Meet Danica Roem, Virginia's First Openly Transgender Elected Official
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- Опубліковано 7 січ 2025
- Danica Roem made history on November 7, becoming the first transgender person to be elected and seated to a state legislature. VICE had exclusive access to Roem in the final hours of her campaign.
The 33-year-old stepmom now represents District 13 in northern Virginia, an area that was controlled for more than two decades by Republican Bob Marshall, one of the state's most virulently anti-LGBT lawmakers.
Roem's success in local politics has made a national impact, setting the stage for other first-time candidates and transgender people to run for-and win-elections across the country.
WATCH NEXT: Broadly Meets Gavin Grimm, the Student at the Heart of the Trans Civil Rights Movement -- bit.ly/2qjhmt4
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Danica Roem made history on November 7, becoming the first openly transgender person to be elected and seated to a state legislature.
WATCH NEXT: Gavin Grimm: The Student At The Heart of the Trans Civil Rights Movement - bit.ly/2qjhmt4
James Smith Just..... No
Seth R. It is when you're actually trans. This guy is just doing for attention.
Afmedic85 Danica Roem has been bullied all her life. What makes you think that she’s trans for attention?
Seth R. His life you mean.
Afmedic85 Did I stutter? I said her because that is what Danica wishes to be called. You still have yet to answer my question.
Ok but the thing is her focus was the issues. She cared about what the people cared about. Her focus wasn't "vote for me or you are a transphobe". People will vote for the candidate cares about them, not demands them to care about her.
He*
Yes, but to progressives she's just another new pokemon in their collection.
Diversity of ideas, not diversity of attributes you're born with and cant do anything about.
His *
His. It's not hate. It's fact
Omg commenters. As a moderate Republican I believe that it doesn't matter what gender or sexuality someone identifies as, all that matters is that we get someone that genuinely cares about the people in office.
As a conservative, I supported Bernie Sanders, although I didn't exactly see eye-to-eye on some issues, because hes a genuine person that hasnt changed their beliefs (he marched with MLK) and he cares about the people.
Edit: that's also why I support Danika. A genuine person deserves the vote.
Representation matters.
Representation doesn't really matter. It didn't matter to Roem. She just did it.
History is decided by those that show up.
Lazy Spark Of course it matters. She is now a representative, her job to represent her constituents. That’s how it works. Congrats to the 13th district.
Matthew Littlejohn it’s nice to know that you contribute to the terrible stigma that almost led to that little girl Clara killing herself.
Maba Li freedom for who? Freedom for the oppressors or the opressed.?
Ok... I just about broke down crying there at the end. Why does this have so many downvotes?
This person ran on *issues first*; she didn't win by pushing how progressive it would be to vote for the first trans state legislator, that wasn't her focus. She was elected because she was the better candidate, better person, addressed the issues voters wanted to talk about, and wasn't a demonstrable piece of shit like the guy before her.
So again.. wtf is the reason for so many downvotes other than trans hate?
He*
CSR .ASMR lmao, facts
Standard Flint Lol triggered by downvotes on a video
ryan350
Then I guess you're okay with kicking Trump out of office for clearly not having the mental capacity to do the job? He can't speak in coherent sentences and he can't function like a normal human being, often forgetting to do the one thing he's supposed to do at a public taping of him signing an executive order, which is to sign the executive order. That's a sign of a serious mental illness that would stop him from being a good leader and yet we elected him to the highest office in the country.
And here you are, shitting on a trans woman who's extremely capable and has the compassion for her constituents that many others lack, and for what? Being trans?
Being transgender isn't a mental disorder. But then what do the APA and WHO know?
But thanks for demonstrating why she won.
Danica Roem made history but you guys are completely ignoring the other historic win for LGBTQ: The 5 other openly transgender candidates who were elected, including 2 African Americans, have gotten almost NO AIR TIME! And they're just as historic as Danica!!
Oh please!!! Minorities get high positions all the time.. jeez STOP!!
+ЯunΣ Wreck'Em
This is historical filthiness. Dan is a man. Dan the man. A man, Dan. He will never be a woman. He cannot change how God made him. Thank you for being wrong.
She’s such a sweet lady
I think you mean laddy
I think you mean Man.
