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 early 2021, friends and coworkers of Chris helped establish the Christopher Hoven Memorial Fund to support LGBTQ Victory Institute’s Congressional Internship program. This fund will ensure that future generations of LGBTQ leaders can come to Capitol Hill, participate in the democratic process and launch their own political careers.
I had the honor of attending lunch with Representative Adam Schiff, my intern supervisor, and fellow interns this past week. With our initial conversation and Representative Schiff’s tradition of a question to all of his interns, it was clear that getting to know all those around him was a priority.
Soon, the conversation shifted from college majors, highlights of CA-30, and hopes for the future to my coming out to the Congressman: “I am your Victory Congressional Intern and part of the LGBTQ+ community.” I shared with him how coming from the heart of conservative Texas and graduating from a Baptist University has been vital to my growth as an advocate for my community; it was unknowingly the perfect environment for me to strengthen my championing of the LGBTQ+ community.
Then, the Congressman asked me, “So, I know this might come as a little too personal, but how are you with your family since [coming out]?” I admit, the boldness of his follow-up question shocked me. But talking to the Representative about my family dynamic, how family is family despite and because of everything, really displayed the dynamic that I have felt working in his office: a different sense of family that I never knew could exist in a place like The Hill.
My vulnerability to the Congressman was returned by some of his own as he shared with the table the story of his dear friend, Christopher Hoven. As a proudly out staffer for more than 30 years on Capitol Hill, Chris worked for Congressman Tim Penny, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, and most recently, Congressman Adam Schiff. I can’t help but know that Mr. Hoven’s love for the Schiff office, one I know share, was perpetuated throughout his seventeen years as a Schiff staffer.
Following this lunch, I did some research into the individual that Rep. Schiff spoke so highly about. Christopher Hoven’s legacy is one defined by a deep-seated commitment to making the world a better place for everyone around him. He was responsible for paving the way for countless LGBTQ+ individuals to have a place on Capitol Hill—including myself. With his “open-door” policy for interns, Christopher served as a mentor to many and a friend to all who knew him. I hold no reservations to say that Christopher’s presence, simply from what I have read and heard, enriched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him.
While Christopher may no longer be with us in the physical realm, the impact of his indomitable spirit lives on through The Christopher Hoven Memorial Fund. I am indescribably honored to have had a position within the Office of Rep. Adam Schiff. There was no other way I would have wanted to start my career in public service within the halls of Capitol Hill. And I owe my thanks to many, including Christopher Hoven.
