Posted on Dec 3, 2022
After record election year, some LGBTQ lawmakers face a new challenge: GOP majorities
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https://www.npr.org/2022/12/03/ [login to see] /transgender-legislation-lgbtq-candidates-montana-zooey-zephyr
Zooey Zephyr is familiar with the ornate halls of the Montana state Capitol. She was here during the 2021 legislative session, testifying in opposition to bills targeted at trans-Montanans, like a ban on trans women and girls from participating in women's sports.
"The image of 'quote' trans women ruining the integrity of women's sports paints a false picture of life as a trans woman," she said in the House Judiciary Committee. "It incorrectly claims that we have a competitive advantage. And it misses why trans people transition in the first place – which is to lead a happier life," Zephyr added.
Then, this year, 34-year-old Zephyr became the first openly trans woman elected to the Montana legislature. Now, Rep.-elect Zephyr from Missoula, along with a record-number winning LGBTQ state legislative candidates across the country, will file into state capitols in January when many of their colleagues will likely propose anti-LGBTQ bills again.
Zooey Zephyr is familiar with the ornate halls of the Montana state Capitol. She was here during the 2021 legislative session, testifying in opposition to bills targeted at trans-Montanans, like a ban on trans women and girls from participating in women's sports.
"The image of 'quote' trans women ruining the integrity of women's sports paints a false picture of life as a trans woman," she said in the House Judiciary Committee. "It incorrectly claims that we have a competitive advantage. And it misses why trans people transition in the first place – which is to lead a happier life," Zephyr added.
Then, this year, 34-year-old Zephyr became the first openly trans woman elected to the Montana legislature. Now, Rep.-elect Zephyr from Missoula, along with a record-number winning LGBTQ state legislative candidates across the country, will file into state capitols in January when many of their colleagues will likely propose anti-LGBTQ bills again.
After record election year, some LGBTQ lawmakers face a new challenge: GOP majorities
Posted from npr.org
Transgender
LGBTQ+
Republicans
Posted >1 y ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."It is the day in, day out, conversations with people. The humanizing effect of working with someone, and working with someone who over the course of the legislative session will get to know that I have a nuanced life and that I have genuine beliefs and so do they," Zephyr said.
Montana Democrats have found allies in moderate Republicans before, some who voted against the anti-trans rights bills last session. That also gives Zephyr hope.
She'll start work in legislation and bridge-building in earnest when she's sworn into Montana's 68th legislative session on Jan. 2."...
..."It is the day in, day out, conversations with people. The humanizing effect of working with someone, and working with someone who over the course of the legislative session will get to know that I have a nuanced life and that I have genuine beliefs and so do they," Zephyr said.
Montana Democrats have found allies in moderate Republicans before, some who voted against the anti-trans rights bills last session. That also gives Zephyr hope.
She'll start work in legislation and bridge-building in earnest when she's sworn into Montana's 68th legislative session on Jan. 2."...
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