CHICAGO (WLS) -- For the first time, there's an openly gay lawmaker serving in the Illinois State Senate. State Senator Mike Simmons was appointed earlier this month to represent the 7th district, which is on Chicago's North Side. I stand proud of my identity," he said.Across the country, the LGBTQ community is underrepresented in state legislatures but the numbers have been going up. According to the LGBTQ Victory Institute, LGBTQ state legislators increased by 9% from 2019 to 2020. As someone who was bullied in his youth for being gay, Simmons hopes he can serve as an inspiration for young people in his community.

Source: Ethiopian News February 21, 2021 05:37 UTC