North Carolina
‘It’s hard sometimes.’ Trans teen seeks allies as anti-LGBTQ bills advance in North Carolina
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) — There’s still excitement in the air as Madison just wrapped up celebrations for her sweet 16th birthday.
Pure joy is written all over her face as she plays with her dogs, but sometimes things happen that steal her joy.
“People are trying to make me not who I am if that makes sense,” said the teenager.
Madison is transgender and wants the public to know she is just like everyone else. She loves her family, friends and cheerleading just like other teen girls. The teen already knows what she wants to be when she grows up.
“I’ve recently been open to maybe being a therapist. There is a big need for trans therapists that can relate to their clients,” she said.
She is in therapy too. Her mother, Katie Jenifer, told ABC11 this journey with her daughter has not been easy.
“When she socially transitioned when she was younger there was one incident after another where we needed a legal advocate in our corner,” said Jenifer.
The family decided that a legal advocate would be Jenifer, who graduated from law school in 2020. She’s now a practicing attorney who often lobbies at the North Carolina General Assembly fighting for trans rights.
“We want the same things for our kids that any other parents want. We want them to be happy, healthy, safe at school and out in the world,” she said.
The teen is growing up in a world that she sometimes doesn’t feel safe in.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, in the last few years states have advanced a record number of anti-LGBTQ bills including those targeting transgender youth. Currently, it’s tracking 491 bills limiting the rights of the LGBTQ community across the country. Twelve of those bills are in the North Carolina General Assembly.
Support for Madison transcends generations in her family.
“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” said her maternal grandmother Katheryn Jenifer. “She’s a person. She’s a wonderful human being. I think it’s important that you see that other generations feel the same way.”
Bother her grandmother’s admit it’s been a learning curve.
“When she came out, she blossomed. She was dancing like a fairy. So thrilled with her hair and nails and dresses. It was like day and night,” said her paternal grandmother Victory Davis.
Madison has been showing up as herself for several years now. She believes allies in her family and among her friends have helped.
“It’s hard sometimes but I surrounded myself with people who make it not hard to be who I am,” she said.
RELATED | Families flee states with anti-trans, anti-LGBTQ+ laws for Illinois where their rights are protected
The organization Campaign for Southern Equality, which works across the South to promote LGBTQ+ quality, says officials are prepared to help families find out-of-state care and provide them hundreds of dollars to cover travel or procedure costs if the bill passes.
WATCH | Our America: Who I’m Meant To Be
SEE ALSO | Elliot Page opens up about trans journey, relationship with mom in ABC Pride special
North Carolina
Multiple injuries reported in northeast Charlotte 8-car crash
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – An eight-car crash injured several people and shut down a major interstate on Christmas Eve, the Charlotte Fire Department confirmed.
The crash happened at Interstate 85 North at West W.T. Harris Boulevard. I-85 was shut down by 7:40 p.m. and isn’t expected to reopen before 10:40 p.m.
Of those injured, two were taken to area hospitals, according to Medic.
Crews at the scene said to expect significant delays in the area.
For the latest traffic maps, visit drivenc.gov.
WBTV is working to find out more information. Download the free WBTV News app for the latest updates sent straight to your device.
Copyright 2024 WBTV. All rights reserved.
North Carolina
How AM radio helped storm recovery efforts in North Carolina
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North Carolina
North Carolina Dems fight GOP power shift as lawsuit targets election boards
Outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC) and Gov.-elect Josh Stein (D-NC) filed an expanded lawsuit Monday to challenge a sweeping Republican-backed law that strips significant powers from the state’s incoming Democratic officeholders.
The move by the Democratic leaders escalates an ongoing legal battle over GOP efforts to reshape control of state agencies and boards ahead of next month’s transition.
The new legal action focuses on Senate Bill 382, which transfers the governor’s authority to appoint members of the State Board of Elections to the state auditor, a position set to be held by Republican Dave Boliek. Additionally, the law grants the auditor the power to appoint the leaders of all county election boards, further limiting gubernatorial influence.
“These blatantly partisan efforts to give control over election boards to a newly elected Republican will create distrust in our elections process and serve no legitimate purpose,” Cooper said in a statement.
The lawsuit was originally filed by Democrats over Senate Bill 749, a bill blocked earlier this year that would have overhauled the state election board structure. With SB 382 now law, Cooper and Stein are seeking to amend the lawsuit to reflect the changes, which they argue are unconstitutional and undermine democratic principles.
“In recent years, these legislative leaders have repeatedly tried and failed to seize control of the State Board of Elections for their own partisan gain,” Stein said. “This latest move insults the voters who rejected their power grab and must not stand.”
SB 382’s provisions extend beyond election oversight. It prohibits the incoming attorney general, Democrat Jeff Jackson, from taking legal positions contrary to those of the Republican-led legislature. It also reallocates $227 million to a Hurricane Helene relief fund but does not specify how the money will be used, raising concerns about delayed aid to affected communities.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Republicans overrode Cooper’s veto of SB 382 earlier this month, using their supermajority in the state Senate. However, starting in 2025, they will lose their veto-proof majority in the House, creating a more challenging legislative landscape.
The case now heads to Wake County Superior Court as the political fight over North Carolina’s balance of power intensifies.
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