Precious Brady-Davis blazing a trail as first Black trans woman to serve public office in Cook County
CHICAGO — Precious Brady-Davis may be a first, but she doesn’t want to be the last.
Three years ago, the trailblazing Cook County official published her memoir. It’s called, “I Have Always Been Me.” She says she’s always dreamed big and with every challenge, she refused to be refused.
“I am the first Black trans woman to serve in public office in Cook County her-story,” she said.
Her story and how she got here, is filled with highs and lows.
She grew up in foster care in Nebraska and a young adult, she found connection in Chicago.
“I’ll never forget going to my first Pride parade and seeing thousands of people in one place celebrating community and celebrating love,” she said.
And she celebrates what she calls a legendary love with Myles Brady-Davis, a trans man.
“We’ve been married for almost eight years, together for 10,” she said.
Their relationship gained a following on social media. Myles says they navigate the challenges together with grace.
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“Her entire essence is home to me,” he said. “The way she makes me feel the way she breathes life into me and helps me through everything, she is my missing puzzle piece.”
And, their family has grown. Myles gave birth to their two children, now 1 and 4 years old.
Precious has been focused on shattering stereotypes in her professional life, too. She worked with young people at the Center on Halsted and on environmental issues with the Sierra Club. She ran as a Democrat to be one of nine commissioners on the board of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
After a grueling campaign she lost in the primary.
“I was so disappointed by my loss,” she said. “I just think I wasn’t known. That’s the party’s way in terms of vetting someone.”
She made up her mind to run again. But little did she know what was coming her way.
“State Rep Lamont Robinson ran to alderman. Kim Dublucet got that appointment so It was a kind of switcheroo,” she said.
She got the call from the governor’s office last Fourth of July. He appointed her to fill the vacancy
“I feel like it falls in line with the story of my life. Delayed but not denied!” she said.
The board is responsible for the agency that handles the county’s treatment of wastewater and stormwater management.
“While I’m the first Black trans woman to serve in public office in Cook County, it is my hope that I won’t be the last,” she said. “And that’s what it’s about for me. Creating a path for young people when they see themselves reflected they say I can be that too.”
She’s also returned to the Center on Halsted, as chief strategy officer.
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Myles is communications director for Equality Illinois.
“I actually love it that Pride is the same month as Juneteenth because it means freedom for me,” he said.
And the couple is being honored as grand marshals for this weekend’s Pride parade.
“(Being) celebrated in this moment with Myles is absolutely beautiful and something I’m looking forward to and something I’ll never forget,” she said. “Pride is not just one month. Pride is 365 days of year, being in the fullness of your truth and celebrating authenticity.”
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