“When elected, I’ll be the first out LGBTQ Member of Congress from Texas, but it’s more important that I’m not the last.”
- Gina Ortiz Jones

Read Gina’s personal story in her own words, and donate to help her get to Congress to fight for all Texans.

When elected, I’ll be the first out LGBTQ Texan in Congress.

Over 40 years ago, my mom immigrated to the United States from the Philippines. She taught my sister and me that the promise of America belongs to those who work hard, and to always give back to a country that had given us so much. I graduated in the top 10 of my class at John Jay High School in San Antonio and earned a four year ROTC scholarship to Boston University.

Before my first day of class at BU, I had to sign a piece of paper that said I wouldn’t engage in homosexual activity. That’s because even as a cadet, the anti-LGBTQ military policy “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” applied to me. I knew that my ability to get an education, fight for our country, and -- if need be -- die for our country depended on signing that piece of paper. So, I signed it.

We’ve come a long way over the nearly twenty years since I was a cadet at BU. In my lifetime, we’ve seen the implementation of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the implementation of Trump’s military trans ban, and the first viable LGBTQ candidate for president announce his candidacy — those last two happened within 48 hours of each other. That shows the very real forces pulling at our country in two very different directions.

I believe that we’re stronger than the hatred and divisiveness that seeks to destroy our progress. Even so, many states across the country, including Texas, still don’t have non-discrimation laws that protect LGBTQ workers from being fired for their sexual orientation. LGBTQ youth commit suicide at a much higher rate than their peers. Trans women of color are facing an epidemic of violence. The list goes on.

We need leaders in Congress who will fight to ensure everyone is protected under the law, and everyone is able to live openly and without fear of expressing who they are. As a first-generation American, a veteran, a woman of color, a member of the LGBTQ community, and a proud Texan, I’ll always fight for our shared values and stand up for the most vulnerable among us.

When elected, I’ll be the first out LGBTQ Member of Congress from Texas, but it’s more important that I’m not the last. If you’re with me, will you donate to my campaign today?

In service,
Gina

Paid for by Gina Ortiz Jones for Congress

Gina Ortiz Jones was a member of the United States Air Force. Use of her military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of Defense.