According to the latest reports, the number of black LGBTQ people holding office has significantly risen in the last five years. According to LGBTQ Victory Institute’s
“Power Equality” report, this is a reassuring and hopeful turn for the LGBTQ community in a time when the community is so clearly under political attack.
The number of elected officials who are members of the LGBTQ community has risen 108% since 2018, and the number of Black, LGBTQ officials by 317%. Back in 2018, there were 30 Black, LGBTQ people voted into office. Now in 2023, there are at least 125.
“Black, LGBTQ Americans have never had equitable representation in government—with the wounds to show for it,” says Annise Parker, president and CEO of
LGBTQ Victory Institute, in a news release. “Despite bearing the brunt of recent increases in homophobia, transphobia, and racism, Black, LGBTQ leaders continue to run for office and serve in record numbers.”
Black, queer women have especially taken the lead, their representation skyrocketing 256% in comparison to the 89% total uptick of LGBTQ women.
“Black, LGBTQ elected officials—Black, LGBTQ women, in particular—have fueled recent increases in LGBTQ representation in government,” Parker continues. “These leaders are not just disrupting the status quo by fighting for real, generational change, they are inspiring more leaders to either come out publicly or answer the call to public service themselves.”
Still, there is much work to be done, and the battle for equal representation is not over yet. But there’s
much to celebrate. As Parker adds, “While we have a long way to go, the past five years prove that the momentum of history is on our side. We as a community must come together and answer this rallying cry by recruiting and training more Black, LGBTQ leaders ready to serve in public office.”
By Katie F
