Out for America 2025 shows the growth and diversity of LGBTQ+ elected representation. The new report also includes a list of changemaking LGBTQ+ state and local officials, called the LGBTQ+ Political Power List.
WASHINGTON – LGBTQ+ elected representation is more diverse and inclusive in 2025, with notable growth in pansexual, queer, and AAPI representation, according to the 2025 Out for America report from LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. LGBTQ+ representation overall increased by 2.4% to at least 1,334 between 2024 and 2025 and has jumped 198% since reporting began in 2017 under the first Trump administration.
“This year’s Out for America report shows the resilience of our LGBTQ+ elected leaders. Despite hateful rhetoric plaguing the 2024 election cycle, LGBTQ+ elected officials won at the ballot box and made history,” says LGBTQ+ Victory Institute President & CEO Evan Low. “We know these exceptionally talented public servants are exactly what we need as the antidote to combat the anti-equality virus in our halls of power.”
Out for America is LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s annual census of LGBTQ+ representation. The report examines LGBTQ+ representation in elected offices nationwide. For the first time, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute released the 2025 LGBTQ+ Political Power List, highlighting a cross-section of the excellence of LGBTQ+ public servants.
“Our elected officials are the backbone of the equality movement,” says LGBTQ+ Victory Institute Executive Director Elliot Imse. “Whether combating bills that aim to strip our rights, or being important voices for our communities, their presence within the halls of power is vital.”
Asian American and Pacific Islander LGBTQ+ elected officials experienced the largest growth between 2024 and 2025, with a 32.6% increase. Black/African American and multiracial LGBTQ+ elected officials also increased by 4.1% and 28.6%, respectively, while the percentage of Latino/Latina LGBTQ+ officials remained unchanged.
Pansexual and queer identified LGBTQ+ representation grew the highest between 2024 and 2025 out of sexual orientation categories, 17% and 19% respectively, while lesbian representation decreased slightly.
The number of transgender women remained the same, and the number of transgender men grew slightly despite a growing anti-trans political climate. The election of Sarah McBride to Congress, as well as the election of several trans people to state and local offices, shows that voters look beyond gender to elect representation they believe in.
“We broke the lavender ceiling with Sarah McBride making history, but we need many more people like her to answer the call,” added Low. “That’s why we are intentionally working to find and train more transgender, gender nonconforming and nonbinary leaders to seek elected office at all levels.”
Gender nonconforming elected officials increased by 18.8% from 16 to 19 between 2024 and 2025, while the number of nonbinary, transgender/nonbinary and genderqueer/nonbinary elected officials stayed at 39 between 2024 and 2025.
The LGBTQ+ Political Power List, published exclusively by Politico, features a diverse range of history-makers and political powerhouses who are at the forefront of the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. The list includes Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, and Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell, Hawaii State Representative Kim Coco Iwamoto, Iowa State Representative Aime Wichtendahl, Texas State Representative Lauren Ashley Simmons, and Montana State Representative Zooey Zephyr, among others. Find the full list here.
The Out for America report is an annual census of LGBTQ+ representation released by the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, the global leader in building LGBTQ+ representation at all levels. The report analyzes all new and incumbent LGBTQ+ elected officials identified before May 5, 2025. Information is validated through internal and external records, including partner data, self-identification and media reporting. Note that there may be more LGBTQ+ elected officials than are included in this report, and the data and analysis are based on identified data. To view the report and analysis, visit our website. To view information on LGBTQ+ elected officials across the country, visit our Out for America map.