Transgender MLA aims to bring about change in justice and health care systems

Logan Oxenham is celebrating a number of firsts this month. He was elected for the first time on October 3 in Manitoba's legislative assembly, running with the New Democrats. His victory, at the age of 46, is also considered historic as he is believed to be the first transgender person elected at the provincial level in Manitoba and possibly in Canada. He also had his first suit fitted.

In a recent interview about his election win, Oxenham said, "I feel honored. I feel like I now have an opportunity to really amplify voices that traditionally weren't heard in places like the legislature." Transgender individuals and those with diverse gender identities have been underrepresented in political positions at all levels of government for a long time. Jamie Lee Hamilton was the first transgender person to run unsuccessfully for Vancouver City Council in 1996, paving the way for public office in Canada. Since then, a small number of transgender and non-binary individuals have put their names on the ballot, but few have been elected. Logan Oxenham's victory marks continued progress for transgender individuals in Canadian politics and government institutions.

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