ARCHIVE: Marie Newman on LGBTQ+ Rights, Trans Advocacy & Fighting Anti-Trans Laws

I’m putting this archived conversation back into the world because, like many of you, I’m feeling overwhelmed, angry, and honestly a bit helpless after the most recent ICE killing of Alex Pretti. When violence like this happens it can feel impossible to know where to put our grief or how to turn it into action. This episode with Marie Newman is a reminder that change doesn’t come from waiting to feel less scared—it comes from people who decide to show up anyway. Marie has gone the distance, personally and politically, and hearing from someone who has fought these fights before feels grounding right now. I hope it does for you too.

ARCHIVED EPISODE:

Marie Newman isn’t just an advocate—she’s a fighter. As a former Congresswoman from Illinois, she took on big fights for LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare equity, gun reform, and more. But her mission became personal when her daughter came out as transgender, propelling her even deeper into the fight for equality. In this episode, Marie shares her unexpected path to Congress, the struggles of passing meaningful legislation, and why she refuses to back down—even as anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric ramps up across the U.S. and beyond. She also opens up about her family’s journey, the reality of raising a trans child in today’s political climate, and what we can all do to push back against the attacks on our rights. 🔥 Nobody is coming to save us—we have to be the ones to step up. 🔥 🏳️‍🌈

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🏳️‍🌈 Key Takeaways 🏳️‍🌈

✔️ How Marie’s fight for LGBTQ+ rights began—and why she made it her mission

]✔️ Her journey to Congress & the challenges of passing real change ✔️ Raising a trans child & navigating the medical & legal system

✔️ The dangerous rollback of trans rights & DEI policies

✔️ How to get involved and push back against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation

🏳️‍🌈About The Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈 Marie Newman is a former U.S. Congresswoman from Illinois who built a career fighting for marginalized communities. Before politics, she worked in marketing, anti-bullying activism, and women’s rights advocacy. She’s also the author of A Life Made From Scratch, a powerful memoir about her journey. As the mother of a trans daughter, Marie has dedicated her career to creating a more inclusive world. 📖 Preorder her book, "A Life Made From Scratch," here

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🏳️‍🌈 💬 What resonated most with you? Drop a comment, DM us, or email at thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com—we love hearing your stories!

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🎶 Edited by: Jerson Barajas 🎵 Theme song by: Tiffany Topol 🎨 Logo art by: Daneen Stevenato 🛍️

🏳️‍🌈Put your activism into action 🗳️ Vote, donate, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights 📢 Call your representatives—let them know we won’t stand for discrimination 💡 Educate yourself & others on policies affecting our community History is watching. What we do now matters. The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. While we chat with amazing organizations, The Queer Family Podcast isn’t responsible for any decisions or actions taken by listeners based on the content of the show. Always consult with a trusted professional for your specific situation!