Trans Woman Becomes First To Win Seat On Wheeling, West Virginia City Council

Rosemary Ketchum has won a seat on the Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.A. city council, making history as the first trans person elected to public office in the state.

Ketchum has served as the Associate Director of NAMI of Greater Wheeling, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a member of the Wheeling Human Rights Commission and the board of directors for the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia, and was the recipient of the 2019 West Virginia Wonder Woman award.

As ‘LGBTQ Nation’ reports, she advocates for making Wheeling a city for all with a plan to combat addiction and homelessness, along with many other public issues.

“Rosemary has shattered a lavender ceiling in West Virginia and will join the growing number of out trans elected officials serving nationwide,” Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, said in a statement. The organisation endorsed Ketchum’s candidacy.

“Trans people are severely underrepresented in elected office – with just 26 out trans officials anywhere in the country – so Rosemary’s victory will resonate well beyond her state. We know Rosemary’s race will inspire other trans people from conservative states to consider a run for office in their communities – and then those candidates will inspire others as well. That virtuous cycle is the key to building trans acceptance and political power long-term.”

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