The 2018 midterm elections have set a new record for the amount of women, minorities and LGBTQIA representatives within the American government. A most notable win goes to Democrat Sharice Davids for the Kansas congressional seat. She is the first lesbian Native American woman elected to Congress. Along with Davids, Democrat Jared Polis of Colorado had a successful win on November 6th, as well. He became the nation’s first openly gay governor along with Colorado’s first Jewish governor. Polis was among the multiple LGBTQIA representatives that ran for governor this year and the progression of visibility continues.
Visibility and representation are so important in today’s political climate. The American public now has access to the news 24/7. Constantly reloading twitter feeds to see what the president of the free world has to say at 2am, anxiously waiting to watch our favorite comedian discuss current events on their late night talk show, and viewing celebrities advocate for civil rights movements on Instagram along with an advertisement for weight-lose tea. Youth are tuned-in to the political environment more than ever before and thus their identities and stories should be reflected through democracy.
For the young people of America struggling with their identity, having representatives within their identifiable communities in the House as well as Congress creates hope and understanding. “When people are able to see something represented, they are better able to understand and grasp who those people are, and this creates an important shift in the social consciousness to include people from a range of different backgrounds.” Having portrayals of the LGBTQIA community in the government and media gives those who identify with the community a sense of affirmation and self-worth. The mental health of women, minorities, LGBTQIA and religious groups relies on the recognition that their identities matter and their voices can be heard.
Mental Health and Addictions 