Fwd: [bmdc-wg] Fwd: [Statecom-discuss] BMDC expels 2 GRP members

Subject: [bmdc-wg] Fwd: [Statecom-discuss] BMDC expels 2 GRP members
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From: Michael Vaglica <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>
Date: Tue, Jun 20, 2023 at 11:27 AM
To: BMDC Working Group <BMDC@lists.riseup.net>

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Michael Vaglica <iravaglica@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 20, 2023 at 08:44
Subject: Re: [Statecom-discuss] BMDC expels 2 GRP members
To: Discussion of prospective State Committee Business <statecom-discuss@greenrainbow.net>
CC: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>

I do not by, by any means, support the expulsion of members from any group. I'm personally against that.

Bigmike

On Tue, Jun 20, 2023 at 07:39 jamie guerin via StateCom-Discuss <statecom-discuss@greenrainbow.net> wrote:

You mean a large disruption where people were unable to get any work done, and David Kiel and his anti-trans crusade in the center of it? No way, really?

Sorry, I had deja vu for a minute.

Jamie Guerin

On Tue, Jun 20, 2023, 12:18 AM DAVID KEIL via StateCom-Discuss <statecom-discuss@greenrainbow.net> wrote:
The Boston May Day Coalition has existed since 2006 to organize inclusive, broadly-sponsored May Day rallies and marches. Its focus has historically been immigrant rights, and it has also emphasized antiwar protests, protests against racist police violence, actions for women's reproductive rights, and labor solidarity. The GRP has endorsed many of these events and has provided speakers.

The coalition is now under attack from inside and outside. A five-hour disruption last night prevented any actual business from being conducted at the meeting planned for that time. I am sad to hear that a GRP member had a leading role in the disruption. His motion for expulsions was out of order, as such business requires the right of accused members to be present and to reply to charges. No specific written complaints or evidence have been made available by accusers.

The event was evidently packed with persons who are not members of BMDC in any sense, so that no votes taken could have any validity or effect. Several proposals were made to dissolve BMDC, according to the chat transcript, which is available. A video of the of a BMDC meeting last night is also available online and I'm certain that links will be made public. The attack on BMDC is public knowledge and is proudly announced by the attackers. I am glad that Mike has pulled back from joining the full force of the assault on this action coalition. Presumably he, I, and others will urge the GRP to continue to work with other forces via BMDC when it gets past the current destructive turmoil.

I have been a participant in BMDC since 2006, serving several times to head up peacekeeping and security. I drafted security guidelines for the most recent May 1 action and served on security during both the rally and the march. I prepared the initial draft of the march route.

It was clear by yesterday or so that the meeting, planned for last night, would not occur as planned and that votes taken would not have effect, because the Interim Committee, which prepares meeting agendas, did not produce one this time. Instead, one member of the Interim Committee distributed an agenda alone, over the objection of the other member, who happened to be a woman. The objection by the woman member wasn't even acknowledged, so the individual's proposed agenda was presented as "our agenda".

From the autocratic manner of presenting an agenda proposal, it was clear that the meeting would not follow democratic procedures. In addition, those inviting non-BMDC members to the meeting, to pack it, had made their plan known via the very preparer of the falsely presented agenda proposal. I chose not to attend such an anti-democratic event and as it turned out, it was clearly not a meeting at all. All evidence so far is that the event was dominated by chaos and verbal abuse, much of it by persons unknown to BMDC activities. The two most central leaders of BMDC were nearly expelled. A strong majority of actual BMDC members present voted against the "expulsion" motion. Somehow at one point a non-BMDC member was allowed to facilitate, and this person recognized non-members with preference over long-time members.

The result is that Mike's report of "expulsions" is false, and that there will be work to do to restore BMDC to some sort of orderly, credible, and democratic state. I hope that the GRP will contribute constructively to that. I will do so as a member of the GRP and of BMDC.

An Anti-Imperialist Picnic has been planned by BMDC on July 4 along the Charles River. Protests against war and racism will likely be needed this summer. Let's get to work.

David Keil, West Metro region

On Mon, Jun 19, 2023 at 9:30 PM MICHAEL HEICHMAN via StateCom-Discuss <statecom-discuss@greenrainbow.net> wrote:
GRP Leaders:

On 6/28, the Boston May Day Coalition (BMDC) expelled two GRP members for their anti-trans behaviors at our meetings and on our email lists. The two are David Keil, who needs no introduction, and Jane Binkered. Jane has done excellent work for Peace and recently left the People's Party to join the GRP.

I made the proposal to expel.

I have saved most of what they recently wrote on BMDC's email lists. The only reason that I don't send this to you is because it is so big that I believe that the message would bounce.

I believe that most of you would understand BMDC's decision if you would read what they wrote.

I would be happy to send it to you if you would send me your email.

Call me if you want to talk.

Mike Heichman
mikeheichman@verizon.net
617-265-8143 (h) 617-543-6801 (c)
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From: Lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 20, 2023 at 12:42 PM
To: <queenritamonkey@gmail.com>, <porchpotscott@proton.me>, <krnlkin@gmail.com>

UGH!! Motherfuckers make it like I'm the problem instead of the transphobia!

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From: Steve Kellerman <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>
Date: Tue, Jun 20, 2023 at 3:04 PM
To: <iravaglica@gmail.com>
Cc: BMDC Working Group <BMDC@lists.riseup.net>

Very happy that I stepped away from BMDC and its purge mentality.

