Seriously? Georgia?

I swear, you can almost knock me down with a feather. Georgia just elected an African-American lesbian to its legislature. GEORGIA. Red state Georgia. Georgia on my mind Georgia. Home of Georgia peaches Georgia. As progressive as the city of Atlanta maybe, I still didn't think I'd see the day when this would happen. The rural areas of Georgia (and many residents of Hot-lanta itself) are very conservative so this victory is indeed a milestone. And I'm very happy it's finally happened.

Simone Bell is the woman that is making history. Her victory in a run-off election for the Atlanta area Georgia State Assembly seat is making news all across the country. But she remains very humble even after her win. “The historical aspect of this was never my goal. In fact, someone only brought that to my attention midway through the campaign.”

What is also very astounding to hear is that there was no organized opposition or smear campaigns on her candidacy centered on her sexual orientation. According to Bell, “Our district is very diverse and progressive in a lot of different ways, so attacking an LGBT candidate in this way wouldn’t have run well in this particular district."

As a state legislator, Bell said she would be focused on fighting further cuts in education and transportation in the state budget. Regarding LGBT issues, “We don’t have a lot of votes in the state legislature to do any progressive work, but in terms of being on the offense, I plan to work with the movable middle to work on making Georgia a better place" she said. "And I will fight hard against any legislation to take rights away from us on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Way to go Georgia and way to go Simone Bell. Congratulations!!!