Post submitted by Breyer Hodge, HRC Intern

As part of my internship at HRC, I was lucky enough to volunteer for Danica Roem’s campaign, hoping to contribute in some small way to Roem’s historic bid to represent Virginia’s District 13. If elected, Roem would be the first out transgender person seated in a state legislature.

As a college sophomore and HRC intern who hopes to someday run for office, Roem inspires me not just because she is a fellow transgender individual, but also because of her enthusiasm and genuine efforts to help her community. Listening to Roem and volunteering for her campaign proved to me that we are so much more than the labels that define us.

Earlier today, I was proud to see HRC endorse Roem. Roem will fight to pass non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people, improve affordable access to health care, update the Virginia Human Rights Act to include gender identity and sexual orientation, and remove discriminatory, outdated, and unconstitutional language on marriage equality that still exists in the Virginia code.

Roem’s dedication and passion speaks across communities and issues and I am proud to support her campaign.