Transgender Women in Office: Names We All Need to Know

By: Sophia Walker, Summer 2021 Collaborator at Power in Place

During the 2020 elections, more transgender women than ever were elected to public office. Along with these women in office, there were also the first transgender women to be Senate confirmed. Dr. Levine's senate confirmation is an astounding accomplishment on its own but shows it is achievable for more of the LGBTQ+ community. These are names we all need to be familiar with as they pave the way for LGBTQ+ people in public office. 

Sarah McBride

Photo Courtesy of Vox

One of the most profound wins for transgender women was from Sarah McBride in Deleware. She won her State Senate race, becoming the first openly transgender state senator [3]. It also put her as the highest-ranking transgender official in America. Previously interning for President Barack Obama and being the first transgender person to speak at the national convention, Sarah McBride is a force to be reckoned with in politics. 

Dr. Rachel Levine

Photo Courtesy of NPR

While Dr. Rachel Levine did not get elected to office, she is the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the Senate [7]. Hailing from Pennsylvania, Dr. Levine amplified support for LGBTQ+ health care. Quoted saying, “My heart is full with a burning desire to help people,” Dr. Levine will continue to serve as Assistant Secretary for Health [1]. 

Taylor Small

Photo Courtesy of Burlington Free Press

At only 26 years old, Taylor Small became the first openly transgender member of the Vermont State Legislature. Small uses her drag persona, Nikki Champagne, to illustrate her passion for helping marginalized people, especially in healthcare [4]. The work she has dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community comes from her grassroots support in community centers. She continues to help younger generations and is sure to continue to make a change in Vermont.

Stephanie Byers

Photo Courtesy of Them.

Another first comes from Stephanie Byers in Kansas. As the first openly transgender legislator in Kansas and the entire Midwest, Byers made history this fall. As an educator for 29 years, Byers helped to increase teaching students about gender identity [5]. Byers also runs a consulting company with her wife that works to educate communities about the importance of understanding gender identity.

Brianna Titone

Photo Courtesy of http://briannaforco.com/

Holding office since 2019, Brianna Titone was the first transgender state legislator elected in Colorado. Originally a geologist, Titone is a devoted volunteer at the Denver Botanic Gardens [6]. In her work as a legislator, Titone has focused on bringing people together. As a human being, she sees working together as a way to make communities better. Rep. Titone has also pushed for the passed bill on Coloradans receiving annual mental wellness checks at cost [2].

While all these women have their identity as trans women in common, they also share a desire to advocate for marginalized people. Continuing their work to increase representation, both in-office and regular life, these women need to be recognized. These women must receive appreciation as we continue to diversify who represents us. 

  1. Belle, Elly. “Rachel Levine Will Be The First Openly Trans Woman To Hold National Office.” How Rachel Levine Nomination Impacts Trans Politicians, Refinery29, 19 Jan. 2021, www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/01/10267286/rachel-levine-biden-assistant-health-secretary-trans-impact. 

  2. Boyd, Shaun. “Under First-In-The-Nation Law, Coloradans To Receive Annual Mental Wellness Exams At No Cost .” CBS Denver, CBS Denver, 6 July 2021, denver.cbslocal.com/2021/07/06/colorado-mental-health-wellness-law/. 

  3. Brandman, Mariana. “Sarah McBride.” National Women’s History Museum, 2020. Date accessed.

  4. Hallenbeck, Brent. “Taylor Small Wins House Seat to Become First Openly Transgender Member of Vermont Legislature.” The Burlington Free Press, Burlington Free Press, 4 Nov. 2020, www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/2020/11/04/taylor-small-first-transgender-vermont-legislator-2020-election-results/6087418002/. 

  5. Neil, Denise, and Jaime Green. “Kansas Makes History, Elects Retired Wichita Teacher as Its First Transgender Legislator.” The Wichita Eagle, 3 Nov. 2020, www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/election/article246927272.html. 

  6. Representative Brianna Titone: HD27, www.briannaforco.com/about. 

  7. Wamsley, Laurel. “Rachel Levine Makes History As 1st Openly Trans Federal Official Confirmed By Senate.” NPR, NPR, 24 Mar. 2021, www.npr.org/2021/03/24/980788146/senate-confirms-rachel-levine-a-transgender-woman-as-assistant-health-secretary. 

 

Sophia Walker is a rising senior at Drake University. She is a double major in Law, Politics and Society and Sociology with a minor in Marketing. Sophia has a passion for social justice and women’s rights. On campus, Sophia is part of the Drake Dems and the Roosevelt Institute. She is also a CASA volunteer in her free time.