I cannot fathom the sheer level of stupidity of this candidate and the other Democratic candidates who take this position. It's like they're just hoping that the "noisy progressives" go away and accept their scraps.
It's bad judgment I have to assume. Running away from the issue even in this state will alienate people, probably mean she loses. I don't get the strategy.
I will continue to post proper trans information on her Bluesky account until she either responds, removes it, or blocks me.
I have gotten permission from one of my trans sons to use excerpts from his book, “Understanding Trans Identity” - Braxton Phoenix Stock, author. Will scan important sections and drop it in the thread of info I’ve been sharing.
It would be fantastic if people here could find positive, factual material regarding trans folks and post it to Amy Acton’s Bluesky account and her website. It seems like so many allies and accomplices are doing the good work alone. Bash back at stupidity. Get busy. Time is ticking into the future.
I feel bad for all the trans folks still unfortunately living in Ohio. This is a no-win situation for them at this point. I think the best outcome is for Acton to lose so the broader Democratic Party nationally realizes that embracing transphobia is not going to win them elections. But that means a full governor's term of horrific anti-trans laws in Ohio being signed. Though it seems like that would be the case even if Acton does win. I hope y'all are able to stay safe or get out if you can.
It is better to lose this one, if she's this egregiously disrespecting part of our base. People might think I'm biased because I have a trans GF, but I'm speaking as an operative on this, her strategy even in OH is poor. Better to risk losing on the right thing than to ensure being a loser because she couldn't stand for something.
Progressives, queer folk and allies - STAY HOME. Losing may be bad in the short term, but it's the only way they will start to learn not to sell us out.
Sorry to hear this. Mean-spirited, unnecessary, and terrible politics. This morning I had sent a message to Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL), a major abortion rights group:
"I have three daughters and have been a pro-abortion advocate for decades. I see that you recently endorsed Amy Acton in her race for Ohio governor. She recently spoke out against allowing transgender girls to participate in school sports. Given that the same forces -- dark money groups, radical right wing orgs, conservative Christians -- that lie about abortion and abortion rights also lie about transgenderism and support the exclusion of transgender folks from society, how would I explain your position to my transgender friends and family members?"
Don't really expect to hear back. Also, this is the same Amy Acton who in 2022 said, referring to her Jewish background, “Kindness is a fierce call to justice and ... an age-old enduring principle...where we see the humanity in one another.” (Cleveland Jewish News)
Naturally, it saddens one to read about a woman with a fairly progressive record taking a position like this. Why she even broached the topic or responded to a loaded question about it is a mystery, and certainly cold-shouldering those who came to discuss it with her was disrespectful.
But, revisiting her comment, saying ‘boys’ shouldn’t compete in girls’ sports threw the trans community under the bus to please the ignorant.
It would be wise for Ms. Acton to quietly get together with representatives of the Ohio trans community and seek a solution that promises she won’t be driving that bus again if elected.
I call BS on her genuinely being a phobe - she's doing this because she thinks she has to deny trans identity publicly to be governor. And she will find out she won't be, anyway.
I know, but it's annoying, she's not stupid, if she really is a phobe so be it, but I don't believe it, I think she's afraid of losing, and she will lose anyway, it's pathetic.
I would agree with your premise except for the misgendering. There were a host of possible responses that would have been frustrating or even angering without crossing that line. That was the headline with her original comments and it’s very difficult to see that as some sort of Sister Souljah moment and not garden variety transphobia.
True but I bet she's doing it intentionally, she has some cockamamie notion that she can win by being a phobe, delusion, wishful thinking is powerful, she will get destroyed and deserve it.
I’m sure you’re right. It’s hard to think of anything perfectly analogous. It’s like using the N word and claiming you’re not racist. Maybe you’re not an inveterate bigot, but the difference between being a racist and saying or doing racist things becomes academic at a certain point, which feels like where we are here. And she didn’t stumble into it, she strode. Lol
After a bit more research on Dr. Acton, she seems somewhat stressed. I watched her campaign video: she has a strained, troubled look about her and I wonder if she’s prone to vocalizing impulsive thoughts.
