Nick Penzenstadler

USA TODAY

APPLETON, Wis. — Residents in Appleton, Wis., elected an openly transgender member to the city council Tuesday.

Gypsy Vered Meltzer expects there will be some uneasiness to surface over his election. But he's determined to not let it become a distraction.

"I can see some push back, but I hope they'll get over it," said Meltzer, 31. "I hope things don't go that route. I don't want to lose focus on the issues and increasing communications between the city and its residents."

Meltzer is the first openly transgender individual to hold elected office in Wisconsin, according to Fair Wisconsin, a political advocacy group in Madison that focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

"This election is an historic moment for Wisconsin in having the first openly transgender official," said Katie Belanger, the group's president. "I'd hope we'd see an increase in the number of elected officials from the transgender community across the state."

Meltzer identifies as a man and said his dreadlocks, 50-plus tattoos and gender identity are worth celebrating. But he said he's ready to serve his constituents.

"I'm focused on the issues rather than myself and look forward to the day when this isn't as interesting of a topic," Meltzer said. "It's important to get more young people involved in politics. As someone who's part of various subcultures, I want to show everyone that the door's open, come on in and be part of local government."

Meltzer defeated Barney Lemanski in Tuesday's election by a margin of 295 to 199. He moved to Appleton in 2000 to attend Lawrence University.

Local and state advocacy groups cheered the election results Wednesday morning.

The election was important for the often marginalized transgender group, said Loree Cook-Daniels, policy and program director at FORGE, a Milwaukee-based transgender advocacy group.

"Every time a trans person succeeds in anything related to the public, it is a step forward," said Cook-Daniels. "It's an acknowledgment that we're just like everyone else and it shouldn't be the issue by which we're judged."

Kathy Flores, Appleton's diversity coordinator, said the election was significant for the city and the state. She also pointed to the recently passed fair housing ordinance in Appleton that added language that prevents discrimination on the basis of gender identity as progress for transgender individuals.

"We're happy to welcome Gypsy aboard in Appleton," Flores said.

Nick Penzenstadler also writes for The (Appleton, Wis.) Post-Crescent.