Women & LGBTQ+ Rights: Defending Progress as [President-Elect’s Last Name] Takes Office

As the incoming administration prepares for its inauguration this week, advocates for women’s rights and LGBTQ+ equality are voicing concerns and preparing for potential challenges to hard-won gains. The swearing-in of the 119th Congress on January 3, 2025, marked a milestone with the inclusion of Sarah McBride of Delaware, the first openly transgender member of Congress, but the broader political landscape remains uncertain.

The number of openly LGBTQ+ members of Congress currently stands at thirteen, including one senator and twelve representatives, a significant increase from the 111th Congress in 2009, when only two openly gay men and one lesbian served. This growth, however, does not necessarily translate to guaranteed protections, particularly as the political climate shifts.

The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s “Out for America 2025” report, released in June 2025, provides a snapshot of LGBTQ+ representation in elected office across the United States. While the report details the increasing number of out officials, it also highlights the ongoing need for advocacy and vigilance. The Victory Fund actively works to elect LGBTQ+ candidates, recognizing the importance of representation at all levels of government.

Concerns are particularly acute following the recent political shifts and the potential for rollbacks in civil rights protections. Advocates point to the need to defend existing legislation and to proactively advance policies that ensure equal rights for all, including protections against discrimination in housing, employment, and healthcare. The appointment of key personnel within the incoming administration will be closely scrutinized for their stances on these issues.

The historical record demonstrates a partisan divide on LGBTQ+ rights, with the Democratic Party generally taking a more favorable position than the Republican Party. This dynamic underscores the importance of building coalitions and engaging in sustained advocacy efforts to protect and expand LGBTQ+ equality. Roberta Achtenberg, who served as Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity from 1993 to 1995, was the first openly lesbian or gay public official requiring Senate confirmation, a testament to the historical barriers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals seeking public office.

Beyond Congress, LGBTQ+ individuals hold positions in various federal agencies and diplomatic roles. Christine Abizaid, who served as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center from 2021 to 2024, was the first openly gay director of that agency. Randy W. Berry, previously the United States Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons and ambassadors to Nepal and Namibia, has been a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ rights on the international stage. John Berry, a former Director of the Office of Personnel Management and U.S. Ambassador to Australia, was the first openly gay head of a federal agency.

As of January 30, 2025, the 119th Congress includes thirteen openly LGBTQ+ members, a number that reflects both progress and the ongoing need for increased representation. The incoming administration has not yet publicly addressed specific plans regarding LGBTQ+ rights, leaving advocates and community members awaiting further clarification. The White House has not responded to requests for comment on its plans for LGBTQ+ rights legislation.