State Representative out of Missoula, Montana. Fighting for housing, health care, & human rights.
Fiancée of
@ErinInTheMorn
Bi🏳️🌈 Trans🏳️⚧️ she/her♀️
My relationship with my fiancée,
@ErinInTheMorn
, has been a source of unbounded joy, and I am so happy to share the story of how we fell in love in an essay for
@TIME
As I say in the essay—and every night—loving Erin is the easiest thing I've ever done.
As I was getting off the plane last night, a stewardess asked what I was so excited about. I told her I'd won my election & was the first trans woman elected in Montana.
She immediately teared up. "My son is trans," she said, & began to tell me about all the joys/fears... [1/3]
Tonight I asked Erin to marry me.
A year ago, I told Erin that I was looking for a love that felt like home.
I have found that and so much more. I have found my future, my family, and my forever.
Though they initially tried to have me removed from the public seating area, I am here working on behalf of my constituents as best I can given the undemocratic circumstances.
I'm talking to legislators, listening to debate, voting on bills, and fighting for democracy.
Republicans used a series of procedures to remove every bill from my committees, silencing my constituents beyond what they already voted to do.
My constituents elected me to speak on their behalf—in committee & on the floor—and stopping me from doing so is anti-democratic.
I'm suing.
The recent actions violate my 1st amendment rights, as well as the rights of my 11,000 constituents to representation.
Montana's State House is the people’s House, not Speaker Regier’s, and I’m determined to defend the right of the people to have their voices heard.
Some lovely friends saved me a spot on the bench outside the House antechamber, so seat 31 is back to its original home-away-from-home.
Also thank you to the folks who brought me the earrings and corsage. I am carrying your kindness with me today.
As I left the House chambers, I pressed my light to speak—a reminder that this legislature is removing 11,000 Montanans from discussion on every bill going forward.
I will always stand on behalf of my constituents, my community, and democracy itself.
The Republican Party of Montana is refusing to allow me—a transgender Representative—to speak on any bill. This is fundamentally undemocratic.
My light is on, and I am ready to speak on behalf of the constituents who elected me to do so.
Some folks showed up early this morning and sat on the public benches near the entrance to the House, so Seat 31 has moved.
I'm up and ready to work. Plus, I hear stand desks are all the rage these days.
I have been informed that during tomorrow’s floor session there will be a motion to either censure or expel me.
I've also been told I'll get a chance to speak. I will do as I have always done—rise on behalf of my constituents, in defense of my community, & for democracy itself.
My statement on the Montana GOP's undemocratic decision to ban me from debate on the House floor:
Today I stood unwaveringly in defense of my constituents, my community, and democracy itself. And I pledge to always do so.
Someone just attempted to SWAT me as well.
I am fine.
An individual reported an anonymous tip targeting my home in Missoula, and the police recognized that it was likely a hoax and called me.
I will say again. We will not be deterred. The fight for trans rights goes on.
Someone just attempted to SWAT my girlfriend.
Those who hate trans people are doing everything in their power to silence & harm us. But we will not be deterred.
We will stand in defiance of their cruelty, and never stop working until trans people get to live our lives in peace.
The court's decision not to reinstate me undermines the democratic principles our country was founded on.
I vow to continue standing for my constituents & community to fight for our democratic institutions. If we can't get justice in the courts, we will get it in the ballot box.
Someone just attempted to SWAT my girlfriend.
Those who hate trans people are doing everything in their power to silence & harm us. But we will not be deterred.
We will stand in defiance of their cruelty, and never stop working until trans people get to live our lives in peace.
Somebody just attempted to SWAT me for my reporting on transgender legislation and events.
Thankfully, I've worked closely with the police in my community anticipating this, and the attempt failed.
I will never stop advocating for my community and will never be silenced.
This is what anti-trans propaganda looks like.
Janae Kroc (left) set a world record in the men's 220lb weight class in '09 (prior to transition). She's not a women's world champion.
Mattie Rogers (right) didn't lose to Janae. She took silver in '19, in the 156lb weight class.
