Being a Lion in a Den of Self-Righteous' Daniels: Transgender Activist Dahron Johnson is a Modern Day “Daniel” in the “Lion’s Den” of Tennessee Legislature

 In Hebrew Scriptures, there is the story of Daniel in a den of lions, in which Daniel survives being in and among those who are natural enemies of humankind. In advocate.com, there was this story by Christopher Higgins about Chaplain Dahron Johnson, a transgender activist, who recently spoke in the Tennessee House of Representatives, the first transgender person to do so. This is the very state Republican House of Representatives that is trying riding a rising tide of anti-LGBTQIA2S+ sentiment in TN. Dahron Johnson is a modern day lioness who had the courage to walk into and talk to some of the most hostile people (Daniels) towards her and the LGBTQIA2S+ community in the TN Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

State Rep. Aftyn Behn, a Democrat from Davidson County, played a pivotal role by inviting Johnson to lead this legislative body in prayer, which not only highlighted Behn’s commitment to LGBTQIA2S+ rights but also symbolized a significant moment of solidarity within TN’s legislative body, which is, by and large, openly hostile to LGBTQIA2S+ people. Just last year, the TN House introduced 20 bill aiming to strip away the rights and dignities of LGBTQIA2S+ people. John’s prayer and very present in the house starkly contrasted with these hostile efforts.

Johnson reminded the body: "You may be elected as a representative into the space, but you’re elected and called here so that you can do what you can to represent as many of the voices in your district as possible,” she said. “Even if somebody didn’t vote for you, they’re still a constituent of yours.”

Wiggins ended his report with this summation: "The proliferation of anti-transgender legislation in Tennessee, subtly addressed by Johnson, fosters a climate of fear and exclusion, threatening not just the rights of transgender Tennesseans but also contributing to a broader culture of discrimination. Thus, Johnson’s invocation was more than a prayer for guidance — it was a clarion call for lawmakers to champion diversity and push toward a more inclusive society.”

Here’s a link to the story: https://www.advocate.com/politics/transgender-chaplain-tennessee-legislature

As I have written in this blogspot more than once, the way that things are going to change in this world towards LGBTQIA2S+ people is by coming out and telling our stories, in whatever form or fashion or mode we tell it in. The world needs to know our name and story.

May it be so.

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