But now, there’s a new administration, and with it, a wave of freshly elected LGBTQIA+ officials determined to restore the safety and rights we deserve as queer American citizens.
Take, for example, Alex Rivera, who made headlines as an openly gay man during his presidential campaign and is likely to join the Biden administration, which is a far better place than hiding in a closet. Vice President Kamala Harris has appointed Black lesbian Jamie Collins as her Chief of Staff. Collins previously stated, “Representation matters. That is why I find so many of these young newly-elected members of Congress—many of whom are women and women of color—to be so inspiring.”
The Importance of Queer Representation in Politics
Queer representation in politics is crucial for many reasons. It’s essential to have individuals at the decision-making table advocating for a community that faces marginalization and systematic discrimination simply for existing and asserting their identities. We need queer voices in the rooms where legislation is crafted, as those doors have been closed for far too long. Thanks to a record number of LGBTQIA+ candidates—570 on the ballot this year—160 queer individuals will soon hold positions in state legislatures across the nation.
Let’s highlight some of those who made history and understand how their diverse identities contribute to a more inclusive political landscape.
Trailblazers in LGBTQIA+ Politics
Jasmine Greene’s victory on election night was a powerful reminder that justice and karma can prevail. Greene, an openly gay woman, was dismissed from the local police department three years ago, allegedly due to her sexuality. After challenging the individual responsible for her termination, she has now been elected as the new sheriff of her community.
In Delaware, Sarah McBride has become the highest-ranking out transgender official in the U.S. and will now enter the restroom that aligns with her gender identity, notwithstanding the fact that some of her constituents have opposed her right to do so in various legal battles.
Taylor Lane made history as the first transgender representative in Vermont’s state legislature, declining endorsements from organizations that did not support the Black Lives Matter movement.
Just as Black voters rallied to oust Trump, LGBTQIA+ individuals of color are poised to make significant strides for the queer community.
Michele Rayner is set to become the first Black queer woman to serve in the Florida State House, while Shevrin Jones will be the first openly queer individual elected to the Florida State Senate. Malcolm Kenyatta was the first openly queer person of color elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2018 and has since been reelected, continuing his fight against voter suppression.
Stephanie Byers has become the first transgender person of color elected to any state legislature in the U.S. Ritchie Torres and Mondaire Jones are now the first Black and openly queer members of Congress from New York, with states like Tennessee, Georgia, and New Mexico also electing LGBTQ+ representatives to their legislatures.
The election of Mauree Turner was particularly significant as they became the first nonbinary state legislator in the country, representing Oklahoma. Additionally, they are the first Muslim person to serve in Oklahoma’s state legislature.
The Ongoing Fight for Equality
As a nonbinary individual advocating for the rights of myself, my transgender daughter, and my community within a system that often favors binary, cisgender lives, I feel exhausted from having to constantly validate my existence. It would be transformative if more nonbinary individuals were in office, reducing the need for me to justify my gender-neutral pronouns frequently.
Despite the progress made, there remains much work to be done to rectify the damage inflicted by the previous administration on transgender and queer rights. We are not asking for more than our cisgender and heterosexual peers; we seek job security, healthcare, and protections for our children. We aim to enter places of worship, educational institutions, and businesses without fear of discrimination, harassment, or violence. We want to live authentically and love openly, free from the discrimination that often accompanies our existence.
There is indeed a queer agenda, and I am grateful for the LGBTQIA+ politicians who support it.
Additional Resources
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Summary
This article discusses the significance of LGBTQ+ representation in politics, highlighting the recent election of various queer officials who aim to restore rights and protections for the community after years of discrimination. It emphasizes the need for queer voices in legislative discussions and the importance of diversity in leadership roles. The article also addresses the ongoing fight for equality and the hopes for a more inclusive future.
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