LGBTQ+ issues & candidates won November 2023 elections on almost every ballot
Whether it was candidates or questions, voters celebrated queer people at the voting booth.
By Bil Browning for LGBTQ Nation –
Whether it was queer candidates or ballot questions about LGBTQ+ issues, Election Day was a lavender wave.
Virginia Del. Danica Roem (D) made history as the first transgender state senator elected in her state, part of a Democratic wave that gave them control of both chambers of the legislature, but several other candidates won big at the ballot box. Even more, several Republicans ran with explicitly anti-trans public positions and spent over $500,000 on attack ads. All nine LGBTQ+ candidates in the state won their election.
“Voters for LGBTQ equality and everyone’s fundamental freedoms came out in force in the 2023 election, reflecting the reality that a supermajority of Americans support LGBTQ people and our right not to be discriminated against,” Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD said. “The results will lead to a better lived reality for LGBTQ people in the South and Midwest, and send a message to all lawmakers: LGBTQ people are valued members of our communities, we value everyone’s freedom to be themselves and make their own health care decisions, and we embrace diversity in our elected officials.”
Over 200 LGBTQ+ candidates won their elections in 2023 – including 148 last night – more than in any other odd-numbered election year in U.S. history. The number of victories is expected to rise with more election results. The previous record was in 2021 when 184 out LGBTQ+ candidates won.
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