Trans election success in the US

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/trans-election-success-us091112



Stacie Laughton is first openly transgender lawmaker in New Hampshire, Stu Rasmussen is re-elected mayor in Silverton, Oregon




Among the historic milestones for minorities from Tuesday's election in America were two electoral successes for transgender candidates.

Stacie Laughton became the first openly transgender lawmaker in New Hampshire. She was elected as a Democrat to serve on the state’s House of Representatives and said on Wednesday that she hopes other sexual minorities will be inspired by her success.

‘I believe that at this point, the LGBT community will hopefully be inspired,’ Laughton said to local newspaper The Nashua Telegraph.

‘We are people, too, who still have talents and ideas. And I hope that people won’t be afraid to get into politics, or any other position, for that matter. Maybe in the next election, we’ll have a senator.’

Laughton said her priorities in office will be advocating for the homeless, people with mental illness and physical disabilities and improving public schools.

Laughton also said she’d wants to make it easier for transgender people to correct their gender on official documentation and to use public restrooms. ‘The state needs to be welcoming and affirming and sending that message that you won’t be discriminated against in New Hampshire,’ she said.

Across the country in Silverton, Oregon on the west coast. Stu Rasmussen was re-elected as mayor.

Cinema-owner and lifelong Silverton resident became America’s first openly transgender mayor in 2008. He dresses in a feminine way but uses the ‘he’ pronoun. On his website he describes himself as a ‘cross-dresser’ and ‘transvestite’.


http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/trans-election-success-us091112