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?

Montana Republicans call for censure of transgender lawmaker amid debate over ban of gender-affirming care for minors

This blog originally appeared at CNN Politics.

A number of Republican lawmakers from the Montana Freedom Caucus are demanding Democratic state Rep. Zooey Zephyr be censured by the state House for “using inappropriate and uncalled-for language” during a floor debate over amendments concerning a bill that bans medical care for transgender minors.

Transgender Montana lawmaker reacts to calls for censure.

“If you are forcing a trans child to go through puberty when they are trans, that is tantamount to torture, and this body should be ashamed,” Zephyr said during her speech on the amendments on Tuesday. “The only thing I will say is if you vote yes on this bill and yes on these amendments I hope the next time there’s an invocation when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands.”

The Montana Freedom Caucus has called for the censure of Representative Zooey Zephyr following a speech in which Zephyr discussed the devastating consequences of banning essential medical care for transgender youth. In their statement, the caucus misgendered Zephyr, who uses she/her pronouns.

The caucus claimed that Zephyr’s speech contained “hateful rhetoric” and drew a misguided connection to a recent school shooting. They called for immediate censure of Zephyr, referring to her as transgender Representative Zooey Zephyr.

In response to the censure call, Zephyr stood firm in her position and emphasized her commitment to fighting for the rights of transgender individuals in Montana. She defended her accurate description of the consequences of denying essential medical care for transgender youth.

Zephyr’s response highlights her determination to advocate for the transgender community, signaling her unwavering dedication to representing their interests in the Montana Legislature.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL BLOG: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/04/21/politics/zooey-zephyr-montana-republicans-censure/index.html

For transgender kids, a frantic rush for treatment amid bans

This blog originally appeared at ABC News.

The nationwide push to restrict gender-affirming health care for transgender minors has created a sense of urgency and concern among families whose doctors deem these treatments medically necessary for their children. With the introduction of various bills and laws aiming to limit or prohibit gender-affirming care for minors, families find themselves facing uncertain futures and grappling with difficult decisions. Many parents and guardians believe that denying these treatments could have detrimental effects on their children’s well-being and overall health. As the debate continues, families, medical professionals, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are working together to protect the rights and access to vital healthcare services for transgender minors.

House approves trans athlete ban for girls and women’s teamsThe bill would change Title IX’s definition of sex to one “based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.” Senate passage is unlikely.

In Utah, third-grader Elle Palmer expressed her innermost feelings to a friend, revealing her plans to transfer schools in the hopes that her new classmates would recognize her as a girl. Meanwhile, in South Dakota, Asher Wilcox-Broekemeier found solace in punk rock music as he yearned to join the neighborhood boys playing outside. However, it wasn’t until Asher experienced menstruation and felt increasingly disconnected from his body that he realized he was meant to be one of the boys. These personal stories highlight the journeys of transgender individuals, illustrating the struggles and self-discovery they navigate from a young age. Their experiences shed light on the diverse paths individuals take to understand and embrace their true identities.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG:https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/wireStory/transgender-kids-frantic-rush-treatment-amid-bans-98772768?cid=alerts_lgbt

Electronic traffic sign in Orlando altered to show threatening, anti-gay message, police say

This blog originally appeared at Fox 35 Orlando.

The Orlando Police Department is attempting to determine who tampered with a digital traffic message board so that it would display a threatening, anti-gay message.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Police Department is attempting to determine who tampered with a digital traffic sign so that it would display a threatening, anti-gay message.

Officers on Wednesday morning responded to a report about a suspicious incident in Orlando’s Medical City, near Lake Nona Boulevard and Nemours Parkway.

On Wednesday morning, the Orlando Police Department received a report about a suspicious incident in Orlando’s Medical City, specifically near Lake Nona Boulevard and Nemours Parkway. The incident involved the tampering of a digital traffic sign to display a threatening and anti-gay message. The police department is currently conducting an investigation to determine the individual or individuals responsible for the act of tampering with the sign.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/traffic-sign-in-orlando-altered-to-display-anti-gay-mesage-police-say?fbclid=IwAR2o_EvG7d_JWUUZOL9jICZ33ATXUqoHAnVlnLfQQtdAI0ESLtGvU42fCiE

Bill restricting sexually explicit performances in front of children heads to the governor

This blog originally appeared at The Texas Tribune.

