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EP07: Breaking Barriers, From a Kid in Rural Montana to the First Openly Gay Legislator
Bryce Bennett went from a closeted teen in rural Montana to a state legislator who helped repeal Montana’s anti-LGBTQ laws. Now, he’s leading a national movement to make voting more accessible through Vote Early Day.
Topher Williams sits down with Bryce to trace the throughline of his life: a deep belief in democracy, a commitment to visibility, and an unshakable drive to make change. Bryce shares what it was like growing up queer in a conservative town where violence felt more real than acceptance, and how those early experiences fueled his path into organizing. After becoming the first openly gay man elected to public office in Montana, Bryce found himself confronting everything from bizarre bills about spear hunting and militias to life-threatening rhetoric during legislative hearings. He opens up about the emotional weight of coming out on the House floor in 2013 to advocate for striking Montana’s anti-LGBTQ statute, a moment of personal courage that helped shift policy and set precedent.
Through all of it, Bryce stayed focused on the work: expanding access, building coalitions, and proving that grassroots power still matters. Now, as director of Vote Early Day, he’s mobilizing a national network of nonprofits, businesses, and everyday citizens to ensure no one is left out of the democratic process. This episode is both a personal story and a political roadmap - a reminder that even in the face of fear, marginalization, or absurdity, participation still works. Change doesn’t start with perfection. It starts with showing up.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 The Power of Individual Impact
01:01 Bryce Bennett’s Journey from Rural Montana to Washington, D.C.
02:54 Growing Up LGBTQ in a Conservative Town
05:03 Becoming Montana’s First Openly Gay State Legislator
08:45 Wild and Dangerous Moments Inside the Legislature
10:15 Expanding Medicaid for 100,000 Montanans
11:45 Overturning Montana’s Anti-LGBTQ Law
16:06 Why Vote Early Day Matters
22:33 How to Start Making Change in Your Own Community
25:36 Rapid Fire Questions: Montana Edition
28:11 Participation Trophies: Bryce’s Experiences
Connect with Bryce Bennett:
https://www.instagram.com/brycebennettmt/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-bennett-8885b7217/
https://voteearlyday.org/
Connect with Topher Williams:
https://www.participationtrophypod.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/topher-williams-1a477264/
https://www.instagram.com/tophmcgoph/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
View all episodes
By Topher WilliamsBryce Bennett went from a closeted teen in rural Montana to a state legislator who helped repeal Montana’s anti-LGBTQ laws. Now, he’s leading a national movement to make voting more accessible through Vote Early Day.
Topher Williams sits down with Bryce to trace the throughline of his life: a deep belief in democracy, a commitment to visibility, and an unshakable drive to make change. Bryce shares what it was like growing up queer in a conservative town where violence felt more real than acceptance, and how those early experiences fueled his path into organizing. After becoming the first openly gay man elected to public office in Montana, Bryce found himself confronting everything from bizarre bills about spear hunting and militias to life-threatening rhetoric during legislative hearings. He opens up about the emotional weight of coming out on the House floor in 2013 to advocate for striking Montana’s anti-LGBTQ statute, a moment of personal courage that helped shift policy and set precedent.
Through all of it, Bryce stayed focused on the work: expanding access, building coalitions, and proving that grassroots power still matters. Now, as director of Vote Early Day, he’s mobilizing a national network of nonprofits, businesses, and everyday citizens to ensure no one is left out of the democratic process. This episode is both a personal story and a political roadmap - a reminder that even in the face of fear, marginalization, or absurdity, participation still works. Change doesn’t start with perfection. It starts with showing up.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 The Power of Individual Impact
01:01 Bryce Bennett’s Journey from Rural Montana to Washington, D.C.
02:54 Growing Up LGBTQ in a Conservative Town
05:03 Becoming Montana’s First Openly Gay State Legislator
08:45 Wild and Dangerous Moments Inside the Legislature
10:15 Expanding Medicaid for 100,000 Montanans
11:45 Overturning Montana’s Anti-LGBTQ Law
16:06 Why Vote Early Day Matters
22:33 How to Start Making Change in Your Own Community
25:36 Rapid Fire Questions: Montana Edition
28:11 Participation Trophies: Bryce’s Experiences
Connect with Bryce Bennett:
https://www.instagram.com/brycebennettmt/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-bennett-8885b7217/
https://voteearlyday.org/
Connect with Topher Williams:
https://www.participationtrophypod.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/topher-williams-1a477264/
https://www.instagram.com/tophmcgoph/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm