By Kat Klawes
As a queer Wisconsinite who works in policy and community organizing, I spend much of my time knee-deep in the complexities of how legislative decisions impact our lives. I recently did a “Get Out the Vote” campaign and volunteered to register individuals to vote. I cannot count how many times I heard people ask how voting impacts their lives, why they should care, or people saying voting doesn’t change anything. To these people, I offer one real-life example to explain how voting matters.
The actions of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on April 2nd – the same day as Spring elections in the state – stand as a strong reminder of why elections matter. Governor Evers’ vetoed a bill that sought to ban transgender athletes in Wisconsin. The bill in question aimed to ban transgender athletes from competing on teams that align with their gender identity. It was a part of bill package passed by the Republican-controlled Assembly that included a ban on gender-affirming surgery for trans youth.
Governor Evers, staying true to his earlier promises, vetoed the bill. Evers’ action highlights the profound impact our votes have on our communities. His veto is proof that when elected officials stand firm on their principles, they can push back against the tides of hate and bigotry. It reaffirms the fact that “good politicians”, when supported by the people, can make substantial differences in the lives of those they serve.
The significance of this moment cannot be overstated. It comes at a time when transgender individuals, especially youth, find themselves at the epicenter of political debates that question their very existence and rights. According to a GLAAD-published nationwide survey of registered voters, “campaigning on anti-transgender issues is a losing strategy,” with more than half indicating they stand in opposition to “a political candidate [who] speaks frequently about restricting access to health care and participation in sports for transgender youth.”
By vetoing the bill, Governor Evers not only protected the rights of transgender athletes but also sent a powerful message against the codification of discrimination.
Additionally, Governor Evers’ veto is a crucial lesson on the importance of voting. Every election, no matter how small it might seem, is an opportunity for voters to shape the direction of their communities, states, and the nation. The individuals we elect to office hold the power to enact laws and policies that can either protect the rights of all citizens or undermine them. As such, voting is not just a right; it is a tool of empowerment, a means to challenge injustice, and a pathway to affecting real change.
While Governor Evers and I might not align on every issue, I recognize his numerous accomplishments, including the establishment of non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in state employment and services, vetoing restrictive abortion legislation, and vetoing restrictions on voting rights. These are all things I know would not have happened had he not been in office. Governor Evers is an illustrative example of what a single person can do when elected to office.
This moment also serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle for LGBTQ rights and the need for continued vigilance and activism. The veto, while a victory, is not the end of the road. It is a call to action for all who believe in equality and justice to remain engaged, to vote, and to hold their elected officials accountable.
In 2023, over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced. It’s as if the clock’s spinning backward, with book bans, trans athlete bans, bans on gender-affirming healthcare, and many other attacks. At least 20 states have approved a version of a blanket ban on transgender athletes playing on K-12 and collegiate sports teams statewide–but that didn’t happen in Wisconsin because we elected Tony Evers. I don’t think the attacks are over; we will see more hate-filled rhetoric against the LGBTQ+ community. Let’s use our ballots as megaphones, ensuring our futures reflect the inclusivity and respect we deserve.
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Kat Klawes (she/they) is a proud Wisconsinite and Milwaukeean. She has a decade of community organizing experience in areas like housing, student rights, free speech, sexual assault, education, and climate. Kat has a BA in Education from Northern Michigan University and a MA in Education Policy from Marquette University