Biden campaign seeks to mobilize LGBTQ voters with new initiative

President Biden’s reelection campaign on Wednesday launched Out for Biden-Harris, a new national initiative aimed to mobilize LGBTQ voters.

The launch includes a series of virtual organizing and training events focused on reaching new volunteers, especially in battleground states, by engaging surrogates from the community — like Virginia state Sen. Danica Roem (D) and former undersecretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones. It will also include a virtual organizing call featuring actor Wilson Cruz, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) and Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson to mobilize supporters.

“LGBTQ+ voters are a force to be reckoned with. They were critical to our victory in 2020, and they will be critical to winning again this November,” campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said in a statement

The goal of Out for Biden-Harris is to reengage LGBTQ volunteers who helped elect Biden and Vice President Harris in 2020, when nearly 11,000 volunteers from the community helped. The reelection campaign argued that the Biden-Harris administration is the most pro-LGBTQ in history and noted it has been endorsed by top LGBTQ organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, the National Center for Transgender Equality and Equality PAC.

Additionally, there will be a series of Out for Biden-Harris events in key swing-state cities, including Phoenix, Ariz.; Ferndale, Mich.; Milwaukee; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Harrisburg, Pa.; and Las Vegas. 

Chavez Rodriguez in Wednesday’s statement also warned what another term for former President Trump could mean for LGBTQ rights.

“LGBTQ+ Americans couldn’t have more at stake this election: Donald Trump and his extremist allies are running to gut LGBTQ+ rights and erase history as their top priorities. LGBTQ+ Americans deserve leaders who will fight for every American’s freedom and dignity,” she said.