First Trans Woman Elected to DNC

Laura Calvo, the first trans woman elected to the DNC.

Laura Calvo, a transgender activist from Portland, Ore.has become the first transgender woman elected to the Democratic National Committee, according to the Statesman Journal.

Laura Calvo, the twice-elected treasurer of the Democratic Party of Oregon, has worked closely with Basic Rights Oregon in helping to pass Oregon’s Equality Act and Family Fairness Act. She's held a number of positions on local, state, and national levels. She was a regional director on the board of National Stonewall Democrats, served as treasurer of the party's LGBT caucus, served on the Hillary Clinton National LGBT Steering Committee and then went directly to work as a member of the Obama National Policy and Finance Committee once Obama won the nomination.

Just Out named her as one of the top 25 LGBT community leaders of the past quarter century. 

“Everyone who’s worked with Laura Calvo knows what I know – she’s a superstar,” said Meredith Wood Smith, Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon, said in a statement. “We couldn’t be prouder to have her represent the Democratic Party of Oregon as a member of the Democratic National Committee.”

According to the Statesman Journal, another trans woman was the first DNC member, but unlike Calvo, who was elected, New Jersey activist Barbra Casbar Siperstein was was appointed to her position.