Originally pitched as an effort to restrict children from seeing certain drag shows, the House and Senate agreed on a version of the bill that could still ensnare LGBTQ performers.

The Texas State Capitol on June 8, 2022.

The Texas Legislature has passed a bill that targets sexually explicit performances involving children and the businesses that host them. Originally focused on restricting minors from attending certain drag shows, the final version of the bill removed direct references to drag performers. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 12, now awaits Governor Greg Abbott’s signature.

Under this bill, business owners would be subject to a $10,000 fine if they host sexually explicit performances that involve nudity or appeal to the “prurient interest in sex.” Performers found to be violating these restrictions could face a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

The bill reflects the concerns of lawmakers regarding sexually explicit content in shows involving children and aims to deter such performances and hold accountable both the performers and the businesses hosting them. Its passage demonstrates the ongoing discussions and legislative efforts surrounding the boundaries of explicit content and protecting the well-being of minors.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/28/texas-legislature-drag-show-bill/?utm_source=articleshare&utm_medium=social

Texas Attorney General to investigate 2nd children’s hospital over reports of gender care provided to minors

This blog originally appeared at Kxan.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a second investigation into a children’s hospital in the state, this time targeting Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether the hospital is engaged in illegal activities by performing gender transitioning procedures on children. While Attorney General Paxton did not specify the exact laws that may have been violated, he stated that any procedures causing harm to children would be considered child abuse under Texas law.

The investigation was prompted by recent reports suggesting that Texas Children’s Hospital may be unlawfully providing gender transitioning procedures. Attorney General Paxton expressed his commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring the protection of children in the state. The announcement did not specify the source of the reports, but there are circulating articles online regarding the hospital’s alleged continued provision of such care.

This investigation highlights the ongoing debates and legal scrutiny surrounding gender transitioning procedures for minors, with officials seeking to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The Texas Children’s Hospital is the biggest children’s hospital in the US by bed size.

At Texas Children’s Hospital, our mission is to provide high-quality care for all patients. Throughout the policy debate surrounding gender medicine, our healthcare professionals have always and will continue to prioritize the care of our patients within the bounds of the law.– TEXAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL SPOKESPERSON

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG:https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/texas-attorney-general-to-investigate-2nd-childrens-hospital-over-reports-of-gender-care-provided-to-minors/

Controversial Proposition: Texas’s Potential Process to Remove Local Prosecutors in Abortion and Election Cases

This blog originally appeared at The Texas Tribune.

The bill under consideration would enable the removal of prosecutors who implement policies refusing to prosecute certain crimes, including certain low-level theft and drug charges. The Senate has passed its version of the bill, which now needs to be reconciled with the version passed by the House. The House had included exemptions in its version of the bill, creating some exceptions to the removal of prosecutors. The reconciliation process will involve aligning the two versions of the bill to reach a consensus on the final legislation.

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


On Friday, the Texas Senate passed a bill aimed at addressing locally elected prosecutors who choose not to enforce certain laws. The bill is part of a broader Republican effort to hold accountable district attorneys in large, left-leaning counties who have publicly stated their intention to refrain from prosecuting abortion cases and have implemented policies regarding the prosecution of low-level theft and drug offenses.

The bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Joan Huffman, a Republican from Houston, emphasized the need for a mechanism in Texas to remove prosecutors who refuse to enforce laws enacted by the Legislature or any legislative body. The proposed legislation seeks to provide a means to address what some Republicans consider as “rogue” district attorneys who deviate from the enforcement of established laws.

The bill will now proceed to the next stage of the legislative process, including potential reconciliation with a corresponding version passed by the Texas House of Representatives.

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

We need to make bigotry expensive.

This blog originally appeared at Reddit.

To anyone who is in a state where so-called leaders condemn and disrespect broad portions of the population there, come to Maryland, where we are defending and uplifting the beautiful mosaic and history of everybody.

We need to make bigotry expensive.

In Maryland, there is a message of welcome and inclusivity for those who may feel marginalized or targeted by discriminatory policies in other states. The speaker highlights that Maryland stands as a place that defends and uplifts the diverse mosaic of its population.

By extending an invitation to individuals facing condemnation and disrespect elsewhere, the speaker emphasizes Maryland’s commitment to embracing the rich history and contributions of all its residents. The state aims to create an environment where people from various backgrounds can thrive and be celebrated for their unique identities.

