119th Congress Sworn In with Historic LGBTQ+ Representation

Sarah McBride becomes the first transgender member of Congress as three LGBTQ+ lawmakers make history in a Congress marked by shifts in diversity.

Sarah McBride of Delaware is the first openly transgender person elected to Congress, joining as a representative for the state’s at-large district.
Emily Randall from Washington becomes the first LGBTQ Latina in Congress, while Julie Johnson of Texas is the first LGBTQ representative from the South.
The 119th Congress includes 13 openly LGBTQ+ legislators, the largest number in U.S. history, representing a milestone for diversity and inclusion.
This historic moment occurs as anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and legislation have surged nationally, with over 500 bills targeting LGBTQ rights introduced in 2024.
Despite progress in representation, the overall number of women in Congress has declined slightly, with women now making up 28% of the legislative body.