Senate GLASS Caucus

Congressional Staff Coming Out Day Photo
Wednesday, October 3^rd, 12:00 PM
GLASS invites all out staff to participate.
We will gather at the bottom of the east steps of the U.S. Capitol (facing the Supreme Court).
Media has been advised of this event.

RSVP here.

To recognize National Coming Out Day, GLASS  is partnering with the LGBT Congressional Staff Association and the LoC GLOBE to take a photo of LGBT congressional and library staff who have come out.  Meet us at the bottom of the east steps of the U.S. Capitol on October 3rd at 12:00 PM to take part.

National Coming Out Day is a an international event that gives gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people the opportunity to “come out” to colleagues about their sexuality. It also provides a means of increasing the visibility of gay people on the Hill.  While it is celebrated on October 11^th, we are taking the photo in advance so we can post it publicly before that day.

At a reception our organizations sponsored last month, Congressman Barney Frank reflected on his career in Congress and the difficulties gay staff faced in years past.  He reminded us of the progress our community has made in creating a more inclusive work environment on the Hill.  Organizations like ours have played an important role over the years in fostering that welcoming atmosphere.

Progress towards acceptance in the workplace has been made possible through daily individual interactions between out and straight staff.  Our straight colleagues have learned through such interactions that we are just as smart, hard working, and competent as anyone else.

This progress took a lot of courage on the part of the few out staffers in years past.  However, their decision to live their lives openly in the workplace allowed other closeted staff to find the strength to follow.  National Coming Out Day is an opportunity for us to pay that courage forward and provide a supportive space for closeted staff to come out.

By coming out and being out we are changing Capitol Hill.  We still have many steps in our journey towards full equality.  Join us next Wednesday to continue climbing those steps together.

Sincerely,

Jackson Droney and Jeffrey Levensaler, Co-Chairs, GLASS
John Blair, President, LGBT Congressional Staff Association
Brock Thompson, President, LoC GLOBE