Brooklyn Politics Just Got a Whole Lot More Queer

Now that all of the absentee ballot counting is done, we can say for certain that LGBTQ representation in Brooklyn politics has gone up like never before.  

This year, four - you read that right, four - progressive LGBTQ candidates were elected to office in Brooklyn.  

With Jabari Brisport winning the Democratic primary for state senate (which means he is all-but-guaranteed to win the election in November) and the election of District Leaders Jesse Pierce, Samy Nemir Olivares (a LID board member!) and Julio Peña, queer representation in Brooklyn politics has taken hold like never before.  Jesse, Samy and Julio join out District Leader Josue Pierre.  

What does this mean:

• Increased visibility for marginalized LGBTQ people, particularly transgender people of color, whom have been all but erased without representation of our community in local politics; 

• More pressure on legislative leaders for the passage of important progressive reforms such as repealing the #WalkingWhileTrans ban and the decriminalization of sex work; 

• More pressure to ensure that gender non-confirming and non-binary people can equally participate in local Kings County Democratic party politics.  

• More opportunities for LGBTQ representation in local politics, including the judiciary.  

The work is not done.  Next year, every LGBTQ city council member is term limited, including our own former President, Council Member Carlos Menchaca.  With several LGBTQ candidates already declared to run in Brooklyn alone, we have a lot of work!  We’re looking forward to LID’s City Council endorsements beginning this Fall!