Throughout my first term, I have worked tirelessly to defend our health care, our housing, our human rights, and democracy itself.
And I'm ready to get back to the Montana State House of Representatives in 2025.
Click to donate & support my re-election.
This is why we'll win the fight for trans rights. Because we're not a concept to be debated. We're your family, your neighbors, your colleagues, & more.
& if you don't think you know us, rest assured—even 30,000' in the sky—you're never far from someone who cares about us. [3/3]
The Montana GOP is refusing to let me speak for the rest of the legislative session.
I was elected to represent my 11,000 constituents. No silencing tactics will deter me from advocating for my community, my district, and all Montanans.
My light is on and I am ready to speak.
ZOOEY ZEPHYR WINS IN MONTANA!
Montana's first trans woman legislator! In a state that has curtailed transgender rights so heavily lately, her voice will give transgender people in Montana representation where these laws are being made.
What a wonderful night.
Today—when the Speaker continued to not recognize me as a duly elected official—my constituents & community protested on behalf of their democratic right to be heard.
I raised my mic and stood in solidarity with them. I am devoted to those who rise in defense of democracy.
that had come with his transition. How much happier and healthier he is now. I got to see pictures of her & her son in Paris, the two of them beaming with joy.
She also talked about how scary the world was, but how this moment gave her hope. Then we took a selfie & cried. [2/3]
Thank you to GO Magazine for including me in this year's "100 Women We Love"
Every day I go into work, I strive to make Montana a better place for everyone. I feel blessed that I get to do this work, and honored to represent the amazing city of Missoula.
Courage is contagious. Whenever we stand up against undemocratic actions, we stand together with everyone through history who has fought for democracy.
Jamie did phenomenal work as Judiciary Clerk this session, and I'm proud to have her join my team.
BREAKING: House Judiciary Committee Clerk Jamie Van Valkenburg quit her job this morning to join
@ZoAndBehold
as her staff, she made the decision this a.m., House Judiciary completed its work for the session, one of two committees Zephyr served on that ended early
#mtpol
#mtleg
Thank you everyone who came out to the rally last night. As always, it is an honor to be in community with each and every one of you.
We're changing the world, and that change is taking root in Missoula, Montana.
(photo courtesy of
@dc_laka
)
We will not be intimidated by hatred here in Montana.
Pride is our sanctuary. Pride is our protest. Pride is our continuous source of joy. And we will not let hatred take that joy away.
We will dance, sing, and celebrate in defiance of the hatred that demands our silence.
"If you are denying gender-affirming care and forcing a trans child to go through puberty, that is tantamount to torture, and this body should be ashamed.
If you vote yes on this bill, I hope the next time you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands."
She was trans. Her name was Cashay Henderson. She was only 31. Her life had joy & beauty & worth!
#SayHerName
#blackTRANSlivesmatter
🏳️⚧️
And shame on the the news for changing the headline from "woman" to "person" once it was revealed she was trans.
Late last night, the House adjourned Sine Die—meaning the 68th legislative session has come to a close.
As soon as we adjourned, I returned to my seat in the People's House to celebrate the work my colleagues & I did this session, and begin discussing what comes next.
I was honored to meet with several members of congress today to talk about the work ahead.
Our conversations all centered on how to stand up for democracy, and how to work with the communities we represent to ensure that they are empowered to stand up as well.
From NYT: "Not content to control these rooms...Republicans have said, in essence, that representation is a privilege for communities whose chosen lawmakers don't offend their sensibilities."
This is what I mean I say that we are standing up for democracy itself.
When I spoke about how this bill could be used to target trans people, Republican Leadership objected multiple times, stating that "the bill had nothing to do with the transgender community."
They'll use every procedural tool to silence the communities holding them accountable.
Major trans news.
I warned, repeatedly, that drag bans would be applied to trans speakers.
A trans public speaker was just banned from delivering a reading and speech in the Butte Public Library on LGBTQ history in Montana.
They cited the drag ban.
Erin & I went to Florida to plant the flag of queer joy alongside Floridians.
Aspiring authoritarians like DeSantis can push cruel policies, but they cannot push us back in the closet.
