# Barney Frank criticism of Democratic Party **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [May 5, 2026, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811 "2026-05-05T18:36:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 19
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/361 "2026-05-20T18:11:55Z")
Hope to be an ally, learn from his bad example what not to do. ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/362 "2026-05-20T18:29:19Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > The genre of music is still called Gypsie Jazz. It was created by a Roma Person (Django Reinhardt) and that’s what he called it in the 1930s. I would rather call it Djangonian music, named in homage to the Maestro. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/363 "2026-05-20T18:36:10Z")
Sure but that’s not what anyone calls it. Joscho Stephan who I have seen many times is probably the current living master of the genre and from Germany calls it that as do the Django Festival Allstars who are led by Samson Schmitt from France whom I have also seen multiple times. I cringe a bit when they explain the history and use that name. ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/364 "2026-05-20T18:37:06Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > Sure but that’s not what anyone calls it. Sure, because I just made it up a minute ago. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/365 "2026-05-20T18:38:24Z")
Let’s start the trend now. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/366 "2026-05-20T18:44:18Z")
> [@Johanna](#): > > That transphobic asshole. Again, are you basing this on what he _said_ while he was dying? About trans in sports? Because what he actually did does not show any evidence of that- Frank supported formal civil rights protections for transgender people. Frank was known for having testified in favor of transgender equal rights in Massachusetts in 2011 and he supported more federal protections. Frank argued many times that transgender equality was the next step in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Did Frank ever _do_ anything that showed he was transphobic? I think giving a dying sick persons words too much weight is unfair. ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/367 "2026-05-20T19:24:09Z")
What should we call [Gypsy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsy_(musical))? (Apparently there’s a movement afoot to call its subject “G. Rose Lee.”) ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/368 "2026-05-20T19:28:59Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Again, are you basing this on what he _said_ while he was dying? About trans in sports? Because what he actually did does not show any evidence of that- Frank supported formal civil rights protections for transgender people. Frank was known for having testified in favor of transgender equal rights in Massachusetts in 2011 and he supported more federal protections. Maximalist thinking is “all or nothing.” If someone agrees with 99% of my favored positions but disagrees on 1%, then that someone is a bigoted genocidal piece of excrement. I hope no one shared with Barney Frank that he was the target of such thinking, during those last days. He didn’t deserve it. He’s getting a lot of well-earned tributes for his work on promoting LGBTQ rights, but also recognition for his efforts to rein in Wall Street excesses: > [@](#): > > … Frank’s most notable piece of legislation was the one that bears his name: the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Congress’ response to the 2008 financial calamity. The bill sought to stabilize the markets, end the era of “too big to fail” Wall Street institutions and shield U.S. consumers from predatory practices. > > Obama signed it into law July 10, 2010 — with Frank and his co-author, Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., standing at his side. … Apparently he has a book of advice for Democrats coming out in September: > [@](#): > > … In his final months, he publicly chided his party’s left flank and wrote a book, “The Hard Path to Unity: Why We Must Reform the Left to Rescue Democracy,” set for publication in September. … > **[Former Rep. Barney Frank, champion of Wall Street reform and gay rights...](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-rep-barney-frank-champion-wall-street-reform-lgbtq-trailblazer-rcna342642)** > > The most prominent gay member of Congress of his generation, the Democrat represented southern Massachusetts in the House for more than 30 years. {noting that @iiandyiiii also referenced this article} ---
**Author:** ![CaveMike](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cavemike/32/16379_2.png) [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/369 "2026-05-20T20:21:59Z")
I think there are quite a few potential, untapped trans allies across the political spectrum. Some of them need time to digest and come around. Some need personal exposure to friends, family, and coworkers in order to realize trans people are not the enemy. Trans issues and acceptance has only had mainstream awareness for a relatively short period of time. We can nurture these potential allies and give them time to come around. Or, if we feel that the discrimination efforts are too severe, too dangerous, we can push forward with full force. Since I am not directly affected, I defer to those that are for setting the course of action. My sense, from posters on this board at least, we cannot afford to wait. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/370 "2026-05-20T20:33:54Z")
