In an almost unprecedented rebuke of one local elected official by another, the Flagler County School Board’s Colleen Conklin over the weekend publicly called County Commissioner Joe Mullins the “Pied Piper of hate, deception and fraud” and a “narcissistic beast,” described his attacks on the school board as “garbage,” lambasted him for peddling division, and offered to buy him a ticket back north.
Conklin said she was prompted to respond after a friend sent her a 30-minute video of a Mullins appearance before a group of Flagler Republicans he calls the “adorable deplorables” on March 25. Mullins himself had posted a video of his appearance on his Facebook page.
Conklin’s statement is the latest by local elected officials to excoriate Mullins for divisiveness and the brutality of his attacks on immigrants, the LGBTQ community or anyone not a hard-core, Trump-supporting Republican. The rebukes have come from School Board, Flagler Beach, Palm Coast officials and two of Mullins’s current or former colleagues on the County Commission (whom he’d insulted and threatened). But Mullins continues to rely on two other colleagues, Donald O’Brien, chairman of the commission, and Dave Sullivan, who have rebuffed attempts to publicly censure Mullins despite numerous and grave instances of his bigotry, insults and slanders.
The March 25 video appears to be the ordinary stump speech of grievances Mullins has been repeating in one form or another, often at official town hall meetings advertised for him by the county administration, where he seizes on a mixture of issues of the moment and standard grievances about guns, God, liberals, masks, and so on. Mullins has always had a tendentious relationship with facts, but the 29-minute appearance was particularly filled with falsehoods, inaccuracies and baseless claims. (See the point-by-point fact-check here: “Joe Mullins Falsehoods, Mischaracterizations, Misleading and Baseless Statements: A Fact-Check.”
In one of the more vile passages in the video, Mullins combined racism with blaming the victims, falsely characterizing the massage parlors as “Chinese,” falsely and defamatory claiming they were sites of child-trafficking, and accusing the victims: “I hate that there was murder happen there, I hate that there was victims that were killed,” he said. “But you cannot, that’s like God says, don’t do illegal act like that, or don’t do a sinful act, you will get punishment from it. There [are] repercussions, that kind of stuff draws some of the lowest life. Most of them are child-trafficked in there. They’re trafficking. But yet we turn it around to a race thing, where our president came to it. Is that saying that that kind of action is OK?”
In another vile moment, he spoke of how transgender people risk getting “eliminated” if they carry on, though he was vague about how, or what he meant by a “third party”: “If these people that are transgender and all that think that when this country is taken over by a third party, that they’re going to be left whole, they’ll be the first to be eliminated from this commu– from this country.”
Mullins at other points spoke proudly of actively antagonizing people he disagrees with from his seat at county commission meetings, repeated the lie that Joe Biden “wasn’t elected by this country,” boasted of promoting a “prayer community, a Christian community, conservative, Christian community to such an extreme,” and devoted a sizeable portion of his attacks to the Flagler County School Board’s majority that last December approved a policy change to extend anti-discrimination protections to transgender students, in line with federal law. The School Board’s Janet McDonald was in Mullins’s audience, and participated in the attacks on her fellow board members.
Most of his claims were false, misleading or misinformed. His claims about the transgender issue were no different.
“This transgender and this equality act movement that’s happening right now,” Mullins said, “they go oh, you’re just being racist and hateful. I go, no, everything my child learned in Sunday, on Sunday, I don’t want undone Monday through Friday in school. What she learns on Sunday is more important than anything she’ll ever have in her life, and I don’t want her being confused and coming home to me saying, dad, I’m not sure if I’m a male or a female. I went in the bathroom and a guy was in there. You let me catch a guy in the bathroom with my daughter and he won’t go in another one any time soon.”
Mullins got a smatter of applause, though his statement implying that students were being pushed to choose one gender over another was grossly false. “We are facing that here,” he continued. “Just recently the school board approved a transgender–in Flagler County, approved the transgender act. It was voted 3-2. And Janet, tell me who were the three that voted on it.”
