Bill Overview
Title: Commission To Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture Act
Description: This bill establishes the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture. The commission shall submit reports that address the feasibility of establishing and maintaining such a museum, the availability and cost of collections to be acquired and housed in the museum, the impact of the museum on existing American LGBTQ+ history-related museums, development of criteria for evaluating possible locations for the museum, and the feasibility of the museum becoming part of the Smithsonian Institution. The commission shall develop a fundraising plan that will address the support of the museum through contributions from the public. No federal funds may be obligated to carry out this bill.
Sponsors: Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in or part of the global LGBTQ+ community
Estimated Size: 80000000
- All individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community in the United States will be directly impacted by the recognition and representation through this potential museum.
- Generally, individuals interested in LGBTQ+ history, culture, and rights advocacy will have a stake in the establishment of the museum.
- Cultural historians, educators, and students who focus their studies on LGBTQ+ themes will find the museum and its potential resources valuable.
- Allies and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community will also have a vested interest in the increased visibility and cultural acknowledgment afforded by such an institution.
Reasoning
- Given the financial constraints of the policy and its focus on creating a commission rather than the immediate establishment of a museum, the impact on day-to-day well-being for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community will likely vary based on their personal interests and proximity to existing LGBTQ+ resources.
- The policy focuses on feasibility studies and reports, meaning the immediate tangible impacts may be limited to those directly involved in the commission or individuals engaged in LGBTQ+ cultural initiatives.
- Significant positive shifts in well-being are predicted for those heavily invested in LGBTQ+ history and culture, particularly educators and historians who might anticipate future opportunities.
- Some individuals, particularly those who feel that the proposal does not go far enough, might experience minimal or even negligible changes to their well-being.
- Well-being scores could also reflect broader societal attitudes, with potential improvements linked to increased visibility of LGBTQ+ stories and recognition of their value.
Simulated Interviews
Graduate student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's important for our history to be acknowledged and studied.
- Having a museum might help people better understand LGBTQ+ culture.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
High school teacher (Rural Iowa)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could provide valuable resources for teaching and understanding history.
- Would love for the museum to reach beyond urban centers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Museum curator (New York, NY)
Age: 33 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A national museum for LGBTQ+ history is long overdue.
- I hope it can be inclusive of all LGBTQ+ narratives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Undergraduate student (Austin, TX)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It sounds promising, but action is more valuable than plans.
- I'd love to visit once it becomes a reality.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Social worker (Miami, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Visibility and representation can foster acceptance.
- This is a foundational step, but further work is needed in policy areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Librarian (Chicago, IL)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Important to have spaces that highlight queer stories.
- I support anything that broadens cultural understanding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Historian (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Addressing LGBTQ+ history in a national context is crucial.
- Hopeful but cautious about the actual realization.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Tech worker (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Visibility in history can validate diverse identities.
- This museum is just one part of a broader fight for equality.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired (New York, NY)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A museum seems like a fitting way to celebrate diverse contributions.
- I'm interested to see how inclusive it will be.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Freelance journalist (Nashville, TN)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could be a game-changer for LGBTQ+ visibility.
- My concern is that it's more planning and less action.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $5000000)
Year 2: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $5000000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The commission's administrative costs are the primary budgetary consideration, which are relatively limited compared to long-term investments in a museum.
- The commission should plan its activities within two years as prescribed by the bill outline.
- The potential impact on communities and stakeholders will largely depend on future actions taken following the commission's recommendations.