The national gay and lesbian news magazine “The Advocate” names Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin as its person of the year.
Baldwin became the first openly gay U.S. senator in the nation when she was sworn in Thursday.
The Madison native previously served 14 years in the U.S. house, representing south central Wisconsin. Baldwin told the magazine that she believes gays and lesbians do not have to limit their aspirations in society anymore.
Baldwin was inspired by Geraldine Ferraro, who had become the first woman ever nominated for vice president on a major party’s ticket. Baldwin tells the Advocate she hopes her own achievement will have a similar “ripple effect.”
Baldwin is also the first woman to become a U.S. senator from Wisconsin.
According to the Advocate, Baldwin acknowledges that her identity as a woman and a lesbian will be one of the essential perspectives she brings to the Senate.
