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My Daughter, the Paleontologist (And Other Radical Acts of Equality)
By Oddly Robbie – One of One When I was a young dad, I made a quiet vow: I would never box my daughters into roles someone else carved out of thin air and outdated beliefs. Back then, in our little Mormon circle, it was common—almost expected—for little girls to say, “When I grow up,…
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Less is More: A New Take on Food, Possessions, and Life
Let this sink in: I am a part of this earth, and the earth is part of me. I own nothing, and nothing owns me. I carry memories, not things. These words have become my mantra as my partner and I prepare for our move to Costa del Sol, Spain. We’ve done this before—packing our…
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Keeping Oddly Robbie
The show must go on.
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Blog Story: Kathy’s Journey – A Light in the Shadows
Disclaimer: This is a fictional narrative inspired by real-world challenges to foster empathy and understanding. Ricks College, Rexburg, Idaho, 1983 Kathy sat in the sterile office of the campus doctor, her hands gripping her husband’s for comfort. Married for a year and glowing with the optimism of young love, they had eagerly begun planning for…
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The T in LGBTQ+: Why Solidarity Matters More Than Ever
Let’s break down the rainbow alphabet soup we all know: L for lesbian, B for bisexual, G for gay, T for transgender, and then the ever-expanding “+” for our beautiful diversity. But today, we’re hitting pause on the roll call to focus on one letter that’s catching an outsized amount of society’s heat: the T.…
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Rising Above the Noise: We Are Not Alone
Hello, dear readers. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve felt it, too. That rising pressure in the air. The noise that comes not just from the headlines, but from the glances, the muttered words, the silences where there should be kindness. The world feels heavier, louder, sharper than it did before. And for many…
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The Thin Line Between Home and Homelessness: My Journey and the Fight for Housing Security
The warmth of a home is something many of us take for granted. But for those of us who have faced the cold nights in a van, the reality is much harsher. Housing insecurity is not just about losing a roof over your head; it’s about losing the stability, safety, and dignity that come with…
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Navigating My Journey from Suppression to Self-Expression: A Pride Reflection
As we enter Pride Month, the streets come alive with vibrant floats, flags, and even the quest for biodegradable glitter. Yet, for many of us, Pride is more than a celebration; it’s a testament to resilience, a journey from suppression to self-expression. Early Years: The Weight of Cultural Suppression Growing up, my cultural background imposed…
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Breaking Free: A Journey Through LDS Corrective Therapy
Content Warning: This episode contains explicit content related to corrective therapy, including discussions of inappropriate behavior and emotional distress. Listener discretion is advised. Hello, wonderful readers! It’s your quirky friend Oddly Robbie here, ready to take you on a rollercoaster ride through one of the most challenging chapters of my life. Buckle up, because today…
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As Oddly Robbie, I carry the worries of my ancestors, but I also have the strength to fight for them and for the future. In these times of conflict, I choose to fight peacefully for peace.
I feel deep sadness for the suffering caused by war, and I firmly believe that talking and understanding can lead to a better world. I speak out not with anger, but with love for humanity and a desire for a peaceful life. May our voices, no matter how small, rise above the noise of conflict…
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Dehumanization: A Logical Perspective (special edition)
Across various cultures, there’s often an implicit agreement to dehumanize neighboring communities. My aim here is not to justify this behavior or to label it as good or bad but rather to examine it from a logical perspective. Understanding Dehumanization Dehumanization enables us to mentally override our empathy and engage in acts like warfare against…
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Cultural Carousel: My Global Jaunt
Ah, the green Montanan turned Mormon missionary! Who would’ve guessed that jetting off to Japan would throw me onto a relentless cultural treadmill? There, my Japanese companion, a model of military discipline, set a grueling pace. Exhausted yet determined, I had no choice but to dive into the deep end of unfamiliar languages and customs.…
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Embracing Empathy: My Journey from Prejudice to Equality
Into Join me as I share a deeply personal journey that winds through the terrains of identity, love, and acceptance. The Struggle for Authenticity During my deployment in regions hostile to the LGBTQ+ community, I faced a dilemma that tested my authenticity. To communicate with my partner, I had to change his name to a…