Aaron Tax (He/Him), Managing Director of Government Affairs & Policy Advocacy at SAGE
The election results brought in a wave of optimism for the LGBTQ+ community, our allies, and everyone who believes in dignity, fairness, and equal treatment under the law. Voters in many parts of the country rejected fearmongering and cast their votes for pro-equality candidates who are committed to issues that actually affect people’s daily lives, including increasing access to affordable health care, economic security, and the ability to age with dignity. Sweeping pro-equality majorities will take control of both the House and Senate. At the same time, the results on several anti-trans ballot measures show how much work remains.
It was a historic night of firsts. Voters in New Hampshire elected the nation’s first openly gay United States Senator. Alabama is sending its first trans person to its state legislature. Voters in Georgia elected the nation’s first Black female governor. Voters in Wisconsin elected their first Black governor. Californians elected their first Latino governor. And Hakeem Jeffries is expected to become the first Black Speaker of the House.
This progress extended to Missouri, where a broad coalition of voters rejected efforts to divide communities, defeating an anti-choice/anti-trans ballot initiative. But the night also brought setbacks. Voters in Arizona and Nebraska approved anti-trans sports measures impacting trans people and their families and as of this morning, anti-trans ballot initiatives are leading in Colorado and Washington. Despite this news, we are committed to fighting for a future where everyone can live openly, safely, and with dignity.
“This election resulted in renewed hope for equality,” said Lynn Faria, CEO of SAGE. “SAGE will keep working with our partners to protect trans people and their families where anti-trans measures passed. We are committed to a future where every LGBTQ+ person can age with support, respect and security they deserve.”
How can you do your part? Sign up for our Action Squad. And join us for our post-election webinar, “The Election Is Over. Now What? Policy Implications for LGBTQ+ Older Adults,” on December 8th, from 3 to 4:30 pm ET. Register here.
