Transgender death metal vocalist beats Republican big-wigs to become US politician

Danica Roem defeated Bob Marshall, one of Virginia’s most socially conservative and vocal anti-LGBT lawmakers, to be elected to the Virginia House of Delegates.

Mr Mashall has been elected 13 times over 26 years and has described himself Virginia’s “chief homophobe”. 

The 73-year-old wrote the “Bathroom Bill”, which would have required people to use the toilet that corresponds with the gender on their birth certificates. 

Ms Roem has spent more than 10 years singing for a metal band called Cab Ride Home.

The 33-year-old is the band’s frontwoman and lead vocalist, she defeated her opponent by nine per cent of the vote. 

In an interview with the music magazine Noisey in June, she said: “Just because I sing in a heavy metal band while spinning my head in circles and getting paid to do it, why can’t I run for government? 

“Why would I have to change who I am in order to run for government? I’ve already had to go through transformative change.

“I have not lost a single friend during my gender transition. Not one. When I say I’m part of the metal community, this is as much a part of my personality as everything else. 

“The way I explain it to people is that, for some people music is a sound. For people who are into metal, it’s a lifestyle.”

Mr Marshall wrote about his loss on Facebook, saying: “Though we all wish tonight would have turned out differently, I am deeply grateful for your support and effort over the years.”

Ms Roem focused on gay, transgender and immigrant rights during her campaign, but the state’s transport infrastructure was the main focus.