The political landscape in the United States has seen a gradual increase in diversity and inclusion, particularly with the rise of LGBTQ+ representation. However, for Black LGBTQ+ individuals seeking political office, the journey is far more difficult, as they face the dual challenges of both racial discrimination and homophobia or transphobia. Despite efforts to promote inclusivity, recent reports show that these candidates remain significantly underrepresented and face compounded barriers that their white LGBTQ+ counterparts do not encounter.
This article explores the specific challenges Black LGBTQ+ politicians face and why their inclusion is critical to creating an equitable political system.
Compound Discrimination in the Political Arena
Black LGBTQ+ candidates are confronted with a unique set of challenges that compound the already difficult process of running for office. As candidates of color, they face entrenched racial discrimination, and as LGBTQ+ individuals, they contend with prejudice and homophobia or transphobia. The Victory Institute’s 2024 report reveals the struggles faced by Black LGBTQ+ candidates, showing that systemic racism and homophobia converge, creating an uphill battle that is often much steeper compared to other candidates.
“Black LGBTQ+ candidates face barriers in the political arena that white LGBTQ+ candidates or straight Black candidates often do not,” said Ruben Gonzales, Executive Director of the Victory Institute. “There’s a deep-seated bias that is not easily overcome, and these candidates often find themselves fighting for representation on multiple fronts.”
According to the report, Black LGBTQ+ candidates often receive less financial backing and political support than their white counterparts. Additionally, they frequently contend with personal attacks that target both their race and their identity, making it difficult to build coalitions across racial and LGBTQ+ communities.
Lack of Representation
The underrepresentation of Black LGBTQ+ individuals in politics remains a persistent issue. The LGBTQ Victory Fund, an organization that supports openly LGBTQ+ candidates, has made strides in promoting LGBTQ+ candidates, but Black representation still lags behind. According to their data, while there has been a notable increase in LGBTQ+ candidates overall, the number of Black LGBTQ+ individuals running for office is disproportionately low.
As of 2023, there are only a handful of Black LGBTQ+ elected officials in the U.S., including figures like Mondaire Jones, who became the first openly gay Black man elected to Congress in 2020. However, even trailblazers like Jones have noted the unique difficulties they’ve faced. In a 2021 interview, Jones shared that he was often seen through the lens of his race before his sexuality, facing attacks that blended racism with homophobia.
“Being Black in America is already difficult, and being LGBTQ+ is difficult. But being both? You’re often doubly marginalized,” Jones said. His words echo the experience of many Black LGBTQ+ candidates who feel they are fighting an uphill battle for basic recognition, let alone electoral success.
Racism within the LGBTQ+ Community
One of the significant, often overlooked challenges that Black LGBTQ+ candidates face is racism within the LGBTQ+ community itself. While the LGBTQ+ movement has fought hard for equality, it has not been immune to issues of racism. This internal struggle presents an added barrier for Black LGBTQ+ candidates seeking support from within their own community.
Recent surveys from the Williams Institute at UCLA show that LGBTQ+ individuals of color frequently feel marginalized even within LGBTQ+ spaces, and Black LGBTQ+ candidates often feel they receive less support from white LGBTQ+ voters or donors. The lack of intersectional solidarity further isolates Black LGBTQ+ candidates and complicates their path to office.
“There’s a reluctance to confront racism within LGBTQ+ spaces,” said Gonzalez of the Victory Institute. “White LGBTQ+ voters or organizations may focus on issues of sexuality or gender identity while failing to address or support racial equity, leaving Black LGBTQ+ candidates in a difficult position.”
This lack of support from within the LGBTQ+ community itself poses yet another challenge for candidates who are already fighting racial discrimination from wider society.
Calls for Greater Intersectionality and Support
The persistent barriers facing Black LGBTQ+ candidates highlight the need for more intersectional support within both the political and LGBTQ+ movements. Advocates argue that until political institutions and support organizations adopt more intersectional approaches, Black LGBTQ+ individuals will continue to face undue obstacles.
Racism and homophobia or transphobia are systemic issues that require comprehensive solutions. Groups like the Victory Fund and Human Rights Campaign (HRC) are working to address this by providing financial support and visibility to underrepresented candidates. Additionally, there have been calls for white LGBTQ+ voters and organizations to address their own biases and provide greater support for candidates of color.
“The solution lies in recognizing the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality,” said Alphonso David, former president of HRC. “Supporting Black LGBTQ+ candidates requires a commitment to dismantling both racism and homophobia at every level of the political process.”
The fight for equitable representation is not only about increasing numbers but also about ensuring that candidates from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed. While progress has been made, Black LGBTQ+ candidates remain at the intersection of two marginalized identities, and without greater support, their voices will continue to be disproportionately silenced in the political arena.
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This post first appeared on Pulse of Pride.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock/ Satyrenko
