Biological male who identifies as female wins Miss Maryland USA competition



Bailey Anne Kennedy is the "first trans woman" to win the Miss Maryland USA competition, the pageant said. A "transgender female" is a biological male who identifies as female.

The pageant added that Kennedy also is the "first Asian-American" to win the title, the first to "capture the crown at age 31," the first "married woman to win the crown in 67 years," and the "first military officer's wife."

'I knew that it was going to mean a lot for all the LGBTQ kids out there who might feel like they don’t belong in a box — like me growing up.'

Kennedy posted the following message June 2 on Instagram after the win:

Not everyone has to agree with the spaces that you occupy, and it doesn’t mean that you aren’t worthy of these opportunities. The work that I will do for the remainder of my life is to make sure that children who feel like me will never have to worry about the consequences of being who they are by simply being myself and being a positive contribution to society.

For the longest time, I never had the need to tell anyone. Not because it’s a secret, but it’s none of anyone’s business. To those who matter to me, they don’t care. Those that care about knowing such private & personal details, don’t matter.

I can’t wait to start my reign and get back to the USO office and start serving lunches & personally thank our active duty service members like I originally plan to yesterday because that’s what actually matters to me.

In an interview with Maryland-based station WDVM-TV — also known as DC News Now — Kennedy said the victory was a "whirlwind because I knew it was bigger than me. I knew that it was going to mean a lot for all the LGBTQ kids out there who might feel like they don’t belong in a box — like me growing up.”

Kennedy also felt support from the “sisterhood” of women in the competition, WDVM also noted.

The new Miss Maryland USA noted to the station the hope that the victory "will open up some doors, open up some hearts for people to see that there are many aspects of [the] LGBT community out there, and I hope I can be a positive contribution to society in making a difference like the USO program like I’m working with.”

The Daily Mail said Kennedy "married her military husband less than a year ago" and is now looking to compete for the Miss USA title in August in Los Angeles.

Newsweek said conservatives who've spoken out against Kennedy may have forgotten that former President Donald Trump in 2012 overruled a Miss Universe pageant ban of a transgender contestant. Trump at the time owned the Miss Universe Organization, and Miss USA is part of it.

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Christmas ad 'bringing people to tears' shows grandfather applying makeup to grandson's face — and grandson presenting as female to family around dinner table



A J&B Blended Scotch Whisky commercial from Spain is "bringing people to tears with its message of love and acceptance," Today reported.

The description of the ad on YouTube — via Google Translate — reads, "At J&B we want everyone to be able to celebrate at Christmas, without anyone being left out. But, sadly, on these dates, many people from the LGTBIQ+ collective feel uncomfortable or rejected in their own families and cannot celebrate with them. For this reason, we have made this Christmas story starring a grandfather and his family."

What are the details?

The ad begins with the grandfather trying to learn how to apply makeup to his face without his wife finding out as a version of the song “She" plays in the background, Today noted.

Image source: YouTube screenshot

After multiple attempts, Today said the grandfather finally "studies himself in the mirror, sporting a full face of expertly applied makeup."

Image source: YouTube screenshot

"At first, it seems like the commercial is about the grandfather exploring his own identity — but then comes the emotional twist," Today continued.

Family members soon arrive at the grandparents' house for Christmas dinner — including 26-year-old "Alvaro."

Image source: YouTube screenshot

The grandfather motions for Alvaro to come with him — and the pair enter a bathroom, after which the grandfather locks the door.

With that, the grandfather "uses his newfound makeup skills to lovingly transform his grandchild’s look, applying a beautiful, bold red lip, blush and winged eyeliner," Today said.

Image source: YouTube screenshot

Finally, Alvaro and the grandfather emerge from the bathroom — and "Alvaro" has become "Ana" and is "appearing to come out to the family as transgender," Today added.

Image source: YouTube screenshot

"The family is surprised at first, but a second later, Ana's mother stands and embraces her, moved to tears, and the rest of the family looks on with love and approval," Today said in its description of the commercial.

