Openly lesbian Democrat candidates running for election to Congress may not raise a lot of eyebrows in 2016, but it is something we should not take for granted.
This may be the most important election year to date for LGBT Americans, with bathroom bills and large-scale discrimination protections on the line.
Fortunately, there are a number of queer women who want to change the American political landscape, one piece of legislation at a time.
Lesbian Democrat candidates in Minnesota
The 2nd Congressional District of Minnesota has been a Republican stronghold for a decade and a half.
But Angie Craig brings a level of involvement and expertise that may appeal to Twin Cities residents: she has created jobs in her role as the leader of the human resources group at St. Jude Medical.
In addition to creating jobs, Craig wants to focus on improving public education and making it easier for everyone to get a college degree.
She supports a new initiative from the Department of Education to protect student borrowers from predatory practices by post-secondary institutions.
Craig lives in Eagan with her wife Cheryl and their four kids.
Lesbian Democrat candidates in Montana
Denise Juneau was elected in 2008 as Montana’s superintendent of public instruction. She also made history that year as the first Native American woman elected to an executive statewide office.
Under Juneau’s guidance as superintendent, Montana saw a rise in its graduation rate— which is currently at its highest levels ever.
For Juneau, one of the best ways to ensure lasting change is by investing in the next generation.
If she wins in Montana’s 1st Congressional District, she will strive to improve education across the US and make sure everyone leaves school prepared for the real world.
Furthermore, Juneau has characterized herself as a champion of public lands and access.
She recently launched her public lands agenda and traded barbs with her opponent, Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke, over voting records.
Will you vote for a gay Democrat?
There are 15 out candidates running for election to Congress this year, plus hundreds more running for smaller offices. Also, all LGBT members of the House are up for reelection.
For example, Kyrsten Sinema is the first openly bisexual person elected to the US Congress in Arizona’s 9th Congressional District.
Sinema has had a whirlwind decade in office, and she believes in offering everyone a fair shot at the American dream.
She has been an advocate of the DREAM Act: a bill that would first grant conditional residency, and permanent residency thereafter, to undocumented immigrants in the United States.
She has also has campaigned against anti-LGBT legislation, and she is a fierce defender of a woman’s right to choose.
Whether or not you vote a LGBT Democrat running for public office in your district is absolutely your prerogative— just make sure you make an informed decision. And don’t forget to vote.