Andrea Marra running to become New York’s first trans elected official
She’s running for the state’s 13th District
Andrea Marra, an activist and transgender New Yorker, announced today (6 February) her candidacy for the New York State Senate.
She’s running for District 13, representing the borough Queens and neighborhoods like Astoria and Jackson Heights. Per the press release GSN obtained, 60% of residents identify as immigrants and there’s also a vibrant LGBTQ community.
In the race, she’s challenging Democrat incumbent José Peralta. He’s a member of the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC), a group of Democrats who support Republican leadership in the Senate.
Marra describes Peralta as a ‘turncoat’.
‘We need new, honest leadership to protect and expand affordable housing; modernize the broken MTA; deliver the funding our schools need and deserve; and invest in New York’s overburdened public hospitals, including Elmhurst Hospital,’ she stated.
‘Why I call Queens home’
Marra’s parents adopted her from South Korea. She grew up in the Capital Region of New York.
After graduating from high school, she moved to New York City to intern for an LGBTQ organization. Then she attended Pace University.
Her career in activism has included being a senior media strategist at GLAAD and working on public relations for GLSEN.
The primary is on 11 September and if she ultimately wins, she’ll be the first transgender elected official in the state. She will also be the first Asian American elected to the New York State Senate.
‘The authenticity and experiences of the people who reside in our community are daily reminders of why I call Queens home,’ she said.
Marra moved to Queens in 2009.
‘In this dangerous Trump era, Queens needs a driven and experienced state senator who will work alongside the community to improve our quality of life and ensure New York truly becomes a progressive and Democratic state. As my campaign advances I look forward to meeting more of my neighbors, listening to their specific concerns and engaging a network of donors excited to support my candidacy.’
She joins several other LGBTQ candidates running this year.
Words by Anya Crittenton
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Originally published at www.gaystarnews.com on February 6, 2018.
