BEREA, Ky. — Kentucky’s first transgender elected official won a seat on the Berea School Board as a write-in candidate.

Rebecca Blankenship has made queer history.

“A write-in campaign for a school board seat is, in some ways, an easy victory. But queer rights in Kentucky will, for the foreseeable future, be advanced by strategically chosen opportunities like this one,” Blankenship said.

Blankenship leads the organization, Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky.

“A similar philosophy guides the work we do at Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky. Small victories can bring enormous hope, and every victory unlocks a new opportunity,” she said.

Chris Hartman, executive director of the Fairness Campaign said this is a moment to remember.

“It’s a historic victory for LGBTQ Kentuckians tonight!” he said. “Rebecca Blankenship has fought hard on the front lines to protect Kentucky’s LGBTQ kids from the deadly practice of conversion therapy and now she’s made history as our commonwealth’s first openly Transgender elected official.”

Blankenship said all the people on her team will celebrate this moment eagerly.

“But what we really relish is what this will allow us to do next,” she said.

Keep reading

JustFundKY to host first Obsidian Ball, a masquerade gala in LexingtonAVOL Kentucky Is Adding Injectable PrEP. One Shot Can Replace Two Months of Pills.Kentucky Black Pride Turns 10 in the Park That Sheltered Queer LexingtonAt Black Soil KY’s Farmacy Markets, Narcan Sits Beside the ProduceFederal Cuts “Handcuffed” BIPOC Harm Reduction in Kentucky. Communities Are Stepping Up.