i do not see any intent to censor in Bruce's comments but rather a desire to really understand what's being said in the petition. i also see a great deal of passion in Kelli's posts, and a great deal of commitment in the efforts of DTAA.
While i may see no reason for offense in Bruce's quest for clarity, i do think it more important not to lose sight of how truly offensive and sad that the rights, equality and safety of transgender & intersex friends and family appear (again, in the case of the HRC) to have been so easily discarded in the name of political pragmatism. i say that not only because of the very real impact in the lives of people i love, but also because of a strong belief that the discrimination and hatred against lgbt people all take root in the same soil of sexism.
This is something that i believe Bishop Gene understands. There are also many people within the gay community who understand this as well, and who do engage in trying to understand and work together to find solutions.
The caution in this struggle, at least for me, is to not assume that i understand what the fight is like for my transgender & intersex family & friends. One caution for all of us in this struggle might be that we gain little when we too easily take offense at someone's sincere desire to understand.
Pax et bonum,
scott