Oregon's House To Become Fifth State Chamber With An Openly Gay Leader

Oregon's House has elected Rep. Tina Kotek as its first-ever openly lesbian speaker. Via Advocate:

Kotek told the AP that she knows her success as an openly lesbian official has inspired other LGBT people. "We all look for people out there who look like us," she said. "I have had emails and text messages from people who are very excited." Openly gay leaders will control legislative chambers in five states, according to the AP, up from two before the election last week. Senator Ed Murray, who is openly gay, was elected majority leader in neighboring Washington this week, while Rep. Mark Ferrandino was elected Colorado House speaker.