Unforgettable Progress in Washington, DC

By Nat Moghe, New Jersey Citizen Action (NJCA) Justice Organizer

My experience lobbying for paid leave in Washington, DC, with Family Values @ Work is one that I will never forget. 

I started the trip as a part of the first-ever storytelling cohort, and we were given an incredible 3-day training by Story District! Being able to be vulnerable, open, and trustworthy with each other is a true gift, and I’m so proud to have built that bond with the team. Getting on stage and telling my gender-affirming care story felt euphoric and liberating. I believe our stories not only liberate ourselves but communities as a whole. The storytelling cohort ultimately strengthened my public speaking skills and opened my eyes to a world where I truly feel I belong. By sharing our stories, we can open up our conversation around paid leave to include different perspectives that uplift, strengthen, and allow for connection to those around us. 

Lobbying at the White House was the most incredible experience I have ever had throughout my career. Being able to be on the grounds and talk to staff and senators about issues that affect marginalized people on a daily basis felt so significant and impactful. As a transmasculine, queer, Indian individual, being able to speak to legislators on my trans experience and why we need to elevate inclusive family definition is a rare opportunity. 

When attending the 3-hour White House briefing on Day 1 of lobbying, we were presented with the National Strategy on Gender Equity. Transgender people were not included in that strategy. Being able to point this out and address it to legislators was such a big moment for me as trans rights are completely under attack in this nation. After conversations I had at the White House, I can feel hope that things will get better. In the hallways of the Senate and House buildings, I was surprised to see pride flags and the transgender flag almost at every door. It warmed my heart and made me feel seen. 

One of my favorite moments was participating in Rep. Jimmy Gomez’s panel on paid leave during his “State of Paid Leave” congressional briefing. It was such a memorable experience getting to learn from other states regarding their paid leave programs and how we can collectively make leave more accessible for all. I got to speak on New Jersey’s paid leave programs such as Family Leave Insurance and Temporary Leave Insurance, and was able to emphasize the need to include inclusive family definition in our policies. Not all of us have access to direct family, and chosen families are the ones we often depend on––especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals. 

Whether it be taking leave for bonding with a new child, to care for yourself or a loved one, for reasons due to domestic violence, or time off for gender-affirming care, we all deserve access to time off when we need it the most. It’s not often that a trans person of color gets the opportunity to go to the White House, participate on a panel, and uplift our needs. I feel honored that I was able to do that. After my experience in DC, I feel my drive as an advocate and organizer is even greater and I can’t wait for our next trip!