Emma Curtis Makes History as First Transgender Member of Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council

Lexington, Ky. — On Tuesday evening, Emma Curtis was announced as the next council member for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council. While watching the results at Greyline Station, Curtis expressed her aspirations to inspire others, stating, “I couldn’t see a transgender person standing up, being themselves, and succeeding right here in my community.” She makes history as the first transgender individual to hold this position.

Curtis, who identifies as a community and LGBTQ advocate, emphasized that her goal is not to just be a trailblazer but to serve the community she holds dear. She reflected on her past, saying, “When I was a young person in the difficult position that a lot of trans folks find themselves in — of not having access to safe and affordable housing — I came and crashed with my friends Erin and Jessica in the fourth council district.” This experience, she notes, profoundly impacted her life amidst her transition and journey after college.

As she prepares to represent the 4th district, Curtis is committed to being a voice for her constituents, particularly for youth confronting discrimination. “I hope that I’m able to provide some of that visibility for some of the kids who after being dealt blow after blow by discriminatory politicians trying to tell them all the things they can and can’t be. But I hope they know they have a home here in Lexington and a future here in Lexington,” she remarked.

Curtis’s campaign was ignited by personal tragedy, following the death of a close friend in December due to a traffic accident in a crosswalk. This loss fuelled her determination to address crucial issues within Fayette County, including road safety, affordable housing, and improved living conditions.

“It’s important for me to show up and advocate for Lexington because whatever happens on the state level, whatever happens on the national level, here in Lexington we can show that we love our neighbors and we treat others the way we would like to be treated,” Curtis concluded.