Latina Queer Democrat Mary Gonzalez Voted into Texas House of Representatives

This week El Paso Texas voted in Democratic candidate Mary Gonzalez to the Texas House of Representatives. Why is this important? Because she is a woman and identifies as queer/pansexual, and those are things that frighten most people into voting for the exact opposite person just because. But El Paso backed Mary with an overwhelming majority of the vote. Polls put her ahead by 53%, and this morning her lead turned into a win. According to the Advocate, “Gonzalez’s victory in the Democratic primary all but secures her seat representing the state’s District 75.” Gonzalez is someone to keep our queer eyes on.

They’re calling her the “gay candidate,” which is ridiculous on so many levels and highlights the limited scope in which mainstream media explores the various backgrounds and intersectionalities of people of color, but it’s better than her not being any kind of candidate at all. She’s been living her life out in the open since day one. Gonzalez serves her all of her communities with equal care. She is co-chair on the Board of Directors for allgo, Texas’ QPOC organization, and serves as the National President for Kappa Delta Chi, which is a service-based Latina-driven sorority that provides leadership and development for professional Latinas. Oh, and Gonzalez is also currently undertaking a doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction on Cultural Studies at the University of Texas.

Putting all of her accomplishments together creates a blueprint for how to exist in a world that is othering you. Gonzalez honors her Mexican heritage, takes pride in being queer and is studying ways to properly educate and empower others. The combination all of these things makes her more than a candidate; she’s part of a movement. Mary Gonzalez at this point in her career epitomizes seamless intersectionality through openness and action, with layered and purposeful work in all areas of her life. They might be calling her the “gay candidate” but she is a complex woman with so much more to offer the world than just a queer voice. Mary Gonzalez never has to out herself or be outed because she lives openly; she’s a new kind of politician, one who sees queer identity as a strength, not something that needs to be hidden for a successful career. (Texas also has an openly gay mayor, Annise Parker of Houston.)

Mary Gonzalez’s life’s work showcases the change that can occur in our political world, and at the local level, in the community. Her passions for education, activism and politics perfectly blend all the areas of her life, and it’s about time that someone’s dedication to those issues isn’t eclipsed by their sexual orientation. She is someone I want to be like and I never feel that way about politicians. EVER. So already, Mary Gonzalez is taking down the House in all of the good ways. She’s only twenty-eight, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

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gabby

Gabrielle Rivera is an awesomely queer Bronx bred, writer, spoken word artist and director. Her short stories and poems have been published in various anthologies such as the Lambda Award winning Portland Queer: Tales from the Rose City and The Best of Panic! En Vivo from the East Village. Her short film "Spanish Girls are Beautiful" follows a group of young Latina and Caucasian girls who like girls as they hook up, smoke up and try to figure sh*t out. She also freelances for Autostraddle.com while working in the film and television industry. Gabrielle is currently working on her first novel while bouncing around NYC performing spoken word and trying to stick it to the man.

gabby has written 102 articles for us.

18 Comments

  3. I’m telling you, when people start voting democrat here of all places, you know something is up. So happy she got in! I’ll definitely keep an eye on her career.

  4. I don’t really follow Texas state politics, so thanks for writing about her! It’s great to see young queer candidates being successful.

  5. ps- she’s kinda cute in that “I was in a sorority and now I’m a political figure” sort of way, no?

    • I thought the same thing! She’s totally cute. And smart. And political. Watch out Rachel Maddow, I’ve got a new crush.

  6. Totally cute! And brilliant too I’m sure :) probs need to seek her out – us lesbian doctoral poc should stick together. Also, watch out Texas = next big swing state. Give it a few more years.

  8. HOPE! And you’re right – she makes me want to get involved in politics! (but then I remember my criminal record and all the naked pictures of me on the internet)

  14. I am barely getting a chance to come back to reality after the campaign and catching up on some reading. This article might be one of the most “real” pieces about the me and the race. Thank you for honoring the multiple identities that are part of me.

    In Solidarity,
    Mary

    PS- I actually identify as Pansexual/Queer. :)

    • Wow, hi! I just made edits to the article regarding how you identify, thank you for clarifying. Congratulations again and thanks for being awesome!

      -Carrie (Autostraddle Managerette)

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