2024 LGBT History Month Launch

Mark Pocan is an openly gay U.S. representative for Wisconsin’s 2nd Congressional District. A progressive Democrat, small business owner, and member of the AFL-CIO, he chairs the Congressional Equality Caucus. He also participates in the Pro-Choice Caucus, the Safe Climate Caucus, the Labor Caucus, and the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) Caucus, among others. Since assuming office in 2012, Rep. Pocan has staunchly advocated for issues such as health care, LGBTQ rights, environmental protection, jobs and labor, and social and economic justice. 

Ben Garcia is the first Executive Director of The American LGBTQ+ Museum. He is charged with leading the museum’s exhibition and program development, advocacy efforts, communications, community outreach, and fundraising. He will usher the museum into its important next stage: opening a physical location at the New-York Historical Society in 2026. Garcia has more than 20 years of experience in museum leadership, development, and intersectional LGBTQ+ advocacy. He has presented and published frequently on creating structural equity in museums through transparency, accountability, fair labor practices, and by including overlooked voices and perspectives.

Rue Landau is the first openly LGBTQ member of the Philadelphia City Council. She has spent her career fighting for social justice—notably, housing and health care equity—for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable communities. She was an active member of ACT UP (during the HIV/AIDS crisis), Kensington Welfare Rights Union, and Women’s Health Action and Mobilization. She served as the director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and the Fair Housing Commission. Councilmember Landau is a member of the Philadelphia Bar Association and the Philadelphia LGBTQ Bar Association.