Utah, but the Utah High School Athletics Association (UHSAA) has not disclosed the frequency or the specific number of such occurrences.

Marina Lowe, policy director at Equality Utah, commented that these incidents offer a glimpse into what might become more common, especially with the enactment of legislation that allows the public to pass judgment on individuals’ physical characteristics, determining whether they are deemed feminine or masculine enough to participate in certain spaces.

Advocates for the LGBTQ+ community have cautioned that transgender sports bans and bathroom bills may lead to policing people’s gender presentation. In some states, such as Idaho, sports bans have included requirements for genital examinations. This stipulation could subject students under investigation to unnecessary and invasive examinations.

“This doesn’t just harm the trans community. It really harms us all,” Lowe said. “Because once we get in the business of policing someone’s appearance… all of us are going to be subject to this sort of inquiry potentially.”

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Could Tennessee cease the practice of placing HIV-positive sex workers on the registry for violent sex offenders?


The law, in place for decades, is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Tennessee is contemplating changes to the criminal code that currently discriminates against sex workers who are HIV-positive.

Currently, the law treats prostitution as a misdemeanor unless the sex worker is HIV+. Then the offense becomes “aggravated prostitution,” and if convicted, workers are required to register as a “violent sex offender.”


LGBTQ+ and civil rights organizations are challenging the law in federal court. Following an investigation in December, the Justice Department concluded that the law infringes upon the Americans with Disabilities Act.


However, the law, which disproportionately affects Black and Latino women, is not being completely repealed.


Initially enacted during the peak of AIDS-related concerns in 1991, the law underwent revisions two decades later, incorporating mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender.

State Senator Page Walley (R) has proposed a bill aiming to eliminate the mandatory registration requirement while retaining the heightened criminal charge.

Despite the repeal of HIV criminalization laws in multiple states in recent years, Tennessee continues to uphold such legislation. Additionally, in states retaining these laws, individuals of color are disproportionately prosecuted. Notably, a significant majority of those prosecuted under Maryland’s HIV criminal law were Black men.

The term “HIV criminal laws” refers to hastily enacted legislation in the late 1980s and ’90s during the widespread panic over the AIDS epidemic. These laws target individuals who intentionally transmit the virus causing AIDS. Currently, nearly two-thirds of U.S. states and territories have laws that criminalize individuals living with HIV.

This statute exclusively singles out individuals based on their HIV status, trapping them in cycles of poverty without providing any tangible benefit to public health and safety,” stated Molly Quinn, Executive Director of OUTMemphis. “As HIV stigma fades away, it’s high time for state law to align with this progress.

The organization is among the plaintiffs involved in the ongoing legal proceedings.

An estimated 83 Tennesseeans are currently on the registry because of the law.

GOP Gov. DeWine announces veto of Ohio bill restricting gender-affirming care

This blog originally appeared at NBC News.

Governor Mike DeWine, during a press conference in Columbus, emphasized that his veto of House Bill 68 was driven by the overarching goal of “protecting human life.” The bill, if enacted, would have imposed restrictions on both transition-related care for minors and the participation of transgender girls on school sports teams.

Click here to see full video: https://www.nbcnews.com/video/gop-gov-dewine-announces-veto-of-ohio-bill-restricting-gender-affirming-care-201111109709

As group voices concerns, Tyler Public Library remains committed to serving diverse population

This blog originally appeared at Tyler Morning Telegraph.

Newcomer Randell Gillaspy, a concerned father who has never attended before, found himself in Taylor Auditorium, the venue for board meetings held every fourth Wednesday at the Tyler Public Library. His presence reflects an attempt to comprehend the ongoing community discussions.

“I’ve heard the counter from both sides, and I just kind of want to see what’s going on in person,” Gillaspy said. “The opposition seems to think there’s inappropriate material in children’s books. The flip side of that is, I guess, freedom of speech.”

Amidst national headlines about book challenges, certain Tyler residents allege the presence of explicit reading material accessible to minors in the library’s adult section. This has sparked a divisive debate, with some advocating for an ongoing battle on the matter, while others contend that it’s a non-issue.

