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You are here: Home / Archives for Civil Rights / Women's Rights

Women's Rights

Proud to Be A Democrat Open Thread: Deb Haaland for Interior Secretary

by Anne Laurie|  February 24, 20217:43 pm| 89 Comments

This post is in: A Woman's Place Is In The House, Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat

Deb Haaland, first Native American picked to run Interior Dept. says: "It’s not about me." It’s about "all of us." https://t.co/edwKhlbVqA

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) February 23, 2021

Joe Manchin has announced that he’ll vote in favor of Haaland’s confirmation, which is perceived as a good omen, after the GOP Death Cultists attacked her:

… In her opening statement, Haaland attempted to strike a delicate balance on energy and environmental policy, saying, “There’s no question that fossil energy does and will continue to play a major role in America for years to come.” But, she added, “Our climate challenge must be addressed,” and she contended that “the Department has a role in harnessing the clean energy potential of our public lands to create jobs and new economic opportunities.”

Barrasso [R-WY] said Tuesday that he feels “troubled” by some of Haaland’s positions on climate and energy issues, while Daines said he is “concerned” about proceeding with the nomination.

In one contentious exchange Tuesday, Barrasso asked Haaland to answer for a tweet from October 2020 in which she said that Republicans don’t believe in science. The GOP senator pointed out that he and several other Republican members of the committee are medical doctors and called the remark “concerning.”

“Senator, yes, if you’re a doctor, I would assume that you believe in science,” Haaland replied…

Mr. Charles P. Pierce, at Esquire:

… Surely, I don’t have to run down the long recent history of wingnut physicians who get elected and then forget everything they ever learned anywhere except at Vacation Bible School. Republican politicians have accepted lucrative ignorance as the cost of maintaining their partisan viability, and they’ve done so for decades. (The tweet that Barrasso is pretending bothered him so was Haaland’s noting that an RNC document had dropped the word “science” entirely.) Haaland was composed enough not to call out Barrasso for the disingenuous charlatan that he was being at the moment. She played her answer down the middle, promising to remember not only the land and water, but also the families that depend on the extraction industries that the previous administration* allowed to run amuck. Remember, their first Interior Secretary was Ryan Zinke, who lasted two years before being forced to resign over his connection to energy corporations back in Montana. Joe Manchin had no problem deciding to vote for him.

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Haaland’s (very strong) opening statement here:

The Honorable Deb Haaland began her confirmation hearing today, first by introducing herself in Keres, her Pueblo language, followed by acknowledging the Indigenous homelands of the Piscataway peoples / Washington DC. #DebForInteriorhttps://t.co/zEh7zgXPrO

— Indigenously (@indigenous_ly) February 23, 2021

"News of her historic nomination electrified Indian Country. Tribal leaders and organizations for weeks have urged people to write and call U.S. senators…"https://t.co/mwfBxt0CbF

— Rachel Maddow MSNBC (@maddow) February 23, 2021

Per the Bozeman [Montana] Daily Chronicle:

For Native Americans, Deb Haaland is more than an elected official on track to become the first Indigenous secretary of the Interior Department. She is a sister, an auntie and a fierce pueblo woman whose political stances have been molded by her upbringing.

News of her historic nomination electrified Indian Country. Tribal leaders and organizations for weeks have urged people to write and call U.S. senators who will decide if she’ll lead the agency that has broad oversight over Native American affairs and energy development…

To mark the event, supporters projected a picture of the New Mexico congresswoman on the side of the Interior building with text that read “Our Ancestors’ Dreams Come True.” A mobile billboard with Haaland’s image also made its way around Washington, D.C.

Many Native Americans see Haaland as a reflection of themselves, someone who will elevate their voices and protect the environment and tribes’ rights. Here are stories of her impact…

In 2018, @RepDebHaaland and I became the first two Native women ever elected to Congress, but she has been a fierce advocate in Indian Country & a champion for our environment for decades.

I can think of no one more highly qualified and prepared to lead the Dept of the Interior. pic.twitter.com/5ccu1GvAy8

— Rep. Sharice Davids (@RepDavids) February 23, 2021

Patagonia points out that opposition to Haaland based on the idea that her commitment to protecting public lands will cost jobs is bogus: The outdoor industry supports 6.1 million jobs—compared with 2.1 million jobs supported by the oil and gas industry. It's racism and misogyny.