The school board had approved no such “act,” though McDonald was correct when she named Conklin, Trevor Tucker and Cheryl Massaro as the majority that approved adding the words “gender identity” to the district’s list of protections, as echoed by a Supreme Court and 11th Circuit Court of Appeals decisions last year.
“These guys that are doing this are not voting for their community,” Mullins said. “I can tell you, the majority of this community doesn’t want that. They don’t want those problems here in Flagler County.” (Massaro was elected with 56 percent of the vote, Conklin with 52 percent, in a three-way race, and with a single exception, has not lost a precinct in any of her elections going back to 2000). “How many parents Janet were the ones that were behind all this. Wasn’t it one parent that was creating most of this movement?”
At that point, McDonald added to the falsehoods, claiming that “One parent because of one child in a very confusing situation” had led to the policy change, when in fact the student was not confused–he’d felt disparaged by his Matanzas High School teacher over his gender identity–and was one of several students, parents and faculty members who joined to push for a policy change, which the board ignored until the courts moved in a different direction.
Mullins’s and McDonald’s mischaracterizations of the transgender issue, along with Mullins’s attacks on local Republicans, set Conklin off.
“I can promise you as a member of this community since 74′ this garbage does NOT represent who and what Flagler County is,” she wrote, later telling FlaglerLive that she’d forced herself to watch the entire video to make note of the times of his most “outrageous” statements.
“We may be a conservative county but we are NOT a hate filled community,” Conklin wrote on Facebook, before turning to addressing McDonald without naming her: “Beyond disappointed to hear a school board member, a colleague fueling this garbage. It’s actually shameful. If you are a local Republican please keep in mind this is who is representing you. Is this what you support? Most of my friends are Republicans and I promise you they don’t hate the LGBTQ community. They don’t hate immigrants. They don’t peddle hate and division. They believe in personal liberties and don’t want to be told how to live. The hypocrisy of who is peddling this BS is outrageous to me. He needs to look in the mirror – Christian conservatives should be outraged that THIS is who is trying to represent them. “There are so many lies and misrepresentations in this clip I can’t even begin to tell you.”
Conklin said she did not “need the headache of being the target for this nut job,” but was compelled to respond. Of Mullins, who is originally from Georgia, she said: “He can go back to Georgia with that garbage and since he is so fond of threatening to send those who disagree with him out of Flagler on a train, I’m happy to buy him a train ticket and send him north. I have no choice but to share and feed this narcissistic beast and his rambling hate filled garbage. Now you will understand why he worked so hard to get me out of office. LOVE WINS.” (Mullins does not respond to questions from FlaglerLive though he frequently slanders it or racially slurs its editor on his Facebook page and in his weekly radio commercial.)
Cooley, the Flagler Beach Commission chairman and a Republican, had been first to publicly criticize Mullins about a year and a half ago, was once joined by fellow-Commissioner Rick Belhumeur, and more recently by Commissioner Ken Bryan, who told county commissioners in an impassioned speech that Mullins had violated his oath of office when he sponsored and joined a group that traveled to D.C. last January 6 to rally for the overturning of the election results. The rally led to the armed insurrection against the Capitol. All three Flagler Beach commissioners who have criticized Mullins are Republicans.
What this person says is NOT representative of the local Republican party,” Cooley wrote below Conklin’s statement. “It is vile, reprehensible, hate speech. This isn’t fixing issues. This isn’t working on making Flagler County better. Heck, it’s not even productive on ANY level. What did he accomplish from this? Nothing. This is Mullins hiding behind religion and a political party to push hate for anyone not like him or anyone that doesn’t agree with him.
