Response to Travis Reitter

Mr. Reitter, the “Pride” movement may indeed have started out with noble intentions,  but it has evolved into one that practices bigotry as much as opposing it.  If you read my letter, you know “Pride” is NOT welcoming of those who refuse to bow before it.  Maya Forstater wanted to be “true to herself” and “Pride” took away her livelihood. There are many “Mayas” out there.  Economic blackmail is not “welcoming”.

You fail to address any of the examples of “Pride” bigotry that I cited.  “Pride” takes the convenient  route of labeling equally valid  viewpoints as “transphobic”.  This is patently false because such viewpoints are NOT based on fear.  I (like Maya) respect immutable biological reality. Many do. “Pride” shows no tolerance for this truth.

“Pride” gains support with false comparisons to “civil rights” and “racism” (which have broader appeal). MLK longed for the day when persons would “not be judged by the color of their skin but the content of their character” - a completely different agenda.  MLK condemned no one for scientific or intellectual honesty.  “Pride” despises both.

Finally, if insulting those who disagree with you makes you feel justified (by calling them“jerks”), so be it.  A typical “Pride” retort.  I will not respond in kind and am content to let the stated facts make my case.  BTW, facts do not “devalue” or establish “worth” or “dignity” (“Pride” buzzwords which mean nothing in this context). Facts merely state what is.  Despite “Pride”’s claims to the contrary, truth is inherently impartial and is not hate speech.

Perhaps initially “Pride” rejected bigotry.  Now it overtly  promotes it. (P.S. I am using the proper definition of “bigotry” - “forming an opinion without facts or knowledge” - not the “Pride” version - “Anyone who disagrees with me”).

–Stacy Spink, Castro Valley