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# Mauree Turner is the first non-binary lawmaker in the US
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/mauree-turner-is-the-first-non-binary-lawmaker-in-the-us/
- Published: 2020-11-09T09:59:28.000Z
- Updated: 2020-11-09T09:59:28.000Z
- Description: Mauree Turner, 27, is the first non-binary lawmaker in US history after they won an election for the state house in Oklahoma’s 88th District.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: Election Special, News, Politics, LGBTQ, LGBTQ Victory Fund, Non-binary, Oklahoma, Sarah McBride, Trans, US Elections 2020

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/maureeturner-scaled-1.jpg)

**Mauree Turner**, 27, is the first non-binary lawmaker in **US** history after they won an election for the state house in **Oklahoma’s 88th District** which covers Oklahoma City. Turner, who is also the first Muslim lawmaker in the state, won against Republican candidate, **Kelly Barlean**, with over 70% of the vote. Their campaign was focused on reformation of the prison system which they argued is *“built on revenge and punishment rather than rehabilitation”.*

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/mauree-turner.jpg)

Prior to the election, Turner told [**HuffPost**](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/mauree-turner-wins-oklahoma-first-muslim-lawmaker%5Fn%5F5f8f25f9c5b6dc2d17faca32?ri18n=true&ncid=engmodushpmg00000004&ref=scenemag.co.uk): *“I’m Black, Muslim, femme, queer, born and raised in Oklahoma — politics was the last thing in my crosshairs.”* Many are celebrating their win and its implications for LGBTQ+ and non-binary rights. **Annise Parker**, of **LGBTQ+ Victory Fund**, [said](https://victoryfund.org/news/mauree-turner-to-become-first-non-binary-state-legislator-wins-state-house-seat-in-oklahoma/?ref=scenemag.co.uk): *“Of all the states to achieve a milestone political moment for non-binary people, few would have thought it would be Oklahoma, where there are so few LGBTQ+ elected officials. Mauree is now a trailblazer for non-binary people and their courage to run openly will inspire more non-binary people to pursue careers in elected office.”*

Turner’s victory comes in a record-breaking year for [LGBTQ+ candidates](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/us-elections-queer-candidates-win-historic-victories/) in the US. **Sarah McBride**, the new senator for Delaware, has made history as the first out trans legislator in federal office and the highest ranking trans politician in the US. **Mondaire Jones** of New York’s 17th District and **Ritchie Torres** of the Bronx also became the first out LGBTQ+ people of colour elected to Congress.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sarah_mcbride-1-1.jpg)

Delaware senator Sarah McBride