Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.), one of the most junior members of Congress’ unofficial Jewish caucus (elected in 2008), is inviting folks to a fundraiser for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee honoring Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), one of its most senior members (elected in 1980.)
Both men also are gay, and the May 30 function at a downtown DC rooftop eatery honors Frank’s coming out 25 years ago:
Barney is an inspiration to all of us as one of the first openly gay Congressmen to serve in the House.
This event will be particularly moving for me as it will be one of our last events with him before he retires this year.
May 30, notably, is when the White House marks Jewish American Heritage Month. There’s bound to be crossover between both bashes.
Polis, notably, is the first openly gay man to be elected; Frank was still closeted in 1980. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), elected in 1998, was the first openly gay person elected to Congress.
Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.), elected in 2010, is the second openly gay man elected to Congress — and is also Jewish.
