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Dr. Leo

@queerspeak.bsky.social
167 followers 232 following 11 posts

Trans and queer idealist with a side of existential dread. Research focus on advocacy through storytelling, trans justice, civic engagement, activism, and policy action.

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Dr. Leo @queerspeak.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Check out my open access article about how gender-affirming parents become some of the most impactful champions of transgender justice. doi.org/10.1111/jftr...
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Jesspooka Kant 🎃 @jessdkant.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
The house has passed a ban on coverage of gender care for all ages under Medicaid, CHIP and ACA plans. I don't know what to say to anyone this morning other than that the hundreds of thousands of people who are about to lose access to the care they need to stay alive deserve better than silence.
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ACLU @aclu.org · 22/05/2025
BREAKING: The House of Representatives just passed a bill that will cut billions of dollars from Medicaid. Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of people across the country, including more than 15 million people with disabilities. The Senate must reject this dangerous bill.
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Nina Turner @ninaturner.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
Understand this: if Medicaid, Medicare, and/or SNAP benefits are cut, Americans will die as a result. It’s policy violence.
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Dr. Leo @queerspeak.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Dr. Tara Becker giving a shout out to Colorado’s innovative approach to trans health research back in 2014, which was my first foray into research and set my path for becoming a trans scholar. Also sitting next to the CDPHE colleague who made that survey happen. #AAPOR25
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Dr. Leo @queerspeak.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Dr. Ilan Meyer speaking to the erasure of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data and data collection at the federal level after decades of advocacy for inclusion and validity testing. This talk should be a keynote and a call to action for public opinion researchers #AAPOR25
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Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) @transequality.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Despite the Trump Administration's ongoing anti-trans attacks, the research remains clear: Affirming school environments are lifesaving for LGBTQI+ youth. We collaborated with @mapresearch.bsky.social to build this resource on the state of schools for trans youth.
transequality.org
The State of Schools for Trans Youth in 2025 | A4TE
Anti-trans extremists want to make it impossible for LGBTQI+ youth to be themselves in schools. But the research is clear: affirming school environments are lifesaving for LGBTQI+ youth. We're…
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Dr. Leo @queerspeak.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
Took a little detour on the #AAPOR25 fun run this morning. #archwaypark
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Kristen Hanley Cardozo @khandozo.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
In the 1950s, polling on interracial marriage was at 4% approval in the United States. Loving v. Virginia is 1967. We hit an above 50% approval rating for the first time in the 1990s. In 2021, 94% of Americans approved of interracial marriage.
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Dr. Leo @queerspeak.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
Disinformation is everywhere, but gender-affirming care is backed by over a century of research and practice. Now more than ever, we must stay informed and protect access to care based on facts, not fear. lnkd.in/gbbbVSuK
coloradohealth.org
Access to Gender-Affirming Care is Essential for Health Equity
Recently, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) communities have increasingly been a target of actions to further disenfranchise, harm and remove civil rights and protections.
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Elizabeth Warren @warren.senate.gov · 17/04/2025
I won’t share RFK Jr.’s lies about autism. It’s disgusting and dangerous. If he had a shred of decency, he would apologize and resign. Autistic people contribute every day to our nation’s greatness. To every kid with autism, I’m in this fight all the way for you.
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Mark Chadbourn @chadbourn.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
More in No, Other People: New poll: “America would be better off if more people worked in manufacturing.” • 80% of Americans agree • 20% disagree “I would be better off if I worked in a factory.” • 25% of Americans agree • 73% disagree • 2% currently work in a factory
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Steve Chamraz @tmj4steve.com · 02/04/2025
:: BREAKING NOW: Multiple polling places across Milwaukee are running low or have run out of ballots as turnout is at record levels. MKE Election Commission is aware and sending out fresh ballots. If you are in line -- or know someone who is -- ballots are on the way.
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Dr. Leo @queerspeak.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Today and everyday, I’m proud to be transgender. Trans people are part of your family. We are part of your community. We are everywhere. All trans people are worthy and deserving of love, joy, dignity, and respect to live our lives wholly and authentically. #TDOV #transjustice
White trans man with black bear wearing a blue hat and a gray tank top. In pink, blue and white the tank top says “visible for those who can’t be”
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Dr. Michelle A. Rodrigues 🐒 @marspidermonkey.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
I suspect younger people who don’t remember pre-ACA can’t fathom how bad it was because the thought of it being even worse than it is now is hard to imagine. What they don’t understand is how hard of a fight it was just to get what we ended up with.
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Erin Reed @erininthemorning.com · 24/03/2025
I’m getting a lot of messages about the rule change over private insurances and EHBs. My understanding of the rule is that it is NOT a national trans care ban or anything like that. It will allow private insurance to deny care. Probably will have biggest impacts in red states with no state reqs.
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez @aoc.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
Tonight an unbelievable **34,000 people** gathered for our Denver rally to take on billionaires and win our country back. This was the largest political gathering in Denver since Obama in 2008. Also bigger than the 2024 DNC. And the largest ever rally in Bernie’s career (and obviously, mine too).
AOC and Bernie in front of the rally crowd in DenverZoomed out crowd shot of 34,000 people in downtown Denver with Colorado mountains in the background
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Acyn @acyn.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
AOC: If you are an LGBTQ kid or family, we cannot throw you under the bus in order to win an election. In this house, we stand together