Steve Kellerman

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From: Nevin Siders <nevin_siders@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 20, 2023 at 9:08 PM
To: iravaglica@gmail.com <iravaglica@gmail.com>
Cc: BMDC Working Group <BMDC@lists.riseup.net>

Dear Steve Kellerman and BMDC-folk,

I, on the other hand, am quite displeased at how quickly that "purge mentality" appeared, and even more so at how quickly it took over.

muchas gracias,
:)Nevin

From: bmdc-request@lists.riseup.net <bmdc-request@lists.riseup.net> on behalf of Steve Kellerman <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>
Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2023 7:04 PM
To: iravaglica@gmail.com <iravaglica@gmail.com>
Cc: BMDC Working Group <BMDC@lists.riseup.net>
Subject: Re: [bmdc-wg] Fwd: [Statecom-discuss] BMDC expels 2 GRP members

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From: Lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 20, 2023 at 9:50 PM
To: <statecom-discuss@greenrainbow.net>
Cc: BMDC Working Group <BMDC@lists.riseup.net>

David's abusive, transphobic emails are evidence enough! David is a COWARD who purposely did not show up.

David is manipulative and a con artist. Written complaint?? Really David! I've been complaining about it for over four months. Others have been complaining about it for years, and NOTHING IS EVER DONE ABOUT IT. You have been on your anti trans crusade for many years! You do not belong in ANY group claiming to be for trans rights!

Boston May Day Coalition has NO PUBLIC POSTED OR ACCESSIBLE DOCUMENTS OF ANY RULES, BYLAWS OR PROTOCOLS, ETC, FOR ANYTHING. PERIOD! THERE IS NO TRANSPARENCY WHATSOEVER!

David is not in charge, nor in any position to dictate terms ! DAVID IS THE PROBLEM, NOT ME!

From February of 2021 to February 2023 David was not at any single meeting or event, whereas I myself have, and almost every single one this year,

David did not show his face until Jane Binkerd went on an abusive,personal, transphobic attack directed at me and then he too also then engaged in transphobic attacks, and has multiple times since then. Over the past few weeks, both David & Jane relentlessly dominated the email lists with near daily transphobic attacks, sometimes multiple times per day.

Per John Harris and Antuan Castro Del Rio, on multiple occasions, have stated that our meetings are open meetings. NO MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED, and all get to cast votes.

Further, ALL who were present actually are considered "members" as you put it, since several were actually long time members and are on the email list as well, and although the majority may have not been to meetings, your claim of not being members is laughable as they were ALL involved in multiple BMDC campaigns including Free Shimmy, Free Naim, Justice for Christopher Divens, Justice for Anthony Harris, Justice for Jenelle, May Day 2021 & 2022, and more.

In over 225 direct actions, rallies, protests and events I myself have been a part of since George Floyd's murder , NOT ONCE has David been on the streets with any of us or worked on any campaigns until May Day 2023.

Your allegations in regards to the agenda are FALSE. I had FOUR contacts with the other party and we discussed an Agenda. There was confusion on how to word the agenda item I referred to as "Transphobic Attacks on Our Lists". I was texted by Mike in a joint text also sent to the other interim committee member who I could not reach,and under pressure to get the agenda out, emailed it as is. No objection was ever made known to me. YOU made that objection, and it was AFTERWARDS that the other interim committee member made known her objection to the words "transphobic attacks". THAT IN ITSELF IS TRANSPHOBIC. You, or any other cisgender do not get to debate what is considered transphobic. The second time the agenda was emailed, interim committee discussed it over the phone and she AGREED to it and I sent it out while still on the phone! THOSE ARE THE FACTS! No other objections were made until the meeting, and BMDC dictators wished to push that item to the end of the agenda.

Had any BMDC leadership stepped up to condemn the transphobic attacks and rhetoric on our lists by taking direct action, instead of using made up or existing only in people's heads bureaucracy, formalities etc to silence me and stonewall me, I would not have had to appeal to the wider community for assistance.

I have been a VERY ACTIVE member, who put in several hundreds of hours into BMDC campaigns, actions and events from 02/2021 to present.

David & Jane however, contributed little to none. BMDC members have clearly shown how little they value me, or trans people in general, nor of the many contributions I & other trans comrades have made in BMDC.

Prior to Jane's transphobic hate speech in February, we had over 1000 subscribers on our email list. That number was stated by John in a meeting when we began planning May Day 2023. Because of the toxic culture of abuse and transphobia by John Harris, David Keil and Jane Binkerd, several members have quit working with BMDC. Today our email list only has a little over 500 members because of all the transphobia. This was confirmed by RiseUp.net who hosts the list,

Our entire international solidarity series also cancelled their events with BMDC because of transphobia. Over 80+ local Boston organizations refused to participate in May Day 2023 as a result of the transphobia, and additionally, several speakers cancelled on the days leading up to, and the day of the event as a result of finding out about the rampant and unchecked transphobia.

John Harris is very complicit in all of this, having enabled David further by creating a semi-private, internal discuss list where David had free reign to post his anti trans hate. I will be forwarding those emails to the public list! They are in many ways much worse than what David says in public.

I am disgusted by not only David & Jane, but all who chose to remain silent, and those who continually defended them.

Transphobia IS NOT DIFFERENCE OF POLITICAL OPINION! IT IS OPPRESSIVE & DEHUMANIZING.

That's like saying racism is a difference of opinion. This is not the same BMDC I became a part of in early 2021.

Boston May Day Coalition is NOT A TRANS ALLY! BMDC members & so called leadership were abusive and transphobic, centering themselves and asserting their opinions instead of guiding or assisting me in resolving the issue,

BMDC members like John Harris continually stonewalled the issue and refused to take any action, or contribute to any acceptable solutions,

John Harris betrayed me, and the trans community.

