LGBTQ Victory Fund endorsed candidate Jabari Brisport won his race for the New York state Senate and became the first openly LGBTQ person of color ever elected to the state legislature. He will join Shevrin Jones, who won his race for the Florida state Senate tonight, in becoming the only out LGBTQ Black men serving in state senates in the U.S.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released the following statement about Brisport’s victory:
“At a time when movements to end racism, police brutality and disparities in healthcare are awakening the nation, Jabari’s groundbreaking victory ensures there is a legislator in Albany who can turn protests into policy. His experiences as a Black LGBTQ man will provide an essential perspective that has never been represented in the New York state legislature and will pave the way for a government that is more representative of the people it serves. Jabari shattered a rainbow ceiling in New York and his victory will encourage more people like him to step up and run.”
Currently just 42 openly LGBTQ state legislators of color are serving nationwide, including 13 openly LGBTQ Black state legislators. On November 3, 60 LGBTQ state legislative candidates of color were on the ballot, including 31 non-incumbents. Of those non-incumbents, 11 are Black.