I don’t want to see Vivek Ramaswamy as governor, but I do wonder why we seem to have such poor quality of character in many candidates for public office.
Many thoughts but few solutions rattle about in my mind!
As a trans Ohioan, I am extremely disappointed. Until recent years Ohio had always been purple. Acton had looked so positive for us. I don't know what to do. I hate this situation and her clear hate for trans people, but having Vivek Ramaswamy lead my state is notably worse.
This is a situation that needs clarity. Acton and her actions here suck. But we need to get her into office anyway. Ohio needs a step forward even if it comes with serious problems. I implore you, Erin, to show a bit about Ramaswamy too. He would be worse. When I vote this November it will be with a heavy heart. Not voting is a vote for Vivek, and even though I don't support Acton it is necessary to vote for her to try and push Ohio closer to being good.
This is why I just wouldn't cast a vote in the race. I would never vote for Ramaswamy. But nor could I support a coward, loser politician in my own party.
I've sent a scathing email to the Democratic Party of Ohio. I hope that the Acton group re-evaluates their actions and changes meaningfully before November.
I too, don't want to support a coward like her. I don't claim to be a Democrat because Democrats are closer to Republicans than they care to admit, but I really had hope before.
Lest we forget, the Middle East war started under Biden, not Trump. AIPAC is losing its control of our party, but it might be too little, too late, it definitely is for Schumer and others.
There is no good outcome to this race. However, if Ramaswamy wins, it will show Dems across the nation, unambiguously, that you don't win in this party by throwing defenseless minorities under the bus - while insulting them and spitting on them, no less! I think a lot of good would come from that, and for the entire population of Trans and LGBTQ Americans, I think the good of that failed experiment would more than offset the bad of a Ramaswamy administration. However, I do recognize what that does to Ohioans like you - and to my kids and grandkids, who are also Ohioans. Both outcomes suck bigly.
Amy Acton's attacks on the LGBTQ+ community are a direct assault on the values of equality and inclusion that Democrats claim to champion. The Ohio Democratic Party, the Democratic Governors Association, and the DNC must immediately and publicly condemn her rhetoric and actions and make it clear that bigotry has no place in the Democratic Party. Not a single dollar of Democratic funding should support a campaign that targets marginalized communities.
Anyone who seeks political power by discriminating against LGBTQ+ Americans is unfit to lead Ohio and unworthy of representing Democratic values. Her campaign manager, advisers, and staff who defend or promote these actions must also be held accountable.
The Ohio Democratic Party, the Democratic Governors Association, and the DNC owe the LGBTQ+ community an unequivocal apology and must demonstrate—through actions, not words—that discrimination and political opportunism will never be tolerated within their ranks.
Yep, you're either with us or against us, a major Democrat taking an anti-trans position is a loser, let the Republicans take it, just like Talarico will take Texas because they insist on nominating Paxton.
The long-term cost of anti-trans positions becoming democrat strategy is far more harmful than the impact of any single election.
Bingo.
"Border line disrespectful? Bordering what, the road to hell, where she belongs?
I cannot fathom the sheer level of stupidity of this candidate and the other Democratic candidates who take this position. It's like they're just hoping that the "noisy progressives" go away and accept their scraps.
It's bad judgment I have to assume. Running away from the issue even in this state will alienate people, probably mean she loses. I don't get the strategy.
I will continue to post proper trans information on her Bluesky account until she either responds, removes it, or blocks me.
I have gotten permission from one of my trans sons to use excerpts from his book, “Understanding Trans Identity” - Braxton Phoenix Stock, author. Will scan important sections and drop it in the thread of info I’ve been sharing.
Snarky little thing, ain’t she, this Dr. Amy?