TRANSPHOBIA IS UNACCEPTABLE! TERFism has NO PLACE IN ANY ORGANIZATION THAT CALLS ITSELF PROGRESSIVE, LEFTIST OR SOCIALIST!

The Anti-Imperialist Picnic should be boycotted until David Keil, Jane Binkerd & John Harris take responsibility for their actions and hold themselves and BMDC accountable for the trauma they have put me through!.

No member who claims to be an ally and support trans rights should be involved with BMDC until it takes responsibility and holds itself accountable and does the work to resolve an innumerable amount of issues and unpacks their biases against transgender & non binary people, and I certainly also demand they also decolonize themselves and get off of their old white men power trips!

YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO MY EMOTIONAL LABOR IN HAVING TO CONSTANTLY BE DEFENDING MYSELF AGAINST THE VILIFYING, DEHUMANIZING TRANSPHOBIA BEING PUSHED IN BMDC! YOU HAVE CAUSED ME SUFFERING THAT HAS HAD A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON MY EMOTIONAL WELL BEING.

Many of you who I had considered friends betrayed me by defending David and Jane instead of speaking up and taking action on my behalf. I am grateful for the real friends and comrades who have voiced their disgust over the transphobia,both on the list and in meetings, however, our demands for justice have been largely ignored by the white cishetero majority!

The difference of opinion is not the problem. It is the utterance of those opinions in our space, which should be safe for, and prioritize the voices of marginalized communities that is the problem, and it is their actions that are the problem,and BMDCs unwillingness to intervene on behalf of & prioritize victims that is also a problem!

Transphobia is a byproduct of white supremacy and colonialism!

BMDC is an UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR NOT ONLY TRANS AND NON BINARY PEOPLE, BUT ALL MARGINALIZED PEOPLE.

As for your comment that "a non-BMDC member was allowed to facilitate", Sandra Harris asked for a volunteer and NOBODY OBJECTED to the young woman doing it. She is a trained mediator and facilitator from Suffolk University well connected in social justice circles, If she is a non member as you put it, why was she then elected for this week's interim committee?

I also want to inform you that we also had an NLG trained legal observer, and a reporter with us in our meeting.

BMDC has no stated criteria for membership.

I'm tired of your "civility and order" BS and how you consistently deflect from the real issue, that YOU, Jane & John are the problem right now, that YOU are the instigators, and so long as BMDC continues to harbor, defend and platform you, BMDC should NOT have the support of any individual or organization that claims to be an ally of the LGBTQIA2S+ community,

Instead of centering the victims of your transphobia, the overwhelmingly old, white, cishetero members centered themselves, gaslighted, deflected and betrayed the trans community.

Speaking of never seeing David anywhere.... Where were you Saturday morning? Weren't you at a Trump supporter organized anti trans rally at Boston Children's Hospital?

I highly encourage GRP to withdraw their endorsement of BMDC's anti-trans picnic unless David, Jane & John take responsibility for their actions and are held accountable with meaningful reparations.

I'm aware that David has a history of the same anti-trans behavior in GRP and has caused problems there as well. He is a disruptive and toxic poison pill that contributes nothing but division and harm.

Stop justifying transphobia! It does not belong in BMDC. I'm disgusted that I have to ask over and over for it to stop!

NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE!

TRANS FOLKS ARE UNDER ATTACK! STAND UP FIGHT BACK!

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From: Lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 20, 2023 at 10:15 PM
To: <statecom-discuss@greenrainbow.net>
Cc: BMDC Working Group <BMDC@lists.riseup.net>

I also want to inform you that we also had an NLG trained legal observer, and a reporter with us in our meeting. Also present were trans and non binary folks, and a parent of a trans teen.

BMDC has no stated criteria for membership.

Instead of centering the victims of your transphobia, the overwhelmingly old, white, cishetero members centered themselves, gaslighted, deflected and betrayed the trans community.

Speaking of never seeing David anywhere.... Where were you Saturday morning? I believe you were at a Trump supporter organized anti trans rally at Boston Children's Hospital? We saw you there and recorded it.

I highly encourage GRP to withdraw their endorsement of BMDC's anti-trans picnic unless David, Jane & John take responsibility for their actions and are held accountable with meaningful reparations.

Stop justifying & defending transphobia! It does not belong in BMDC. I'm disgusted that I have to ask over and over for it to stop!

David must be expelled, and we must assert that anti trans rhetoric is not allowed in BMDC meetings or on our email lists.

I have community support, and we will continue to push forward!

NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE!

TRANS FOLKS ARE UNDER ATTACK! STAND UP FIGHT BACK!

On Tue, Jun 20, 2023 at 11:27 AM Michael Vaglica <bmdc@lists.riseup.net> wrote:

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From: john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>
Date: Thu, Jun 22, 2023 at 1:01 AM
To: statecom-discuss@greenrainbow.net <statecom-discuss@greenrainbow.net>, xulingkelley@gmail.com <xulingkelley@gmail.com>
Cc: BMDC Working Group <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>

Hi Folks,

In my view, an initial report I gave Monday on the Sunday meeting stands up pretty well. There was no proposed agenda coming from the Interim Committee for the meeting. On Saturday morning, according to Lita: "For the record, Sussen, this morning objected to me using the term transphobic" According to Lita: "Below is our proposed agenda. Thanks, Mike" As folks can see, this was Lita and Mike's agenda. Sussen did not consent to the agenda going out to the list. This is the first time in our (BMDC) history that the Interim Committee was unable to agree on an agenda.

