Jarrett Barrios was born on October 16, 1969 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He grew up in a politically active family, which sparked his interest in advocacy and public service from a young age. Barrios attended Georgetown University, where he studied political science and was involved in student government. He went on to pursue a law degree from Harvard University, where he continued to hone his leadership skills.
Barrios began his political career in Massachusetts, where he served as a member of both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate. During his time in office, he was a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights and social justice issues. In 2007, Barrios made the decision to leave the Massachusetts Senate to become the executive of the American Red Cross in Massachusetts, furthering his commitment to public service.
Barrios made history as the first Latino and first openly gay man elected to the Massachusetts Senate. His groundbreaking election paved the way for other LGBTQ individuals to pursue political office and advocate for equality and inclusion.
In addition to his work in politics, Barrios also served as the President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). In this role, he worked to promote positive representations of LGBTQ individuals in the media and advocate for accurate and inclusive storytelling.
Barrios was previously married to Doug Hattaway, with whom he shared a commitment to social justice and equality. They have since parted ways, but Barrios continues to be a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights and marginalized communities.
Barrios is known for his admiration of radio personality Ira Glass, the host of the popular radio and television show This American Life. Glass's dedication to storytelling and amplifying diverse voices has inspired Barrios to continue his work in advocacy and public service.
Barrios's legacy extends beyond his groundbreaking election and advocacy work. His commitment to social justice and equality serves as a beacon for future generations of activists and politicians. By challenging the status quo and speaking out against injustice, Barrios has left a lasting impact on the LGBTQ community and society as a whole.
As a trailblazer and advocate, Jarrett Barrios continues to inspire others to stand up for what they believe in and strive for a more inclusive and equitable world.