Much of the world has had its eyes turned towards the United States this last week as we all eagerly awaited the results of the 2020 presidential election. The Biden/Harris win has made history in many respects, including the fact that Major will be the first rescue dog to ever live in the White House.
However, history has been made in many other parts of the country as well. Often the enormous strides being made in cities, counties, and states around the nation are eclipsed by the flashier presidential race. This year that has been especially true. In the midst of all the counting, some great things have happened for the bi community. Here’s a quick rundown of what was happening while we were all watching Nevada and Pennsylvania.
Nevada Constitutionally Protected Same-Sex Marriage
In 2015, the United States Supreme Court made it illegal for states to ban same-sex marriage, thus striking down such bans in many states, including Nevada. Some worry that the Supreme Court could reverse its decision in the future. Nevada is the first state to explicitly protect same-sex marriage in its constitution, meaning that any such ruling would have no impact on marriages in Nevada. In fact, this decision to protect all marriages passed with almost two-thirds of the vote.
Alex Lee became California’s first openly bisexual state legislator (also the youngest)
In the bay area, San Jose elected an openly bi, Asian American, 25-year-old state legislator Alex Lee. This will make him the youngest current state legislator and the youngest that California has seen in over 80 years.
Colorado also elected its first out bi state legislator
In addition to being the first bi legislator, David Ortiz is the first wheelchair user elected to Colorado’s State House. Ortiz was a helicopter pilot for the US Army. He narrowly survived a crash that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Pennsylvania elected its first LGBTI woman to the state legislature
Benham joined a small handful of autistic lawmakers this election and also became the first bi (or queer) woman elected as a PA state legislator.
Palm Springs, CA just elected its first female mayor
Christy Holstege will also be the United State’s first out bi mayor. Palm Springs doesn’t directly elect a mayor, but rather the job rotates between city council members. She faced many biphobic attacks during her campaign, including allegations that she couldn’t be bi because she is married to a man.
Even though the LGBTI community is an estimated 5% of the United States population, only .17% of elected officials are a part of that community. We need to elect allies to represent our needs and concerns, but nothing can beat giving our community the opportunity to represent itself. Each of these victories works to make sure that our voices are heard.
We are seeing a global trend of more and more countries legalizing same-sex marriage, electing LGBTI officials, and protecting the rights of its LGBTI citizens. This election has definitely brought more bi visibility to the political field of the United States and hopefully this trend will continue. Someday every elected official who is bi will no longer be a first, but just another bi person serving their country.
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