Who is Zooey Zephyr? Montana transgender state representative banned from House floor

Montana State Rep. Zooey Zephyr, the state's first transgender lawmaker, was barred by the Republican-controlled House from participating on the House floor for the remainder of the 2023 session. Zephyr, who will be allowed to vote on legislation remotely, called the decision "a disturbing affront to democracy" and vowed to stay committed to serving her community. 

Zephyr, 34, ran for office in 2022, describing herself as a "progressive, bisexual trans woman" who wanted to run because she believes the best way "to fight for social and economic justice is to get into the room where the laws are being written."