21 Comments
User's avatar
Artur Akkerman, LCSW's avatar

Yes!!! We need more of us in these positions of policymakers and change agents!!! BRAVO!!!!

Joel W. Crump's avatar

It's great she overcame the BS challenges from a fellow Democrat, fuck that guy, now to march forward and take on the Republicans!

Shawn K. Younkin's avatar

Good on her and fuck that guy who challenged her documents, go work for the rethugs, asshole.

Joel W. Crump's avatar

Maybe he and Fetterman could have a love affair, or some shit.

Julie's avatar

Her bravery is contagious! ❤️❤️❤️🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️❤️❤️❤️

Mike Gelt's avatar

Joanna Whaley has already overcome enormous obstacles and achieved so much through hard work, determination, and perseverance. As her campaign moves forward, she will undoubtedly face more threats, lies, and baseless accusations from those who fear progress and diversity.

But Joanna will stand up for all of her future constituents, including the transgender community, with courage and conviction. She has proven time and again that she will not be intimidated or silenced. And when those attacks come, the people of Michigan must stand with her—because an attack on one community is an attack on us all.

Michigan deserves leaders who fight for everyone, and Michigan will stand up for Joanna Whaley just as she stands up for them.

Shirley Gauthier she/her's avatar

It always feels like a gift when I open up my inbox and great news like this. I monitor legislation in Oregon for the nudist community. It is always the same legislators that propose hate towards trans that try to pass legislation agains non-sexual nude recreation. Oregon has several legally sanctioned nude areas. I can barely keep up monitoring so have no idea how you Erin manage to accomplish all you do for all of us. What brave women who run for office, speak out and support all.

Sarah F's avatar

People rally behind an underdog who punches back against bullies. I think besides being a good candidate, what got her the win was the anti-trans voting record of the incumbent, plus the stunt of trying to have her disqualified over her name change.

Remember that Danica Roem defeated the state representative who proclaimed himself "Virginia's chief transphobe." Besides being a good candidate, she was also punching back against a bully. People like that and support candidates who do it.

That's why I think the trans community should put up primary opponents to every Democratic politician who votes against us (or speaks against us).

klmr's avatar

Love, love, love this story in the making! Makes my day! Thank you!

catsongs's avatar

She sounds great; I hope she wins.

Punkette's avatar

Me too! Donating to her campaign today. 💙

Gina she/her's avatar

I dream of a time when being transgender will be the least interesting thing about her

Freddie Baudat's avatar

Omg, I’m so tired of people never getting past their fascination with trans.

Diana's avatar

Your article is so uplifting -thanks Erin. I love to see people beleive in the hard and honest work of people like Ms. Whaley. I wish her the best. Such a wonderful representation for the trans community.

Gina she/her's avatar

I’m not in her district, but will be cheering for her.

She embodies the values we look for around here.

Dianne Olansky's avatar

Little bits of hope sprinkled here and there across this insane country.

Don Jackson's avatar

Such great news! Thank you, S. Baum, EITM, and Joanna Whaley!! ❤️🏳️‍⚧️

Maria Race's avatar

So glad you reported on her early so I could make a donation to her campaign. I am in Michigan, but not in her district. I received a thank you email and a handwritten thank you card.