As the world’s eyes turn to Hollywood for the Academy Awards, a different kind of drama is unfolding in the heart of America. In a stunning display of courage and conviction, Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr, a trans woman and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, is standing tall against an onslaught of silence and intimidation from her Republican colleagues. The film “Seat 31: Zooey Zephyr” has just been shortlisted for an Oscar, but what’s happening on the silver screen pales in comparison to the real-life battle being waged in the halls of power. In a shocking move, Montana Republicans have launched a concerted effort to muzzle Zephyr, attempting to silence her voice and erase her very existence. But this trailblazing legislator refuses to be silenced, and her story is about to captivate the nation. Join us as we delve into the remarkable tale of a woman who refuses to back down in the face of adversity, and explore the urgent questions that arise
Montana Republicans Try To Silence Trans Legislator Zooey Zephyr in Oscar-Shortlisted ‘Seat 31’
In a shocking display of intolerance, the Republican-dominated House of Representatives in Montana moved to silence trans legislator Zooey Zephyr after she passionately spoke out against anti-LGBTQ bills under consideration.
Zooey Zephyr, the first openly transgender person to serve in the Montana House of Representatives, made history in 2022 when she won election to represent Missoula. However, her groundbreaking achievement was short-lived, as she soon found herself at the center of a firestorm sparked by her vocal opposition to legislation that targeted the LGBTQ community.
The Oscar-shortlisted documentary ‘Seat 31: Zooey Zephyr’ tells the story of Zephyr’s journey from a duly elected lawmaker to a pariah banned from the House floor, gallery, and antechamber. Directed by Kimberly Reed, a Montana native and openly trans filmmaker, the documentary provides a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the events that unfolded in the Montana State Capitol.
“I’d watched as things heated up with Zooey, some of her early remarks [on the House floor], which led to her not being recognized to speak, which led to protests, which led to censure,” Reed explains in an interview with Morningpicker.
“So when all of that happens, there wasn’t frankly any way I could not make that film, is sort of how it felt.”
The ‘Seat 31’ Saga
The “Seat 31” of the title refers to Zephyr’s desk within the House chamber. When the Republican supermajority voted to oust her, she simply moved her desk, in a manner of speaking.
Zephyr posted a sticky note labeled “Seat 31” above a bench in a hallway outside the chamber, a location not technically covered by the ban. That bench, next to a snack bar, became her workspace.
Referring to the very public location of her “desk,” Zephyr tells someone in the film, “Did you hear my favorite joke I’ve been making, which is like, ‘Finally, transparency in government.’ Open doors.”
This tongue-in-cheek remark reflects Zephyr’s determination to stay visible and vocal, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
A Pattern of Bigotry: Comparing the Montana and Tennessee Cases
Reed likens what happened to Zephyr to a trio of Democratic state legislators in Tennessee who became known as “the Tennessee Three.”
In 2023, Republican members of the Tennessee House of Representatives voted on resolutions to expel the three after they led protests on the House floor in favor of gun reform.
Two Black Democratic lawmakers were kicked out; a white Democrat narrowly avoided expulsion.
“All of this stuff with Zooey heated up about a month or six weeks after that. So, that was sort of the context that I was viewing everything in,” Reed explains.
“The reason that Zooey was expelled from the Montana House of Representatives was rather similar to the reason that the Tennessee Three were expelled, and it just has a lot to do with, I think, bigotry and really patronizing attitude from the dominant culture that’s in these legislatures.”
This comparison highlights the disturbing pattern of intolerance that has emerged in state legislatures across the country.
Whether it’s targeting trans individuals, people of color, or other marginalized groups, this bigotry has no place in our democratic institutions.
The Thin-Skinned Reaction of Republican Lawmakers
Reed characterizes the Republican response to Zephyr’s comments as thin-skinned.
Speaking against proposed legislation to ban gender-affirming medical and surgical care for minors, Zephyr declared, “The only thing I will say is if you vote ‘yes’ on this bill and ‘yes’ on these amendments, I hope the next time there’s an invocation when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands.”
Reed observes, “Comments like that are made all the time, but apparently the Republicans in the House of Representatives in 2023 did not want to be shamed by somebody who was trans.”
This reaction is emblematic of the Republican Party’s growing intolerance and sensitivity to criticism from marginalized groups.
As Zephyr’s comments made clear, the consequences of this legislation would be devastating for trans youth and their families.
It’s little wonder that Zephyr’s words sparked such a strong reaction from Republican lawmakers.
A Call to Action: Supporting Zephyr and the LGBTQ Community
Zephyr’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what’s right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
As we watch ‘Seat 31: Zooey Zephyr,’ we’re reminded that the struggles faced by Zephyr and the LGBTQ community are far from over.
But we’re also inspired by Zephyr’s determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
Zephyr’s story is a call to action, urging us to stand with her and the LGBTQ community in the fight for equality and justice.
By supporting Zephyr and the LGBTQ community, we’re not only standing up for their rights – we’re also upholding the values of inclusivity, diversity, and compassion that are at the heart of our democracy.
Conclusion
Zooey Zephyr’s fight isn’t just about her words, it’s about the very foundation of democratic principles. Montana Republicans attempted to silence her, to erase her voice from the legislative process, because her identity as a transgender woman challenged their narrow worldview. This act of censorship, thinly veiled as decorum, reveals a deeper fear – a fear of difference, a fear of progress, and a fear of the power of representation.
The Oscar-shortlisted documentary, “Seat 31,” shines a light on this struggle, highlighting Zephyr’s resilience and the broader implications of silencing marginalized voices. This isn’t just a Montana issue; it’s a reflection of the growing national trend of attempting to suppress LGBTQ+ rights and representation. Zephyr’s story serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for equality is ongoing, that progress is often met with resistance, and that the voices of the marginalized must be amplified, not silenced. The question remains: will we stand up for the right to be heard, or will we allow fear and intolerance to dictate our discourse?
The future depends on the answer.