A group of high-powered lesbians on Wednesday launched a first-of-its-kind super PAC to advocate for LGBT and women’s rights.

During a year where North Carolina became the 39th state to ban same sex marriage and Republicans in Congress were accused of a “war on women,” LPAC hopes to raise $1 million to support candidates who champion equal rights for women and LGBT people.

ADVERTISEMENT

The group already has pledges of $200,00 and the backing of high-profile lesbians like Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Glee actress Jane Lynch and tennis legend Billie Jean King.

“Members of the LGBT community are inspirational leaders and role models in every aspect of American life,” King told The Associated Press. “The formation of LPAC provides lesbians and the entire LGBT community a new, stronger voice and a real and respected seat at the table when politicians make policy that impacts our lives.”

Chicago Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts, who also co-chairs the Democratic National Committee’s LGBT Leadership Council, helped launched the organization after noticing that lesbians were in the minority at most LGBT political events.

“Being a woman and being gay is really a unique position in our society,” Ricketts explained to the AP. “I know in my experience of activism, oftentimes it makes a difference if something is women-focused. It’s likely to get the attention of women much more easily.”

[Photo: Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com]