This Week In Trans: South Dakotans, Caitlyn Jenner & Mya Taylor

Photo by Diana Mitchell

Friday is here and we’re wrapping another week of hypervisibility for trans folks. There've been many highs and lows, but here are the moments that stood out.

An Unlikely Veto Saves Trans South Dakotans

Would you believe us if we told you a Republican governor became an unlikely ally this week? Well, pick your mouth up from the floor. It’s true.

Tuesday afternoon, after weeks of build up and tons of work from activists, South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daaguard (R) vetoed HB 1008 effectively killing a bill that would be the first anti-trans legislation on the books in the state.

The bill in question sought to place statewide restrictions on “every restroom, locker room, and shower room located in a public elementary or secondary school.” However, it was actually a push to limit access to transgender students in public schools.

Luckily, the primary sponsor of the bill, State Rep. Fred Deustch decided to not pursue overriding the veto. Apparently, you have to know when to draw your transphobic guns!

Caitlyn Jenner Stans for Ted Cruz

In an interview published Wednesday by our sister publication, The Advocate, Editor Dawn Ennis met with self-proclaimed trans community spokeswoman Caitlyn Jenner. There were many gems in it, but what rang the loudest was Jenner’s support for Ted Cruz.

Sure, Jenner is free to politically align herself with whichever presidential candidate she wants, and she’s been out about her Republican status for months, but to hear that she had a definitive candidate in mind - one known for openly supporting policies and rhetoric that directly throws trans rights into jeopardy, was deeply troubling. Let’s just say, we don’t see Jenner being able to accomplish her conservative Trans Ambassador role any time soon.

Mya Taylor Slays As First Trans Actress To Win Major Award

If you haven’t seen Tangerine yet, drop everything and rent it, buy it or torrent it if you have to. (Pride does not actually condone piracy!) Mya Taylor’s debut performance as the level-headed, straight-talking Alexandra alongside fellow trans actress Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, has been critically acclaimed so it’s great to see all of her hard work pay off.

Last Saturday Taylor won the award for best supporting female award at the Independent Spirit Awards, becoming the first trans actress to bag a major film acting award. Clearly we need to be tuning into the diversity at the Spirit Awards. (Oscars, what’s good?)

In her acceptance speech, Taylor details how quickly her life changed after accepting her role in Tangerine, and she ends with a kickass call to action for the movie industry on trans actors and actresses.

Check out her amazing and inspiring words below.

That's all for this week!