The ad's only clear connection to J&B is a shot at the end showing a bottle on the dinner table along with family members drinking it.

She, un cuento de J&B youtu.be

How are folks reacting to the ad?

Today said the commercial — which was posted two weeks ago and has received 1.7 million views on YouTube as of Monday morning — has "deeply touched many viewers."

The program noted the following comments:

  • “What a twist at the end — I couldn’t stop crying. If only there was this much love and acceptance in all families and around the world.”
  • “I literally cannot get through this without bursting into tears. I am sobbing, this is such a beautiful message.”
  • “I would have given anything to have received acceptance like that when I was growing up. I’m so glad the world is evolving!”

But not every commenter saw it that way, as among the newest reactions include:

  • "Disturbing."
  • "Absolutely disgusting."
  • "I wish companies would stop with this crap."

Christian substitute teacher says she was fired from public school for raising concerns about LBGTQ book shown to elementary students — now she's suing



A Christian substitute teacher is suing after she said a Georgia public school fired her for raising concerns about an LGBTQ book shown to elementary school students, WJCL-TV reported.

What are the details?

Lindsey Barr, who worked for McAllister Elementary School in Richmond Hill, took issue with a library read-aloud program featuring "All Are Welcome," a book that depicts same-sex couples parenting and expecting children, the station said.

Barr's three children also attend the school and were shown the book, WJCL said.

Barr and her attorney Tyson Langhofer appeared on "Fox & Friends First" Tuesday to discuss the lawsuit, which said the book violated her religious convictions. Barr said during the interview that after raising objections with the school's principal about the book, "within hours I was unable to access my teacher account and pick up substitute jobs."

Fox News said Langhofer sent a letter to the school in response that reads: "The firing is intended to send a message to Mrs. Barr and others in the community that if they criticize the school's approach to sensitive political topics or express viewpoints contrary to the school's preferred viewpoints, they will face the consequences."

Langhofer, who is with Alliance Defending Freedom, told WJCL that it's a First Amendment issue — and the state has even added extra layers of protection.

"The Georgia legislature just enacted the Georgia Parental Bill of Rights this past session, and this bill specifically gives Lindsey the right that she exercised," he told the station. "It gives every parent the right to review curriculum and to object to a curriculum that they do not want their children exposed to. All Lindsey was doing is exercising her right that the Georgia legislature just gave her."

Barr told Fox News that although the school hasn't behaved unfairly toward her children as a way of retaliating against her, she believes that's coming.

"My children will be passed up for opportunities," she told the cable network. "This is a county where you have to apply for your children to do most anything, even a field trip, and I think that this is a good way that they will quietly retaliate against our family for making noise."

What did the school district have to say?

WJCL said it reached out to Bryan County Schools for comment and did not hear back.

'Pride Cruiser' shown off by police 'LGBTQIA+ liaison officer' in Columbus, Ohio. Reaction is decidedly grim: 'This is f***ing ridiculous'



A "Pride Cruiser" got a grand "unveiling" on video, courtesy of the "LGBTQIA+ liaison officer" for the police department in Columbus, Ohio, recently.

What are the details?

The white SUV — adorned with rainbow flags and LBGTQ-themed messages such as "Love Is Love" — is parked behind the officer as he delivers the news to viewers.

"Hi, I’m Officer Lutz with the Columbus Division of Police. I’m your LGBTQIA+ liaison officer, and we're unveiling right now our Pride Cruiser for the month of June!" the officer says.

With that, Lutz steps aside as the camera trains upon the SUV from all angles and music plays in the background:

\u201cHappy #PRIDE Columbus!!!\n\nMake sure to say hi to Officer Lutz when you see him out and get a photo with our PRIDE cruiser!\u201d
— Columbus Ohio Police (@Columbus Ohio Police) 1655410656

"Happy #PRIDE Columbus!!!" the tweet from Columbus Police reads. "Make sure to say hi to Officer Lutz when you see him out and get a photo with our PRIDE cruiser!"

As the video plays, Lutz adds, "I’m excited about this cruiser. It’s great for representation.”

