— September marked the first anniversary of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the unconstitutional law which allowed gay and lesbian service members to serve if they could hide their sexual orientation. I don’t know how other people celebrated this event. I admit I did a little dance.

You know why some religious denominations are opposed to people having sex while standing up? It could lead to dancing. Unit cohesion, morale, military readiness, service retention and recruitment were all unaffected. Despite exaggerated concerns from some, America’s military is stronger because of the repeal.

Not one of those “the sky is falling, the sky is falling” Republican lawmakers that stood so vocally and vehemently against gay people serving openly came forth to apologize for their willful wrongheadedness.

Another group other than social conservatives that didn’t celebrate the one-year anniversary of repeal was transgender Americans. When “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was repealed there wasn’t support for the repeal to include transgender soldiers. Those who righteously discriminate against gay people apparently righteously discriminate against transgender people even more. I have read the “King James” version several times. Don’t understand the problem so many have with transgender people.

Using both “religious and science” Honorable Oklahoma County Judge Bill Graves made news recently for denying two transgender people the right to change their name to fit with their transitions. Pretty modest requests. I believe Graves makes Oklahomans look stupid, bigoted and backward.

Many of us have lots of land, big houses, fine cars, fancy clothes and a multitude of expensive toys. In reality we don’t “own” all this materialistic stuff. There are very few things we human beings truly own. We own our bodies, our minds, our souls, and our own names.

If a person wants to legally change their name and there is no evidence of fraud, there should be nothing to prevent it. If more conservatives were true to their lofty ideals, this judge that represents the people of Oklahoma County would be looking for honest work or be put out to pasture.

MIKE DUMFORD

Stigler