This transgender woman just made political history in Virginia

Pride Month feels more important than ever given our current political climate — so the news that a transgender woman just made political history is especially exciting and meaningful. On Tuesday, 32-year-old Danica Roem secured the Democratic nomination for the 13th District seat in Virginia’s House of Delegates.

If Roem, a former journalist, wins the general election, she’ll be the first openly transgender person to serve as a state legislator.

Roem is running against incumbent Bob Marshall, a Republican who is known for his anti-LGBTQ policies. He once referred to transgender individuals as “gender confused,” and spearheaded an amendment that placed a ban on same-sex marriage in the state constitution in Virginia.

Thank you all! I'll have a lot more to say later. For now: we know how to defeat Del. Bob Marshall (R). We're ready. #NoH8 #FixRoute28

— Del. Danica Roem (@pwcdanica) June 14, 2017

The hashtags used in Roem’s tweet reference two issues that will arise in the general election: #NoH8, an effort to prevent anti-LGBTQ legislation, and #FixRoute28, a local transit concern.

Although the LGBTQ rights issue will undoubtedly generate a great deal of attention, it’s hardly the only part of Roem’s platform.

“Roem is running on other issues. She’s made transportation a big part of her campaign, and on election day voters are going to be thinking about what they always think about — their economic situation [and] experiences living where they live," said Logan S. Casey, a research analyst at the Harvard Opinion Research program.

When Marshall responded to Roem’s nomination, he disrespectfully referred to her by using male pronouns and stated that he’ll run an “issues-oriented campaign.”

According to the AP, most of Marshall’s bill proposals are ultra-conservative and unlikely to pass. It’s also noteworthy that the district has become increasingly liberal and was carried by Hillary Clinton last November.

“Let me make this really clear for you: When the people of the 13th District elect a transgender woman to replace the most anti-LGBT legislator in the South, it will be an act of certainty, and it will be a defining moment that will resonate across the country, Roem said.

We wish Roem the best of luck in the general election. Not only would she make history, but she’s also an incredibly qualified candidate who would serve her district well.