At least 1,334 LGBTQ+ people currently serve in elected office, but just a fraction, 63, identify as nonbinary, gender nonconforming or genderqueer. Eighteen of those representatives serve in state legislatures. Thats an achievement in growth over the past seven years, since the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute began tracking LGBTQ+ elected representation, but theres still a long way to go.According to the most recent data, nonbinary individuals represent around 11% of the LGBTQ+ community, making them heavily underrepresented among LGBTQ+ elected officials. Despite small numbers, their impact in politics is growing, especially at the state level, where their presence can shift narratives and policies. As legislative bodies and our federal government work to restrict identity to the gender binary, our nonbinary elected officials are showing up and standing up for diversity and equality in politics.These five out nonbinary LGBTQ+ elected officials are currently serving in state legislatures and will hopefully inspire others to follow in their path and serve their communities. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Lorena Austin, ArizonaArizona State Rep. Lorena Austin (D) | Campaign Photo State Rep. Lorena Austin (D) made history as the first nonbinary Chicane legislator in the country and the first out nonbinary legislator in Arizona. Their deep roots in the Mesa, Arizona, community they serve make them a powerful voice in the Arizona legislature, not just for LGBTQ+ people but for all communities. Austin has advocated for issues on education, affordable housing, community resources, health care, immigration, and LGBTQ+ rights.Izzy Smith-Wade-El, PennsylvaniaPennsylvania state Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El (D) | Campaign Photo State Rep. Izzy Smith-Wade-El (D) made history when elected to become the first out nonbinary member of the Pennsylvania state legislature. The Lancaster, PA, native served at the city level before joining the state legislature, where he helped to secure more investments in affordable housing and fought for police accountability. He has also championed bills that would protect LGBTQ+ students from gender-based discrimination and bullying, including a bill that would require gender-neutral bathrooms and locker rooms in schools undergoing new construction or renovation.SJ Howell, MontanaMontana State Rep. SJ Howell (D) | Campaign Photo Montana State Rep. SJ Howell (D) was one of the first two transgender lawmakers and the first nonbinary person elected to the Montana state legislature. Their presence has already made an incredible impact on the rights of LGBTQ+ Montanans. Howell made an impact this year when they were able to speak passionately on a bill that sought to grant the government the right to take transgender children away from their families. Howells speech flipped multiple republicans to vote against the bill and strike it down. Their work is exactly why representation matters, as it can change hearts, minds, and policies.Wick Thomas, MissouriMissouri state Rep. Wick Thomas (D) | Campaign Photo Missouri state Rep. Wick Thomas (D) is the first transgender nonbinary elected official in the Missouri legislature, and they use their platform and visibility to speak out against anti-LGBTQ+ bills. Thomas deep commitment to social justice, education, and community informs their legislative work to improve lives of all Missourians. They have also championed LGBTQ+ rights in their work, introducing a bill in the Missouri House to repeal the same-sex marriage ban.Emily Dievendorf, MichiganMichigan state Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D) | Campaign Photo State Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D) is a second-term representative in Michigan and the first out nonbinary representative in the state. A longtime equality advocate, Dievendorf previously led Equality Michigan and was appointed to the Michigan Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Dievendorf uses her legislative platform to champion progressive policies on equality, racial justice, and domestic violence.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.