AOC is looking out for the underdog yet again. The iconic grassroots-funded Representative from New York spoke at a press release on January 14 after HR28, a new anti-trans amendment to Title IX that legally binds people to their assigned sex at birth, passed through the House of Representatives earlier that same day.
Rallying up the Democrats on supporting LGBTQ+ rights has certainly been a tall order as of late, with many blue politicians in the country seeming to lean tepidly liberal. On HR28, two Dems voted for the bill, turning their backs on the queer community. The lack of strategy on the Democrats’ part to stand up and fight for trans rights in the US is obviously not working, despite the moderates apparently thinking that being demure on the topic will help the Democratic Party come to an agreement with the GOP. But after an extremely transphobic, conservative campaign season that spiraled wildly into echo chambers of anti-trans hate included the infamous “Kamala is for they/them” Trump ad that ran in every swing state, it’s no secret that Republicans are as blatantly transphobic as ever. AOC wants that to change, and to be frank, cuts through the bullshit that Democrats are peddling with their meek and mild stances against the GOP.
“When we lean into the momentum that we generate, and when Democrats aren’t afraid to throw a damn punch, then we see that we can yield results,” she says in her statement. She doesn’t think the Dems are confident enough right now in their ability to stand up for trans rights, due to the GOP prioritizing their barrage of harmful legislature against trans people. All hope is not lost, but Democrats must learn to have a backbone and champion one of the most vulnerable populations in the country’s current political climate. With everything all up in the air it’s feeling very volatile, especially with the blitz of executive orders signed by President Trump on his first day in office, including an order that recognizes only “male” and “female” sexes.
With that being said, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez continues to stand up against Trump. In an Instagram video last week, the Congresswoman shared that the press have been asking her if she was going to the inauguration. Her response? “Let me make myself clear. I don’t support rapists … So no, I’m not going to the inauguration.” Couldn’t be more crystal clear. AOC continues to fund her campaigns entirely grassroots, with no corporations donating to her. Speaking out about where support is most needed from the Democrats most likely won’t earn AOC any accolades from either party, but it will from the queer community.
Photo courtesy of social media
