Roem is extremely funny, and her story about defeating a 25 year bigot for a seat in Virginia's legislator is genuinely inspiring. It is nice to hear her tell it all, in her own voice, and to not shy away from her experiences as a young metalhead and closet case. I also think she gave some encouraging advice for those who may want to run for elective office even when they think they don't have a shot in hell.

That said, I do find her to be somewhat preachy and performative. It is really important for her to hammer in over and over again that you shouldn't cut people off for being bigoted towards queer people, unless they're like, super bad. I understand her point - just because someone has a negative initial reaction doesn't mean they can learn - but I don't know any queer people for whom breaking away from their bigoted family members was anything less than an agonizing experience for them. It's just not something the vast majority of people do on a whim or in the heat of the moment. And so I feel like maybe that section is meant to be reassurance for those on the fence about us queers - at least, I hope she didn't intend to be condescending. 

She also wields black and brown people in a very awkward way - bringing them up to hammer home a particular progressive point. It makes sense that race isn't as much of a focus as transness or womanhood, given she is a white trans woman... but it still feels off at times. 

As far as politicans go, though, this is about the best they can be. And her story is incredible - and well-told.