Washington, DC – Today LGBTQ+ Victory Institute released “Powering Equality: Black LGBTQ+ Representation Over the Past Five Years,” a new report tracking Black LGBTQ+ representation at all levels of government from 2018-2023. The report is part of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s Out for America project, the only national initiative to track out LGBTQ+ elected officials in the U.S.
Key takeaways:
- Black LGBTQ elected officials powered recent increases in LGBTQ representation. While the number of LGBTQ elected officials grew by 108% overall, the number of Black LGBTQ+ elected officials grew by 317%.
- Black LGBTQ+ women led the way. The number of Black LGBTQ women grew by 256% compared to 89% for all LGBTQ+ women.
- Black LGBTQ+ leaders built the bench in many state legislatures. The number of Black LGBTQ+ state lawmakers increased by 388% compared to 88% for all LGBTQ state lawmakers.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, released the following statement:
“Black LGBTQ+ Americans have never had equitable representation in government – with the wounds to show for it. Despite bearing the brunt of recent increases in homophobia, transphobia and racism, Black LGBTQ+ leaders continue to run for office and serve in record numbers. Black LGBTQ+ elected officials – Black LGBTQ+ women, in particular – have fueled recent increases in LGBTQ+ representation in government. These leaders are not just disrupting the status quo by fighting for real, generational change, they are inspiring more leaders to either come out publicly or answer the call to public service themselves. While we have a long way to go, the past five years prove that the momentum of history is on our side. We as a community must come together and answer this rallying cry by recruiting and training more Black LGBTQ+ leaders ready to serve in public office.”
The full report is available here.
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LGBTQ+ Victory Institute
LGBTQ+ Victory Institute works to achieve and sustain global equality through leadership development, training, and convening to increase the number, expand the diversity, and ensure the success of openly LGBTQ+ elected and appointed officials at all levels of government.
