Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan from Wisconsin, who is openly gay, has introduced bills to establish an LGBT museum in Washington.
According to a press release, one measure would establish a commission to investigate the possibility of creating a National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture. The other bill would, however, create such a museum.
According to Pocan, “As our community is facing unprecedented attacks and attempts at erasing our history,” Pocan stated. It is important to recall our collective history, especially when certain states try to limit and repeal existing rights by passing bills that hurt LGBTQ+ youth and the community as a whole. Let’s share these stories and celebrate the many contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to this country with a museum in Washington D.C. I look forward both to the passing of this legislation and to visiting the museum in the very near future.
Thank you Co-Chair @RepMarkPocan for introducing this bill 🏳️🌈
⁰As we approach LGBTQ+ History Month, we are reminded that LGBTQ+ history is rarely taught. The establishment of this museum will be crucial in celebrating & educating the public about the LGBTQ+ experience. https://t.co/bTRKQJyISf— LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus (@LGBTEqCaucus) September 29, 2022
According to the press release the commission was created to develop a fundraising plan for the establishment, operation, and maintenance of the museum through public donations. It also required that the body get an independent review of the fundraising plan. This would include an analysis of the resources needed to finance the museum’s construction and operations without relying on federal funds.
According to the press release, the group was also tasked with “Reporting on the availability, cost, and impact of acquiring collections for a museum, identify possible locations for the facility at Washington, D.C., as well as determining its regional impact on other museums,” and “Congress a legislative action plan to establish and build the museum.”
According to the press release, the measure would direct the recommendations of the group to discuss whether the LGBT museum should be part of the Smithsonian Institution. After the completion of the commission’s work and the publication of their recommendations, lawmakers could consider other measures to create the museum.
The press release states that “all 9 openly LGBTQ+ members of Congress, as well as 50 others, are sponsors of this legislation.”