And they'll wind up as footnotes in history. Because love wins.
What a shameful ruling.
Not only did this case stem from something that didn't happen (the plaintiff fabricated a couple), but to allow businesses to so plainly discriminate against LGBTQ people is to undermine the very principles that our civil rights legislation is based upon.
BREAKING: A Christian artist can refuse to make wedding websites for gay couples, the Supreme Court ruled in an LGBTQ+ rights setback and another win for religious plaintiffs.
In response to the MT Freedom Caucus' call for my censure, I stand by my description of the devastating consequences of banning essential medical care for trans youth.
As long as I am a member of the Montana Legislature, I will never stop fighting for trans people in our state.
This Thursday I spoke out against HB361—a Right to Bully" bill that would allow for students to intentionally deadname and misgender trans students.
Unfortunately tbill passed committee, but not before I explained how it's inherently discriminatory, unkind, & harms my community.
Thursday, Republicans moved several bills out of my committees, preventing me from representing my constituents not only on the floor, but in committee.
The (D) vice-chair of Judiciary called out their actions.
The next day, Republicans scheduled new hearings in my committees.
This February, I spoke about how the drag ban would be used to target Pride & trans people. Republicans tried to stop me from making the point.
The drag ban has now been blocked in court, with the judge citing how the bills targets trans people, as well as Montana Pride.
Must watch.
Trans Rep Zooey Zephyr just gave one of the fiercest speeches on the Montana House floor against a bill that bans drag and could target Pride.
They interrupted her several times to stop her when she spoke about how it affected the trans community.
She persisted.
Thank you everyone for all the support! So many kind words—from Montana and beyond.
I am working through my emails & will do my best to respond.
And an extra thank you to my constituents. I was elected to represent you, and I will never stop working on your behalf.
Just had a great conversation with my Republican opponent, Sean McCoy, about what we each heard from our community throughout our campaigns.
These are important conversations b/c once elected, we represent our entire district, not just the people who voted for us.
#mtpol
#mtleg
Thank you to everyone who came out to the Q&A + social.
It was lovely to talk about all the legislation from this session, both good & bad, and to begin talking about all the opportunities ahead of us.
Now it's back to Helena—for the last week of the session—to work for y'all.
Representative Zooey Zephyr is now the first trans woman in the history of Montana elected as a legislator.
Her presence will secure representation for trans people in the place where laws are made in one of the states where the battle for rights and dignity will be hardest.
A story in 4 parts:
- RW politicians/influencers stoke fear about LGBTQ people, calling us groomers/pedophiles
- News agencies launder the talking points, "legitimizing" fear
- Someone believes them; decides to kill us
- RW politician feigns empathy while we're left to grieve
My favorite childhood game ever just came back out remastered and oh my god I am so excited to play Super Mario RPG again with
@ZoAndBehold
(who ALSO claims it as her favorite game)!
Now time to go collect frog coins and practice my timed hits!
This kind of hate is not welcome in Missoula. Queer people aren't just accepted, we're deeply ingrained in (& cared for by) the community. We're teachers, tradesman, baristas, bankers, & more.
We're part of Missoula, & if you can let go of the hate in your heart, you'd see that.
The sponsor asked why drag shows were performed to children?
Answer: Because we lived! Queer people survived every attempt to kill us, to ban our marriages & families.
We lived! And now we're showing our children the art that highlights our history & joy
Anti-trans propaganda tries to lead readers to:
(a) picture people like Janae as the "standard" trans woman
(b) picture a much smaller cis woman as the average competition
The truth is that 200+ pound bodybuilders always look stacked. Here's Nikki Fuller (~200lb cis woman)
I'm honored to be included in
@TIME
's 2023 Top 100 Next:
It's an absolute joy to represent Missoula. And all of the work—however challenging—always feels light, because I know I'm fighting alongside so many amazing people to build a better, kinder world.
"We CaN AlwAyS TeLl"
Here they accuse 17 y/o chess phenom & Dutch Women's champion, Eline Roebers, of being trans.
