FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — On the first day of LGBTQ Pride Month, Emma Curtis announced her run for Kentucky's 93rd House seat. If she wins, she will become the first openly transgender lawmaker in Kentucky history.
"I want every trans kid - every queer kid - watching this today to know that Kentucky is for them too," said Curtis. "And they have a say in the future of this Commonwealth."
Curtis, a lifelong Kentuckian, became a recognizable figure in the opposition to Kentucky's anti-LGBTQ bills this year. When lawmakers passed Senate Bill 150, which bans gender-affirming healthcare for trans kids, Curtis spoke against the measure.
"The message this bill sends to the trans community - and specifically to trans children - is that they are a problem, they are an error that must be corrected," Curtis said in March.
"I have said my entire life that Kentucky's politics don't represent its people," she added at the time. "Never has that been more true than today."
Although Curtis is aware of the history she would make if she wins, she emphasizes that she's "not running exclusively to be the transgender state rep."
"I am running to be the state rep for the 93rd district," Curtis added.
Curtis says her key legislative priorities include:
- Fighting for an economy that works for every Kentuckian
- Addressing the teacher shortage by raising their pay,
- Bringing great jobs and state investments to the 93rd district
- Pushing for affordable housing
"There are some people who are going to say that Kentucky is not ready for a trans candidate. This is a myth," said Curtis. "We know for a fact that trans people can win in Kentucky."
Curtis is running for the seat that was made vacant after the recent death of Rep. Lamin Swann.
"He was an excellent friend and mentor to me. Rep. Swann was there to guide me, to mentor me, and to give me the support that I needed to get involved with politics," said Curtis.
"I was asked by friends of his if I would be willing to run and I am very much inspired to pick up the torch where he left it," she added.
The 93rd district represents part of south Lexington.
