Virginia will soon be the first state in the South with an LGBTQ advisory board.

Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, signed legislation Monday that will establish a 26-person group to advise him on issues "regarding the economic, professional, cultural, educational, and governmental links between the Commonwealth and the LGBTQ+ community in Virginia."

The board, which is expected to be in place July 1, will be composed of 21 people appointed by the governor who are not employed by the state, including at least 15 who identify as LGBTQ and five members of the governor's Cabinet, or their designees.

In a tweet shared Monday evening, Northam said the advisory board, which will remain in place even after his term is over, will ensure the LGBTQ+ community has a permanent voice in Virginia's executive branch no matter who is governor." He then shared a link where Virginians could apply for a seat on the board. (To read the more, Click Here.