They don't care about women's sports. They don't care about women. The anti-trans brigade will attack any & every woman so long as they also attack trans people.
Senate Bill 99—Montana's ban on gender-affirming care—is enjoined and will NOT go into effect!
Republicans refused to listen to trans people & the medical community. But now, 5 months after the legislature adjourned, they must listen to the courts.
My full statement is below:
Yesterday, all charges were dropped against the 7 individuals who were arrested in April while protesting the Republican supermajority’s decision to deny me the ability to represent my constituents on the House floor.
This is a victory for democracy. Below is my full statement:
As fun as the Minnesota capitol was, the real highlight of my trip through Minnesota was getting to spend time with my grandma.
I've got family all throughout Minnesota—from Red Wing to Concordia, from Moorhead to Minneapolis. It was good to catch up w/ a few of them.
When I said there is blood on their hands, I meant it.
All legislators (& the Gov) received a letter from an ER doctor who dealt w/ a suicide attempt from a trans teen who cited OUR LEGISLATURE as a factor in their suicidality.
"My state doesn't want me," is what they said.
I spoke last night at The Stonewall Inn for the opening of pride month.
It was such an honor to share that moment with so many wonderful people.
Happy Pride! And as I said in my speech, I hope you feel sheltered by our community and inspired to work towards a kinder world.
.
@Nintendo
made list of "rules" for tournaments using their games.
Imagine Bicycle Playing Cards insisting your home poker games be played a certain way or they'll sue you. Ridiculous. Customers have every right to use these products how they see fit.
Sorry, but as cool as NYC is, it's missing that quality progressive infrastructure you can only get from Missoula, Montana.
Hell, NYC doesn't even have a 100% free public transit system like we have here in Missoula.
Butte just canceled an event with trans & two-spirit speaker, saying it might violate the drag ban.
The event? A history of LGBTQ & two-spirit in Montana.
When we say these laws target trans people, this is what we mean. These laws are designed to remove us from public spaces.
The Butte Public Library confirmed to me this event was canceled due to belief it might violate HB 359, the drag show ban passed this session. Although the event was not drag-related but a talk about LGBTQ+ history. Trying to get more details from BSB county attorney.
My message to the Flahead County Dems:
Authoritarianism is trying to take root in Montana. But we can plant the seeds of a better Montana, if we're truly willing to stand for our principles & put in the work—day-in, day-out—towards bettering our state.
I am honored that I get to represent Missoula's House District 100.
You sent me here to be your voice in the capitol, and despite the Republicans using their power to steal that voice, I will never stop fighting for my home, my community, and all Montana.
Republicans were so insistent on allowing people to access ivermectin, they created a "right to try" law, using informed consent. That law undercut their own disingenuous argument against trans care.
When we debated SB422, I noted that hypocrisy. I'm glad the court noted it too.
Furthermore, in this VERY SESSION, the state also passed SB422, which protected "the right to try" investigational drugs.
Clearly meant for ivermectin and other similar treatments.
The judge pointed out that the state's own logic collapses here:
I remember the pain of the 2021 legislature, and how that pain became a fire that pushed me to run for office.
Now, I vow to use my voice to support those who feel that same fire, and help them get into the rooms where their voices can make a difference.
A recent study reviewed decades of data & found trans women who've transitioned have NO clear biological advantage over cis women.
Trans people belong!
@usedgov
must revise their proposed Title IX policy to allow trans athletes to fully participate in alignment with their gender
Today 14 trans & nonbinary legislators expressed our concern to President Biden regarding the proposed Title IX policy change.
Trans people belong in sports. Policies must begin with the presumption of full inclusion & provide a pathway for participation in all levels of sports.
It was awesome to get to unwind for a night, and also to get to play some video games for the first time in months.
Maybe I'll find time to practice and go 1-2 at the next one 😭
Also thank you to everyone who sent flowers.
While the GOP's undemocratic censure kept me from my seat in the House for the last week of the session, your love & support filled that room—and for that I am so incredibly grateful.
When I transitioned, Missoula held me in her arms at a time when I needed more support than ever. It's a city truly rooted in love, committed to creating a community built by & for all of us.
