Brittany Novotny: homophobe Sally Kern may face trans opponent in next election

September 15, 7:28 AMTransgender & Transsexual Issues ExaminerMatt Kailey

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                      Brittany Novotny
       (photo supplied by Brittany Novotny)

More than a year ago, Oklahoma state Rep. Sally Kern made headlines and created an Internet firestorm when she blasted gay men and lesbians — and ended up offending Muslims in the process — by saying that “the homosexual agenda is just destroying this nation” and poses a bigger threat to the U.S. than terrorism or Islam.

Kern did not know that her comments were being recorded, but within a few hours, the Internet was abuzz with videos and commentary. Now the Dallas Voice reports that Kern may be facing another “threat” — a skilled opponent in the 2010 race for her seat in the Oklahoma legislature.

Brittany Novotny is an Oklahoma civil rights attorney who has indicated that she is considering a run. She is expected to make a formal announcement in the near future, but she has already created a Web site for donations.

I don't live in Oklahoma, but if Novotny runs, I will certainly be rooting for her. I would never support a candidate solely because of that candidate’s trans status. But I would certainly support a qualified candidate over a homophobic, hateful incumbent, and Novotny seems to have the right stuff, as evidenced by the bio below that she supplied to me:

The youngest of five siblings, Brittany Novotny was born on March 6, 1980, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, to Theresia and Louis Novotny. She grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Westmoore High School in 1998. After high school, she went on to USAO, where she worked at a local youth shelter, while also managing a full-course load. Brittany graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Sociology in 2002 and embarked on a career in law.

She earned her J.D. from the University of California – Hastings in 2005. Despite her time in California, Brittany saw that she could make the greatest difference as a lawyer back in her home state. She subsequently moved back to Oklahoma City and was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar in 2005. In 2007, she started her own law practice in Oklahoma City focusing on employment and civil rights law, while also doing some pro bono work for several clients. Recently, she began in-house counsel work with the American Federation of Government Employees, Local 916.

In addition to managing her own career, Brittany has also been an active member of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. As a member of the Young Democrats, she serves as the National Committeewoman and the chair of the YDO LGBT caucus.

Brittany is a hard-working Democrat dedicated to improving Oklahoma for subsequent generations. She has tirelessly advocated for civil liberties and equality within the state, recently receiving the 2009 Leadership Award for Community Action from RAIN Oklahoma, and has become a mainstay of Oklahoma politics."