Maura Healey, First Lesbian Governor, Sworn In

Maura Healey’s election to Governor of Massachusetts was a first for the nation and for the state. Being the first woman governor of Massachusetts is a big enough event on its own, but in addition, she and Tina Kotek of Oregon are the United States’ first out lesbian governors.

This is not the first time Maura Healey has made history as a lesbian in elected office. Her previous tenure as Attorney General of Massachusetts was as the first out lesbian—and the first out queer person in general—to hold that position.

Healey’s campaign for this position was built almost entirely on investing back in the people of her state. Altering laws surrounding tax credits for children, providing affordable housing, expanding employment opportunities, and fighting climate change while keeping utility bills low, all ranked in her top priorities while running, according to her website.

In her inaugural address, she proclaimed a deep love for her state and its potential while highlighting the issues she swore to work on. She proposed a program called MassReconnect, which would offer free community college to students over 25 without a degree.

In addition, she promised to—and did—sign an executive order creating the position of Climate Chief, a cabinet-level position, and the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience. She said there was no time to delay their response to what she called “Massachusetts’ greatest challenge.”

As Attorney General, Maura Healey fought back against the Trump administration’s Islamophobic and queerphobic policies, and she promises to continue this while Governor. She aims to adopt gender-neutral markers on more official documents, push for inclusive sex education, ban the “panic defense,” and more.

If her previous work as Attorney General is anything to go by, Healey could prove to be a non-controversial, effective Governor that makes real, tangible improvements for the people of her state. She has already made history by being elected. This is only the start.