Other phrases on the "Pride Cruiser" urge citizens to "Report Hate Crimes" and to celebrate "Columbus Pride 2022."

How are folks reacting to the 'Pride Cruiser'?

Certainly the "Pride Cruiser" has its share of supporters on Twitter, but a goodly number of folks reacting to the tweet from Columbus Police weren't exactly thrilled with the "unveiling":

  • "I guarantee you that most of your officers and employees are embarrassed by this nonsense," one commenter wrote.
  • "I'm sure that police car will strike fear in the hearts of criminals," another user guessed.
  • "This is a joke right?" another commenter asked. "Y’all just f***in with us."
  • "You are an EMBARRASSMENT to your community," another user responded. "I feel sad for your taxpayers having to fund virtue-signaling idiocy."
  • "You people are a joke," another commenter declared.
  • "This is absolutely insane," another user said. "Why R we paying for any of this? Are you guys so completely bored that you can waste time and $ on this crap? A [liaison] for the LGBTQ community ... WTF do U actually do and why do we need this position? Why can't the LGBTQ community just go to any cop?"
  • "Openly gay shouldn’t be any different than openly heterosexual," another commenter stated. "I thought that was the whole point, but now every June we’ll be inundated with Pride??? Sheesh. Just stop already 'cause it’s gone way beyond being proud of being gay."
  • "I have an enormous amount of respect for [law] enforcement. I defend policing, donate $ to FOP, and rely on local police to keep my family safe," another user noted. "This is f***ing ridiculous."

Leftists blast Tampa Bay Rays' players who refuse to wear LBGTQ rainbow Pride colors because of religious beliefs: 'Absolute bulls**t'



Leftists on social media are blasting baseball players from the Tampa Bay Rays who cited religious reasons for refusing to wear rainbow colors on their uniforms for the team's LBGTQ Pride Night game Saturday against the visiting Chicago White Sox.

At least five players didn't wear the colors and instead peeled off the rainbow burst logo on their jersey sleeves and wore the team's standard cap instead of the Pride cap with a rainbow-colored “TB” on the front, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

What are the details?

“Our Pride Nights continue to grow both in terms of visibility and participation,” Rays' president Matt Silverman said, according to the Times. “By doing this, we extend an invitation not just for this game but for all of our games that the LGBTQ+ community is invited, welcomed, and celebrated.”

To that end, the franchise decided to make their LBGTQ support more visible by following the lead of the San Francisco Giants and adding rainbow-colored logos to their Pride Night uniforms, the paper said.

But not all the Rays' players wanted to participate, and the team allowed them that choice, the Times said. Among the players who didn't wear the rainbow colors were pitchers Jason Adam, Jalen Beeks, Brooks Raley, Jeffrey Springs, and Ryan Thompson, the paper added.

Team officials chose Adam to speak for the group who refused the rainbow colors, and he told the Times the decision was based on religious beliefs.

“A lot of it comes down to faith, to like a faith-based decision,” Adam said, according to the paper. “So it’s a hard decision. Because ultimately we all said what we want is them to know that all are welcome and loved here. But when we put it on our bodies, I think a lot of guys decided that it’s just a lifestyle that maybe — not that they look down on anybody or think differently — it’s just that maybe we don’t want to encourage it if we believe in Jesus, who’s encouraged us to live a lifestyle that would abstain from that behavior, just like [Jesus] encourages me as a heterosexual male to abstain from sex outside of the confines of marriage. It’s no different. It’s not judgmental. It’s not looking down. It’s just what we believe the lifestyle he’s encouraged us to live, for our good, not to withhold. But again, we love these men and women, we care about them, and we want them to feel safe and welcome here.”

WFLA-TV quoted Thompson as saying “those of us who decided not to wear the patch or hat spent a couple weeks in prayer and a deep dive into Scripture on the subject at hand to come to the decision that we did.”

The station said Thompson added, “if I believe the Bible is infallible and that everlasting life is attainable, yet I bow down to public opinion in the name of tolerance, is that love? I don’t think so.”

