You cannot be an “ally” to marginalized groups while actively participating in their oppression.
(Laura Seitz | Pool) Gov. Spencer Cox speaks to reporters during the PBS Utah Governor’s Monthly Press Conference at the Eccles Broadcast Center in Salt Lake City, Thursday, February 15, 2024.
What a sham Governor Spencer Cox’s “better to say no” approach really is.
As a citizen, as a voter, as an educator, and as a transgender woman, I hope that if he becomes president, maybe, just maybe, he will prove to be a good leader for this country. I had a glimmer of hope that I might not succumb to the fever of political hysteria. It is currently affecting the landscape of our country.
When he vetoed a ban on transgender kids in school sports, I felt that hope was justified and expressed support for those who still view you in a negative light. Did.
But all of 2023 and the first month and a half of 2024 shattered any hopes I had.
Mr. Cox perpetuated the hysteria around bathrooms by jumping on the political bandwagon to ban gender-affirming care (including hormone therapy) for minors and signing a meaningless bathroom bill. He justified these acts by “inviting” transgender children and their families to witness these acts against them.
And now he’s calling gender-affirming care “genital mutilation surgery” while continuing to say he’s an ally of LGBTQ+ people.
It’s clear to me what he stands to gain from these actions – the support of conservatives who, like Republicans in other parts of Utah, are increasingly moving to the right.
What I would like to ask the governor is this: How do you deal with these actions towards yourself and your God? How can you claim to be a moral person and an ally of those who are actively oppressing you?
Cox’s actions send a clear message that contradicts his words. He cannot be an “ally” to a marginalized group while actively participating in its oppression. He can’t stand against people who once passed laws that fundamentally eroded equality. All the rationalizations and rationalizations he tries, all the national coverage he so fervently seeks, all the pats on the back from the Republican supermajority marching to the beat of the drum – none of it. His harmful actions as head of state can never be undone. .
Governor Cox, if you are going to continue signing bills against me and my trans brothers, please stand firm. Please stop restricting my rights.
shame on you.
Kylie M. Campbell Born and raised in Salt Lake City, I work as a middle school teacher.
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