Mauree Turner, 27, is the first non-binary lawmaker in US history after they won an election for the state house in Oklahoma’s 88th District which covers Oklahoma City.
Turner, who is also the first Muslim lawmaker in the state, won against Republican candidate, Kelly Barlean, with over 70% of the vote.
Their campaign was focused on reformation of the prison system which they argued is “built on revenge and punishment rather than rehabilitation”.Prior to the election, Turner told HuffPost: “I’m Black, Muslim, femme, queer, born and raised in Oklahoma — politics was the last thing in my crosshairs.” Many are celebrating their win and its implications for LGBTQ+ and non-binary rights. Annise Parker, of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, said: “Of all the.