Queer election victories to brighten your spirits
Tuesday’s election is still on-going. The vote totals are being counted in several states with large numbers of absentee vote-by-mail. We may not know the results of the presidential race for a couple days.
Naturally, that has many of us feeling anxious. Many of us are scared. Many of us are lost. Many are angry.
Whatever you’re feeling, you have a right to feel it. Sit with it. Understand it. But, most importantly, remember that you come first. Be sure to take some good self-care time today and in the next few days, however that may look for it.
But, rest assured, not all things are doom and gloom…
As we all await the results of this tumultuous presidential election, there are lots of other races across the country and good news to share, especially for the LGBTQ community. In recent years, we’ve seen surge after surge of openly queer candidates winning elections across the country — all positive signs of forward movement for our community, and great personal victories for the LGBTQ candidates themselves, who often put themselves out into the public spotlight only to stare down attacks against their identities.
We’ve compiled a small snippet of the “good news” from LGBTQ races right here in North Carolina and across the nation:
- Out bisexual N.C. House Rep. Cecil Brockman wins re-election in Guilford County
- Out lesbian N.C. House Rep. Deb Butler wins re-election in New Hanover County
- “Rainbow Wave” — Check out The Advocate’s wrap-up of several high-profile LGBTQ races across the country
- 3 LGBTQ incumbents win U.S. House races while 3 challengers lose:Â There will be at least seven LGBTQ people in the next U.S. House
- Sarah McBride wins Delaware state Senate seat, becoming highest-ranking out trans elected official in nation
- Georgia elects out Black priest Kim Jackson to state senate:Â The Black Episcopal priest will become the third LGBTQ woman to serve as state senator when she’s sworn in
- Trans woman wins Kansas state House seat: Stephanie Byers, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, also becomes the first indigenous trans person ever elected to any state legislatureÂ
- Jabari Brisport Becomes New York’s First Black LGBTQ+ State Legislator