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Born in Vermont, Deuso has lived in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, since 2007. She describes herself as a scientist, businesswoman, and advocate for marginalized communities, and she serves on the boards for the Pennsylvania Equality Project, Emerge Pennsylvania, and PFLAG West Chester\/Chester County. She is also an Executive Committee member for Chester County Democratic Committee.<\/p>\n
Similar to the campaign run by Sarah McBride<\/a>, the first out trans member of Congress, Deuso did not campaign on her gender identity or with a focus on LGBTQ+ issues. But her campaign still received some hate. \u201cI\u2019m not running on being trans, that\u2019s not something I ever do or ever wanted to do,\u201d Deuso told the Philadelphia Inquirer<\/a>. \u201cI wanted to make it about the neighbors. It\u2019s the other side making it about who I am, my identity.\u201d<\/p>\n Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Deuso addressed some online harassment but mostly waited for opportunities to have \u201ctrue conversations\u201d about her identity with people face-to-face. Some groups, such as Turning Point Action Pennsylvania<\/a>, sought to sabotage her campaign, but she triumphed despite the hate.<\/p>\n Her platform focused on improving traffic control, combating domestic violence, promoting sustainable infrastructure and flood mitigation, and bringing people together in community spaces.<\/p>\n One of the Downingtown mayor\u2019s primary responsibilities is to oversee the police department. Deuso plans to address mental health concerns in the force and has promised not to sign any agreement between the Downingtown Police and ICE<\/a>.<\/p>\n Deuso was endorsed by the local Democratic party and defeated a primary challenger<\/a>, Barry Cassidy, back in May. Her predecessor, Democrat Phil Dague, chose not to run for a second term<\/a>, having served in local government for eleven years.<\/p>\n Deuso was also endorsed by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. \u201cWith Erica Deuso\u2019s election, Downingtown has made history\u2014and sent a message far beyond Pennsylvania,\u201d said President & CEO Evan Low in a statement. \u201cAs one of the few out transgender mayors elected in America, Erica\u2019s leadership will inspire trans youth across the country who are looking for hope in a time of relentless attacks. Her victory proves that when we lead with authenticity, empathy, and vision, communities respond with trust and support.\u201d<\/p>\n Janelle Perez, Executive Director of LPAC, who also endorsed Deuso, celebrated the victory: \u201cDowningtown voters delivered a resounding message today, affirming that Erica represents the inclusive, forward-looking leadership their community deserves, while rejecting the transphobic rhetoric that has become far too common across the country. Throughout her campaign, Erica demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her future constituents and the issues that matter most to them.\u201d<\/p>\n The first out trans mayor in the United States was Stu Rasmussen, who was elected to mayor of Silverton, Oregon, in 2008. She had also been mayor from 1984 to 1992, but had not come out yet.<\/p>\n
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