Kirsti Miller, from waaay back in Twitter has been researching the realities of trans medicine and other health issues. She posted this on Bluesky:
https://www.aclu.org/news/lgbtq-rights/banning-trans-girls-school-sports-neither-feminist-nor-legal
I posted that to Dr. Amy. It’s ON, FOLKS
It would be fantastic if people here could find positive, factual material regarding trans folks and post it to Amy Acton’s Bluesky account and her website. It seems like so many allies and accomplices are doing the good work alone. Bash back at stupidity. Get busy. Time is ticking into the future.
If she responds this badly to criticism BEFORE the election, imagine how bad she'll respond if she wins.
Ohio was a long shot anyways, I say let her fail.
I feel bad for all the trans folks still unfortunately living in Ohio. This is a no-win situation for them at this point. I think the best outcome is for Acton to lose so the broader Democratic Party nationally realizes that embracing transphobia is not going to win them elections. But that means a full governor's term of horrific anti-trans laws in Ohio being signed. Though it seems like that would be the case even if Acton does win. I hope y'all are able to stay safe or get out if you can.
It is better to lose this one, if she's this egregiously disrespecting part of our base. People might think I'm biased because I have a trans GF, but I'm speaking as an operative on this, her strategy even in OH is poor. Better to risk losing on the right thing than to ensure being a loser because she couldn't stand for something.
The Republicans win either way
Progressives, queer folk and allies - STAY HOME. Losing may be bad in the short term, but it's the only way they will start to learn not to sell us out.
Well, or vote, but leave their vote for governor blank. That statistic will point directly to her failed tactic. (I think.)
Exactly, don't vote for either candidate in this race, but vote as normal otherwise.
Trans Ohioans and LGBQIA+ allies, I would urge you to write in "Arienne Childrey" for governor as a protest vote.
Love this
Her campaign sent me a completely unsolicited request for contributions via FACEBOOK MESSENGER - I'm enraged.
Sorry to hear this. Mean-spirited, unnecessary, and terrible politics. This morning I had sent a message to Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL), a major abortion rights group:
"I have three daughters and have been a pro-abortion advocate for decades. I see that you recently endorsed Amy Acton in her race for Ohio governor. She recently spoke out against allowing transgender girls to participate in school sports. Given that the same forces -- dark money groups, radical right wing orgs, conservative Christians -- that lie about abortion and abortion rights also lie about transgenderism and support the exclusion of transgender folks from society, how would I explain your position to my transgender friends and family members?"
Don't really expect to hear back. Also, this is the same Amy Acton who in 2022 said, referring to her Jewish background, “Kindness is a fierce call to justice and ... an age-old enduring principle...where we see the humanity in one another.” (Cleveland Jewish News)
If I were in OH, I wouldn't cast a vote in this race.
"The meeting was supposed to be Acton's way of making up for calling trans girls "boys."
AYFKM ? !!!
And "border" how? It's all the way there.
"The political math of Acton's position doesn't add up." <-- And how!
Thank you, Erin, for the reporting.
Naturally, it saddens one to read about a woman with a fairly progressive record taking a position like this. Why she even broached the topic or responded to a loaded question about it is a mystery, and certainly cold-shouldering those who came to discuss it with her was disrespectful.
But, revisiting her comment, saying ‘boys’ shouldn’t compete in girls’ sports threw the trans community under the bus to please the ignorant.
It would be wise for Ms. Acton to quietly get together with representatives of the Ohio trans community and seek a solution that promises she won’t be driving that bus again if elected.
I call BS on her genuinely being a phobe - she's doing this because she thinks she has to deny trans identity publicly to be governor. And she will find out she won't be, anyway.
What is the functional difference lol. Quacks like one
I know, but it's annoying, she's not stupid, if she really is a phobe so be it, but I don't believe it, I think she's afraid of losing, and she will lose anyway, it's pathetic.
I would agree with your premise except for the misgendering. There were a host of possible responses that would have been frustrating or even angering without crossing that line. That was the headline with her original comments and it’s very difficult to see that as some sort of Sister Souljah moment and not garden variety transphobia.
