I don't live in her district or even her state but last night I made a contribution to Kristen Beck's campaign for Congress.  As a transgender former sailor, the thought of a transgender 20 year veteran Navy Seal with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V for valor sitting in Congress just tickles me to death.

I know! I'm so in love with her and her story! She is one of my inspirations. I initially thought, "Really?! A Navy SEAL?!" Then, I was like, "If a former Navy SEAL can do it, why can't I? People view SEALs as badasses, so I don't even feel bad about who I am anymore." Was a good feeling.

I know a couple of seals including one who was commander of team 6 for a long stretch.

The guys I know are pretty sharp. And sure, badass as well.

Then again I'm pretty badass and I plan to lose none of that as I continue to transition :-)

Wow.... I had no idea she was running....... Thanks for sharing that!

Joanna

Joanna, unfortunately she was defeated in the primary by the incumbent representative. 

  Well, at least she tried! Go Navy!

Joelene

Quote from: BeverlyAnn on August 16, 2016, 02:56:21 PM
Joanna, unfortunately she was defeated in the primary by the incumbent representative. 
[/quote

Yes, as I discovered. Still, it's pretty cool. At the DNC this year, there were 28 folks there who represented the community. We have come a long way in a short period of time.....

Joanna

QuoteYes, as I discovered. Still, it's pretty cool. At the DNC this year, there were 28 folks there who represented the community. We have come a long way in a short period of time.....

Including the official timekeeper who is a college professor and one member of the platform committee who is a major transgender advocate in DC. 

It's only a matter of time for transgender person to take federal office. It made the news far and wife some years ago when a mayorship of a smallish town in Oregon was one by a trans woman. We are coming a long way, pretty fast.

Quote from: RobynD on August 18, 2016, 11:35:58 AM
It's only a matter of time for transgender person to take federal office. It made the news far and wife some years ago when a mayorship of a smallish town in Oregon was one by a trans woman. We are coming a long way, pretty fast.

Misty K. Snow is the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Utah and Misty Plowright is the Democratic candidate for the U.S House of Representatives from District 5 in Colorado.  So a transgender woman could be in Federal office by January.

Quote from: BeverlyAnn on August 18, 2016, 07:57:03 PM
Misty K. Snow is the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Utah and Misty Plowright is the Democratic candidate for the U.S House of Representatives from District 5 in Colorado.  So a transgender woman could be in Federal office by January.

The best part about me winning wouldn't be that we elected a trans person, though that does matter; the best part is that Mike Lee, his anti-LGBT bill, and his obstructionism will all be sent home.  Seriously I really don't like that guy.  He shut down the government, voted against renewing the violence against women act, and blocked aid to Flint during the water crisis.  He has been an embarrassment to Utah and our nation.

In the meantime I have a platform from which I can talk about issues such as living wage, healthcare, immigration reform, fixing our criminal justice system, and getting money out of politics, among others.  These are all important issues that I am happy to be able to give a voice to. 

Also if I am elected to the US Senate, I wouldn't only be the first trans person elected to the US Senate, I would also be the first millennial elected to the US senate as well as the first women elected to the US Senate from Utah.  So not only would I be a voice for the trans* community; I would also be a voice for my generation in the US Senate.  Also a person who works in a grocery store; I would be a voice for working class people.  I will be a voice in Washington for those who do not currently have a voice; all of which I think is very important.

Misty K, first of all thank you for being here.  And thank you for being "out there" fighting Lee.  Yes, the most significant thing, from my perspective of a poli/sci major would be defeating Mike Lee who supported Ted the bigot Cruz.  I believe Lee is also one of the sponsors of the First Amendment Defense Act in the Senate and he NEEDS to go back to Alpine, UT to spend time with his family and his cousins Mark and Tom Udall.

I know this is much to late.

I also was in Navy from 69-74.

Kristin Beck was running for Congress from my district in MD.  This district is in the hands of Democrat Steny Hoyer, the House Minority Whip, he will hold on till Pelosi goes.

Kristin is a farm owner.

I talked with her recently.  She has volunteered to work in the Administration any way she can.