Running (for office) while trans

Trans people have been much discussed in American politics — from sports to bathrooms to health care. But their representation in elected office has been minimal. We’ll talk with several Midwestern trans women looking to change that by running for office themselves.

Among our topics: how forward candidates should be about their identity, balancing trans politics with affordability and other kitchen table issues, and the divergent opinions about how U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Deleware) is approaching her role as the first openly trans member of Congress.

Guests

Bethany Johnson
Democrat, running in primary for Illinois’ 9th U.S. House District

Zoey Carter
Democrat, running in Illinois House District 93¹

Lilliana Young
Democrat, running in primary for Indiana House District 61

Joanna Whaley
Democrat, running in primary for Michigan House District 2

¹ Carter filed to run in the Democratic Primary, but a successful petition challenge knocked her off the ballot. Carter says she still intends to run in the general election, though Illinois law limits her options.