On today’s show, host Ali Muldrow celebrates Pride month with two guests in the studio: Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford and Alder Sean O’Brian, who both serve Madison’s east side. They highlight the important work of LGBTQ+ leaders at a time when attacks on queer and trans folks are being promoted by the Trump administration. 

Muldrow opens the show by talking about how in this political climate, Pride feels full of conflicting emotions. It calls for people’s most exuberant selves, but there’s no crying in glitter. Martinez-Rutherford says there’s a lot of crying in Pride, and it’s possible to have tears and sparkle. 

O’Brian says that at a time when everything is on fire, it can feel tangible to work on the Common Council and meet the needs of his constituents. And Martinez-Rutherford feels gratitude to know that her constituents wanted her back in this role.

They also discuss what it’s like to be an elected official, what it means to balance meeting people where they’re at or pushing back, what people need from Democrats in office, the gravity of facing threats to their safety as anti-trans violence is on the rise, and why they love Madison.

Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford is a long time comedian and activist. Making history as the first openly transgender woman on the Madison, WI Common Council, her work centers around housing and advocating for the most vulnerable.

Sean O’Brien is the Policy and Advocacy Director at Fair Wisconsin, the state’s only LGBTQ+ civil rights and political advocacy organization. He was elected to his first term on the Common Council this Spring.

Featured image of Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford, Alder Sean O’Brian, and Ali Muldrow. Image courtesy of Sara Gabler/WORT.

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