Michael Simmons has made history in Illinois , becoming the first LGBTQ+ senator serving in the state's legislature. The trailblazer, who was sworn in on Feb. 6, will fill the seat vacated by state Sen. Heather Steans and represent the 7th district, covering the North Side of Chicago . “While I don’t look like anyone this district has ever had as a legislator, I certainly look like tens of thousands of people who live here,” Simmons told The Daily Line. “Proudly Black, proudly gay, proudly the son of an immigrant.” Michael Simmons, a Gay, Black Man, Just Became Illinois’ First Openly LGBTQ+ State Senator https://t.co/RRyvUsElvd pic.twitter.com/w2C0sVDNPG — Queerly 🏳️🌈 📻 (@QueerlyRadio) February 11, 2021
