Vancouver woman sets sights on becoming first transgender MLA
'I've been the first trans person in many things in my life," says Morgane Oger, who hopes to run for the NDP
Morgane Oger is used to breaking down barriers, and if she wins the BC NDP nomination in the riding of Vancouver-False Creek, she could topple a few more as the first trangender candidate, and potentially the first trans MLA in the province.
"I've been the first trans person in many, many things in my life, and, generally speaking, I'm always the first transgender person in any job I do," said Oger.
Oger is not new to political life and had been an outspoken advocate for a number of causes. The single mother of two has volunteered at civic, provincial and federal levels, but has never before sought public office.
I am very happy to announce that I have been approved to seek nomination in Vancouver-False Creek by the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bcndp?src=hash">#bcndp</a> .<br>At present I am unopposed.
—@rohemoogAs chair of the Trans Alliance Society, Oger points to a recent Angus Reid poll that reported 84 per cent of people surveyed would support adding gender identity as a prohibited reason for discrimination.
"I'm feeling pretty confident I'm going to get the nomination," she said. "It's currently unopposed and there's only a few days left for people to come forward."
"I want to do this because I want to effect change."
If nominated, Oger will run against former Vancouver mayor and incumbent Liberal MLA Sam Sullivan.
With files from Deborah Goble