Mark Pocan Proposes National LGBTQ+ History Museum

Democrat Mark Pocan introduced two legislative proposals to Congress on October 27 for a museum dedicated to LGBTQ+ history to be established in the Smithsonian Institution. Pocan is a gay U.S. representative from Wisconsin who also serves as the chair of The Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus.

One of Pocan’s proposals would allow for the formation of an eight-person committee made up of those with knowledge of museum planning and LGBTQ+ history. This committee would lay the groundwork for an LGBTQ+ museum and create a plan of action, as well as fundraising opportunities for the creation and operation of the museum. The museum would rely on public fundraising as opposed to federal funding. 

Pocan’s proposal suggests an 18-month time span for the committee to complete their investigation and research. The Advocate reports that a final roundup of collected information would include potential locations, answers to whether the museum should be placed in the Smithsonian Institution, availability and cost of museum collections, and projected impact on other museums in the area. 

Pocan’s second proposal aims to formally establish the museum and would be put into effect after the committee presents its findings. All eight co-chairs of the Equality Caucus have supported Pocan’s proposal and helped him introduce the proposals to Congress. The proposals are currently awaiting a decision from Congress.

“As our community faces unprecedented attacks and attempts to erase our history, we must preserve and protect our stories for future generations. It is vital to remember our collective past—particularly when certain states, and even Members of Congress, seek to constrain and repeal existing rights by passing bills that harm LGBTQI+ youth and our community at large,” Pocan says of his proposals, stressing the importance of LGBTQ+ history preservation in times such as these which are fraught with anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.