— Annelise Orleck (@AnneliseOrleck1) February 24, 2021

Click here to stand with Rep. @DebHaalandNM.https://t.co/eb8SBBfo1P

— Grant Stern (@grantstern) February 23, 2021

Proud to Be A Democrat Open Thread: Deb Haaland for Interior SecretaryPost + Comments (89)

Thursday Evening Open Thread: Nancy *SMECK*

by Anne Laurie|  February 4, 20216:34 pm| 214 Comments

This post is in: A Woman's Place Is In The House, NANCY SMASH!, Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat

Speaker Pelosi's office just sent out a press release referring to @gopleader as "McCarthy (Q-CA)" pic.twitter.com/I0Ijghe0R3

— Grace Panetta (@grace_panetta) February 3, 2021

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The most popular congressional leader in America: Nancy Pelosi

(from new Q poll) pic.twitter.com/PZ9rEcRXuD

— Shane Goldmacher (@ShaneGoldmacher) February 3, 2021

Elsewhere, the Disloyal Opposition:

McConnell warns on Vote-a-Rama amendments: "We're gonna put senators on the record" – including on Keystone Pipeline, $15 min wage, stim checks to undocumented immigrants, and more

— Erica Werner (@ericawerner) February 4, 2021


Pleeeease don’t throw us in that briarpatch, Massa Mitch!…

Thursday Evening Open Thread: Nancy *SMECK*Post + Comments (214)

Monday Evening Open Thread: Another Excellent Small, Symbolic Step

by Anne Laurie|  January 25, 20216:14 pm| 152 Comments

This post is in: A Woman's Place Is In The House, Biden-Harris 2020, Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat, Racial Justice

NEW: White House says Treasury Dept. is "taking steps to resume efforts" to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill.

Press Sec. Psaki says the Biden admin. is "exploring ways to speed up that effort." pic.twitter.com/z7Jw5CqXP0

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) January 25, 2021

Can’t tell you how sweet it is to be highlighting good news instead of clown-car outrages!

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Twenty-dollar bill going from Andrew Jackson to Harriet Tubman — one symbol of difference between Trump and Biden. Proposed new design below: pic.twitter.com/e6xaukiSJJ

— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) January 25, 2021

Monday Evening Open Thread: Another Excellent Small, Symbolic StepPost + Comments (152)

Proud to Be A Democrat Open Thread: Sisters Are Doing It (Inauguration Day Edition)

by Anne Laurie|  January 21, 20219:02 am| 103 Comments

This post is in: A Woman's Place Is In The House, Biden-Harris 2020, Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat

I’m ready to build back better. #Inauguration2021 #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/WYv5npbpnM

— Deb Haaland (@DebHaalandNM) January 20, 2021

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Kamala Harris sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, becoming the 49th Vice President of the United Stateshttps://t.co/hQBfBFbUvQ pic.twitter.com/HKiDtKNp8k

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) January 20, 2021

On this historic day, I’m wearing Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm’s pearls, given to me by her goddaughter, who said that her godmother “would not want it any other way.”

Because of Shirley Chisholm, I am.

Because of Shirley Chisholm, Vice President Harris is. pic.twitter.com/rgQKw2Y8Qb

— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) January 20, 2021

“This is the day when our democracy picks itself up, brushes off the dust, and does what America always does, goes forward as a nation”

Senator Amy Klobuchar opens Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ inauguration ceremonyhttps://t.co/rkHtZRRNH2 pic.twitter.com/HynQ7BplXa

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) January 20, 2021

Wasn't @TheAmandaGorman’s poem just stunning? She's promised to run for president in 2036 and I for one can't wait. pic.twitter.com/rahEClc6k2

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 20, 2021

On a day for the history books, @TheAmandaGorman delivered a poem that more than met the moment. Young people like her are proof that "there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it; if only we're brave enough to be it." pic.twitter.com/mbywtvjtEH

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 20, 2021

It delights me to think that what feels historical and amazing to us today—a woman sworn in to the vice presidency—will seem normal, obvious, "of course" to Kamala's grand-nieces as they grow up. And they will be right. pic.twitter.com/1gQOvmNipB

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 20, 2021

A highlight of an already very good day. https://t.co/9Zrb3r0Upr

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 21, 2021

Congratulations to Georgia’s U.S. Senators, @ossoff and @ReverendWarnock, who were sworn in moments ago. I am proud to call you my Senators and my friends. #gapol #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/Rq748ZgRMm

— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) January 20, 2021

Well, that was great.

— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) January 20, 2021

The Senate has confirmed Avril Haines as intelligence director, approving the first member of President Joe Biden's Cabinet. Haines told lawmakers she sees her role as delivering accurate intelligence even if it is uncomfortable or inconvenient.https://t.co/5h1Va1mUFz

— The Associated Press (@AP) January 21, 2021

Proud to Be A Democrat Open Thread: Sisters Are Doing It (Inauguration Day Edition)Post + Comments (103)

Guest Post: Sister Golden Bear’s Transition Anniversary!

by Major Major Major Major|  December 9, 20208:47 pm| 86 Comments

This post is in: Civil Rights, LGBTQ Rights, Open Threads, Women's Rights

Sister Golden Bear mentioned in an earlier thread that she has something worth celebrating this week. She was kind enough to write up something for me to share. So, without further ado: happy anniversary, SGB!


