During his tenure as party chair while also serving in the Vermont State Legislature, Howard announced publicly that he was gay. He currently serves as one of five openly gay members of the Vermont Legislature, alongside Sen. Ed Flanagan (D-Chittenden County) and representatives Bill Lippert (D-Hinesburg), Suzi Wizowaty (D-Burlington) and Jason Lorber (D-Burlington).
As a party leader and member of the Vermont State Legislature, Howard's sexual orientation became publicly known. He is currently one of five openly gay legislators in the Vermont Legislature, alongside Sen. Ed Flanagan (D-Chittenden County) and representatives Bill Lippert (D-Hinesburg), Suzi Wizowaty (D-Burlington), and Jason Lorber (D-Burlington).