"To all of the young people who think that they have to choose between going to church or honoring who they are as a person - their sexual orientation or their gender expression - you don't have to. There are many churches who will welcome you with open arms. I as a Christian will welcome you with open arms."
-CO state Rep. Leslie Herod
I met this amazing woman several years ago through my interactions with the National Black Justice Coalition, and was pleased and proud when she was elected to the Colorado House back in the 2016 election cycle.
Herod also made some history when she did so as the first out Black lesbian legislator in Colorado history.
She's now in her second term as the rep for HD-8, and if you aren't aware of it, Rep Leslie Herod (D-Denver) is all that and five bags of chips. Don't be surprised if you see her in a higher office someday
She took to the House floor to school some folks trying to use religious to fearmonger on HB19-1032, a comprehensive human sexuality education bill.
You can check out the link to her floor speech here.