Jason Landau Goodman, a fourth-generation Lower Merion resident, has been devoted to public service since they were a teenager, writes Lauren Rowello for Philadelphia Gay News.

Back then in 2009, they began helping organize with community members and civic leaders to pass the first LGBTQ+ inclusive non-discrimination ordinance in Montgomery County.

“I was always determined to help make my community a better place for all people,” they said. “Philadelphia and Pittsburgh had laws, so why couldn’t my suburban community?”

They added, “LGBTQ folks —especially younger LGBTQ folks — leave the suburbs and leave their rural communities to experience life in a city where there’s more visibility and more visible LGBTQ community engagement. But this is my home community. I didn’t want to leave it. I couldn’t imagine not having my life in my home community where my family and friends are.”

In 2011, Landau Goodman along with other LGBTQ+ youth co-founded the Pennsylvania Youth Congress.

Now 34 years old, Landau Goodman is running for state representative of the 148th House District in Pennsylvania, which represents part of Lower Merion as well as Narberth and Whitemarsh Township.

Goodman is an environmental attorney for the Department of Environmental Protection and focused on helping communities transition away from fossil fuels.

Read more about Jason Landau Goodman decision to run for state representative in Philadelphia Gay News.

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