Rue Landau

• An LGBTQ+ activist 
• On the frontlines of forging a more equitable Philadelphia
• A historic victory 

An LGBTQ+ activist
Early in her career, Rue was an active member of ACT UP, an organization created during the HIV/AIDS crisis dedicated to improving the lives of people living with AIDS through protests, medical research, advocacy, and changing legislation. In 2014, Rue and her wife Kerry were the first same-sex couple to get a marriage license in Pennsylvania.  

On the frontlines of forging a more equitable Philadelphia
During her 12-year tenure as the Director of both the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and the Fair Housing Commission, Rue transformed the agencies into national models for government and led initiatives to overhaul and expand housing protections for marginalized populations. In collaboration with the Philadelphia City Council, she led initiatives to expand the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance and Fair Housing Ordinance, added civil rights protections, and worked to strengthen laws by adding protections for the LGBTQ+ community, amongst other marginalized groups. After leaving the commissions, she taught housing law at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law as a Beck Fellow and served as the Director of Law and Policy at the Philadelphia Bar Association. 

A historic victory
The City of Philadelphia, a Top-10 major city, has never had an out LGBTQ+ member on its council. Late Philadelphia Councilmember John C. Anderson, who was known as “a liberal lion” was not out during his one term on the council, but continues to be honored for his work in support of civil rights for all. The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund is proud to endorse Rue Landau at the Spotlight level to support her historic campaign. If elected, she will be the first out LGBTQ+ person elected to the Philadelphia City Council. Her career in public service to all Philadelphians proves that she is the right person for the job.