OUT ON THE HILL is the official blog of the Victory Congressional Interns. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. Learn more about the internship at victoryinstitute.org/vci.
———————————–
Being in my congressional office, I rarely miss Texas. I have joked before that while the office is obviously in DC, it is Southern in spirit. There is something about being able to explore Capitol Hill alongside people who understand the importance of H-E-B (also known as the best grocery chain on Earth). It has prompted a deeper appreciation for the concept of identity in community building. I know that I would not feel nearly as comfortable at a place like Capitol Hill without being in community with people like myself— Texan, Latine, and queer.
The growing sense of community has extended to my Victory cohort. These past few weeks have been spent laughing, eating, and learning with my fellow Victory cohort. We’ve visited the National Mall on late-night walks, explored the National Gallery of Art multiple times over, shared overpriced Ubers, and cooked meals together. Collectively navigating the Hill and D.C. as nonbinary interns has genuinely healed me in a way I didn’t know was possible. It is gratifying to have people around you that understand your identity and affirm it.
Sharing these identities also means that people are willing to advocate for you and your needs. There is so much beauty to be found in being young and queer, especially when you have the opportunity to take up space in Washington, D.C. A moment from the past five weeks that has stuck with me was the Victory Programming Day on the Hill. Being able to meet with queer staffers and other House and Senate employees was invaluable. It gave me the confidence to begin wearing more masculine clothing in the workplace and be comfortable sharing my pronouns. The way I am perceived should not be at the forefront of my mind, but it is because of issues outside of my control. It was through speaking with these professionals that I began to understand how much space that occupies in my life and how most of that energy should be spent on learning. I am allowed to look visibly queer. It does not make me less professional or capable of completing office tasks.
Considering the history and demographics that have dominated the Hill, I was reasonably nervous about being gender-neutral. The political climate on the Hill has made it difficult to simply exist as a queer person. Though regardless of these issues, I have been reaffirmed in my ability to express myself however I please. It was also a special day because after we wrapped up the programming, the other interns and I decided to explore the Capitol grounds. We took cute photos, saw the rotunda, and then eventually just sat and talked. The group debriefed the programming and collectively agreed that it helped ground us. Being in those polished and regal halls no longer felt as alien as it did when the day first started. It has been these moments of community gathering facilitated by Victory staff that has made my time in D.C. feel welcoming.
It proves that these types of queer spaces are needed for people in our communities.
