Virginia House of Delegates candidate Danica Roem put out a YouTube ad Monday discussing her identity as a transgender woman in a social and political climate that is dangerous for LGBTQ people. The powerful new campaign ad was made in response to her transphobic, misogynistic opponent Bob Marshall disrespecting her identity.
Polls currently show Danica is statistically tied with “Bigot Bob,” a 25-year incumbent, in the race for the state house. This campaign has been the focal point for not only Virginia citizens but others around the country due to Bigot Bob’s distasteful and rude comments about Danica, as well as his refusal to debate her.
Bigot Bob is a notoriously anti-LGBTQ and anti-woman – having sponsored the state’s amendment to ban marriage equality as well as legislation to ban trans people from using bathrooms. Danica’s presence in this race is historical, showing voters the stark contrast between her community-improvement centered campaign and Bob’s campaign based on hate. Danica would make waves across the country if she, as a trans candidate, defeats an anti-LGBTQ lawmaker, and she would become the first openly trans state lawmaker as well as the only openly trans state legislator in the country.
Danica is one of Victory Fund’s eight trans candidates this election cycle. Victory Fund is working to make 2017 the Year of the Trans Candidate — to increase trans representation and ensure their voices are heard.