So this week marks the fourth anniversary of me starting to live as a woman, as my true self.

Fortunately, my co-workers were more than supportive—in fact they asked me to come to work as me much earlier than I’d planned on doing. But I still remember that exhilarating and terrifying moment right before I sent the team-wide email announcing that I was transitioning.

For all its faults, one thing “Happiest Season” absolutely nails is how Dan Levy’s character describes coming out: “Everybody’s story is different. There’s your version [loved and supported] and my version [being kicked out of the house] and everything in between. But the one thing that all of those stories have in common is that moment right before you say those words when your heart is racing and you don’t know what’s coming next. That moment’s really terrifying.

And then once you say those words, you can’t unsay them. A chapter has ended and a new one’s begun, and you have to be ready for that.”

But my co-workers were so wonderfully supportive that they encouraged me to transition ahead of schedule.*

My thoughts from that morning four years ago today, which I wrote sitting in the car outside my office, not knowing what was going to happen next with the rest of my life:

About a dozen years ago, a girl-child finally set foot outside the house for the first time. Literally. After midnight on a black moonless night. Because NO ONE MUST KNOW. It was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Of course, she really wasn’t a girl, she’d been sharing the same body as her male protector for decades. Some of her sisters knew clearly from an early age, who they really were, and what they needed to become. Not this girl, growing up she just knew she was “different” but not exactly sure how — and in the pre-Internet days, assumed she was the only one in the world who felt this way.

Over the decades, she was able to come out every so often to express herself, but mostly sat, as if in a high tower, watching the world outside, waiting. Until that day came when the need to be out in the world became overwhelming.

Like many of her sisters, it began with tentative steps. The late-night drive en femme. Once she became a little braver, the late night walk. Venturing out to meet a similar group of peers who went out for dinners — safety in numbers. She connected with others like her online, she quickly gained the confidence to start going out in public alone.

I’m talking of course about myself. You’ve come a long way, baby. And now I’m facing that feeling that’s both exhilarating and terrifying, as I take the final step to living full-time as a woman this morning.

It’s a journey I couldn’t have made alone. There are so, so many people who’ve helped me on this journey, I can’t possibly thank them all. But there’s some I do want to highlight.

To my namesake, a fierce Femme who adopted me and other of my sisters, when I was just starting get out in the world. We’ve lost touch over the years, but wherever you are, thank you.

Thank you to all the other fierce Femmes who have supported and inspired me.

[Various other thanks to thank you to friends whose support had been invaluable.]

One again, thank you.

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Ironically, I didn’t really have much time to celebrate at the time. I was due to fly to Buenos Aires on New Year’s Eve for five weeks to do a series of surgeries to feminize my facial features. Yes, part of it was vanity, but part of it was survival. Life is far harder for trans women who don’t “pass” (a framing I hate), i.e. don’t look plausibly cisgendered. Since I hadn’t been blessed by the androgyny fairy and have a body that’s bigger and bulkier than the vast majority of cis woman (my peasant ancestors were built for the plow), it was important to me to have one visible part of my body that wouldn’t mislead people about who I am.

Trump’s election had thrown a huge wrench in my plans. I’d originally planned to travel to Buenos Aires under my male passport. Not ideal, but practical because I’d just gotten the court order changing my legal name and gender the day before, and it would be touch and go whether I could get my password changed before I needed to leave. But there were serious rumors that one of the first acts of the Trump administration would be to prevent us from changing our gender on passports — which posed a danger visiting a number of countries—and I wouldn’t be returning to the States until after the inauguration. So I booked the airline ticket under my new name and gender, and gambled that I could get the passport changed in time. I managed to do so with only two days to spare.

It’s been a long journey since then, partly because of multiple surgeries to make my body congruent with who I am. (I’m extremely privileged to have been able to do so. This is something many trans folks can’t afford to do.) Partly the lengthy recovery from those surgeries, but plus other personal medical issues and personal tragedies. (My mother died less than two weeks before I was scheduled to leave for another major surgery in Thailand.) Partly it was truly learning to move in the world as a woman—moving into the second-class status that women face definitely made me an even more ardent feminist.

