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?

Federal judge freezes Florida gender-affirming care bans

This blog originally appeared at Axios Tampa Bay.

A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked a pair of Florida bans on gender-affirming care for three minors while a legal challenge plays out, arguing that both are likely to be found unconstitutional.

Protesters in support of abortion rights and trans rights gather during a speech by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Aug. 21, 2022.

Why it matters: U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle, a Clinton appointee, wrote that “gender identity is real” and agreed with the plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the state that gender-affirming care is “medically necessary.”

  • The lawsuit asserts that the bans violate the Constitution’s equal protection clause by singling out trans minors. Three Florida families asked the court to freeze the bans while the lawsuit is reviewed, saying their children had immediate medical needs.
  • Hinkle said that both of Florida’s bans represent a “purposeful discrimination against transgenders.”

Between the lines: A spokesperson for Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) told Axios the ruling applies only to three trans children seeking immediate access to such care, who are plaintiffs in the case. “Florida’s law otherwise remains in effect,” press secretary Jeremy Redfern said.

  • Yes, but: While narrow in scope, Simone Chriss, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said the judge’s opinion “sends a really, really clear message that what the state has done here is politically motivated, predetermined and unconstitutional.”

State of play: Florida prohibited health providers from offering gender-affirming care to minors with a first-of-its-kind rule issued by the state’s medical board and recent legislation that DeSantis signed into law.

  • The law not only criminalized care for trans people under 18, but added restrictions for adults seeking such care.
  • While the injunction doesn’t address the adult restrictions, lawyers for the plaintiffs are planning to ask the court to block them, said Chriss, director of the Transgender Rights Initiative at the Florida-based Southern Legal Counsel. That could mean adding an adult trans Floridian as a plaintiff in the suit.

Details: “The elephant in the room should be noted at the outset. Gender identity is real. The record makes that clear,” Hinkle wrote in his opinions.

  • Hinkle also said the defendants — including Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, members of the medical board and other state officials — had contradictory views of trans people, noting that they both acknowledge that trans people exist and say trans identity “is made up.”
    • “Any proponent of the challenged statute and rules should put up or shut up: do you acknowledge that there are individuals with actual gender identities opposite their natal sex, or do you not? Dog whistles ought not be tolerated,” Hinkle said.
  • The judge said that “[t]he overwhelming weight of medical authority supports” gender-affirming care and “not a single reputable medical association has taken a contrary position.”
  • Hinkle said that the parents who are challenging the bans can better evaluate the benefits and risks of treating their trans children than the state: “I find that the plaintiffs’ motivation is love for their children and the desire to achieve the best possible treatment for them. This is not the State’s motivation.”

What they’re saying: “My husband and I have been heartbroken and worried sick about not being able to care for our daughter in the way we know she needs,” said one of the plaintiffs, who is identified as Jane Doe and has a daughter named Susan.

  • “Today my entire family is breathing a huge sigh of relief knowing we can now access the treatment that we know will keep Susan healthy and allow her to continue being the happy, confident child she has been,” Doe added.
  • The legal groups that represented the plaintiffs called the ruling “a powerful affirmation of the humanity of transgender people, the efficacy of well-established, science-based medical care.”
  • A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Health declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation. A spokesperson for Attorney General Ashley Moody did not respond to requests for comment.

Zoom out: The Florida lawsuit is one of many filed in various states that have adopted bans on health care for trans minors.

click here to see full blog: https://www.axios.com/2023/06/06/judge-blocks-florida-transgender-health-care-ban

U.S. Judge Blocks Florida Ban On Trans Minor Care In Narrow Ruling: ‘Gender Identity Is Real’

This blog originally appeared at Huff Post.

Judge Robert Hinkle issued a preliminary injunction, saying three transgender children can continue receiving treatment.

Republican presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, speaks during a campaign event, June 2, 2023, in Lexington, S.C. A federal judge temporarily blocked portions of a new Florida law that bans transgender minors from receiving puberty blockers, ruling Tuesday, June 6, that the state has no rational basis for denying patients treatment.

In Tallahassee, Florida, a federal judge, Robert Hinkle, has issued a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking portions of a new state law that prohibits transgender minors from receiving puberty blockers. The judge ruled on Tuesday that the state lacks a rational basis for denying this form of treatment to transgender patients. As a result, three transgender children involved in the lawsuit can continue receiving the treatment they need.

The lawsuit challenges the law that was signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. The law, which bans the use of puberty blockers for transgender minors, was enacted shortly before Governor DeSantis announced his run for president. The injunction means that the law’s enforcement is halted for now, pending further legal proceedings and a final decision on its constitutionality.

This ruling highlights the ongoing legal debates surrounding the rights and healthcare access for transgender individuals, particularly minors. It reflects the court’s recognition of the importance of gender identity and the need for medical treatments that are considered essential by healthcare professionals in supporting transgender youth.

