Democracy needs defenders, and it starts with you! Sign up to attend the Renew Democracy 250 weekly Zoom community call. Hear from special guests, learn how to take action, and connect with community members.

Special Guest Speaker: Betsy Driver

Betsy commuted to New York City for many years to work as a television news journalist and producer for CBS. She later started reporting on local issues in her hometown of Flemington, New Jersey, which spurred her involvement in local politics. She was elected to the Town Council of Flemington, New Jersey in 2016 and then elected Mayor in 2018.

Flemington is the county seat and has always been a traditional Republican town. Becoming a council member and then mayor in the county seat in probably the most conservative county in New Jersey is an amazing feat. When serving on the Borough Council, she introduced the resolution for declaring June to be Pride month in Flemington. Working as mayor, with a couple of progressive Democratic Council members, Betsy was instrumental moving Flemington out of its conservative dark ages, making it a more socially welcoming place. Her priorities are fair, equitable and diverse housing, diversity and inclusion for all residents, and Infrastructure.

Betsy was the first openly intersex American to be elected to public office, a beautiful win for all intersex people. She founded the intersex support group, Bodies Like Ours, in 2001 and is co-credited for starting Intersex Awareness Day, which is observed on October 26 and is internationally recognized. She was selected as a grand marshal for the 50th Pride Parade in Manhattan and was recognized by Heritage of Pride as a community hero in 2019. Betsy remains a strong advocate for human rights.

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