“This is not a one-sided library. They’re going to provide books for the Christians, and they’re also going to provide books for everybody else,” said Erin Bailey, a local LGBTQ+ youth leader.

The library is structured into five distinct sections. The juvenile section houses books recommended for junior high readers and younger, while the young adult section caters to readers aged 14 and 15. The adult section features books recommended for readers aged 16 and older. For parenting topics, there is a dedicated parenting section in the library, and books addressing issues that require adult explanation, such as death and family dynamics for children, are available in the family section.

Arrangements within the City of Tyler library are guided by recommendations from professional organizations such as Publishers Weekly and Kirkus. Any discrepancies in age appropriateness are addressed by staff members who read the book to determine the suitable age range.

The library policy explicitly states that providing access to material does not constitute an endorsement of it.

“People are sort of saying, ‘I can’t believe that you would support this book,’” City Manager Edward Broussard said. “The book in our collection is not an endorsement of the book or material. The book being in the library indicates that this idea is present for people to read and share, agree with or disagree with, but it is not an endorsement by the City.”

In the young adult section, designed for ages 14 and above, certain books may contain scenes or material that could be interpreted as sexual, as per Broussard. However, it’s emphasized that there is no sexually explicit material in the children’s section. The library underscores the importance of context, explaining that while there might be mature content, the narrative in these instances is intended for a younger demographic with the aim of imparting valuable lessons.

“When I ran for mayor, my slogan was ‘For All of Tyler,’ and when I think of the library, it’s the same slogan,” Mayor Don Warren said. “It’s for all of Tyler, and you see the community — it’s a diverse community. The library is the community.”

Residents gather at a Tyler Public Library board meeting. Residents have different views about the contents of books within the library and their section placement. Some believe in relocation to protect minors while others advocate for books that can educate and share experiences with others. The library, however, states it is a place for “all of Tyler,” which Mayor Don Warren says is a “diverse community.”

Books challenged

The Tyler Public Library officially reported a total of 189,942 books in print and a comprehensive physical collection of 228,693 circulating items, encompassing audio, video, and various other physical materials. This data is submitted to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, which plays a crucial role in granting and maintaining the library’s accredited status.

In 2023, the library has received a total of 11 requests to reconsider the placement of certain books within its collection.

Regarding the 11 requests made in 2023, opinions diverge among library users. Some advocate for the removal or relocation of certain books, while others argue for their retention in their original sections. This statement was provided by the City of Tyler.

A Banned Books Week display at the Tyler Public Library on Wednesday October 4, 2023.

“Children, students, minors, everyone has a right to receive information,” City Attorney Deborah Pullman said. “The reason a book is kept in a library location is because that book provides something other than the prurient interest. There might be sexual content, but some other literary, art, social, political reason that the content is there.”

Pullman stated that the Supreme Court has delineated what qualifies as unprotected First Amendment speech, establishing the guidelines reflected in the Tyler Public Library policy.

The Supreme Court ruled in Board of Education v. Pico that government officials may not remove books from school library shelves “simply because they dislike the idea contained in those books and seek by their removal to ‘prescribe’ what shall be orthodox.”

“I was raped. I talked to other rape survivors to ensure I’m not alone. We share stories, we read books, and that’s how we recover. That’s how we heal. Don’t take that away from these kids,” Bailey said.

Broussard clarified that the sexual content present in young adult books is not intended to arouse. When addressing disturbing or confronting elements, such as a rape scene, the material aims to convey the gravity of the situation, devoid of any intention of salaciousness or titillation.

“The books that they put forward are not meant to intrigue or be salacious in that way. There may be sexual content within some of the books. However, it’s definitely taken out of context,” City Librarian Ashley Taylor said.

Click here to see full blog: https://tylerpaper.com/premium/as-group-voices-concerns-tyler-public-library-remains-committed-to-serving-diverse-population/article_ddc1222a-62d0-11ee-9fdd-33ac1fd0cecf.html

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