In October 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler to the U.S. Senate, following the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein, making Butler the first out LGBTQ+ person to represent California in the Senate and the first Black lesbian senator ever. Butler, a longtime labor leader and former president of EMILYs List, brought decades of advocacy to the role: from championing reproductive rights and workers’ protections to advancing the participation of women and Black leaders in politics. Her swearing-in not only filled a historic void but signaled a renewed commitment to representation, justice, and inclusion in California and across the nation.

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Following a historic election night, over 235 out endorsed LGBTQ+ candidates won their races for public office in 2023, shattering a previous odd-numbered election year record of 184, set in 2021.

Milestones were achieved in bringing LGBTQ+ representation to public office around the nation. In addition to there sounding successes of Fabian Nelson and Olivia Hill in Mississippi and Tennessee, Philadelphia elected their first out LGBTQ+ City Council Member in Rue Landau; in Virginia, Danica Roem will be the first out transgender state senator in the South, while all nine LGBTQ+ candidates for the state’s General Assembly won their bids.

On a macro scale, more LGBTQ+ candidates were elected to office than had been in any other odd-year election, proving that the Rainbow Wave can continue to lift the boats of LGBTQ+ representation, no matter the status of the tide.

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On November 7, Fabian Nelson made history by winning election to the Mississippi State House, representing District 66, becoming the first out LGBTQ+ person ever elected to the state legislature. Before his victory, Mississippi had been one of the few states in the nation without LGBTQ+ representation at the state level, leaving a long-standing gap in voices advocating for equality. Nelson’s win not only broke that barrier but also marked a milestone in the fight for full representation, leaving Louisiana as the only state in 2023 without an out LGBTQ+ legislator. His election signals a new era of inclusion and progress for the state’s government.

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In November, Luanne Peterpaul was elected to represent District 11 in the New Jersey State Assembly, becoming the state’s first out lesbian legislator. A former County Prosecutor and former Chair of the Board for Garden State Equality, Peterpaul brings a powerful combination of legal expertise and advocacy experience. She has long been a defender of LGBTQ+ rights, a champion for marriage equality, and a tireless advocate for justice, making her election a historic milestone for representation in New Jersey.

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In November, Virginia made history by electing a record nine out LGBTQ+ state legislators, underscoring the state’s growing commitment to representation and inclusion. Among them, Danica Roem achieved another trailblazing milestone.

First elected in2018 as the first out transgender person to serve in a U.S. state legislature, Roem had already broken barriers in the House of Delegates. This year, she was elected to the Virginia State Senate, becoming the first out transgender state senator not only in Virginia but in the entire South. Her victory represents a continuation of her historic journey, shattering ceilings and paving the way for transgender and LGBTQ+ leaders across the region while sending a powerful message that courage, resilience, and dedication can transform government.

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In April 2023, Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford made history as the first transgender woman elected in Madison, Wisconsin. Winning the seat for District 15 on the Madison Common Council, Martinez-Rutherford brought a strong record of advocacy for reproductive rights to her new role and, at the time of her victory, became the only out transgender woman holding elected office in the state.

That same day, Madison voters also reaffirmed their trust in Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, electing her to a second term. She became the city’s second woman and first out LGBTQ+ mayor, a testament not just to her identity, but to a proven record of delivering meaningful results for the community. Together, their elections marked a moment of historic progress and strengthened representation in Madison’s leadership.

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While America’s troubled history with LGBTQ+ discrimination permeates everywhere, it is especially visible in the South, where positive change towards greater, more diverse representation or gender and sexuality seems to arrive behind other regions.

In a moment of joyful victory, Olivia Hill was elected in a September 14th runoff election as the first out transgender person elected in Tennessee. Hill was chosen to serve on the Metro Council for Nashville and Davidson County, marking a historic step in LGBTQ+ representation in a state that has struggled with increasing hateful rhetoric in the political sphere and in bigoted legislation.

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In November 2023,Rue Landau made history by becoming Philadelphia’s first out LGBTQ+ City Council member. Elected to an at-large seat, Landau's victory marked a significant milestone for the city, which had previously never elected an out LGBTQ+ individual to its council. A civil rights attorney and longtime advocate for housing justice, she has dedicated her career to fighting for economic equity and LGBTQ+ rights. Landau's election is a testament to the power of representation, and she has pledged, “I am the first and I absolutely will not be the last,” underscoring her commitment to paving the way for future LGBTQ+ leaders in Philadelphia.