LGBTQ History Month Political Timeline

Celebrating LGBTQ History Month the Victory Institute has added dozens of LGBTQ political milestones to its Pride & Progress website. This includes more than 186 key moments spanning seven decades in LGBTQ political representation from José Sarria’s run as the first out LGBTQ candidate in 1961 to Pete Buttigieg’s confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Transportation earlier this year. Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Institute stated, “LGBTQ History Month is an opportunity to honor our political history & the contributions of those who served with courage to advance equality. Our ever-expanding Pride & Progress archive tells the story of a revolution in American politics – from just a handful of elected officials anywhere in the nation to a rainbow wave of candidates elected at every level of government. And while it demonstrates enormous progress, it also reveals the milestones yet to be reached & the lavender ceilings left to be shattered. We hope this resource allows our community to celebrate LGBTQ History Month by honoring our past & inspiring the leaders of the future.” Among the new stories added is the first out trans White House staffer Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, the first out lesbian delegate to the Democratic National Convention Madeline Dean, Fort Worth City Councilman Joel Burns’s viral “It Gets Better” speech & much more. The LGBTQ Victory Institute works to achieve & sustain global equality through leadership development, training & convening to increase the number, expand the diversity & ensure the success of openly LGBTQ elected & appointed officials at all levels of government. For More Info…