Shohreh Davoodi’s latest Rants & Raves pairs celebration over Democratic gains in the 2026 US midterms with a warning that anti-trans politics remains a serious concern. The Substack writer also shares a handful of personal favourites, from pinch bowls to a travel cushion, making for a mix of advocacy, seasonal comfort and useful shopping ideas.
Essential Takeaways
- A mixed election mood: Davoodi celebrates Democratic gains but says anti-trans messaging and restrictions on transgender young people remain troubling.
- Colorado measures passed: Colorado Public Radio reports that two ballot measures concerning transgender minors passed in the state.
- A call to act: Davoodi urges allies to challenge misinformation and points readers towards a guide and a holiday gift project.
- Personal favourites: Her recommendations include Le Creuset pinch bowls, a Travlr seat cushion and Burst expanding floss.
- A timely shopping tip: Davoodi suggests waiting for possible Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts before buying.
The midterm celebrations come with a warning
Davoodi’s fourth Rants & Raves arrives after a gruelling stretch organising a nonprofit gala and helping launch a campaign. She welcomes Democratic gains in the 2026 midterms, but the celebration comes with a sharp note of caution: anti-trans campaigning has not gone away.
CBS News projected that Democrats had won control of the House, reporting gains across battleground districts. That result helps explain the optimism in Davoodi’s post, but it doesn’t erase her concern about the treatment of transgender people during the campaign.
Anti-trans advertising remained prominent
The Associated Press, in a report published by The Washington Post, estimated that Republican groups had spent $183 million on television advertising about transgender-related policies through 25 October. The figure is specifically an estimate for TV adverts by that date, rather than a total for all campaigning or media.
Davoodi’s post cites a higher spending figure, but the available reporting measures a different scope and period, so the numbers shouldn’t be treated as directly comparable. The Trans Data Initiative’s political spending page offers another way to explore the issue, while warning that its figures are partial and may fall below actual spending.
Colorado puts the tension in focus
The contrast between national election celebrations and local policy fights is especially clear in Colorado. Colorado Public Radio reports that voters passed two measures affecting transgender minors: one concerning participation in gendered school sports, the other concerning surgery for minors to alter sex characteristics.
Davoodi sees these results as part of a wider climate of scapegoating and misinformation. For readers trying to make sense of campaign spending, ballot measures and claims made about transgender people, the practical point is to check what each source actually covers. A TV-ad estimate, for example, isn’t a full account of every campaign message.
Allies are urged to speak up
Davoodi calls on allies to challenge anti-trans talking points and points readers towards The Peach Fuzz’s free pocket guide. Her suggested starting point is to understand where someone’s concerns come from, then offer alternative perspectives rather than letting misinformation pass unchallenged.
She also directs readers to Transanta, a holiday gift project supporting transgender young people. It’s a concrete way to turn concern into action, while her message to trans readers is one of solidarity and continued support.
The softer side: bowls, travel comfort and floss
After the political section, Davoodi turns to the cosy comforts of the season. Her favourites include Le Creuset Vancouver Pinch Bowls for cooking prep, a Travlr seat cushion that made flights more comfortable after a tailbone injury, and Burst expanding floss, which she says she now buys in refillable dispensers.
She also shares three songs and a Brandi Carlile cover of “Uninvited” that has stayed with her. These are personal recommendations, not universal must-haves, but the travel cushion is a particularly practical pick if long flights leave you uncomfortable.
A little patience may pay at the till
Davoodi suggests holding off on full-price purchases in early November, as some shops may run Black Friday or Cyber Monday promotions. It’s a sensible reminder to check prices before buying, especially if an item isn’t urgent.
The post also notes that shopping through her links may earn her a small commission. That disclosure is useful context if you’re considering any of her recommendations.
From election-night hope to small comforts for the colder months, Davoodi’s post makes room for both concern and care.
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