News from the Pine Tree State
Fecteau runs again
Former State Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau announced he’s running again to represent the people of Biddeford in the state’s house of Representatives. First elected in 2014, he’d maxed out his term limit, stepping down in 2022.
In 2020, he became both the youngest (at 28) and first openly gay state Speaker in the United States. He was also the youngest openly gay state rep in the country when first elected.
“When unexpected opportunities arise, you can jump in or run the other way,” he announced on X. “Rep. Erin Sheehan has served Biddeford well in the Legislature. She is choosing to not seek re-election in 2024. So, here’s an unexpected opportunity. And I’m jumping in. I’m running.”
During his previous eight years, Fecteau championed “access to affordable housing, LGBTQ+ rights and access to childcare. As Speaker, he sponsored a landmark piece of housing legislation, LD 2003, that was passed in 2022 and mandated municipal zoning changes in order to clear the way for more housing in Maine,” according to the Portland Press Herald.
He now serves as the Senior Officer of Policy and Planning for Avesta Housing, Inc.
Fecteau is currently running unopposed in the Democratic primary, which will be held on June 11.
Hoax bomb threats
The Maine State House was evacuated on March 8 after two legislators, the State House and the Maine Democratic Party received bomb threats in emails. The Portland Press Herald also received a copy of the email threat.
Although the Kennebec Journal reported the “motive wasn’t entirely clear,” the threats came after hearings on a controversial bill (L.D. 227) that would shield the state’s health care providers from other state laws banning or limiting gender-affirming care as well as abortion services, and the legislators who received the threats, Rep. Anne Perry of Calais and Sen. Donna Bailey of York, are chairs of that committee. Moreover, language of the threats was directed toward trans health care.
Along with the state house, the threats were also made to the headquarters of the Maine Democratic Party and the homes of both Rep. Calais and Sen. Bailey.
No bombs were found after Capitol and Augusta police searched the state house, Democratic headquarters and legislator’s homes.
Online training for LGBTQ+ youth health care
Thanks to generous funding from the Maine Cancer Foundation and Maine Health Access Foundation, OUT Maine is developing online training modules to make Maine health care services accessible, equitable, and inclusive for LGBTQ+ youth.
“We are developing accessible online training modules that use OUT Maine’s best practices and professional training to focus on enhancing health systems’ inclusivity for LGBTQ+ youth in Maine,” says OUT Maine’s Executive Director Sue Campbell. “These modules will be tailored for pediatricians, family physicians, pediatric oncology providers, and child healthcare professionals dealing with cancer prevention.”
Notes OUT Maine, there are significant health disparities that LGBTQ+ youth in the Pine Street State face. In particular, there is a lack of identity-affirming healthcare that their cis-gendered and heterosexual peers can count on. Transgender youth in particular, lack access to knowledgeable health care providers, discouraging them from seeking medical care, which has significant consequences for their health and well-being.
More: outmaine.org
Prom for Grownups
In February, OUT Maine hosted its inaugural Rainbow Gala (or GAYla!) in Rockland. The event brought together individuals from across the state to celebrate the end of winter with live music, dancing and festivities while raising funds for the upcoming Rainbow Ball Weekend.
The Rainbow Gala, dubbed as the “Rainbow Prom for Grownups,” was a resounding success, raising over $15,000. Attendees enjoyed live performances by the talented Right Track Band, captured memorable moments at the photo booth provided by Carly’s Lens, and danced the night away in a celebration of community and inclusivity.
Rainbow Ball Weekend, a three-day weekend retreat tailored for 8th-12th grade LGBTQIA2S+ and allied teens, promises to be a transformative experience filled with workshops, camp activities (including a climbing wall and ropes course), and a safe prom.
More: outmaine.org/rainbow-ball-weekend
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