Referring to the acronym that stands for Republicans In Name Only, Cooley continued: “It’s quite interesting to hear Mullins talk about other Republicans being RINOs that don’t agree with his hate speech, open racism, and bigotry when he in fact is a true Republican in name only. Why? A true republican isn’t anti ANY religion, a true republican doesn’t name call anyone who doesn’t agree with them, a true republican is capable of intelligent debate and problem solving with ALL other political parties, a true republican represents anyone regardless of race, religion, any sexual choices they make. Republicans handle issues, legislate, not dwell in lifestyle choices and try to pretend they are the moral police. This person is a bigot and religious zealot attempting to use the Republican party as a cover for his extremist behavior and hate speech.”
Cooley than addressed the Mullins video point by point, saying the Republican party isn’t interested in making Flagler a “Conservative christian prayer community to an extreme,” in “eliminating transgender people from this community and country,” or think that the Atlantas were killed because they were “sinning.”
“I could go on in volumes. Almost every sentence is a disgrace,” Cooley wrote. “This is not ok. This is not what Flagler County is.”
At one point in the video, Mullins said: “When I go out here and say something, they love to twist it, they love to turn it, but you know what it’s on radio, you can’t turn it, and I won’t say anything that I won’t stand behind. I may say some stupid things sometimes, and I’m human, and I’ll stand behind them.”
By Sunday, he had taken down the video.
The Mullins March 25 speech:
Ken says
FlaglerLive, based on what I just read, it appears that YOU are the bigot, racist, facist and a total Democratic Socialist. Your far left articles and responses are straight out of “Rules for Radicals” and Cloward & Pivens’ progressive writings. Mr. Mullins may be somewhat a showboat and very mouthy, but at least he’s a Patriot and loves our Constitution. Something that cannot be said about you.
Chris says
We Patriots truly do love our great Constitution and the law of the land. We also love all Americans (We the People of this Great Country). I commend to you the 14th Amendment, which reads in pertinent part: “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” I also commend two important important legal cases: 1. Gavin Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board (upholding the Constitutional right of a transgender student to use a school bathroom consistent with his presented gender) and 2. Bostock v. Clayton County (a US Supreme Court decision written by Trump appointee Gorsuch, extending Federal equal protection laws to transgender people). Certainly, you cannot believe that the victims of the Atlanta shootings deserved their fate. Even the killer’s conservative Christian church terminated his membership. Be thougthful about who you defend.
Tim Mcauliffe says
Georgia Joe loves his interpretation of the constitution, which is not at all what the document says.
Bill C says
So much smoke about the Constitution and patriotism to cover that you and Mullens are white supremacists with antiquated concepts rooted in Jim Crow. Go back to the 1860’s where you belong.
Steve says
There are no redeeming Valid Truthful Principles to defend in that Video. He is not a loud mouth show boat He is a Liar, Traitor, Buffoon with Napolean Syndrome. I cant decide whos worse He or His Defenders. Just keep Winning.
Deborah Coffey says
Spot on, Ms. Conklin! Did anyone see Joe Mullins’ face on the FBI’s website looking for criminals at the Capitol on January 6th? Maybe we should turn him in as a possible insurrectionist. The man is a total disgrace.
Jones says
Mullins needs to go. It’s disgusting that he is able to get away with being in office representing Palm Coast.
He is a traitorous going to DC.
Enough says
At this point in time, and thankfully with Mullins’ idol (Chump) gone, one would think that this loser would look to unite this community instead of spreading his ignorance to do just the opposite. This is not new coming from this person, and by now, all intelligent life form in Flagler is aware of his hateful and degrading speech; but then again, wasn’t his idol exactly the same? Hence, no one should be surprised and should just ignore this neanderthal! I didn’t come to Flagler to have to hear this crap, and, no, I am not moving because of it. Thankfully, I am surrounded by great people in my community who believe in morals and values and try to raise their family in that respect. I don’t understand why Mullins hasn’t moved to Palm Beach to be closer to his “buddy”. And as far as his going back to Georgia, it would be more than a blessing to finally rid him from the decent people of this community .
