After an 'all rise' from court security, the honorable Grace M. Hanlon makes her way to the bench. She was elected last November to the New York State Supreme Court in Mayville, where she became the first openly gay judge in the 8th Judicial District.

"It's incredibly special. It's nice to be the first, but what I want this to mean is that, there's going to be a lot of other openly gay people elected to a variety of positions," said Hanlon.

Hanlon most recently served as law clerk for County Court Judge Dave Foley, inside his chambers. Prior to that, Grace, now with chambers of her own, was first assistant under then-District Attorney Foley.

Back in 1992, then D.A., now retired county court judge John Ward hired Hanlon part-time making her the only woman in the office.

"They weren't used to seeing women as attorneys. Other attorneys, litigants, there was a little bit of push back that I was entering this world that women hadn't been in before here locally," said Hanlon.

She was also a public defender and in private practice early on.

"When I first started as an attorney, you couldn't say you were gay because you wouldn't get hired. You didn't say you were gay or who you lived with, or who you loved, because you didn't want to get fired," she said.

Hanlon lives with her wife of two years, Patsy, though they've known each other for more than 25.

With Hanlon aptly sitting on the bench, we asked who the decision maker was at home.

"We make them together," she laughed.

The couple also likes to spend time at home with Hanlon's sisters, as she is the youngest of 10 children.

She credits her entire family for helping her get where she is today.

"The only reason I could accomplish becoming a New York State Supreme Court judge is because of my family," said Hanlon.

And with a little inspiration, perhaps from late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, not only present in Grace's home, but her chambers as well.

"And she broke one glass ceiling after another, so yeah, I have a great deal of respect for her. And I admired her and still do," she said.

It's that admiration, respect and inspiration Hanlon hopes leads other members of the LGBTQ community to work hard, not give up their dream and perhaps even follow in her footsteps.

"We need more women judges. They can be themselves and be proud of themselves. And love themselves and do whatever job they want to do. That's what's important to me," said Hanlon.

Her term ends in 2036.