A Republican Senator voted against a gender affirming care ban in Louisiana. Today, it was revealed he did so because of a bombshell Louisiana report showing the care is safe and effective.
I don't know what heinous things this guy HAS voted for as a Republican (there must be some) but it is pretty refreshing to see someone among their ranks not succumb to EVERY vile thing, and to make the right choice at a time when it really matters, rather than from the safety of retirement or something like that.
Matt Walsh seems increasingly unhinged and drunk on his own power to threaten people - even for him. What's with this "we" business? IMHO, he appears to be truly mentally deranged at this point - like there's some deep seated personal issue there. The self-immolation is coming. The only question is when.
Right? We're politely informed that trans people are overreacting to the conservative rhetoric against us if ever we come close to fearing for our continued right to exist--but just look at how Walsh menacingly threatens the career and continued public existence even of this nice cisgender gentleman from Louisiana. Dude is in the grip of something, and it isn't a good look. "Butchers and groomers"?
Couldn't help noticing the scare quotes around "Republican" in the quoted tweet either. After seeing such quotes around "marriage" too many times when certain folks speak about queer unions, it was genuinely nice to know that we're not the only ones who come in for the treatment. Next I suppose we'll be hearing about the godless GOPLMNOP agenda.
right!? Along with "zero surgeries on minors". For the "We're all about the facts" party, they are turning out to be pretty good about ignoring the numbers.
Great to see this person in Louisiana voting that way. Really is a positive move in terms of acknowledging the very real basis for trans identity and care.
This would seem to buy the good people of LA a year of transgender health care. It's a win, no doubt about it. However, the Republicans will retool and be back at it in 2024 - an election year when the deceptions and lies know no bounds. Until then, keep up the good fight.
I'm in New Orleans. Our Governor is a Dem, so there's not a Republican trifecta. The leading candidate to replace him in the 2024 election is Attorney General Jeff Landry, a MAGA cultural war vulture. Fred Mills retires his position at the end of the Session in June. I hate to say it, but this victory is short lived, and looks likely to be over-ridden. Erin is making too much of this temporary victory.
Good catch - I had really meant Republican trifectas or legislative supermajorities that could override a Dem governor, I fixed that.
As for it being short lived - I'm in contact with activists on the ground who are hopeful this victory can be maintained for at least the immediate next several months, but yes, the fear is there.
It's very hard for me to consider Louisiana a safe haven. For a ever long time a think it will be in danger of falling to the right wing MAGA anti-trans hate.
I’m really glad that Louisiana has resisted the anti-trans bandwagon, this is so important to those both there and in neighboring states, who need care. However, I tend to agree with those who have said that this is likely a temporary victory. The reason is that there’s already been a history of anti-trans legislative attempts in Louisiana, and those responsible will simply regroup and try again as soon as the political climate is better for them. To me, the only truly safe states (barring the possibility of federal legislation) are states where there is zero interest in, and recent history of, any anti-trans legislation being proposed. To my knowledge, that would apply to only a few deep blue states right now
I'm so thankful you are doing this work, Erin. I trust you as a source, and those I trust I can count on one hand. The connection between what's happening here and fascism needs to be made continually to be believed, just like the way the fascists are repeating the same lies so often they will be taken as fact. Wondering who is tracking fascism in the U.S.?
Erin, this news brings up a question I've had in my mind: Have you come across any other rational Republicans during your reporting? I've read the stories about how many GOP legislators are scared to death of being primaried if they don't go along with every eradicationist inspired bill. So which legislators or officials are out there in majority GOP states who really need our support to give them the courage to do the right thing?
Thank the goddess that a conservative republican finally did the right thing. Too bad that we couldn't have had ONE person in Nebraska do the same! They all decided to side with the lies here. I hope it all gets challenged and overturned soon though! Trans Youth Belong in Nebraska!
It appears that Fred Mills possesses the Oz Trifecta: a Brain, a Heart, AND Courage!
I don't know what heinous things this guy HAS voted for as a Republican (there must be some) but it is pretty refreshing to see someone among their ranks not succumb to EVERY vile thing, and to make the right choice at a time when it really matters, rather than from the safety of retirement or something like that.
