An openly bisexual activist for LGBTQ rights, Representative Kyrsten Sinema has simultaneously won a Senate seat and become the first female Senator to represent the state of Arizona. She is also the first Democrat to be elected as a Senator in Arizona since the 1980s.

  Sinema’s win seems to be the biggest victory the Democrats have achieved thus far under the Trump administration. Although it was a narrow win, it was still a win nonetheless. She won with about thirty eight thousand votes, or 1.7 percentage points.

  In an effort to make the voices of America’s minorities heard, Sinema supports federal policies that provide protection for LGBTQ people in employment. Many are expecting to see positive changes in not only the political realm, but also in how minorities, such as the LGBTQ community, are treated in society.

  Savannah Star (11) said, “I think that no matter what we need to allow for every single person to have the opportunity to do anything that they are capable of.”

  Although she was first elected to Congress in 2012, Sinema’s identity and orientation had never played a big role in her campaigns.

  Chad Campbell, a close friend of Sinema’s who also served with her in the state legislature, reported, “The majority of Arizonans have changed their views on how they view LGBT issues and marriage equality.”

  Seeing the changes that are slowly taking place, including this major victory for the LGBTQ community, many are hopeful that it will lead to more fairness and increased opportunities for all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or beliefs.

   Uzair Pasta (11) said, “I think it’s great that we are stepping into a new era of change. This will most definitely impact the political world because it will break down the social and political stigmas, and would allow for more people to run for office no matter their sexuality. I am glad that we have decided it’s time for change.”

  Sinema will be sworn in office on January 3, 2019 and many believe that this crucial milestone is only the beginning of the journey to achieving equality.