A transgender public official is breaking new ground after becoming the first Black transgender to take office in Cook County, IL.
Precious Brady-Davis was tapped to become commissioner for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) on July 12, according to the Book Club Chicago.
The new commissioner has been assigned to the role where she will work to implement new policies and oversee a budget for the agency that manages wastewater and stormwater in the area.
“Climate change is here, and we need action now,” Brady-Davis said, adding that “Trans lives matter, right, and that trans people deserve to lead and to serve, and that’s what today is about.”
Following the announcement, a wave of state and local leaders supported the LGBTQ+ rights activist, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who said that he is “proud to appoint her to this essential role and hope that Black, trans youth across Illinois see a role model for civic engagement and service to others.”
He added: “The appointment of a lifelong advocate and trailblazer like Precious Brady-Davis will bring another fierce voice in defense of environmental justice and equity to the MWRD board.”
Brady-Davis has long been known to be a staunch advocate for environmental activism.
“There’s been a lack of infrastructure, and I’m looking for ways to support those communities through green infrastructure,” she told ABC 7.
And former Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot said “Today is an important milestone to celebrate, but we also need to make sure that Precious gets on the ballot, has the resources she needs, and we are not complacent on the sidelines.”
Brady-Davis will succeed former Commissioner Kim du Buclet.
According to the LGBTQ Victory Institute’s “Out for America 2020, “843 LGBTQ people currently serve in elected offices across the United States, constituting a 21 percent increase since June 2019.”