> [@bump](#): > > I mean, if there’s some housewife in rural Nebraska who’s not hateful and doesn’t bear anyone any ill will, but is uncomfortable with trans people because from her inexperienced perspective, they’re weird and unnatural, going off and demanding that she act and think a certain way is probably more likely to push her to the people who tell her “Yes, this discomfort is justified, they ARE weird and unnatural.” as it is to cause her to reflect on WHY she finds it weird and unnatural and whether or not that’s valid, and beyond that, _whether it matters_ in terms of human rights and legal treatment, etc… Anyone ever notice that these half-cocked hypotheticals never establish how anyone is supposed to _know_ that this theoretical Nebraska housewife is “uncomfortable” with trans people? We’re invited to imagine this poor imaginary woman just minding her own business when some “asshole” (presumably with blue hair) magically appears and just starts shrieking “bigot” at them. There’s never any sort of instigating incident, like there would be in real life - but then you have to tie a specific behavior to our sainted made-up housewife, and that starts getting messy because it’s hard to come up with an actual behavior a person can take that shows they’re “uncomfortable” with trans people that also doesn’t show them being an asshole about it. Also, FYI, but there’s a word for someone who holds a grudge against an entire class of people based on a negative experience with one or two members of that class. Starts with a “b” and rhymes with “spigot.” ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/371 "2026-05-20T20:38:20Z")
In my example, I was thinking more in terms of how she votes, not how she behaves. She may well have never met a trans person and only heard or seen about them on TV, but she’s going to have to vote one way or the other regardless. I never said she was bigoted, just that she doesn’t know much and is uncomfortable with the idea. Which mind you, isn’t bigotry, it’s at worst ignorance. So why call her a bigot if she doesn’t agree with you, and basically push her into the Republican side of things? Why not take a gentler approach? What’s it buy anyone to antagonize people about this, especially those on the fence or who are unsure? ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/372 "2026-05-20T20:39:59Z")
If you replace trans with Black in this we’d still be living with segregation. > [@](#): > > I mean, if there’s some housewife in rural Nebraska who’s not hateful and doesn’t bear anyone any ill will, but is uncomfortable with trans people because from her inexperienced perspective, they’re weird and unnatural ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/373 "2026-05-20T20:58:18Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > Anyone ever notice that these half-cocked hypotheticals never establish how anyone is supposed to _know_ that this theoretical Nebraska housewife is “uncomfortable” with trans people? We’re invited to imagine this poor imaginary woman just minding her own business when some “asshole” (presumably with blue hair) magically appears and just starts shrieking “bigot” at them. I assume that it’s more like this housewife in at home in Nebraska doing her thing and deciding who she will vote for when she hears someone associated with (or being painted as associated with) the Democratic Party calling people who hold opinions she holds, like that trans women have an unfair advantage in sports, a horrible bigot. She doesn’t need to hear this person call her a horrible bigot in person; hearing them say that a belief she holds is horribly bigoted is equivalent, by the transitive property. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/374 "2026-05-20T21:01:08Z")
> [@bump](#): > > In my example, I was thinking more in terms of how she votes, not how she behaves. How she votes on _what?_ What specific anti-trans legislation are you imagining here? Put some actual stakes in your hypotheticals. What specific damage is this woman inflicting on trans people that we’re supposed to overlook because calling her a bigot is mean? > [@bump](#): > > She may well have never met a trans person and only heard or seen about them on TV, but she’s going to have to vote one way or the other regardless. Fun fact: no she doesn’t. Nobody is required to register a vote on every issue on a ballot, or even vote at all. “I’ve never met a single trans person in my life, but I’m still going to vote to strip them of their legal rights,” is not the morally exculpating scenario you seem to think it is. > [@bump](#): > > I never said she was bigoted, just that she doesn’t know much and is uncomfortable with the idea. Which mind you, isn’t bigotry, it’s at worst ignorance. Yes, I’ve picked up on your reticence to call bigots what they actually are. That’s kind of the whole thing I’m pushing back on here? > [@bump](#): > > So