Transgender Montana Legislator Zooey Zephyr Unsilenced and Unyielding at Equality Convention

Montana State Rep. Zooey Zephyr, one of the state’s first two transgender legislators, took center stage at the Human Rights Campaign Equality Convention, held at George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium in Washington, D.C., last Friday, a day ahead of the organization’s National Dinner. (Zephyr was also recently named to the Out100 list by our sister publication, Out.)

In April, Montana Republicans barred her from speaking on the floor of the legislature because they were offended that she said their opposition to gender-affirming care amounted to having “blood on [their] hands.” Later, a judge refused her reentry for the remainder of the legislative session. But Zephyr remains committed to her advocacy and legislative work.

In a post-convention interview with The Advocate, Zephyr opened up about her plans and the importance of representation.

“When I ran for office, I talked to Sen. Bryce Bennett, and what I said was, is this room — is the legislature — a room my voice can do good in? And he said, ’Not only can you do good, it’s the place your voice is most needed right now,” she shared. Bennett, who is now out of office, was the first out gay man in the Montana legislature.

With an eye on the 2024 elections, Zephyr aims to bolster Democratic representation in Montana.

“We saw what happens when the Republicans had a supermajority. They attempted to attack marginalized communities, and they attempted to overturn the judicial branch and consolidate power,” she said. “In 2022, Democrats didn’t run in nearly 40 districts,” she pointed out, emphasizing her commitment to helping prospective candidates run effective campaigns.

Attempts to silence Zephyr in her home state’s legislature have only strengthened her resolve.

“If the legislature had a different path, I would be doing what I’m trying to do now, which is find rooms that I can be good in, do good in them,” she said.

She further noted the urgency of going beyond policy passage to protecting democratic values, saying, “You have to demand silence. And when you don’t get it, you’ll attack democracy.”

Discussing the role of representation, Zephyr underlined the impact of personal connections to the LGBTQ+ community.

“We know the difference that knowing someone who’s LGBTQ makes. Recent polls show around 30 percent of Americans know someone who’s transgender. And those with a much higher understanding, empathy, and support for the rights of trans Americans,” she explained.

On a more personal note, Zephyr eagerly anticipated experiencing the first year of school with her soon-to-be stepson and shared her excitement about hobbies she enjoys with her fiancée, journalist and activist Erin Reed.

“I am bingeing the entirety of [web series] Critical Role.… And then, on the flip side, I am a huge fan of One Piece, and she is bingeing all of One Piece. So both of our insurmountable hobbies are being conquered,” she added.

One Piece is a Japanese manga series, and Critical Role revolves around a group of people playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Zephyr said she remains open to dialogues as she looks to the future.

“I’ll be here,” she said, her voice tinged with commitment and hope.