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Who is Evie Newman? Marie Newman posts trans flag to troll Marjorie Taylor Greene backing transgender daughter

Evie originally inspired Illinois Democrat Newman to run for office after she spoke of being bullied at school for being transgender

In response to Rep Marjorie Taylor-Greene's comments on transgender rights, Congresswoman Marie Newman has installed a transgender flag outside her office. The pink, blue and white flag now sits right outside Newman's door, which is opposite to Greene's office. What prompted this dramatic move? Probably Newman's daughter Evie. 

Evie Newman originally inspired Illinois Democrat Newman to run for office after she spoke of being bullied at school for being transgender. Originally an activist, Newman founded her own anti-bullying non-profit before signing on to lead a coalition of 70 anti-bullying groups nationwide. Now, she is taking the fight up in the government, attempting to protect the LGBTQ community from discrimination. Newman clashed with Greene on the House floor over the Equality Act, which will provide protection under the Civil Rights Act for members of the LGBTQ community. "It will put trans rights above women's rights," Greene said. Now, Newman has responded by what can only be described as trolling.

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Who is Newman's daughter Evie Newman?

Newman's daughter Evie was described by the Congresswoman as the "strongest, bravest person I know" on the House floor. The 19-year-old is currently a freshman at DePaul University and transitioned five years ago. In a fundraising email for her mother, Evie described the process as "the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and my mom was by my side every step of the way." 

Evie was born as Tyler but became deeply depressed as a pre-teen. After attending a therapeutic program, she came out as transgender. Newman said that was the happiest day of her life because it meant her daughter could be her authentic self. However, Evie was severely bullied at school, inspiring Newman to become an advocate for LGBTQ rights. That allowed Newman to win the support of several LGBTQ groups like Human Rights Campaign during her run for Illinois' third district. 

Her outspoken activism is often cited as a key factor contributing to her victory in 2020 against Democrat Dan Lipinski, who is known for his anti-LGBTQ stance. 

Newman vs Greene

Greene is opposed to the Equality Act because she believes it is unfair for her daughter, who plays softball to have to compete with "biological men" as she calls transgender girls. In a tweet, she said, your biological son does NOT belong in my daughters' bathrooms, locker rooms and sports teams."

In response, Newman put up the transgender flag outside her office in the Longworth House office building. Newman's office is located right opposite Greene's. In response, Greene has now put up a board that says "There are two genders - male and female. Trust the science" outsider her office. 

The duo are feuding over the controversial Equality Act, which is currently being debated in the House. The bill aims to ban discrimination of people based on their gender and sexual identity while expanding the areas to which protections apply. It was one of the bills President Joe Biden highlighted as his top legislative priorities on the campaign trail. Republicans are opposed to the bill, calling it immoral and anti-American. They are also opposed to the fact that the bill trumps the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

With Democrats in control of both houses, it is likely that the bill will pass which makes this feud between Greene and Newman a small one. But given their vastly different ideologies, there could be more to come.