First openly gay Cabinet Member, Secretary Pete Buttigieg inducted into LGBTQ+ hall of fame at DNC

Addressing the audience, Buttigieg expressed his gratitude and reflected on the significance of the honor.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was honored on Tuesday by being inducted into the LGBTQ+ Political Hall of Fame at the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s “Victory at the DNC” event. 

This ceremony, which took place at The Wit Hotel's rooftop in Chicago, was part of the ongoing Democratic National Convention and celebrated the accomplishments and growing representation of LGBTQ+ leaders in U.S. politics.

Buttigieg, who made history as the first openly gay cabinet member in the U.S., was recognized for his pioneering public service and his role in advancing LGBTQ+ visibility and participation in government. His induction into the Hall of Fame places him among other notable figures in LGBTQ+ political history, such as Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and California’s Harvey Milk.

Addressing the enthusiastic audience, Buttigieg expressed his gratitude and reflected on the significance of the honor. “Thank you so much,” he said. “Thank you for humbling me with this honor."

The former mayor of South Bend praised former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Annise Parker, the president and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, for their contributions. He also acknowledged the activists and leaders who paved the way for his career, emphasizing that his achievements were made possible by those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights before him.

“Everything that I’ve had a chance to do, not just in politics but in life, is possible because of the committed activism of people like the people in this room and people who came before us,” Buttigieg said. “It wasn’t that long ago you couldn’t be a geographer in the federal government if you were gay. Think about how much has changed in one short lifetime.”

He shared his experiences as South Bend’s mayor, a position he held in what he referred to as “Mike Pence’s Indiana,” highlighting how his political career was earned through determination and perseverance. Buttigieg also shared personal stories about his mornings with his husband, Chasten, and their two young children.

“Just so you know what wake-up is like for us, it used to be we woke up to an alarm clock. Now we wake up to a 3-year-old…who will disappear downstairs and reemerge exactly one minute later with a tambourine in his hand,” he said.

In his speech, Buttigieg emphasized the need for continued activism and vigilance, particularly given the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. He underscored the importance of the Equality Act and the efforts to protect Black trans women from violence.

“Just because we have gained some ground does not mean we’ll ever get comfortable with the gains that have been made or the work that lies in front of us,” he said.

Buttigieg is set to address the convention crowd and the American public during prime time on Wednesday evening. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and former President Bill Clinton will also speak, with the evening’s main event being Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s acceptance speech for the vice-presidential nomination.

“We know what we’re up against, but the most important thing is what we’re for," Buttigieg said. “I think about that every time I show up to work. I will think about that tomorrow when I have the opportunity to address the Democratic National Convention.”