News (USA)

Conservatives are outraged while progressives love this Democrat’s trans equality t-shirt

She'll replace Tim Walz as governor if Kamala Harris wins in the fall, and she already has people talking about trans kids' rights.
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Peggy Flanagan in 2016
Peggy Flanagan in 2016 Photo: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY

Today, progressives are gushing over Vice President Kamala Harris’ choice of running mate in Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. But they aren’t just excited about Walz – they’re also excited about the woman who will replace him as governor if Harris wins the election.

The current lieutenant governor of Minnesota, Peggy Flanagan, has been tearing up a storm after an image of her wearing a t-shirt that says “Protect trans kids” went viral across social media.

Related:

Kamala Harris names LGBTQ+ ally Gov. Tim Walz her running mate

Walz has a solid record on LGBTQ+ rights and other progressive policies.

Flanagan, an Indigenous woman who is a member of the White Earth Nation from the St. Louis Park suburb of Minneapolis, got her start in politics by organizing for Indigenous people. She taught in Indigenous schools, visiting all tribes. Her advocacy has extended to all marginalized people, and one of her most consistent positions is her support for trans people, particularly for the right of youth to transition.

She’ll be the first Indigenous woman in history to serve as governor if Harris and Walz win this fall.

She went viral last year for wearing the shirt while speaking at a press conference for Walz’s executive order making Minnesota a trans refugee state.

“This is life-affirming and life-saving healthcare,” she said. “When our children tell us who they are, it is our job as grown-ups to listen and to believe them. That’s what it means to be a good parent.”

The shirt comes from the Grand Rapids-based, trans-owned print shop Transfigure Print Company, which sells the shirt for $30 on their website. One of their most popular designs, they also have versions of it as a sticker. The company is also known for raising funds for LGBTQ+ nonprofits and businesses.

Some on the right were outraged that Flanagan wore that t-shirt.

“She’s wearing a shirt which suggests physical violence against those who don’t go along with the trans agenda targeting kids,” complained Chaya Raichik, who runs the anti-LGBTQ+ Libs of TikTok account.

While conservatives are seething about Flanagan, supporters are celebrating her support of trans kids.

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