U.S. Election Leads to Wins for LGBTQ+ Representation

While the 2020 U.S. election has been fraught with conflict and divisive, polarizing rhetoric, we have seen some significant wins when it comes to positive representation. 

Most recently, some positives to come out of “Election Day” are shifts towards greater inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to major political seats of power. 

Mauree Turner is the first openly non-bonary state lawmaker in the U.S. and the first Muslim in the Oklahoma’s State House. Turner is a community organizer who served as a board member on the Council of American-Islamic relations and sought criminal justice reform. 

 

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Today is the day! It’s the day we can make history! If you haven’t already voted, please get out and vote today! There is so much at stake this election, not just at the federal level, but also at the state level. Here in OKC we are voting on State Questions, City Ordinances, local representation, and whether or not our Supreme Court judges should remain on the bench. ⁠ ⁠ Polls are open 7am-7 pm. As long as you get in line by 7pm you are allowed to vote so stay in line! Legally your employer must allow you a 2 hour break to vote, unless your shift starts 3 hours AFTER polls open or ends 3 hours BEFORE polls close. ⁠ ⁠ If you experience voter suppression or need support please contact the ACLU’s voter protection hotline at 405-849-5220. ⁠ ⁠ Please use your voice and vote! We need everyone’s voice in order to have proper representation.⁠ ⁠ Nothing about us, without us 💛 💪🏿⁠

A post shared by Mauree (@maureeturnerok) on Nov 3, 2020 at 5:02am PST

Additionally, Sarah McBride became the first trans state senator in U.S. history. Elected to the State of Delaware, McBride is an activist with experience in human rights and has fought for legislation banning discrimination on the basis of gender identity in employment, housing, insurance and more. 

 

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To anyone who worries that their truth and their dreams are mutually exclusive, know that change is possible. Know that your voice matters. Know that you can do this, too. 💗

A post shared by Sarah McBride (@sarahemcbride) on Nov 3, 2020 at 9:44am PST

Ritchie Torres is the first openly gay LGBTQ+ Afro-Latinx congressman to be elected in New York. Born in the Bronx and raised in the burrough’s public housing, Torres’ credo is to fight for those who experienced the struggles he himself is familiar with.

 

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The upcoming election will have monumental consequences for the Bronx, our state, and our country. Everything is on the line: access to healthcare, better public schools, tackling climate change, good-paying jobs, and more. Next week, we have a chance to make our voices heard loud and clear, and I need your help. I’m asking for your vote to be your next Congressman and fighter for the Bronx. Make a plan to vote on www.vote.org. I would be honored to have your vote and for the opportunity to represent the Bronx in the US Congress.

A post shared by Ritchie Torres (@ritchietorresny15) on Oct 26, 2020 at 4:05pm PDT