(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — State Sen. Mike Simmons, the first openly gay member of the Illinois Senate, talked about his experience Tuesday, which was National Coming Out Day.
Simmons, of Chicago's North Side, said he hopes to be an inspiration to the LGBTQ+ community, especially to those who have not come out.
He said he understands the challenges of coming out but added that it can be a rewarding and liberating experience, as well.
"Anybody who currently is not out, I would encourage them to embrace it, to come out,” Simmons said. “I can tell you from my own personal experience that — and I know that this sounds cliché — but it gets better."
"I can honestly say to anybody out there listening that after I did it, I never regretted it," he said. "I always felt like it brought me closer to the people around me.”
Simmons added that he’s not just a trailblazer in Illinois.
“I’m only the third openly gay, Black state senator in the United States,” Simmons said. “Just think about that for a second. In 2021 I was sworn in — only the third Black gay person to set foot in the upper chamber of state government in the entire country.”
He called it long overdue “that we have that representation.”
Simmons told the "Sound of the State" podcast that being the first openly gay member of the Illinois Senate has given him a unique opportunity to represent the LGBTQ+ community in his district and across the state.
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