I was looking forward to this year as The Year Everything Came Together, where I’d finally moved through all the transition-related stress and would be able to restart my life again. But obviously 2020 had different plans for me, and billions of others. It’s frustrating having the rest of my new life put on hold, but one day the pandemic will end, and I look forward to making up for the lost years—the so many lost years—living my life authentically.

*At the time, the general advice was to give one’s co-workers 2-3 weeks to adjust to the idea before coming to work as your true gender.

**Why Buenos Aires? Because it’s a specialized surgery and only a half-dozen surgeons in the world are excellent at it. I personally think my surgeon there is the best of the best, plus the favorable exchange rate meant I could do it for less than half the cost of doing it in the States, even including airfare and staying in an apartment for five weeks there.

Guest Post: Sister Golden Bear’s Transition Anniversary!Post + Comments (86)

Monday Morning Open Thread: Cry More, Snowflakes

by Anne Laurie|  November 30, 20206:19 am| 313 Comments

This post is in: A Woman's Place Is In The House, Biden-Harris 2020, Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat

President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris today announced new members of the White House staff who will serve in senior communications roles.

For the first time in history, these communications roles will be filled entirely by women.https://t.co/SjWAWJg941

— Biden-Harris Presidential Transition (@Transition46) November 29, 2020

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VP-elect Harris will also receive the PDB tomorrow, per transition guidance.

— Natasha Bertrand (@NatashaBertrand) November 30, 2020

All I can think of is all the abuse women journalists have suffered under Trump and how that'll be a thing of the past. https://t.co/Mkp2akMUxg

— emptywheel (@emptywheel) November 29, 2020

Secret Service, yes. But look for Jill Biden, future first lady, to be her husband's chief protector. By @AP's Laurie Kellman https://t.co/joT4Bmwsys

— AP Politics (@AP_Politics) November 29, 2020

Bonus round: NEERA TANDEN!

Joe Biden set to tap Neera Tanden to run the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Tanden runs the largest progressive org in the country (Center for American Progress); is smart and tenacious; and takes no shit from weak men threatened by strong women.

Congrats @neeratanden.

— The Hoarse Whisperer (@TheRealHoarse) November 29, 2020

Congratulations to my friend, @neeratanden on her nomination as OMB Director! I worked for OMB in grad school, evaluating grantees of the Telecommunications & Information Infrastructure Assistance Program (TIIAP). Very proud of her & sad for @amprog. But mostly very proud of her.

— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) November 29, 2020

It will take your breath away how quickly the Party of Trump becomes fanatical about civility, conflicts of interest, and the budget deficit https://t.co/WhESA4PWfU

— Matthew Yglesias ?? (@mattyglesias) November 30, 2020

In all seriousness, various Twitter beefs have the left mad at @neeratanden but she’s exactly what’s needed at OMB: Clear-eyed about the nature and purpose of hypocritical deficit games and the need to do what’s possible to prioritize recovery over austerity.

— Matthew Yglesias 🍦 (@mattyglesias) November 29, 2020

The wailing & rending of garments among the GOP Death Cultists and the Cosplay Socialists, as pipelined by Very Serious NYTimes anklebiter Ken Vogel, is absolutely schadenfreudelicious, in a very boutique way. Query: Should I share some of the more amusing snippets in a late-night thread later, or nah?

Context: https://t.co/q6uMZrxgTY

— Daniel W. Drezner (@dandrezner) November 29, 2020

Monday Morning Open Thread: Cry More, SnowflakesPost + Comments (313)

Monday Evening Open Thread: You GO, Kamala!

by Anne Laurie|  October 26, 20206:36 pm| 288 Comments

This post is in: A Woman's Place Is In The House, Biden-Harris 2020, Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat

BREAKING: Kamala Harris is coming to Houston again.

For the first time since 1988 we have a Democratic Vice Presidential candidate campaigning in Texas down stretch https://t.co/THao6KwALK

— Jeremy Wallace (@JeremySWallace) October 25, 2020

Kamala Harris gives #60Minutes four irrefutable examples of Trump’s racism.
• Birtherism
• Charlottesville
• Calling Mexicans rapists
• Trying to ban Muslims

pic.twitter.com/L2rGS9XT17

— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) October 26, 2020

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As Ds send Kamala to Tex > https://t.co/1Meh71LIoa

— Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) October 25, 2020

I always forget Peggy Noonan is just a few years older than I am — she seems such a pre-Boomer relic. (Well, TBH, I always forget Peggy Noonan.)

Yeah, something *is* embarrassing here but it’s not Kamala Harris https://t.co/Y74A41edc8

— Margaret Sullivan (@Sulliview) October 25, 2020

Monday Evening Open Thread: You GO, Kamala!Post + Comments (288)

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