The case will continue to be litigated, and the final outcome will determine the future of the Florida law regarding the use of puberty blockers for transgender minors.

click here to see full blog: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/transgender-health-florida-judge-blocks-ban-minor-care_n_647f6b38e4b091b09c3554a7

In uncommon trend, blue states laws to protect rights from the red states

In an uncommon trend, blue states are enacting laws aimed at protecting rights and freedoms that are being threatened in red states. These laws serve as a response to conservative policies and legislation enacted in more politically conservative areas. Blue states are taking proactive measures to safeguard issues such as reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, and environmental protections, creating a stark contrast between progressive and conservative states. This trend reflects the ongoing ideological divide and the states’ efforts to uphold and advance their respective values and priorities.

Uganda Signs Tough Anti-Gay Law, With Death Penalty In Some Cases

This blog originally appeared at Huff Post.

The legislation has been widely condemned by rights activists and others abroad.

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Uganda’s president has signed into law tough new anti-gay legislation supported by many in this East African country but widely condemned by rights activists and others abroad.

The statement refers to the signing of a bill by President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda. The bill mentioned in the statement is not specified, but based on the context, it appears to be referring to an anti-gay legislation that was signed into law in Uganda in the past. The specific details and provisions of the bill would need to be clarified for further information. However, it is mentioned that the version signed by President Museveni did not criminalize individuals based on their LGBTQ+ identity, which was a concern expressed by campaigners who opposed an earlier draft of the legislation. It is important to note that laws and their specific provisions can change over time, so it’s recommended to refer to the latest information or news sources for the most accurate and up-to-date details.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/uganda-anti-gay-law_n_647487e9e4b0b4444c7a49b8

Elliot Page reveals chilling transphobic attack outside LA hotel: ‘I’m going to f–king gay bash you, fa—t’

This blog originally appeared at New York Post.

The actor and advocate recalls coming out as transgender in the new memoir and in an interview for “The Freedom to Exist — A Soul of a Nation Presentation.”

Elliot Page has revealed that LA doesn’t make him feel safe anymore.

Actor Elliot Page has shared he was verbally attacked and threatened by a crazed transphobic man — who shouted that he was the reason “I need a gun” in Los Angeles last year.

Page, 36, was standing on a corner in West Hollywood on his way to the Pink Dot convenience store when the enraged and hateful stranger approached him, shouting obscenities, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“I’m going to f–king gay bash you, fa—t,” the man yelled, forcing the actor to bolt toward the store in fear.

Employees at the Pink Dot escorted a terrified Page into the shop, but the man allegedly followed him and stood at the store’s doorway.

“This is why I need a gun,” the maniac reportedly yelled at Page through the glass door.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://nypost.com/2023/06/06/elliot-page-reveals-chilling-transphobic-attack-outside-la-hotel/

Texas may soon have a process to remove local prosecutors who won’t pursue abortion, election cases

This blog originally appeared at The Texas Tribune.

The bill would allow for the removal of prosecutors who adopt any policy to not pursue certain crimes, including some low-level theft and drug charges. The Senate’s version will need to be reconciled with the House, which had carved out some exemptions.

Screens display case information on May 9 at the Travis County Criminal Court at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center in Austin.

The Texas Senate recently approved a bill that enables the removal of locally elected prosecutors from office if they choose not to enforce specific laws. This legislation is part of a broader initiative by Republicans to address concerns regarding “rogue” district attorneys in large, left-leaning counties in Texas. These prosecutors have publicly stated their intention to refrain from prosecuting abortion cases and, in some instances, have implemented policies related to the prosecution of low-level theft and drug offenses.

State Senator Joan Huffman, a Republican from Houston and the sponsor of the bill, emphasized the need for a mechanism to hold prosecutors accountable for their refusal to enforce laws passed by the Texas Legislature or any legislative body. The bill aims to address the perceived noncompliance with established laws by prosecutors in certain jurisdictions.

It’s important to note that the bill’s passage by the Texas Senate does not guarantee its enactment into law. The bill will need to go through further legislative processes, including consideration by the Texas House of Representatives, before it can be signed into law by the governor.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/19/senate-prosecutors-abortion-voter-fraud/

Here are the most affordable states for retirees | The Hill

This blog originally appeared at The Hill.

A new study identifies a rugged group of states — Wyoming, Utah, Montana and Idaho — as the most affordable destinations for American retirees. 

Clouds rise above the mountains of the Teton Range as seen from Grand Teton National Park in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on August 15, 2022.

If those places sound cold, consider some warmer states that rank nearly as high in cost of living and other affordability measures: Virginia (5th on the list), New Mexico (7th), Tennessee (10th), Georgia (12th) and South Carolina (15th). 


According to a study conducted by Seniorly, a senior-living site, states were ranked based on eight financial factors important to seniors who are planning to retire on a budget. It is worth noting that the study did not consider lifestyle or climate factors typically associated with retirees moving to warmer states in the South. Instead, it focused on housing costs and living expenses, taking into account recent inflation and retirement account volatility.

