Re: The power of representation: Support the call for an inclusive judiciary

Friend, President Biden has already had an incredibly effective first term, especially when it comes to increasing both the demographic and professional diversity on the federal courts. However, this work remains unfinished. Approximately 7.1% of Americans identify as LGBTQ+, but they make up a [mere 1.6%]( of federal judges. Representation matters, and people with the lived experience of marginalization are necessary to dismantle systemic barriers to our pursuit of justice and equality. [Sign the petition calling for more LGBTQ+ nominees for the federal bench.]( [Sign the petition]( The federal bench holds immense power to shape and interpret our nation's laws. And for LGBTQ+ Americans, the federal judiciary has been both an oppressor and a liberator. Still, there has never been an openly transgender, non-binary, or bisexual judge on a federal court. Our nation's diversity is a strength. Now, as MAGA Republicans work to roll back our freedoms, we need a judiciary that reflects our communities and experiences. Urge President Biden to take his commitment to diversity and representation to the next level by increasing the nomination of LGBTQ+ individuals to the federal bench. [Sign the petition calling for more LGBTQ+ nominees for the federal bench.]( [Sign the petition]( Keep fighting, Monique Teal, Daily Kos P.S. Read more about the push for a more inclusive judiciary that truly serves all Americans below. --------------------------------------------------------------- Friend, President Biden is committed to diversifying the courts. Yet despite efforts, our judiciary is still far from being a representative body. [Sign the petition calling for more LGBTQ+ nominees for the federal bench.]( [Sign the petition]( The Trump administration's influence on the federal judiciary was detrimentally significant, confirming three Supreme Court justices, 54 circuit court judges, and 174 district court judges. Trump placed many individuals with anti-LGBTQ+ viewpoints in positions of immense power and influence. These appointments have created a judicial landscape that is not representative of, not acknowledging of, and not protecting LGBTQ+ rights. This is a matter of deep concern and emphasizes the need for us to stand strong and fight for equality, fairness, and justice. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, for instance, has ties with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a legal organization notorious for its anti-LGBTQ+ stance, and conservative religious groups. These affiliations raise critical concerns about how she may rule on issues pertaining to LGBTQ+ rights. This concern extends beyond the Supreme Court, permeating into lower courts as well. Matthew Kacsmaryk, a district court judge appointed by Trump, has a record of opposing protections for LGBTQ+ workers and criticizing the Equality Act—a crucial piece of legislation designed to protect LGBTQ+ individuals in various aspects of life, including employment, housing, and education. [Sign the petition calling for more LGBTQ+ nominees for the federal bench.]( [Sign the petition]( Nominating more LGBTQ+ judges is about ensuring equal justice for all. Approximately 7.1% of Americans identify as [LGBTQ+](, but they make up a scant [1.6% of federal judges](. Additionally, there has never been an openly transgender, non-binary, or bisexual judge on a federal court. This means our courts are still not reflective of the society they serve. This lack of representation dilutes the promise of a judiciary that truly reflects the rich diversity of the communities it serves. We've seen the difference having someone with lived experience has on rulings. Now is the time for action. By standing together, we can push for a more inclusive judiciary that truly serves all Americans. [Sign the petition calling for more LGBTQ+ nominees for the federal bench.]( [Sign the petition]( Keep fighting, Romario Brown, Daily Kos Before you leave, can you do one more thing? 2023 has been a hard financial year for Daily Kos. Donations of just a few dollars from our readers and activists helps us pay the bills. Please support progressive news and activism by making a donation of $5 today. [Donate $5]( If you wish to donate by mail instead, please send a check to Daily Kos, PO Box 70036, Oakland, CA, 94612. Contributions to Daily Kos are not tax deductible. Sent via [ActionNetwork.org](. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Daily Kos, please [click here](.