Thompson also told WFLA that the Rays as a franchise are “completely unified” in both love for the LGBTQ community and respect for each other’s opinions, views, and values.

But veteran outfielder Kevin Kiermaier did wear the rainbow cap and logo and told the Times that "my parents taught me to love everyone as they are, go live your life, whatever your preferences are, go be you. I can’t speak for everyone who’s in here, obviously, but this is a family-friendly environment here at a big-league ball field. … We just want everyone to feel welcomed and included and cheer us on. No matter what your views on anything are.”

The paper said that during Saturday's Pride Night, the Rays included members of the LGBTQ community in pregame events, gave mini Pride flags to attendees, and made a $20,000 donation to Metro Inclusive Health, which provides diverse health and wellness services to the community.

5 Tampa Bay Rays players forgo Pride-themed jerseys, reports youtu.be

The left-wing hammer comes down

LBGTQ sportswriter Cyd Zeigler posted tweets ripping Rays' players who chose to not wear the rainbow-colored logos.

In one Zeigler wrote, "Will someone please show me the Bible passage that says 'Thou shalt not wear a rainbow on thou's clothing'..." He also said "players don't get to just choose what uniform they wear. That's the point of the word 'uniform.' Welcome to sports."

Other leftists were equally displeased:

  • "To the @RaysBaseball players refusing to wear the Pride patch referencing their beliefs In Jesus…. Absolute bulls**t," one Twitter user declared. "Jesus took in and loved thieves, adulterers, prostitutes, and criminals. Don’t you dare use Christ as a [sic] excuse for your homophobic BS. Racist frauds."
  • "Hey @RaysBaseball, why did you allow homophobic players to express their homophobia on Pride Night?" another user asked.
  • "Religious bigots are one of the worst aspects of American life and have to be condemned and fought at every turn," another user said.
  • "All day I thought those Tampa Bay Rays hats were dope without knowing it was for LGBTQ pride," another user revealed. "Those dudes who refused to wear them are lame losers. 'Faith' my ass."
  • "If your religious beliefs don’t allow you to wear a damn pride number on your jersey, [d]on’t give your fake performative bulls**t of 'we accept everyone.' [S]o Tampa Bay Rays please get f***ed with your 'wouldn’t allow it' f***ery," another user waxed poetic.
  • "Some folks need to abandon the myth that you can be against homosexuality without being against homosexuals. It's a cowardly cop-out and a failed effort to not seem like the bad guys," another user said. "The entire #LGBTQ community knows the truth: You're the bad guys."

Preschool teacher resigns after report about LBGTQ-themed flashcards — one apparently depicting pregnant man — used to instruct students



On the heels of a report that a North Carolina preschool teacher used LGBTQ-themed flashcards to instruct students — one card apparently shows a pregnant man — the teacher has resigned, WTVD-TV reported.

What are the details?

The flashcards — apparently used to teach colors to students — reportedly were found in a preschool classroom at Ballentine Elementary School in Fuquay-Varina, the station said.

Wake County School District said in a statement that it's "concerned to learn of the inappropriate instructional resource found in a preschool classroom," WTVD said, adding that the statement also said the flashcards weren't tied to the district's curriculum and were removed.

The station added that the name of the teacher who resigned isn't known, but the classroom serves students with special needs.

Republican State Rep. Erin Paré told WTVD a constituent witnessed the flashcards being used with kindergarteners and that a stack was found in a preschool classroom drawer.

"I am grateful that a concerned constituent reached out and that this issue is being addressed in a swift and professional manner by Ballentine Elementary School," Paré said in a release, according to the station. "Schools should only be using age-appropriate materials, and these flashcards clearly do not meet that standard for a pre-school classroom. I hope schools across Wake County and the State of North Carolina will follow the example of Ballentine and respond swiftly when a parent expresses concern and ensure that materials like this are not being used to teach young students."

Image source: WTVD-TV video screenshot

Paré added to WTVD that "parents should have the ability to be engaged and collaborate with teachers. I'm not just a legislator; I'm the parent of two Wake County students in public school."

