(The Center Square) — The use of a male pronoun interrupted the Virginia Senate’s proceedings on Monday.
The state’s first senator to openly identify as transgender, Sen. Danica Roem, D-Prince William, addressed Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears, who presides over the chamber, with some questions. Sears seemingly offhandedly referred to Roem as “sir” in her second response to the senator.
Roem quietly and immediately left the chamber. After a few moments, several other senators also rose and left. Sears tried to continue with the agenda but obliged when Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, requested a recess. They reconvened minutes later, but the commotion still appeared to be interfering with the Senate’s business, so Sears put the Senate at ease.
“Let it be known, I am not here to upset anyone. I am here to do the job that the people of Virginia have called me to do,” she said.
She softened some as she went on but still demanded that she be shown “respect and dignity,” appearing frustrated with the interruptions from the incident.
“It is never my intention to make anyone offended, and I hope that others would consider that they would try not to offend me, as well.”
She also exhorted the body to show grace to each other in such instances.
The chamber returned to its normal proceedings.
Roem did not make a public statement on Monday and was silent on X, formerly known as Twitter, where legislators sometimes comment on chamber business.
Recent Stories
Virginia’s first Success Space is opening at Spotsylvania Towne Centre. It will offer a fresh take on co-working that combines a professional workspace, on-site business coaching, and a cozy public café.
After a week marked by tragedy and intense emergency response, Riverside Center for the Performing Arts offers a night of respite to those serving on the front lines. The center is giving away 200 free tickets to local first responders for Friday night’s performance of Jesus Christ Superstar on April 11, 2025.
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors and Prince William County Schools administrators met on April 1. In the first public meeting between the Board of County Supervisors and Prince…
Prince William County could soon see a significant shift in its meals tax policy, as several key members of the Board of County Supervisors support cutting the tax in half and eventually phasing it out.
Get More from your Fitness with IM=X® Pilates & Fitness King Farm!
Help us Celebrate our 5 Year Anniversary by joining our OPEN HOUSE
When: April 27th 11:45AM
The New Dominion Choraliers
Have a Show-Stopping Concert in Store!
Join us on Saturday, May 3 or Sunday, May 4 as the New Dominion Choraliers put on a concert with fun and fabulous songs straight from your favorite Broadway shows and Big Screen musicals. Selections from Pixar, Disney, and Rodgers and Hammerstein offer familiar tunes across the generations, as well as selections from Wicked, Les Miserables, The Greatest Showman, and more!
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Cascade Landing Community Grand Opening
You’re invited to celebrate the Official Grand Opening of our newest community Cascade Landing in Dumfries, VA. Join us April 12th from 11 AM – 6 PM and fall for your new townhome!
Enjoy our grand opening celebration, complete with