And is the greatest honor of my life to represent Missoula at the Montana Legislature.
Also also: As is tradition, I signed my desk, so my name will now stand alongside a long history of representatives who occupied Seat 31.
Now it's time to return home to Missoula, root myself in the community I love so much, and begin the next steps in the work.
Finally was able to take a day off, and used it to practice some hobbies (map making, dancing, & more).
Even managed to get a new PB on my rubik's cube, which I'd been re-teaching myself this year. Down from 2:30 to 1:37 😤
The post also leads readers to think the trans woman directly beat the cis woman.
This + OP previously claiming to be an ally (see below) is meant to cast trans people as unreasonable.
Intentional & sophisticated misinformation. OP is almost assuredly not just a random grandma.
Hey Missoula—
Before I head back to the capitol for the last week of the session, I'll be doing a Q&A at Clyde Coffee today from 5-630p.
Come out, ask questions, and let's enjoy being in community with one another.
Lastly—despite all the cruelties, I believe people saw a glimpse of what our country can be if we stand up for democracy & for one another.
I'll be meeting with communities & lawmakers across the state & country to discuss how this moment becomes a movement if we stand together.
The Montana Supreme Court is saying what it's continually said since the Armstrong decision in the 90s:
Montanans have a constitutional right to privacy. That privacy includes privacy in healthcare decisions, which includes access to abortion.
Abortion is healthcare. Full stop.
A new report reveals that SB 458—a bill seeking to legally erase trans & nonbinary people—risks 7.5 BILLION dollars in federal funding.
That is HALF of Montana's entire budget.
Now we find out: Will Republicans throw away half our budget in their effort to harm trans people?
Holly Michaels reporting that press was not allowed to take notes in the public space in today's Judiciary committee hearing.
Each and every step of the way, Republicans have picked the most anti-democratic path available to them.
House Judiciary Chair Amy Regier limited press from being able to take notes in the public area of the meeting room today.
They have limited the number of press allowed in the media area all session, that's the chair's prerogative.
#mtpol
#mtleg
Throughout the legislative session, I kept repeating: bans on gender-affirming care are as cruel as they are unconstitutional.
Gender-affirming care saves lives. Trans people know this. Our loved ones see it. And the courts agree.
May this case ring out across the states.
BREAKING: A federal court permanently blocked an Arkansas law that would have banned gender-affirming care for transgender youth, finding the law violates the constitutional rights of transgender youth, their parents, and their medical providers.
One of the joys of the GLAAD Media Awards is that the people in this room understand the intersectional nature of the work.
The fight for queer rights, the fight for disability rights, for unions, for abortion access, for BIPOC rights—its all connected. We fight & win together.
GLAAD Media Awards with Zooey tonight. We are going to change the world and make it a better place for trans and queer people.
And that fight starts with representation. People need to see people like themselves in the world fighting for them.
We will never stop.
Every news agency platforming anti-lgbt talking points, every law criminalizing our existence—this is where it leads. This is where it always leads.
And where is my community left? To grieve and wonder when it'll stop. To fight back, yet watch—again and again—our loved ones die.
They already tried. Republicans proposed dozens of constitutional amendments last session, with nearly a half dozen making it to floor votes.
These amendments were WILDLY unpopular with Montanans (up to 92% opposing).
We defeated each and every one of the proposed amendments.
Beautiful day with the love of my life Zooey and my wonderful son at Ren Faire!
It was so nice to see so many people who knew us there. It was
@ZoAndBehold
’s first US Ren Faire and it never ceases to amaze me how incredibly queer and wonderful Ren Faire is!
Today 14 trans & nonbinary legislators expressed our concern to President Biden regarding the proposed Title IX policy change.
Trans people belong in sports. Policies must begin with the presumption of full inclusion & provide a pathway for participation in all levels of sports.
It's official: Candidate filing opened today in Montana, and I have filed for re-election!
It's an honor to represent Missoula in the Montana House of Representatives and to fight for democracy & the dignity of all Montanans.
