Exclusive | News & Opinion
Today, Hope Giselle-Godsey, acclaimed trans activist, author, and founder of the nonprofit AllowMe, staged a protest alongside other trans, nonbinary, and cisgender people inside the U.S. Capitol restroom to fight against anti-trans policies.
Approximately 100 trans individuals and cisgender allies are engaging in civil disobedience to demand action in protecting trans rights amidst escalating legislative attacks on the community.
Watch Below:
Hope Giselle highlighted the significance of their demonstration in a statement to Gaye Magazine:
“We understand the weight of what it means to be a pariah in our society, so doing what’s necessary is never too hard. It always starts with things that people feel are insignificant, like public restrooms, but it never stops there.”
Giselle continued, “We’re here today to ensure they understand that we will not be erased—one bathroom at a time—or shoved back into the proverbial closet out of deference to the comfort of those who speak to eradicate us.”
Watch Hope Giselle Outside the U.S. Capitol Restroom Below:
Gaye previously reported that in response to the win of Democrat Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender person to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Nancy Mace introduced an anti-trans bill banning trans women from using the women’s restroom at the Capitol building.
In a video, Mace can be seen putting “biological” over the women’s restroom sign, seemingly indicating that McBride is not welcome to enter.
Giselle shared footage of her knocking on Rep. Nancy Mace’s office to confront her in an attempt to have a conversation on her position and anti-trans policies, however Mace wasn't present inside her office.
The ban was later approved by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said in a press conference, “Women deserve women’s only spaces.”
“All single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings - such as restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms - are reserved for individuals of that biological sex.”
“It is important to note that each Member office has its own private restroom, and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol.”
Gaye Magazine previously reported Democrat McBride making history, defeating Republican John Whalen III, taking 57.8% of the vote with 95% of the vote in.
Unfortunately, McBride is now being targeted for breaking barriers in our legislative branch.