A Republic, If You Can Keep It

The Attack on Transgender Americans (Guest: Equality Michigan’s Emme Zanotti)


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In a study of contrasts, Donald Trump and Trump wannabes are gathered in Indianapolis as we recorded this week’s podcast. They are all paying homage to the National Rifle Association at the gun manufacturing groups annual convention … even as Governor Whitmer signs two more gun safety laws opposed by the NRA into law with state and national leaders of March for Our Lives at her side…and additional laws working their way through the Legislature.

The national debate over reproductive rights grows even more heated. Just before we started recording, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito — who wrote the Dobbs decision overturning Roe – has issued a short stay on the Texas court ban on the abortion drug mifopristone.

In Michigan, the Governor and Attorney General have joined forces with their Democratic counterparts nationally in challenging the initial court finding. We’ll talk about the how this debate is nothing but bad news for Republicans.

It’s not just reproductive rights under national attack. Republican legislatures across the nation have declared war on transgender Americans. We’re joined on the pod this week by Emme Zanotti, Director of Advocacy and Civic Engagement, for the Equality Michigan Action Network. 

Emme is a dedicated advocate for equality with integral roles in candidate campaign management, statewide caucus leadership, progressive coalition advisory, non-profit board service, and enhancing LGBTQ+ issue awareness and protections in the private sector. As a transgender woman who too often relied or had to rely on self-advocacy, Emme’s passion is in coalition-building, empowering fellow-LGBTQ+ Michiganders to enter the advocacy arena, and making sure the community is well-represented at the tables where decision-making is happening about their lives and well-being. 

She is a former board member at Stand with Trans where she still facilitates a monthly support group for young trans women, and she most recently served as co-Chair and Vice Chair of the #HateWont Win Coalition and the Michigan Democratic Party’s LGBT&A Caucus.

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This week’s podcast is underwritten in part by EPIC-MRA
EPIC ▪ MRA is a full service survey research firm with expertise in:

• Public Opinion Surveys
• Market Research Studies
• Live Telephone Surveys
• On-Line and Automated Surveys
• Focus Group Research
• Bond Proposals – Millage Campaigns
• Political Campaigns & Consulting
• Ballot Proposals – Issue Advocacy Research
• Community – Media Relations
• Issue – Image Management
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Stories We’re Following This Week

Republican Attacks on Transgender Americans

  • GOP state legislatures pass historic surge in bills targeting LGBTQ rights – The Washington Post
  • Trans kids feel unsafe and stressed at school. This study shows why. – Washington Post
  • Indiana transgender bill signed by Holcomb backed by national groups – State Affairs
  • GOP lawmakers override veto of transgender bill in Kentucky – AP News
  • Florida Senate approves ban on transgender treatments for kids – POLITICO
  • North Dakota advances suite of restrictions on trans rights – AP News
  • West Virginia governor signs ban on gender-affirming care – AP News
  • Kansas passes trans bathroom bill; Arkansas OKs own version – AP News
  • Utah Is “Protecting” LGBTQ+ Kids by Letting Their Parents Read All Their Messages – Mother Jones
  • High court: Trans girl can run girls track in West Virginia – AP News
  • Climate Change and Environment

    • Michigan Democrats: Utilities must use 100% carbon free energy by 2035 | Bridge Michigan
    • Momentum Builds in Michigan Senate for Clean Energy Transition | Evergreen Action
    • Senate Democrats Introduce Clean Energy Future Plan – Senator Sue Shink
    • NEW POLL: Michigan Voters Want Legislature to Take Action on Clean Energy and Climate, Hold Utility Companies Accountable Following Blackouts – Evergreen Action
    • Biden Proposes Emission Rules to Boost Sales of Electric Cars – The New York Times
    • Sen. Shink Introduces Sustainability-Centered Legislation to Repeal ‘Ban on Bag Bans’ – Senator Sue Shink
    • Here’s why the downpour in Fort Lauderdale just wouldn’t stop – AP News
    • Gun Safety

      • At Michigan State University, Whitmer signs first gun reform bills ⋆ Michigan Advance
      • What Michigan’s new gun proposals would actually do – Lansing State Journal
      • Gun groups sue House, Senate over ability to testify on firearms bills – Detroit News
      • NRA convention draws top GOP 2024 hopefuls after shootings – AP News
      • White House Memo re: NRA Convention and gun safety
      • The Democrat Who’s Betting Her Senate Bid on Gun Control – The New Republic
      • Reproductive Rights

        • Whitmer: Abortion pill remains ‘legal in Michigan,’ despite judge’s ruling – Bridge Michigan
        • AG Nessel Joins Multistate Coalition to Fight Back Against Decision to Block Medication Abortion Access
        • Appeals court decision raises questions about access to abortion pill – Detroit Free Press
        • Abortion pill legal fight heads toward Supreme Court showdown – NBC News
        • DeSantis signs Florida GOP’s 6-week abortion ban into law – AP News
        • Democrats in the News

          • Michigan Democratic Party Legacy Dinner Tickets
          • Governor Whitmer: The First 100 Days (video)
          • Dems make major inroads in the youth vote. And it’s not just college kids. – POLITICO
          • Chicago to host 2024 Democratic National Convention – Chicago Sun-Times
          • Michigan Democrats: Give driver licenses to undocumented immigrants – Bridge Michigan
          • House Introduces Bills to Expand Support for Crime Victims – Rep. Julie Rogers
          • Republicans in Disarray

            • Tenure of new Michigan GOP chair who spread Beyoncé paganism conspiracy theory is off to a rocky start – CNN Politics
            • Michigan GOP may scrap 2024 primary for closed caucus. That could help Trump – Bridge Michigan
            • Ex-Michigan Senate leader’s nonprofit still spending 3 years later – Detroit News
            • Special counsel focuses on Trump fundraising off false election claims – The Washington Post
            • Clarence Thomas Didn’t Disclose Harlan Crow Real Estate Deal — ProPublica
            • Justice Thomas failed to report 2014 real estate deal with Texas mega-donor – AP News
            • Editorial | Ron DeSantis says he’s for freedom. His Florida agenda says otherwise. – The Washington Post
            • ...more
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