House representative Mark Pocan from Wisconsin, introduced a bill yesterday that seeks to establish a LGBTQ+ history museum in DC within the Smithsonian institution. If passed, an 8-member commission would be formed that in 8 months would issue an official review and recommendation pertaining to the construction of the new museum.
If the legislation is successful, the new LGBTQ+ history museum would be established within the Smithsonian institution. Making it a part of the world’s largest group of museums and education and research centers.
Pocan, who identifies as a part of the LGBTQ+ community, released a statement about the importance of the success of the bill. “As our community faces unprecedented attacks and attempts to erase our history, we must preserve and protect our stories for future generations,” Pocan said. “It is vital to remember our collective past, particularly when certain states seek to constrain and repeal existing rights by passing bills that harm LGBTQ+ youth and our community at large,” he added. Let’s tell these stories, and honor the many contributions the LGBTQ+ community has made to this nation with a museum in Washington, D.C.,” Pocan said.
The bill is currently being backed by all nine openly LGBTQ+ members of congress along with 50 other members of congress.