Hi John,
For years, trans people like me have had to go before anti-trans lawmakers with the power to make decisions about our lives. But in March this year, Delaware flipped that script.
For once, anti-trans forces had to come before a trans person making the call –– me.
I ran for the Delaware state Senate for many reasons that aren't exclusive to being trans, but I also knew my voice would change the conversations our legislature had about trans, gay, lesbian, and queer folks. And that is the reason why we need more LGBTQIA+ folks in office now.
As a nation, we face huge, unprecedented issues: an ongoing pandemic, a mental health crisis in our schools, the rising cost of health care, and the fact that the U.S. is the only industrialized nation without paid leave. Banning trans kids from playing sports with their friends doesn't solve any of those problems.
Legislation written to bully kids won't bring down the price of groceries. Banning books by queer authors won't make housing more affordable.
We need to name these attacks for what they are: cynical attempts to distract and divide us by turning vulnerable communities into political pawns. It won't work –– because we won't let it.
We
need more LGBTQIA+ representation in our state and local offices to fight against these injustices, especially as these bills become more and more common.
So help elect more LGBTQIA+ people into office: Split a donation between Run for Something's LGBTQIA+ endorsed candidates NOW –– and save the page because they're adding more every month!
As Harvey Milk taught us, it's never been enough to just have friends and allies in the room. Because an ally cannot dispel the myths and lies about us the way that we can.
You cannot make trans people the bogeyman if I'm there. You can't make queer Black women the monster if Florida state Rep. Michele Rayner is in the room. You cannot pit Muslims and nonbinary folks against each other when Oklahoma state Rep. Mauree Turner exists.
We need to be the ones to run for office and make sure that hateful legislation like the cruel anti-trans bill introduced by my Republican colleague does not pass.
Chip in NOW to support LGBTQIA+ young progressive candidates who are doing the work to uplift our community in the face of those who do not believe we have a right to exist as our true, authentic selves.
Thank you.
Delaware state Senator Sarah McBride
Run for Something Alum
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Run for Something is a grassroots-powered organization that recruits and empowers young progressives running for local office, with the goal of winning permanent power for decades to come. We've elected over 600 diverse young progressives to power by relying on support from grassroots donors pitching in a little to create big change. Please chip in now to help us continue running and winning.
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