US: Oklahoma trans policewoman runs for State House
An Oklahoma transgender policewoman has announced that she will run for election to the state’s House of Representatives.
Paula Sophia, who previously served in the army, joined the Oklahoma City Police Department in 1992, and was at the centre of a high-profile legal battle with the force in 2001 after transitioning to female.
She retired from the force today, to dedicate herself full-time to campaigning for the Democratic nomination.
According to KFOR, she said: “I was a community oriented police officer, now I’m going to be a community oriented legislature.
“I’ve been passionate throughout my entire career in law enforcement about helping people in their day to day lives.
“I have a deep concern about peace and justice, about respecting the dignity of every human being and I still deeply believe in those issues.”
“People will talk, you know… I’m not worried about it.”
Sophia, who is in the running to be the 88th District Representative, will be the first ever trans Representative if she succeeds.
She will first face the June 24 Democratic primary, and if successful will run in the November 4 election.
