There is rarely a space where I am not visibly queer, gender nonconforming and brown. I live in my identities fully in all spaces. My identity and experiences also drive much of the work I care about and invest in as an individual and as an elected state representative. I care about tangible and impactful results for my communities knowing that we are all connected and if we invest in those most affected, we raise up everyone. This work is never done alone and that is why I feel compelled to share my experience with someone I consider a great advocate, legislator and friend in this work, Marjorie Decker. (“Despite this scary moment for rights of LGBTQ+, legislators needlessly OK’d antitrans amendment,” April 25) Marjorie has gone out of her way time and again to center folks in poverty, LGBTQ folks, Black and brown folks, women and many others on the margins of our society. To watch her navigate a system as old and complex as the House Legislature is truly an example of fortitude. She never wavers in her commitment to our shared values and is often the leading voice when it comes to advancing “progressive issues.” I have no doubt that without her in the House, we would all be worse off. Just this past month, Marjorie was one of the first people I reached out to when navigating how best to further support our trans community members through legislation and the budget. I had no concern that she would need me to explain why this mattered or that we would need to go back and forth. She had already started the work. We are on the precipice of leading again in gender-affirming care because of Marjorie. She expends political capital in service of those without and she often wins. I am proud and honored to work and learn from Marjorie in my role as a fairly new elected official.
State Rep. Sam Montaño
Sam Montaño is a Massachusetts state representative serving the 15th Suffolk District, including Jamaica Plain, Mission Hill and Roxbury.
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