More than 100 LGBTQ elected officials were nominated for the 2018 Tammy Baldwin Breakthrough Award – given to an up-and-coming state or local LGBTQ elected official who fights for our community and LGBTQ equality.
The 2018 Nominees:
California State Assemblymember Evan Low
Evan became the youngest Asian American legislator ever elected to the California State Assembly in 2014. He currently chairs the California Legislative LGBT Caucus and is a member of the California Asian & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. Evan was also appointed Assistant Majority Whip in both 2014 and 2016. In 2016, he introduced AB 1887, a bill that would ban all California state-funded travel to states that enacted laws to discriminate against LGBTQ individuals.
California State Assemblymember Todd Gloria
As a City Councilmember, Todd is credited with bringing thousands of affordable housing units to the City of San Diego and helping reallocate the City’s limited homelessness service funds toward results-oriented programs. Todd is also a tireless fighter in the effort to eradicate HIV/AIDS and increase awareness and safety measures pertaining to it.
Colorado State Rep. Leslie Herod
As the first openly LGBTQ African American to be elected to Colorado’s state legislature, Leslie focused her legislative efforts on access to reproductive health care, criminal justice reform, homeless youth and immigration rights. Leslie is the co-founder of New Era Colorado, the state’s leading organization focused on the engagement of young people in the community and also served as President of Colorado Black Women for Political Action.
Massachusetts State Senator Julian Cyr
Julian is currently representing the Cape & Islands District in the Massachusetts State Senate. He is the youngest Senator in the 40-member body and is one of two openly LGBTQ senators. From 2011-2017, Julian served on the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth, and was chair from 2013 to 2014. Additionally, he has worked as a harm-reduction counselor at the AIDS Group of Cape Cod.
Virginia Delegate Danica Roem
Danica made history by becoming the first out trans person to win and serve in a state legislature. She ran against 25-year incumbent Bob Marshall, who proudly described himself as “chief homophobe” of the Virginia State Legislature. Since taking office in January 2018, she has advocated for better infrastructure spending and the successful expansion of Virginia’s Medicaid rolls under the Affordable Care Act.
All these nominees are amazing, and they are heroes deserving of this award doing incredible work for equality and indeed for their communities as a whole.
While we honor their work, let us know your top pick for who’s made the most dramatic impact in 2018. Vote now.
And of course, we hope to see you for the presentation in person in December. Still need to register for the International Leaders Conference?
