Transgender Reps Zooey Zephyr and SJ Howell delivered powerful speeches on the Montana House floor on Thursday. Republicans defected en masse to join them in voting against anti-trans bills.
Re Bernie, I don't think he will be. In fairness to him, he'd be 87 at inauguration and if he instead stays in the Senate, he'll be 89 at the end of his current term. He appears to be in robust health, but still, we need to give the guy a break.
The whole idea of his "political revolution" was/is to build a movement that will survive him and we should remember his slogan was "Not me. Us." We need always to look for who will/can follow on - remembering "who" can be (as "us" is) plural. There already are voices out there we can look to and I'm sure still more that will emerge.
I think we're all stoked that the author of this article is happily married to Rep. Zephyr 😊 may you love and support each other for many years to come.
I am so goddamn proud of you, your wife Zooey, and SJ Howell! ❤️As I am proud of every single one of us. Erin you are a hero to so many of us and inspire us to live in the light, unashamed, and that representation changes hearts every day. Once they know us, we’re no longer the scary monsters in the closet and under the bed. We are friends, neighbors, and family.
This feels like a good opportunity to thank those GOP members for listening and acting and to remind them of the humanity of the transgender community. I won't agree with them on everything, probably most things, but I'll give thanks where thanks is due.
I’m wiping away a few bittersweet, happy, and hopeful tears as I type this. It’s my fondest wish that people begin to find the humanity and beauty in trans people, and that the hatred and fear mostly comes from those who haven’t met a trans person yet.
I always say that it would take a very callous person who could witness the transformation of someone who is ill at ease with their assigned gender. Someone who may seem terminally shy or suffer with crippling anxiety or depression. Perhaps some just doing their best to exist at all in the face of all the loud voices who would seek to keep them confined to the apparently immutable existence that was prescribed to them at birth.
Only a very callous a person could witness that same person become transformed with the light and joy that can only come from embracing oneself with love and grace, and being strong enough in oneself to be vulnerable in showing one’s true self to the world. Trans joy is truly one of the most beautiful things on this earth.
And for those who believe in God, I truly believe that he looks upon trans people and smiles, knowing that they have truly embraced this gift that we call life, living authentically and joyfully, despite incredible adversity.
My heart is filled with hope having read this, and after months of anxiety and tears, it’s very welcome news.
I am so fucking proud of reps Zephyr and Howell. This reminds me of Senator Carol Mosley Braun speaking on the floor of the Senate, the first Black woman elected to that office I our country’s history, speaking out about what the Confederate flag really meant so the United daughters of the Confederacy would lose copyright protection
When I saw all of the red "nos" on the screen I teared up. This is wonderful! I wish that their were LGBTQ+ representation in Texas where they are trying to make being transgender a jail felony.
BRAVO to your amazing wife and to Rep Howell -- and to those Republican lawmakers who finally demonstrated a bit of reason and empathy! More, please.
Wow. I was wondering at what point a member of the GOP might finally say "enough already". ❤️
Yeah. I was wondering, when will the fever break?
So this give us a blueprint, how do we get more transgender people elected in other states, especially red states where we are most vulnerable?
Rep. Zephyr is a brave and inspiring person in US history :)
And Gavin Newsom is a despicable, sniveling coward who thinks talking to a fascist on a podcast will get him elected as the next president.
I think Newslom has to be given one more chance to get it right. Because yeah, wtf was that?
If he won the nomination I might have to go Independent. Is Bernie running?
Re Bernie, I don't think he will be. In fairness to him, he'd be 87 at inauguration and if he instead stays in the Senate, he'll be 89 at the end of his current term. He appears to be in robust health, but still, we need to give the guy a break.
The whole idea of his "political revolution" was/is to build a movement that will survive him and we should remember his slogan was "Not me. Us." We need always to look for who will/can follow on - remembering "who" can be (as "us" is) plural. There already are voices out there we can look to and I'm sure still more that will emerge.
It's up to us.
I think we're all stoked that the author of this article is happily married to Rep. Zephyr 😊 may you love and support each other for many years to come.
Go Zooey and SJ!!!!!! 🔥
That's one 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭 of a shift from the way the GQP up there reacted to getting called out by Rep. Zephyr last term.
*𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘨𝘭𝘦-𝘧𝘶*
...holy shit, that's 29 out of 58. They flipped fully half of the Republican delegation. Way to go!
I am so goddamn proud of you, your wife Zooey, and SJ Howell! ❤️As I am proud of every single one of us. Erin you are a hero to so many of us and inspire us to live in the light, unashamed, and that representation changes hearts every day. Once they know us, we’re no longer the scary monsters in the closet and under the bed. We are friends, neighbors, and family.
I cannot tell you how much I needed this post today. I am filled with joy!!!
Rep Zephyr and Rep Howell are amazing and I cried reading this
I cried as well.
Me too! And watching the videos of the speeches. If you haven't taken the time to do that, please do. It's incredibly moving.
This feels like a good opportunity to thank those GOP members for listening and acting and to remind them of the humanity of the transgender community. I won't agree with them on everything, probably most things, but I'll give thanks where thanks is due.
Yes, please give us a list of who to thank! Never underestimate the power and importance of a simple "thank you" note.
Yes! I need to find out who they are!
When the fuck did Republicans get souls?
inorite?
The tide is starting to turn!
I hope so. Please please please let this be the turning point.
I’m wiping away a few bittersweet, happy, and hopeful tears as I type this. It’s my fondest wish that people begin to find the humanity and beauty in trans people, and that the hatred and fear mostly comes from those who haven’t met a trans person yet.
I always say that it would take a very callous person who could witness the transformation of someone who is ill at ease with their assigned gender. Someone who may seem terminally shy or suffer with crippling anxiety or depression. Perhaps some just doing their best to exist at all in the face of all the loud voices who would seek to keep them confined to the apparently immutable existence that was prescribed to them at birth.
Only a very callous a person could witness that same person become transformed with the light and joy that can only come from embracing oneself with love and grace, and being strong enough in oneself to be vulnerable in showing one’s true self to the world. Trans joy is truly one of the most beautiful things on this earth.
And for those who believe in God, I truly believe that he looks upon trans people and smiles, knowing that they have truly embraced this gift that we call life, living authentically and joyfully, despite incredible adversity.
My heart is filled with hope having read this, and after months of anxiety and tears, it’s very welcome news.
Erin, you have my gratitude, as always!!
As the mom of a transgender adult child I can hardly believe this FANTASTIC news! Thank you for your compassion, love, and courage. 💕🏳️⚧️💕
I am so fucking proud of reps Zephyr and Howell. This reminds me of Senator Carol Mosley Braun speaking on the floor of the Senate, the first Black woman elected to that office I our country’s history, speaking out about what the Confederate flag really meant so the United daughters of the Confederacy would lose copyright protection
When I saw all of the red "nos" on the screen I teared up. This is wonderful! I wish that their were LGBTQ+ representation in Texas where they are trying to make being transgender a jail felony.
I love this — gives me hope❤️