Maura Healey Sworn in as Nation's First Lesbian Governor

Maura Healey is now officially the first out lesbian governor in the U.S. She is also the first woman to be governor of the state, and she and Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll are the first pair of women to hold the top two offices in any state. Democrat Tina Kotek will be sworn in as Oregon's governor Monday, joining Healey as a 'first.' 'Part of that is to make sure the state has vibrancy, opportunities, and a culture of equality, which is so important.' 'Our greatest strength is our people, but we cannot reach our potential as a state when so many are held back from reaching their own,' she said. 'People of color, people with disabilities, women, LGBT residents -- they continue to face barriers that have held them back for generations. I will be directing each agency in my administration to conduct a full equity audit. Let Massachusetts be the place that shines a light on every systemic barrier, and then does the hard work to break them down. Because that's who we are.' 'I assume this office as the first woman and first gay person elected governor of our state,' she said. 'But every one of us, every citizen, is a first. You may be a first-generation immigrant, choosing Massachusetts as the foundation of your American dream. You may be the first in your family to go to college or to send your child there. The first in your neighborhood to start a business. In this state, we are all trailblazers. We are all leaders. That's why we live in Massachusetts. What story will we write together?' The event was headlined by lesbian singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, described by Healey as her favorite performer. 'I really admire how she's put herself out there. Their victories were decades in the making, and we know there is more work ahead -- but now is the time to pause and celebrate this historic moment.' There were also performances by Boston Bruins national anthem singer Todd Angilly, the Boston Gay Men's Chorus, and the Everett Marching Band, and recorded music provided by DJ Frenchy. See a clip of Carlile's performance below. 'From an exceptional point guard at Harvard to the governor's mansion -- go, girl,' Cousy said in the video, according to the Herald.