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In 2022, a record-breaking 1,065 out LGBTQ+ individuals ran for office across the United States, from rural school boards to high-stakes gubernatorial offices, with more than 430 achieving victory on election day.
The story of American democracy has been punctuated throughout its history by defining moments that test our fundamental commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality. Today, we face one such defining moment. The rise of Donald Trump and his MAGA movement starkly challenges our democratic norms in its aim to undermine our electoral process and erode public trust in government institutions. Amid these threats, our foundational principles teeter on the brink, and many Americans have been driven into a profound sense of hopelessness. As the November election approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
But history shows us that when America’s principles are under threat, the antidote has always been hope.
It seems trite, but it’s true. Far from wishful thinking, hope demands active determination and engagement. From abolitionism to civil rights to women’s suffrage, hope has manifested in American history not through idle desires but through the concrete actions of dedicated people that drive the changes we seek. Hope compels us to take decisive steps and engage in the meaningful work necessary to transform our aspirations into tangible outcomes, making a significant impact in our lives and the lives of others.
Hope means not only defending our core ideals but broadening their influence, propelling America toward a more inclusive interpretation of its founding principles. It involves a diligent, deliberative effort to ensure that our democracy genuinely represents all its citizens. True hope is found in a government that embodies its people — a government of, by, and for the people.
With the future of American democracy at stake in this election, there has never been a more crucial time to work collectively towards a more inclusive, equitable, and representative government. Without a diverse array of voices at the table, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, our democracy risks becoming unresponsive and disconnected from the very people it is meant to serve.
Even in these perilous times, there are reasons to feel a sense of hope. In 2022, a record-breaking 1,065 out LGBTQ+ individuals ran for office across the United States, from rural school boards to high-stakes gubernatorial races, with more than 430 achieving victory on Election Day.
A recent “When We Run” report by the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute offers an unprecedented look at the motivations and challenges faced by these LGBTQ+ candidates. Their motivation to run comes not from a desire for personal gain but from a selfless drive to improve their communities. Despite being fully aware of risks including anti-LGBTQ harassment, doubts about their electoral viability, and legislative efforts that threaten their very existence, they persevere, committed to enacting positive change.
Hope is found in the journey of figures like Sarah McBride, a 33-year-old Delaware state senator vying this year to become the first transgender member of Congress in American history. My husband Dillon and I had the chance to host a reception for Sarah at our home in Providence. Sarah shared a story about her start in the political arena, an opportunity she had early in her career to potentially intern on Capitol Hill. She spoke about the fear and anxiety she felt at the time, when she would have been the first trans person to ever work in the halls of Congress. Fast forward to now – with Sarah positioned as the front runner in her congressional race, on the cusp of becoming the first out trans person ever elected federal office in America, we are able to see and understand that progress that is still happening in front of our eyes.
Over the past decade, the United States has seen some significant advancements in LGBTQ+ equality, marked by landmark legal decisions and growing societal acceptance. Although these advances have been uneven across the country, we have seen the legalization and legislative codification of marriage equality nationwide, as well as improvements to LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination laws in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
Visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ Americans continues to grow, helping to shift public perceptions and increase awareness. The courage, resilience and relentless advocacy work of the LGBTQ+ movement continue to drive societal change as we push the boundaries of inclusion and fight for equal rights in all facets of American life.
The stark reality of representation and power dynamics is that if you're not at the table, you're on the menu. Without a presence in the room where decisions are made, LGBTQ+ Americans risk having their interests overlooked at best, and actively attacked at worst.
Despite these notable advancements, in recent years the political landscape for LGBTQ+ candidates has grown increasingly hostile. The arena is now a battleground of bigotry, where LGBTQ+ individuals frequently confront hateful legislation and attacks. This arena extends to our own backyard. Rhode Island Republican Representative Patricia Morgan introduced in March House Bill 2024-H 7884, a piece of extremist legislation which aims to prohibit gender-affirming care for minors.
Morgan has also introduced legislation that aims to ban the participation of transgender athletes in school sports. This legislation not only threatens the rights and well-being of our transgender youth, but underscores a broader societal reluctance to fully support freedom for LGBTQ+ Americans.
These legislative attacks are not isolated incidents, but part of a wider struggle. Bills like these underscore why we need to platform and elect diverse voices at all levels of government. The stark reality of representation and power dynamics is that if you're not at the table, you're on the menu. Without a presence in the room where decisions are made, LGBTQ+ Americans risk having their interests overlooked at best, and actively attacked at worst. Strong representation ensures that the diversity of the American experience is reflected in the bodies who make our laws, bringing invaluable lived experiences to legislative halls and influencing policies to be more inclusive and just.
Despite the frustrations, disappointments, and apathy that many feel towards politics today, there remains much to be hopeful for. The resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, told through the story of candidates like Sarah McBride, serves as a reminder that although the road may be fraught with challenges, progress is being made, and the fight for equality and justice continues.
Since America’s founding nearly 250 years ago, every step toward inclusivity has been a step toward strengthening the fabric of American democracy. Securing a diverse government is not just a political ideal but a necessary condition for a functioning democracy. In a time marked by real and present threats to our democratic institutions, it is more important than ever to advocate for and support a government that embodies the full diversity of the American people, ensuring that democracy of, by, and for the people – in its truest sense – prevails.
Matt McDermott, Senior Vice President at Whitman Insight Strategies, is a political pollster and communications strategist. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. Matt resides in Providence, Rhode Island with his husband Dillon Jones. He can be found on X at @mattmfm.
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