BMDC was accused by one of those involved in the attempted "hostile takeover" of being a group that "coopted" the campaign against police repression of Shimmy. The fact is that Shimmy had a falling out with his friends and BMDC kept showing up to defend him. Other attempts were made to falsely denigrate the record of BMDC. The facts don't seem to matter to those involved in the "hostile takeover" action.

BMDC met and voted to set up a Discuss list, an internal list for BMDC members to discuss general political issues and have debates. BMDC members who wanted to be on the list were put on the list. Lita initially did not want to be on the list. She knew that political differences were going to be discussed on the list. She later changed her mind. There has been a general disrespect for having debates on general political issues on the Discuss list although this is what we voted for on June 4.

A broad debate is unfolding across the country and beyond about trans rights. Conservative politicians are pushing this debate in order to hustle votes. They have no desire to defend women, children, or anyone else in the working class. These politicians are getting big exposure in the major media outlets. This debate is unfolding among millions whether we like it or not. Having a policy of summary expulsions and shutting down debates among the left is not going to help in winning the broader public to the cause of trans rights.

At the meeting this past Sunday, according to Lita and those attempting the "Hostile Takeover", this was presented: "If someone tells you something is racist, you don't get to say, no it's not. If someone tells you something is transphobic, you don't get to say, no it's not. If someone tells you something is antisemitic, that's a difficult one because it depends on the definition, but you know what I mean." We should not promote double standards or cancel culture.

This approach is not going to help win millions of working people over to the cause. Cancel culture from the left helped send Trump to the US presidency. Cancel culture from the right helped my generation end the war in Vietnam, win abortion rights, and further the cause of gay rights which over the course of decades won victories.

Regarding expulsions, On October 10, 2021 the Boston May Day Coalition voted on the following policy: "Participants in BMDC are entitled to a just process which is due to each person. No disciplinary determination is permitted against any participant unless the individual has the explicit opportunity to be present in a meeting where the issues are discussed, and the determination is voted on. Making determinations and policy based on gossip is a remnant of pre-capitalist social relations." This policy was explained to all participants in the meeting on Sunday. Those involved in the hostile takeover intervention were aware of what they were doing and decided on the summary expulsions. We can only expect similar activity in the future.

In Lita's view and as well those involved in the hostile action on Sunday: "The Anti-Imperialist Picnic should be boycotted until David Keil, Jane Binkerd & John Harris take responsibility for their actions and hold themselves and BMDC accountable for the trauma they have put me through!" The participants in the hostile action on Sunday have called for a boycott of the Anti-Imperialist Picnic. I do not believe they care about the interests of BMDC as an organization. Their objectives are clear.

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From: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 22, 2023 at 8:59 AM
To: "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, statecom-discuss@greenrainbow.net <statecom-discuss@greenrainbow.net>, xulingkelley@gmail.com <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

BMDC is being attacked by individuals who are using our internal conflicts to further their agenda of demolishing our group. Please see this for what it is. If you have any questions about Sunday's meeting being anything other than a hostile takeover I urge you to read the chat from the meeting and listen to the audio that has been posted. This attack raged on for over 5 hours! There was slandering, harassment, personal attacks on many members of BMDC, disregard for our voted agreement for due process and procedures, silencing & shutting down certain members from speaking, proposed expulsions of at least 5 BMDC members, demands to dissolve the group entirely and multiple threats! I was personally threatened by a person who has been part of a group of people who have been stalking & harassing me for months! Insults were hurled at almost everyone present who did not participate in this planned but failed takeover. Although we need to recognize this attack for what it was, this is a huge distraction from our work. We need to focus on the important work of BMDC. The people behind the attempted hostile takeover have already made clear that they want BMDC to be under their control or they will do anything they can to end the group. Members of BMDC who truly care about our group and the work we do need to unite despite any differences we may have and continue to stand against this attack!

From: bmdc-request@lists.riseup.net <bmdc-request@lists.riseup.net> on behalf of "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>
Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2023 12:58 AM
To: statecom-discuss@greenrainbow.net <statecom-discuss@greenrainbow.net>; xulingkelley@gmail.com <xulingkelley@gmail.com>
Cc: BMDC Working Group <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>
Subject: Re: [bmdc-wg] Fwd: [Statecom-discuss] BMDC expels 2 GRP members

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From: Lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 22, 2023 at 9:50 AM
To: <queenritamonkey@gmail.com>, <porchpotscott@proton.me>, <krnlkin@gmail.com>

Of course now Heidi & John deflect from the real issue, the transphobia and terfism, and make it all about "hostile takeover"

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From: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 9:06 AM
To: Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>
Cc: "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, <john.r.harris@verizon.net>, Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>

Hi all,

Can we start a new thread? I support trans rights and the BMDC, but the other discussion was happening on a business list.

Thanks

Jamie Guerin

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From: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 10:16 AM
To: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>, Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>
Cc: "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, xulingkelley@gmail.com <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

That's Mike H trying to instigate and agitate so he can be thanked for this. He purposefully wanted to smear the names of Jane & David with the GRP. He had no business doing so and I sincerely hope Jane & David both take up charges against him. This is what corruption and bullying looks like! As far as a new thread I am not opposed, I also support trans rights, BMDC and the right to have different opinions! I just wanted to clarify the situation.

