Get ready for a spicy edition of Richie & John, where we're diving deep into the headlines that matter most to the LGBTQ+ community! This week, we're outraged at Meta's removal of tampons from men's restrooms, allegedly part of Zuck's dubious new anti-LGBTQ+ playbook. Also on our radar: the Vatican's latest twist in their guidelines for gay priests, with a generous sprinkle of celibacy—a recipe for real talk you won't want to miss. The wicked witch of the Florida Orange growers from the 1970’s has kicked the bucket. Anita Bryant, the beauty pageant bigot turned anti-LGBTQ rights crusader in the last quarter of the 20th Century is remembered with her ‘pie in the face’ moment while visiting the Upper Midwest years ago. She died in Oklahoma last month in her early 80’s. Who didn’t already think she was dead? And in brighter news, the Human Rights Campaign says Corporate America might just be stepping up for LGBTQ+ inclusivity—go, CEI (Corporate Equality Index)! We'll also discuss the rollercoaster journey of a trans TikToker in Florida facing down their state's oppressive ID policies. Finally, we're celebrating as Dr. Elizabeth Steiner makes history as Oregon’s first LGBTQ+ treasurer! Join us as we blend celebration with some no-holds-barred commentary. Plus, find out what we have planned for January 20th as America gets ready for its wildcard inauguration day with the return to Washington of the Dynamic Dunces: The Rapist Racist Misogynist; and, junior perv: The Couch Humper!

Takeaways

• The importance of DEI initiatives in corporate environments.

• Meta's removal of tampon dispensers raises questions about inclusivity.

• Billionaires often lack empathy for marginalized communities.

• Pope Francis's recent statements indicate a shift in the Catholic Church's approach to LGBTQ issues.

• The Corporate Equality Index shows positive trends in workplace equality for LGBTQ individuals.

• Florida's anti-trans policies highlight ongoing discrimination.

• Governance should prioritize community support and inclusivity.

• California's economic power plays a significant role in national politics.

• LGBTQ representation in government is crucial for progress.

• The fight for LGBTQ rights continues amidst political challenges.

#MutualBroadcastingSystem #RichieRoy #JohnMcMullen #LGBTQNews #CorporateDiversity #MetaPolicies #PopeFrancis #GayPriests #CorporateEquality #FloridaTransPolicies #Governance #CaliforniaEconomy #OregonLeadership #LGBTQRights #RichieAndJohnPodcast #AnitaBryantDies #AnitaBryantPieInTheFace #MarkZuckerbergMETA #OregonLGBTQElectedOfficials #DEIRepeals #LGBTQDiscrimination #DonaldTrumpInauguration #MAGAProblems #LGBTQActivism #WeWontGoBack

Big changes at Meta's platforms, particularly concerning content moderation policies, have raised serious concerns for the LGBTQ community and beyond. Hosts Richie Roy and John McMullen welcome Jillian C. York, Director for International Freedom of Expression at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, to discuss these recent developments. They delve into how new policies may embolden hate speech against marginalized groups while simultaneously loosening restrictions on harmful content. The conversation highlights the broader implications of these shifts as Meta aligns itself more closely with political agendas, potentially compromising the safety and well-being of vulnerable communities. As the episode unfolds, they explore the urgent need for accountability and the importance of supporting organizations like the EFF in the fight for digital rights and freedoms.

Takeaways:

• Meta's recent policy changes raise concerns about increased hate speech against marginalized communities.
• Jillian York highlights the potential adverse effects of Meta's new content moderation policies.
• The EFF advocates for better transparency and accountability in content moderation across platforms.
• Changes in social media policies reflect broader political shifts and corporate influence under Trump.
• The LGBTQ community faces unique challenges with rising hate speech and content restrictions.
• The podcast discusses the importance of supporting organizations like EFF for digital rights.

Links referenced in this episode:

• richieandjohn.com
• motherboard.vice.com
• technologyreview.com
• wired.com
• eff.org
• reddit.com
• tiktok.com
• blue-sky.social
• instagram.com
• twitter.com
• facebook.com
• tumblr.com
• pornhub.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Meta
• Facebook
• Instagram
• WhatsApp
• Electronic Frontier Foundation
• EFF
• Twitter
• X
• TikTok
• Reddit
• Harvard
• MIT Technology Review
• Wired
• Progressive Networks
• Real Networks
• Open Net Initiative
• Threads
• Blue Sky
• Costco
• Amazon Music
• Spotify

Join Richie Roy and John McMullen this week for Newsday Tuesday on the Richie & John podcast as they tackle a spectrum of significant stories affecting the LGBTQ+ community. The episode dives into the recent House GOP fast-tracking rule targeting transgender athletes, igniting debates over Title IX's legacy and potential overreach in defining biological sex. Republican proposals, including facility use restrictions, face firm Democratic opposition, emphasizing a need for balanced discourse. In political shifts, conservative voice Tammy Bruce is tapped as the new State Department spokesperson, sparking mixed reactions due to her past controversial statements. Meanwhile, there's cause for celebration as Liechtenstein legalizes same-sex marriage, aligning the small European nation with widening progressive tides. Richie and John also spotlight Rep. Mark Takano’s leadership appointment to the Congressional Equality Caucus, gearing up against legislative adversity, and dissect restorative justice outcomes post-Pride flag thefts in Virginia, promoting transformative justice over punitive measures. The guys laud Polish ski jumper Andrzej Stekala's heartwarming coming-out story, embracing authenticity and advocacy in sports. And, John shares a story about being an extortion target by someone trying to scam him out of $2,000 to keep his private life... private. Don’t miss this episode.

Takeaways:

• The Democrats are abiding by the law in overseeing a peaceful transition of power ratifying the electoral college votes for the first time in eight years.

• Anti-transgender legislation is being prioritized by Congressional leadership.

• LGBTQ+ citizens should expect tumultuous times ahead.

• Elon Musk is influencing politics home and abroad.

• Former Fox News personality Tammy Bruce's appointment at the State Department by Trump is controversial.

• Liechtenstein has legalized same-sex marriage.

• Mark Takano is now chairing the Congressional Equality Caucus.

• Corporate influence in politics is concerning.

• Visibility is crucial for the LGBTQ+ community in politics.

• Pardons can have significant implications for marginalized groups.

• Restorative justice offers an alternative to incarceration.

• Stealing pride flags is a serious act of hate.

• Flags symbolize identity and support for the LGBTQ+ community.

• Coming Out stories can inspire others in sports.

• Poland's LGBTQ+ support is evolving but still faces challenges.

• Online blackmail is a common threat; awareness is key.

• Restorative justice can be effective but must be applied judiciously.

#MutualBroadcastingSystem #LGBTQNews #RichieRoy #JohnMcMullen #RichieAndJohnPodcast #NewsdayTuesday #TransgenderRights #EqualityAct #LGBTQCommunity #PodcastNews #TransAthleteDebate #TammyBruce #LGBTQLegislation #LiechtensteinGayMarriage #MarkTakano #RestorativeJustice #PrideFlag #AndrezejStekala #PolishSkiJumperComesOut #CreatingChangeConference #GOPCunts #MAGAIdiots #CounteringHomophobia #FightingTransphobia #CUNextTuesday