21 trans and nonbinary state legislators in the US - INTO
Redefining Politics

21 transgender and nonbinary politicians making history in state legislatures

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Ian Helms (he/him or they/them)

Transgender pride flag flying in the air with an lgbtq+ rainbow flag

Transgender, genderqueer, and nonbinary representation in state legislatures has grown significantly in recent years, with numerous trailblazers paving the way for greater inclusivity and diversity in American politics. These elected officials are not only breaking barriers but also championing important causes and representing their constituents with dedication and passion.

Here’s a look at 21 transgender politicians currently serving in state legislatures across the United States according to the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s Out for America database.

Taylor Small

| © BRENT HALLENBECK/FREE PRESS via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Taylor Small made history in 2020 by becoming the first openly transgender person elected to the Vermont State Legislature. As a State Representative, Small brings a wealth of experience in mental health services, community organizing, and cultural humility education to her role, advocating for inclusivity and equality in Vermont. In 2021, she successfully pushed through a new state law that blocked the LGBTQ+ panic defense.

Sarah McBride

Candidates for US House of Representatives from Delaware, including (from left) Democrat Earl Cooper, Republican Donyale Hall, Democrat Sarah McBride and Democrat Elias Weir during a debate among Republican and Democratic party candidates for US Congress, Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at the Wilmington Public Library.
| © William Bretzger-Delaware News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Sarah McBride represents the First State Senate District in Delaware and made history as the first openly transgender state senator in American history when elected in 2020. McBride has been a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has pushed through important laws like the Healthy Delaware Families Act, giving workers across the state access to paid family and medical leave.

Gerri Cannon

State Rep. Gerri Cannon, D-Somersworth, also serves on the city School Board. Gerri4
| © Deb Cram/Fosters.com and Seacoastonline / USA TODAY NETWORK

Gerri Cannon serves in the New Hampshire House of Representatives and has been a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Cannon has worked on legislation to protect transgender individuals from discrimination in her state.

Lorena Austin

Lorena Austin, a candidate for Arizona House District 9, addresses the crowd and calls on them to vote for abortion rights candidates during an abortion rights rally at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on Sept. 24, 2022.
| © Alex Gould/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Lorena Austin serves in the Arizona House of Representatives and has focused on issues such as education funding and healthcare access. When elected, Austin became the first Chicanx gender-nonconforming state legislator in the country and has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in a traditionally conservative state.

Emily Dievendorf

Rep. Emily Dievendorf, D-77th District, addresses fellow legislators Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at the state Capitol in Lansing, before the Michigan House voted to expand the state's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for those in the LGBTQ community. E Larsen 9538
| © Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Emily Dievendorf serves in the Michigan House of Representatives. As Michigan’s first nonbinary state representative, they have been a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Dievendorf has focused on issues such as affordable housing and healthcare access in their legislative work.

Samantha Montaño

Samantha Montaño a nonbinary elected official who serves in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and has focused on issues such as affordable housing and healthcare access. Montano has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in her legislative work.

Alissandra Rodríguez Murray

Alissandra Rodríguez Murray is the first Nicaraguan-American in any US state legislature and serves in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. In addition, they identify as queer and nonbinary. Murray has been a strong advocate for reproductive rights, affordable housing, and has worked to stop anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in New Hampshire.

Leading with pride and purpose

The 21 openly trans, nonbinary, and genderqueer politicians currently holding office represent a groundbreaking wave of leadership, but they are far from being defined by a single identity or issue. Each one brings a unique voice to the political arena, championing a broad array of policies that go beyond LGBTQ+ rights. From healthcare reform to environmental justice, education access to racial equity, these leaders are reshaping the future of U.S. politics through their diverse perspectives and agendas.

What sets these politicians apart isn’t just their gender identities—it’s their commitment to representing all of their constituents. This new era of leadership challenges the misconception that LGBTQ+ politicians focus solely on queer issues.

The work of these leaders serves as a reminder that when trans and gender-diverse voices are included in the political process, everyone benefits.

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