Roy Longo says
Thank you Conklin and Cooley and all the others that have stood up against this narcissistic bigoted blowhard. This asshole needs to go back to where he came and crawl back under his rock with the other snakes and cockroaches. I will bet my next paycheck Hanson and Obrien will keep their blinders on and remain mute. After all, lets not forget the words that Hanson once said: “I don’t think we need to do anything,”
Flagler County says
Hansen once asked for censure against go. The others didnt go with it. At least we know one of them has brains and stands up to Joe.
NPA Voter says
Reprehensible is too kind a word to use in describing Mullins. It seems the more decent citizens complain, the worse he behaves. He seems to relish in the attention, even though it is negative. Thank you, Ms. Conklin, Mr. Cooley, and other public officials who have the strength of character to stand up to this disgraceful excuse of a human life form. I would be happy to kick in part of my pittance of a retirement check to help buy that train ticket. Make sure it isn’t in first class, because he certainly is not. Commissioners Hanson and O’Brien, your lack of a moral compass – and apparently your spines – is disturbing. When did people become so vile to one another so flagrantly? Jesus would weep.
tulip says
People keep saying “it’s not who we are”. Just take a look at what has happened in this country and it’s cities and towns with all the hate, division, leaders that cower to Trump, violence, mass shootings, Lies, overturning elections, and many other things, It may not be who we WERE, but it’s sure has become what we ARE now, and will be for quite awhile until people finally take their blinders off and look at things realistically and not by party line and being willing to be bullied into submission instead of standing up for what’s right. Our children and grandchildren will be living with the results of these “leaders and followers” for many years to come and it won’t be pretty.
Regan H says
To correct your statement, it was O’Brien and Sullivan who support Joe and voted against censure.
NPA Voter says
No need to correct what I stated about O’Brien and Sullivan. I KNOW they supported Mullins. Read my statement again – it says both of them were spineless and have no moral compass (which I stated because of their support for him).
Regan H says
You stated O’Brien and Hansen are spineless. I did read it again.
Linda says
To clarify, it was Hansen who requested that Mullins be censured. Commissioner Ericksen voted yes, with Hansen. Sullivan, O’Brian and Mullins voted no.
NPA Voter says
I ‘sit’ corrected. I misstated that Hansen supported Mullins and I acknowledge that mistake. The comment still stands for O’Brien and now shall include Sullivan per this remark in the original report: “But Mullins continues to rely on two other colleagues, Donald O’Brien, chairman of the commission, and Dave Sullivan, who have rebuffed attempts to publicly censure Mullins despite numerous and grave instances of his bigotry, insults and slanders.” My apologies to Mr. Hansen. As for O’Brien and Sullivan, as the old saying goes, “birds of a feather.”
Go Joe says
Hey you socialist whiners, you want some cheese with all that whining ? The site should be called “Flagler Lies”.
Its always the GOP that’s the enemy and all the sweet innocent Progressives are the ones with the right attitude.
Just wait until the “transgender freaks” start molesting the school children, the we can hear what Conklin and Cooley have to say.
Steve says
“Bless your heart GOJOE” starting to sound like Trumplicans with Stop the Steal or Its Rigged They Cheated They stole the Election Its not Fair lololo
Andy Montgomery says
Joe Mullens speaks truth and pleases God whenever he spreads love.
GOD says
BS! Don’t let me come down there!
ASF says
If only there were real life Penicillin for all the “love” that Mullins and his ilk spread!
Edith Campins says
Surely you are being ironic? How does it please God when threatens citizens whose politics differ from his? Remember his remarks about running people out of the county?
Edith Campins says
Direct quote. “I mean there are some liberals I’d like to see their heads cut off, you know, they couldn’t do that thinking crazy thing they do.” This conforms to your belief in God?