why call her a bigot if she doesn’t agree with you, and basically push her into the Republican side of things? Why not take a gentler approach? What’s it buy anyone to antagonize people about this, especially those on the fence or who are unsure? Because it’s accurate. Because calling bigots out on their bigotry doesn’t “push” them anywhere, it just identifies where they already are. Because no civil rights advancement in history has ever succeeded by being polite. Because you’re insisting on a situation where every single person who supports trans rights must be unfailingly polite at all times, and if a single one of us slips up, our putative bigot is instantly resolved of any responsibility for their own beliefs and actions - it’s not _their_ fault for supporting anti-trans legislation, it was those terrible trans activists who _forced_ her into it. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/375 "2026-05-20T21:18:37Z")
No one hypothetically called this hypothetical person a “horrible bigot”. Why do these examples always include such hyperbole? ---
**Author:** ![Thing.Fish](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thing.fish/32/9168_2.png) [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/376 "2026-05-20T21:23:47Z")
I think a lot of people are just fragile little snowflakes. You can be as polite as you can be, but any suggestion that they might need to reconsider certain attitudes will be experienced as you calling them a horrible bigot. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/377 "2026-05-20T21:27:51Z")
Hannity or Tucker may convince this hypothetical Great Plains housewife that she’ll be called a bigot based on whatever nonsense minor concern she may have… and it won’t have anything to do with actual Democratic policies. If she gets her news from Hannity and co, there’s probably absolutely nothing any Democrat could ever do. The popular blather on this issue is pretty much 99.9% based on bullshit from liars. It won’t matter if various Democratic governors or Senators decide they want to be moderate or something – as long as they show even the barest hint of decency or compassion to trans people, and/or as long as a single Democrat in office (or on social media, even) pushes for a maximalist trans rights position, then the whole party will be deemed the trans rights party, and people who vote based on their distaste for trans people will never be open to a Democratic candidate. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/378 "2026-05-20T21:42:40Z")
If this hypothetical housewife isn’t a bigot, she’s not going to vote to prevent trans people from getting medical care. But she might vote for her local Republicans, who will join the national Republicans in bad legislation. Of course, if she doesn’t know any trans people, she probably voting on other issues, and not on trans issues. So we should address her by pointing out how damaging the Republican tariffs are, and how bad their healthcare policies are. Because those are issues she’s probably thinking about. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/379 "2026-05-20T21:43:51Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > No one hypothetically called this hypothetical person a “horrible bigot”. Correct, in the example I provided, no one called them a horrible bigot. That was pretty clear in the example. What point are you trying to make by pointing that out? ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2026, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811/380 "2026-05-20T21:51:08Z")
Almost every time I’ve seen someone called on their assholish behavior by a stranger, now matter how obvious and egregious the example, the reaction has been anger and defensiveness. Some people are polite, and apologize and try to do better, but most aren’t. This is especially obvious when the issue is being inconsiderate: in other words, when people did wrong because they weren’t really thinking about other people sufficiently or at all. The conclusion I draw from that is that, as a culture, we’re simply not inclined to learn or modify our behavior when approached by strangers, and / or that we lash out with aggression when we fell guilty. So the only way to reach the Nebraska housewife is not to call her a bigot, not to point out that her actions are bigoted, but to address the whole thing indirectly, by explicitly humanizing trans people. Film and television are probably the most effective ways to do this; education will follow. This is kind of what happened with gay people: they were rarely and obliquely depicted in pop culture, then were minor characters, largely for laughs; then eventually main characters with nearly the full range of humanity. In the meantime, yes, Nebraska Lou IS explicitly voting on anti-trans positions, if she’s voting Republican, which is a decent bet for our hypothetical voter. And anti-gay positions, and anti-women positions as well. This is a whole other level of educational outreach that is needed, but either the Democrats don’t want to, or it’s just not that important to them. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811.md?page=18) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-criticism-of-democratic-party/1029811.md?page=20)