The Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus has welcomed its newest chair, Representative Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, to serve the 118th Session of Congress. Founded in 2008, the “LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus serves as a resource for Members of Congress, their staff, and the public on LGBTQ+ issues at the federal level,” states its mission. “The Caucus works toward the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well-being for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.”
Eleven openly LGBTQ members currently serve the House of Representatives, many of whom co-chair the Caucus. The role of chair is authorized to an openly LGBTQ representative and is rotated each session based on seniority.
Pocan, who was sworn into Congress in 2013, also served as co-chair prior to his new position. His recent work included sponsoring the Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act, a bill to address bullying and harassment at colleges and universities, and introducing legislation to open the National Museum of LGBTQ History and Culture at the Smithsonian.
Speaking on the importance of the latter landmark initiative, he shares, “It is vital to remember our collective past—particularly when certain states seek to constrain and repeal existing rights by passing bills that harm LGBTQ youth and our community at large. Let’s tell these stories and honor the many contributions the LGBTQ community has made to this nation with a museum in Washington, D.C.”
Following a year that witnessed an increase in hate-related crime towards the LGBTQ community, a trend that has been fueled by discriminatory rhetoric and legislation introduced by several more extreme members of Congress, Pocan spoke of the Caucus’s mission for the upcoming session.
“The Equality Caucus will do everything in our power to defeat anti-LGBTQI+ bills and amendments proposed by extremist anti-LGBTQI+ politicians this Congress, especially those targeting our transgender and nonbinary community members.”
Although today’s political landscape frequently challenges hard earned progress, groups like the LGBQT+ Equality Caucus spearhead vital representation, legislation, and visibility for America’s queer community, leading an essential role in the protection and advancement of civil rights.
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