The 118th Congress will welcome about a dozen openly LGBTQ members when the session begins on Jan. 3 — the most in the history of the institution.
LGBTQ-identifying members called it a defining moment, giving them a seat at the table that they plan to use to amplify the voice of America’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.
“A wise person once said, ‘If you don’t have a seat at the table, then you’re probably on the menu,’” said Rep. Ritchie Torres, New York Democrat. “Now, the LGBTQ community is going to have a seat at the table, and we’re going to have a voice and a vote in crafting legislation.