LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About

Celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility

Every March 31st, we celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility to honor the many contributions of trans people and celebrate trans lives. This year, we urge you to learn about Victory Institute's trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming elected officials across the country.

And make no mistake: being an out trans elected official is not easy. In today's political landscape, transphobic rhetoric is becoming horrifically common-place, while bigoted politicians continue to use the trans community as a punching bag - and steppingstone to rollback equality for all. The number of anti-trans bills introduced across the country continues to rise, with most of them targeting trans youth. You can read about the wave of anti-trans bills rolling across the United States here. Thank you to Alejandra Caraballo, Esq. (@Esqueer_ on Twitter), Allison Chapman (@AlliRaine22 on Twitter) and Erin Reed (Erin In The Morning on Substack), for creating this bill tracker and publicly sharing their resources. Check out their work, research bills and more here.

But all is not lost - far from it. Most Americans oppose laws that would limit trans rights. While bigots attempt to demonize trans people with outdated tropes, trans people are continuing to live out loud. More and more trans people are stepping up to run for office - and despite the rhetoric and hate they may encounter on the campaign trail, they are winning.

On March 31st, LGBTQ+ youth and allies led pro-trans marches around the country to show their support for the trans community.

U.S. Congressman Robert Garcia Introduces the International Human Rights Defense Act

U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (CA-42) made ripples on the U.S. House floor this week by introducing his first bill: The International Human Rights Defense Act. This impactful legislation would solidify promoting LGBTQ+ rights within U.S. foreign policy—a powerful move to implement a national strategy that combats LGBTQ+ discrimination globally.

Expanding Civil Rights for LGBTQ+ Folks in Michigan & Minnesota

Michigan was one of many states that didn't have laws that protect the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination; however, LGBTQ+ state Senator Jeremy Moss fought to change that reality. The Michigan state Senate just approved a series of amendments to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), introduced by state Senator Moss, that would include explicit protections for sexual orientation and gender identity in Michigan law.

Earlier this month, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order protecting trans rights and ensuring access to gender-affirming care for LGBTQ+ people. Minnesota state Representative Leigh Finke, the first out trans person elected to the Minnesota legislature and author of the bill, noted, “There is a full-scale movement in this nation against trans, nonbinary, two-spirit and gender expansive adults and children that seeks to make our community disappear.” This new executive order makes Minnesota a refuge state for trans people and stands against the movement of hate.

Oklahoma State Rep. Mauree Turner Calls Out Transphobic Bill

The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed HB-1449 -- a bill that aims to preserve biological sex as a distinct legal category. State Rep. Mauree Turner called out the intrusive nature of this bill as it ignores privacy of trans and nonbinary individuals. They said, “It is not the government’s job to legislate your identity. We cannot legislate two-spirit, transgender, non-binary folks out of existence - just one where we cannot live in.”

Arizona State Rep. Lorena Austin Discusses LGBTQ+ Representation with Teen Vogue

This past election cycle Arizona state Rep. Lorena Austin became the first Chicanx out gender non-conforming state legislator in the U.S. In this interview with Teen Vogue, Rep. Austin candidly shares their journey to becoming an elected official, highlighting the powerful impact of representation. She shared, "A lot of people are looking for leaders that can relate to them and understand where they're coming from." Read the full story here.

Rainbow Victories in Vermont

Amid a growing number of attacks against LGBTQ+ people in the U.S., the Burlington City Council wanted to send a clear message to the community—anti-LGBTQ hate has no place in our community. The council passed a resolution condemning anti-trans rhetoric with the goal to "amplify the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community."

Right across the Winooski River, Winooski City Councilor Thomas Renner was voted to be the next Deputy Mayor of Winooski. He will be the first person of color and the first LGBTQ+ person in this role.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Victory Congressional Fellowship (VCF); 2023-2024 application is now open: Each year, the Victory Congressional Fellowship brings select outstanding young LGBTQ+ professionals to Capitol Hill for an intensive fellowship that includes a yearlong placement in the Congressional Equality Caucus. The fellows support the Executive Director of the Congressional Equality Caucus with critical projects, engage in a leadership development program that explores the policy-making process, participate in Victory’s Candidate & Campaign Training, and dive into pressing issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. We are now accepting applications for our 2023-2024 fellows. To apply click here!

VICTORY EMPOWERMENT FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN! Calling all LGBTQ+ leaders of color and/or trans leaders: we need diverse LGBTQ+ leaders who are ready to provide solutions and defend equality. If you, or someone you know, is thinking about launching a campaign or passionate about politics, apply to be a Victory Empowerment Fellow today! To develop strong LGBTQ+ public officials and movement leaders, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute sends emerging LGBTQ+ leaders of color and/or trans leaders to Victory’s Candidate & Campaign Training and International LGBTQ+ Leadership Conference. The fellowship connects participants to LGBTQ+ Elected Official mentors and ongoing opportunities for leadership development. Includes: Complimentary Candidate & Campaign Training, attendance at the International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference, and all travel & lodging. Applications due: April 17th. Apply here!

WOMEN OUT TO WIN APPLICATIONS OPEN!
Are you an LGBTQ+ woman who has participated in a campaign training, but still has concerns about running for office? Women Out to Win is an advanced campaign training for LGBTQ+ women that includes personalized coaching through mentorship and quarterly convenings to address challenges specific to women candidates, such as imposter syndrome, safety concerns, and fundraising. Participants will additionally receive consultation hours from LGBTQ+ Victory Institute and LGBTQ+ Victory Fund staff on campaigns, communications, and data management. Applications due: April 24th. Apply Here!

JOIN VICTORY INSTITUTE IN SIOUX FALLS!
Free, One-Day Event on Saturday, May 20th; Registration required! Learn more and register today here!

In February 2023, South Dakota banned gender-affirming care for youth under the age of eighteen. The onslaught of hateful legislation requires an urgent and comprehensive response, with increasing short and long-term LGBTQ+ political participation among the most impactful solutions. Increasing LGBTQ+ political participation and representation in elected government is essential to stopping anti-LGBTQ+ bills and moving equality forward for our community.

LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is coming to Sioux Falls on Saturday, May 20th for our free, one-day LGBTQ+ Leadership Summit. Working with local partners, Victory Institute will bring together LGBTQ+ leaders and community members interested in exploring avenues to grow LGBTQ+ political participation in their states, whether by running for office, volunteering on a campaign, or building LGBTQ+ representation in political parties and organizations.

REGISTER FOR THE 2023 SALT LAKE CITY CANDIDATE & CAMPAIGN TRAINING
Are you tired of bigots in your state introducing anti-LGBTQ bills? Do you want to fight for change? Join LGBTQ+ Victory Institute & Equality Utah for the 2023 Salt Lake City Candidate & Campaign Training April 27-30. Candidate & Campaign Trainings provide comprehensive, non-partisan best practices to present and future LGBTQ+ candidates, campaign staff, and community leaders. Trainees learn the necessary skills and strategies by engaging in tough, realistic campaign simulations and working with peers to develop a plan to run for office and win. Click here to apply!