Sepi Shyne Paves a Way as the 1st Queer Iranian Elected Official
Introducing the first queer Iranian-American elected to political office. February 18 2021 8:17 AM EST
Sepi Shyne made history in November as the first out LGBTQ+ Iranian-American elected to public office in the U.S. Now, as a member of the West Hollywood City Council, where she’s also the first queer woman of color to serve, she’s fighting for social justice and inclusivity as well as changing the narrative around Iranians and Iranian-Americans.
Shyne, sworn in as a council member in December, has already spurred the council to create a social justice task force to address social and racial inequalities. She also plans to advocate for people of color and transgender people, address climate change, and assure the creation of more affordable housing in the heavily LGBTQ+ city adjacent to Los Angeles.