Steve says
If it looks like lil Napolean than it probably is. Joe is trying to stay relevant within his group in order to save a platform to spew his tasteless bullshit started by 45. He tries to make up for other things he lacks in stature (wink wink) with his big mouth. Hes been short changed in many ways I am sure. With plenty of brainwashed folk around to hear what they want and need Hes the delivery boy. Racist Divisive Condescending Religious (allegedly) Hypocrite to the extreme. Jim Rome had a phrase “Have a take dont suck or youll get run”. He and the GOP this Third Party portion are laughable. With no Agenda but to go back to the old playbook of 2015, 2016 its an excercise in futility going nowhere fast. They dont have their finger on the pulse of Societies progressive direction instead its buried somewhere the Sun dont shine. It does bother me that a Lady and no offense by that has to stand up to this bully in public whilst many either fuel him or others ignore it. He talks it but dont walk it just look how he chicken shit turned and ran on 1/6. He shouldnt have been there in the first place knowing damn well what was going down. He is loyal only to his fallen Master who probably gives his lapdog a pat on the head or behind once in a while. On top of this the balless one takes down the video even though he says he would defend it. Yellow belly. So now the sensible folks see it doesnt go away until you Vote Accordingly.
Willie Jones says
Joe Mullins is an ignorant bottom feeder. The sad thing is that the local media still gives him a platform so he can spread his twisted, inaccurate, and misleading statements. He will be in for a shock when he is not reelected. Of course, his Pius attitude and use of Christian values he claims to uphold is a joke! One could only guess how many times he has broken the Ten Commandments….especially Number 7 (Thy shall not commit adultery). Further, I don’t believe that there is a strip club in the Daytona Beach area he hasn’t visited.
As far as those anal opening county commissioners who are unwavering in their support for Mullins, this bought loyalty. Yes Mullins supported O’Brien and Sullivan with campaign contributions so that they could get reelected. What is shocking to me is that Sullivan, a retired Navy Captain, has sold his ethics. I’d have to question if O’Brien ever had ethics to begin with when you look at his previous business.
David J Castello says
How is this guy’s antics not national news? Would solve the problem instantly.
An Extremely Concerned Flagler Citizen says
People will not be left whole? How is this OK for an elected official to say.?He literally sounds like Adolph Hitler. How has he not been arrested for his threats? This is getting scarier by the day. I thought it was God’s place to judge, not this psycho. Help us @FBI!
Bethechange says
Such a waste of valuable time and energy. Love most certainly does win. But it seems such a long way to there, from here. We have so much work to do; real and imminent problems face us. Problems we have the resources to solve. But only if we are able to focus on them. Instead, we are forced to respond to the antics of slimey, ignorant incompetents, elected by those who identify with their hateful lies and rhetoric. Christ indeed would weep; as would Lincoln. Lead, follow or get out of the way.
Darksideofthemoon says
Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.” What does this mean today? Generally speaking, it means that the government may not jail, fine, or impose civil liability on people or organizations based on what they say or write, except in exceptional circumstances.
Although the First Amendment says “Congress,” the Supreme Court has held that speakers are protected against all government agencies and officials: federal, state, and local, and legislative, executive, or judicial. The First Amendment does not protect speakers, however, against private individuals or organizations, such as private employers, private colleges, or private landowners. The First Amendment restrains only the government.
Aluma says
Mullins received some small-scale national coverage in Huffpost, a website that offers both news and commentary. They named Joe Mullins one of 57 national GOP officials who attended the Capitol with the intention of stopping our vote certification.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/57-gop-officials-at-capitol-insurrection_n_6026e5e2c5b6f88289fb90a6
mark101 says
Like I have noted many many times on other Joe Mullins topics, we can write all we want about how worthless Joe Mullins is, but if VOTERS don’t vote him out of office, its all for naught. HE just doesn’t care who he offends and or who he supports, its all about Joe. .
Born and Raised Here says
So glad there’s a bill going through our State congress to eliminate these Transgenders from participating in Girls Sports. This would have put a tremendous disadvantage to our female athletes trying to get college athletic scholarships.
Edith Campins says
Had you done any research into the myth about transgender individuals you would know that you are factually incorrect. These “Transgenders” have the same rights as any other American and that includes participating in the sport of their choice.
