Former U.S. President Joe Biden will be awarded the Chris Abele Impact Award this Friday at the 41st International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference, recognising his decades-long advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights — and what many consider the most inclusive presidential administration in U.S. history.
The annual event, hosted by the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, will gather more than 700 elected officials, advocates, and human rights leaders in Washington, D.C. It arrives at a time of both heightened political pressure and growing LGBTQ+ representation across the U.S.
A Historic Presidency
Biden’s administration is widely celebrated by LGBTQ+ advocates for:
- Reinstating and expanding federal anti-discrimination protections
- Restoring transgender military service
- Appointing a record number of LGBTQ+ officials, including:
- Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg
- Admiral Rachel Levine
- Ambassador Chantale Wong
- White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre
“President Biden has shown unwavering commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ people can participate fully and openly in our democracy,” said Evan Low, CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute.
Low said the award recognises Biden’s historic leadership at a time when LGBTQ+ people — particularly trans Americans — are being targeted with aggressive legislative efforts and misinformation campaigns.
Urgency Meets Hope
Despite the increasing hostility under President Donald Trump’s second term, LGBTQ+ leaders and candidates are responding with renewed energy.
“You would imagine that people feel disenfranchised or at a loss,” said Low. “Yet quite the contrary — our LGBTQ elected officials aren’t sitting on the sidelines. They’re leading the fight.”
Low describes the current climate as a paradox of urgency and hope, where political opposition is growing but so is LGBTQ+ leadership and visibility.
A Conference Fuelled by Momentum
This year’s conference includes appearances from:
- Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey
- Maine Governor Janet Mills (now running for U.S. Senate)
- Authors Mary Trump and Stuart Milk, relatives of two political dynasties
More than ever, the spotlight is not just on current leaders — but on those preparing to run.
Following strong Democratic showings in Virginia and New Jersey, Low says the Victory Institute has seen “two to three times” more interest in candidate training programs. For example:
- The institute’s first-ever training for trans candidates offered 15 spots but received nearly 65 applications.
“There’s this narrative that the LGBTQ community — especially trans people — are political liabilities,” Low said. “In fact, they’re assets. And we have the receipts to prove it.”
The New Metrics of LGBTQ+ Political Power
Low highlights the work of openly LGBTQ+ elected leaders reshaping American politics:
- Rep. Robert Garcia (CA): Ranking member of the House Oversight Committee
- Sen. Danica Roem (VA): First out trans person elected to a state legislature
- Rep. Sarah McBride (DE): First out trans person elected to Congress
“What makes them successful is their passion for everyday issues — infrastructure, housing, healthcare — not just LGBTQ+ rights,” Low said.
This, he argues, is what creates durable LGBTQ+ representation: authenticity plus policy competence.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Leaders on the Frontlines
Victory Institute has expanded its support services to include:
- Mental health support
- Professional development
- Counselling for candidates and their families
“LGBTQ+ candidates are facing unprecedented levels of harassment, doxxing, and personal threats. These are real barriers to entry, and we want to help them push through,” Low said.
With more than 80 out LGBTQ+ candidates already filed to run for federal office in 2026, the community’s momentum shows no signs of slowing.
