Laphonza Butler sworn in as senator & becomes the first out LGBTQ+ senator of color

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 3: Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-CA) is sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris in the Old Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on October 3, 2023. Butler was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the vacant Senate seat of California following the passing of Dianne Feinstein. (Photo by Anna Rose Layden/Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images

Out lesbian Laphonza Butler was officially sworn in on Tuesday as the newest U.S. Senator from California, taking over the seat of the late Dianne Feinstein, who passed away on Friday at 90 years old.

Butler has become the first out LGBTQ+ person of color to serve as a senator. She is also only the third-ever Black woman to serve in the Senate. In a full-circle moment, she was sworn in to thunderous applause by Vice President Kamala Harris, who was the second-ever Black woman to serve in the Senate, also from California.

In an Instagram post yesterday, Butler wrote that she is honored to accept the nomination from California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). “No one…

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