From: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2023 9:06 AM
To: Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>
Cc: "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>; xulingkelley@gmail.com <xulingkelley@gmail.com>; john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>; Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Subject: Re: [Statecom-discuss] [bmdc-wg] Fwd: BMDC expels 2 GRP members

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From: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 10:21 AM
To: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Cc: Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

Mike doesn't need to smear David's name with the GRP. David has done that enough himself with his actions throughout the years and he has instigated his destructive crusade statewide and nationally and we all know what's up.

Jamie Guerin

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From: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 10:23 AM
To: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Cc: Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

No need to clarify the situation. The GRP has a history of experiencing David's antics.

This is like deja-vu

Ask the socialist party. He did this there as well

Jamie

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From: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 10:55 AM
To: <holson3@outlook.com>
Cc: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>, Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

Heidi,

Part of the issue is when you say you support the right to have different opinions. It becomes a problem when you then encounter an opinion that is not based in fact, and/or in turn causes harm to the same minority groups you say you stand for.

If you support both trans rights and the rights to differing opinions, you will inevitably reach a contradiction - and that's a problem.

-Justin Kosuk

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From: Joe <jkdixie@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 11:23 AM
To: <tenken764@gmail.com>
Cc: <holson3@outlook.com>, jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>, Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, john.r.harris@verizon.net <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

.The Problem is the Problem. Trans Athletes in women's Athletic events are like a Man using steroids in a Men;s Athletic event. That is a problem. Banning Steroids solves that problem. Banning Trans Athletes from Women's athletic Events solves that Problem. BMDC accusing members of Transphobic ideas is a figment of the organization's imagination. All the banned members wanted is to make known that Trans Athletes have a physical advantage in women's sporting events. Why Transphobic ideas came out of this statement is a mystery to me. Then to ban people from BMDC is not logical. As I said before, the peace movement is shrinking in size every day now. Death and old age is catching up with us// The peace vigils and organizations lose a member there are no replacements.. Your group will have a hard time replacing banned members. You should rethink your expulsion of members on such a statement. I never thought that BMDC was so interested in Sporting events. Joe K

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From: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 11:31 AM
To: Joe <jkdixie@gmail.com>
Cc: <tenken764@gmail.com>, <holson3@outlook.com>, Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, john.r.harris@verizon.net <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

Has it occured to anyone that maybe no one is really interested in sports, but perhaps more concerned with driving a wedge into leftist organizations?

Regardless, bigotry shouldn't be tolerated, but brought down swifty. Anyone familiar with Popper's paradox of tolerance?

Jamie Guerin

----------
From: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 12:29 PM
To: Joe <jkdixie@gmail.com>
Cc: <holson3@outlook.com>, jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>, Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, john.r.harris@verizon.net <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

Your assertion about steroid use in men's Athletic Events and trans women participating in women's Athletic events is a false equivalency, where one involves banning a substance, and the other involves banning an individual because of their identity.

Do you not believe it a transphobic idea to ban trans women from women's Athletic events?

I would loathe to think a member of an all- inclusive peace-keeping group is missing the forest for the trees, so I will assume you know this is more than what you've characterized as "an obsession with sports."

-Justin Kosuk

On Tue, Jun 27, 2023, 11:23 AM Joe <jkdixie@gmail.com> wrote:

----------
From: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 6:15 PM
To: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>
Cc: Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, xulingkelley@gmail.com <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

Mike H. Is corrupt and a bully. He is a trouble maker and gossiping falsehoods to the GRP.

From: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2023 10:20 AM
To: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Cc: Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>; "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>; xulingkelley@gmail.com <xulingkelley@gmail.com>; john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

----------
From: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 6:28 PM
To: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Cc: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>, Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

I support in general;

Trans rights

Biological women's right

The right to have different opinions respectfully

Boston May Day Coalition

I do not believe one group of people should hurt another

Infighting is stupid

Corruption and Hate must be opposed

From: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2023 10:55 AM
To: holson3@outlook.com <holson3@outlook.com>
Cc: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>; Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>; "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>; lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>; john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [bmdc-wg] [Statecom-discuss] Fwd: BMDC expels 2 GRP members

----------
From: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 7:18 PM
To: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Cc: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>, Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

GRP has its own experience with David. Nothing anyone says will make us think differently, nor will it make most members forget the hell we went through for almost a whole year with him. Mike H is no bully. He is kind and supportive.

If you would like to continue this discussion, please un -CC me from this thread. I won't entertain it anymore. I'm not interested in debating away trans rights. Like I said, we went through this already. Consider your organization lucky that you won't have this "debate" interjected into every discussion anymore as the one who always does that has been expelled.

Thank you, Mike H.

We have work to do.

Jamie Guerin

----------
From: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 8:00 PM
To: <holson3@outlook.com>
Cc: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>, Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

Heidi,

A dear friend of mine, Stevie Downie, left this group he brought me into because of the 2 individuals who were expelled.

I know Stevie well, and I know of his passion and contributions. Because of this, I also know he wouldn't leave unless he had a good reason. So while I haven't had the chance to get to know anyone outside of the few Sunday meetings I attended, I've read enough to know where Stevie would stand, and that's where I will stand with and whom I will defend too.

And that is Mike H., Lita, Jamie and anyone else I have yet to meet who share their values. Please do not speak ill of them, when throughout this weeks-long thread, you've only defended the 2 expelled individuals, and not once engaged in a discussion that validates trans but rather debate what they are telling you is hurting their community.

I apologize for not speaking out sooner. I have never joined a group before, and so it took time to collect my thoughts and take the time to respond properly, as an ally.

-Justin Kosuk.