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez @aoc.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
We expected 2,000 people out in GOP-held Greeley, Colorado. 11,000 people showed up. Something special is happening, folks. Now is the time to organize in every dimension possible and get to work.
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Qasim Rashid, Esq. @qasimrashid.com · 15/03/2025
I just found out Amy and Chuck Schumer are cousins. Imagine being related to Amy Schumer and still being the worst Schumer alive.
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Public Citizen @publiccitizen.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
This is so incredibly stupid I can’t believe we have to post about it. Boycotting a brand is NOT illegal. The economy is going up in flames and Trump’s biggest priority is making sure his billionaire bestie sells more cars.
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Gillian Branstetter @gbbranstetter.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
Today it's Palestine, tomorrow it's "gender ideology", the next day it's the Luigi Mangione meme you liked on Instagram
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Alejandra Caraballo @esqueer.net · 10/03/2025
I need y'all to sit with this headline and understand what is being done to our community. They're trying to criminalize our very existence. This is a campaign of eradication. www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/rcna...
"A screenshot of an NBC News article headline. The headline reads: 'Texas bill would make identifying as transgender a felony punishable by jail.' Below the headline, a subtext states: 'The bill, while unlikely to pass, highlights the increasing extremism of legislation targeting trans people, especially in Texas, in recent years.' The NBC News logo is visible at the top, along with a navigation bar that includes a 'WATCH' button and a user profile icon."
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C @gibler.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
Sunny winter days in Denver ☀️
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Dr. Leo @queerspeak.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
Targeting the staff of these nonprofits now, next are the organizations’ tax statuses. I’m so heartbroken for all the incredible humans I know in the non-profit sector impacted by this unpatriotic and obscene action.
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ACLU @aclu.org · 05/03/2025
Trans youth deserve safe schools, loving homes, and the medical care they need.
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Max Kennerly @maxkennerly.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
As a cishet dude, when I see a Dem ditch trans rights, it sends a message: you ain't got no fight in you, no principles, just another empty suit. Think I'm some too-online outlier? Go ask your expensive consultants why people don't bother to vote. It's because they know you're all empty suits.
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Alejandra Caraballo @esqueer.net · 24/02/2025
This is a second lavender scare. They're going to purge all LGBTQ employees from the federal government.
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Sheryl Weikal says Prosecute ICE @leftistlawyer.com · 22/02/2025
I know things are bleak and scary right now. But I promise you that you - yes YOU - can get through this. You don't have to fight all of this on your own. Find one person you can help, and help them. Make the life of one person better every day. Hold onto your joy. That's how we win.
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Democracy Forward @democracyforward.org · 22/02/2025
“Our Constitution protects all Americans–whether you are a professor or restaurant worker–from unlawful intrusion on speech, ideas, & expression, & it entitles all to fair process. Trump’s anti-equity directives violate these core protections” - @skyeperryman.bsky.social, CEO, @democracyforward.org
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Erica Chenoweth @chenoweth.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Lots of folks are asking what they can do to be helpful in this moment. I like the short list of action items that @choosedemocracy.bsky.social lists on their site. Democratic civil society is about being stronger together. Any effective strategy flows from that. choosedemocracy.us/what-can-i-do/
choosedemocracy.us
What can I do to fight this coup?
If you look, there are people resisting at every level. Blockades of freeways. American Bar Association urging an end to...
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zeynep tufekci @zey.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Gift link. A small unelected, secretive crew now has free access to sensitive private data of everyone. And Musk is already publicly targeting family members of judges who rule against the administration. If this isn’t ringing alarm bells, I don’t know what would. www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/o...
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Governor JB Pritzker @govpritzker.illinois.gov · 20/02/2025
Tyranny requires your fear, your silence, and your compliance. Democracy requires your courage.
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Dr. Leo @queerspeak.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Incredible news!
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Dr. Leo @queerspeak.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
Thanks for showing up for freedom in Colorado, @philweiser.bsky.social!
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Shanna Katz Kattari, PhD 🍉🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈♿️ @drshannak.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
We have been warning y’all this was coming.
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Helen 🏳️‍⚧️✊🏻💕 @mimmymum.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Regulations restricting transgender people actually affect more intersex people. “Estimates of intersex incidence vary widely, from about 0.1 percent to about 6 percent of people” www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/go...
psychologytoday.com
What You’re Not Being Told About Anti-Trans Regulations
Recent U.S. laws and regulations restricting medical care and athletic participation for transgender people actually affect more intersex people. Why is this not being discussed?
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ACLU @aclu.org · 14/02/2025
Erasing our history won't erase us. Transgender people have always been here — and we always will be.
nytimes.com
U.S. Park Service Strikes Transgender References From Stonewall Website
The “T” was removed in references to L.G.B.T.Q.+ on the official site for the Greenwich Village monument, which marks a milestone in the fight for gay rights. Later, the Q+ also disappeared.
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Dr. Leo @queerspeak.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Trans folks raising funds for trans orgs? Take my money!
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Rebecca Solnit @rebeccasolnit.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
"The best study on the subject in my opinion suggests that in the long term, institutions really can’t save us; that civil society and mass mobilization are a more potent check on a backsliding democracy in the long term..." meditations-in-an-emergency.ghost.io/the-nature-o...
The Nature of Our Power: A Conversation with political scientist Erica Chenoweth
By Rebecca Solnit • 8 Feb 2025
View in browser

