Georgia voters have elected the first openly lesbian African-American state legislator in the country last night. Atlanta voters also elected the first gay man and first Asian-American to their city council, GayPolitics.com reported yesterday.
Victoy Fund candidate Simone Bell will represent Georgia’s 58th district, joining Rep. Karla Drenner, the only other openly LGBT member of the Georgia State House.
“This is a tremendous victory for LGBT Georgians. Simone is a longtime leader in her community, and she will be a huge asset in the Georgia State House,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.
Alex Wan, another Victory Fund candidate will represent Atlanta’s sixth district to the city council. Wan is currently the development director at the city’soldest provider of permanent, supportive housing for homeless or low-income individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS.
“Alex Wan’s victory will continue an important legacy of LGBT leadership on the Atlanta City Council. He’ll be a strong voice for District 6 and for the LGBT citizens of Atlanta,” Wolfe said.
— Theresa Bruskin
