The 2022 elections commemorated many political milestones for the LGBTQ community, including the number of transgender candidates increasing by 100% since 2020.
While that statistic may sound inspiring when scribed so sprightly, at a time in which so many states are considering anti-trans legislation to ban gender-affirming healthcare for trans-youth, perhaps an increase in candidacy alone isn’t enough.
Maebe A. Girl, Trans/Non-Binary Drag Queen & Silverlake Neighborhood Councilwoman since 2019, is confident she can make the change from “neighborhood to nation” in her announcement this week to run a third time for the open seat in CA-District 30. After a day’s worth of campaign planning, she sat down to chat about LGBTQIA+ representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Questions based on research provided by Victory Fund:
California had the highest number of Congressional House Candidates from the LGBTQ Community in 2022. How did it feel to be a part of that milestone in political history?
Maebe: It felt really amazing to be a part of that group; I’m very proud of where I live and to be running as a representative specifically for my district in Los Angeles but also representing California.
Adding, she was equally pleased to be the first trans/non-binary candidate to advance to the general election for a seat in the US House of Representatives.
Ballots nationwide have shown a 70% increase since 2018 in candidates who do not identify as cisgender. What impact do you feel your widely publicized campaigns for Neighborhood Council and Congress have had on the rise in representation?
Maebe: I have many firsts under my belt, but I always like to be clear that I’m not running to be the first.
Adamant that if not her, someone like her should be included in the conversation soon. Also sharing how fortunate she feels to help clear a path for others seeing as emerging bills at both the state and federal levels affect the trans community at large.
A publication from Insider mentioned that 21 States in the U.S. will consider anti-trans legislation that will ban specific healthcare in 2023. What is your stance on restricting gender-affirming services to trans-youth?
Maebe: I support trans-youth and support any individual’s autonomy to make decisions about who they are themselves.
Additionally, noting much concern about the misinformation in media surrounding the topic of age groups that receive certain gender-affirming services. Relaying that the treatments in question aren’t provided to trans-youth until puberty is on set and that much of the legislation still wrongfully allows for non-consensual surgeries in the case of intersex children.
A Pew Research Center recently shared that as of January 2023, 13 members of Congress identify as Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual. How do you feel increased representation from the trans community will affect American legislation to come?
Maebe: I think it will have a huge impact, even if it’s just one person coming in and arguing for trans rights rather than against them. In the history of the United States, Congress has never had an openly transgender representative. If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.
She pointed out the juxtaposition of legislation that affects trans people being voted on in states like Florida and Ohio without the input of trans people —also mentioning plans to introduce federal legislation to protect the trans community’s rights if elected into the House.
According to PBS, California’s LGBTQ-identifying legislature has risen to 10%. As the first and only Drag Queen to hold public office in California, what can voters expect from you in the year leading up to the next election and if elected into the House?
Maebe: For me, it’s always been about the people and the communities, so you can expect me to be having as many conversations with voters as possible between now and March 5th, 2024.
Speaking about her intent to gauge further the community on issues that matter to them. Although she’s running for a federal position and is confident in the policies she supports, remaining an accurate representation of her community is just as important to her.
So, what’s in store for forecast on trans rights and representation?
2023 is already poised to confine the rights of the LGBTQ community. However, in light of this trailblazing candidate, 2024 brings about the opportunity for members of the trans community to finally sit at the table where their access to healthcare services remains a controversial topic.
While this Neighborhood Councilwoman is well aware of the challenges her grassroots, corporate-free campaign faces in reaching over 760,000 residents, she remains confident in her experience as a representative and congressional candidate. Those past campaigns are now referred to in publication as landslide losses, though with over 60,000 votes in her favor last year, her long-incumbent opponent out of the running, and the recent rise in LGBTQIA+ Congressional representation, 2024 has great potential to be another record-breaking year.
“Running for congress is no easy feat, but I do it because I know what I’m fighting for is right. Trans (and Queer) people do not have time to wait.” -Maebe A. Girl
