Oby Ballinger

A reminder: demonstrations are great, they’re a fun party, they are a literal demonstration of the collective power of the people.

They’re not the goal. They’re not the end. They’re not even much of a means

They’re the gateway drug that gives a taste of the joy of collective action & leads to more

@am950radio.bsky.social
@obyballinger.com

Today in my feed I’ve seen conservatives argue that poor people must be kept poor to incentivize them to contribute to society, and that rich people must be given more money to achieve the same goal. Funny, that.

Queer Leaven You may or may not be a queer person, or called to LGBTQ organizing. But the parable of the leaven invites you to embrace whatever your misfit characteristic is, and see it as an essential small way that the great world is transformed.

Queer Leaven

You may or may not be a queer person, or called to LGBTQ organizing. But the parable of the leaven invites you to embrace whatever your misfit characteristic is, and see it as an essential small way that the great world is transformed.

It’s important to remember that the media/politics people who constantly tell you oligarchy isn’t the problem are all paid by oligarchs.

In other words: “It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it.”

i saw so much leadership from the mayoral candidates on site. @omarfatehmn.com talking to an upset woman who saw agents take people away. @jazzformayor.bsky.social running around trying to deescalate. @dewayneforminneapolis.com checking on the person who was injured

no mayor frey

Open and Affirming: Past and Future Because of our commitment to neighbor-love, we will work for ever-expanding inclusive justice, creating a better community for everyone, regardless of race, place, faith, money, sexuality or gender identity. Together we will build a multiracial, multifaith arc of protection to care for and extend God’s sheltering, embracing covenant love.

Open and Affirming: Past and Future

Because of our commitment to neighbor-love, we will work for ever-expanding inclusive justice, creating a better community for everyone, regardless of race, place, faith, money, sexuality or gender identity. Together we will build a multiracial, multifaith arc…

So powerful to be at the Capitol this morning to stand with hundreds of other faith leaders decrying the immoral exclusion of undocumented adults from MinnesotaCare after folks JUST became eligible and started getting healthy. Fund our futures. Fund all our neighbors’ futures!

Minnesota, we need you to show up today, Friday, May 16, at 10:45am at the State Capitol (outside the House chamber) to protect healthcare access for our immigrant neighbors. This fight isn’t over, but we can’t win without enormous people power. Please share. secure.everyaction.com/_MMFvfLVOUi0...

I will never forget the sound of Minnesota Republican House caucus cheering at the news of undocumented Minnesotans losing access to healthcare.

They would do the same if I lost my healthcare.

They do not care about our lives. We are nothing to them. Those are the stakes for our communities.

This is the righteous fury that is called for when Republicans sentence whole communities to die and dare to call it fiscal responsibility.

star wars day may the 4th be with you ALT: star wars day may the 4th be with you

Happy Sunday!

This is the way.

Most Nashville homes aren’t within walking distance of transit. A new report says zoning reform could add homes and change that. As Nashville struggles to house its ever-growing population, a new report has proposed a solution: zoning reforms. The study, a product of Washington D.C.-ba

As Nashville struggles to house its ever-growing population, a new report by think tank The Urban Institute has proposed a solution: zoning reforms. WPLN’s Cynthia Abrams explains the findings:

Happy return-of-non-citizen-dispatched-by-an-opressive-government-without-a-fair-trial Day to all who celebrate!

TODAY WE MOBILIZED OVER 3 MILLION PEOPLE ACROSS THE NATION!!!

This movement has entered the next chapter: the people will mobilize again, and again, until we make a difference.

It only takes 3.5% of the population in a sustained resistance in order to make a difference.

#50501movement

Just once, when a politician claims budget deficits are “unsustainable” and calls for spending cuts, I wish the interviewer would ask: Why not raise revenue instead?

Ash Wednesday Wonder of all wonders, beloved being, you are made of star stuff!

Two years ago @obyballinger.com and I wrote a “Queer Lent” daily devotional to provide strength and sustenance to queer folk in hard times. Times are even tougher now, so I share this first post for Ash Wednesday and invite you to read your way through it this Lent. open.substack.com/pub/queerlen...

A transgender sports ban, HF 12, is moving to the floor of the Minnesota House on Monday, March 3rd.

At a time when LGBTQ+ communities are being targeted for exclusion at a federal and state level, it is important that we as Minnesotans stand up for our shared values of welcome and inclusion.

The testimony happened in a hearing room yesterday, but it was a classroom too! Grateful to Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tania for his research over the years—reflected in all the footnotes here—that shows conclusively the harm that threatens trans inmates when they are banned from appropriate housing.

Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis has researched prison violence against trans people and emphasizes that HF 435 “diminishes the moral standing of our state and is an ethical violation that serves no purpose”. Check the linktree in our bio to tell your MN representative to oppose this bill. #mnleg

Tristan can’t attend today’s hearing, but made this recording of his written testimony. Follow the link in our bio to contact your legislators with your own message opposing HF 435, which would prevent the state from housing trans inmates in facilities that match their gender identity. #mnleg

Base-Building with Prism Community organizing is a lifelong craft. Current Prism efforts focus on base-building by connecting with LGBTQ residents and our allies in Minnesota, engaging in outreach, education, and advocacy.

Base-Building with Prism

Community organizing is a lifelong craft. Current Prism efforts focus on base-building by connecting with LGBTQ residents and our allies in Minnesota, engaging in outreach, education, and advocacy.

Testimony on Trans Ban in Youth Sports Rather than addressing harms against trans youth, this legislation adds to the bullying that many such youth face on a daily basis, doubling down on the lie that there is something wrong with those who practice integrity by living according to their God-given gender identity.

Testimony on Trans Ban in Youth Sports

Rather than addressing harms against trans youth, this legislation adds to the bullying that many such youth face on a daily basis, doubling down on the lie that there is something wrong with those who practice integrity by living according to their God-given…

The Rev. Oby Ballinger testifying before the MN House Education Policy Committee.

Hell yes: "Rather than addressing harms against them, this legislation adds to the bullying that trans youth face daily, doubling down on the false message that there is something wrong with youth who practice integrity by living according to their God-given gender identity." @obyballinger.com

Lobby visit with Rep. Samakab Hussein

Had a great visit with Rep. Samakab Hussein to talk about what’s at stake for our communities. While the federal government pushes tax breaks for the wealthy, we need strong state investments in housing, healthcare, childcare, and more. No more giveaways to corporations! #FundOurFuture #mnleg

Those of us who work in gender medicine are not going anywhere What’s more, we’re expanding.

“We’re not going anywhere. What’s more: we’re expanding.”

Nearly a dozen of Minnesota’s foremost experts on gender-affirming care collaborated on this beautiful op-ed in today’s Strib. No paywall.