Entries by Pete T
It’s Time to End 2000 Years of Religious Oppression
White Christian churches are not merely complicit, they are the architects of systemic racism, misogyny, and oppression. It goes without saying that their bigotry naturally extends to people of different faiths, cultures, and of course the LGBTQ community.
Four Words to Start the Rebellion: Faith Is Not Fact
What is it in the human psyche that leads many of us to accept supernatural explanations for life’s greatest mysteries?
Morality from Religion? Nah.
Unfortunately, many people assume morality comes from religion, or at the very least, that religion played a central role in its advancement.
In actuality, nothing could be further from the truth.
Christian Nationalism is Killing Us: The Case for Scientific Rebellion
Our first action as Scientific Rebels is to take the bold step that has eluded previous generations. The reason for separating church from state is that faith is not fact. Decisions at every level of government must be based on facts, data, and evidence – not supernatural speculation.
GOP’s Holy War Won’t Stop with Black Identities and Trans Kids
It may be only four words, but faith is not fact represents four hundred years or so of scientific discoveries that culminated in one of humanity’s crowning achievements: the scientific method. It is a testament to human curiosity – and our insatiable search for truth.
The GOP’s Most Lethal Weapon Isn’t Guns, It’s Religion
The anti-trans movement is not motivated out of care for trans kids. No more than segregation was motivated out of care for Black Americans.
Where do we go from here?
The unrestrained violence that Capitol rioters were directing toward lawmakers is what many Black Americans face in their daily lives.
Vote 2020
I hate to admit this, but before I had a transgender kid I didn’t look at the world the same way. Let’s just say I was not as thoughtful about how I voted…and that’s putting it kindly. It’s why I feel an obligation to reach out to people who don’t get it yet. It would […]
The Most Dangerous Year
A present-day civil rights story about the fight against anti-trans legislation
Michigan Parents Call for Love, Support, and Understanding for Transgender Youth
“The greatest thing any parent can do for their kids is to show them they are loved for who they are and for being their authentic selves,” said Peter Tchoryk, who lives in the small town of Dexter, Michigan with his wife. Peter and Sarah have three children, including a son who is transgender. Peter […]
Small Towns Making a Big Stand
Terri and Jaimie are moms who live in Grass Lake, MI. When you live in a town as small as Grass Lake, everybody knows your name. Especially when you’re as active in the community as Terri and Jaimie are. It’s what makes towns like Grass Lake special. It’s what makes towns like Grass Lake the […]
Why MLK’s Dream Is More Relevant Today Than Ever
We must stand up to hatred and injustice wherever it lives, and in the words of King, meet ‘physical force with soul force.’ Our hearts are broken for the families who lost loved ones in Charlottesville, VA. The bravery and sacrifices of Heather Heyer and all those injured standing up to hatred will not be forgotten. […]
A Letter To Texas On Spaceflight, Dreams And Transgender Kids
How many of our kids dream of going into space? How many dream of just getting through the next day? As a kid of the 60’s, I’ve been inspired by NASA and the space program for as long as I can remember. It was the reason I went into engineering. I dreamed of endless possibilities. […]
Our Son Has a Dream, Too
“Our Son Has a Dream, Too” as seen in Huffington Post My seven-year-old transgender son told me several months ago that he wants to be like Martin when he grows up. You know, the one who had a dream. I told my son I didn’t know he was on a first name basis with the great […]
The Simple, Self-Evident Truths of Transgender Kids, Equality, and Title IX
Treat others as you want to be treated. Such a simple, universal rule. The golden rule. So simple we teach it to our youngest children as soon as they reach an age when they antagonize their siblings. So universal that it pervades religious doctrine and kindergarten classrooms alike. A self-evident truth if there ever was one. […]
Jacq Kai’s Story
Hello, world. I’m the Dad of a transgender kid. I’m hoping our story will open some hearts and minds, much as ours were opened by our son. My son’s picture is in a presentation given to the Michigan State Board of Education for this proposal: “Statement and Guidance on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for […]
Calling All Real Superheroes
“Calling All Real Superheroes” as seen in Huffington Post We are enamored with superheroes in our country. It’s a part of our culture and I think captures our inherent desire to overcome adversity and help others. To fight for good. The problem is we actually need real ones today. And lots of them. I’m encouraging my […]
Human Rights Campaign 2017 Convention Parents Panel
“One of the favorite parts of my job is working with the exceptional parents on HRC’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council. This morning I had the pleasure of moderating a discussion with four of our parents – Pete and Sarah from Michigan, JR from DC, and DeShanna from the greatest state in the union – […]