I look forward to continuing that fight in 2025.
While
@ErinInTheMorn
and I talked a lot about climate change, human rights, and the work ahead, we also took plenty of time to just lose ourselves in nature & one another.
Enjoy a little montage of some of what we saw (and a small glimpse into how much of a dork I am).
I spent Monday in Glacier National Park with
@ErinInTheMorn
While it was absolutely stunning, we only could go because the park opened earlier than it has in 18 years. So we spent a lot of time talking about climate change & why court cases like Held v. Montana are so important.
Thank you to
@TheView
for speaking with me about the legislative attacks trans people are facing across the country, how Republicans are willing to undermine democracy in their efforts to eliminate trans people from public life, and why gender-affirming care is so important.
Transgender state Rep. Zephyr on being censured for speaking out against ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth: "What are they willing to throw away to achieve their policy goals? And here it was, the first principles of our country, elected representation."
@ZoAndBehold
@AntiNateSilver
*proceeds to produce the most carefully constructed propaganda, presenting it in a manner leading readers to the worst interpretation, thereby maximizing its transphobic impact*
@jmkcajlee
That's my bad! I mistakenly thought flight attendant was the general title, but steward/stewardess were the gendered versions (e.g. massage therapist → masseur/masseuse).
Sorry for messing it up!
Denying trans people the healthcare we need is torture. It gets us killed.
The genocide of trans people is already underway—through the removal of our art, our stories, our safety, our healthcare, and ultimately our lives. Brick by brick, policy by policy, they are killing us.
Oh my god.
Missouri AG just essentially banned gender affirming care for most trans adults via emergency rule.
Requires 3 years of dysphoria, 18 months of therapy sessions, doesn't allow people with autism/depression.
This is what elimination of transgender people looks like.
The real question is how can republicans vote for the bill, then approach me in the hall to
(1) thank me for speaking so eloquently
(2) tell me I'm moving the needle on trans rights
(3) apologize for voting the way they did
Until their vote reflects it, their words ring hollow
The smashers won't stop gassing me up:
Also, thank you for reminding everyone about when I beat
@SFAT
. Almost beat Machiavelli too, at my one & only national (Paragon LA).
Who knows tho, maybe I'll travel again & catch y'all at an event next summer :)
I was prepared for post-election surprises. I was not prepared for the smash community to find an old tweet about PM and hype me up. 😅
I love y'all. And don't think I've fallen off just bc I'm not competing anymore. If y'all ever come through Montana, you can catch these hands.
@LocienDren
@ErinInTheMorn
Also, unrelated, but PM rocks. I used to play competitively, and even traveled to some supermajors back in 3.02 through 3.6 eras.
Deliberately cruel & unacceptable.
If
@WinsomeSears
was unwilling to gender
@pwcdanica
correctly, she could have simply used her title: Senator Roem.
The only reason you intentionally misgender a sitting legislator is because you want to show your cruelty to the world.
NEW: hearing
@WinsomeSears
referred to
@pwcdanica
on the
@VASenate
floor as "sir."
Chamber has gone into recess twice after reportedly "Sears refused to apologize."
"I'm not here to upset anyone, I'm here to do the job the ppl of VA have called me to do."
#VALeg
Happy Easter to all who celebrate. Happy Trans Day of Visibility to all who celebrate.
May you find joy & meaning in the days we move through, regardless of what we call them.
In Seattle for 36 hours, and I'm thrilled to report that I'll be at the
@SoundersFC
game tomorrow!
Since moving back to Montana after college, I've been watching games online (& following
@sounderatheart
obviously).
Incredibly excited to get to see a game in-person again!
#EBFG
Ooooooohh we legislatin!
As we move into hour 5 for the day, we're through 25 of the 93 bills we're scheduled to hear & vote on today.
We're on pace to go until 11pm or later. 🌙
Gov. Gianforte is turning down $10 Million of federal assistance designed to feed hungry kids. It's estimated this money could feed 73,000 Montana kids.
This should be an easy decision. You can encourage the Governor to make the right decision by emailing governor
@mt
.gov