America's first openly transgender mayor, Silverton's Stewart 'Stu' Rasmussen dies

America's first openly transgender mayor and lifelong Silverton resident Stewart "Stu" Rasmussen died Nov. 17 after battling prostate cancer for more than a year.

He was 73.

Rasmussen was born Sept. 9, 1948, in Silverton and was the only child of Albert and Nan Rasmussen. He attended Silverton High School and Salem Tech, now Chemeketa Community College, before launching into a career in engineering and technology.

Rasmussen co-owned the Palace Theatre in Silverton with Roger Paulson from 1974 until 2020.

But most remember Rasmussen from his 2008 mayoral election in Silverton when he became the first openly transgender person to hold public office in the U.S. His election garnered international media attention from outlets such as Good Morning America and People Magazine. His run prompted a musical called "Stu for Silverton," which was performed in Seattle and Minneapolis.

Read more: https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2021/11/21/silverton-oregon-first-openly-transgender-mayor-stu-rasmussen-dies-cancer/8711451002/
(Salem Statesman Journal)