History-making Rep. Becca Balint on finding hope in divisive times as a queer member of Congress

As both a parent and former educator, Balint emphasizes the critical role of comprehensive education in fostering community health and democratic vitality. She’s called out the current tide of curriculum restrictions and book bans that seek to erase significant figures and narratives from history, instead advocating for an education system that acknowledges and honors diversity.

Last October, Balint took a bold stance on the House floor, initiating a vote on a resolution to censure Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for her history of anti-LGBTQ+, anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, racist, and otherwise bigoted remarks as well as her promotion of conspiracy theories.

Balint’s optimism about the potential for change is palpable, especially with the prospect of electing the first trans woman to Congress, Sarah McBride, a Democratic state senator from Delaware who is running for the U.S. House, whom she ardently supports.

“The conversations will change in Congress when she is on the floor of the House speaking and demystifying and humanizing her experience,” Balint says. However, she also acknowledges the formidable challenges in a political landscape that exploits fear of the unknown. “It is human nature, I think, to fear what you don’t understand,” she says.

“And unfortunately, we have a GOP machine right now that is taking full advantage of that, and it’s killing us. It’s killing our spirit. It’s killing the democracy.”

But what sets Balint apart is not just her political acumen or her unwavering advocacy for the LGBTQ community; it’s her humanity. Her story is one of hope, not despair, of laughter and office dance parties amid the seriousness of her mission.

“We have five-minute dance parties here in the office,” she shares.

Balint’s optimism is infectious. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, there are reasons to smile, dance, and keep fighting for a better tomorrow.

“The stakes are too high for us to lose hope,” she says.

Original Article on The Advocate
Author: Christopher Wiggins