Demi Lovato found a political partner in her fight against bullying: Danica Roem.
Roem, the first openly transgender state legislator, went with Lovato to the 2017 American Music Awards Sunday after meeting “right upstairs,” the singer joked.
“I heard her story and I think that what Danica has done is just completely inspirational and she’s a trailblazer,” said Lovato, who will perform her hit “Sorry Not Sorry” during the show.
“I wanted her to join me because my performance is about bullying and she’s put up with so much bullying. To be a state legislator as a trans woman is groundbreaking and incredible and I have so much respect for her.”
Roem, 33, made history earlier in the month when she beat Republican incumbent Del. Bob Marshall who has served in the House since 1992.
Marshall, 73, had described himself as Virginia’s “chief homophobe.”
Roem joked that heavy metal is “more my style” than Lovato’s music, but praised the singer’s work.
“I got to hear about her advocacy, both for inclusion and against bullying. That meant a lot to me personally. She’s really able to give a lot of voice to people who need a champion, who need someone to say, on a national stage, what it is they’re feeling, or even to acknowledge them how they are,” she said on the red carpet.
“My campaign, I talked a lot about making Virginia a more inclusive commonwealth, no matter what you look like, where you come from, how you worship or who you love. You are welcomed, celebrated and respected in Virginia because of who you are, not despite it.”
