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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Since high school, the notion of dedicating my career in service of my country has been a conviction of mine. Yet only recently in my college career have I truly grasped what was required of that call to service. Reflecting on what it means to be a faithful public servant, I used to believe it necessitated suppressing personal characteristics to impartially tackle policy issues, devoid of biases. I saw a multifaith, multiethnic, and multicultural society, and believed that the best path forward was to suppress one’s personal characteristics in pursuit of facially neutral policy. I viewed holding public office as a call demanding detachment from personal experiences, fearing they might skew decision-making. However, my early foray into public service shattered this misconception.
As a Legislative Page for the Nebraska Unicameral, I found myself watching daily discussions on bills targeting transgender youth’s access to medical care and sports in schools. Witnessing legislators speak disparagingly about LGBTQ+ individuals revealed a truth of government: a lack of representation breeds misunderstanding. In that chamber, where the number LGBTQ+ voices remained small, and LGBTQ+ representation was stifled, rhetoric targeted LGBTQ+ individuals with impunity. While I knew that many staffers and pages were queer, many did not express this openly to avoid ridicule from the state senators we were charged with serving equally and without voice. At that moment, I realized the critical importance of visibility and representation. It was evident that being forced into silence only perpetuated ignorance.
Now, my internship with Congressman Adam Schiff, facilitated by LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, showcases the power of visibility. Despite challenges for queer individuals in federal politics, we refuse to be sidelined. Through queer staff receptions and advocacy from the LGBT Staffers Association, I have found a community of policymakers unafraid to bring their identity into rooms of power. Through this work, it is evident to members of Congress that queer people exist and are essential to the prosperity of our nation. Wearing my Victory pin to Congress each day, I feel myself joining a cohort of out-LGBTQ policymakers whose work is made ever more impactful by being visible.
In my Victory cohort, I have discovered a community of young LGBTQ students who bring their identities to the forefront of public service. By doing so, we exemplify the principles of effective and inclusive governance. As we enter rooms where critical decisions about our nation are made, we serve as powerful reminders of the humanity and dignity owed to the LGBTQ community across the United States. Beyond mere presence, we infuse our values into the halls of government, not as passive observers but as active participants shaping the conscience of our nation.
Government relies on public servants, but our effectiveness hinges on acknowledging the experiences that drive us. In the face of active assaults on our communities, neutrality is not an option—it’s a death knell. Only through visibility and unyielding advocacy can we enact meaningful change for the millions of queer individuals we represent nationwide. Our identities aren’t hindrances; they’re guiding lights in our journey of public service.
