The LGBT+ Community Made History In Midterm Elections And Are Ready To Make History In Our Country
Start writing a post
Politics

The LGBT+ Community Made History In Midterm Elections And Are Ready To Make History In Our Country

We already won the battle of gaining visibility in the LGBT community. It's time for the newly elected officials to help us win the war.

61
The LGBT+ Community Made History In Midterm Elections And Are Ready To Make History In Our Country
Photo by gwire via Flickr Photo Commons

The midterm elections took place across the United States last week, and the results of the election affect what happens in the White House, House of Representatives, Senate, and to everyone in the country including the LGBT community. It was time for everyone (women, people of color, LGBT community) to let their voices be heard by going out to the polls and voting.

The results are in, and the LGBT community made history in the midterm elections.

According to GLAAD.com, "GLAAD also applauded voters in Massachusetts for supporting a "Yes" vote on Question 3, upholding the state's transgender nondiscrimination law which protects transgender people from discrimination in public spaces like restaurants, hotels and hospitals. The victory in Massachusetts marks the first statewide popular vote in favor of rights for transgender Americans."

In Colorado, Democrat representative, Jared Polis, became the first openly gay man to be elected governor. According to Time.com, "The win is particularly significant in light of Colorado's reputation as a "Hate State" — a moniker activists gave it after voters there passed a constitutional amendment in 1992 to prevent the creation of protections for the LGBTQ community." Polis has been open about his sexuality throughout his political career, especially before he became a Congressman.

Sharice Davids became the first Native American and openly LGBT member to take a seat in Congress from Kansas. According to CNN Politics, "Davids identifies as lesbian...She will enter Congress as lawyer and a former mix martial arts fighter."

According to Davis Hammett, an LGBT rights activist from Topeka, via The Kansas City Star, "This is significant to all LGBT folks in the Midwest. She really feels like the voice for all the LGBT folks in the Midwest. And I know that there's a similar feeling in Native American communities."

Other members of the LGBT community were also elected. Per GLAAD.com, "Bi incumbent Governor Kate Brown of Oregon was re-elected to a new term and incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin will continue to represent Wisconsin as an out U.S. Senator. Out incumbent members of Congress David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Sean Patrick Maloney of New York, Mark Pocan of Wisconsin and Mark Tacano of California were all re-elected."

This is just the start. It was our turn to make a change in what's happening in the White House and Congress. Now, it's the newly elected officials' job to make a difference, and improve what happens to our future for women, LGBT community, and the country. We already won the battle of gaining visibility in the LGBT community. It's time for the newly elected officials to help us win the war.

I ask EVERYONE in the LGBT community all across the country to continue fighting by communicating with your representatives to change what's being done and speak out about how you feel about what is currently happening in regards to the community, and what is expecting to happen while Trump is in office. If you get knocked down, make sure you GET BACK UP!!!!!

Congratulations to all of the LGBT newly elected officials on your win. I know all of you will work hard to changing the dynamic in the House, Senate, and the White House.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59508
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38492
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959894
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

197879
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments