Anti-trans Democrat Shawn Thierry came in second place to challenger Lauren Ashley Simmons, a black queer union organizer in the greatest test for Democrats compromising on transgender rights.
"This outcome represents a significant warning for Democrats who believe they can compromise on transgender rights, suggesting that casting votes like Thierry's could be perilous."
Let's hope so. We were dealt a blow here in Philly yesterday with both our US senators allowing Republicans to pull funding from the William Way Center, which does so much for the LGBTQ+ community here. I've been feeling very jaded with many Dems lately. I'm trying to have hope, but it's getting to be more difficult.
And even once we’ve defeated them, we have to teach future generations how to spot and fight fascism. I can’t believe how quickly fascism returned. I remember reading lord of the rings as a kid and wondering why the good people of middle earth let Sauron regain his strength and become a threat again, and yet here we are with the enemy trying to destroy our Shire, again
Democracy is a fragile thing... and, in hindsight, we here in the US should have been more aware of that truth, considering how many other democracies we destroyed ourselves with the CIA over the decades by empowering right-wing asshats.
Though this is good news, it is absolutely disheartening that a Democrat - even in Texas - would take such a hostile stand against trans people. Just awful. With the GOP basically united in their hostility against trans people, the support of Democrats is absolutely needed. Without at least some friends and supporters in Congress, it’s difficult to see how basic trans human rights don’t eventually get bulldozed away sooner or later, where they haven’t already.
At least Dems. Are doing the bare minimum. If you’re not progressive, you’re not really a democrat anymore. Centrists are just misnamed Republicans at this point. How much do you want to bet that her conservative views on this issue is religiously derived from? Christian nationalism knows no bounds.
Oh no. These MF'ers are normalizing this run-off bullshit. They started that in GA and created a swing-State situation. Now they're doing it across the country? See, this is how these "law makers" are. They know people won't run out and vote continuously, so they're trying to wear people down. They know employers won't give employees time off to vote, and they're stacking the deck. They make laws to their benefit and to the dismay of non-white cisgender heterosexual people.
My hrt clinic/Dr is actually about to publish a study arguing against 'chemical castration'. I want to give you a heads up on that to give us more information to push against such disinformation, I hope this helps Erin!
This is great. And that it happened in Texas makes it that much better. Now, will they understand that the public is not behind their anti-trans, anti-lgbt bs? Well, Biden certainly hasn't gotten our message on Palestine. And he's a Democrat. It's becoming apparent to all of us that neither party cares what we want. I say don't wait for the election, take to the streets and shut it down.
I still don't want to be standing between the DNC and the bus lane this election season, but this is cause for hope, at least. Maybe if a few more 'phobes get the boot, the party as a whole will get the message that they should leave bigotry to the Republicans and focus on good governance, instead.
Who knew there could be good news out of Texas. Damn!
"This outcome represents a significant warning for Democrats who believe they can compromise on transgender rights, suggesting that casting votes like Thierry's could be perilous."
Let's hope so. We were dealt a blow here in Philly yesterday with both our US senators allowing Republicans to pull funding from the William Way Center, which does so much for the LGBTQ+ community here. I've been feeling very jaded with many Dems lately. I'm trying to have hope, but it's getting to be more difficult.
Didn't they reverse their decision though, after an outcry?! I hope they didn't end up pulling the funding anyway!!
I haven't heard anything about a decision being reversed, but maybe I missed it. As far as I know, the funding is still pulled. :(
Trying to split the Left over trans issues is simply not working in the US.
And even once we’ve defeated them, we have to teach future generations how to spot and fight fascism. I can’t believe how quickly fascism returned. I remember reading lord of the rings as a kid and wondering why the good people of middle earth let Sauron regain his strength and become a threat again, and yet here we are with the enemy trying to destroy our Shire, again
Democracy is a fragile thing... and, in hindsight, we here in the US should have been more aware of that truth, considering how many other democracies we destroyed ourselves with the CIA over the decades by empowering right-wing asshats.
Though this is good news, it is absolutely disheartening that a Democrat - even in Texas - would take such a hostile stand against trans people. Just awful. With the GOP basically united in their hostility against trans people, the support of Democrats is absolutely needed. Without at least some friends and supporters in Congress, it’s difficult to see how basic trans human rights don’t eventually get bulldozed away sooner or later, where they haven’t already.
Nice read to wake up to! Will google Lauren Ashley Simmons to be better informed. Just being black in Texas shouts "brave woman."
At this moment it looks like the last two paragraphs are the same information; maybe one wasn't removed during editing? Thanks as always Erin!
Edited ty!
Will be donating to Simmons’ campaign for sure!
At least Dems. Are doing the bare minimum. If you’re not progressive, you’re not really a democrat anymore. Centrists are just misnamed Republicans at this point. How much do you want to bet that her conservative views on this issue is religiously derived from? Christian nationalism knows no bounds.
Oh no. These MF'ers are normalizing this run-off bullshit. They started that in GA and created a swing-State situation. Now they're doing it across the country? See, this is how these "law makers" are. They know people won't run out and vote continuously, so they're trying to wear people down. They know employers won't give employees time off to vote, and they're stacking the deck. They make laws to their benefit and to the dismay of non-white cisgender heterosexual people.
Anyway, GOOD for Ms. Simmons. GET HER, SISTA!!!
Erin, how on earth do you do it! You are everywhere everyday covering meaningful news that impact trans-folks and their families!!!!! You are amazing!
My hrt clinic/Dr is actually about to publish a study arguing against 'chemical castration'. I want to give you a heads up on that to give us more information to push against such disinformation, I hope this helps Erin!
https://www.reddit.com/r/DrWillPowers/s/8t31nBZPf3
This is great. And that it happened in Texas makes it that much better. Now, will they understand that the public is not behind their anti-trans, anti-lgbt bs? Well, Biden certainly hasn't gotten our message on Palestine. And he's a Democrat. It's becoming apparent to all of us that neither party cares what we want. I say don't wait for the election, take to the streets and shut it down.
YES LETSGOO
Thank you for reporting on this Erin. I've just donated to Lauren's campaign. I encourage others to do the same. Hugs! :)
I still don't want to be standing between the DNC and the bus lane this election season, but this is cause for hope, at least. Maybe if a few more 'phobes get the boot, the party as a whole will get the message that they should leave bigotry to the Republicans and focus on good governance, instead.
Sending a donation to Simmons toute de suite! If anyone wants to join me: https://www.laurenashleysimmons.com/