It’s hard to be taken seriously when you’re young. It’s especially hard when you’re young and running for public office.

When Evan Low won his Campbell City Council seat in November of 2006, it wasn’t just the fact that he is openly gay that made headlines – nor was it the fact that he was the first Asian American in his California city to do so. But when people caught wind of a newly elected, 23-year-old, openly gay Asian American city councilmember, well, let’s just say a few heads turned as a new breed of politician was born.

Today, nearly two years after his election, even after growing into a well-known Democratic Party leader, Low admits people are still not entirely comfortable with his age. “People often joke and say that they have ties and shoes older than me,” says the now 24 year old.

But he challenges the logic of those who question his experience. “At the age of 18, we arguably, in this nation, will trust a young person to make the ultimate sacrifice with their life in serving in the armed forces, defending our country against foreign enemies. That has a greater responsibility, I would argue, than serving on City Council.”

Read GayPolitics.com’s interview with Councilmember Low below:

GP: You were elected at the age of 23. Has being young been an obstacle in your community work? Has it been an obstacle in your political work?

EL: I find being young is an added value. It’s an enhanced value. We bring our fresh ideals, our energy. I bring that perspective to the table when talking about new ideas. We’re going to face new challenges. Things are constantly changing and evolving. We need to be adaptive. We need to have new solutions to these perpetual problems that we all face. Having that perspective is very important.

It has been a particular challenge because of the issue of credibility. An individual with gray hair would traditionally be seen as more credible than someone like me. But what is important is to really think about the content and perspective that one brings to the table. I think it’s important to have a young person part of the discussion because it’s an investment in the future. Why not include those who are going to be part of this dialogue and this process? It will affect us all. So when we are talking about policies relating to seniors and health care, my generation is going to be paying for this and we too will eventually be there 30 to 40 years down the line. We have an inherent investment in the future. Why not have us involved in the process earlier rather than later. Once we turn 18, they are old enough to vote and pay taxes. So why not get us involved at an earlier age?

GP: What inspired you to seek public office?

EL: Elected officials often talk about public safety, traffic congestion etc. Some people may even be running on those priorities. But I have to ask what is the fire in the belly? What drives that person? Sure I care about those same things that everyone cares about in our respective communities, but I’m also driven by involvement within the various constituencies of under-served communities. Before me, there had never been an Asian American appointed or elected in my city’s history. Campbell City happened to have the youngest population of the 15 cities in our county.

GP: As a young, openly gay Asian American, you defy the traditional model of an elected official. How are elected officials like you changing the face of the political process?

EL: It’s important to understand the personal challenges we face. When people read about discrimination in marriage or in regards to blood donations – whatever the issue may be – it’s important to have that personal connection by putting a face and a name to these issues. You know, when people read about these issues they are kind of obscure; they are kind of general. But if they read about these issues after hearing about how a friend or colleague was discriminated against, I think people can relate a little more. That’s how we can create discussion and win the battles that our friend’s face, that I face, that our community faces.

GP: We noticed you’ve recently been appointed to the Rules Committee for the Democratic National Convention. As an up-and-coming political figure with an already impressive record, what can you tell us about your future political aspirations?

EL: As long as there are opportunities that are present, I certainly will pursue them. It’s really about getting other people involved. That’s the fundamental, underlying principle that I have. It’s about bringing people into the process. So when I leave city council, I want to make sure that not only can I get myself replaced, but also make sure that more people are part of the process. Hopefully, when I leave there may be 3, 4 or 5 other members of the community from under-represented groups who will have a voice at the table. It’s about bringing others along. I would say I would not have done my job well if I haven’t brought others into the process.

GP: Your list of accomplishments and awards is exceptionally vast for a young professional. What keeps you motivated? Any advice for those who may follow in your footsteps?

EL: Most people wonder why it is that young people aren’t voting; why it is that young people feel disconnected. Well, it’s because elected officials often aren’t talking to the issues of the younger generation. It’s so important to get them engaged at an earlier stage.

As a young person, it’s important to find a mentor, someone to show the ropes and guide you. It’s also important to have a good network of people you can trust. Everyone has those tough days when we need people that we can rely on.