Welcome to

Rainbow Parents of Nebraska!

You are receiving this email because you gave us your information through our QR code or by going to our website.

Thanks for wanting to be more involved to protect the queer kid(s) in your life.

Previous week’s emails can be found here:

https://www.rainbowparentsofne.org/blog

Rainbow Parents Candidate Spotlights

We have chosen to spotlight 10 candidates from across the state who are running for the Nebraska State Legislature. Please check our website for the current full list, which we will continue to add to as we learn more. Our spotlight candidates have either stood with us in the past, have been strong allies to the LGBTQ+ community in their previous work, or impressed us with their answers to our survey. Last week, we highlighted Jen Day and Mary Ann Folchert. This week, we introduce you to 5 fantastic candidates in competitive races in Bellevue, Elkhorn, Hastings, and Omaha. Even if you don’t live in their districts, your first action step this week is to learn about these five and consider getting involved however you can.

Margo Juarez is running for the open District 5 seat. Born and raised in South Omaha, she currently represents her neighborhood on the OPS school board. She says that if she is given the opportunity to serve she will “consider/advocate for their [LGBTQ+] needs in legislative action.” Margo also believes strongly that medical decisions “should remain between the doctor and patient.” She invites Rainbow Parents to visit her website to sign up to volunteer to phone bank, canvas, write postcards, or donate.

Ashlei Spivey is running for an open seat in District 13, where she has been a lifelong resident. She writes, “As a member of the LGBTQIA Community, I plan to listen to my friends, neighbors and colleagues to ensure policy implemented at the State level does not cause harm or exclusion, as we have seen explicitly over the last few years. Unfortunately, some elected officials have chosen to intentionally target LGBTQIA communities and now is the time to send folks to Lincoln that want to better the lives of all Nebraskans.” She also believes strongly that “government does not belong in medical decisions like reproductive rights and gender affirming care.” Ashlei is a mom, a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and the founder of I Be Black Girl, a nonprofit organization focusing on reproductive justice. She would love it if Rainbow Parents would visit her website and social media for upcoming opportunities to get involved.

Michelle Smith, of Hastings, is running for the open seat in District 33. Born and raised in Hastings, Michelle wants to focus on the issues that matter most to Nebraskans. She notes “Individuals, including teenagers, who are part of the LGBTQ community display increased risk for suicide, depression, and anxiety. Despite their increased risk, they are less likely to receive the mental health care they need. I will also support training for medical professionals, mental health professionals, educators, etc. to decrease stigma and increase understanding and support for LGBTQ individuals.” Michelle urges Rainbow Parents to sign up on her website to receive emails with details about upcoming events, including Monday afternoon postcard parties in Hastings.

Allison Heimes, from Elkhorn, is running for the open District 39 seat. She is an attorney, a military spouse, and a mother of three who is passionate about healthcare, and mental health in particular. If elected, she pledges to “restore and codify rights and treat everyone like a human being,” as well as, “Be a safe place for LGBTQ people and an ally in the legislature.” Allison particularly invites Rainbow Parent subscribers to visit her website and social media for the most up to date information on all her events and volunteer opportunities.

Sarah Centineo is the challenger in District 45. She serves on the Bellevue School Board and is trained as both a nurse and an attorney. She says, “I plan to continue to oppose the bills that hurt the LGBTQ+ community and try to educate others on the importance of the support and acceptance of the community. I have previously testified against the bathroom and locker-room bills that have been brought forward. I am very proud to say the Bellevue Public School (where I am a board member) has a transgender policy that works very well.” Sarah feels strongly about the right to determine one’s own health care, saying, “Legislating healthcare is a bad idea, and the legislature should not pretend they are healthcare providers.” Visit her website to sign up to canvass or attend a Thursday evening Sarpy County Democrats postcard writing party.

Action Steps

1. How are you doing on your 10 actions before election day? Consider visiting the  websites and/or social media of any of this week’s candidates to see if you can help by volunteering for an event, writing postcards, or donating money.

2. Write a Letter to the Editor! Indivisible has good tips for writing letters to the editor, check out their template for an example of what to include. The ACLU of Nebraska also has some helpful guidelines, as well as a great list of the major newspapers in the state. Let’s see if we can hit as many newspapers as possible with letters supporting progressive candidates who will protect queer kids.

For other action options, check the Nebraska Democratic Party’s mobilize website.  You can see all the events going around in our state, and can even use the filter tab to focus on a specific candidate or area.

Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s newsletter!

Don’t forget, you can find our previous email action items here: https://www.rainbowparentsofne.org/blog

Stay tuned for more action steps from Rainbow Parents of Nebraska next week. If you have questions or suggestions for us, please contact us at the links below!

Mark your calendars:

1. 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!  Please click the link to learn how to get your tickets!

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. 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.

Queer Joy

Have you heard the news?  

NE State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh challenges Nebraska DHHS over rules and regulations for LB574.  Read the story here.

Have you seen the film?

Will & Harper is now streaming on Netflix. Gotta love Will Ferrell and his reactions to anti-trans rhetoric - “If the trans community is a threat to you, I think it stems from not being confident or safe with yourself”.

One of our moms shared a picture of a school in Nebraska being inclusive!