I live in Mississippi, and I get my care from New Orleans. This is amazing news for me.
I'm so happy for you and for all those nearby who will see this as hope when we really really need some :)
Matt Walsh seems increasingly unhinged and drunk on his own power to threaten people - even for him. What's with this "we" business? IMHO, he appears to be truly mentally deranged at this point - like there's some deep seated personal issue there. The self-immolation is coming. The only question is when.
Right? We're politely informed that trans people are overreacting to the conservative rhetoric against us if ever we come close to fearing for our continued right to exist--but just look at how Walsh menacingly threatens the career and continued public existence even of this nice cisgender gentleman from Louisiana. Dude is in the grip of something, and it isn't a good look. "Butchers and groomers"?
Couldn't help noticing the scare quotes around "Republican" in the quoted tweet either. After seeing such quotes around "marriage" too many times when certain folks speak about queer unions, it was genuinely nice to know that we're not the only ones who come in for the treatment. Next I suppose we'll be hearing about the godless GOPLMNOP agenda.
My state did something not awful for once!
Wish that other republican senators and legislators focused on the legitimate research study numbers like this representative has.
Low to nonexistent regret, thorough evaluation, positive outcomes, etc.
right!? Along with "zero surgeries on minors". For the "We're all about the facts" party, they are turning out to be pretty good about ignoring the numbers.
Great to see this person in Louisiana voting that way. Really is a positive move in terms of acknowledging the very real basis for trans identity and care.
This would seem to buy the good people of LA a year of transgender health care. It's a win, no doubt about it. However, the Republicans will retool and be back at it in 2024 - an election year when the deceptions and lies know no bounds. Until then, keep up the good fight.
Someone reading something and changing their mind is revolutionary
This is amazing! So glad to hear good news coming from the South. New Orleans was where I found some of my first trans community.
I'm in New Orleans. Our Governor is a Dem, so there's not a Republican trifecta. The leading candidate to replace him in the 2024 election is Attorney General Jeff Landry, a MAGA cultural war vulture. Fred Mills retires his position at the end of the Session in June. I hate to say it, but this victory is short lived, and looks likely to be over-ridden. Erin is making too much of this temporary victory.
Good catch - I had really meant Republican trifectas or legislative supermajorities that could override a Dem governor, I fixed that.
As for it being short lived - I'm in contact with activists on the ground who are hopeful this victory can be maintained for at least the immediate next several months, but yes, the fear is there.
It's very hard for me to consider Louisiana a safe haven. For a ever long time a think it will be in danger of falling to the right wing MAGA anti-trans hate.
I’m really glad that Louisiana has resisted the anti-trans bandwagon, this is so important to those both there and in neighboring states, who need care. However, I tend to agree with those who have said that this is likely a temporary victory. The reason is that there’s already been a history of anti-trans legislative attempts in Louisiana, and those responsible will simply regroup and try again as soon as the political climate is better for them. To me, the only truly safe states (barring the possibility of federal legislation) are states where there is zero interest in, and recent history of, any anti-trans legislation being proposed. To my knowledge, that would apply to only a few deep blue states right now
Finally something better.
I'm so thankful you are doing this work, Erin. I trust you as a source, and those I trust I can count on one hand. The connection between what's happening here and fascism needs to be made continually to be believed, just like the way the fascists are repeating the same lies so often they will be taken as fact. Wondering who is tracking fascism in the U.S.?
Erin, this news brings up a question I've had in my mind: Have you come across any other rational Republicans during your reporting? I've read the stories about how many GOP legislators are scared to death of being primaried if they don't go along with every eradicationist inspired bill. So which legislators or officials are out there in majority GOP states who really need our support to give them the courage to do the right thing?
Thank the goddess that a conservative republican finally did the right thing. Too bad that we couldn't have had ONE person in Nebraska do the same! They all decided to side with the lies here. I hope it all gets challenged and overturned soon though! Trans Youth Belong in Nebraska!