Happy Friday! Welcome to our Media Round Up. Each week we’re collecting and sharing our favorite gender + politics stories. Here’s what caught our eye this week:

Bold Red Lipstick Is a Political Uniform, Too

Jennifer Medina, The New York Times

Last week, many of the onscreen outfits at the DNC looked different than previous years. From vibrant colors, eye-catching jewelry, and even a signature red lip, women are proving that voters respond to their authenticity. As women of color rise in politics, they are changing the definition of what it means to look like a politician.

You can read the full article here.

For female politicians, talking about cooking can be fraught. Kamala Harris is breaking that mold, too.

Emily Heil, The Washington Post

For years, women in politics have had to carefully navigate domestic issues. Senator Kamala Harris is open about her love of cooking, talking about her favorite cookbooks, sharing recipes, and cooking masala dosas in a video with actress Mindy Kaling. Harris has used food to express her cultural heritage and connect with voters. She proves that successful women can be true to their authentic selves, despite sexist historical notions.

You can read the full article here.

Delaware official rejects statehouse candidate’s request to use campaign funds for child care

Barbara Rodriguez, The 19^th

Amy Solomon, a first-time candidate for the Delaware House of Representatives, wanted to use her campaign funds to cover her $3,200 in child care expenses. Her request was denied, exposing a patchwork of laws and administrative rules making it harder for women to run for office. While the Federal Election Commission ruled in 2018 that campaign funds can be used for child care, only 18 states allow for this in their local races.

You can read the full article here.

The Suffragists Fought to Redefine Femininity. The Debate Isn’t Over.

Alisha Haridasani Gupta, The New York Times

Kamala Harris can be defined as many things – a senator, a Black woman, and Indian woman – but she often describes her most important role as being a stepmother. There has been a persistent mold that women in politics must present themselves as warm, nurturing, likeable mothers – even the most successful, qualified women, like Senator Harris. This idea dates back to the early 1900s, where there was a recurring argument that women should stay home and focus on their family, rather than getting involved in politics.

You can read the full article here.

Trans Americans’ voting rights were already in jeopardy. The pandemic threatens to make things worse

Kate Sosin, USA Today

Hundreds of thousands of transgender voters will face hurdles this election season. 35 states have voter ID laws, which make it difficult for trans voters to validate their identification, and closed courts and DMVs have slowed down legal name and gender changes. As protections for trans people are being rolled back and COVID-19 is hitting the community hard, it’s never been more important for transgender people to access their right to vote.

You can read the full article here.

 

Five stories not enough? Sign-up for the Women & Politics Institute’s weekly newsletter, the WeLead Reader.