“When I ran for office in 2017, I took on a 26-year, 13-term incumbent who was the self-described ‘Chief Homophobe’ of Virginia, who had authored the 2006 constitutional amendment banning marriage equality, who authored the 2017 bathroom bill. And not only did we win that election, we sent a message nationwide that if you try to take our rights, we will take your seat.”
Virginia State Senator Danica Roem was inducted into the LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame on December 7, 2024 at LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington, DC.
Roem made history as the first out transgender state legislator to win and serve in the United States. Her election to the Virginia House of Delegates inspired many transgender elected officials to seek office. Roem, a former journalist, has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for her constituents. She is a graduate of the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute Candidate & Campaign Training.
