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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Speeding down the street of Pennsylvania Avenue – I was in a black blazer, slacks, and my gold hoops gifted to me by my grandmother. My roommate CJ, dressed in a distinctively fabulous pink suit and coat that we joked, looked like something out of The Barbie Movie —attempting to be on time for our Friday programming session. The session would consist of a professional photo shoot of all interns and, in the afternoon, a networking event with LGBTQ+ congressional staffers, Victory Congressional Internship (VCI) alums, and staffers of the Equality Caucus —a jam-packed day to accompany a busy first three weeks interning in our Congressional Offices.
When we arrived at Cannon, one of the House buildings, we saw the other interns, all of us dressed to the nines. I realized how far we had come in just three weeks. Principally how, in just a matter of weeks, I had encountered many first experiences. I accomplished many new tasks, like writing a cosponsorship memo, setting up my first networking coffee chats, or attending my first Congressional briefings. These may have seemed small at first, but upon reflection, I realized how many new opportunities, challenges, and emotions I had successfully navigated in just a few short weeks. That is in large part due to the tools and support network of the VCI program. The second emotion I felt was gratitude. I am grateful for the VCI program, the Victory network, and the community I have created with the other interns. Victory provides us with the necessary resources to live in the daunting environment of DC but also empowers us to walk through the halls of Congress confidently.
LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s Friday weekly programming provides excellent tools and community bonding among the interns. Every Friday, the VCI program organizes events that focus on various topics, including a dive deep into LGBTQ+ history, workshops on Imposter Syndrome and Networking, or a tour of the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture Museum. As an intern, I find Friday programming events particularly enjoyable because they give the interns a chance to bond after a busy week interning in our various Congressional Offices.
The networking event with LGBTQ+ congressional staffers, Victory alumni, and Equality Caucus staffers, including Victory Congressional Fellow Oliver Williams, was a profound event that allowed me to hear personal accounts of LGBTQ+ staffers on the Hill. Personally, I do not think I have been in a room with that many people who have worked both in politics and identify as LGBTQ+.
The networking event was inspiring, and it made me realize the importance of having LGBTQ+ representation among staffers who work on the Hill and in the people who serve in political offices. It allowed me to hear from others how they navigated the intimidation they first felt working in Congress and the importance of creating a network of like-minded people. Sitting in a room with queer people working in all areas of politics showed me the value of community and the strength of the VCI network. Whether I am speed walking down Pennsylvania Avenue with my fellow VCI cohort or simply navigating the halls of Congress —as a member of the VCI network, I know I am part of a community determined to make queerness more visible and respected on Capitol Hill.
