By Nicholas Gallo, Staff Writer
On Thursday, April 5, the former journalist and current Virginia Delegate, Danica Roem, visited her alma mater to speak to a public crowd about her journey from Bonaventure to political office.
The ’06 alumna entered the John J. Murphy Professional Building’s Dresser Auditorium, sat down and introduced herself to the crowd, saying, “What’s up, Bona’s?”
That energy continued throughout the hour-and-a-half program and a two-hour, meet-and-greet session afterwards.
Roem represents the people of the 13th District of the Virginia House of Delegates in her hometown of Manassas, Virginia.
She is also the first out transgender person ever seated in an American state legislature.
Roem currently sits on two committees in the House of Delegates: Counties, Cities and Towns, as well as Science and Technology.
Morgan DeGearo, a freshman biology major, attended the forum after hearing how interesting Roem was.
“I originally heard of her in a tweet about the news when she was first elected and I heard about her again through the word of mouth around campus,” DeGearo said.
Hannah Gordon, a graduate student in the Integrated Marketing Communications Program, expected Roem to talk about her policies and passion. During Roem’s speech, Gordon said she enjoyed how blunt and funny Roem was.
“One of the things that caught me off guard was when she was specifically talking about the doctors she sees as a trans woman; she made a joke about her speech pathologist suggesting she speak higher,” Gordon said. “She wasn’t afraid to talk about that and I thought it was great.”
DeGearo said it was interesting to see how, even though Roem is an accomplished person she sees in the news, she’s still a real person who faces similar challeneges.
“I really liked when she pointed out that she could have a high voice if she did everything her voice therapist advised, but her deeper voice is what she’s got,” DeGearo said. “It showed that she really doesn’t care about gender stereotypes and what other people think; she is going to be herself no matter what.”
Gordon said she hopes people are inspired by someone who is obviously authentic, has persevered and is accomplished. Carole McNall, an assistant professor of journalism, attended the event and happily watched her former student speak to a crowd full of current and past students alike.
“I think individual situations had more impact on what students walked away with than it might have with a lot of speakers,” McNall said. “She spent an enormous time afterwards talking with individuals or small groups and I think a batch of those folks realized, in part, that there were others who understand what their situation is.”
McNall added that Roem has shown her ability as a politician. Her campaign demonstrated an understanding of how important her constituents are to her, as well as her willingness to put in considerable effort to make hard-hitting changes in infrastructure, jobs, education and equality, among other issues in her local community.
