As CalPeek pointed out above, there have been many “firsts” coming out of this election cycle – including those who have already come out. As reported by Dustin Gardiner at the San Francisco Chronicle, no state legislature in American history has ever been as openly queer, at least proportionately speaking, as California’s incoming class of state lawmakers. According to Gardiner, more than 10% of the next legislature will be lesbian, gay, or bisexual. The increase is credited in part to the unusually high turnover at the Capitol and candidate recruitment efforts. Other than a “first,” the higher percentage of openly queer legislators could impact future legislation. LGBTQ lawmakers have indicated that they plan to focus on the impact that homelessness, substance abuse, and suicide has on the gay community, as well as how best to protect marriage equality out of fear it could be attacked by the U.S. Supreme Court.
“It’s OK to be gay” Says State Election Results
