"With Pride And Determination," Rep Zephyr Responds To Republican Censure Attempt Over Passionate Defense Of Trans Rights

Yesterday in Montana, Representative Zooey Zephyr gave an impassioned speech against an anti-trans gender affirming care ban. Now, Republicans are calling to censure her.

Yesterday, Rep. Zooey Zephyr delivered a powerful speech against anti-trans legislation in Montana. She spoke vehemently against Senate Bill 99, which would force youth to medically detransition, emphasizing the suffering it would inflict. In her closing remarks, Zephyr shamed lawmakers for even considering the damaging legislation. In response, the majority leader asserted that the body "would not be shamed." Rep. Zephyr answered sharply, "Then I hope the next time there's an invocation and you bow your head in prayer, you see the blood on your hands."

Later that evening, Republicans who belong to the Montana Freedom Caucus, a far-right group of legislators, released a letter calling for her resignation. They released the letter on twitter and misgendered her several times in both the tweet and the letter itself.

Advocates for transgender rights condemned the letter. Organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, PFLAG, and The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund rallied to Rep. Zephyr’s side. PFLAG tweeted in response, “Misgendering her as you call for decorum? Do. Better.”

Here is the speech that scared the Freedom Caucus in Montana so much that they felt the need to call for censure:

Calls among the far right grew to censure her. Charlie Kirk, who was quoted as saying he wanted trans people to be dealt with “the way we dealt with it in the 50s and 60s,” a clear call for lynching, replied in the Freedom Caucus’ support. Fox News released a story with a fiery headline. Even Montana’s congressperson representing Montana’s 2nd district, Representative Matt Rosendale, came in support of the Freedom Caucus.

In response, Representative Zephyr released a statement where she does not back down and instead declares that she will never stop fighting for transgender youth. In it, she closes off with the signature line, “With Pride and Determination.”

Here is her full letter:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Representative Zooey Zephyr's Response to the Call for Censure and Continued Commitment to Advocating for Transgender Rights

HELENA, MT - In response to the Montana Freedom Caucus' call for my censure, I stand by my accurate description of the devastating consequences of banning essential medical care for transgender youth. The recently passed Senate Bill 99 is a part of an alarming trend of anti-trans legislation in our state, which includes over a dozen unconstitutional bills. These bills ban our art forms, our stories, our healthcare, and our very existence in Montana code. Policy by policy, republicans are legislating the eradication of queer and transgender people from public life.

During the debate on Governor Gianforte’s amendments to Senate Bill 99, I made the following statement: "If you are [denying gender-affirming care and] forcing a trans child to go through puberty, that is tantamount to torture, and this body should be ashamed.” After Majority Leader Sue Vinton interjected to say that the Republican party “would not be shamed,” I closed my speech by saying, “Then the only thing I will say is if you vote yes on this bill, I hope the next time there’s an invocation, when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands."

I recently shared a letter from an emergency room physician highlighting the life-threatening impact these bills have on our transgender youth. The physician recounted the story of a young transgender patient who attempted suicide, stating "My state doesn't want me." This is a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of these hateful and harmful bills.

It is disheartening that the Montana Freedom Caucus would stoop so low as to misgender me in their letter, further demonstrating their disregard for the dignity and humanity of transgender individuals. Their call for “civility and respect” is hypocritical given their actions.

As Montana grapples with critical issues like healthcare, education, and our state’s housing crisis, it's disappointing that some legislators prioritize targeting the trans community over addressing these concerns. Our resources should be aimed at fostering a safe, inclusive, and prosperous environment for all Montanans, regardless of their identity.

Ultimately, I am unconcerned with the Montana Freedom Caucus’ call to censure me. I stood on the floor to speak on behalf of my community, and as long as I am a member of the Montana Legislature, I will never stop fighting for trans people in our state. These actions only strengthen my commitment to promoting equality and justice for all Montanans.

With Pride and Determination—

Representative Zooey Zephyr

Montana’s 100th District

Disclosure: Representative Zooey Zephyr is this author’s romantic partner.