It used to have the meat or still has it.
still a man sorry.
mastershake42019 no need to be sorry for ignorance
Props to her. That's real passion. She'll be great!!
blazedxjan he**
42 jade it's not respect, it's basic facts. That is a man, and if you think otherwise, you're apart of the problem.
Scientific facts say biology is occasionally a bit more complicated than you want it to be, Alanas.
@42 jade
*he *him. Whatever. He will never be a she. Him will never be a her. Apples and oranges. Thank you.
@@lizd2943
God says you are wrong if you think he can become a she. He will always be a he. Thank you.
She made her campaign about populist policy, not identity. How progressives should run
He*
CSR .ASMR her*
If Danica was a Republican, ran and won.. that would be Progress!!! This is shit!
@@wirednetworktechnologies3995
*He. Thank you.
@@maryjane-ip3tr
True. A man pretending to be a woman is feces. Thank you.
The fact that a transgendered individual ousted a far-right 'cultural warrior' (social conservative) in a legislative race was in and of itself a truly 'sweet victory.'
''and we ARE stronger together''
im cryinggggg. love her. god bless her.
I've been led to believe that Miss Roem's campaign was based on her ideals and aims and had nothing to do with her being transgendered so I'm a little annoyed at the media on both sides for making that central to her image. If she has good ideas then focus on them instead of making her a curiosity.
Lazy Spark Yeah, I'm honestly kinda disappointed by the title. She clearly wants to talk policies, and even Vice defines her by gender... unnecessary if you ask me.
Dong Bradman Thats the world we live in.
It was a long, grueling road, but she made it.
Jennifer Esein - and that's just the first critical step; the country is still in trouble, and it has nothing to do with North Korea, the Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, China... despite what the collusion of the deep state and the Trump Administration want the people to believe
It*
You mean he made it
She won because she campaigned on local issues that mattered to her constituents. She won because she acts like a human being and not a tool for either party.
Regardless of what people think, what she accomplished was pretty amazing. The tenacity and strength needed to win that race and overcome the hate def deserves some props.
anyone else counting down the years until Clara turns 35 so she can be our president?
No, but I'll start!
Ugh, the hate comments on this video are disgusting. And they're not just about Danica, they're about the reporter too. No one asked for your opinion? If you "don't care" then why did you click on the video? I find Danica's victory to be inspirational and deserving because she was so brave to stand up to one of the most homophobic/transphobic legislatures in the country.
I don’t understand why people hate her so much. How has she negatively impacted anyone?
He*
hahahahaha
Crusty_Shart He seems nice and all but its abomination still
george QZZY What if the transition makes them happy, let’s them feel complete in some way? Should we stop them?
Crusty_Shart ok so using that argument, why wouldn't you give a heroin addict heroin. You should be nice to him and give him what he wants because it makes him happy ... is that right ? Or should you send the addict to rehab for help, he won't enjoy it but it will make him better. Same with all sorts of therapy, they are very difficult but it is necessary to make your life better in the long run ...
Grats Danica! Keep fighting the good fight
FruitNinjaBoss well yes, you’re right, she is technically fighting against the braindead. You could call it a dumb fight in that context, i suppose.
+Danielle Spargo
Change your clothes first, Dan. Man up. You're a man.
@@BothHands1
*he. Thank you.
Ned Neatley lol me? I never said i was trans but ok lol
You do you boo
Restoring my faith in Americans
Tears! Just a year ago I was so very sad. I had grieved like someone died, and I'm positive others did the same. Watching this had the exact opposite effect.. it was like a birth. This is just the beginning of the REBIRTH of America. Thank you Danica for showing this country what we are capable of! This is how you MAGA!
We need more nice, regular people like her who care about her constituents running for office. Her rival's campaign was disgusting and shameless and she deserved to win.
+Rachel Moon
He is not a nice, regular person. He is a fraud who is pretending to be a woman. That is disgusting and shameless. Thank you.
Very intrigued to watch this because I live in VA.
Brandy Gee same
Yup, I researched more about Danica because she showed up to my High School today and I didn’t knew who she was
@@crisv3283
Because he is a man. He is not a she. She does not exist. He exists. Dan. Thank you.
@@crisv3283
That's a shame, because he is a he, as he was born. He can never be a her. Claiming that God made a mistake is much worse than a sin. Thank you.
