Tim Walz defiantly defends trans people from Republicans’ “demonizing” attacks

usernamesAreTricky@lemmy.ml to politics @lemmy.world – 948 points –
Tim Walz defiantly defends trans people from Republicans' "demonizing" attacks - LGBTQ Nation
lgbtqnation.com

“We see it now: The hate has shifted to the trans community,” Walz said. “They see that as an opportunity. If you’re watching any sporting events right now, you see that Donald Trump’s closing arguments are to demonize a group of people for being who they are.”

“We’re out there trying to make the case that access to healthcare, a clean environment, manufacturing jobs, and keeping your local hospital open are what people are really concerned about,” he continued. “They’re running millions of dollars of ads demonizing folks who are just trying to live their lives.”

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I'm honestly heartened to hear Waltz specfically voice support for trans folk. This is opposed to Harris who said she would follow the law in regards to my community, which sounds good but I need everyone to understand that it could be said by a governor in a southern state enforcing anti trans legislation. Waltz actually went the distance to say we should to be legally left alone. There is a stark difference between these two statements, even if I glad to hear both.

We're just a few weeks away from the election. The candidates have two different but important roles.

  • Presidential candidate: keep the base in line while not alienating swing voters
  • VP candidate: say things that the presidential candidate can't say

As much as you may want Harris to say something like "We will defend the trans community," it's going to alienate swing voters.

It makes no earthly sense the election is this close but it is. Kamala can't afford a misstep but Tim can.

I completely understand that and I do not fault Harris for giving a precise diplomatic answer in the Fox interview on what some voters see as a sensitive issue. Which is difficult for me to even type because the concept of my existence is a "political issue" to some.

However, I do take exception with it being characterized as "Harris announce support for trans community", because that's just not what she said. Which is why I am happy to hear Waltz clarify and go further.

Hey, I just wanted to tell you something cause it sounds like you might be in a bad place. Even with all of the political finger pointing surrounding your identity, you need to know something very important.

Your life matters. Your experiences matter. Your feelings matter.

You matter.

Ignore all the hatred and all the fear. Ignore the bigotry and close mindedness. Ignore it all and know that there are so many people out there that will love you and support you and accept you.

You are not alone.

We can't ignore it when they're constantly passing more and more draconian laws that make our lives infinitely harder all across the United States.

You're correct. But i also said Ignore and not "do nothing". It's possible to ignore the hate while still fighting for your rights.

I hate to say it but everything is fucking political now. Yes it sucks that it's tied to your identity but identity politics scores super easy points with conservatives because it's so much easier to point out vs the massive wealth disparities between people like Musk and you and me.

Do you think swing voters might in fact be fucking morons? I'm so tired of the fate the world resting in the hands of low information people who seemingly command the memory and political acumen of the proverbial goldfish.

No fucking shit they’re morons. But you still need their votes to win. Democracy isn’t rule by the intelligent its rule by the people regardless of their intelligence

Oh no question. But even moron votes count (at least statistically speaking).

So at this point, I fully expect Harris to run a much tighter ship than she has been and Trump to increase his very violent rhetoric.

It's insane the amount of trans hate I have been hearing this past month alone (in real life). I have to explain: Sure, they weren't always front and center as today's political issues make them seem but they still existed. Their existence is not a recent development in any way. Tiktok isn't turning your kids into anything.

It's not just people who identify as Republicans or religious people either. I can see why the anti-queer vote is important to both parties; their numbers are staggering.

He doesn't get nearly as much press as Vance which is sad. He just seems like a nice guy and awesome Dad and for that alone I'd be glad to have him as VP.

Honestly called the gov office right after he got the nomination.

I’m a teacher, I want to still be at least, but they’ve made it dangerous for trans people to exist in Oklahoma. There’s currently a court hold on ANY investigation based on gender identity discrimination in schools.

Harris spoke in support of funding all transgender healthcare as doctors see necessary, including for inmates, years ago and when asked to double down on that stance recently she did so.

Citations or gtfo

https://www.factcheck.org/2024/10/harris-position-on-health-care-for-transgender-prisoners-and-detainees/

The afformentioned ACLU stance survey was in 2019

https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2024/08/Harris-ACLU-Candidate-Questionnaire.pdf

  1. As President will you use your executive authority to ensure that transgender and non- binary people who rely on the state for medical care — including those in prison and immigration detention — will have access to comprehensive treatment associated with gender transition, including all necessary surgical care? If yes, how will you do so?

Yes X No ⬜

Explanation (no more than 500 words): It is important that transgender individuals who rely on the state for care receive the treatment they need, which includes access to treatment associated with gender transition. That’s why, as Attorney General, I pushed the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide gender transition surgery to state inmates. I support policies ensuring that federal prisoners and detainees are able to obtain medically necessary care for gender transition, including surgical care, while incarcerated or detained. Transition treatment is a medical necessity, and I will direct all federal agencies responsible for providing essential medical care to deliver transition treatment.

Despite it being seen as good and decent by us, many people here appear to be completely unaware while for conservatives this has been a huge anti-Harris talking point. Trump even brought it up during the debate.

Hey not trying to be an internet jerk, just wanted to point out that his last name is Walz not "Waltz". Hope you have a great day.

Oh dang, you're totally right! I honestly appreciate ya pointing that out, thank you and have a great day as well! ♥️

Yeah, the news can't seem to get it correct, so i get your confusion. They also pronounce it "waltz".

Its really pronounced like "walls".

I’m glad Harris framed it that way. It’s a position that’s easy to make into a rough sound bite. The goal is always to not make the election about trans people. Politicians harping on trans issues regardless of position do poorly. Call opposition to us a real freak show move and talk about how real Americans want the Midwestern values of all of us just getting along at our manufacturing jobs.

The Harris Administration is actively trying to silence Walz's beliefs.

It's ironic because it's Walz himself that has ignited support for Harris.

So frustrating as a progressive