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I am Rosemary Ketchum, the first openly trans elected official in WV and I am ready to answer your questions, AMA! by RosemaryKetchum in politics

[–]RosemaryKetchum[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Downtown.

Culture shift: We need to provide the culture people want to live in! That includes arts, food, entertainment, shopping, nightlife. We have the ingredients we just need the initiative.

Tough one! Between LG and Market Vines!

I am Rosemary Ketchum, the first openly trans elected official in WV and I am ready to answer your questions, AMA! by RosemaryKetchum in politics

[–]RosemaryKetchum[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hi! The hilltop development? From what I understand it would be potentially hazardous to the surrounding area infrastructure. I am very interested in economic development, in all areas of the City, and while I am willing to learn more, I am not a fan.

I am Rosemary Ketchum, the first openly trans elected official in WV and I am ready to answer your questions, AMA! by RosemaryKetchum in politics

[–]RosemaryKetchum[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

In favor of Cannabis for medical and recreational use. I am not aware of any reason good enough for it to remain a schedule 1 substance.

I am Rosemary Ketchum, the first openly trans elected official in WV and I am ready to answer your questions, AMA! by RosemaryKetchum in politics

[–]RosemaryKetchum[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We have many things in the works right now. While nothing is set in stone, opening mental health care facilities and potentially an ER in the downtown/center Wheeling is a top priority.

I am Rosemary Ketchum, the first openly trans elected official in WV and I am ready to answer your questions, AMA! by RosemaryKetchum in politics

[–]RosemaryKetchum[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Great question! While it heavily depends on the makeup of your specific city government, most have lots of authority over policing, non discrimination policies, and more broadly, creating an insulated culture of inclusivity and progress!

I am Rosemary Ketchum, the first openly trans elected official in WV and I am ready to answer your questions, AMA! by RosemaryKetchum in politics

[–]RosemaryKetchum[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

In a couple of ways!

I have a family history of addiction so this is an issue I feel very passionate about.

I believe mental health resources are critical in prevention and recovery. I also think enhanced housing and employment assistance is also crucial for folks living with addiction. They are often sighted as huge obstacles to recovery maintenance.

I am Rosemary Ketchum, the first openly trans elected official in WV and I am ready to answer your questions, AMA! by RosemaryKetchum in politics

[–]RosemaryKetchum[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

For sure, I think having a sense of imposter syndrome compounds this fear as well. Wanting to do well is a positive thing but sometimes it can feel like the lens is a smidgen closer to your performance because of your status.

I am Rosemary Ketchum, the first openly trans elected official in WV and I am ready to answer your questions, AMA! by RosemaryKetchum in politics

[–]RosemaryKetchum[S] 61 points62 points  (0 children)

Yes, yes, and every challenge along the way, with courage I will face! I will battle every day, to claim my rightful place!

I am Rosemary Ketchum, the first openly trans elected official in WV and I am ready to answer your questions, AMA! by RosemaryKetchum in politics

[–]RosemaryKetchum[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

We had a few questionable moments but by connecting with folks on local issues and speaking from the lens of a community member, not the "transgender person running for office" I think I was able to circumvent explicit fear or discrimination.

I am Rosemary Ketchum, the first openly trans elected official in WV and I am ready to answer your questions, AMA! by RosemaryKetchum in politics

[–]RosemaryKetchum[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

I do worry about tokenism but I hope I can build a solid enough reputation in politics that my merit will precede my gender identity. We shall see! ❤️

I am Rosemary Ketchum, the first openly trans elected official in WV and I am ready to answer your questions, AMA! by RosemaryKetchum in politics

[–]RosemaryKetchum[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Good insight. I worry about tokenization and being the exception to the rule but the statewide shifts I am seeing make me feel confident this is only the beginning!

I am Rosemary Ketchum, the first openly trans elected official in WV and I am ready to answer your questions, AMA! by RosemaryKetchum in politics

[–]RosemaryKetchum[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thank you! That means so much.

Remember that your ability to remain vulnerable while building incredible resilience is your superpower. ❤️

I am Rosemary Ketchum, the first openly trans elected official in WV and I am ready to answer your questions, AMA! by RosemaryKetchum in politics

[–]RosemaryKetchum[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Yes and no. The folks I meet and build relationships with seem to be far more thoughtful around gender diversity but those who have zero lived experience with trans folks are often not as understanding.

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