Kate Brown
Democrat Kate Brown made history when she became Oregon’s (and America’s) first openly bisexual governor in February 2015. LGBT rights are, as you might imagine, a huge passion for her, reflected in Oregon banning conversion therapy for queer youth, creating what the Human Rights Campaign called the “first of its kind” coordinator position serving LGBT veterans and introducing rules that make sure students are safe in schools. Brown has also raised the minimum wage to help working families, advocated on behalf of the uninsured and improved gun safety. Recently, she signed a measure into law that will make it easier for transgender and non-binary folks to change their birth certificates. Still, she believes there’s more to do for the queer community, considering our current political climate. “I know many LGBTQ Oregonians are concerned about the progress we’ve made both legally and in the hearts and minds across the state and nation,” Brown says. “There’s a profound sense of discord between the compassion and resilience of our communities and what we hear in national political rhetoric. As governor, I will continue to use my office to combat discrimination and hope to be a mentor and role model for LGBTQ youth who may be struggling.”—GH
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