Zooey Zephyr advocates for greater LGBTQ representation.

Trans politician Zooey Zephyr urges more young people to enter politics, but only if they want to make a positive change in their communities. According to Zephyr, entering politics for genuine reasons is important, not simply for a political career.

Zephyr emphasizes the significance of standing up for communities who face unjust treatment in society, whether it’s representing a district or supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

“When you stand up in your communities, ask yourself who is doing the work. You could say that I want to stand for LGBTQ+ rights, but actually, more narrowly, I really care about youth homelessness, and that’s the place I’m going to stand in,” Zephyr explains.

Zephyr stresses that one should not chase after a political career, but rather focus on wanting to help the community. This approach helps individuals get invited to rooms as community-focused people rather than having to break down doors to enter those spaces.

Zephyr shared her thoughts following several weeks of controversy surrounding her public censure by Montana House Republicans for speaking against an anti-trans bill. The representative was banned from the House floor after opposing Senate Bill 99, which outlaws gender-affirming care for trans youths. Zephyr continued to work with constituents on important bills despite attempts to remove her from the public eye.

Zephyr calls out House Speaker Matt Regier for “driving a nail into the coffin of democracy,” but affirms that democracy will not go down without a fight. She shares her plans to stay close to the people’s House and continue working for her constituents and community.