CONTACT
Orie Givens, VP of Communications, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute
press@victoryinstitute.org
WASHINGTON – Today LGBTQ+ Victory Institute released its 2024 Out for America Report, the only national census of out LGBTQ+ elected officials in the United States. For the first time in U.S. history, every state in the nation and the District of Columbia has at least one out LGBTQ+ elected official serving. The findings show record-breaking growth in gender diversity and double-digit percentage growth in racial and ethnic diversity. With at least 1,303 out LGBTQ+ elected officials currently serving, LGBTQ+ representation continues to grow to historic highs – yet at least 38,193 more LGBTQ+ people must be elected to office in the U.S. to achieve equitable LGBTQ+ representation.
Key findings:
Out LGBTQ+ elected officials increased by 10.0% over the past year, from 1,185 to 1,303 as of May, 2024.
- 0.25% of U.S. elected officials are LGBTQ+, meaning at least 38,193 more LGBTQ+ people must be elected to achieve equitable representation.
- 235 LGBTQ+ state legislators are currently serving in the U.S., the most ever, and an increase of 4% since 2023. Vermont has the most out LGBTQ+ state legislators in the country with 12, while Louisiana, West Virginia and Idaho have zero out LGBTQ+ state legislators.
- LGBTQ+ elected officials of color increased by 17% since last year, while white LGBTQ+ elected officials increased by 9.3%.
- Transgender elected officials decreased by 6% between 2023 and 2024, with 47 serving nationwide.
- Nonbinary representation increased by 69.6%, with 39 serving nationwide. 33 states and the District of Columbia have non-binary elected officials.
- LGBTQ+ elected officials increasingly identified as pansexual, queer and bisexual, with 28.6% percent, 23.1% and 20.7% increases, respectively.
Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, released the following statement about the findings:
“Despite the historic news of having an LGBTQ+ elected official in every state and D.C., we must remember just how important this year is for our candidates, elected officials, and our democracy. We know we still have a long way to go. The battles over bodily freedom and autonomy happening in school boards, state capitols, and even our federal government demand all of us to work even harder to get more LGBTQ+ people elected nationwide. What happens through November and beyond is critical to building an America that truly represents all of us, and a call to many more in our community to run for elected office and help shape our future.”
Find the full report and historical data on the Out for America website. Contact LGBTQ+ Victory Communications for additional quotes, interviews or segment bookings at press@victoryinstitute.org
