When I was a young lesbian activist in the 1970’s, our community was small – and still searching for our political power. At a time when simply being visibly out could mean harassment or worse and when elected leaders of all stripes refused to discuss LGBTQ+ issues, we searched for leaders that would not only shed light on our cause, but inspire us to push for greater rights.
Harvey Milk was once such leader. First elected in San Francisco in 1978, Milk was one of the first truly visible political leaders that the LGBTQ+ community could claim. And as leader, he fought for the community that had placed him in office, tackling issues that eased daily life and created more opportunities for LGBTQ+ people like himself.
On May 22nd, we reflect on Harvey’s legacy and his untimely assassination. But today, I’m also reminded of the power of a strong local elected official – and the dire need to support and elect more LGBTQ+ leaders in our cities, counties and mayoral offices.
As the former mayor of Houston, TX – and the first out LGBTQ+ mayor elected to a top 100 city – I know that local LGBTQ+ leaders are in a unique position to advance LGBTQ+ rights, while still dealing with the day-to-day needs of their constituents.
Mayors like me push to ensure your trash is collected on time – and allocate budgets to support LGBTQ+ programs or help LGBTQ+ business expand. According to Victory Institute’s Out for America map, 827 out LGBTQ+ people proudly serve in elected office. That’s quite a change from Harvey’s day, when an out leader was a shock. But we still have so much farther to go – and more history to make.
To close this massive representation gap, we need more LGBTQ+ people to run for office. And great things start from small seeds: so many of our prominent political leaders began their careers in their municipal offices. I started at the local level and worked my way up the political ladder. Other prominent out elected officials did too – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin began her career on the Dan County Board of Supervisors.
The National League of Cities’ LGBTQ+LO President Victor Aguilar, Jr.: “Supervisor Milk was the pioneer we needed to break glass ceilings for LGBTQI+ folx everywhere. His legacy still inspires change for the better. He still inspires me.”
Today, you can see the impact of LGBTQ+ mayors and local leaders across the county. Jane Castor, Mayor of Tampa, Florida, is leading the flight to bring high-speed rail services to the city, while rolling back the effects of climate change. In San Leandro, CA, Victor Aguilar, Jr. – who was recently named an LGBTQ+ Victory David Bohnett Leaders Fellow – has prioritized higher wages and affordable housing for his community. On a national level – Councilmember Aguilar also serves as the president of the LGBTQ+ Local Officials (LGBTQ+LO) constituency group of the National League of Cities, serving as a network for out and allied municipal leaders.
As Milk himself stated, “Rights are won only by those who make their voices heard.” These LGBTQ+ leaders prove that it is possible to positively change the face of local government and continue Harvey’s push for a more equal union. They are on the forefront of the fight, just as Harvey was. And we need to add to their ranks.
If you have not considered running for local office, you should do so immediately. At Victory Institute, we are here to help. Reach out to training@victoryinstitute.org or visit victoryinstitute.org/trainings to learn more.
