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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Returning to Capitol Hill for a third Congressional internship, I knew this experience would be different. I’ve had the honor of serving in two Congressional offices before, witnessing firsthand how policy is shaped and communities are represented. But this time, as I stepped into Congresswoman Julie Johnson’s office, something struck me immediately.
On the wall outside the office stands three flags: the American flag, the Texas state flag, and the Progress Pride flag. It was a simple – yet powerful – sight. In a space where decisions are made that impact millions, these flags aren’t just decorations; they are declarations. They signal something deeper: that in this office, diversity isn’t just acknowledged – it’s celebrated.
Being in a space where LGBTQ+ representation isn’t just an afterthought but a core value has been inspiring. Every day, I work alongside a team that reflects the communities we serve: diverse, inclusive, and unapologetically proud. Representation in politics matters, not just in the faces we see on TV or in the bills that get introduced, but in the environments we cultivate behind closed doors.
For too long, being “out” in professional spaces, especially in politics, has come with risks. The Progress Pride flag hanging in our office is more than a symbol. It is a statement that we don’t just exist in these spaces—we belong in them. It reminds me that I don’t have to check any part of my identity at the door.
This first week has been a reminder of why I continue to return to Capitol Hill. While the work is challenging, the stakes are high, and the progress is never fast enough, being in an office that prioritizes inclusion and visibility reinforces that I am exactly where I need to be. Pride isn’t just about a flag. It’s about making space, using our voices, and ensuring that future generations won’t have to wonder if they belong in rooms like these. They will know they do—because we were here, proud and out loud.
