2024 Election: The Good Queer Things That DID Happen

November 6, 2024
ALEXANDER

2024 Election: The Good Queer Things That DID Happen

Well, we thought we were going to be writing a different headline today but, alas, we are not. The majority of the LGBTQ community is in shock today. Many from our community are sharing resources for hotlines that are available for those feeling anxious and fearful about the 2024 Election results. While we can't change the course of things, we can promise to stick together and stand up for what is right. Rather than focus on the negative that we are pretty sure is coming, we wanted to focus on some things that did work in our favor this voting season.

Senator Emily Randall was voted in as Congressperson to represent Washington State, making her the first out AND the first LBTQ Latino to represent the state in Congress. She won with 57.3 percent of the vote, winning by 43,000 votes. She released this statement:

We did more than win this election: we made history,” Randall said in a statement. “Together, we shattered three glass ceilings. When I take office in January, I will become the first congresswoman and first person of color to hold this seat, the first openly LGBTQ person to represent Washington state in Congress, and the first ever queer Latina member of Congress.

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A post shared by Emily Randall (@emilyrandallwa)

Democrat Sarah McBride won over her Republican competitor to take Delaware's only seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, making her the first out transgender member of Congress. She is a trailblazer in terms of trans representation in politics, being the first trans person to serve in the White House under Obama, and as the first out trans person to serve as a state senator. She released this statement:

Thank you, Delaware! Because of your votes and your values, I am proud to be your next member of Congress," McBride wrote. "Delaware has sent the message loud and clear that we must be a country that protects reproductive freedom, that guarantees paid leave and affordable child care for all our families, that ensures that housing and health care are available to everyone and that this is a democracy that is big enough for all of us.

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A post shared by Sarah McBride (@sarahemcbride)

Also some bright life from the 2024 Election, representing the South, lesbian politician Texas State Rep. Julie Johnson won a seat in the U.S. House over the Republican candidate, becoming the first openly LGBTQ person to represent Congress from the South. She has been an activist for reproductive rights and has effectively fought against anti-LGBTQ legislation.

WE DID IT!
Tonight, Team Julie made history. I am incredibly honored and humbled that you have elected me to be your Representative for the 32nd district. Together, we have shattered barriers and proven that representation matters.
This moment is a testament to the power of… pic.twitter.com/zCt9pVe8Ma
— Julie Johnson for Congress (@juliejohnsonTX) November 6, 2024

Out trans, Montana state Rep. Zooey Zephyr was reelected and will return to the House of Representatives after being banned for two years for her bold statement and gender-affirming care. She tried to fight the ban in the courts with no success. Her reelection will place her back on the floor with a speaking role.

It is an honor to have been re-elected to the Montana House of Representatives.
And I promise to do as I have always done: fight for my constituents, stand up against those who seek to break democracy, and be a bulwark against the rising tide of American fascism. pic.twitter.com/N1nFwtntpe
— Rep. Zooey Zephyr (@ZoAndBehold) November 6, 2024

Rashaun Kemp becomes the first out gay Black man to be elected to the Georgia State Legislature. He has a deep rooted history in education and his married with two kids.

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A post shared by Rashaun Kemp (@rashaunforgeorgia)

As part of the 2024 Election, Kentucky State Rep. Keturah Herron has become the queer woman AND the first queer person of color to be elected to the Kentucky state Senate. She made history before being elected as the first out LGBTQ+ member of the Kentucky House of Representatives in 2022. Among her queer activism, she has fought for gun control and racial justice.

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A post shared by Keturah Herron (@keturah.herron)

Gabby Salinas becomes the first out LGBTQ+ woman and the first Latinx person to win the election to the Tennessee state legislature. She comes from a medical background and has fought for Medicaid, public school funding, raising the minimum wage, and gun safety.

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A post shared by Latino Victory (@latinovictoryus)

Molly Cook has become the first out LGBTQ+ member of the Texas Senate. She has fought for LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, gun safety, and environmental issues. She identifies as bisexual.

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A post shared by Senator Molly Cook (@mollyfortexas)

Aime Whictendahl won the election to the Iowa House of Representatives becoming the first openly trans person in the state legislature. She will be fighting against anti-LGBTQ legislation.