She, Her, The First, With Pride
In this critical election season, visibility for marginalized communities, especially among LGBTQ people, is of paramount importance, With the distinct possibility that Donald Trump, a convicted felon, known homophobe and transphobe, could be elected again and returned to the White House, the need for loud, clear voices of advocacy has never been greater. According to the LGBTQ Victory Institute, an organization that supports and assists LGBTQ+ candidates and office holders, just 0.25% of all elected officials nationwide, are LGBTQ+. This tiny minority is a big reason why there are hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills and laws pending or being signed into law in the United States today. An effective counter to offset this disturbing trend would be to have as many children of the rainbow run for, and achieve elected office, as possible. Not only will this help create better representation, and a louder voice for us, but enshrine into history those who were bold enough to seek office, even in these difficult days.
Sometimes that means becoming a trailblazer against the odds, and by stepping forward when the outcome of an election is far from certain, a candidate can create lasting, real change for both her constituency and the community of which she is a vital part. That’s the kind of candidate Jess Branas was when she ran for the Upper Darby, PA Township Council last fall (Jess also serves as the District Director for State Rep. Heather Boyd (D-163rd House District), scoring a stunning, historic upset victory. A Democrat, Jess flipped her Second District seat, which was red for 75 years, to blue, and became the first out lesbian to represent the residents of this suburban Philadelphia bedroom community.
In a reflection of the changing demographics for Pennsylvania’s largest township, Jess was swept into office alongside Ed Brown, a fellow Democrat who became the first Black mayor of Upper Darby. These firsts don’t just proclaim themselves as apparent harbingers, they underscore the power of visibility: Jess is a longtime LGBTQ advocate and podcaster who is now ready to advance the rights of local LGBTQ individuals and groups, through proactive legislation and official action.
It’s more imperative than ever that we are seen in our municipal councils, state houses, Senates, and even in Washington, DC, as sinister forces arrayed against us are revealing their own nefarious plans, should they come to power. It’s strong, unflinching voices like Jess’, who will continue to keep LGBTQ communities, and all marginalized groups, safe from the depredations of malignant demagogues like Trump and his MAGA army going forward. It exemplifies what an example Jess’ incumbency sets, when she’s visible, first, and serving with pride!
