Fabian Nelson is ready to make history as Mississippi’s first LGBTQ state lawmaker
During the LGBTQ Victory Fund’s National Champagne Brunch Sunday morning in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade spoke with Fabian Nelson, a Black and gay Democratic candidate who could become the first out LGBTQ lawmaker ever to serve in the Mississippi Legislature.
Nelson will square off against two opponents from his party in the Aug. 8 primary. If successful, he would face a general election on Nov.
7, an easier gambit provided the seat to represent Mississippi’s 66th House District is solidly Democratic, Nelson said. Notwithstanding his electoral prospects, Nelson acknowledged the challenges with racism and homophobia that he has continued to contend with as a candidate, along with the hostile political environment in which he would serve if elected.
Still, he is optimistic about the trajectory of his campaign and for the potential to move Mississippi in a better direction. “I come from a family of a lot of ‘firsts,’” Nelson said.
