Abstract
The purpose of this instrumental case study was to understand how the lived experiences of an openly gay male elected official living in the Midwest impacted his journey in running for public office. The aim of this study was to explore how sexual orientation impacted the journey to become a leader. Methodology in this case study included robust interviews with the participant and his colleagues other Iowa State Senators. Observations of the participant took place on the Iowa Senate Floor, speaking at a non- gay specific event, and speaking and attending a gay specific event. Finally, collection of secondary data artifacts such as books, newspapers, and articles occurred in the methodology. Senator Matthew McCoy, the participant in this case, was influenced early in his childhood by his parents’ values and the Boy Scouts of America. This influence instilled leadership skills that led him to seek leadership opportunities starting in his childhood but also throughout his life. McCoy experienced misery from being closeted. He finally came out of the closet and continued to serve as an openly gay elected official and developed resiliency. Resiliency might look different for each person, as shown in this case, he was able to come full circle and champion the cause he feared the most, which forms this resilient leadership style. This journey of overcoming adversity including coming out, living authentically, serving as an openly gay elected official and championing the movement that contributes to resilient leadership.