John,
One thing we know for sure: Danica Roem is a transformative elected official. Not only for the work she’s doing to further equality – and she’s doing plenty of that! – but because she’s changing hearts and minds in her district.
Danica Roem was first elected in 2017 to the Virginia General Assembly, a historic year known as The Year of The Trans Candidate. Minneapolis City Council President Andrea Jenkins, former Minneapolis City Councilor Phillipe Cunningham, Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton and Danica all shattered rainbow ceilings that year, bringing essential representation to their districts for the first time. Danica made history as the first out and seated trans state legislator ever elected in the United States – a milestone long overdue.
Learn more about Danica’s historic victory and other LGBTQ milestones on Pride & Progress, the only comprehensive timeline covering LGBTQ political history, here!
Danica knew her race wouldn’t be easy, so she brushed up on her campaign skills during Victory Institute’s LGBTQ-only Candidate & Campaign Training. We teach all our trainees how to run as out and proud candidates, and Danica took the training to heart. She’s never shied away from claiming her identity as an out and proud trans woman.
And her pride and honesty paid off on Election Day. She soundly defeated the author of Virginia’s bathroom bill who proudly labeled himself as “Virginia’s Chief Homophobe”.
But she isn’t only making legislative improvements. A poll shows something astounding: since Danica’s historic election, 12% of voters say they view transgender people more positively because of Danica. And that doesn’t just include pro-equality voters, but some socially conservative voters as well. 42% of voters even said Danica’s advocacy and leadership for LGBTQ issues was a convincing reason to vote for her.
Those numbers are huge – and they prove that having an out and proud voice in the room absolutely changes hearts and minds. Because of Danica and leaders like her, more and more voters are willing to move away from “traditional” politicians who fit an outdated mold. Danica is not only a shining example of trans excellence to LGBTQ youth and leaders around the country, but to future voters who are ready for new, authentic leaders with voices like hers.
Results like this show that we must find, train and support more trans leaders who are ready to jump into the political arena. Leaders who are willing to step out and be the first – but do so with the knowledge that they won’t be the last. Donate today to keep our essential work to boost out leaders like Danica going!
Who knows who will be inspired to run next? We can’t be sure – but we know they’re out there. They just need to hear Danica’s story first.
Thanks,
LGBTQ Victory Institute
