Central Florida’s 1st place in Favorite Local Politician, Favorite Local Activist, Greatest Ally to the Local Community
Whether it is the Hat Trick in hockey or getting a Turkey in bowling, accomplishing something three times in one setting is seen as remarkable.
With that said, when a local leader comes in first place in our top three categories, we might just start calling that an Anna in recognition of state Rep. Anna V. Eskamani’s clean sweep in this year’s WAVE Awards.
“I am incredibly humbled and honored by this recognition. I am someone who has absolutely no patience for homophobia, transphobia and bigotry. I take a lot of pride in finding common ground with people who are different than me, but when it comes to judging, shaming or trying to erase LGBTQ+ people, folks should know that I won’t stand for it.”
Our readers named her their favorite local politician, activist and ally, and while she says she is honored at the recognition, she thinks the last one may need a name change now.
“I actually prefer the word ‘accomplice’ over ‘ally’ because I think allyship can feel transactional sometimes,” she says. “Like you’re only gonna show up for the Pride Parade and wear the rainbow tutu when it’s easy and carefree. An accomplice means we’re going to go to jail together if we have to, it means going the extra mile to combat homophobia and transphobia and centering your advocacy on directly impacted people above all else.”
Eskamani was elected to serve District 47 in the Florida House in 2018 and since then has stood out as an authentic, passionate and caring leader, qualities she saw lacking in some and which caused her to want to run for office.
“At the time I was thinking of running for office, former President Trump was just elected and Orlando was represented by a moderate Republican in the State House who did absolutely nothing after the Pulse nightclub massacre,” she says. “He didn’t champion LBGTQ+ equality or even gun safety solutions. I felt deeply disappointed from that and believe we must honor those no longer with us through action while fighting unapologetically for those who call Florida home.”
