This week read about Sgt. Kristin Kingrey suing the Air Force for harassment in West Virginia, and a mayor in Mississippi demanding LGBT books be removed in a library.
Lesbian Woman Sues Air Force
Tech Sgt. Kristin Kingrey has worked for the West Virginia Air National Guard for 14 years and is now suing the U.S. Army and Air Force.
Kingrey, who is gay, was allegedly told by her commander, Col. Michael Cadle, to change her appearance and look more “feminine.” The Hill reported that Kingrey, who has her hair cut short and does not wear makeup, was made to believe her career was on the line because of her appearance.
The lawsuit alleges that this isn’t the first time Kingrey was harassed, supposedly a rumor was spread that she was undergoing a gender transition.
“This is about what they think a lesbian female should look like,” Kingrey said. “They have made this my life. Whenever I discuss it I am at a loss for words.”
Soon after Kingrey filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, an investigation was opened against her for “fraternizing” with two other women — something Kingrey says men do all the time without punishment.
In December, the West Virginia National Air Guard said that it “is fully committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce free from harassment.”
Mayor Demands Removal of LGBT Books
Photo via PxHere.
Mayor Gene McGee is withholding $110,00 from Mississippi’s Madison County Library System until the system begins to remove all LGBT-related books.
According to the Mississippi Free Press, McGee is allegedly motivated by his personal religious beliefs.
McGee did not inform the libraries about this demand. Tonja Johnson, executive director for the Madison County Library System, said that she contacted the mayor after they did not receive the first quarterly payment of the year.
“He explained his opposition to what he called ‘homosexual materials’ in the library, that it went against his Christian beliefs, and that he would not release the money as the long as the materials were there,” Johnson said. “I explained that we are a public library and we serve the entire community. I told him our collection reflects the diversity of our community … He told me that the library can serve whoever we wanted, but that he only serves the great Lord above.”
McGee has not commented on the matter but did confirm he has withheld funds. The library board stands firmly by the materials it offers.
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