Census figures indicate that over 200,000 Americans relocated to new states for retirement in 2022. The most popular destinations were Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, Arizona, and Georgia. While Florida and Arizona have long been favored retirement destinations, it’s worth noting that they have become more crowded and less affordable in recent years.

Despite the desire for warmer climates, a significant majority of older Americans, approximately three-quarters, express a preference to stay in their current homes and communities, as revealed by an AARP survey. This sentiment is often driven by a sense of attachment to the places where they grew up and raised their families, as well as the difficulty associated with changing healthcare providers.

As retirees evaluate their options, they are increasingly considering housing costs and living expenses, recognizing the impact of inflation and market volatility on their retirement savings. While Florida and Arizona continue to be popular choices, retirees are also exploring alternatives that offer a balance of affordability and quality of life.

Montana latest to ban gender-affirming care for trans minors

This blog originally appeared at AP News.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana became the latest state to ban or restrict gender-affirming medical care for transgender kids Friday when its Republican governor signed legislation that exiled transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr told fellow lawmakers would leave “blood” on their hands.

 Montana state Rep. Zooey Zephyr, D-Missoula, alone on the House floor stands in protest as demonstrators are arrested in the House gallery, Monday, April 24, 2023, at the state Capitol in Helena, Mont. Montana’s Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill Friday, April 28, to ban gender-affirming medical care for young transgender people — the battle over which ended with the removal of a transgender lawmaker from the House floor.


Montana is among the growing number of states that have implemented laws to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth, despite strong objections from families who argue that this care is vital for their children’s well-being.

The debate surrounding Montana’s bill gained national prominence when Republican lawmakers took action against Representative Zooey Zephyr for her comments, deeming them personally offensive. House Speaker Matt Regier went as far as prohibiting Zephyr from speaking on the House floor until she issued an apology. To date, Zephyr has not apologized.

This incident reflects the contentious nature of the debate surrounding transgender rights and highlights the challenges faced by lawmakers advocating for inclusive policies. The refusal to allow Zephyr to speak serves as a demonstration of the polarization and resistance to progressive views on transgender issues within certain political circles.

As discussions surrounding gender-affirming care continue, it remains crucial to foster open dialogue that respects diverse perspectives while prioritizing the well-being and rights of transgender youth and their families.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://apnews.com/article/montana-genderaffirming-care-trans-minors-b48aae69e2d46e7d59cab62a3ac72bc6

Trans Eighth Grader Was ‘Shaking and Distressed’ As Texas Agency Pulled Him Out of Class for Investigation

This blog originally appeared at Jezebel.

An ongoing lawsuit exposes the state’s misguided “child abuse” investigations as being incredibly traumatic for trans children and their families.

Earlier this year, when Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed the state’s Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate instances of “child abuse” in families who’ve provided gender-affirming care for their trans children, people were rightly, extremely alarmed. Not only is gender-affirming care not child abuse, the lack of it is actually associated with risks of depression and suicide in trans children and teens. LGBTQ advocacy groups, public health experts, and health associations feared this bigoted and authoritarian directive would harm trans youth. They were right.

On Friday morning, the Washington Post published a story about a trans eighth grader in Texas, Steve Koe (a pseudonym), who was pulled out of class and questioned by the agency. His mother says he was “shaking and distressed;” she observed Steve go from “thriving” after his gender-affirming treatment to being “anxiety ridden” and suffering from frequent panic attacks after being investigated by the state. For nearly an hour the agency reportedly asked Steve personal questions about his medical history, his gender dysphoria, and his suicide attempt. While all of this was going on, Steve’s classmates got to go about their normal, uninterrupted school day.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://jezebel.com/trans-eighth-grader-was-shaking-and-distressed-as-texas-1849517848

Texas drag queen challenges drag ban bill in dress bearing names of mass shooting victims

This blog originally appeared at The Pink News.

A Texas drag queen has given a powerful testimony against a drag ban bill currently making its way through the state legislature.

Texas drag queen Brigitte Bandit made a powerful statement at a state committee hearing on a new drag ban bill.

SB12, introduced by Republican state senator Bryan Hughes, seeks to impose restrictions on “certain sexually oriented performances” in public spaces and in the presence of children. The bill includes penalties for those who allow such performances on commercial properties, with a fine of $10,000, and the potential loss of state funding for public areas like libraries.

The bill defines “sexually oriented performances” as including instances where a male performer presents as a female or a female performer presents as a male, using clothing, makeup, or other physical markers, and engages in activities such as singing, lip-syncing, dancing, or performing before an audience.

Having already passed the Texas State Senate, the bill is currently under consideration by the state House of Representatives, both of which are controlled by Republicans.

During a public hearing before the House’s state affairs committee, Brigitte Bandit, an Austin-based drag queen, expressed her disbelief at recent claims that she poses a threat to the safety of children. Bandit stated that she had never faced concerns about working with children until recently and emphasized that those making such allegations had no evidence to support their claims.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/05/14/texas-drag-ban-bill-mass-shooting-victims/

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