BY BTL STAFF
Andrea Jenkins
Minneapolis made history on Tuesday night. Andrea Jenkins is now the first openly trans woman of color elected to the city council of a major U.S. city. Jenkin's win is inspiring other trans people to run for office and further inclusion in their communities.
More history being made tonight as Andrea Jenkins (@andreaforward8) wins her bid for Minneapolis City Council, becoming the first out Black trans woman elected to public office in America! That makes two victories for transgender candidates tonight! pic.twitter.com/UXolI1SOAE
— Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin) November 8, 2017
Congratulations Andrea Jenkins on this historic win! And thank you for stepping up to lead! This is what the future looks like – hope! https://t.co/jdruLXTh9V
— GLAD (@GLADLaw) November 8, 2017
Danica Roem
Danica Roem defeated Virginia state Del. Bob Marshall (R-Prince William County). Roem, a former journalist, will become the first openly transgender person seated in any state legislature in the country. Marshall, who has represented the 13th District since 1992, is among the General Assembly's most outspoken opponents of LGBT rights.
The worst anti-trans VA legislator, who wrote the bathroom bill there, just got beaten by a trans woman. Bye bye Marshall, hello progress.
— Mara Keisling (@MaraKeisling) November 8, 2017
Danica Roem just became Virgina's first transgender delegate elected to state Congress and she beat out Bob Marshall who sponsored the bathroom bill. Can I get an amen?!
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) November 8, 2017
We might work on different sides of the aisle, but we're thrilled to see a member of the #LGBTQ community make history on #ElectionDay. Congratulations, Danica Roem! @pwcdanica https://t.co/gbzd2T4ciF
— American Unity Fund (@AmericanUnity) November 8, 2017
In Pennsylvania, Tyler Titus won his race for the Erie School Board becoming the first out trans person ever elected in the state of Pennsylvania.
Victory Fund President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills released the following statement about his win:
“Tyler Titus shattered a lavender ceiling in Pennsylvania today Рand his victory will resonate well-beyond state boundaries. Trans people remain severely underrepresented in our politics and government, and now more than ever we need trans voices like Tyler's in the halls of power. This is a historic night for trans candidates across the country Рand Tyler is part of a vanguard of leaders who are determined to be part of the conversation on issues that affect their lives.”
This young man had just made history in Pennsylvania. Tyler James Titus was just elected as Erie City School Director.
He is the first elected official in the state of Pennsylvania who is openly transgender!#HearOurVote @womensmarch pic.twitter.com/L5BSruJM9i— @womensmarchPA (@womensmarchpa) November 8, 2017
There were 18 openly transgender candidates that ran in the U.S. in 2017 and there are 11 running in 2018 elections, according to a list compiled by Harvard researcher Logan Casey.
