Joe Biden to be honored at LGBTQ+ leadership conference for his work towards equality

Former President Joe Biden will be celebrated on Friday with the Chris Abele Impact Award at the LGBTQ+ Victory Institutes 41st International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. This annual event serves as both a gauge and a predictor of the political landscape for LGBTQ+ Americans.

For Biden, who stepped down from office in January, the honor represents the culmination of what LGBTQ+ advocates recognize as one of the most inclusive administrations in U.S. history. His tenure included a record number of LGBTQ+ appointments, expanded federal protections, the reinstatement of transgender military service, and the elevation of groundbreaking queer and trans leaders such as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Admiral Rachel Levine, Ambassador Chantale Wong, and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

The award comes at a time when LGBTQ+ communities, particularly transgender Americans, face intensifying political hostility, misinformation campaigns, and legislative efforts aimed at erasure. Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ leaders and elected officials are approaching the upcoming political cycle with what Victory Institute President and CEO Evan Low describes as a unique mix of urgency and optimism.

President Biden has demonstrated steadfast dedication to ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals can fully engage in democracy, said Low when announcing the award. The Institutes board highlighted Bidens historic leadership on LGBTQ+ equality, a distinction made more pronounced by todays political challenges.

Low emphasized that the community is under focused attacks, yet LGBTQ+ officials continue to confront these issues directly. Despite the pressures, LGBTQ elected officials are not passivethey are leading the charge, he noted.

The conference will host over 700 LGBTQ+ elected officials, advocates, and international human-rights leaders from Thursday to Saturday. Notable participants include Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Maine Governor Janet Mills, and authors Mary Trump and Stuart Milk. Beyond current officeholders, the event focuses on prospective candidates and emerging political leaders.

Following the 2024 elections in states like Virginia and New Jersey, there has been a marked increase in LGBTQ+ individuals seeking political training and considering candidacy. Victory Institute programs are experiencing two to three times their usual demand. Their inaugural training for transgender candidates offered 15 spots but received nearly 65 applications, highlighting growing interest and engagement.

Low stressed that LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender Americans, are political assets rather than liabilities. He cited leaders such as California U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, Virginia State Senator Danica Roem, and Delaware U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride as examples of officials redefining success through both visibility and effectiveness on everyday issues like infrastructure, housing, and democratic participation.

LGBTQ+ candidates face high levels of harassment, threats, and doxxing, prompting the Victory Institute to expand support with mental health resources and counseling to help navigate these barriers.

Bidens recognition coincides with a historic number of openly LGBTQ+ candidatesat least 80already filing to run for federal office in the 2026 cycle, a number expected to rise. Low emphasized that LGBTQ+ representation at the highest levels of government has shifted from being exceptional to expected, marking a significant turning point in U.S. political history.

Author: Sophia Brooks