Chrissy Gephardt came out during the 2004 Presidential Democratic primaries as the openly lesbian daughter of Congressman Richard Gephardt. The first presidential candidate with an openly gay child, Richard chose to embrace his daughter’s decision and support her throughout his political campaign. In an exclusive joint presentation, Richard and Chrissy come together to relate the story of her announcement, the family’s acceptance and support and their decision to share it with the public.

At the podium, Richard and Chrissy reveal how Chrissy’s decision to come out changed their family. They tell a very personal story, but the theme is universal in scope: diversity must be accepted and respected, especially within one’s family. Chrissy explains the difficulties and fears she faced in coming out to “the all-American family” and her apprehension about negatively affecting her father’s political career. Richard describes his love of his family and his daughter, and why he was willing to bring this issue to light during his 2004 presidential campaign. Richard’s policies have always sought to treat every person as a human being with intrinsic worth and deserving of respect. His support for Chrissy is a natural extension of his fundamental beliefs and values.

The Honorable Richard Gephardt served as Majority Leader of the House and has been one of the nation’s most respected politicians for much of the last two decades. He is an expert on economic issues, foreign affairs and an eloquent voice for fairness, justice and opportunity for every American. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) has lauded his character, saying, “Dick Gephardt’s word you can take to the bank.”

A fiercely loyal Cardinals fan and Rams booster, Richard is an avid sports enthusiast. He has been married to Jane Gephardt for 38 years and they are the parents of three children.

Chrissy Gephardt continues her involvement in LGBT and youth politics through her work as the Director of the Grassroots Campaign Corps for the National Stonewall Democrats, America’s only grassroots Democratic lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organization. She is also on the board of directors of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, an organization that is committed to increasing the number of openly gay and lesbian elected public officials at the federal, state, and local levels of government.

Chrissy is a 1995 graduate of Northwestern University in Illinois and completed her Master of Social Work in 2001 from Washington University in St. Louis. She currently resides with her partner in Washington D.C.

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