I am really happy for her! She seems so smart and down to earth. I would really appreciate if more delgates would be similarly suitable for their job
this makes me feel prouder of my home state
I live in the middle of nowhere, about an hour away from Manassas. During the 2016 election, I was a senior in high school. The day after the election I remember crying in my room and thinking "this can't be happening." I almost didn't go to school that day. At the time, it wasn't well known that I was trans, but I was openly queer and I ran the GSA at my high school. I've been called slurs to my face and feared for my safety while teachers and staff watched. I've had friends get outed to their parents and almost get kicked out or sent to conversion therapy. I've been told, to my face, that if I got raped, I deserved it because of what I was. When Trump got elected, I was legitimately terrified. I remember how hopeless I felt. I thought "people are going to die." and when I see things like Charlottesville happen, less than two hours away from me, it sometimes feels like none of this is worth it and there isn't any way for things to get better. When I found out Danica was running I almost cried. The idea that a trans woman could run for public office in a place not that different from where I was felt so impossible, but someone was out there doing it, and winning it, at that. Her mere presence in this year's election gave me, and a lot of my friends, hope. It reminds me that there are successful, happy trans people out there who reach adulthood and can achieve their goals. In a world like the one I live in, that's rare. Danica gives me a lot of hope for the future.
nobody cares
I'm a fan of Danica Roem. She's driven, hard-working, has a firm grasp on policy (whether one agrees with her positions or not), and is personable. Broadly's reporter should take some notes.
Weird how Democrats win when they get candidates people *actually* like.
Nice to see another grassroots campaign focusing on the issues
I am SO impressed- by her, by the way she ran this race, by being such an inspiring role model for others. Just amazing... Congratulations Danica and I cannot wait to see what you do next!
Transgender or not, it doesn't matter. It's the responsibilities that do. I'm satisfied as long as politicians do their job *cough*
"Discrimination is a disqualifier" When she said that I started crying.
Mad respect for standing up to be visible, how that can make such an impact on people's lives. Discrimination is a disqualifier, indeed!
As someone from her district, it means a lot for her to win and work on actual things we need to change.
Good for her First i Heard of Danica. Lets take back our America! Equal right for all!
You want trans people to take back America??
@@maryjane-ip3tr
There are no trans people. There are crossdressers. Women can never be men. Men will never be women. Thank you.
+D.I.Y Eddie
Crossdressers already have equal rights. They have the right to be who God made them. They cannot change sexes, genders, or anything but clothes. Thank you.
She's a total inspiration. You have inspired us all Danika.
Being trans should not be a campaign issue for either side.
representation saves lives
1:12 tf also why is he so buff
and shes a metal head!....thats wasup!
+Livin4msc
*he's
*cries * This is great!
why only because he dresses up like a woman
i am white straight man so... i will leave a mean comment in this video that i decide to click on
HA.
Love how you mention white-straight men, by name, as if you have you have both a racist AND sexist grudge against them, and see them as your enemy. Interesting. Sincerely, an African-American.
"It's okay to be white"
-Juno- Strat Daddy I just said the obvious, just try to read more comments and the names of the users who wrote them
This black men's always judging before asking
The dog is beautiful
Jeez Louise that was emotional at the end. Congrats to her, good luck to the little girl, Claire I think her name is.
Did not expect this happening with everything going on right now. Maybe there is some hope for American society...
she gives me hope
That is a man, a male. Not a woman, as you've been falsely lead to believe.
Id be happy if she was my Rep.
She is an amazing human for standing in her truth. Celebrate individuals not just celebrities who stand in their truth. Thank you for this amazing video.
Good for her!
That little girl in the end broke my heart. What a cruel world...
I love it when the little girl said that she could be Pre
Strong Women. Clear Message. She will go far.
This woman is my new role model
You go girl!! You give me hope for a more diverse America
i also love the fact she's an awesome guitarist
_This is really Amazing video_
Woman, woman. Strong woman, smart woman, passionate woman, brave woman! Woman!
I truly love her message with every fiber of my being
SJ A It's a him
Aww she seems genuine and caring! I hope she gets what she wants out of this
Awesome lady . Natural leader.
And now I'm bawling.
i cried like a baby watching this video
Manassas is not a “small southern town” 😂😂😂
Danica Roem! You're powerful influential, brave, a leader, and inspiring. I LOOOOVE YOU!
And now Im sobbing! Congrats Danica! I am so incredibly happy for you
I think taking this as a win over discrimination is a mistake... Is beautiful that a trans woman was elected, but this is more a win for true democracy.
