The Philippines Just Elected Its First Out Transgender Person To Public Office

And, as polls close on Monday evening, it looks like Roman will be taking the seat.

At 94.83% of the national election returns processed, she leads with over 102,000 votes.

Roman is running on a Liberal Party ticket and gunning for the congressional seat in the province of Bataan previously held by her mother, Herminia Roman.

Roman has been a popular candidate, especially among low-income voters, whose planned policies include an expanded infrastructure and updated medical equipment at local hospitals in Bataan.

She also promised to take on the rigid gender identification laws in the Philippines.

“I am living proof that such a law will allow transgender people to pursue happiness and become productive citizens,” she told the AFP.

Source Buzzfeed