There are three things you can do this week to show up for equality & justice for all Vermonters, especially queer youth in our community: Listen, March, and Vote!
LISTEN: Transmission of Truth Podcast
The first episode of a youth-led podcast, Transmission of Truth is out this week. The show was created by Outright Vermont youth organizers to make space for transgender Vermonters to tell their own stories. The inaugural episode is about policy and I’m honored to be a part of it.
At a time when trans people, especially trans youth, are constantly being discussed and debated, these young people wanted to create something different: a chance to slow down, listen, and hear directly from the people living it. The first episode focuses the ways policy decisions shape the everyday lives of trans Vermonters. Hear from youth leaders and other advocates, like me, who are allies in the work of developing trans-friendly public policy in Vermont.
In the episode, I talk with local youth leader, Rafaela Botti, about my work in the Senate on legally-protected health care legislation to protect gender-affirming care; Proposal 4 – the Equal Rights Amendment, and JRS 15, a resolution re-affirming Vermont’s commitment to supporting the state’s transgender & non-binary community. Whether you’re already deeply connected to this work or you’re still learning, please tune in! You can find the podcast at this link or anywhere you get your podcasts!
MARCH: Middlebury Pride Parade & Celebration
Join us for MiddPride this Saturday in downtown Middlebury! I am honored to be chosen by the youth organizers to be the Grand Marshal of the Parade! So, come march with me and and the amazing young LGBTQA folks in our community! Show your pride and/or your support! The parade starts at 1:00pm on Saturday at the College Park and travels to the Town Green where there will be vendors, food trucks, music, and activities. You can find out more at the MiddPride website. It’s going to be a super fun day and I’d love to have you join us!
VOTE: Proposal 4 Vermont’s Equal Rights Amendment
With ballots out, you can vote “Yes” this week for Proposal 4, an amendment to the Vermont Constitution that would guarantee all people in Vermont equal protection under the law. This amendment passed overwhelmingly, twice, by the full legislature over the past four years. Now it’s your turn to vote on it!
The amendment reads, “The State shall not deny equal treatment under the law on account of a person’s race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or national origin.” This amendment is crucial for protecting the rights of all of us, but especially people who are under intense attack by the Trump administration, including LGBTQ folks, people of color, disabled individuals, and immigrants. You can help protect them, and all Vermonters, with your vote.
Listen – March – Vote! Thank you for showing up and doing your part!
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