PRIORITIES
CIVIL RIGHTS
Having had to fight for my own rights after coming out as a transgender woman and facing discrimination, I know that civil rights encompass the fundamental rights and freedoms that protect individuals from discrimination and ensure their equal participation in society. These rights are often enshrined in law and guarantee fair treatment, equal opportunities, and protection from interference by governments or private entities. The concept of civil rights is continually evolving, reflecting ongoing societal efforts to ensure justice and equality for all people, regardless of their background or identity. Downriver should be known as a safe place for all people to live.
ECONOMIC JUSTICE
I understand the struggle of making ends meet. After losing my job due to discrimination, I struggled to regain financial traction, ultimately going back to school to bridge the economic gap. I believe economic justice involves ensuring that everyone has a genuine opportunity to succeed financially, enabling them to live with dignity and to contribute productively. This requires addressing systemic barriers and inequalities that hinder economic well-being, such as discriminatory practices in employment, housing, and access to credit. The aim should be to create a system where prosperity and fairness coexist, providing every individual the chance to thrive, regardless of background, while also ensuring that economic institutions serve the entire community.
ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
As a spiritual care provider in healthcare, I work firsthand with individuals who have experienced traumatic events and severe emotional distress. Their fear in losing their life savings due to hospital costs is often worse than their fear of dying. I believe that everyone should have access to the medical services they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives, and it must be affordable. Healthcare should encompass everything from preventive care to specialized treatments. Concurrently, a woman's right to choose pertains to deeply personal decisions about reproductive health and bodily autonomy; I believe in the individual's freedom to make these choices for themselves. The role of policy in healthcare shapes these fundamental aspects of life and is central to ongoing discussions about individual well-being and personal liberty.
PUBLIC SAFETY
In 2023, I was preaching at a church in metro-Detroit when someone there threatened to shoot me and to blow up the church, simply because I belong to the LGBTQ community. This frightening incident underscored my already standing belief in the need to ensure public safety for all by creating communities where everyone feels secure and can live without fear. This involves a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of violence. A critical component of this effort includes common-sense strategies to reduce gun violence, such as promoting responsible gun ownership and keeping firearms out of the hands of those who would use them to harm others, so that our neighborhoods can truly be safe for every resident.