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What’s Up?
Dear Reader,
It’s been an incredibly busy year! The launch of my LLC, Creative Political Strategy, has occupied much of my time. I’ve brought on new clients and taken on new fights. Thanks to all of you who’ve been supporters of my work – it’s because of you that I’m able to do it. That’s never forgotten.
Sincerely,
Top Stories
Redistricting has been dominating Hoosier newsfeeds for months as Trump’s feckless attempts at arm-twisting have so-far fallen on relatively deaf ears in our Senate. After all this time, D.C. firms have launched a desperate and shrill attack-ad strategy that’s already backfiring on them. One example: unsolicited attack texts sent to her 14 year old grandson while he was in school prompted Senator Leising to publicly declare herself a firm NO on the issue and to decry these ham-handed tactics out of Washington.
Earlier this summer, the Indiana BMV issued rules that would completely ban transgender Hoosiers from obtaining ID that matches who they are and how they live. Thousands of written testimonials in opposition to the new rule poured in, and the public hearing featured hours of testimony from the community about the harm this policy would do to trans Hoosiers. After publishing a condescending summary of the testimony that ignored all of these heartbreaking stories, the BMV withdrew the rule only to bring it back for a second round of public testimony on Friday, November 14th (that’s tomorrow, by the way).
Five Things
- The BMV’s public hearing to BAN transgender Hoosiers from obtaining updated ID is tomorrow. IYG is asking people to show up for the hearing in-person to provide a visible show of support for the community! You can RSVP here for details on how to attend.
- Our lawmakers are still expressing doubts about Trump’s redistricting scheme in Indiana – so they need to hear from you! You can visit PlayFairIndiana.com to send them a note asking them to oppose mid-cycle redistricting.
- GenderNexus is hosting a town hall event for our beleaguered transgender community in Indiana. It’s on Nov. 15th from 5-7pm and will focus on community care. I’ll be among the speakers, providing an update on the political landscape facing trans Hoosiers and their family.
- Common Cause of Indiana is hosting phone banking opportunities to help connect people who are opposed to redistricting with their lawmakers. All you need is a laptop and a phone – these are entirely remote. Interested? Sign up here.
- Despite the government re-opening, the pause and reductions in SNAP benefits are still wreaking havoc on people who rely on them. Many pantries are reporting that they can’t stock their shelves fast enough to meet the demand. Looking for ways to help? The Indy Star has a good rundown of your options.
My Muse
“I’m texting you to let you know that we’re safe. We’re trying to think of this as a new adventure while we explore our new home.”
This text broke my heart. It came from a close friend who parents a trans child. She was letting me know that she’s fled the country because she has lost faith that she can provide her daughter a safe home here in the U.S.
Since then I’ve received other texts and emails and calls just like it. I’ve been blessed to know so many parents who love their kids. But that means that I’m also one of the first people they reach out to when they realize they just can’t stay here anymore.
Think about that: Families are fleeing our state.
It doesn’t feel like an irrational choice – considering that the most powerful man in the world is using terrifying and violent language to describe our people.
I would like to believe that even folks who have nuanced opinions about things like sports participation or medical care … might agree with us that families should feel safe even if they raise their child in a way that others disapprove of.
Some folks believe we’ve passed the breaking point already. I don’t.
I’m mourning what we’ve lost. The families who’ve fled. The people who’ve died. But I’m going to stay and fight. I hope you’ll fight with me.