“Now there is no question we are on a journey to elect the first openly gay president of the United States – and that is astounding.”
After days of speculation and partially-reported results, it is official: Pete Buttigieg won the Iowa caucuses. It is a milestone moment for the LGBTQ community and all of America, with Pete becoming the first openly LGBTQ person in history to win a presidential primary. The impact of the moment was evident in a speech he gave in New Hampshire Tuesday night, saying his victory “validates for a kid somewhere in a community wondering if he belongs or she belongs or they belong in their own family.” His use of the pronoun “they” in the closely watched speech is emblematic of the transformation an openly LGBTQ presidential candidate can have on the race and the country.
LGBTQ Victory Fund was Buttigieg’s first national endorsement. He was endorsed in June 2019 on the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released the following statement about the victory:
“Pete’s victory is a transformational moment in American history, upending traditional notions of electability and proving America is ready to elect its first openly gay president. Just twelve years ago, no serious contender for the presidency publicly supported the right of LGBTQ people to marry. LGBTQ people were effectively banned from the military. But Monday night, Iowa decided Pete is the best candidate to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country into a new decade, a powerful statement of our nation’s progress.
“With all results in, we can now fully appreciate the historic moment that played out Monday night. Running against some of the most recognizable names in American politics, Pete overcame the obstacles and the odds to finish first place in the Iowa caucuses. It is an incredible achievement for an openly gay candidate and speaks to Pete’s ability to build a broad coalition among voters in cities, suburbs and rural areas. Voters want the antithesis of Donald Trump and they see that in Pete. Now there is no question we are on a journey to elect the first openly gay president of the United States – and that is astounding.”