House Democrats will host a fundraiser
toasting the 25th anniversary of Massachusetts Rep. Barney
Frank's coming out gay.
The 72-year-old Frank came out in 1987
at the age of 47, becoming the first member of Congress to
voluntarily announce his sexual orientation. He is currently one of
four openly gay House members, including Representatives Tammy
Baldwin of Wisconsin, Jared Polis of Colorado and David Cicilline of
Rhode Island.
According to The
Hill, the reception will take place next Wednesday on the
rooftop of El Centro DF restaurant and is being hosted by House
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Congressional Campaign
Committee (DCCC) Chairman Steve Israel.
“Barney is an inspiration to all of
us as one of the first openly gay congressmen to serve in the House,”
wrote Polis in an email announcing the reception. “This event will
be particularly moving for me as it will be one of the last events
with him before he retires this year.”
Tickets range from $100 for an
individual to $5,000 for PACs and co-hosts.
Frank announce in November that he
would not run for reelection after serving 16 terms. He and
long-time partner Jim Ready will marry in July in Massachusetts.
(Related: Barney
Frank: Obama's secret service would ruin my wedding.)