A former frontwoman of a metal band and a sitting Virginia Senator: Danica Roem is both. In vivid and captivating prose, she describes how she transformed what some might consider weak points into her greatest strengths, inspiring us all to write our own stories with verve and fire. Danica Roem is the first transgender Virginia State Senator and a master storyteller, and Burn the Page: A True Story of Torching Doubts, Blazing Trails, and Igniting Change is a call, an inspiration, and a memoir. Roem will be in conversation with Gary Nimax, chair of UVA’s LGBTQ Committee — this event’s program partner.
Book sales and a signing will follow this event.
About Danica Roem
Burn the Page author Danica Roem is a former newspaper reporter and lifelong Virginia resident wrapping up her third and final term serving the 13th District of the Virginia House of Delegates.
In 2017, she defeated the self-described “chief homophobe” of Virginia to become the first out-and-seated transgender state legislator in American history.
On January 10, 2024, the 39-year-old from Manassas will be sworn in to represent the 30th District of the Virginia state Senate after earning election Nov. 7, 2023.
These days, as Senator-elect, you can see her driving around her hometown of Manassas in a 2004 Nissan Sentra with a dent in the bumper — an upgrade from her rusty ‘92 Dodge Shadow from her first campaign.
Made possible with generous support from Michelle and David Baldacci