During this Black History Month, we are highlighting Lauren Ashley Simmons, who is running against the Democratic incumbent, Shawn Thierry, for Texas House of Representatives.
Lauren took the brave step to run for office to unseat someone who has consistently voted in favor of anti-equality bills and bills that harm the district. As you can see from their policy differences below, Lauren will be a strong voice for equality in the Texas House – a place where LGBTQ+ voices are sorely needed – and will strive to create better opportunities for her constituents.
Lauren Ashley Simmons is:
- proudly pro-choice;
- Would ensure that LGBTQ+ books and diverse books aren’t censored in schools or public libraries;
- Fights for all members the LGBTQ+ community;
- Fights to pursue legislation that is intersectional and is committed to blocking legislation that would attack not only the LGBTQ+ history, but Black history, Native American history, Latine history, Asian history, women’s rights and more.
Rep. Shawn Thierry
- Has expressed that she is against the ability for parents to make informed decisions about gender-affirming healthcare. Parental choice, which Thierry advocates for, is the new talking point on activating conservative and far-right groups to pass anti-trans legislation attacking gender affirming care, the right for trans athletes to compete in sports at school, and for books concerning LGBTQ+ history, Black history, Latinx history, Native American history, to be banned in classrooms and libraries;
- Spewed transphobic rhetoric on Fox News, “I just don’t think this is something that we can play politics with. Children are not political pawns,” Thierry said Monday on Fox & Friends First. “It’s unfortunate that, when it comes to our children’s health and wellbeing, that we have to play partisan politics,” she said. “I just listened to my constituents, I met with stakeholders, I listened to the advocates, and I read the data and I just don’t think that this is something that we can play politics with…”;
- Pushes vague legislative language that will be used to target LGBTQ+ communities and diverse histories, limiting the stories of people of color and LGBTQ+ people in schools and education;
- Plays into anti-LGBTQ+ conspiracies perpetuated by bigots to advance her and their hateful agenda;
- Censured by Meyerland Area Democrats Club for voting against LGBTQ+ rights and for legislation dubbed the “Book Burning Act”.
Lauren is the clear choice for this district – and to serve in the Texas state legislature. Learn more about her campaign here!