Mary Fusco says
There is no such thing as a transgender. If you are born a female, you will die a female no matter how you mutilate your body. DNA does not lie. Same goes if you are born a male. Men do not have female organs and women cannot produce sperm.
Elizabeth Rose says
No one, not even 99.9% of transgender people are denying the biology you’ve discussed. That is why the affix of “trans” is used for someone who goes through transition. You are not making a point by saying “women cannot produce sperm.” At best it’s obvious & at worst, it’s a lazy argument with absolutely no argument in it. Men cannot get pregnant, but trans men can. Women cannot produce sperm but trans women can. Socially, we say trans women are women b/c they are a category that falls under the umbrella of women. But physiologically, we refer to those “transgenders” as trans women, to denote the biological difference between the two. Unfortunately, there’s a small section on the very far left of people who are radical and whose views are inconsistent with biology and reality. Likewise, there are those on the very far right fringes whose theories & ideologies are also devoid of reality (JFK Jr is alive, will be VP). One has to wonder why, oh why, are the most unhinged voices on both sides amplified the loudest? It’s certainly disappointing bc it impedes societal progress. When you say “those transgenders” it drips with intolerance, condemnation & quite honestly, comes across as though you’re ignorant. You saying “transgenders,” as I’m sure you have seen, isn’t the correct terminology to use. It’s derogatory and it takes away the individual’s humanity. It lumps everyone into a group and is dismissive of the fact that everyone is equal here, no matter what. It sounds caustic and unintelligent. If you’d like people to listen to what you have to say and help your party grow, you could try using the correct terms, bc after a person sees that, they’re going to lump you in a group of ignorant people & that is unproductive. Erasing groups of people or attempting to, is how the atrocities of WWII were committed & uncovered. It starts by vilifying already marginalized groups of people. Transgender people do exist. I’m sorry that you don’t agree with their life choices, but they account for just under 4% of the population. Gender dysphoria is a real mental illness that has been well studied and is documented in the DSM 5, the book that is used to help clinicians diagnose mental health conditions. You don’t have to like them, or support them. But, you should be in support of ALL people having equal rights. The more we pick and choose who gets the rights we all need, the more we put our own rights on the line. Nothing good can come from that. The take away?Transgender people. Trans-woman (a male at birth who transitions to a woman) & Trans-woman
(a female at birth who transitions to a man). Understandably, it can get a little confusing especially with the pronouns thrown in. But, addressing people appropriately or at least making an effort to do so, makes you appear educated & possibly worthwhile in a political discussion.
Trailer Bob says
What an embarrassment to our County and its citizens.
Mullings pulled the wool over many voters eyes, but he can’t do that again…I hope.
I was a Republican politician for many years and this makes me sick.
This is not politics …it is insanity, and those who put up with it (for donations, I must assume) are worse than he is because they should know better, do better, but they don’t.
This black/white, democrat/republican crap is destroying our County and HAS to be stopped now, not later.
We NEED to vote out at least three of the Republicans come election day.
I am tempted to run in the next election, though my teenage past wasn’t perfect, nor was my childhood due to divorce and alcoholism, and nervous breakdowns by both my parents. But I love Flagler and want to make sure it improves, doesn’t degrade, and has elected officials who give a damn about Flagler and its residents. Mullins needs to be gone after the next election for County Commissioners, including Mullins. We need to bring back morals, understanding, love of our neighbors and community, and bring us together, instead of breaking us apart. I have never seen an elected official with such hate and contempt for fellow human beings…pathetic.
Steve says
No Offense but did you miss 45s last 4 years in Office?? I do AGREE 100% with the comment though and appreciate that you recognize the gravity of the situation
Trailer Bob says
This article wasn’t about Trump, so no…I was not commenting on his failures. But I certainly find many issues with Trump as well, but he is not in politics any longer.
Benn There says
The last election seated the incumbent republicans just a few months ago. We need REPUBLICANS to stand up and show some intelligence and pride. I’m not anti-republican at all. I am anti the quality of republican they have been electing lately. Please, don’t continue to support these bottom feeders. Find some QUALITY candidates and vote for them.
