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LGBT Equality Caucus

MEDIA CENTER

Equality Caucus Mourns Death of Congressman Jim Kolbe

December 3, 2022

Kolbe was the first openly LGBTQ+ veteran in Congress and the second openly gay Republican to be elected to Congress

PROVIDENCE, RI – Former Congressman Jim Kolbe—who served in the House of Representatives for 22 years, was the first openly LGBTQ+ veteran in Congress, and was the second openly gay Republican to be elected to Congress—passed away today following a stroke. Congressman David N. Cicilline, Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, released the following statement in remembrance of Congressman Kolbe.

"As an out gay man in Congress in the late 1990's and 2000's, Jim Kolbe affirmed to the American people, and gay men across the country, that there was a place for them in the halls of Congress," said Chair Cicilline. "He served his constituents, Pima County, and Arizona with dedication and integrity. Congressman Kolbe made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ veteran in Congress, and he helped pave the way for me and so many of my LGBTQ+ colleagues. My thoughts are with his partner, Hector Alfonso, and all his loved ones as they mourn his loss."

Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Caucus, which is led by the nine openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives, is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and around the world.

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