After record election year, some LGBTQ lawmakers face a new challenge: GOP majorities

Zooey Zephyr, state Rep.-elect for the 100th district of the Montana House of Representatives, is the first openly trans woman to be elected in the state legislature. Zephyr poses for a portrait at the JW Marriott Hotel in Washington D.C., on Dec. 2, 2022. (Keren Carrión/NPR)

HELENA, Mont. – Zooey Zephyr is familiar with the ornate halls of the Montana state Capitol. She was here during the 2021 legislative session, testifying in opposition to bills targeted at trans-Montanans, like a ban on trans women and girls from participating in women's sports.

"The image of 'quote' trans women ruining the integrity of women's sports paints a false picture of life as a trans woman," she said in the House Judiciary Committee. "It incorrectly claims that we have a competitive advantage. And it misses why trans people transition in the first place – which is to lead a happier life," Zephyr added.