There are 236 members of the Georgia State Assembly, only one of whom is openly LGBT.  The Georgia disctrict with the highest LGBT population might be able to double that number in the near future if advocate-turned-candidate Simone Bell is elected.  But the significance of the race won’t be limited to Georgia.  Simone would be the first openly lesbian African American elected to any state legislature.

Simone brings decades of advocacy experience to this campaign, including work with Lambda Legal and the Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative.  GayPolitics.com interviewed Simone to learn more about her historic candidacy and what her election would mean for her district.

GayPolitics: Considering your district has a large LGBT population, do you think District 58’s Rep should feel compelled to represent their interests?

Simone Bell: I think all Reps in every district should feel compelled to represent the interests of all voters in the District. District 58 definitely has a large LGBT voting population and the person who represents the district should absolutely represent LGBT interests and understand that LGBT issues fall into the overall issues of access to accessible and affordable healthcare, better education, stronger families and communities, jobs, public safety and so on.

GP: Why do you think now is the right time to transition from advocacy and activism to direct participation in the Assembly?

SB: I’ve been an advocate and activist for 20 years and have been successful on many levels.  I am now ready to bring together all aspects of my social justice and equality work and make a difference on a larger level by actually taking a seat at the table of decision making.  We need additional progressive voices in the Georgia General Assembly and I am passionate, prepared and committed to being that voice for the voters of District 58.

GP: How do the lessons you’ve learned in LGBT advocacy apply to your broader political goals?

SB: The greatest lesson I can take from my LGBT advocacy into my broader political goals is to understand that the work of representing the interests of many is both an honor and responsibility that should not be taken lightly.  The good work that I accomplish affects the everyday lives of the people I fight for. It is long term work that is demanding and challenging.  It is work that must be done from an organizer’s point of view – one that seeks to build relationships and find common ground within the issues to bring about effective change that transforms people’s awareness of their right to have a voice in the process.

GP: Your southern pride is evident.  What do you love most about being a southerner?

SB: The south has a rich history filled with pain and glory.  I love that in so many ways the people of the south were never meant to survive, but we do.  I love the richness of southern culture – familial connections, delicious food, the pace of life, and our ability to withstand in the face of what often feels like insurmountable odds.  What I love most is that I know I can make a difference in the south where resources are scarce and progressive voices are needed.  I am a Southerner by choice!

GP: What drew you to the General Assembly?  Why not any other political office?

SB: As I have worked on a variety of social justice issues and issues of equality it is evident that in order to move our state forward we must have progressive voices in the legislator.  People look at Georgia and most think of Atlanta and all of its big city charm.  What most people never consider is that Atlanta is like a piece of rice in the state of Georgia.  Atlanta is definitely the economic center of the state and yet most of our state is rural, dependant on farming and has less access to resources.  Georgia has some of the fastest growing rates of HIV/AIDS, diabetes and other health issues.  Too many of our children are lagging behind in education and resources to support our family structures are being cut yearly.  These are issues that are addressed on the state level and they are what draw me to the General Assembly.

GP: How do you keep the campaign about the issues when opponents try to smear you for your sexuality?

SB: I am working to represent the voice of the people in District 58.  Our district is beautifully diverse, filled with hardworking and engaged voters who love their communities and want to continue on the road of progress.  That is my focus in this campaign.  I am passionate, prepared and committed to continue to work hard for all of the people when I reach the General Assembly as I have for the past twenty years.  My sexuality is not a barrier to reaching my goals and I believe the people of District 58 will not allow it to be a barrier to reaching their goals.

GP: How do you manage an expensive, demanding campaign in a poor economy?

SB: While our current economic situation truly puts a damper on giving in all areas, I trust that there are those who remain committed to electing progressive voices that are committed and prepared to work in the General Assembly.  I trust that the broad issues that I have worked on and will continue to work on will bring in a broad range of support from many areas.  I am a grassroots organizer and am quite familiar with getting the job done with a scarce amount of resources.

Simone Bell’s election is November 3.  Visit her candidate profile at Victoryfund.org to learn more about helping her win.