Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM | Location: LSC Theatre | Audience: Registration Required

This session is part of the CSU Symposium for Inclusive Excellence and requires additional registration.

“Politics, Transgender Rights, and Democratic Health”

A hallmark of authoritarian politics is the curtailment of the rights and freedoms of minority populations. Historically, people whose gender identity and/or sexual orientation challenge cultural norms have been targeted politically. Recently, legislation has been increasing that infringes on the medical, civil, and political rights and well-being of transgender people in states across the nation. In response, other states are passing laws to protect LGBTQ+ people. This panel will discuss transgender politics and democratic health with two trans experts. Erin Reed is an independent journalist and author of the Anti-Trans Legislative Risk Assessment Map, which tracks legislation impacting trans people in state legislatures. Representative Zooey Zephyr is the state Representative for Montana’s 100th House District and the first trans woman to hold public office in Montana. In 2023, Representative Zephyr made national news when the state’s Republican supermajority banned her from the House floor due to her advocacy on behalf of trans people and her constituents. Panelists will discuss why reactionary politicians frequently target LGBTQ+ people and how attacks on trans people’s civil rights undermine democratic health. They will also share how they cultivate queer joy during extreme political precarity.

Please note: Tickets are required for this event. Please allow extra time when arriving for security screening.