Scroll To Top
Politicians

Number of Black LGBTQ+ Elected Leaders Surges in America: Report

Number of Black LGBTQ+ Elected Leaders Surges in America: Report

A woman stands in front of a group of people in the background holding signs. She is Black. She is holding a sign that reads "We want CHANGE."

Representation matters, and new data suggests that Black queer and trans elected officials are being voted into office in record numbers.

Cwnewser

Representation of Black LGBTQ+ people in elected positions has increased significantly over the last five years, being elected in record numbers, a newly published report found.

The LGBTQ Victory Institute’s “Powering Equality” report reflects promising news for Black queer people running for office during a time when LGBTQ+ rights advocates say the LGBTQ+ community is under attack.

While the number of elected people who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community has increased by 108 percent since 2018, researchers found that the number of Black-elected LGBTQ+ officials has grown by 317 percent. Whereas in 2018, 30 Black LGBTQ+ elected officials had been voted into office, in 2023, that number is at least 125.

“Black LGBTQ Americans have never had equitable representation in government – with the wounds to show for it,” said Annise Parker, president & 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.”

According to the report, Black queer and trans women stood out, increasing their representation by 256 percent compared to 89 percent overall for all LGBTQ+ women.

Of the 415 out LGBTQ+ women elected across the country, 57 are Black, compared to 16 out of 219 LGBTQ+ women in 2018.

"Black LGBTQ elected officials – Black LGBTQ women, in particular – have fueled recent increases in LGBTQ representation in government,” Parker said. “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.”

She also explained that despite the strides forward reflected in this report, much more work must be done regarding representation.

“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,” Parker added.

Cwnewser
30 Years of Out100Out / Advocate Magazine - Jonathan Groff & Wayne Brady

From our Sponsors

Most Popular

Latest Stories

Christopher Wiggins

Christopher Wiggins is a senior national reporter for The Advocate. He has a rich career in storytelling and highlighting underrepresented voices. Growing up in a bilingual household in Germany, his German mother and U.S. Army father exposed him to diverse cultures early on, influencing his appreciation for varied perspectives and communication. His work in Washington, D.C., primarily covers the nexus of public policy, politics, law, and LGBTQ+ issues. Wiggins' reporting focuses on revealing lesser-known stories within the LGBTQ+ community. Key moments in his career include traveling with Vice President Kamala Harris and interviewing her in the West Wing about LGBTQ+ support. In addition to his national and political reporting, Wiggins represents The Advocate in the White House Press Pool and is a member of several professional journalistic organizations, including the White House Correspondents’ Association, Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, and Society of Professional Journalists. His involvement in these groups highlights his commitment to ethical journalism and excellence in the field. Follow him on X/Twitter @CWNewser (https://twitter.com/CWNewser) and Threads @CWNewserDC (https://www.threads.net/@cwnewserdc).
Christopher Wiggins is a senior national reporter for The Advocate. He has a rich career in storytelling and highlighting underrepresented voices. Growing up in a bilingual household in Germany, his German mother and U.S. Army father exposed him to diverse cultures early on, influencing his appreciation for varied perspectives and communication. His work in Washington, D.C., primarily covers the nexus of public policy, politics, law, and LGBTQ+ issues. Wiggins' reporting focuses on revealing lesser-known stories within the LGBTQ+ community. Key moments in his career include traveling with Vice President Kamala Harris and interviewing her in the West Wing about LGBTQ+ support. In addition to his national and political reporting, Wiggins represents The Advocate in the White House Press Pool and is a member of several professional journalistic organizations, including the White House Correspondents’ Association, Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, and Society of Professional Journalists. His involvement in these groups highlights his commitment to ethical journalism and excellence in the field. Follow him on X/Twitter @CWNewser (https://twitter.com/CWNewser) and Threads @CWNewserDC (https://www.threads.net/@cwnewserdc).