LGBTQ+ Policy Representation within the States

• In Event: Poster Session: New Perspectives in Political Science Research: Scholarship by Vanderbilt REU Students

Abstract

Over the last several decades the representation of LGBTQ+ interests in the political realm has changed dramatically. This has been especially true at the state level, where legislatures enacted civil union protections and gay marriage rights long before changes at the federal level made this more likely. Some scholars argue that substantive representation- when policy reflects the interests of constituents- is most likely to occur when groups are descriptively represented. However, there are very few LGBTQ+ elected officials at any level of government. This paper uses this lack of descriptive representation as a way to explore other conditions under which substantive representation may occur. I argue that Black female legislators are instrumental in producing policy that reflects public opinion that is supportive of marginalized groups. The long history of marginalization of Black women elected officials has meant that Black female legislators are uniquely poised to fight for the rights of underrepresented interests.

Author

• Jadyn N. Cochrane, Tennessee State University