Each year, October marks LGBTQ+ History Month, when we honor the contributions and accomplishments of LGBTQ+ people. It’s an important way of educating and increasing awareness about these accomplishments.

This year, let’s take a dive into politics and highlight some of the ways in which LGBTQ+ folks have made strides!

More Inclusive Government

Currently, over 1,300 elected officials in the United States are part of the LGBTQ+ community—the highest number ever of politicians who are publicly out as LGBTQ+! There has been over a two percent increase since 2024 alone. While this may seem small, every bit counts. There was a time not too long ago when barely any politicians were publicly out as LGBTQ+ but now, many are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse government.

This representation matters.

Why Representation Matters

Support from family, friends, peers or even online can help lower feelings of anxiety and depression among LGBTQ+ young people. Representation—seeing people who either look like or identify similarly as you—can have a comparable effect. For LGBTQ+ youth, seeing people in positions of power who are proud to be LGBTQ+ can make a world of difference and send an inspirational message: you belong and don’t need to hide who you are to make a true impact. It normalizes queerness in spaces where historically, it has been left out or actively stifled.

Breaking Barriers in Every Office

When we think about LGBTQ+ politicians, a name like Pete Buttigieg might come to mind—the first openly gay cabinet member confirmed by the senate, under President Biden. But there are many more stories about LGBTQ+ trailblazers in government.

For example, there’s Danica Roem of Virginia, who, in 2017, made history as the first openly transgender person to be elected to a U.S. state legislature. Since then, she’s been elected to the Virginia Senate as well! There are Maura Healey and Tina Kotek, who, in 2022, became the first openly lesbian U.S. governors. On that important day, they both made history.

However, it isn’t just about federal or state titles. Local offices count, too, and across school boards, cities and towns, LGBTQ+ people are making a difference every day.

Recent Challenges

Of course, progress isn’t always linear. While representation continues to increase in U.S. government, there have also been some big setbacks to LGBTQ+ rights. From bans on books featuring LGBTQ+ characters to attacks on gender-affirming care, it can often feel like we’re moving backwards.

But, let’s hold on to hope. We can continue to advocate for LGBTQ+ people and issues, no matter what the current administration tries to do. There are many diverse and passionate leaders who want to make the world a better place, one law at a time.

So, as we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, let’s remember that history isn’t just about the past, it’s being written each and every day. From your town to Washington, D.C., LGBTQ+ leaders are creating a more inclusive future one decision and vote at a time.

Representation matters, visibility matters and most importantly, YOU matter. Happy LGBTQ+ History Month!