I have first hand experience with this vile disgusting opportunist liar and the system supporting him. He is a sexual predator and morally/ethically bereft plague on our County; and the administrator and fellow council members are complicit.
Keep Flagler Beautiful says
Why is this VILE man still in office? What does he have to do for someone in power to oust him? When he spews his vitriol or goes off on an extremist rant, he does not represent the values of the majority of Flagler County residents. He is an embarrassement to us, and a richly-paid embarrassment, at that.
Motherworry says
“Why is this VILE man still in office” you ask. Duh! Because VILE people vote him and his ilk into office!
I don’t get it! People are all upset ’cause this idiot runs his mouth, what the hell did you expect? People like this clown do and say what they do because they continue to be elected.
Next time there is an election, get off your fat ass’s and VOTE him the heck out of office!
Roy Longo says
The real problem are with people who blindly follow one ideology and scorn those who disagree with them. I don’t care if that ideology is Republican or Democrat. You can be a Republican and still believe in some liberal ideas or programs. You can be a Democrat and still agree with some conservative ideas or programs. It’s called compromise and until it starts happening at the Congressional level we will never move forward as a Country
Merrill S Shapiro says
Colleen Conklin consistently speaks the language of Integrity. It’s not a language of which Joe Mullins has even heard!
Sheila Zinkerman says
Anatomy does not define gender. Mayo Clinic states this fact in their list of 6 myths about Transgender identity. They call it “The Big Myth.” It is one reason why it is wrong to oppose Transgender bathroom policies. Colleen Conklin, Trevor Tucker, and Cheryl Massaro were right when they voted to add the words “gender identity” to the district’s list of protections. Below are 5 other myths that uninformed individuals believe about our Transgender community. It is for this reason that it is imperative to protect our Transgender community from Flagler County’s uninformed groups and their dreadful, out of touch “leaders.”
Mayo Clinic – Six Transgender Identity Myths: Exerpt
The big myth: Anatomy defines your gender
Gender is your internal sense of who you are: a man, a woman or a person who is nonbinary. For many people, their gender identity lines up with the sex they were assigned at birth based on their anatomy. For trans and nonbinary people, gender identity doesn’t line up with the sex assigned at birth.
Myth: All trans people want to pass as the ‘opposite’ gender
Not all trans people identify as either a man or a woman. In recent surveys, 30% to 40% of trans and nonbinary participants defined their gender as other than a man or a woman.
Myth: Your gender identity is connected to your sexuality
Sexual orientation is about who you’re attracted to. Gender identity is about who you are. The two things are separate from each other. That means a person who is trans might be attracted to men, women or people of any gender.
Myth: All trans people know their gender identity from a young age
The reality is, people can start expressing their gender identity at any age, from toddler to senior citizen.
Myth: Trans people could change their gender identity through counseling
Being trans is not a mental illness or something that needs to be fixed. Therapy that attempts to change a person’s gender identity is known as conversion therapy. Research has shown conversion therapy not only doesn’t work, but is harmful to mental health.
Myth: Transgender health care is optional or ‘special care’
Not every trans person needs to go through a medical transition. But for many, transition-related treatments like surgery and hormone treatments are a medical necessity. Not having access to transition-related care can take a huge toll on mental health and raise the risk of suicide.
Deborah Coffey says
Thank you, Sheila. Only TRUTH is going to save our country. We will never unite and keep our democracy unless people accept TRUTH. Let’s keep repeating it because the lying and the hating are completely out of control.
Steve says
Heres an IDEA send Joe to North Florida, Matt Gaetzs soon to be resigned seat will be available and get rid of him that way. NOT looking to good for the adult Butch Patrick Eddie Munster look alike lol. Seems he cant count so well and Karma is a bitch. From my mouth to DOJ ears couldnt happen to a nicer lil lapdog. Of course innocent til proven GUILTY