Parent pushes back

One parent who has a 3-year-old son in the class told the station Tuesday she's upset about losing the teacher.

"It's so important for all of our kids, but especially these kids, to know that it's OK to look different, to act different, and for these students — whatever their family dynamic is, whatever they look like — [that] they're represented in the classroom," Jackie Milazzo noted to WTVD.

Milazzo added to the station that she got a message from the principal about inappropriate teaching material.

She also told WTVD she didn't think much of it and talked to the teacher, who said the images were used on a bulletin board along with different images of families in the student art center.

"Our kids are being used as a publicity stunt. We are not upset about what's in the classroom," Milazzo added to the station. "I know a lot of the community at Ballentine Elementary aren't upset about this being in the classroom."

She also told WTVD that "a picture of a same-sex couple does not make my child unsafe. I've been receiving messages that our teachers are groomers, [that] my child is being brainwashed ... how am I supposed to feel safe sending my child to school like this? These actions are not supporting our schools, they're not supporting our teachers, they're not supporting our kids, my child has now lost his teacher."

Anything else?

Paré added to the station that "we have to think about the age-appropriateness of some education tools, and that's what we have to be talking about here. They can look at a picture of a mother hugging a male — [who] appears to be a male — with what appears to be a baby in their belly, and I think that's how a 4 year old would interpret that picture."

The state representative added to WTVD that such an image is "confusing" to students: "That's a sentiment shared not just by folks in southern Wake County but by parents across the state. This educational tool was age-inappropriate for these pre-schoolers, and that's just not me telling you that — that's the school district telling you that, that's the principal telling you, and that's a shared conclusion among all reasonable people in this."

Muslim soccer player refuses to wear rainbow jersey backing LBGTQ, sits out game — now leftists smell blood: 'Homophobia is not an opinion but a crime'



Idrissa Gueye — a Muslim soccer player for French team Paris Saint-Germain — refused to wear a jersey adorned with rainbow-colored numbers in support of an LBGTQ agenda and sat out his team's 4-0 Saturday win against Montpellier, the Daily Mail reported.

Now, one activist group wants an investigation, and others want Gueye punished.

What are the details?

The Daily Mail said players across France wore the special jerseys over the weekend in solidarity with the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, which takes place Tuesday.

Gueye's manager Mauricio Pochettino said the player's absence from the match was for "personal reasons, but he is not injured," the outlet added.

But the Daily Mail, citing French outlet RMC Sport, said Gueye was out because he didn't want to wear the jersey with rainbow colors; the Daily Mail added that its sports news section has contacted Gueye's representatives for comment.

'Homophobia is not an opinion but a crime'

Rouge Direct — which the Daily Mail said fights against homophobia in sport — is calling for action and wants the French League and Gueye's team to find out why he missed the game.

"Homophobia is not an opinion but a crime," Rouge Direct tweeted Sunday. "The [league] and the [team] must ask ... Gueye to explain [himself] and very quickly. And punish him if necessary."

President of the France LGBT+ Sports Federation Eric Arassus told RMC Sport that Gueye "is a great player, but religion is not a part of the sport. Every player took part [in the rainbow jersey initiative] except him. He should be sanctioned. Gueye’s excuses show that the club [PSG] and league let homophobia happen," the Daily Mail said.

Gueye, 32, regularly shares messages about his faith on social media, the outlet added.

L’Equipe newspaper reported that Gueye missed last season's match during which the rainbow jerseys were worn due to gastroenteritis, the Associated Press said.

How have others reacted?

Reactions on Twitter to Gueye sitting out the game seemed mixed, though it seems, so far, most folks support his decision:

  • "Idrissa Gueye is Muslim. He has never (not to anyone's knowledge) mistreated or discriminated against any member of the LBGTQ community," one user said. "Forcing him to be a poster boy for a something against his faith, however, is very disrespectful, borderline Islamophobic even."
  • "He has every right not wear some stupid LGBTQ+ flag on his [jersey] ... what happened to freedom of choice?" another user asked. "Why are these devils trying to shove it down everyone’s throat ... Massive Respect Idrissa Gueye ... I’m now a fan."
  • "Hope more footballers are like Idrissa Gueye," another user said. "We should never allow people to shove their extreme and insane ideology down in our throats."

