Queer legislators introduce bill to create national LGBTQ+ history museum

Out gay legislator Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) has introduced two bills to research and create a National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture. Though it’s the second time that he and House Democrats have introduced this legislation, It’s unlikely the bills will pass in the Republican-led House.

The first bill would create an eight-person commission of museum planners and LGBTQ+ researchers to identify potential locations for the museum and develop a fundraising plan so it may fully operate without government funding. The commission will have 18 months to complete its study and submit a legislative plan of action to Congress, The Hill reported. The second bill would formally create the museum.

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In its report, the commission must address whether the museum should become a part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. The commission must also assess the LGBTQ+ museum’s regional impact on other museums, and the costs of fundraising for its ongoing maintenance.

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The bill is co-sponsored by all eight LGBTQ+ co-chairs of the Equality Caucus, including Reps. Pocan, Becca Balint (D-VT), Angie Craig (D-MN), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Mark Takano (D-CA), and Ritchie Torres (D-NY). Pocan also introduced both bills last year, but neither received a floor vote.

“This is a museum, much like we’ve done to recognize African-Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, and most recently, Asian-Americans,” Pocan explained in a Twitter video last Friday. “As our community faces unprecedented attacks and attempts to erase our history, we must preserve and protect our stories for future generations.”

“It is vital to remember our collective past — particularly when certain states, and even Members of Congress, seek to constrain and repeal existing rights by passing bills that harm LGBTQI+ youth and our community at large,” Pocan added. “Let’s tell these stories, the good and the bad, and honor the many contributions the LGBTQI+ community has made to this nation with a museum in Washington, D.C.”

There are already several LGBTQ+ history museums, galleries, and archives in the U.S., including the GLBT Historical Society Museum in San Francisco, California; the Stonewall National Museum & Archives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art in New York City, New York; the ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives in Los Angeles, California; The Legacy Walk in Chicago, Illinois; and the Lesbian Herstory Archives in Brooklyn, New York.