Christine Hallquist

For many, Trump’s election was a soul-crushing moment, but for Democrat Christine Hallquist, it led to something positive: a decision to try to become the first trans governor in America. Her decision to run for office is even more stunning when you consider that, according to Broadly, this former CEO of Vermont Electric Cooperative only came out as trans in 2015, and even then feared pushback. (“I was pretty sure I would lose [my job],” she told Broadly. “… But when I transitioned on December 2nd, 2015, Vermont welcomed me with open arms. It was a miracle.”) The fact that Hallquist can run as her authentic self — and that other trans folks have and are as well, including famed Danica Roem, who recently became the first trans state legislator in Virginia — shows that not only have we come a long way as a society, but we can still move forward under our current “unfriendly” administration. If she wins the potentially pivotal race, Hallquist wants to help Vermonters secure job opportunities and healthcare. “In running for governor, I am so grateful that I have met so many good people,” Hallquist tells GO. “There are many people who are down on our democracy. I would tell them to not let the negativism get you down. The majority of the people who I have met on the campaign trail really do want to make things better and are very welcoming and supportive.” The next step for Hallquist is the Democrat primary in August — and we wish her all the luck! —GH