Jarrett Barrios

Jarrett Barrios microphone

Jarrett Tomás Barrios (born October 16, 1969) is an American politician, advocate, and nonprofit leader. He is known for his work in the Massachusetts Senate and his leadership roles in various nonprofit organizations.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Barrios was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He attended Harvard College, where he graduated with a degree in Latin American Studies. He later earned his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center.

Political Career[edit | edit source]

Barrios began his political career in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he served from 1999 to 2003. He was then elected to the Massachusetts Senate, representing the Middlesex, Suffolk, and Essex district from 2003 to 2007. During his tenure, Barrios focused on issues such as healthcare, public safety, and civil rights.

Legislative Achievements[edit | edit source]

Barrios was instrumental in the passage of several key pieces of legislation, including:

The Health Care Reform Act of 2006, which aimed to provide near-universal health coverage in Massachusetts.
The Anti-Bullying Bill, which sought to protect students from bullying and harassment in schools.
The Transgender Rights Bill, which aimed to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity.

Nonprofit Leadership[edit | edit source]

After leaving the Senate, Barrios transitioned to the nonprofit sector. He served as the president of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, where he focused on expanding access to healthcare. He later became the CEO of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts.

In 2011, Barrios was appointed as the president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), where he worked to promote LGBTQ+ rights and representation in the media.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Barrios is openly gay and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights throughout his career. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts with his partner and their two children.