This sentiment reflects a broader movement in many places that seek to create spaces of acceptance, equality, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It sends a message of solidarity and support to those seeking refuge from discriminatory environments and reaffirms Maryland’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://twitter.com/iamwesmoore/status/1661520627692388353?t=frNV61SYEtEBaY4VoBmAlA&s=09

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.

In Kampala, Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has signed a new anti-gay legislation into law, receiving support from many within the country but facing strong condemnation from rights activists and others internationally.

The final version of the law does not criminalize individuals based on their LGBTQ identity, addressing a key concern raised by campaigners. The earlier draft of the legislation was widely criticized for its severe violation of human rights.

While the specific details of the new law are not provided, it is important to note that Uganda has a history of enacting legislation that targets the LGBTQ community, which has faced significant discrimination and persecution in the country.

The signing of this law has sparked renewed discussions and debates surrounding human rights, LGBTQ rights, and the treatment of marginalized communities in Uganda and globally. International organizations and activists continue to advocate for the protection of human rights and the promotion of equality and inclusivity for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

But the new law still prescribes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” which is defined as cases of sexual relations involving people infected with HIV as well as with minors and other categories of vulnerable people. A suspect convicted of “attempted aggravated homosexuality” can be imprisoned for up to 14 years, according to the legislation.

Uganda’s president Yoweri Museveni has signed into law tough new anti-gay legislation supported by many in the country but widely condemned by rights activists and others abroad.

Parliamentary Speaker Anita Among said in a statement that the president had “answered the cries of our people” in signing the bill.

“With a lot of humility, I thank my colleagues the Members of Parliament for withstanding all the pressure from bullies and doomsday conspiracy theorists in the interest of our country,” the statement said.

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

A transgender Texan narrowly avoids the state’s new healthcare restriction | The Texas Tribune

This blog originally appeared at The Texas Tribune.

This class president is the model of a successful Texas teen. After a ban on trans health care, she can’t wait to leave the state.

Topher Malone’s mother helps her get ready for graduation day in her bedroom in Round Rock in May. Malone recently began using the name Safara, which she feels more accurately represents her identity.

Topher Malone, a student at Round Rock Independent School District’s Early College High School, is a shining example of success and leadership. In her final days of high school, Malone’s accomplishments were noteworthy. As the leader of the Gender-Sexuality Alliance club, she conducted a club meeting before captivating an audience of National Honors Society juniors. They eagerly listened to her insights on how she gained admission to Harvard.

Malone’s success in her college application was attributed to a consistent theme throughout her essays. She chose to highlight her journey of queer activism and her role as a leader within her school. With a stellar academic record, including straight A’s, and serving as the class president, Malone has proven herself to be an exceptional student. Additionally, she actively participates in national youth leadership conferences and has raised funds to support her school group.

Overall, Malone’s achievements and dedication demonstrate her commitment to making a positive impact in her community through activism and academic excellence.

Malone is also trans. Malone says having access to gender-affirming treatments before she turned 18 in May allowed her to embrace her true self and channel her energy into her advocacy for LGBTQ youth.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/31/texas-transgender-gender-affirming-care/

It’s Pride Month. Here’s how LGBTQ rights fared around the world this year.

This blog originally appeared at The Washington Post.

U.S. sees GOP-led wave of bills targeting transgender rights

Supporters of LGBTQ+ rights participate in the March for Queer & Trans Youth Autonomy on Capitol Hill in D.C. on March 31.

The first four months of this year have seen an unprecedented surge in the number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills being passed into state law, surpassing any previous period in U.S. history, according to an analysis by The Washington Post. These bills predominantly target transgender rights and have been signed into law by Republican governors or enacted by GOP legislatures, often overriding vetoes by Democratic governors.

The significant increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation reflects a concerning trend that threatens the rights and protections of transgender individuals in particular. The bills cover a range of issues, including restrictions on transgender youth’s access to healthcare and participation in sports, as well as limitations on changing gender markers on identification documents.

The passage of these laws has sparked widespread opposition from LGBTQ+ advocates, civil rights organizations, and the transgender community. Critics argue that these measures perpetuate discrimination and harm the well-being and rights of transgender individuals. Legal challenges to some of these laws are expected as advocates fight to protect the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community.

The American Civil Liberties Union has tracked almost 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills instates across the country so far this year, and notes that “while not all of these bills will become law, they all cause harm for LGBTQ+ people.”

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/06/01/pride-month-gay-trans-rights/S

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