The 119th Congress kicks off with a notable shift as it welcomes three groundbreaking LGBTQ+ legislators who are ready to make history and advocate for change. Joining the ranks of Congress are Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE), Rep. Emily Randall (D-WA), and Rep. Julie Johnson (D-TX), each bringing their unique backgrounds and a shared commitment to furthering LGBTQ+ rights and other progressive causes.
Sarah McBride: Breaking Barriers
Sarah McBride is making headlines as the first openly transgender member of Congress. Her journey to this historic position has been paved with significant achievements and unwavering advocacy for transgender rights. Supported by the Democratic Party and national LGBTQ+ rights organizations, McBride has championed a platform centered on promoting equality and protecting the rights of transgender individuals across the United States.
At just 34 years old, McBride’s career already boasts impressive milestones. She has served at the Human Rights Campaign and was an intern at the Obama-Biden White House. Her political journey began with a historic moment in 2016 when she became the first trans person to speak at the Democratic National Convention. Her election to the Delaware State Senate in 2020 marked her as the first trans person elected to a state senate, and she broke yet another barrier in 2022 as the first trans incumbent to win re-election.
In her farewell speech to the Delaware Senate, McBride emphasized the power of small states to achieve big things, stating, "As I head out and head to Washington, D.C., I carry with me the hope that despite the divisiveness in our politics, we do have more in common than what divides us." She advocates for a "politics of grace and progress" and is poised to bring this ethos to Congress.
Emily Randall: Champion for Women's Rights
Emily Randall adds another layer of diversity to Congress as the first openly LGBTQ+ Latina woman to be elected, and the first LGBTQ+ representative from Washington state. Her experience as a former fundraiser for Planned Parenthood and as a member of her state senate’s Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee informs her commitment to women’s rights and economic issues.
Randall’s advocacy is grounded in her belief that reproductive freedom is a universal concern, transcending political affiliations. "It’s not just Democrats who care about abortion rights," she notes, emphasizing the importance of bodily autonomy and personal decision-making across diverse communities.
Randall's political journey began with a narrow victory in her 2018 state senate race, where she defeated her opponent by just 102 votes. Her tenure as Majority Whip in the state Senate highlights her leadership and dedication to her constituents. Randall is eager to represent her district in Congress, bringing the voices and concerns of her neighbors to the national stage.
Julie Johnson: A Voice for the South
Julie Johnson makes history as the first openly LGBTQ+ congressperson from the Southern United States. Her victory in 2018 against an anti-LGBTQ+ incumbent who authored a controversial bathroom bill marked a significant shift in representation for her district. Johnson became the first Texas lawmaker to serve while married to a same-gender spouse.
Johnson’s legislative record in the Texas House has been marked by her advocacy for reproductive health care and public education. Her work has earned her the recognition of being named "LGBTQ Texan of the Year" by the Dallas Voice, which praised her as a beacon of progress amid challenging political landscapes.
As she transitions to her role in Congress, Johnson is committed to tackling bigotry and ignorance in state politics, while continuing to champion the rights and wellbeing of her constituents.
The presence of McBride, Randall, and Johnson in Congress represents a significant step forward for the LGBTQ+ community, symbolizing hope and progress for future generations.
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