On Thursday, March 25, Nevada Assemblywoman Sarah Peters came out as pansexual during a speech as part of LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week.
Celebrating the progress her state has made towards the acceptance and equal rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, Peters said:
"Today, as a pansexual, cisgender woman, I stand out for equity and remind us to be inclusive in our LGBT+ community as we work to make Nevada a more equitable place."
Didn't get a chance to tweet this earlier, but during the assembly floor session Assemblywoman Sarah Peters rose in… https://t.co/EfeBOjMOHt— Tabitha Mueller (@Tabitha Mueller) 1616707599.0
Though Peters was quick to not identifying as LGBTQ+ is perfectly normal, she was praised on social media for her courage.
Hi. Being celebrated for my queerness is weird. Being bisexual and pansexual comes with so much guilt and questioni… https://t.co/fAIoYH8Pl9— Sarah Peters (@Sarah Peters) 1616720616.0
Represent, @VoteSarahPeters! ❤️💛💚💙💜 https://t.co/IRCDWN9byM— Out Magazine (@Out Magazine) 1617049500.0
It's easy to spot when progressives are changing the world, because my conservative-leaning social circle clutches… https://t.co/AbBnXOrJFW— Bantlebroth🔞 (@Bantlebroth🔞) 1616778275.0
Many online were glad to see LGBTQ+ youth would have another role model to look up to.
@nvassemblydems @VoteSarahPeters Hooray! I wish she was my assembly person!— Michelle Poe (@Michelle Poe) 1616982065.0
@nvassemblydems @VoteSarahPeters Thank you :)— Rydkulas (@Rydkulas) 1617037471.0
Yessss I’m so proud of her! 💗 https://t.co/Sq7My926Xx— kat ❥ (@kat ❥) 1616869655.0
The LGBTQ+ advocacy group Silver State Equality issued a statement saying:
"We are so happy for assemblywoman Peters as she takes this courageous step and shares her identity with her colleagues and the world."
"In doing so, she's sending a message to LGBT+ people everywhere — especially LGBT+ young people — that pansexual people belong everywhere, including in the Nevada Legislature."
"Silver State Equality is proud to join assemblywoman Peters's colleagues in wishing her joy and happiness today, and we look forward to working together to create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people."
BRAVA!!! https://t.co/sMNCiqSt3f— CLEHIV (@CLEHIV) 1616816892.0
Bold leadership. #RepresentationMatters https://t.co/76gJQtLX49— Selena Torres (@Selena Torres) 1616728332.0
I've been open about my identity to anyone who asked. Today I put it on the record! Thank you for your support of o… https://t.co/sYaUp6MZwt— Sarah Peters (@Sarah Peters) 1616720247.0
Praise for Peters' courage poured in from all over the internet.
"Coming out is a personal journey for everyone. We are so happy for @VoteSarahPeters as she takes this courageous s… https://t.co/FBdneikQEc— Silver State Equality (@Silver State Equality) 1617041375.0
The comments for something like this are sadly predictable. Representation is very important. It gives younger gene… https://t.co/FB43N9bNC8— AJ (@AJ) 1616873189.0
@News3LV Cool- live your best life!— my dog is a nihilist (@my dog is a nihilist) 1616789115.0
Good on her! Nevada lawmaker Sarah Peters comes out as pansexual in moving speech https://t.co/g7rtDBVAZs— 😷 Mx. Scott Kelley Ernest 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ (@😷 Mx. Scott Kelley Ernest 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️) 1617038198.0
The United States is filled with amazing diversity and it's vital for politicians to reflect that reality.