Michigan nominates first trans woman for state legislature
Joanna Whaley, ex-megachurch pastor who endured years of conversion practices, comfortably bested her opponents
TL;DR
- Joanna Whaley, a former megachurch pastor, won a Democratic primary election for the second district of the Michigan statehouse.
- Whaley endured 15 years of conversion practices before her gender transition.
- Her opponent, Frank Liberati, attempted to disqualify her from the ballot over her name change, but the challenge was dismissed.
- Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of the US Congress, congratulated Whaley on her victory.
- Whaley shared experiences of uncomfortable conversations with potential donors and old Christian friends after coming out.
- She acknowledges the potential monumental impact of electing a trans woman to state office.
- Whaley has received endorsements from various LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
- She will face Republican Ronald Kokinda in the general election.