“It is a mystery to most how the law of the land can be subverted and changed without input from the people most affected.“
Ahead of the November 8th election, Emerge asked our alums to answer some questions about the changes they’re seeking to make in elected office, their experiences running for office in a post-Roe America, and the effects women of the New American Majority are facing in light of the Supreme Court ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
You can learn more about Brenda here.
1. Tell us about yourself! Where are you from? What position are you running for?
I’m Brenda Churchill, a transgender woman from Bakersfield, Vermont. I am running for the Vermont House of Representatives for the towns of Bakersfield, Fairfield, and Fletcher also known as Franklin 6.
2. Why did you decide to step forward and run for this office? Where do you take your motivation from?
It was a logical step to go from being a successful outside advocate for my community to want to make changes inside the state house. I am motivated to fix things to make this a much better state for all of us in Vermont.
3. How have individuals in your community been affected by the Dobbs’ decision?
People, both women and men, are generally upset about the decision. It is a mystery to most how the law of the land can be subverted and changed without input from the people most affected. Vermont will change that this fall by voting in Article 22, enshrining in our state constitution a person’s right to choose.
4. If elected, what kind of legislation are you hoping to bring forward?
I will ask the legislature to strengthen laws protecting our digital world, especially around cyberstalking and harassment. Insurance companies also need to begin to recognize that they need to adapt to our gendered way of doing medicine. These two things require changes in how we view people and gender.
5. By 2045, the country will no longer be majority white, and women from the New American Majority (NAM) – Black, Brown, and Indigenous women and women of color, LGBTQ+ women, young women, and unmarried women – will be taking their seats at every decision-making table. How can we support more NAM women in their run for public office during this challenging time when reproductive and so many other rights are at stake?
Outreach and involvement in all things that affect them. Focusing on the people who are not at the table will be the only way we can achieve success here. We absolutely must change and remain true to being open and inclusive.
6. What can we do to alleviate the effects the LGBTQ+ community may face due to the Supreme Court’s ruling?
Each state must follow Vermont’s example and lead by enshrining a person’s right to choose and make their own decisions about their bodies and health. While states are beginning to realize the implications of the Supreme Court’s rulings, states must step up, first by electing women into the lawmaking bodies, then making laws to protect all our healthcare rights.
7. Why are Democratic women the best representatives for our communities at this moment in time?
The established white male-dominated legislatures are out of step and way behind being able to fix things. Women do know what is best for themselves, their states, and the nation. We are proving that with every election cycle in every state.
8. What’s coming up next for you? Is there anything our readers should keep in mind?
Besides the movie of my life and a book deal? (kidding) I want to continue to make a significant lasting imprint in Vermont, on my rural communities, my LGBTQ family, and all those that follow us. We have a chance to make real change. I am so glad to be part of it all.