About LGBTQ+ Missourians!
I have long been an ally and advocate for LGBTQ+ Missourians. While I have participated in LGBTQ+ community events such as workshops, walks, and Pride celebrations, most of my involvement comes from personal relationships with people I care about who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Attacks on the LGBTQ+ Community
I am concerned about attacks on members of the LGBTQ+ community--both physical violence, and verbal/written attacks and lies from extremists on social media and other outlets. It sickens me that anyone might be harassed, injured, or killed because of their gender identity/expression or sexual orientation.
Physical violence toward members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the transgender community and drag queens, should be considered a hate crime, and verbal/written attacks should be considered hate speech. I will fight for legislation that establishes more protections for LGBTQ+ Missourians and strengthens consequences for those committing hate crimes and/or using hate speech.
Support for Transgender Missourians
Recent attacks on the transgender community, especially from right-wing extremist candidates and elected officials, have been particularly appalling to me. These attacks aren’t about “protecting women and children”—they’re about further marginalizing transgender people. I strongly oppose efforts to prohibit transgender people from safely using the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity and from receiving medically necessary transition-related health care. I support the right of transgender individuals to participate in athletics. I believe transgender individuals should be able to have fair access to identity documents (such as birth certificates and driver’s licenses) that appropriately match their gender identity.
LGBTQ+ Discrimination
I strongly support the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act (MONA), which would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression in housing, employment, and access to public accommodations. I will support local municipalities who choose to update their local nondiscrimination ordinances to include sexual identity and gender identity/expression. I would also oppose legislation that allows private businesses, organizations, medical professionals, and social service agencies to refuse service to LGBTQ+ individuals based on their religious or personal beliefs.
Education, compassion, and support
I strongly believe that education is key to helping people overcome a fear of others that is based in ignorance. Neither transgender people, drag queens, nor any other LGBTQ+ Missourians are a threat to others simply based on their gender identification/expression or sexual orientation, regardless of whether it’s in the workplace, school, a bathroom, or a playing field. I will use my platform as an elected official to increase visibility for the lived experience of LGBTQ+ Missourians, and to connect people to information and resources. I will introduce and/or strongly support legislation that establishes more protections for LGBTQ+ Missourians.
