While
the growth in LGBTQ elected officials was strong, America must elect
22,688 more LGBTQ people to public office to achieve equitable
representation in government.
Among the report’s key findings:
- 698 known LGBTQ elected officials are currently serving in the U.S., just 0.13 percent of all elected officials nationwide;
- LGBTQ elected officials of color increased by 36 percent compared to 21.1 percent among white LGBTQ elected officials; and
- Bisexual elected officials increased by 126 percent and transgender elected officials by 53.8 percent.
The
report also found a 22.5 percent increase in LGBTQ state legislators
over the past year and a 34.9 percent increase over the past two years.
“While
LGBTQ elected officials are increasing in number and becoming more
diverse, LGBTQ people – and especially LGBTQ people of color, bisexual
and transgender people – remain severely underrepresented at every level
of government,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ
Victory Institute. “This must be a
call-to-action for our community. LGBTQ candidates face obstacles and
inequities that many who run for office do not face, yet voters are
ready to elect us if we run. It is our responsibility to encourage
leaders in our community to run for office and be our voice in the halls
of power.”
The
Out for America report is an annual analysis of LGBTQ elected
representation in government based on Victory Institute’s LGBTQ elected
officials database – the largest and most comprehensive listing
available. The interactive Out for America map displays all known LGBTQ
elected officials and is available at outforamerica.org.