First Out Lesbian Woman Elected to New Jersey Legislature

Luanne Peterpaul, Esq. has made history with her victory in the recent election, making her the first out lesbian woman in New Jersey’s Legislature. New Jersey’s 11th district was watched carefully during this election. Out of the forty districts, the 11th was the most conservative-leaning, but Peterpaul and fellow democrats Dr. Margie Donlon and Vin Gopal came through with a landslide victory. Peterpaul and Donlon now sit in the seats of republicans Marilyn Piperno and Kim Eulner. Piperno and Eulner’s victory in 2021 was by a narrow margin as compared to last Tuesday’s election.

Peterpaul has been instrumental in many decisions made in New Jersey, such as being a key player in New Jersey’s marriage equality, helping create the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, and defending the law prohibiting conversion therapy for minors. Although Peterpaul is not the first LGBTQ+ person to be elected into New Jersey’s legislation, she is the first lesbian woman. Other LGBTQ+ electees are Don Guardian, Tim Eustace, and Reed Guscoria.

In a press release, Peterpaul says, “I am beyond humbled to have earned the support of Monmouth County residents and am excited to get to work for them every day in the legislature. I am also humbled to be making history as the first openly gay woman elected to the New Jersey legislature. I stand on the shoulders of countless trailblazers who fought for equality and opened the door for people like me to serve my community in elected office. Thank you to everyone who showed up for our campaign this year. We truly could not have done this without the amazing community we built. I want to especially thank my wife, Robin, my incredible partner of 40 years, for joining me on this incredible journey. I might be the first, but I will certainly not be the last!”

Photo courtesy of @HometownVoices on X