**My Trans Vote: Jill Stein In A Swing State**

ZAGO 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Oct 26, 2024

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My Trans Vote: Jill Stein in a Swing State

The year is 2016. The air crackles with political tension. Two candidates, polar opposites in ideology, vie for the highest office in the land. For many, the choice seems stark, a battle between two evils. But for me, a transgender woman living in a swing state, the choice was clear: Jill Stein.

It wasn't an easy decision. The Green Party platform, while resonating with my values of environmentalism and social justice, seemed a long shot in a system dominated by the two-party behemoths. Yet, I couldn't in good conscience vote for either Clinton or Trump.

Why Not Clinton?

While Clinton championed LGBTQ+ rights, her history of supporting harmful policies like the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and her hawkish foreign policy stance left me deeply uneasy. The Democratic Party, though seemingly progressive, felt out of touch with the needs of marginalized communities, prioritizing corporate interests over the well-being of the people.

Why Not Trump?

Trump's blatant bigotry and misogyny were a direct attack on my identity as a transgender woman. His policies, fueled by fear and hatred, promised to further marginalize and endanger LGBTQ+ individuals. Voting for him felt like a betrayal of myself and my community.

The Green Alternative

Jill Stein offered a different path. Her campaign focused on issues that resonated deeply with me, like:

• Climate Change: As a trans woman, I understand the intersectionality of social justice and environmentalism. The climate crisis disproportionately affects marginalized communities, and Stein's commitment to addressing it was critical.
• Healthcare: Universal healthcare is a necessity, not a privilege. Stein's plan for a single-payer system promised to guarantee affordable and accessible healthcare for all, regardless of their gender identity or socioeconomic status.
• Economic Justice: Stein championed policies that would empower working-class Americans, fighting for fair wages, affordable housing, and access to quality education.

A Vote for Change

Voting for Stein felt like a vote for a future where my voice, and the voices of other marginalized communities, would be heard. It was a vote for a system that prioritizes human needs over corporate greed and a society that embraces diversity and inclusivity.

The 2016 election wasn't just about choosing a president. It was about choosing a direction. And for me, as a transgender woman living in a swing state, the only choice was to vote for the future I envisioned: a future where everyone, regardless of gender identity or background, has the opportunity to thrive.

This article is a personal reflection and does not necessarily represent the opinions of all transgender individuals or the Green Party.

Keywords: transgender, vote, Jill Stein, Green Party, swing state, 2016 election, Clinton, Trump, LGBTQ+, climate change, healthcare, economic justice, social justice, marginalized communities