LGBTQ+, People of Color Win Big in Elections Across the Nation

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(Photo credit to Cori Bush/Twitter)

While the president-elect remains unknown, Tuesday night did provide many wins and victories to help ease the feelings of gloom and pessimism that dominated many keeping up with the polls. For just as animosity and vitriol rise among Americans preparing for either a loss or a win depending on their candidate, states across the country proved that unity, compassion and dedication have yet to go out of style with several historic gains.

 

The pride flag was flying high on November 3, as Congress observed history-making appointments. Ritchie Torres and Mondaire Jones were both victorious in their congressional run for New York, making them the first openly gay, Black men in Congress. Sarah McBride, 30, won her bid for senator of Deleware, which certified her as the first openly transgender state senator ever to serve in America. The trend continued with the election of Kim Jackson, both a proud lesbian and a Black woman, to Georgia state senate. Even traditionally red states such as Kansas saw notable victories with the appointment of Stephanie Byers, an openly transgender woman, to state legislator.

 

Throughout history, America has grappled (and continues to grapple) with a troubling lack of diversity in those making the decisions for this country. While there is still room to grow in this regard, Tuesday night did see significant steps in the right direction via the victories of several people of color in their respective campaigns. As mentioned above, Ritchie Torres, Mondaire Jones and Kim Jackson became trailblazers as victors for Black and LGBTQ+ communities through their wins, however women of color also observed successful nominations. Cori Bush is now the first Black woman elected by Missouri to serve in Congress (hence the powerful photo above of her posing in front of a painting of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to ever serve in Congress). Six Native Americans- Deb Haaland, Laguna Pueblo; Sharice Davids, Ho-Chunk Nation; Yvette Herrell, Cherokee; Tom Cole, Chickasaw; Markwayne Mullin, Cherokee; Kaiali’i “Kai” Kahele, Native Hawaiian- all set a new precedent for representation as each one won in their bids for Congressional positions.

 

It wasn’t just the candidates displaying a more progressive vision though. Throughout the nation, stances on drugs that have historically served to overwhelm prisons and hurt millions of struggling Americans (primarily those in the Black or Latino communities) were loosened in order to help, not punish, those in need. This included Oregon’s landmark decision to decriminalize drug use, instead focusing on rehabilitation efforts. Moreover, Montana, South Dakota, New Jersey, and Arizona all voted to legalize recreational weed, while Missorui chose to legalize medical marijuna. Even Florida, which continued its 2016 trend of voting Republican, saw a massive progressive victory after deciding to gradually raise the minimum wage for workers to $15 per hour.

 

The above mentioned politicians and lawmakers are not just poster-boys (or girls) for their respective ethinicities or sexualties; rather they are incredibly dedicated individuals from both parties who have worked tirelessly to earn momentous achievements. While it can be incredibly frustrating to be left hanging on who our next president will be, the aforementioned laws passed and candidates appointed point to a significant amount of hope and thirst for change that thrives in this country that will continue to live on, no matter who is elected.