Mark Tendam, Evanston, Illinois’ first openly gay alderman, didn’t always think he was going to become a politician, according to the Daily Northwestern. However, the beauty of Evanston was always something of a draw to him, “I was fascinated by how you could walk to Howard Street and see Chicago on the other side” he said.

Tendam, who was elected to the Evanston City Council in April, started his career as a corporate graphic designer, but quickly became interested in the non-profit realm. While serving as Better Existence’s HIV Board’s President, Tendam joined Leadership Evanston, a local community-building organization that provides leadership development.

“It was never really an issue,” Tendam said of his sexual orientation during the campaign.  He and his partner have lived together in Evanston for 15 years.

Tendam says he’s been humbled by his experience so far on the council.  “One handicapped lady called the office, and we gave her a half-sized roller bin for recycling instead of her full sized one. This job has a lot of the big stuff and the little stuff.  Not so much in between,” said Tendam.

More than 340 openly LGBT elected officials serve at the local and municipal levels throughout the U.S.  You can find out more about Ald. Mark Tendam at his website.  Find out local officials in your state at this interactive map.