Newsletter for week of October 6, 2024

Rainbow Parents Candidate Spotlights 

For the past two weeks, we have been spotlighting terrific candidates running for the Nebraska State Legislature who have either stood with us in the past, who have been strong allies to the LGBTQ+ community in their previous work, or who impressed us with their answers to our survey. Please feel free to check our website for the complete listing of all spotlight candidates, which we will continue to add to as we learn more. Last but definitely not least, the first two of this week’s candidates strongly stood with queer kids against several hateful bills that were introduced in the past two years. Their elections are less competitive than the ones we covered last week, but they still deserve some love and support. 

Senator John Cavanaugh is running for reelection in District 9, and has been a solid friend and ally to the Rainbow Parents and their families in the midst of the attacks on transgender children in the past two legislative sessions. Regarding his plans for supporting the LGBTQ+ community, he says, “I plan to do the same as I have been doing for the last 4 years. I proposed and passed the bill allowing for no cost name change. I have been a leader in fighting against bills that attack LGBTQ members of our community. I have spent time outside of session visiting with PFLAG groups across Nebraska. I hope to continue to take positive steps and will continue to stand up with LGBTQ Nebraskans.” He feels strongly that he does not want, “politicians making decisions about what medical care I, my family, or anyone can or should receive.” Please check his social media for information on how to specifically help his reelection effort.

Senator Terrell McKinney is running for reelection in District 11, which has always been his home. While also being a proud dad and a busy law student, he remains an active member of his community. Having first been elected in 2020, Senator McKinney was a consistent ally to the LGBTQ+ community during the last two tumultuous sessions in the unicameral. He writes, “I am committed to being an ally for the LGBTQ community in the legislature. I will support and advocate for their rights, while opposing any legislation that is harmful, discriminatory, or oppressive. As always, I will prioritize listening to the voices of the LGBTQ community and following their lead.” People who would like to volunteer for Senator McKinney should check his Mobilize page for upcoming events and opportunities to support his campaign.

Larry Bolinger, of Alliance, is running for the District 47 seat in the unicameral, showing that support for queer kids is not just coming from the larger cities in our state. To our question about his plans for supporting the LGBTQ+ community, he responded, “I believe in equal rights for all and I will push that everyone has equal protection under the law. I am well educated in Constitutional Law and will push for equal rights.” As for the government’s involvement in our personal medical decisions, he says, “the only thing the government should do is to ensure medical privacy.” Please visit Larry’s website and social media to look for ways to volunteer.

Action Step: What About the Judges? 

Though we have focused on elective offices, since anti-LGBTQ legislation often ends up being challenged in court, it would be helpful to know the records of the various judges. But how many of us actually feel prepared to make judicial retention decisions on election day? Whether you are ready with your vote by mail ballot now, or you are wanting to study up for election day, here’s what you can do: 

1. Learn about the process of retaining judges

Nebraska State Judges are initially appointed, rather than elected. At the first election at least 3 years after their appointment, they appear on the ballot for the voters to decide whether or not to retain them in their position. Thereafter, they come before the voters every 6 years. If you want to learn more, there is a much longer explanation of the merit selection system for judges in this voters guide.

2. Learn about the judges who will be on your ballot 

Here is a list of all the judges who will be on the ballot in 2024, though each of us only votes on the particular ones from our districts. To find out which judges will be on your ballot (and everything else you will be voting on), go to the League of Women Voters’ vote411. Once you know which judges will be on your ballot, it’s time to do a little digging. The Nebraska Bar Association polls its members on judicial performance and retention. The members of the bar association recommended retaining 99% of the judges on the ballot this year, and only against a handful. It is up to each Rainbow Parent voter to look into the records of the judges on our own ballots, particularly on cases important to LGBTQ+ folks. There is one important example we want to point out. In 2022, 53.8% of the Nebraska Bar Association members recommended that Judge Lori Maret not be retained, but by 2024, the percentage recommending against her climbed to 65.12%. Lori Maret is the judge who upheld LB 574, which banned or very severely restricted gender affirming care for minors and abortions after 12 weeks. 

Final Action Step

3. How are you doing on your 10 actions before election day?  For other action options, this week, check the Nebraska Democratic Party’s mobilize website to see events going on around our state.

Mark your calendars:

1. Queer Unity March on October 11th, 2024 at the Nebraska State Capitol.

Join the National Coming Out Day (October 11) with OutNebraska & Star City Pride as they march to make queer and transgender issues visible on the steps of the Nebraska State Capitol. This march is part of a large network of events organized by Queer Youth Assemble. North steps at 5:30pm. 

2. Prairie Pride Film Festival with OutNebraska

Our beloved annual film festival is returning this October and we’re excited to bring independent LGBTQ+ cinema to three cities across Nebraska.

• October 17: UNL’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center

• October 19: Hastings College’s Wilson Auditorium

• October 20: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in La Vista

3. The Stonewall Bone Ball on October 18th, 2024 at Omaha Firefighters Hall. 

Halloween is fast approaching, and the Nebraska Stonewall Democrats want to celebrate with some queer joy for the spooky season! The Stonewall Bone Ball will be a multi-stage event consisting of a dinner with speakers to start the evening, then a drag show and dance party to close out the night. There will also be a costume contest - dress your best!

Queer Joy 

One of the amazing award recipients from the 2024 Ben Nelson Gala on October 5, 2024 for his work with the LGBTQIA+ community is none other than Rainbow Parent, Ross Manhart. Congrats, Ross! And thanks for all you do to make our state better for all people.