Laphonza Butler has made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ senator of colour in the United States. Representing California, the out lesbian politician was sworn in on Tuesday, October 3, taking over the seat of the late Dianne Feinstein, who passed away days before, aged 90 years old.
In a social media post speaking about her appointment, Butler wrote: “I’m honored to accept Governor Gavin Newsom’s nomination to be U.S. Senator for a state I have made my home and honored by his trust in me to serve the people of California and this great nation.
“No one will ever measure up to the legacy of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, but I will do my best to honor her legacy and leadership by committing to work for women and girls, workers and unions, struggling parents, and all of California.
“I am ready to serve,” she concluded.
View this post on Instagram
Butler is just the third-ever Black woman to serve in the Senate, following in the footsteps of Kamala Harris, who was the second. The US Vice President was on hand to swear in her colleague whom she worked with on her 2020 election campaign, and responded to the moment with thunderous applause.
“I know she will work to serve Californians with grit and grace, as she has done throughout her career,” Harris later said.
I was honored to swear in Laphonza Butler, whom I have been fortunate to work with for many years, as the next senator from California.
As she assumes this role, I know she will work to serve Californians with grit and grace, as she has done throughout her career. pic.twitter.com/KQ5m0Cea9G
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 3, 2023
With the induction of Laphonza Butler, the Senate maintains its slight Democratic control leading into the 2024 elections.
Known as a savvy political consultant, union leader and fundraiser for female pro-choice candidates, Butler has previously worked as the Director for Public Policy and Campaigns at Airbnb, served as president of the California chapter of the Service Employees International Union and was on the University of California Board of Regents. She is married to her wife Neneki Lee and a mother to their eight-year-old daughter Nylah.
© 2023 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
Support GCN
GCN is a free, vital resource for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community since 1988.
GCN is a trading name of National LGBT Federation CLG, a registered charity - Charity Number: xx20034580.
GCN relies on the generous support of the community and allies to sustain the crucial work that we do. Producing GCN is costly, and, in an industry which has been hugely impacted by rising costs, we need your support to help sustain and grow this vital resource.
Supporting GCN for as little as €1.99 per month will help us continue our work as Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media.
comments. Please sign in to comment.