Today, I made history, and I felt the weight of it in every word.
As I raised my hand and took the oath that officially qualified me for the ballot, becoming the first transgender woman ever to do so in Ventura County, I could feel two things at once: the weight of every transgender person who came before me and dreamed of standing in a moment like this, and the doorway opening a little wider for everyone who will come after me.
The Words That Hit Hardest
“To support and defend the Constitution of the United States…”
As a transgender woman, that promise is deeply personal. Our community is still fighting for rights others take for granted: access to healthcare, safe public spaces, accurate identification, freedom to travel, and the ability to simply exist with dignity everywhere in this country.
“…against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
Those words carried weight too, at a time when immigrant families fear being torn apart, LGBTQ+ people are political targets, and our children are watching hatred and cruelty become normalized.
And then: “…without any mental reservation.”
None.
Because I cannot imagine a higher calling than using my voice, my experience, and everything I have survived and learned to serve the children, families, educators, and community of East Ventura.
When the Oath Ended
When the oath ended, the emotion caught up with me.
I thought about the transgender women who came before me, women who fought for visibility when visibility could cost them everything. Their courage helped make this moment possible.
And I thought about Ventura, a community that has allowed me not merely to live authentically, but to participate, advocate, lead, serve, and now place my name before its voters.
Thousands Pushing the Door
To everyone who has supported me, celebrated transgender visibility, defended our community, or simply made space for someone different from you to belong: thank you.
History is rarely one person walking through a door. It is thousands of people pushing that door open together until, one day, someone walks through it.
Today, I did.
And I promise I won’t be the last.