13 diversity
Red & Black
19 February 2022
Tammy Baldwin makes Strides
Courtesy Kamil Krzacynski, UPI.com
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin speaks at the campaign rally for Wisconsin Democrats in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 26, 2018
Vaishnavi Peyyety Contributing Writer
Wisconsin senator Tammy Baldwin becoming the first openly gay individual elected to the United States Senate has made significant strides for the LGBTQ+ community. She “ran to make a difference and not to make history” as one of several gay and lesbian candidates in legislation (Grinberg). Her ability to stand her ground and be transparent about her sexuality, which the public is known to scrutinize, is truly empowering. This term she is working towards “spearheading legislation to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ Americans” (North). This noble cause follows the 2015 Supreme Court decision that allows LGBTQ people to marry the partner of their choice but fails to protect them from discrimination in the work place, job market or even while sitting down to eat at a restaurant (North). Even though
the Employment Non-Discrimination Act never passed Congress, Baldwin is ambitious to fight for legislation that covers work and other parts of life where LGBTQ+ people are mistreated. Baldwin knows that the bill most probably will not pass the Republicancontrolled Senate but she still strive to make LGBTQ+ struggles part of the national conversation. Baldwin’s election has had several positive effects on the way elections are viewed, not only in terms of LGTBQ+ rights but also for women’s rights. People are hopeful that more women in Congress “will change the discussion of policies affecting women and families” (Grinberg). This further relates to the well-founded research that “women in leadership leads to better outcomes for the community” (Grinberg). In an interview with Anna North, Tammy Baldwin mentions how the first opportunity for women to be firefighters was very significant and how this sort of “critical mass makes a difference” (North). Baldwin’s work so far proves to be promising as we move into a more inclusive and diverse world.
Courtesy Kamil Krzacynski, UPI.com
Tammy Baldwin arrives on stage before speaking at the campaign rally for Wisconsin Democrats in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 26, 2018
