Kansas City 'Lavender Marriages' Exposed By Anti-Trans Bills???

As always, first we hope to define terms . . .

"A lavender marriage is a male–female mixed-orientation marriage, undertaken as a marriage of convenience to conceal the socially stigmatized sexual orientation of one or both partners. The term dates from the early 20th century and is used almost exclusively to characterize certain marriages of public celebrities in the first half of the 20th century, primarily before World War II, when public attitudes made it impossible for a person acknowledging homosexuality to pursue a public career, notably in the Hollywood film industry."

And now the important threat/promise for our local discussion . . .  

SOME MILITANT LOCAL LGBT ACTIVISTS THREATEN TO EXPOSE THE 'LAVENDER MARRIAGES' OF KANSAS CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS IF THEY DON'T GET SUPPORT TO STOP ALLEGEDLY ANTI-TRANS LEGISLATION!!!

Here's what they're talking about . . .

"Right now, there are several bills being discussed that would prohibit trans kids from participating in sports, bills calling to 'protect women’s sports only', and even bills criminalizing parents who help kids transition."

As always, we should feel free to debate the merits of the legislation but it's impossible to deny the impact that it will have on marginalized communities one way or another.

Accordingly . . . Off-the-record, on the QT and very hush hush . . . Here's a word of warning broadcast last night via social media for local politicos . . .

"We know and have proof that at some of you so-called politicians are in fake marriages, we know you're not exclusive and if we don't get some support against these hateful bills, then everyone else is going to know too . . . It's not right for you to sit on the sidelines as we suffer!" 

For the record and with regard to a longstanding debate, the practice of "outing" people is generally frowned upon within the LGBT community. 

Full disclosure . . . This blog probably has dozens of tasteless jokes archived about "disgraced" Republican Senator Larry Craig and his "wide stance" public restroom escapades.

Also . . . The term "fake marriages" is suspect given that the rising rate of "grey divorces" prove that a great many longstanding boomer unions were pretty phony as well. 

Still, we don't want to link or give too much credence to these political threats . . . What this post hopes to prove is how passionately local activists feel about this topic even when confronting the Missouri GOP super-majority AND an impending midterm conservative red wave.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links, also, not that there's anything wrong with it, I know that's Dorris Day in the lead photo and not Rock's temp wife Phillis but I like the photo better and most people won't know the difference . . .

When Hollywood Studios Married Off Gay Stars to Keep Their Sexuality a Secret

During the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1920s, actors and actresses shot to fame-but only if they tailored their images to the demands of the big studios. For LGBT actors, that often meant marrying a person of the opposite sex. The early 20th century represented a unique time for LGBT people in the country.

Five bills in Missouri legislature seek to restrict transgender rights

Another would prevent trans women and girls from being allowed to compete on women's sports teams. Sophie Hurwitz is a St. Louis-based journalist who has been reporting on anti-trans legislation for Xtra Magazine. Hurwitz views the bills as heavily transphobic.

Famous Hollywood Lavender Marriages

Rock Hudson with his bride of three days, former Phyllis Gates, 25, his agent's secretary, prepares to board a Pan American Clipper in Miami, Nov. 11, on the way to a honeymoon in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Source: (gettyimages.com) During the early days of Hollywood, a gay actor or actress had to keep their sexual preferences hidden for fear of ruining their careers.

Developing . . .