Trans lawmaker Zooey Zephyr proposes to journalist girlfriend at queer prom

Trans Montana state Rep. Zooey Zephyr (D) is not going to let the haters bring her down.

Weeks after she was banned from the House floor by anti-trans Republicans, she proposed to her girlfriend – trans activist and journalist Erin Reed – at a local queer prom, and based on their social media posts, the couple could not be happier.

Related Stories Anti-trans trolls attempted to “swat” Zooey Zephyr & girlfriend Erin Reed

“We will not be deterred. The fight for trans rights goes on,” Zephyr tweeted.

“Tonight I asked Erin to marry,” Zephyr tweeted. “A year ago, I told Erin that I was looking for a love that felt like home. I have found that and so much more. I have found my future, my family, and my forever.”

Get the Daily Brief The news you care about, reported on by the people who care about you.

Reed also posted a photo and wrote, “I can think of no better person in this world to stand side by side with. She has made me the luckiest woman alive.”

Tonight I asked Erin to marry me.

A year ago, I told Erin that I was looking for a love that felt like home.

I have found that and so much more. I have found my future, my family, and my forever. pic.twitter.com/ntLayGwGJo

— Rep. Zooey Zephyr (@ZoAndBehold) May 6, 2023

At Queer Prom tonight, Zooey dropped to one knee and asked me to spend forever with her.

I said yes.

I can think of no better person in this world to stand side by side with.

She has made me the luckiest woman alive. pic.twitter.com/70oXTWKimT

— Erin Reed (@ErinInTheMorn) May 6, 2023

Zephyr proposed while making a speech about LGBTQ+ rights at the prom. In the midst of her declarations, she called Reed up to the front with her. As the crowd screamed and cheered for both of them, Zephry said she “could not do the things I do in that legislature without her to come home to every night.”

“I think about love and I think about trans love having been throughout history to the past, to the future, and to the present moment, and I am so blessed to have Erin by my side through all of it. So, Missoula, if you could share a moment with me.”

Zephyr then dropped to one knee and proposed while the crowd went wild. Reed said yes.

Reliving the joy of queer prom.

I can't believe I get to be a part of a love like this. I can't believe I get to spend my life with Erin. pic.twitter.com/R4MwCpxRPF

— Rep. Zooey Zephyr (@ZoAndBehold) May 7, 2023

Zephyr skyrocketed to the national spotlight last month when House Republicans barred her from participating in floor debates after she accused Republicans of having “blood on your hands” for supporting a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors. They then voted to prevent her from entering the chamber after she raised an inactive microphone toward protestors in the state house gallery who repeatedly chanted “Let her speak!” The protestors were later arrested.

Zephyr was forced to vote remotely on bills while sitting on a bench outside the chamber in the state Capitol building. Zephyr also filed a lawsuit but the judge declined to grant Zephyr relief from the Republicans’ censure order.

Zephyr would remain barred from the state house floor until the legislative session was adjourned. It has since ended, and Zephyr made a triumphant return.

In the midst of all of this, both Reed and Zephyr said they both narrowly avoided attempts to “swat” their homes.

But now, the couple is in celebration mode.

I can get used to this. pic.twitter.com/bbRZBctc5j

— Erin Reed (@ErinInTheMorn) May 6, 2023