First openly transgender elected official in Tennessee is sworn in
October 03, 2023 12:29 PM
Tennessee’s first openly transgender elected official was sworn in Monday as a member of Nashville’s Metro Council.
Olivia Hill, a biological man who identifies as female, was joined in the Hermitage Hotel’s ballroom by a pastor and supporters during the ceremony, according to a report.
DEMOCRACY DERBY: HOW MCCONNELL’S HEALTH RAISES STAKES OF KENTUCKY GOVERNOR’S RACE
“She has made history here today, God,” Pastor Dawn Bennett said along with a prayer. “You too made history 57 years ago when you created her. And you have made history in her life every day since.”
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell echoed support for Hill’s win, recognizing the moment as historic.
“I paid a heavy price with my transition, and I’ve lost most of my family, my friends, my career, and so many people that stand beside me. And there’s very few people that are on my side right now that were on my side three years ago,” Hill said. “But my cousin Missy, who’s almost like my sister, we grew up in the same house till we were age 10 years old, flew here from Texas to be with us here tonight.”
Supporters who filled the ballroom said watching Hill take office was inspiring.
“It inspired me because ever since moving down here from Maine, it’s been kind of scary being trans and not always feeling like I can bring my authentic self to places, including sometimes to work,” one crowd member said.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Hill did not seek office simply as a member of the transgender community, but rather the new council member wanted a seat at the table, according to the report.
“I have been approached by so many moms and so many dads, teachers, aunts and uncles that have come to me and thanked me for running because for now, for the very first time in the state of Tennessee, the trans community can look on TV and say, ‘I can be what I see’ … Representation means everything,” Hill said.