As Caitlyn Jenner stated, “Trans people deserve something vital. They deserve your respect. And from that respect comes a more compassionate community, a more empathetic society, and a better world for all of us.” The election of Sarah McBride is a significant step for the transgender community and a start of new beginnings for society to accept people the way they are.

On November 3rd, Sarah McBride was elected as Delaware’s state senator, becoming the first transgender person elected to this position in the United States.

Sarah McBride was running against Steve Washington, a Republican, in a historically Democratic state. After her win, she reported to CNN, “I hope tonight shows an LGBTQ kid that our democracy is big enough for them, too.” As an intern at the White House in 2016, McBride made history as the first transgender person to speak at a major party convention.

The president of the Human Rights Campaign, Alphonso David, saluted her recent accomplishment, stating, “This victory, the first of what I expect to be many in her career, shows that any person can achieve their dream, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation.”

As a woman, McBride’s new position means that people who have historically not respected women, especially politicians, will be one step closer to acknowledging female power. This is an opportunity for both the LGBTQ+ community and women to be major role models for people of all ages. This will inspire young people to follow their passions and not adhere to society’s harmful norms.

Azal Laal ’22 expressed her happiness towards Sarah McBride’s election and this large step in LGBTQ+ representation. She is “honored to witness the first transgender woman to be elected into the state senator’s office,” and claimed that “it will show people in the LGBTQ+ community that it is possible to be LGBTQ+ and be involved in politics.” She also says “it will inspire many people to not limit themselves.”

In today’s world, many people refuse to accept those who do not identify with their gender assigned at birth. Yet, they must recognize that some people are not the gender on their birth certificate. Many are told from a young age to love people the way they are and this should translate to the LGBTQ+ community. Everyone should look forward to seeing more transgender people elected to political offices, just like Sarah McBride.