Tim Walz Took Historic Action To Protect Trans People, Now He's The Dem VP Choice
Tim Walz Took Historic Action To Protect Trans People, Now He's The Dem VP Choice
On Tuesday, news broke that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was the Kamala Harris' pick for Vice President on the Democratic ticket. He has been a vocal ally of trans people in his state.
On Tuesday, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris announced that her pick for Vice President is Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota. In recent years, as trans and queer people have come under attack from over a thousand proposed bills, Walz is expected to serve as a source of optimism for LGBTQ+ people. The governor’s long track record on LGBTQ+ rights positions him as a strong oppositional force against what has become a national attack on LGBTQ+ people, particularly transgender individuals.
“I am proud to announce that I've asked Tim Walz to be my running mate. As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he's delivered for working families like his. It's great to have him on the team. Now let’s get to work. Join us,” read Harris’ statement on Twitter.
Walz has taken decisive action against attacks on transgender people in surrounding states, making Minnesota a refuge for those seeking care. In 2023, he signed an executive order protecting transgender people from out-of-state prosecution if they seek care within Minnesota’s borders. The executive order also issued a bulletin to health insurance companies, mandating coverage and initiating investigations into health insurance denials in the state.
In 2024, Walz signed a bill banning the gay and transgender panic defense. This defense is often used to help individuals avoid murder charges or receive lighter sentences by asserting that they were "deceived" by a romantic partner who was gay or transgender. According to one study, the transgender panic defense has been used at least 351 times.
Walz's pro-LGBTQ+ record goes back much further than his time as governor. In 1999, he sponsored the first gay-straight alliance at his high school while working as a teacher. In Congress, he co-sponsored the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and voted to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
Having a Vice President with a track record of protecting trans and queer people will be important for LGBTQ+ members of the Democratic Party. Currently, 24 states have passed bans on transgender care for youth and some adults. Nationally, Republicans are attempting to negotiate over 50 anti-LGBTQ+ provisions into the national budget, including bans on federal funding for any entity offering gender-affirming care for trans youth, as well as trans military bans for dependent care, threatening to shut down the government over such provisions. Walz's history of fighting against anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ provisions could aid the White House in opposing such policies should Harris be elected President.
As for LGBTQ+ allies and organizations, they appear happy with the pick. Kelly Robinson of HRC stated, “Her pick of Governor Walz sends a message that a Harris-Walz Administration will be committed to advancing equality and justice for all. That is the choice we are faced with in America. A Trump-Vance Administration that would demonize LGBTQ+ people, terrorize our families, send our rights and freedoms back to The Land Before Time and install Project 2025. Or a Harris-Walz Administration that will fight for our freedoms, defend our families, and make America a place where people don’t just get by — but can get ahead.”
He also later signed a "trans sanctuary" bill into law in MN after having signed the executive order. I couldn't be happier with this pick.
YES! I have been vocally advocating for Walz to be the VP selection among friends handicapping the VP race, so I am absolutely delighted by this news. If you've ever seen his "charming and disarming" takedowns of ridiculous right-wing nuttery, you immediately recognize that he can effortlessly dismantle hate and bigotry positions cloaked in anodyne "policy speak" while somehow still coming across as someone you'd love to go have a drink with after the debate.
He's considerably more progressive than Kamala, so he actually balances the ticket nicely since she's actually fairly moderate. He should really energize very important sectors of our base while also appealing to independents and never-Trumpers with his humble and plainspoken folksy charm, PLUS his impressive record of progressive accomplishments in Minnesota.
This is FANTASTIC news!