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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Being queer in Texas presents unique challenges, whether it be the GOP-led attacks on LGBTQ+ youth or the abolition of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) spaces on university campuses. Many queer Texans—including myself—often find it difficult to live unapologetically, hiding amongst the walls of our confines to live our truths. However, little did I know that entering the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s Congressional Internship Program would shatter the harsh realities I was living in.
Upon experiencing the first day of orientation, I couldn’t fathom that I would be experiencing the nation’s Capital with a group of openly queer folks while simultaneously working under a progressive champion. Although I could not comprehend the fact that “ten percent of adults in the District of Columbia identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, nearly three times the national average,” at least according to The New York Times, the number soon materialized as each day opened various doors of queer spaces found within the pockets of DC. Here, I can live truly and unapologetically, as long as I remain within this city.
As we’ve come to learn in the past few weeks, representation isn’t just about feeling seen; it’s about feeling empowered. Living and learning amongst 15 queer and trans interns—all shaped by our distinct experiences and backgrounds—has been an incredible journey. By simply being in their presence, I’ve learned how to love and be loved. Through our discussions about LGBTQ+ history and culture, I’ve come to appreciate the long fight for progress it took for me to live as an openly queer Latino and realize the efforts each intern has created in their grassroots work for LGBTQI+ rights within their home states.
Similarly, interning for the Office of Congressman Greg Casar (TX-35) has been a life changing experience. Not only have I been able to see Congress’s inner workings firsthand, I’ve been able to grow professionally and personally as well. From visiting the White House and seeing the Congressman play in the Congressional Baseball Game to assisting with the Office’s virtual town hall, the experiences I’ve gained working alongside Team Casar have been foundational in solidifying my love for D.C. Not only do I feel appreciated, I feel seen.
In a conversation I had with my Congressman, I remember asking him how we could maintain hope in an increasingly red state like Texas. Seeing continuous repressive policies has wavered my faith in the state of our government, leaving me pondering if the work we’ve been doing would remain fruitless. While acknowledging the anxieties that pervaded my mind, he steadily reminded me that this would be a long and tense fight and given the current system, it would be hard to see all we had been fighting for. However, there would be a day soon enough in which American citizens receive their Constitutionally-protected rights and till then, we would be on an uphill battle. And even though it had been a hard pill to swallow, I accepted that I would only continue to fight to ensure queer folks just like me can live out their true identities.
Seeing queer and trans people excel in Congress—whether it be interns, supervisors, or mentors—has reminded me that my identity is not a limitation, but a strength. This summer, learning has gone beyond the VCI curriculum. It’s been about finding a community. It’s about embracing a future where who we are is not just accepted, but celebrated. It is about patience and virtue. And finally, it’s about creating a space where y’all truly means…well, all.
