Speaker Matt Regier has declared that he will no longer recognize Rep. Zooey Zephyr to speak immediately after the body passed a bill erasing trans people from all Montana code.
And yet the mainstream media outlets mostly remain silent about this instance and the firestorm of anti trans bills that are in the states. Nothing on the CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News, 60 Minutes. Evil men triumph when good people do nothing. Thanks for your continued vigilance Erin.
Democracy dies in a vacuum, and the GOP in all the red states are sucking up all the oxygen, creating a vacuum. There is no transparency.
Someone needs to address this coordinated attack, happening across the country. They are using a play book and sticking to their plan. All the while their constituents don’t wholly agree with the pudges agenda.
We need to vote out these simple minded leaders sniff bring in intelligent and diverse individuals who can lead and unite all the people.
Also shame on the executive branch for turning a blind eye and sitting on the sidelines.
I am continually disgusted by the actions of the Republican heavy legislatures across the US at this sad time in our history. I am a queer trans masculine two spirit of the Menominee Nation living in Omaha, NE and I am horrified at the actions being taken against Rep. Zephyr. My heart continually breaks as our own Nebraska Legislature continues to move hateful, harmful legislation forward! I don't know how we will see our way forward powerfully if these spaces that are supposedly "for the people, by the people" but only if you are cis white and straight people are not knocked out of these positions of power. Our government systems are broken.
I couldn't believe what I witnessed this afternoon. Going around the room and listening to each representative saying "yes" or "no"--it was absolutely mind boggling. Was that the sound of democracy dying? Shivers. I feel for Zooey--I couldn't imagine sitting there, listening to a group of people essentially decide your fate. Much love and support for Zooey. 💖 Nothing but respect from this girl. Proud of her, but also feeling a fair amount of disconnect with the system. Shame on them.
I believe that eloquence and rhetoric always have value regardless of context. What other choice is there except to speak up for what’s right and to still be able to honor yourself and those you’re standing for? Fear and hatred are the fuel that drives this legislation, emanating from religious beliefs that LGBTQ+ persons are immoral, degenerate and evil, and not worthy of love and respect. These faux Christian beliefs are disturbing, disgusting and abhorrent. I admire Rep Zephyr’s efforts and willingness to keep up the good trouble. I forward these Substacks to family and friends so they know we are all in this together. Keep up the great work, Erin.
This is not about decorum, it's about silencing their opposition because they are afraid of her visibility to the world. It doesn't fit their false narrative! #letzooeyspeak
I suggest she draw a direct parallel between refusal to recognize her, and refusal to recognize all trans Montanans. "What they are doing to me now is exactly what they are trying to do to all of us: erase us from the public mind."
But she must realize that this conflict is bigger than the venue in which it manifests. This is not a conflict based on evidence; this is a oonflict based on fear. Eloquence and rhetoric, in this context, have value when employed to use the media to shame them; but this is a strategy based in weakness, and it will not previal.
We are a population of drastically dimished significance. We are going to die, and in significant numbers, before people like the majority leader begin questioning their preconceptions.
I understand this conflict. Please, let me help. There are battles we will win-- regardless of State legislative medical rulings -- and battles we will lose. I understand this, and why.
I disagree, this is not a conflict based on fear really. Its a conflict about consolidating power and it is manufacturing fear, hatred, and legislation to achieve it. Rep. Zephyr is playing an important role in this, or at least would be if we had a functioning media landscape. Her words and protests point out the hypocrisy, illuminate the lies, and ultimately show how wrong the republicans are. She isn't trying to change the minds of the republican politicians, but is trying to change the minds of the quiet moderate voter who might be convinced by her actions and her words.
Do you want a moral victory? or do you want results?
It is not enough to have the moral high ground; you must be able to explain to the people at large why your answer is right. They are the source of political power. I know how to do this. The result will not be pretty for either side, but it will safeguard the basics.
She wasn't going to get results in this state. No way, no how. And she spoke the truth - it wasn't based in just fear or conjecture. How often does Montana lead in suicides per capita in this country? Hint: most years! (I suspect the only reason that Montana doesn't rank top in the country at times is because too often, local counties hide data and misattribute deaths by suicide - they do it - I've seen it firsthand.) And sadly - many of those deaths by suicide are under the age of 18. This state has its own mental health crisis that will only be made worse by these new laws... and I wouldn't be shocked if it doesn't get acknowledged, since they have now worked to pretty much silence and remove trans existence. She said what she said... and the people in the back didn't take notice. We need to take notice.
I think she should be before the microphone every time she is denied the opportunity to speak. And I think she should emphasize that they are doing to her what they seek to do to all trans Montanans -- that she is their representative in more ways than one. That connection is probably being missed by nearly everyone.
This should put the majority on the hot seat. Let's see how long they can remain sitting there.
I should add - Rep. Zephyr only spoke the truth when she spoke that day for which she is being censured. She was accused of casting shame - yet, it was that entire other side of the line that was shameful - they cast it upon themselves. But like most in the GQP, they are really good at deflecting and great at projecting!
Why didn't he recognize his fellow representative? Because he is a monster. Because he is shameful. Because he is a power manic. Because he has no dignity or integrity. He has none of which he is calling for in others.
And yet the mainstream media outlets mostly remain silent about this instance and the firestorm of anti trans bills that are in the states. Nothing on the CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News, 60 Minutes. Evil men triumph when good people do nothing. Thanks for your continued vigilance Erin.
