Equality PAC raises millions to boost LGBTQ representation in Congress

On a recent night in Washington D.C., the historic hall at Union Station was decked out for a glittering gala. A drag queen, political heavyweights, and Hollywood stars were all gathered to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Equality PAC.

“Welcome to our annual convening of the gay mafia,” quipped Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., to the crowd.

Torres is the co-chair of the Equality PAC, the political arm of the Congressional Equality Caucus which was created to advocate for “equality for all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics.”

The celebration was more than just an anniversary, it was an opportunity to raise money to add to the$12 million the group has already raised this cycle to help elect more openly LGBTQ members and allies to Congress and advance the Equality Act – a bill that would enshrine protections for the LGBTQ community.

The PAC’s success over the years has allowed the group to expand beyond just electing LGBTQ candidates. It's now raising funds to support other major battlegrounds for the Democratic party, including so-called frontline members fighting to keep their seats in challenging districts and “red to blue” candidates who are running to unseat Republicans.

“[Co-chair Rep. Mark Takano] and I are very proud of that,” Torres said. “Because we recognize that without a pro-equality Congress, without a Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, a Democratic Senate and a Democratic president, we will never be able to make the Equality Act the law of the land.”

Passing the legislation is a tall order. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made that much clear, laying out the steps for the crowd:if Democrats get a majority in the Senate, they could vote to “pull back” the filibuster in