Congressman Chris Pappas: Making a Difference as a Queer Politician
Photo courtesy of Chris Pappas
Chris Pappas is the first openly-gay man to represent New Hampshire in Congress. Pappas’ genuine care for his community drives his passion to serve his constituents. Being of humble nature, Pappas claims that he did not look to make history but, instead, “a difference for the people I represent.” Furthermore, Pappas believes that the collective coming out of the closet by LGBTQ+ Americans with high positions will progress LGBTQ+ liberation as a whole.
LTA: Starting off, could you introduce yourself and explain what you do?
My name is Chris Pappas and I’m proud to serve New Hampshire’s First District as a member of Congress in the United States House of Representatives. As a member of Congress, it is my responsibility to represent the views of my district in proposing legislation, consider federal policies, and act as a check and a balance on other parts of our government. My most important responsibility is to be available to my constituents, who have elected me to this position of public trust. My staff and I hold regular meetings with these constituents; we are always looking for ways to assist them in navigating the federal government and helping them with any problems they are experiencing. We are always available for feedback, criticism, ideas, concerns, or anything else that might help our office do the best job we can to serve the constituents in my district.
LTA: Why do you do what you do? What impact do you hope to have?
I grew up in a family restaurant business that’s been in operation for 102 years. Through that experience, I learned important lessons about servant leadership. I learned the value of hard work and customer service and I began to think about the impact you can make on the larger community around you. Those values inspired me to enter public service at the age of 22, when I ran to represent my community in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. New Hampshire has a volunteer legislature which means that in order to serve, you have to be motivated by the job and a commitment to your community.
I hope that in this divided time in our country’s history, my impact – and the impact of this diverse freshman class in Congress – will be to change the tone, tenor, and productivity in Washington. We were elected to change the way that Washington works and to advocate for regular people rather than for special interests. We need to restore the sense of decency and community that feels lost right now in the public square. I believe we have the chance to do that in the coming years.
LTA: What has your personal journey with your LGBTQ+ identity been like? What struggles have you overcome?
Coming out is a process that never ends. Last year on the campaign trail, I found myself having to come out all over again to voters and constituents and it has taught me a lot about the importance of living your truth and being visible. Harvey Milk once said that if every gay doctor, every gay lawyer, every gay politician came out, it would do more to end discrimination than you could possibly imagine.
When I was growing up being gay, it, sometimes, felt like a barrier to enter public service. But, we have made so much progress in recent years. My first speech on the floor of the New Hampshire House in my early 20s was against a bill that would have prevented New Hampshire from recognizing same sex marriages performed in Massachusetts. We lost that fight - but we kept fighting. Eventually, marriage equality was passed legislatively in New Hampshire and, later, was legalized by the Supreme Court.
We still have a long way to go to ensure full equality. I feel confident we will achieve it eventually but, we must work to get there as quickly as possible.
LTA: You are the first openly gay man to represent New Hampshire in Congress. What is/was it like being in politics as a gay man?
I ran not to make history but to make a difference for the people I represent. I’ve noticed both in running for office and in serving as a member of Congress that my service represents something important for LGBTQ Granite Staters and families. The stories I hear have been a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we need to go. Everyone deserves a seat at the table. My job as a member of Congress, in this unique role, is to ensure that everyone is included.
LTA: How do you think your identities add to your perspective in your work?
Having a large contingency of LGBTQ leaders in Congress has allowed us to step out on important issues to the LGBTQ community, including pushing the Equality Act and standing up for transgender military service members. Any time you can incorporate personal stories from your constituents and your own individual experiences, it helps to humanize debates over policy. I believe that is the way that we can continue to change hearts, minds, and laws.
The pace of change for LGBTQ Americans makes me hopeful that we can apply those successes to our work to end discrimination against individuals and communities in this country.
LTA: What do you think the impact of the rise of LGBTQ+ voices in government, such as Pete Buttigieg’s presidential campaign, will be?
Any LGBTQ candidate who is willing to step up and put themselves out there is doing a tremendous service to our collective cause for progress and equality. Mayor Pete is a trailblazer and I am excited that he is a part of the conversation and a viable candidate for President. We need more LGBTQ candidates willing to push themselves to seek office at all levels of government.
LTA: What changes do you think have lead to this increase in representation?
Visibility has been the most important factor at increasing LGBTQ representation. Knowing someone who is LGBTQ as a relative, co-worker, or neighbor has allowed community members to run successfully for office. I’m very confident that LGBTQ candidates across the board will be successful in greater numbers.
LTA: Do you have any advice for LGBTQ+ youth hoping to go into a similar profession?
My advice is to be confident about who you are, what you believe, and the difference you can make. Don’t let anyone limit your potential by projecting their own fears and insecurities onto you. And don’t be content with sitting on the sidelines. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and we can only create a better community, country, and planet if you are a part of the change we need to see.
Written by Adelaide Graham
Edited by Serene De Sisso
June 2019