"The best study on the subject in my opinion suggests that in the long term, institutions really can’t save us; that civil society and mass mobilization are a more potent check on a backsliding democracy in the long term than relying on institutional checks and balances alone." That's what political scientist Erica Chenoweth told me when I asked them if we could have a conversation (by email, below in full) about the current constitutional crisis/coup attempt and what we can do about it. Chenoweth is a hugely influential scholar of nonviolent social change, best known for their empirical research that not only documents what makes civil resistance work but demonstrates that it works, often extremely effectively. They direct the  Nonviolent Action Lab, which studies how people have built movements and developed strategies to resist authoritarianism successfully and documents how nonviolence can be effective. There's no one I wanted to hear from more in this constitutional crisis, and I'm grateful I can share their insights with all of you.
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Gillian Branstetter @gbbranstetter.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
In a new lawsuit filed against Trump by state AGs, a family with a trans kid shares she died by suicide last month citing fears Trump would deny her access to gender-affirming care. "Her parents have expressed fear...that what happened to their daughter does not happen to other children."
The serious concerns over how the Order will detrimentally impact transgender
youth cannot be overstated. One Washingtonian, as her parents describe her, was a bright and
gentle soul who loved playing musical instruments, trying new things, and playing Magic the
Gathering. She was excited to learn Japanese and the impact of gender-affirming care was
immediately clear to her family. Her parents described that “her joy was clear with every new
milestone in her transition. She was so happy to get to the next step, to get closer to presenting
in a way that was true to herself.” But the day before the presidential election, she shared,
“[t]omorrow I get to find out if I’m illegal.” After the election, she asked her parents if they
could move to Canada because she was fearful of new restrictions on transgender youth and
worried about losing access to gender-affirming care. In January 2025, she took her life. After
the Order issued, her parents expressed that the outlook for transgender futures looks scary and
shared fears of what ending gender-affirming care would have meant for their daughter’s access
to therapy, puberty-delaying medication, hormones, and hope of surgery. Her parents have
expressed fear for the many lives who depend on gender-affirming care and that what happened
to their daughter does not happen to any other children.
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Carl T. Bergstrom @carlbergstrom.com · 03/02/2025
What’s his beef against USAID in particu….oh. Wow.
X post:

Elon Musk

@elonmusk
We spent the weekend feeding USAID into the wood chipper. 

Could gone to some great parties.

Did that instead.U.S. policy was to help bring an end to apartheid and establish a nonracial, democratic government. In response to this policy and the Act, USAID/South Africa was responsible for financing projects that apartheid victims viewed as critical in promoting social, political, and economic change through peaceful means.

The mission enabled community consultation and ensured that the United States did not impose foreign-defined solutions to local problems. USAID created projects and activities to respond to the priorities of the black community and its leaders, maximized black participation and leadership, and ensured activities had a linkage to the general objectives of U.S. policy.

First-year funding for the program was $25 million, which was raised to $50 million the second year. The main project areas were community outreach and leadership development to redress the repression of black-led institutions; educational support and training to address the educational crisis in South Africa; black private enterprise development to combat the inhibiting effects of apartheid–induced discrimination in private enterprise; university grants to help create a new generation of economic and political leaders; human rights; legal assistance; labor union training; and health and nutrition
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Heather Turiello @heatherturiello.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
This is a word of warning to all of us. Left, right, or anything else. Constantly reevaluating and learning.
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Whitney Alese @thereclaimed.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
Happy: Black history Black present Black future Black love Black joy Black health Black healing Black people Black community Black family Black kids Black culture Black creativity Black ingenuity Black legacy Black innovation Black liberation Black resistance Black existence ...month🖤
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Erin Reed @erininthemorning.com · 01/02/2025
These are the same picture.
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cait (and adonis) @cait.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
i'm tired of being told to stop doomscrolling. i'm just scrolling, it's not my fault there's doom on there
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