First Out, Trans Man Legislator In New Hampshire

James Roesener is the first out trans man legislator to be elected to U.S. legislature.

Roesner, as described by Victory Fund, is a bisexual, 26-year-old New Hampshire citizen who lives with his wife and cat. Roesner’s website states his campaign promises as “(fighting) for better access to affordable, quality, and comprehensive healthcare, including mental health, reproductive health, and substance abuse treatment,” and claims that he “will ensure that New Hampshire invests more in our public schools to help foster an equitable and fulfilling learning environment for every single student,” and “(defend) the right to abortion, contraception, and all reproductive health services in New Hampshire.”

Victory Fund and local news outlets closely followed the race between Roesener and his opponent, republican Dennis Soucy. Juxtaposed to Roesner, Soucy’s campaign centered on him being incredibly conservative, as he supported banning first-trimester abortion and the Don’t Say Gay laws, is against critical race theory, and stated that police brutality was not a problem in New Hampshire.

Roesner’s win is a massive win indeed. Annise Parker, the CEO of Victory Fund, says in a statement to Them that James Roesener’s win was “a resounding win for New Hampshire and for trans people across the country, with James shattering a lavender ceiling and proving that America is ready for trans men leaders in our state legislatures.”

She continues, “From safeguarding reproductive rights to increasing investment in New Hampshire’s education and health care systems, James is well prepared to enact legislation that will deliver lasting results for his community. At a time of intensifying transphobia at all levels of government and society, he showed incredible courage throughout his historic campaign.”

There are eight other out trans legislators, but Roesener is the only trans man among them, according to Victory Fund. Roesner is not only going to be a great legislator, but a monumental figure in history as the first out trans man in U.S. legislation.