“They’re seeing a city where it doesn’t matter what color you are, where it sure doesn’t matter how tall you are, and where it doesn’t matter who you love,” Lightfoot said in her speech. “In the Chicago we will build together, we will celebrate our differences. We will embrace our uniqueness. And we will make certain that we all have every opportunity to succeed. Every child out there should know this: Each of you, one day, can be the Mayor of Chicago.”

Lightfoot’s election is inspiring for the queer community. “Lori Lightfoot made history as Chicago’s first openly LGBTQ and Black female mayor,” HRC Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs JoDee Winterhof said in a statement. “HRC was proud to endorse Lightfoot and help turn out the vote for her historic candidacy. We congratulate Lori Lightfoot on her victory and look forward to working closely with her as the first openly LGBTQ and Black female mayor of Chicago to ensure the city moves forward to be an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.”