----------
From: Lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 8:07 PM
To: <xulingkelley.bmdcantitrans@blogger.com>

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Michael Vaglica <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>
Date: Tue, Jun 20, 2023 at 11:27 AM

----------
From: Lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 9:41 PM
To: <queenritamonkey@gmail.com>

Lita Xú Líng Kelley

Photographer | Photojournalist

Lita Xú Líng Kelley Photography

Pronouns: She / They

(978) 473-7602

xulingkelley@gmail.com

https://www.litakelley.com

Beverly, Massachusetts

----------
From: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Date: Wed, Jun 28, 2023 at 4:12 PM
To: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Cc: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>, Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

Justin,

Please do not ask me basically to;

Not have an opinion and share it

Not to defend friends who I know are good people and not at all anti trans but are being labeled as such for having different views

Not to call out the attackers or those who are cooperating with them to destroy BMDC - a group I have been part of for 3 years

Thank you!

With all due respect,

Heidi

From: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2023 7:59 PM
To: holson3@outlook.com <holson3@outlook.com>
Cc: jamie guerin <jamie.guerin413@gmail.com>; Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>; "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>; lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>; john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [bmdc-wg] [Statecom-discuss] Fwd: BMDC expels 2 GRP members

----------
From: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jun 28, 2023 at 7:24 PM
To: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Cc: Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

Heidi,

I've asked for none of that from you.

I'll request again - please do not speak ill of others, as you have of Mike H.

Respectfully,

Justin Kosuk

----------
From: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Date: Wed, Jun 28, 2023 at 7:56 PM
To: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Cc: Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

Justin,

Maybe you are not fully in the loop, let me fill you in. Mike H. is my friend. He decided to go on the Green Rainbow Party email list and declare to all that David and Jane are poisonous transphobes - which is why I called him out as a bully for slandering the names of two other friends who are good & caring people who are definitely not transphobes. And he has actively been cooperating with the attackers who are trying to demolish BMDC. At one point this past Sunday he himself called for the group to be dissolved - which is why I called him out for being corrupt.

I appreciate your civil tone and peaceful manner so I am taking the time to share with you that I have since apologized to Mike for those insults.

I should not have stooped to the same level I called him out for. I should have simply said it was wrong for Mike to be name calling and slandering. As far as calling him corrupt it would have been more accurate to say that he is cooperating with the attackers who are causing all the recent corruption such as the 2 failed hostile take over attempts. My bad.

So that everyone in the room can hear;

Mike H. Sorry for calling you corrupt and a bully.

Thanks,

Heidi

From: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2023 7:24 PM
To: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Cc: Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>; "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>; lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>; john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

----------
From: Lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jun 28, 2023 at 8:44 PM
To: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Cc: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>, Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, john.r.harris@verizon.net <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>

Yes Heidi, David & Jane ARE transphobic, and NO it is not slander. Green Rainbow Party knows David very well, as they have experienced his transphobia there for years. It's all documented. David has been on an anti-trans crusade for for many years! His TERF ideology does not belong in our space!

You clearly have no clue what you're talking about.

----------
From: Michael Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Jun 28, 2023 at 11:11 PM
To: <holson3@outlook.com>, Mike Heichman <mikeheichman@verizon.net>
Cc: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>, BMDC Working Group <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, John Harris <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

Heidi & Other BMDC Comrades:

There is much heat in the room!

I appreciate the communication that we are having this eve.

I must confess that this old man doesn't consider himself to be an expert on gender-idenify. I consider myself to be still a student. I've leaned a lot over the years and especially and very painfully the last few months. I wish that I didn't have the opportunity to have learned so much.

Language can be about becoming clearer, like light. Language can be a mechanism to express heat, like fury.

I must confess that I used language in an attempt to share light, but also to express fury..

I used the terms "transphobia" and "trans-poison". The later was a mistake. I really meant "anti-trans poison".

Padma had sent out an excellent document on Transphobia. I agree with the document. Earlier this eve, Antuan sent out a very thoughtful document (which I confess that my limited intelligence enables limited understanding. I printed a copy which I will re-read and I expect modest success.) If I had used Antuan's definition of transphobia, which I didn't, "transphobia" would have been an exaggeration.

So let me attempt to use language that I hope will generate some light, express my pain and cut down on my fire/fury..

The attack on our trans siblings has intensified in this country. War (Is that too strong?) is being waged on their right to define themselves and on their lives. Our Trans Siblings are being murdered (not a metaphor). Our Trans Siblings are committing suicide in large numbers. Do you know why this is the case? Our Trans Sibllings are taking their lives because they become tired of being murdered.

So let me for a few minutes stop using the word, "transphoobia".

In February, when Jane expressed virulent fury at Lita because of a difference of opinion about an anti-war demo and called Lita a MAN, Jane's anti-trans "sentiments" were excruciatingly painful for Litta especially and for the rest of us who were present at the meeting, when David supported Jane on our email list, Lita and many of us were outraged by David's anti-trans "sentiments". (My language is promoting some nausea.)

And when Lita did some research about David's long history of expressing anti-trans "sentiments". And when some of Lita's BMDC comrades failed to express outrage towards these two members and instead called for "democratic discussion", especially Lita and some of us were furious towards enablers.

And so on. And so on. And so on! This month the two major purveyors of anti-trans "sentiments" saturrated our email lists. When Stevie, Dyani, Karen and Tyler left BMDC in disgust. Well, "democratic discussion" sometimes have acceptable casualties. While some of us mourned there departure, the enablers were silent in expressing their "sentiments".