Still, some others don't see it that way:

  • "Disappointing to see so many PSG fans defending or even supporting Idrissa Gueye after his decision not to play because he’s a homophobe," another user declared. "If you’re one of the ones supporting his stance, please block and unfollow me please. I don’t want anything to do with you."
  • "If I was PSG, Idrissa Gueye would never play another game," another user said.
  • "I've seen far too much support for Idrissa Gueye on here for my liking. That whole incident has been a catalyst for thousands to actually admit they have an issue with LGBTQ rights. A lot of them are cowardly hiding behind religion to get away with bigotry, too," another user noted. "It's shameful."

School board members claim some teachers felt 'bullied' into displaying LBGTQ rainbow flags in classrooms



Members of a Maryland public school board claimed some teachers felt "bullied" into displaying LBGTQ rainbow flags in their classrooms after an LGBTQ group donated them, Fox News reported.

What are the details?

The Westminster chapter of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays donated the smaller-sized rainbow flags to Carroll County Public Schools, and district staff members were encouraged to display them as support for the LGBTQ community, the cable network said.

School board members said at Wednesday's meeting that some teachers felt "bullied" into displaying the flag, and that the flag violates the district’s recently revised political neutrality policy, Fox News added.

"Our students are a captive audience and as such need to be protected from all political agendas, both from the right and the left," school board member Donna Sivigny said during the meeting, the cable outlet said. "I also respect the rights of teachers to work in a non-hostile work environment, deliver an effective lesson, and support all kids in the best way that they can, but we require that they do it in a politically neutral way that creates a safe space for every student in our schools. However, many teachers have reached out to me saying that they've been pressured or bullied to put flags in their classroom, and that's a problem that needs to be addressed."

School board President Kenneth Kiler added that "these flags were shoved down teachers’ throats to put on their desk — that’s not inclusive. That’s not the way it ought to be," Fox News noted.

School board member Tara Battaglia said use of the rainbow flag in schools represents "social advocacy" and is "political," the cable network said.

However, Superintendent Steven Lockard said during the meeting that the rainbow flags were available to any staff member who wanted them, and they weren't forced upon anyone, Fox News added.

Now what?

In the wake of the controversy, the school board voted to develop a new flag policy that may allow only the U.S. flag, Maryland state flag, and Carroll County flag to be displayed in classrooms, Fox News said.

"We support the board’s decision to revisit the flag policy and fully back the recommendations by its members to restrict the use of flags/symbols to the U.S., Maryland state, and county flags," local group Concerned Parents of Carroll County said in a statement to Fox News. "The coordinated effort by our school system to make every classroom a billboard for political and social justices causes was a step too far that disrupted the learning environment and divided our community. Teachers and parents alike want a returned focus on providing an academic education to our students."

Alaska Airlines goes woke with gender-neutral uniforms, personal pronoun pins — and all workers now can use makeup and fingernail polish



Alaska Airlines said in a recent statement that it's developing "new, gender-neutral uniform pieces" for flight attendants and other frontline workers and allowing all employees to use fingernail polish and makeup, as well as to wear two earrings per ear and single stud nose piercings.

It's all about making sure "everyone can bring their best and most authentic selves to work and to be an inclusive and welcoming environment for employees and guests alike," the airline said.

'Flight attendant by day and drag star by night'

In its statement the airline introduced readers to Jason, a "flight attendant by day and drag star by night." Jason — who uses "they/their" — wore a dress to senior prom and came out at the event.

“I didn’t do it to make anyone uncomfortable or to be the first,” Jason told the airline. “I did it for me, and that’s all that matters."

'I love who I am'

Monique is female but wears a male flight attendant uniform — complete with tie, buttoned shirt, and pants — because that's what "Mo" feels best in, the airline said.

