Retired Band Teacher Makes History as Kansas’s First Transgender Legislator, Nation’s First Transgender Lawmaker of Indigenous Ancestry
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Stephanie Byers never intended to embark on a political career, as it was not part of her plan after retiring from a 29-year career as a high school band teacher. However, her friends convinced her to enter the world of politics, and she grasped the significance of this decision.
Byers shared with the Wichita Eagle, "This provides me with an opportunity to use my voice and make a tangible difference in people’s lives."
On Tuesday night, history was made as Byers became Kansas’s first transgender legislator and the nation’s first transgender lawmaker of Indigenous heritage. According to local sources, Byers secured 55 percent of the vote in her Democratic-leaning district.
Currently, there are only four transgender state legislators across the country. By January, Byers will stand alongside Sarah McBride, who won her race for the Delaware state Senate, and Taylor Small, who defeated her opponent to secure a seat in the Vermont state House. Byers, as a member of the Chickasaw Nation, holds the distinction of being the first transgender individual with Native ancestry as well as the first transgender person of color to win a state legislative seat in the United States.
While Byers hoped that voters would support her based on her overall character rather than solely focusing on her gender identity, she also did not shy away from embracing her true self.
Byers explained in a campaign video, "All politics are somewhat related to identity politics. It’s about how much candidates can showcase their true selves and demonstrate how they can effectively represent the people that choose to hire them."
In 2014, after years of teaching under the name "Mr. Byers" in her band class, she came out as a transgender woman. Her colleagues and students overwhelmingly supported her transition, as reported by the Wichita Eagle. Two years later, she was honored with the Educator of the Year award by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, after being nominated by her school’s principal.
It was only after leaving the classroom that Byers began contemplating the politics of education, including persistently inadequate funding for schools. Byers shared, "During my time as a teacher, I did not have much opportunity to speak out and say, ‘Hey, this is not right.’ So when I retired, that was one of the thoughts that lingered in my mind."
Now on her way to Topeka, Byers plans to advocate for proper school funding and improved working conditions for teachers, including higher salaries. Her website emphasizes the importance of exceptional educators in providing a valuable education and states, "Kansas children deserve the highest quality education possible."
On the evening of the election, Byers monitored the results alongside her wife of five years, Lori Haas, by a fire pit in their backyard. A video captured Byers receiving a phone call after nightfall, presumably from her campaign staff. As the first-time candidate realizes her victory, her eyes well up with tears, and she becomes emotional as she reflects on the race and the journey that led her here.
She said, "One of the reasons I ran was to bring about change in the world."
Discover the comprehensive coverage of the 46 races that have the potential to transform the education system in the United States in the aftermath of the 2020 Election Day. Stay informed about the latest updates on state policies and the challenges faced by students during the pandemic by subscribing to Newsletter.
