A PDF version of the letter is available here.
Dear Governor Murphy:
As President and CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, I write to support Christian Fuscarino’s appointment to the United States Senate, making him our nation’s first openly gay man in the position. Christian Fuscarino has served as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community for nearly 20 years. We join our friends at Equality Federation in recommending him for your consideration.
Christian Fuscarino is a seasoned leader who has transformed Garden State Equality into one of the nation’s most successful statewide LGBTQ+ education & advocacy organizations. Under his leadership, the organization has achieved significant legislative victories, expanded its outreach and support services, and solidified its role as a vital resource for New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ community. His work includes championing transgender equality, decriminalizing HIV, advocating for inclusive policies around racial justice, and fostering partnerships across party lines.
Christian’s leadership is not just rooted in his professional experience but also in his personal life. He works alongside his husband, a U.S. Marine, to lift up veteran communities and support military families.
While we recognize this is only a temporary appointment, lasting just a few months, the ripples that will come from this historic appointment will send a message of hope across our nation and energize a base of voters that will come out in support of pro-equality issues. We understand that it has been determined appointing a sitting Congressperson is not recommended because it would vacate a seat with not enough time for a special election.
Appointing a qualified LGBTQ+ leader to the U.S. Senate is about more than advancing LGBTQ+ equality. LGBTQ+ elected officials bring with them a lived experience that makes them more empathetic and solutions-oriented leaders, qualities desperately needed in our nation’s highest legislative body.
Thank you for considering Christian Fuscarino’s appointment to the U.S. Senate. I would be happy to further discuss with you his impressive credentials.
Sincerely,
Annise Parker
President & CEO
LGBTQ+ Victory Institute
