Tinklenberg, Katherine Kersten, and Turning 30

Elwyn Tinklenberg, who is running against Rep. Michele Bachmann, was interviewed by Eva Young about LGBT issues and Bachmann's incessant gay-baiting. "Using folks in that way is just so distasteful," said Tinklenberg calling it a "cruel tactic."

It had been a while since Katherine Kersten targeted LGBT folks, so ringing in the New Year, she does just that. And she takes on the transgender community. Her problem? Where will they go to the bathroom. "Still, there are some practical problems in accommodating the transgendered in everyday life. There is, of course, the bathroom problem — that is, which one to use and how other patrons will react," writes Kersten. [Why not just let people who identify as male use the male restroom, and those who identify as female use the female restroom?]

We are in luck though. Kersten calls us gays "normal." "Will transgendered folks achieve the normalcy now accorded gays? It’s too soon to say. One thing’s for certain, though, anyone who dares question its advance will soon learn that such questions must not be asked." I think she was being sarcastic. Or maybe her hell froze over.

LGBT people are getting older. It's true, especially for me. I'll be 30 on Jan. 23, but all hope is not lost for me and other older LGBT folks, OutFront Minnesota, GLBT Generations and Pfund are hosting a GLBT Aging Policy Summit Jan. 25th and 26th. State Senator Scott Dibble, Hennepin Co. Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, and Minneapolis City Councilmember Gary Schiff will be organizing an action plan and informational presentations will be given on the issues surrounding getting older and being LGBT.