Jess Herbst becomes Texas’s first openly transgender mayor

Eight months after taking office, a Texas mayor has come out as transgender in an open letter posted on her small town’s website.

“As your Mayor I must tell you something that has been with me since my earliest memories,” New Hope Mayor Jess Herbst writes. “I am Transgender.”

This makes Herbst the first openly transgender mayor in Texas, as The Texas Observer reports.

Related: Viral Vogueing Sensation Brendan Jordan Comes Out As Transgender

How about we take this to the next level?

Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.

Daily

Weekly

Promotions and Partner Emails

Found in one of the state’s most conservative suburbs (about 40 miles northeast of Dallas), New Hope currently has 640 registered voters.

Herbst’s journey is currently being documented on her blog, “Jess Herbst: Ramblings of a middle age transgender being,”

Talking to The Huffington Post, Herbst says her experience has been overwhelming positive.

“I have received emails congratulating me, calling me brave and even one expressing pride in living in a town with a mayor like me,” she says. “I never hoped for more than simple tolerance, the outpouring of support is unprecedented.”

Related: Popular YouTuber Jeydon Wale Comes Out As Transgender

In her open letter to the town, Herbst touches upon the support she’s received from her family:

“It is gender identity not sexual preference that applies to me. I love my wife, and she loves me, we have no intention of change. My daughters have been adamant supporters of me and are proud to tell people their father is transgender.”

“I live my life as a female now, and I will be performing my duties to the town as such,” Herbst writes.

You can read the full statement below: 

As the new mayor of New Hope, I would like to tell you all what a privilege it is to serve you. Since 2003 I have had the privilege of being an alderman, road commissioner and mayor pro-them. In May of 2016, I became your mayor.

My wife has lived in New Hope since she was 2 years old. Along with our 2 daughters, we have lived here since 1999, on the same farm my wife was raised. I was born and raised in Greenville, Texas.

As your Mayor I must tell you about something that has been with me since my earliest memories. I am Transgender. Two years ago, with the support of my wife, daughters and son-in-law,  I began Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). At the time, I did not imagine I would hold the Mayors position, but here I am.

I know that transgender people are just coming to light in our society, and we have made great strides in the last few years. Celebrities like olympic gold medalist Caitlyn Jenner, Laverne Cox from the show ‘Orange is the new Black’ and popular shows like ‘Transparent’ , society finally has a chance to see and learn about who we are. It is gender identity not sexual preference that applies to me. I love my wife, and she loves me, we have no intention of change. My daughters have been adamant supporters of me and are proud to tell people their father is transgender.

I am self employed and all of my customers have been understanding and supportive.

I live my life as a female now, and I will be performing my duties to the town as such. I have written a blog documenting my decision process and experiences as transgender and I think you would find it contains much insight. The site is JessHerbst.Com

I’m not especially sensitive to the pronoun I’m called, and I expect people to take time to make the change. I use the name Jess, a simple change from Jeff.

I will continue as Mayor and hope to do the very best for the town. Please feel free to email me questions or comments, my email is [email protected]. The Monthly Town Council meetings are on the last Tuesday of every month, at Town hall on Rockcrest. The meeting begins at 7:30pm. There is a spot for public comment at the beginning of each meeting if you wish to address me, or the council about this or any other town matter. I encourage you to do so, it really is the best way for the council to know what issues need addressing.

Thank you for your attention.

Jess Herbst

Mayor, Town of New Hope