Rep. Takano's Statement on the Passing of Barney Frank

WASHINGTON, DC - In celebration of the life, work, and memory of former Congressman Barney Frank, the first member of Congress to voluntarily come out as gay and co-founder of the Congressional Equality Caucus (CEC), CEC Chair Rep. Mark Takano released the following statement:

"I first met the inimitable Barney Frank in the early 80's when I was a student in Cambridge. I followed his journey for years, including the part he played in moving the bill providing redress to Japanese Americans interned during World War II forward, and watched how his constituents stuck by him after he came out-even at a time when the United States was still deeply homophobic-because they knew he would never stop fighting for them. Barney proved that what mattered most was the work you did for others. I truly believe that we are closer to a more equal world because of Barney Frank," said Rep. Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. "Congressman Frank's legacy touches every part of our fight for LGBTQI+ equality: from his work advocating for HIV & AIDS research to helping pass major pro-equality legislation like the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act and the Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law. I was honored that he came to campaign for me during my run for Congress just a few years after he co-founded the Congressional Equality Caucus, which I now have the distinct honor of leading. As we mourn Congressman Frank's passing, I join my fellow openly-LGBTQI+ Members of Congress in holding his husband James, his family, and his friends in our hearts."

Rep. Barney Frank and the Congressional Equality Caucus

In 1987, Rep. Barney Frank became the first Member of Congress to voluntarily come out as gay while actively serving in Congress and, in 2012, he became the first sitting Member to marry someone of the same sex when he married his long-time partner, James Ready.

On June 4, 2008, Rep. Frank and then-Rep. Tammy Baldwin-the only two openly-gay Members of Congress- announced the formation of the House of Representatives LGBT Equality Caucus , now called the Congressional Equality Caucus (CEC), to "serve as a resource for Members of Congress, their staffs, and the public on LGBT issues." The Caucus became a central organizing point for Members of Congress working to combat hate crimes, address employment discrimination, and achieve equality for the LGBTQI+ community under the law. Rep. Frank continued to serve as a Co-Chair throughout the remainder of his time in the House of Representatives.

In the 119^th Congress, the Equality Caucus boasts 193 members, including a historic record of 12 openly-LGBTQI+ Members of Congress.