I’m sure you’ve all noticed there haven’t been any Feminist Wins posts recently. Honestly, I didn’t feel I could write one: immigrant families are still separated, Trump is issuing terrifying threats on Twitter, and Brett Kavanaugh, an anti-choice judge who believes in exponential presidential power, has been nominated to fill the empty Supreme Court seat. At times I feel I can’t focus on the good because by doing so I ignore the horrifying inequality and abuse in the world. But we all need to find positivity in times of darkness, so here’s a few recent feminist wins to help you do that:
Gay and Trans Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2018 introduced
Last week, Representative Joe Kennedy and Senator Ed Market, both of Massachusetts, introduced a bill which would end the ability for people to use “gay panic” or “trans panic” defenses in federal courts. Gay and trans “panic” defenses allow those who have committed a hate crime based on sexual or gender identity to claim that they did so out of fear for their safety. This new legislation would make these defenses non-permissible, a necessary step to make the United States a safer place for the LGBTQ+ community. While this is legislation that should have been passed years ago, we are still thrilled that it’s being introduced now.
The first trans superhero will premiere on Supergirl
In a huge win for trans media representation, transgender activist and actor Nicole Maines will join the cast of the CW’s popular show Supergirl. Maines, a 20 year old from New York, will have a starring role on the show – a breakthrough for the young performer. In 2014, Nicole was an active part of a legal battle to allow transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice. Nicole succeeded, helping to change Maine state law. We can’t wait to watch her on TV!
AAAH YES IT FEELS SO GOOD TO HAVE THE CAT GRANT OUT OF THE BAG!! #supergirl #nianal
— 🧛🏻♀️Nicole Maines🧛🏻♀️ (@NicoleAMaines) July 21, 2018
Kentucky allows Medicaid recipients dental and vision insurance
Kentucky has an ongoing legal battle with Medicaid: in early July, Governor Matt Bevin tried to block Medicaid for poor and disabled recipients and require any recipients to work to keep their plan. His cuts, which would have killed many Kentuckians, were thankfully later blocked by a federal judge. Bevin, determined to chip away at the program as much as possible, decided to halt dental and vision insurance until public outrage led him to reinstate the program. Healthcare is a human right, and we are so thankful for the activists who fought against these cruel policies.
That’s it for this week! Here’s hoping for even more good news next week. Until then, jam out to our new Power Plays 🎵 and have a great weekend!