Transgender Virginia Delegate Danica Roem & Demi Lovato Attend The 2017 AMAs

Newly elected Virginia state delegate Danica Roem attended the 2017 AMAs with Demi Lovato.

DANICA ROEM & DEMI LOVATO ATTEND AMAS

Roem made headlines earlier this month when she became the first seated openly transgender legislator in the US. She ousted Republican incumbent Bob Marshall, who refused to debate against her, and also refused to call her “she.”

Lovato said she was inspired by Roem’s historic win. “We connected because I heard her story,” the singer explained. “She is actually the first out and seated transgender state legislator in American history, and when I heard that, I was just completely inspired by it. I wanted to have her in the audience with me tonight because I feel like we have been through some of the same things and now we get to share this experience together.”

On the red carpet, Lovato wore a black and sheer chiffon dress by Ester Abner.

Lovato has been working on an anti-bullying campaign, and felt that Roem’s story fit in perfectly with her message. “I think was Danica has done is completely inspirational and she’s a trailblazer. I wanted her to join me because my performance is about bullying and she’s put up with so much bullying and to be a state legislator as a trans woman is groundbreaking and incredible and I have so much respect for her.”

As for Roem, she had nothing but praise for her red carpet-mate. “I’m really grateful that Demi has spent her career advocating for people who need a voice when they feel voiceless, that she really understands that no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you worship or who you love, you should be welcomed and celebrated because of who you are, not in spite of it,” she said.

“Demi Lovato and Danica Roem are two strong and inspirational women who embody the need for all Americans to stand together united and to take action today against any form of discrimination and oppression,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “Roem is a trailblazer whose win in Virginia showcased both how young people and marginalized communities can impact voting results and how every American deserves an opportunity to work hard and achieve their dreams. Demi Lovato continues her legacy of raising the bar for entertaining audiences around the world and for spotlighting social issues that need the most attention.”

Lovato won GLAAD’s Vanguard Award last year at the GLAAD Media Awards event.