Bill Overview
Title: National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture Act
Description: This bill establishes within the Smithsonian Institution the National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture. The museum (1) may carry out educational and liaison programs in support of its goals, and (2) shall establish specified grant and scholarship programs.
Sponsors: Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in LGBTQ+ history and culture
Estimated Size: 30000000
- The bill pertains to the creation of a museum focusing on American LGBTQ+ History and Culture, indicating a direct impact on individuals who are part of or interested in the American LGBTQ+ community.
- While the creation of a museum is primarily a national project, it has global implications as LGBTQ+ culture and history are of interest to communities worldwide, including tourists visiting the museum.
- The museum's establishment might impact educators, researchers, students, and advocacy groups involved in LGBTQ+ studies worldwide by providing new resources and opportunities for collaboration.
- This museum will be a cultural point of reference and can influence social perceptions globally by showcasing American LGBTQ+ history and achievements.
Reasoning
- Given the budget constraints, the policy is aimed at impacting directly a segment interested in or part of the LGBTQ+ community. The support for education and research, as well as the grants and scholarship programs, are key components.
- The museum itself will have international significance, although its direct impact is more focused on the American public, particularly those associated with or interested in LGBTQ+ history and culture.
- Expectations are that individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, allies, educators, and researchers will experience some level of positive impact. However, the magnitude of this impact will vary depending on personal interest and involvement with LGBTQ+ culture and history.
Simulated Interviews
Graphic Designer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think having a museum dedicated to American LGBTQ+ history is great. It would mean a lot to the community and help educate others.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
History Professor (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This museum will be invaluable for access to resources and for enhancing the visibility of LGBTQ+ history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Museum Curator (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The museum will set a precedent for inclusivity and acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ contributions to history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
College Student (Miami, FL)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A museum with scholarships and grants will be a huge support for students like me pursuing related studies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
High School Teacher (New York, NY)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This museum can provide an excellent resource for educators and motivate more inclusive history education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
LGBTQ+ Rights Activist (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Establishing the museum is a positive step for representation and could help in various activism efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Retired (Dallas, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having this museum is important to acknowledge our history, but I wonder if it will reach more conservative areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Journalist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This institution will create more avenues for dialogue and open up coverage for more stories and events.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Tour Guide (Las Vegas, NV)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This museum will certainly be a new attraction, generating interest and potentially more business for tour guides.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Filmmaker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The resources and visibility stemming from this museum could enhance storytelling and awareness through film.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $70000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $90000000)
Year 2: $30000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $40000000)
Year 3: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 5: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 10: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Key Considerations
- The museum's location within the Smithsonian capitalizes on existing tourism infrastructure but may require additional transport and utility investments.
- Cultural educational contributions are significant but difficult to quantify precisely in immediate economic terms.
- Partnerships with educational and cultural organizations could amplify the museum's reach and impact.