So far this year, there have been 12 violent deaths of transgender people in the United States, and about 30 states still have no laws to protect transgender people when it comes to employment discrimination. And 16 states are debating bathroom bills that would segregate people to use restrooms consistent with their biological sex.

Although gender and sexual orientation should not matter in a political race, this year has proven that one thing does: representation.

The Victory Fund—an organization that supports LGBTQ candidates running for office across the country—is calling 2017 the “Year of the Trans Candidate.” According to president and CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, “Trans equality is under attack in city councils, state legislatures, and the federal government – and what better way to respond than by electing trans people who can stand up to these hostile lawmakers and be the voice for our community.”

Teen Vogue spoke to four transgender candidates who are representing action, activism, and change by sharing their stories as they campaign for local and state offices.

Danica Roem — Virginia House of Delegates, District 13

Core principles: Traffic, schools, jobs, and equality.

Courtesy of Danica Roem

Danica Roem has spent thousands of dollars out of pocket on hormone replacement therapy and other transition-related medical expenses after being denied coverage. After an extensive application process, Roem says she received an email stating that transition-related health care would not be covered under her Virginia group plan.

“They’re basically saying that transition-related care is cosmetic, that it’s optional, that it doesn’t count — and that’s not OK,” she said. “LGBTQ health care is health care. It is not a want, it is a need.”

For about the past decade, Roem has worked in her personal and professional life to put a stop to discrimination in Virginia’s Prince William County. A Manassas native, Roem is an award-winning journalist and has covered every major and minor issue in her hometown, including current Virginia delegate Bob Marshall. Marshall is known for his opposition to abortion rights and has proposed bills to get rid of gender identity and sexual orientation protection in Virginia schools.

In the upcoming primary, Roem is looking to take the initial step toward winning Marshall’s seat. Roem is the first transgender candidate to run for Virginia’s General Assembly and if she wins the election it would make her the first state legislator in Virginia to win as an out transgender candidate.