Pride Source is thrilled to announce the success of three local openly LGBTQ+ first-time candidates and join them in celebrating their historic wins. We asked each of them the following question: What does winning your race mean for the LGBTQ+ residents of your community?
Liberty Bar owner and newly minted Pontiac council member Brett Nicholson had the following to say:
"I'm beyond excited to be the first openly gay city councilman in Pontiac. Differently from my colleagues, I have the responsibility/opportunity of helping Pontiac further it's profile of diversity and inclusion for a community that has never been represented in our local government before. I aspire to be an example of effective leadership for my neighbors and to inspire other LGBTQ people to know they too can be embraced by their community and be called to public service."
Alanna Maguire, president of Fair Michigan, won her race for a seat on the Plymouth city commission:
"My election to the Plymouth City Commission as the first openly LGBTQ commissioner demonstrates what I and other LGBTQ residents already know about our city: that Plymouth is a welcoming and accepting community where we embrace our growing diversity. I am proud to be able to represent the city I love, and I'm grateful to Plymouth voters for electing me for a full four-year term on the Commission."
Gabriela Santiago-Romero, who won her race for Detroit city council District 6, was not available for comment by time of print. Read how she is "feeling overwhelmed with joy and pride" in our recent article.
