By: Penelope

I’m thankful for the first queer person of color to be elected to the US Congress, and for it to be a queer Asian American.

I didn’t have a lot of Asian American role models portrayed in the media growing up in the 80’s and 90’s. My mom would tell me I should pursue journalism or ice skating so that I could be the next Connie Chang or Michelle Kwan. When I decided to pursue law, my mom told me that I could be like Condoleeza Rice, who was one of the only high ranking women of color that my mom knew of – neither of us knew of any famous Asian American politicians. Although my life’s passion is to serve my community, I always assumed that being an openly queer woman would prevent me from doing so as a elected official, putting aside the fact that my racial community is often considered to be perpetually foreign.

As a queer, Asian American people’s lawyer, I am inspired by Rep. Takano’s success. He brings much needed visibility to a community struggling to be seen. He reminds the world that not only are there queer folks in the Asian American community – there are also Asian Americans in the queer community. We rule Facebook, write and report the news, serve our country, now, finally, write and pass national laws within Congress. His victory gives me hope that we, too, can be successful and be honest with who we are – and that the world is ready for us. Rep. Takano’s success brings me hope for my future and the future of queer people of color everywhere.