LGBT political movers and shakers were thrilled when Pete Buttigieg won a spot on the debate stage—but say he has to keep impressing them if he wants to earn formal support. As an out Midwestern mayor whose résumé boasts both a Harvard diploma and a deployment to Afghanistan, Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg had no problem gaining the notice of LGBT politicos. After making history as the first gay candidate to qualify for a major-party primary debate, however, he has won their full attention.