Democracy dies in a vacuum, and the GOP in all the red states are sucking up all the oxygen, creating a vacuum. There is no transparency.
Someone needs to address this coordinated attack, happening across the country. They are using a play book and sticking to their plan. All the while their constituents don’t wholly agree with the pudges agenda.
We need to vote out these simple minded leaders sniff bring in intelligent and diverse individuals who can lead and unite all the people.
Also shame on the executive branch for turning a blind eye and sitting on the sidelines.
I am continually disgusted by the actions of the Republican heavy legislatures across the US at this sad time in our history. I am a queer trans masculine two spirit of the Menominee Nation living in Omaha, NE and I am horrified at the actions being taken against Rep. Zephyr. My heart continually breaks as our own Nebraska Legislature continues to move hateful, harmful legislation forward! I don't know how we will see our way forward powerfully if these spaces that are supposedly "for the people, by the people" but only if you are cis white and straight people are not knocked out of these positions of power. Our government systems are broken.
LET HER SPEAK
These republicans are just being so "civil" and "respectful" </s> (incase no one caught the tone)
This made me chuckle. I did catch the tone and thank you for making this statement. I needed the laugh.
I couldn't believe what I witnessed this afternoon. Going around the room and listening to each representative saying "yes" or "no"--it was absolutely mind boggling. Was that the sound of democracy dying? Shivers. I feel for Zooey--I couldn't imagine sitting there, listening to a group of people essentially decide your fate. Much love and support for Zooey. 💖 Nothing but respect from this girl. Proud of her, but also feeling a fair amount of disconnect with the system. Shame on them.
I believe that eloquence and rhetoric always have value regardless of context. What other choice is there except to speak up for what’s right and to still be able to honor yourself and those you’re standing for? Fear and hatred are the fuel that drives this legislation, emanating from religious beliefs that LGBTQ+ persons are immoral, degenerate and evil, and not worthy of love and respect. These faux Christian beliefs are disturbing, disgusting and abhorrent. I admire Rep Zephyr’s efforts and willingness to keep up the good trouble. I forward these Substacks to family and friends so they know we are all in this together. Keep up the great work, Erin.
Do Not Apologize!
Do speak to the media, every chance you get!
This is not about decorum, it's about silencing their opposition because they are afraid of her visibility to the world. It doesn't fit their false narrative! #letzooeyspeak
I suggest she draw a direct parallel between refusal to recognize her, and refusal to recognize all trans Montanans. "What they are doing to me now is exactly what they are trying to do to all of us: erase us from the public mind."
I love your idea
#letzooeyspeak
I am in Rep. Zephyr's corner. 100%.
But she must realize that this conflict is bigger than the venue in which it manifests. This is not a conflict based on evidence; this is a oonflict based on fear. Eloquence and rhetoric, in this context, have value when employed to use the media to shame them; but this is a strategy based in weakness, and it will not previal.
We are a population of drastically dimished significance. We are going to die, and in significant numbers, before people like the majority leader begin questioning their preconceptions.
I understand this conflict. Please, let me help. There are battles we will win-- regardless of State legislative medical rulings -- and battles we will lose. I understand this, and why.
Let me help.
I disagree, this is not a conflict based on fear really. Its a conflict about consolidating power and it is manufacturing fear, hatred, and legislation to achieve it. Rep. Zephyr is playing an important role in this, or at least would be if we had a functioning media landscape. Her words and protests point out the hypocrisy, illuminate the lies, and ultimately show how wrong the republicans are. She isn't trying to change the minds of the republican politicians, but is trying to change the minds of the quiet moderate voter who might be convinced by her actions and her words.
Do you want a moral victory? or do you want results?
It is not enough to have the moral high ground; you must be able to explain to the people at large why your answer is right. They are the source of political power. I know how to do this. The result will not be pretty for either side, but it will safeguard the basics.
She wasn't going to get results in this state. No way, no how. And she spoke the truth - it wasn't based in just fear or conjecture. How often does Montana lead in suicides per capita in this country? Hint: most years! (I suspect the only reason that Montana doesn't rank top in the country at times is because too often, local counties hide data and misattribute deaths by suicide - they do it - I've seen it firsthand.) And sadly - many of those deaths by suicide are under the age of 18. This state has its own mental health crisis that will only be made worse by these new laws... and I wouldn't be shocked if it doesn't get acknowledged, since they have now worked to pretty much silence and remove trans existence. She said what she said... and the people in the back didn't take notice. We need to take notice.
I think she should be before the microphone every time she is denied the opportunity to speak. And I think she should emphasize that they are doing to her what they seek to do to all trans Montanans -- that she is their representative in more ways than one. That connection is probably being missed by nearly everyone.
This should put the majority on the hot seat. Let's see how long they can remain sitting there.
"I am in 100% except you should be doing it my way." lmao get out of here and read a book.
That's not what I said. And if you don't understand that, you shouldn't be speaking.
Thank you Zooey Zephyr and thank you Erin. Unfortunately we rely on you for this news because we don’t get it on mainstream media
oh, Tony, this made the news in mainstream media!
I should add - Rep. Zephyr only spoke the truth when she spoke that day for which she is being censured. She was accused of casting shame - yet, it was that entire other side of the line that was shameful - they cast it upon themselves. But like most in the GQP, they are really good at deflecting and great at projecting!
They.are.monsters.
Why didn't he recognize his fellow representative? Because he is a monster. Because he is shameful. Because he is a power manic. Because he has no dignity or integrity. He has none of which he is calling for in others.