<—PREVIOUS NEXT —>
SIMONE BELL
Becoming the first African-American lesbian to serve in a U.S. state legislature is obviously a notable accomplishment. But Simone Bell isn’t content to sit still under the Gold Dome with her hands under her lap accepting accolades for making history. She’s a born fighter with years of community organizing and activism in her blood, and she’s taken that spirit to the political world.
After serving a partial term after winning last year’s election in a runoff, Bell was unopposed this time around and begins her first full term as a state representative. And she’ll continue to stand up when needed, ready to be the voice her district—and our community—needs.
Why did you become a community organizer and activist?
Helping people period and helping others who don’t have a voice. That’s always been a part of my makeup. If things are happening, we gotta do something about it. I’m really a cause person. I feel like there’s a place to share love. When you live your life 100% of who you are, that’s kind of an activism within itself.
What do you wish LGBT individuals would do more of to better themselves and their community?
We have so far to go in America. I just hope that I can be the littlest piece of sand to help us get there. To be engaged is how we can help ourselves. We have to be part of the conversation. It doesn’t mean that everyone has to be out on the streets, everyone can do it in a different way. We can’t give up.
For more information see AN AMERICAN TALE: SIMONE BELL
