THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

Takeaways:

Black LGBTQ elected officials powered recent increases in LGBTQ representation. While the number of LGBTQ elected officials grew by 108% overall, the number of Black LGBTQ elected officials grew by 317%.

Black LGBTQ women led the way. The number of Black LGBTQ women grew by 256% compared to 89% for all LGBTQ women.

Black LGBTQ leaders built the bench in many state legislatures. The number of Black LGBTQ state lawmakers increased by 388% compared to 88% for all LGBTQ state lawmakers.

Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Institute, released the following statement:

"Black LGBTQ Americans have never had equitable representation in government — with the wounds to show for it. 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 LGBTQ elected officials — Black LGBTQ women, in particular — have fueled recent increases in LGBTQ representation in government. 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. 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."

The full report is available here: victoryinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Black-LGBTQ-Representation-Over-the-Past-Five-Years.pdf .