Long-time activist Holly Ryan is now councilor-elect Holly Ryan, having won an uncontested election to fill the seat vacated by Cheryl Lappin.
Councilor-elect Ryan will be the first out LGTBQ+ City Councilor (or Alderman) in city history. She says, though, “I’m a person who’s running for Ward 8 who happens to be trans.” She does recognize the historic moment, noting, “When a trans person gets into a position like this, elected by her constituents, it legitimizes who we are.”
Councilor-elect Ryan is looking forward to working hard to make sure zoning reform works for her Ward 8 constituents and to expanding workforce and affordable housing. “People who work here should be able to live here.”
Another priority will be making the city’s LGBTQ+ services, which she’s worked hard to get the city to provide, more visible. “Most people don’t even know they exist.”
Is she nervous about the new gig? “I’m really not a nervous person. I like a new challenge.”