========================= ==================

I think I am becoming a "chat abolitionists". 5 hour meeting on 6/18 and 4 hours on 6/25. I must confess that it stretched my limits to use all my energy to listen to everybody while preparing to speak again (OK, I confess again, again and again.) I can't do the above and also do Chat. There was a meeting going on while I was participating in the main court.

Heidi, you say that I have been "actively cooperating with the attackers who are trying to demolish BMDC". I have not read the chat. However, I have been actively present in our two recent meetings. Outside of a clear motive of attending the meeting to support Lita and Trans Right, I have witnessed no other ulterior motive.

I see no effort by anyone except maybe myself to "demolish" BMDC. It was me who made the proposal for BMDC to go out of business and close our doors. No one supported my motion! How come these aliens, these "hostile-takeovers", these BMDC "demolishers" weren't dancing in the aisles and cheering loudly for my proposal?

All of these "hostile takeovers/demolishers" have been placed in the same box. It is they who have been slandered. Because of their democratic participation on 6/18 and 6/25, the two leading anti-trans "sentimentizers" have been expelled by democratic votes.

Instead you and John have declared them and some of the decisions that you disagreed with to be illegitimate, invalid and not to be respected. What about due process for those who you slandered?

Yes, you called me corrupt. Strong words.

So, let me use your word, "corrrupt".

When a few active veteran members call for "democratic discussion" and "due process" and are instead enablers of rampant anti-trans "sentiments" ...

When both you and John denounce the right of the majority to make decisions and John deliberately obstructs enforcement …

For me, this is where I find the most serious corruption.

I hope that my "sentiments" brought some light. I know that I have expressed my pain and must confess that I still am furios.

I remain in mourning for how much BMDC has been polarized and how much harm has been done.

I pray that we soon move towards a peaceful resolution.

Love,

Mike Heichman

=========================

----------
From: john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>
Date: Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 9:04 AM
To: holson3@outlook.com <holson3@outlook.com>, Mike Heichman <mikeheichman@verizon.net>, Michael Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>
Cc: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>, BMDC Working Group <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>

Again, Mike plays fast and loose with the facts and logic. Lita admitted at the meeting on Sunday that back in February she voted with the majority of BMDC members that Jane should not be expelled from BMDC. Far from being ignored, the issue was addressed to Lita's satisfaction back in February. So, it logically follows that Mike is playing fast and loose with logic as well as facts. Falsehoods can eventually catch up with those who spread falsehoods. Because of what I just said, I guess Justin can accuse me of speaking ill of Mike. On that accusation, I stand guilty as charged!

John

----------
From: Lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 10:48 AM
To: john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>
Cc: holson3@outlook.com <holson3@outlook.com>, Mike Heichman <mikeheichman@verizon.net>, Michael Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>, BMDC Working Group <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>

We never voted against her expulsion John!. We voted to give her a warning. Expulsion was not on the table for a vote!!

Jane, we decided, may have been reactionary out of severe anger of me calling the nazi filled antiwar rally a "shit show", because the anti-war campaign was a passion project for her, and as an ordained Buddhist I myself was being forgiving and kind to her because she was loved and valued by many of us.

In regards to David, John refused to allow any action on his expulsion and we agreed to wait until after May Day, and now here we are. Do not speak for me John! You claiming the issue was addressed to my satisfaction is a LIE!

----------
From: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 10:50 AM
To: <john.r.harris@verizon.net>
Cc: <holson3@outlook.com>, Mike Heichman <mikeheichman@verizon.net>, Michael Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, BMDC Working Group <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>

I'm not going to accuse you of making your own declaration.

Has it occurred to you that this has become more about the expulsion of 2 individuals than about how their actions have affected another community?

You can say that the issue has been addressed, and you can reiterate that again, and again. It is evident in this thread however, that there is still an issue.

----------
From: Lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 10:53 AM
To: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>

Thank you Justin for speaking up. I appreciate you.

----------
From: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 11:22 AM
To: Michael Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, Mike Heichman <mikeheichman@verizon.net>
Cc: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>, BMDC Working Group <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, John Harris <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

Mike;

It is vital that you to read the 72 page chat from 6/18 to understand what I am saying about a hostile take over. If you cannot take the time to read it then you are not fully informed and there is absolutely no point in you and I discussing it. I would love for you to read it then offer your point of view. The same goes for anyone else who wants to debate me using the words hostile take over, read the chat from 6/18 please. This group of attackers mixed in with others who just want to support Lita got smart by the second meeting on 6/25 and were on their best behavior to save their own self image and to showcase that they are "fair" people who "don't" want to demolish BMDC. You can read the chats from both meetings and review the videos as well and watch them going forward and figure it out for yourself.

Thanks,

Heidi

From: Michael Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2023 11:11 PM
To: holson3@outlook.com <holson3@outlook.com>; Mike Heichman <mikeheichman@verizon.net>
Cc: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>; BMDC Working Group <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>; lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>; John Harris <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

----------
From: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 11:26 AM
To: "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, Mike Heichman <mikeheichman@verizon.net>, Michael Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>
Cc: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>

Thank you John Harris for standing up for truth!

