In 2023 state legislatures across the South and Midwest have introduced over 400 bills attacking trans adults, trans kids, and drag queens. This legislative session in West Virginia saw the introduction of more than 15 anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ bills. On Thursday March 9th, 2023 trans organizers held a rally at the Capitol Building in Charleston, WV in protest of House Bill 2007 which would enforce a total ban on gender affirming care for minors in the state. Over 100 people packed the upper level of the capitol building to protest outside the Senate Chambers where the bill was being discussed. In this episode you'll hear interviews with organizers and attendees of the rally, and audio from a powerful afternoon of queer and trans rage, grief, joy, and laughter in the heart of a state often ignored by the national left.

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This episode talks about suicide. Please take care of yourself while listening, and if you or someone you know is struggling please call The Trans Lifeline at (877) 565-8860. Or call or text the Suicice & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

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In this episode we are asking you to support Project Rainbow an organization working to create West Virginia's first LGBTQ+ safe haven and shelter in Morgantown, WV.

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Created and produced by Rae Garringer with support from HB Lozito from Out in the Open.

Editorial advisory dream team: Hermelinda Cortés, Lewis Raven Wallace, and Sharon P. Holland. Music by Tommy Anderson.

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If you'd like to support this rural queer and trans led and Appalachian based project head on over to our Patreon page.