Alana Chriest : “Delta Township Trans Candidate Seeks Change”

Alana Chriest, a 46-year-old transgender woman and sociology instructor at Delta College in Saginaw, has always been passionate about environmental issues. Growing up in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest instilled in her a deep love for nature and a commitment to protecting it.

Her activism took on a new level in 2019 when she moved into a home in Delta Township near the Capital City Bird Sanctuary and Hawk Meadow Park. When she learned that the township was considering a contract with Shady Lodge Farm to use a portion of the public land for commercial farming, she spoke out against it at township meetings.

Despite the board renewing the contract, Chriest’s voice was not silenced. Her advocacy for environmental conservation and community engagement inspired her to run for Delta Township trustee. In the upcoming primary election on Aug. 6, she will be competing against six other Democrats for one of four seats in the November general election.

A Trailblazer in the Making

If elected, Chriest would make history as the first locally elected trans-identifying public official in the area. While she emphasizes that her campaign is not solely about her identity, she acknowledges the significance of representation for the LGBTQ+ community.

During this year’s Lansing Pride festival, Chriest had a powerful encounter with a trans-identified teen and their parents. The teen expressed admiration for Chriest’s candidacy, seeing in her a reflection of the possibility of living authentically and making a difference in the community.

Reflecting on her own journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Chriest shared her struggles with identity while growing up in a culturally sheltered town in Washington. She navigated societal expectations of masculinity while grappling with her true gender identity.

It wasn’t until 2015 that Chriest came out as a transgender woman to her partner, Linnea, and began living openly as her true self. The experience of seeing Caitlyn Jenner’s public transition also played a pivotal role in her decision to embrace her identity without fear or shame.

A Vision for the Community

Chriest’s campaign focuses on issues beyond identity politics, with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation, affordable housing, infrastructure development, and community engagement. She envisions a township that prioritizes the well-being of its residents and fosters a sense of inclusivity and belonging.

As she competes against incumbent trustees and fellow Democratic candidates, Chriest remains steadfast in her commitment to representing the interests of her community. She believes that her unique perspective as a transgender woman can bring valuable insights and perspectives to the decision-making process.

While Chriest does not make her LGBTQ+ identity a central selling point to voters, she recognizes the importance of visibility and representation in local government. She hopes that her candidacy will inspire others in the LGBTQ+ community to pursue leadership roles and advocate for positive change in their communities.

As the election day approaches, Chriest remains optimistic about the impact she can make as a trustee and the potential for meaningful progress in Delta Township. With a strong focus on environmental activism and community empowerment, she is determined to create a better future for all residents.

For more information on Alana Chriest’s campaign and platform, visit her official campaign website.

— Tyler Schneider