Maine may be a large state geographically, but there's only about 1.5 million people here. Heck, Baxter State Park is about the size of Connecticut. However, there is one thing we do well: LGBT rights. The other thing we do well is the Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN). Of course we get great feeds from NPR, and having lived in many other states I can say that the classical music programming on MPBN is second only to WGBH radio in Boston, but the best thing we do is local issue programming.
Apparently, transgender issues are the issues of the day today and I'm really proud of that.
Maine has marriage equality, due to people at the ballot-box saying so. Many municipalities had anti LGBT discrimination laws dating back to the late 80's. Despite our Tea Party governor, the likely next one is an out, Gay man and a Democrat. Yet I am very delighted to hear the MPBN produced daytime call-in program "Maine Calling"
talking seriously and encouragingly about transgendered persons, and letting them talk about their experiences in their own words without agenda.
I am very proud of my state, and even more proud today to be listening.
It's not up yet except in live feed but you will be able to listen to the program here when it's finished.