Vancouver woman sets sights on becoming first transgender MLA

Morgane Ogeris used to breaking down barriers, and if she wins the BC NDP nomination in the riding of Vancouver-False Creek, she could topplea few more as the first trangendercandidate, and potentially the first trans MLAin the province.

"I've been the firsttransperson in many, many things in my life,and, generally speaking, I'm always the firsttransgenderperson in any job I do," said Oger.

Ogeris not new to political life and had beenanoutspoken advocate for a number of causes.The single mother of two has volunteeredat civic, provincial and federal levels, but has never before sought public office.

As chair of the Trans Alliance Society, Ogerpoints to a recent Angus Reid poll that reported 84 per centof people surveyed would support adding gender identity as a prohibited reason for discrimination.

"I'm feeling pretty confident I'm going to get the nomination," she said. "It's currently unopposed and there's only a few days left for people to come forward."

"I want to do this because I want to effect change."

If nominated, Ogerwill run against former Vancouver mayor and incumbent Liberal MLASam Sullivan.

With files from Deborah Goble