WCAX: Vermont could elect first transgender legislator

WCAX: Vermont could elect first transgender legislator

By Christina Guessferd  | Posted: Wed 8:28 AM, Jun 10, 2020 | Updated: Thu 7:10 AM, Jun 11, 2020

…

Taylor Small, Ember Quinn and Jamie Dufour are all first-time Democratic candidates vying for House seats in this August's primary election in Winooski, Milton and Manchester, respectively. If any one of them goes on to win in November, they will be the first openly transgender person elected to the Vermont Legislature.

The candidates say Hallquist's run was inspiring to them as members of the LGBTQ community, paving the way for better representation in the Statehouse for marginalized individuals. But the candidates say what really influenced their immediate decision to campaign was the change they say needs to happen in their own backyards.

"I feel like we, as a progressive state, are typically very ahead of the curve, and this is one where we are recognizing that the voices represented in our Legislature right now are not congruent with the voices that are across the state of Vermont," said Small.

…

Small, Quinn and Dufour agree that while they'd be proud to make state history, they're running primarily to support the communities in which they live.

Small, the health and wellness director at the Pride Center of Vermont, is focusing on public health and affordable housing. She's competing against Democratic incumbent Rep. Hal Colston, D-Winooski, and Jordan Matte.

…

All three say addressing local issues is the goal, and they don't want someone to vote for or against them because of their gender identity. But they acknowledge being a trans lawmaker is inherently a means of achieving progress in Vermont politics.

"It's a blessing to be in this race with other folks in the LGBTQ community or other folks who hold these marginalized identities because it's showing we are truly moving towards a change when we're looking at our systems," said Small.

…