The Death of the Anti-Trans Political Ad: Why Democrats’ 2025 Wins Changed Everything (ft. Laurel Powell)

Democrats’ recent, high-profile gubernatorial and mayoral victories across the country proved the value in candidates sticking to their pro-equality values. Whereas former presidential candidate Kamala Harris dodged Republicans’ notorious, bigoted anti-transgender playbook from the 2024 presidential election cycle, Virginia’s governor-elect, Abigail Spanberger, and New Jersey’s governor-elect, Mikie Sherrill, confronted pronoun panic and proved that Democrats are, indeed, for you in being there for everyone. New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani produced extra credit with his ad highlighting legendary trans and gay rights activist Sylvia Rivera. Mamdani highlighted trans people’s essential role in NYC history and how he’ll help trans people in the future as part of his official mayoral platform. This week, Katelyn and Christine cancel anti-trans political ads with help from friend of the pod Laurel Powell, director of communications for the Human Rights Campaign and an advocate in her own right. Stream on our YouTube channel—remember to ring the bell! Listen via Apple or Spotify. Be sure to check out the merch store—Merch Me, Daddy! Links: Follow Laurel Powell on Bluesky at @laurelpowell.net and check out her website, www.laurelpowell.netKatelyn Burns for MSNBC: Democrats’ big election wins showed they don’t need to hide their support for trans rightsAmanda Becker for The 19th: Democrats responded to anti-trans attacks this year — and wonLyz Lenz for Men Yell at Me: You can run a Mamdani in Iowa and winKatelyn Burns for Burns Notice, You Have to See This Mamdani AdKatelyn Burns for Burns Notice, He Doesn't Even Go Here - Sick Burns 10/17/2025Cancel Me, Daddy: Democrats Were Banned From Saying These Progressive Words?? (aka Canceling Centrist Language Nannies)German Lopez for Vox: HB2, North Carolina’s sweeping anti-LGBTQ law, explained Christine Grimaldi for The Atavist Magazine: The Shadow and The Ghost See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.