New York, New York— The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, the exclusive funder of LGBTQI organizations and individuals in the U.S. and around the globe, issued the following statement congratulating Andrea Jenkins and Danica Roem on their respective election victories to lead in Minneapolis and the state of Virginia respectively. Both women are openly transgender and their victories symbolize major victories on behalf of queer representation in U.S. politics.
“The results of Tuesday’s elections remind us that the people have a voice and they will continue to exercise it. The victories of Danica Roem and Andrea Jenkins symbolize an electoral response to the divisive rhetoric that has surrounded nearly every electoral race of the past year,” said J. Bob Alotta, Executive Director of the Astraea Foundation.
“Andrea Jenkins is the first transgender person of color elected to a major city’s governing body and Danica Roem will be first openly transgender person elected official in Virginia. Both of these women are ‘firsts’ ushering a much-needed social agenda that focuses much more on ability – in this case to lead effectively – than labels. While no one should worry that their sexuality or gender identity impacts their ability to contribute to our society politics must be actively inclusive. Queer individuals, and other underrepresented groups have particularly poignant views to offer; our voices must be heard. I am so proud of these women and look forward to many more LGBTQI victories in 2018 and beyond as others are inspired to take up the mantel and lead the next generation of activists. This election is a reminder that we should never run from our values of inclusion and justice, but rather use them as our foundation and strategy to win,” concluded Alotta.
Want to learn more about the work Astraea’s done to support trans and intersex people around the world? Check out our recent reports on The State of Trans Organizing and The State of Intersex Organizing.
#### About Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice The Astraea Lesbian Foundation For Justice is the only philanthropic organization working exclusively to advance LGBTQI human rights around the globe. For 40 years, we have been the only philanthropic organization working exclusively to advance LGBTQI human rights around the globe. We support brilliant and brave grantee partners in the U.S. and internationally who challenge oppression and seed change. We work for racial, economic, social, and gender justice, because everyone deserves to live their lives freely, without fear, and with dignity. Earlier this year, Astraea launched a new fund to help respond to the critical needs within the LGBTQI community in the United States, the Uprising of Love Fund.