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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In November 2023, I took a weekend trip with my partner, Lindy, to Washington D.C. to simply get out of Chicago, where I go to school, and explore a new city. I vividly remember walking along the path to the Capitol on an uncharacteristically warm night, looking up at the majestically lit dome, a beacon of democracy and representation. I turned to Lindy and said, “I would really like to work there.” Six months later, I am so proud to say, “I do.”
The Capitol is home to “the people’s house,” the branch of government that is intended to be closest to and an accurate representation of the tapestry of our diversity found across the United States. Just as it is important that the politicians who represent the districts of America are reflective of their constituents, it is equally important that the hundreds of staffers and interns who occupy “The Halls of Power” are also reflective of America’s diversity.
Right now is a very difficult moment to identify as queer within our country. It feels as if almost every day new legislation is introduced or passed in various state and local legislatures to limit the individual rights of people and the telling of stories like my own. Within the federal legislature, there are many representatives who want to push a silencing agenda nationwide. When I found out about LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of the Congressional Internship Program. I resonated deeply with Victory’s mission of helping queer people break into the various levels of government to be the representation that is so deeply important for our community. I also craved being a part of an internship cohort with other passionate and civically engaged young people.
I was absolutely thrilled to have been offered a press internship with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11th). To be able to say that I intern for “Speaker Nancy Pelosi” is a sentence that I never thought I would be able to say. Being in the office of such a groundbreaking leader and forceful advocate for the queer community is truly an honor. Additionally, her office is full of incredibly talented and kind staffers who welcomed me with open arms from day one.
I am inspired to be surrounded by people dedicated to using their positions to benefit the lives of other people and make our government more accessible to communities that have been excluded from representation for too long.
The work I completed during my first week of the internship was honestly so much fun. In my office, I did news clips, media monitoring, staffed a press conference, and drafted social media posts for the upcoming week. Through Victory, I also really enjoyed attending an LGBTQ+ fundraiser intended to help get queer people elected where I had the opportunity to network with various LGBTQ+ elected officials and community members. Additionally, I had a lot of fun taking a trip with Victory’s internship cohort to watch the Washington Nationals’ Pride Night game.
Our Friday programming this week stood out to me because it covered the painstaking history of LGBTQ+ political advocacy. I have been reflecting a lot on the Lavender Scare, beginning in the 1950s, when queer people were prohibited from working in the federal government. I feel the weight of importance that history has paved the way for me to be working in Congress as an out queer person. I feel so privileged for this opportunity and am truly looking forward to continuing to learn and grow during my time in D.C. I am so proud to be doing this alongside such a supportive team and cohort.
