The first out transgender school board member in California history was sworn in today at Shasta County’s Gateway Unified School District.

In a press release provided to local news station KRCR, Bobbie Simpson said her victory highlights the Golden State’s commitment to diversity and representation, as well as the ongoing quest for acceptance among LGBTQ+ people.

Related

School district votes out board members who banned Pride flags in schools
“It was sneaky behavior, and then they pushed it through without listening to people…. We will not stand for this.”

“I am proud to serve my community and create a future where every student can thrive, no matter who they are,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to improving education in the area.

Stay connected to your community

Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter.
Subscribe to our Newsletter today

Simpson won the election on November 5 with more than 56% of the vote. She beat incumbent Elias Haynes, who served on the school board alongside his wife, Lindsi Haynes. Both were recently the subjects of recall efforts and have not yet issued public statements.

“The last [GUSD board] meeting that I went to was fairly normal. It was very quiet,” Simpson told Northstate’s News last month. “I’d hope to just kind of keep it like that. My biggest issue is having a married couple on the board, really seeming like an improper representation of the district.”

Simpson’s goal is to improve the options students have for learning.

“I have experience with the special ed program. In particular, that’s a special interest of mine,” Simpson also said last month. “Everyone learns a little differently. People have different learning styles, and I would like to see that addressed.”

She additionally emphasized her role in serving the LGBTQ+ community while also representating the broader Shasta County community.

“I’ve had quite a few parents of both gay and trans kids come up to me and thank me for speaking up and being visible and advocating. So that’s really kept me going through this last year even though I’ve had a lot of opposition.”

In a November interview with Action News Now, she said she was “very excited” about the prospect of being elected. “I’m very proud that I have so much acceptance, that I do have this lead.”

Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.