The Boone County Courthouse in Columbia, Missouri
The Boone County, Missouri Democratic Party elected a transgender person to their Central Committee for the first time.
Boone County is located in the middle of Missouri, a historically red state. Boone County is home to Columbia, which is the state’s fourth largest city. Columbia is also the location of the University of Missouri.
The transgender elected official is remaining anonymous for the time being.
Language changes
In July, the Committee amended its bylaws to include more gender-neutral language.
‘In addition to precinct representation, the bylaws of the Boone County Democratic Party Central Committee reflect a change in language recognizing all members as “committee persons” regardless of gender,’ a 24 August statement reads.
‘The removal of gender-specific language recognizes transgender and nonbinary persons who wish to serve on the committee. The terminology “persons of different genders” ensures the Committee’s accessibility.’
‘Changing the language within our bylaws affirms our commitment to our fellow Democrats of all identities and encourages diverse political participation at the local level,’ party chair Lyra Noce said.
As of 25 August, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) also updated the language of their charter to be more gender-inclusive.
Anything else?
Back in 2014, Boone County allowed a lesbian couple to get divorced, despite the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.