True but I bet she's doing it intentionally, she has some cockamamie notion that she can win by being a phobe, delusion, wishful thinking is powerful, she will get destroyed and deserve it.
I’m sure you’re right. It’s hard to think of anything perfectly analogous. It’s like using the N word and claiming you’re not racist. Maybe you’re not an inveterate bigot, but the difference between being a racist and saying or doing racist things becomes academic at a certain point, which feels like where we are here. And she didn’t stumble into it, she strode. Lol
After a bit more research on Dr. Acton, she seems somewhat stressed. I watched her campaign video: she has a strained, troubled look about her and I wonder if she’s prone to vocalizing impulsive thoughts.
I don’t want to see Vivek Ramaswamy as governor, but I do wonder why we seem to have such poor quality of character in many candidates for public office.
Many thoughts but few solutions rattle about in my mind!
As a trans Ohioan, I am extremely disappointed. Until recent years Ohio had always been purple. Acton had looked so positive for us. I don't know what to do. I hate this situation and her clear hate for trans people, but having Vivek Ramaswamy lead my state is notably worse.
This is a situation that needs clarity. Acton and her actions here suck. But we need to get her into office anyway. Ohio needs a step forward even if it comes with serious problems. I implore you, Erin, to show a bit about Ramaswamy too. He would be worse. When I vote this November it will be with a heavy heart. Not voting is a vote for Vivek, and even though I don't support Acton it is necessary to vote for her to try and push Ohio closer to being good.
This is why I just wouldn't cast a vote in the race. I would never vote for Ramaswamy. But nor could I support a coward, loser politician in my own party.
I've sent a scathing email to the Democratic Party of Ohio. I hope that the Acton group re-evaluates their actions and changes meaningfully before November.
I too, don't want to support a coward like her. I don't claim to be a Democrat because Democrats are closer to Republicans than they care to admit, but I really had hope before.
Lest we forget, the Middle East war started under Biden, not Trump. AIPAC is losing its control of our party, but it might be too little, too late, it definitely is for Schumer and others.
There is no good outcome to this race. However, if Ramaswamy wins, it will show Dems across the nation, unambiguously, that you don't win in this party by throwing defenseless minorities under the bus - while insulting them and spitting on them, no less! I think a lot of good would come from that, and for the entire population of Trans and LGBTQ Americans, I think the good of that failed experiment would more than offset the bad of a Ramaswamy administration. However, I do recognize what that does to Ohioans like you - and to my kids and grandkids, who are also Ohioans. Both outcomes suck bigly.
Unfortunately, it is worse for all of us if she wins.
Agreed, let the Republicans take this one, learn the lesson. It is what it is.
Amy Acton's attacks on the LGBTQ+ community are a direct assault on the values of equality and inclusion that Democrats claim to champion. The Ohio Democratic Party, the Democratic Governors Association, and the DNC must immediately and publicly condemn her rhetoric and actions and make it clear that bigotry has no place in the Democratic Party. Not a single dollar of Democratic funding should support a campaign that targets marginalized communities.
Anyone who seeks political power by discriminating against LGBTQ+ Americans is unfit to lead Ohio and unworthy of representing Democratic values. Her campaign manager, advisers, and staff who defend or promote these actions must also be held accountable.
The Ohio Democratic Party, the Democratic Governors Association, and the DNC owe the LGBTQ+ community an unequivocal apology and must demonstrate—through actions, not words—that discrimination and political opportunism will never be tolerated within their ranks.
What makes you think her only source of funding is the Democrat party ?
It’s one part and I would hope others will follow suit
Like Republican operatives?
Me: I'll take "Politics" for $500 Alex.
Alex: Democrats
*hits buzzer hard*
Me: "Who needs to find a spine?"
Alex: Correct!
Yep, you're either with us or against us, a major Democrat taking an anti-trans position is a loser, let the Republicans take it, just like Talarico will take Texas because they insist on nominating Paxton.
🤣🤣🤣🤣