Beacon Hill Looks to Neutralize Gender [OPINION]

With most of us caught somewhere between closing up the beach house and leaf-peeping, some in the Massachusetts Legislature are looking to move the LGBTQ+ political agenda a few inches further downfield. 

The State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Committee has a hearing scheduled for tomorrow morning on so-called "Gender X" legislation. H 3664 would let people chose "X" as their gender on a driver's license and birth certificate. The Senate overwhelmingly passed a version of the bill back in April.

The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition is expected to show up en masse to support the legislation. 

Arline Isaacson, co-chair of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, tells the Boston Herald folks should have the option to be identified as who they are on their documents.

"They should have the right to be truthful with who they are, and have that recognized. Otherwise, it's a living hell for them. Every single time that document doesn't comport with who they are, it's a nightmare," Isaacson said.

Opponents tell the paper "Gender X" raises public safety concerns, among other issues. Republican Party Chair Jim Lyons tells the Herald, "It's consistent with the radical left agenda that we need to stand up against. We have an opioid epidemic and all sorts of issues, but this is their priority – to put an X on driver's licenses. It's insane."

The committee is also scheduled to take up H 2686, which would require that all public restrooms in Massachusetts be gender-neutral. This could result in grown men peeing in the same public restroom as your granddaughter.

According to the Williams Institute at UCLA, the percentage of trans adults — an umbrella term used to describe those whose gender does not match with the sex they were assigned at birth — has doubled in the last 10 years from 0.3 percent to 0.6 percent.

Just 0.6 percent. How does 0.6 percent of the U.S. population wield so much power? 

Left-leaning politicians discovered identity politics a long time ago. It helps them to keep the base in line while providing an illusion that they are the all caring, all-inclusive party of the people. By segregating everyone into small little groups, it's easier to tend to them. They toss a bone every now and then in exchange for votes and endorsements. 

"Gender X" ID's and gender-neutral bathrooms are neither necessary nor are they helpful for anyone – unless, of course, you are pandering for your own personal or political gain.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.