Danica Roem Just Became Virginia's First Openly Transgender Lawmaker
Photo: Getty.
Danica Roem made history on Tuesday night when she became the first openly transgender woman elected to a state legislature.
The 33-year-old Democrat and former journalist will now take over a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates that previously belonged to 13-term Republican incumbent Robert Marshall. During his time as a Virginia delegate, Marshall consistently tried to undermine LGBTQ rights. He wrote an anti-gay marriage amendment as well as a transgender bathroom bill modeled after the North Carolina law (both measures were ultimately struck down.) He also attempted to ban gay people from serving in Virginia's National Guard and once described himself as the state's "chief homophobe."
Roem, however, focused her campaign on remedying traffic congestion and infrastructure problems within the district. Beyond this, job creation, improving public schools, and fighting for civil rights were all cornerstones of her campaign.
As noted by The Advocate, Althea Garrison, a black woman, was the first transgender woman to hold office at the state level when she was elected in 1992. However, she was not out at the time of the election and was outed by The Boston Herald against her wishes.
Roem was not the only candidate making Virginia history Tuesday night. Hala Ayala and Elizabeth Guzman became the first Latina women ever elected to the House of Delegates, with both unseating Republican incumbents.
And in Minneapolis, Andrea Jenkins became the first openly transgender black woman to be elected to public office in the United States. Jenkins had 12 years of experience working with different members of the Minneapolis city council and campaigned on a platform that included raising the minimum wage, creating affordable housing, and treating youth violence as a public health concern.
This story originally appeared on Glamour.
More from Glamour:
13 Celebrities Who Have Hot Siblings
34 Times Kate Middleton and Prince William Gave Us Major Relationship Goals
17 Magnificent Engagement Rings Fit for Rock Stars, Royalty, or Real Housewives
Ryan Reynolds Reveals He Fell in Love With Blake Lively While on a Double Date With Someone Else
