LGBTQ+ Issues

Myth #1: Wanting a long-term partner where your relationship is not legally recognized by the government to inherit your assets, you do not need to have a Last Will as a minimum

If you are in a registered domestic partnership or married, your domestic partner or spouse would generally have certain legal rights and protections in terms of inheritance. California recognizes registered domestic partners and spouses as having similar rights to each other. If you are not married or in a registered domestic partnership and do not have a will, your estate would typically be distributed according to California's laws of intestate succession. In this case, your parents would likely have a stronger position to inherit, unless you have other legal arrangements in place.

It is important to consult with a legal professional who specializes in estate planning or probate law to understand the specific laws, regulations, and potential outcomes related to estate distribution in California. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual circumstances and help you create an estate plan that aligns with your wishes.

Myth #2: Men who wear dresses or other feminine clothing are drag queens or transvesties

No, it is not true that all gay men who wear dresses are drag queens or transvestites. It is important to understand that gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation are separate aspects of a person's identity.

Drag queens are performers who typically dress in extravagant and exaggerated attire for entertainment purposes. Drag is an art form and a form of self-expression that is not limited to any specific gender or sexual orientation. Drag queens may or may not identify as gay or transgender.

Transvestites, also known as cross-dressers, are individuals who occasionally or regularly wear clothing typically associated with the opposite sex. Cross-dressing is often done for personal enjoyment or self-expression, but it does not necessarily reflect a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Some cross-dressers may identify as gay, while others may not.

It is important to refrain from making assumptions about someone's gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation based on their appearance or clothing choices. Each person's unique experience and identity should be respected. If individual self-identifications are known, it is important to use the correct terms and pronouns that they prefer.

Myth #3: "Transgender" people are just want to wear the clothing of the other sex

It seems like you are referring to thnting to wear the other sex's clothingse topic of transgender individuals and their right to use facilities that align with their gender identity. It is important to recognize that gender identity is an individual's deeply felt sense of their gender, which may or may not align with their assigned sex at birth.

Transgender individuals often face discrimination and challenges when it comes to accessing facilities such as bathrooms and changing rooms that align with their gender identity. However, it is crucial to note that their desire to use these facilities is not rooted in a desire to wear certain clothes or engage in any inappropriate behavior, as some misconceptions might suggest.

Transgender individuals simply seek to use facilities that correspond with their gender identity to have a safe and comfortable experience just like anyone else. Many organizations and institutions have implemented policies allowing individuals to use facilities that align with their gender identity to promote inclusivity and respect for transgender rights.

It is important to approach the topic with empathy, understanding, and respect for transgender individuals, as they face significant challenges and discrimination in many aspects of their lives, including access to facilities that should be available to all without discrimination.

Myth #4: The military MUST pay for gender reassignment surgery for ALL transgender military personnel

The issue of whether the military should cover medical surgeries for transgender individuals is a complex and controversial one. There are varying opinions on this matter, and it is important to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect for differing viewpoints.

As of September 2020, the policy on transgender individuals serving in the military is in flux. The previous ban, which was announced in 2017, prohibited transgender individuals from serving openly and receiving certain medical treatments, including gender confirmation surgeries. However, in January 2021, President Biden signed an executive order reversing this ban and directing the Department of Defense to review the policy.Supporters argue that transgender individuals should receive the same medical care as any other service member. They argue that denying coverage for gender confirmation surgeries is discriminatory and goes against the principles of equality. They highlight the potential benefits of providing these surgeries, such as improved mental health outcomes and increased readiness and morale among transgender service members.

Opponents, on the other hand, may argue that the military should not bear the cost of gender confirmation surgeries, as they can be costly and may not be deemed medically necessary by all. They may also raise concerns about the impact on military readiness and the allocation of limited resources within the defense budget.

Ultimately, the decision on whether the military should cover medical surgeries for transgender individuals is a policy issue that will depend on various factors, including legal considerations, budgetary constraints, and societal norms. It is a topic that will continue to be debated, and any changes in policy will likely be informed by ongoing discussions and reviews by the Department of Defense.

As with any topic related to military policy, it is crucial to engage in respectful and informed dialogue, considering multiple perspectives and the potential impact on all stakeholders involved.

Myth #5: My parents could get my Advance health Care Directive voided if I name my boyfriend as my agent

The authority given to an agent in an advance health care directive (also known as a medical power of attorney) is generally legally binding, but there are some situations where it could be challenged or overruled.

Generally speaking, the purpose of an advance health care directive is to appoint an agent to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. The authority of the agent is typically respected by healthcare providers and is legally binding. However, it's important to note that there are situations in which the decisions of the appointed agent can be overridden.

For example, if your parents believe that your boyfriend is not acting in your best interest or if they have concerns about his decision-making capacity, they might seek legal action to challenge the authority of your boyfriend as your agent.

To mitigate any potential conflicts or challenges, it is advisable to communicate your wishes clearly with both your boyfriend and your parents. You may also consider involving an attorney in the process to ensure that your advance health care directive is legally sound and to address any concerns or questions from your parents.

Ultimately, the specifics of how your advance health care directive would be interpreted and enforced will be based on Court interpretations of California law and any potential challenges that may arise would also be adjudicated according to California law and the alleged claims of provable evidence.