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.
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When I first arrived in DC for the LGBTQ+ Victory Congressional Internship, I hoped the experience would shape me into the kind of person I wanted to become–though I wasn’t quite sure how yet. Now, a few weeks into the internship, I’ve had experiences that I otherwise would never be able to–and I’m excited to see where the rest of the eight weeks will take me.
If I wanted to make a direct, clear-cut list of what I’ve done so far in my summer, I could. I’ve learned my way around my congressional office, attended briefings, hearings, and receptions, talked with countless constituents, coffee chatted, prepared to lead Capitol tours, and worked on an LGBTQ+ Pride Month Resolution that will hopefully soon make it to the floor.
What that list neglects, though, is the community I’ve been able to foster here in DC. I’ve been able to connect with LGBTQ+ staffers on the Hill, learning from them and taking their advice to stand together and resist in times of oppression against our community. Building community with the other LGBTQ+ Victory Interns has also been such a joyful experience. I’ve never been able to build such strong connections with other LGBTQ+ students interested in the same paths that I am, and I’ve realized that something amazing happens when you’re able to live and work alongside people who share both your identity and public service aspirations.
Representative Emily Randall, in whose office I have been placed this summer, is the first openly queer Latina to be elected to the United States Congress–and one of only 13 LGBTQ+ Members of Congress out of a total 535 total members. Working at her office has enriched my professional growth, but has also helped me realize firsthand the magic that happens when LGBTQ+ people are able to lead in spaces where we’ve historically been shut out.
It’s also been so powerful to witness the work of all the LGBTQ+ Representatives, Senators, and staffers on the Hill, and see the transformative impacts they can have on Washington, their districts, and the U.S. at large. I witness this firsthand every day, when I receive calls from constituents thanking the Congresswoman for her work. When nonprofit organizations visit, I see how Representative Randall and the entire staff truly listen to their stories–and the compassion they show inspires me to embody those values in my own career.
As I write this, I feel so grateful for the opportunity that I’ve been given. Heading to work every morning and walking past the Capitol Building, connecting with so many other LGBTQ+ people on the Hill, and making the most of my time in D.C. has been such a gift. I’m excited about what’s to come, and I can’t wait to see what else I can do with my time here.
