Virginia Lawmaker Takes Her Love of Equality to the Next Level

How dedicated are you to equal rights? Would you get a tattoo of the amendment to prove dedication? Virginia Delegate Danica Roem did just that. Roem had all the entire Equal Rights Amendment tattooed on her inner forearm. 

The ERA was first introduced in the 1920s by early feminist groups as a way to legally prevent discrimination based on gender. In the 1960s the amendment went through congress but eventually hit a dead end because of the resurgence of conservatism in the 1970s. Now, lawmakers are once again pushing their states to pass the amendment.

The ERA now reads “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex,” which is the quote that Roem got inked on her arm.

Roem told local Virginia newspaper, WAMU, “It’s universal, (the tattoo is) for everyone.” Roem has been working on getting the ERA passed in Virginia ever since she skyrocketed to recognition for being the first transgender lawmaker in Virginia. It makes sense that gender issues would be one of the forefront issues which Roem is tackling, but other core issues Roem targets include education and transportation.

Not only is Roem bringing light to equality issues—by getting a tattoo as a delegate, she is also making tattoos even more acceptable in the workplace.