“I love who I am and refuse to make myself smaller in order to be accepted. This is one thing that I can’t compromise over,” according to “Mo,” who uses she/her pronouns. "We all want to look professional, and we all want to be ourselves at the same time — your gender shouldn’t define what you wear or how you look.”

Anything else?

Alaska Airlines added in its statement that it also has created "personal pronoun pins" that employees can wear with their uniforms.

“I answer to all pronouns,” Isaac, a lead customer service agent in Washington D.C., said. “I accept he/him/his, she/her/hers, and they/them/theirs. I feel that there has been greater awareness and sensitivity to personal pronouns, and I love that. But I’m also cognizant that changes take time and I want our society to feel comfortable with how they view and communicate with me.”

The Hill said Alaska Airlines' statement came about nine months after it was accused of discriminating against nonbinary and gender-nonconforming employees.

Democratic NYC Mayor Eric Adams forces Christian minister — who wrote book that 'called homosexuality a sin' — to resign from education panel



Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams forced Christian minister Rev. to resign from an education panel — to which he recently appointed her — because it was discovered that she had authored a book that "called homosexuality a sin," the New York Times said.

Rev. Kathlyn Barrett-Layne, one of Mayor Adams\u2019s appointees to the Panel for Educational Policy, was forced to resign hours after it was disclosed she had written a book that called homosexuality a sin.https://nyti.ms/36h7HhD
— NYT Metro (@NYT Metro) 1648074002

What are the details?

Barrett-Layne leads Staten Island’s Reach Out and Touch Ministries, the New York Daily News said, adding that she had been one of Adams’ picks for the Panel for Educational Policy, which approves contracts for the city's Department of Education.

While Adams’ office had lauded Barrett-Layne as a minister who "spends her time inspiring people with her speaking and teaching in Bible studies," just hours after the Daily News published a story about her "anti-gay rhetoric," the paper said Barrett-Layne got the boot.

In her 2013 book “Challenging Your Disappointments,” Barrett-Layne wrote that Christian leaders "struggle with the same temptations of drugs, alcohol, homosexuality, fornication, adultery, pedophilia, stealing, lying, envy, covetousness, and every other sin" that people in the congregation "struggle with,” the Daily News said.

The Daily News characterized the aforementioned passage as placing "same-sex relationships in the same category of 'sin' as pedophilia and other crimes."

'A virulent homophobe'

LBGTQ advocates were furious and demanded Barrett-Layne's ouster.

Allen Roskoff, a longtime LGBTQ rights activist, told the Daily News he texted as much to Adams a few hours before Barrett-Layne was asked to resign.

Roskoff added to the paper that her firing was “only a partial victory" and that Barrett-Layne's "replacement needs to be someone from the LGBTQ community. We’re only halfway there.”

Ex-Queens Councilman Daniel Dromm, who's gay, told the Daily News prior to Barrett-Layne's ouster that the mayor "appointed a virulent homophobe to a panel that will have direct impact on LGBTQIA+ students and staff; it’s unbelievable." The Panel for Educational Policy has say over public school curriculums, the paper said.

What did Barrett-Layne have to say?

"I feel bullied," Barrett-Layne told the Times in an interview. "I believe that the city is being bullied. I feel as though my character, my name, my church have been defamed with lies, and that everything was taken out of context.”

She also told the Times her comments were based on interviews with people she had counseled or conducted for the book and that she's considering legal action against the city.

“I’m not homophobic. The answer is no, absolutely not,” Barrett-Layne added to the Times.

Anything else?

Christian commentator Michael Brown took issue with Barrett-Layne's ouster, asking "was she equating homosexuality with pedophilia? Obviously not — that is, no more than she was equating lying with pedophilia, or envy with pedophilia, or 'every other sin' with pedophilia."

Brown added that "her grave transgression was that she simply stated that homosexual practice was a sin. In other words, she agreed with the Bible. She affirmed what Christians have taught for two millennia. She wrote what Paul (and others) wrote in the pages of Scripture. For this, she was promptly dismissed."

(H/T: FaithWire)