Scroll To Top

Mark Takano

Learn more about openly gay congressman Mark Takano. The out politician from Riverside, California was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing California's 41st congressional district in 2012. A graduate of Harvard University and a member of the Democratic Party, Mark Takano has served on the Riverside Community College Board of Trustees since 1990. Rep. Takano became the first non-white openly gay member of Congress, and serves as a proud member of the LGBT Equality Caucus with fellow LGBT representative Tammy Baldwin.

Mark Takano
Election

Mark Takano is leading the charge for LGBTQ+ representation and equality in Congress for 2024

As cochair of Equality PAC, California U.S. Rep. Mark Takano is working to double LGBTQ+ representation in Congress while fighting back against the rising wave of anti-trans legislation.

Rep Mark Takano latest LGBTQ lawmaker calling Biden step aside 2024 presdiential race
Politics

Rep. Mark Takano is latest LGBTQ+ lawmaker calling for Biden to step aside

He joins other Democrats who are concerned about the president’s ability to win against Donald Trump.

Representative Mark Takano
News

Out Rep. Mark Takano Introduces Four-Day Workweek Legislation

The pandemic, Takano said, has provided an opportunity to examine our relationship with the workweek. 

Mark Takano
Election

Meet the Candidates: The Only Out Person of Color in Congress, Mark Takano

The California congressman is a voice for LGBT rights and intersectionality of minority groups.

We Are With You video
Politics

25 Congressional Dems to LGBT People: We're With You

“I know you’re hearing a lot of hateful rhetoric about our LGBT families,” says Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego. “Please, hang in there.”

Breenx400_5_0_0
Current Issue

Editor’s Letter: Time for LGBT Voters to Mature

We, as LGBT voters and givers of campaign dollars, have to be especially discerning.

Marktakano_400x300
Politicians

Rep. Mark Takano Wants to Marry You

The Advocate interviewed the gay California congressman just minutes after the Supreme Court issued its decisions on Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act and found him in a good mood.

Noha8_leadx400
Politics

Republican and Out Members of Congress Say 'No H8'

In new photos released today, the No H8 campaign added 67 additional supporters from the U.S. Congress -- including the campaign's first U.S. senators and a Republican member of Congress.

Marktakanox400
Politics

WATCH: Out Calif. Rep. Mark Takano Submits His First Bill

The California Democrat took to Twitter's video service, Vine, to document the first bill he submitted as the first LGBT person of color in Congress.

Takanodocx400_advocate
Voices

Op-ed: How to Get Elected in America

The first LGBT person of color was elected to Congress in the land of Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon.

Immigrationx400_advocate_1
Politics

House Introduces Immigration Bill For Gay Partners

Rep. Nadler reintroduced the Uniting American Families Act.

Classof2012x400
Current Issue

Meet the Class of 2013

The 113th Congress has the highest number of openly LGBT members in the body's history, with six in the House and, for the first time, an openly gay senator. Each politico here brings something unique to the table. They're all Democrats, and all were endorsed by the Victory Fund, meaning they fully support federal, state, and local efforts to advance LGBT rights. Meet your new representatives.

Gaywelcomingchurchx400_advocate_0
Voices

Op-ed: Churches Can Be as Accepting as The Ballot Box

A pastor sees the same progress that became evident on election night in his own church.

Clintontakano_400x300
Election

Mark Takano Becomes First LGBT Person of Color in Congress

Mark Takano has won the congressional race in the 41st Congressional District in California, becoming the first person of color in Congress.

True