By THE STAR STAFF
The LGBTQ+ Federation of Puerto Rico and the Citizen Victory Movement (MVC by its initials in Spanish) on Wednesday congratulated Marielle de León Toledo, who became the first trans woman elected to public office in the island’s history.
De León Toledo was elected to one of the two seats in the San Juan Municipal Assembly under the MVC political party.
“At the of Puerto Rico, we feel great pride in the historic fact that a trans person holds an elective office in our country,” LGBTQ+ Federation Secretary Jennifer Orellana said. “It is a milestone that we celebrate and demonstrates the continuous progress of our fight for equality.”
Ivana Fred Millán, director of the Federation, recalled the previous efforts of the trans community in politics in a report from Pride magazine.
“A few years ago, we celebrated the historic nomination of Soraya Santiago as a candidate for the Municipal Legislature of Carolina as the first trans woman to aspire to public office,” the director said. “Today we celebrate the historic election of the first trans woman to hold an elective office.”
Güarix Agosto, alternate treasurer of the Federation, expressed his optimism about the achievement in the same magazine.
“As a young person, I feel hopeful that the paths to equity continue to open,” Agosto said. “We wish Marielle the greatest success and we put the LGBTQ+ Federation of Puerto Rico at her disposal to collaborate on any matter that advances equity.”
The milestone not only marks an advance in political representation, but also strengthens the visibility and rights of trans people in Puerto Rico, the Federation noted.
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