From: bmdc-request@lists.riseup.net <bmdc-request@lists.riseup.net> on behalf of "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>
Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2023 9:04 AM
To: holson3@outlook.com <holson3@outlook.com>; Mike Heichman <mikeheichman@verizon.net>; Michael Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>
Cc: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>; BMDC Working Group <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>; lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>

----------
From: john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>
Date: Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 11:32 AM
To: tenken764@gmail.com <tenken764@gmail.com>
Cc: holson3@outlook.com <holson3@outlook.com>, Mike Heichman <mikeheichman@verizon.net>, Michael Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, BMDC Working Group <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>

But are you going to accuse me of speaking ill of Mike? On the issue of how "how their actions have affected another community". There is a "community" of people who have opinions based on falsehoods. You are part of that community. Among that community there are those who are openly calling for BMDC to be shut down. There are others who openly call for a "hostile takeover". Needless to say they are "hostile". There will always be those who are hostile to BMDC. For many years this has been the case. The incivility in the discussion has been largely coming from your community. Maybe you can address your community regarding the falsehoods they have been spreading. Regarding your community, common ground can be reached when there is agreement on facts. Maybe there is another way to reach common ground other than agreement on facts. Please advise.

John

----------
From: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 11:56 AM
To: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Cc: Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

Heidi,

I appreciate you taking the time to explain this.

Allow me to share how I felt when I learned of what was being repeatedly shared by David and Jane through a very personal anecdote:

A close relative of mine, my cousin Lucca who came out as a trans male many years ago, and who is someone I would protect with my life, would discuss with me some of their experiences as a trans. At one point, the topic of sports came up, and while Lucca is not an athlete, I had asked how they feel about there being debates over transgender people in sports. Lucca had this to say, and it was one of my biggest lessons as an ally -

"It is topics like this that put my life at risk, and gets others like me killed. Any discussion that questions or debates my rights as a trans, is another reason for me to look over my shoulders in fear that I could be hurt or killed by someone who just won't accept me."

I could never, EVER put the burden of expectation on Lucca, that he must respect the rights of everyone's opinions. Not when these discussions - whether out of an unconscious bias or malice intent, brings harm to him and the trans community

So while I do not know any of you personally, I do know that what you are defending, is a right to a set of opinions that puts in harms way those such as my cousin Lucca, who only wish to peacefully live his life as the person he knows and identifies himself to be.

There is much to learn, and it is our obligation to stay educated and remain vigilant, and that includes listening to the trans community when they tell you something is causing them harm - rather than defending friends who are supposed to be allies for having a right to sharing the same views that harm the same people they are supposed to stand with.

As for the transcripts from the recent meetings/chat that I admittedly was not present for, I can't speak for others except to say in the general sense based on what I read - is a good amount of individuals sounded exhausted and fed up, and that anger had become the bigger topic than the pain behind it.

I do not presume to know your experiences, and perhaps you already know this, but take it from someone who was raised in an angry environment, and struggles with anger management every day - anger is temporary. The reasons for it are always much deeper.

-Justin Kosuk

----------
From: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 12:06 PM
To: Lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>

Anytime Lita 💙🙏🏼

----------
From: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 12:35 PM
To: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Cc: Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

Justin,

Did you read the chat from 6/18? The entire chat? Please do than let me know if you will excuse them.

Thanks,

Heidi

From: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2023 11:56 AM
To: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>

----------
From: Lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 12:40 PM
To: <xulingkelley.bmdcantitrans@blogger.com>

----------
From: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 1:28 PM
To: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Cc: Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

Heidi,

I do not condone nor champion wanton anger or hostility - nor do I excuse such behavior.

6/18 was not that.

Do you believe the right to different opinions should be respected by those who are subject to the pain caused by those opinions?

Thanks,

Jutin Kosuk

----------
From: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 1:39 PM
To: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Cc: Mike Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, "john.r.harris@verizon.net" <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>, john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>

I would like a clear answer I cannot understand your last response.

Do you excuse, condone, whatever work you like to use the 6/18 chat 72 pages

Thanks

From: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2023 1:28 PM

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From: Justin Kosuk <tenken764@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Jun 30, 2023 at 8:48 AM
To: <john.r.harris@verizon.net>
Cc: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>, Mike Heichman <mikeheichman@verizon.net>, Michael Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, BMDC Working Group <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>

Have you asked the community why they are angry, or did you reactively declare them a group with opinions based on falsehoods, as you just did to me?

A bit of perspective:

- We don't know each other

- I've accused you of nothing

- Not once in our limited dialogue have I shown any hostility

- I haven't asked for anything to be shut down

- I haven't subscribed to hostile takeovers

- I've made clear my support for trans rights

If your dialogue with me are of similar nature in how you've engaged with others, then I'm not sure how any one person wouldn't eventually harbor some feelings of anger.

I strongly advise some introspection. In my personal experience, people don't scream from the rooftops just because they want to be loud.

*adding to this*

If you believe common ground can be acheived, then I also advise you shift your focus away from what transpired during the 6/18 meeting, because too much of it is lasered in on what and how people said what they said.

Thanks,

- Justin Kosuk

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From: john.r.harris@verizon.net <john.r.harris@verizon.net>
Date: Fri, Jun 30, 2023 at 11:07 AM
To: tenken764@gmail.com <tenken764@gmail.com>
Cc: Heidi Olson <holson3@outlook.com>, Mike Heichman <mikeheichman@verizon.net>, Michael Heichman <michaelheichman@gmail.com>, BMDC Working Group <bmdc@lists.riseup.net>, lita Xú Líng Kelley <xulingkelley@gmail.com>

As can be seen below I asked you the question: "But are you going to accuse me of speaking ill of Mike?" You gave us an answer: "I have accused you of nothing". Fair enough. I obviously spoke ill of Mike, and you don't think I spoke ill of Mike. As you stated below: "I haven't asked for anything to be shut down. I haven't subscribed to hostile takeovers". However, you do support summary expulsions from the Boston May Day Coalition. Please explain why you support summary expulsions from BMDC.

John

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