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X Marks the Spot: Non-Binary Birth Certificate Debate Hits Oklahoma

10:24 AM EDT on October 22, 2021

It looks like we have a new "Everyone Should Abide By My Values and Moral Code" divisive wedge issue debate to capture our state's attention!

When I first saw this story on my timeline, I thought it was referencing a newborn baby's birth certificate. That seemed extreme. I'm all for people identifying with whatever gender or non-gender they want for whatever reason they want, but I think a person needs to be old enough to know the difference between a male, female, or someone who doesn't feel like they're male or female, before making that call.

But that's not the case here.

The person who requested the change is a non-binary activist type named Kit Lorelied (their Go Fund Me is here). They're in their late 30s and don't even live in Oklahoma anymore. I guess they wanted their birth certificate to say they're non-binary, and you know what, good for them. I identify as a red-blooded American male, so I have no clue what it's like to live in a Non-Binary Person Who Really Cares About Government Document's shoes. If they want their birth certificate to say X instead of M or F, go for it. What's printed in their birth certificate doesn't affect my life one bit, so who cares?

The answer, of course, is Kevin Stitt and his Derplahoman pals at the Capitol.

Although they're allegedly the party of individual rights, freedoms and liberties, and think the government shouldn't pry into an individual's private life, they're not going to waste an opportunity to like this to appease their unsophisticated base of religious simpleton voters who for some reason care what gender, or non-gender, another person wants to list on their birth certificate.

Yep, he's going to fight to protect that cherished Oklahoma values of telling other law-abiding adults how they should live their lives, even in situations when their decisions and desires don't impact or affect you one bit. Once again, we call that the Oklahoma Standard.

According to The Oklahoman's article, Governor Stitt, his cronies, and Oklahoma lawmakers are going to fight the settlement, and exploit this manufactured controversy for all it's worth.

One local LGBTQ+ activist agrees:

Nicole McAfee, the executive director of Freedom Oklahoma, a nonprofit that advocates for the advancement and equal treatment of the LGBTQ community, took issue with Stitt's comments.

The Oklahoma way of life does not include attacking those in the LGBTQ2S+ community, McAfee said...

Freedom Oklahoma celebrated the state issuing its first nonbinary birth certificate, but knew the step forward might be short-lived, McAfee said.

"We are in an election year in a time where transgender and nonbinary and two-spirit folks become an unfortunate target for many of our elected officials who are seeking to score points with voters by doubling down on inflammatory talking points," McAfee said.

First of all, elected officials on both sides of the aisle are going to use this issue to score points with voters, and make sure it further divides us. It's the American way.

Second, what the hell are two-spirit folks?

The plus, a new addition to the LGBTQ acronym, stands for other sexual identities not already included in the abbreviation. Two-spirit, which is represented by the 2S, is an Indigenous-specific term that describes people who believe they have a masculine and feminine spirit.

Once again, I'm team "Put Whatever You Want On Your Damn Birth Certificate." I think people should be able to proudly identify with whatever they want, and live a lifestyle that suits them. But let's be honest – sometimes it feels like the LGBTQ+ community is out to parody itself, and give the right-wing folks even more ammunition to frighten and scare their base. At least for now, I'm putting people who believe they have a masculine and feminine spirit in the + category.

Anyway, I have a feeling we'll have plenty of time to follow this saga over the next year or so. Stay with The Lost Ogle. We'll keep you advised.

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