LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About

Early Voting Begins in Virginia

Only 47 days until Election Day 2023! Today, early voting began in Virginia, where a huge slate of LGBTQ+ candidates are on the ballot (meet them all here!).

If you vote early in SD-30, you might just see Spotlight candidate Danica Roem at the polls! Danica and her team are already out mobilizing voters. We love to see it!

ICYMI: Danica’s opponent, Bill Woolf, has been using his social media and campaign platforms to champion anti-trans bills, as well as spread horrific anti-trans talking points. Read the full report from The Washington Blade here.

WATCH: Nick Hellyar’s First Campaign Ad

Spotlight candidate Nick Hellyar has been an outspoken leader in Houston’s LGBTQ+ community for over 15 years. Now, Nick is looking to take his passion for public service and dedication to Houston to the Houston City Council. But don’t just take our word for it: watch his first campaign ad here and learn about his campaign!

Meet both of our Texas Spotlight candidates here!

Seattle City Council Races Making Headlines

With Election Day just around the corner, Spotlight candidates Maren Costa and Joy Hollingsworth are getting the word out about their policy platforms. Read Maren’s recent interview with Real Change here, then check out Joy’s interview with Real Change here!

Bigotry Backfires: More Trans Candidates Hit the Trail

LGBTQ+ Victory Institute recently released ‘When We Run: The Motivations, Experiences and Challenges of LGBTQ+ Candidates in the United States’. One of the big takeaways from the report? Anti-trans bills are pushing more trans people to take the plunge and run for office!

We couldn’t agree more (especially because we have endorsed trans candidates running at all levels of government). And diversity in office matters: new polling shows that most Americans doubt that lawmakers are informed enough to create fair policies around trans rights. Who better to write legislation about equality than those that must live with the consequences of said legislation?

Black Leaders Caucus Gathers in Washington, D.C.

On Wednesday, Victory Fund’s Black Leaders Caucus gathered politicos, allies and friends in Washington, DC to celebrate the first day of the Congressional Black Caucus’ 52nd Annual Legislative Conference and raise a glass to the growing levels of Black LGBTQ+ political power, help elect future candidates and strategize with fellow leaders. Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported this phenomenal cause and to our Executive Committee and Founding Members for their tireless dedication!