Voting for someone that attacks the opposition and not ideas and policy is rampant all over the world and if Denica wins with policy and hard work that will be the best way to change minds and legislature and maybe the world.
Plus she's young! As an european I'm astounded by the age of US politicians. It makes no sense. How is the country expected to change if who governs is literally from 2 to 3 generations back? How the hell can a 71 (senile) man govern 300 million people and a bunch of wars?
Congratulations Denica! You're a great example to everyone.
João Jóia Paulo: 1000 likes! It only let me hit the thumbs up once.
+João Jóia Paulo
He is Dan. He is a man. Dan the man. He is not beautiful. The U.S. is not a democracy. Please write another comment so I can correct more of your mistakes. Thank you.
Stay safe and good luck, Danica!
I really hope this candidate will uphold the constitution and not try to limit the freedoms of the ppl. I don't care if their trans, black, blue, green, woman or man.
She is amazing! so happy for her. Even better she actually cares about the issues that affects her community.
vdls21 It's a Him
Don't stop and keep the fight strong
Wow I just remembered how much I love her
She's amazing. I felt shivers!
This is HOPE. ✌❤
This is so awesome!
So glad to have something good and hopeful too look to with everything going on in the world right now.
Bravo! Congratulations Danica and all the lgbtq community
I cried, and gave me hope
Good for her!
I began to cry at the ~11:xx mark and even more when Danica mentioned the torment Clara endured just for attending school. When Clara came on screen I was crying, almost shrieking. I don't know why---maybe because the rights I sacrificed thru military service---2 yrs a teen + 4 more defending USAF bases during the Cold War didn't extend to me to protect me from being fired (transphobia).
Maybe because I so desperately want to have a job but the damage is so severe I haven't the trust to submit a job app. Maybe because I depend on my 83 year old mom for shelter. Maybe because the VA refuses trans surgeries. Maybe because I scavenge recyclable trash for income. Maybe---too many maybes. Danica's success is a better pain reliever than Motrin.
A true american hero!!!
Beautiful! Go Danica!
Hero, I love her work!
Anddd today its coming out that no one knew she was trans.. what now??
i came here hoping to argue but no one is complaining about her does this mean there's no more anti LGBT people? do you remember when everyone would have made threats those days are done.
Did Danica Roem's daughter experience the same kind of bullying as one black girl in DE?
Wow I cried.
Claira for president
History is made!! Let's gooo
What are you talking about...
Trans...trump..arnie... america looks like a joke from everywhere else in the world.
Danica Roem is goals
14:35 she is like 10 and already is changing her gender, already tried to kill herself, and is obsessed with politics. When I was ten all I cared about was call of duty...
Does every ten year old experience what she feels?
10 year olds shouldn't be playing Call of Duty
Only if they have "progressive" parents who want their kids to be LGBT (screw adding all the other letters since they're made up) so they can gain more attention for themselves.
I love her. So much.
GO GURL GO SLAY
Vox bout to be all over this
Good for her!!
Priscilla Carmini It's a Him
Girl you're a badass!
Damn the USA is a country that is way behind on western and a big part of Eastern Europe on certain subjects, also there are 300.000 homeless people in the USA thats a important point too i think and that one third of all incarcerated people in the world are incarcerated in the USA. The great difference between the poor and rich is a big point too, not just discrimination is bad.
How a beta male becomes an alpha female.
RIP Virginia, Don't leave "it" alone with kids!
This is the real MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!!
someone wanna tell me why i'm crying in the club right now
She is incredibly brave and smart! I️ can’t wait to see the changes she makes in her state. Plus, her hair is to dieeeee for. Go Danica!!! 💞💞
KvltLarp Warrior I️ hope one day you’re able to see the error of your bigotry and ignorance
The person is a male and will always be a male. Nothing you, them, doctors, scientists, not anyone and anything they can do will ever change that.
Marisol
Hahaha. The lefty liberal, fairytale unicorn brigade are here....
Dom Morrison you’re missing the point clearly. Just let people live their lives how they want to live it. They get enough hate from themselves, why do they need you preaching hatred and foolishness to them? Oh that’s right they don’t!
Rofl “she”? I think you just assumed the things gender
Love Love Love!!!!!!!!
I was on board until you started bashing Trump! We will never be a socialist country.