SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The state’s largest LGBTQ rights group is congratulating two candidates for historic elections this week.
Equality Illinois is celebrating Alana Giselle Banks and Kristal Larson’s election victories.
The LGBTQ rights group said Banks will be the first black, transgender woman in the country to serve on a public school board when she is seated next month, along with the other new members of the Decatur District 61 Board of Education.
Meanwhile, Larson won the race for clerk of Avon Township in Lake County on Tuesday.
She is the first out transgender person to be elected to a township office in the state.
Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson said transgender people are severely underrepresented in all levels of government and such elections will inspire more to run for office.