‘I look over my shoulder a little more’: LGBTQ+ people on surviving hostile laws in U.S. south
-- The Guardian

John,

Did you see this headline? The number of anti-LGBTQ bills hit a record high in 2023. Over 530 bills were introduced, while 68 were enacted. Drag performers, LGBTQ+ kids and gender-affirming care were all targeted.

And LGBTQ+ people in the Southern states faced the brunt of these bills. No matter where you live, LGBTQ+ people shouldn't have to look over their shoulders and feel unsafe. Trans people shouldn't have to travel for hours for gender-affirming care. The parents of LGBTQ+ kids shouldn't fear for their kids' safety. It's not just outrageous – it’s dangerous!

But there is good news: in the face of hate, more LGBTQ+ people running for office - and winning! They're ready to fight back, and we're ready to make sure they win. Donate today to ensure we can support LGBTQ+ candidates across the South and around the country!

We've already seen LGBTQ+ victories across the South. Olivia Hill recently became the first out trans person to win elected office in Tennesse. Fabian Nelson is on the cusp of becoming the first out LGBTQ+ person elected to the Mississippi legislature. We have candidates running in North Carolina, Texas, Virginia and across the South who will defend our rights.

Our community is fighting back at the ballot box. And Victory Fund is on the front lines. We've already endorsed almost 200 candidates this cycle, and our goal is to support even more. But the only way we can do that is if you help. Will you make an investment in building the strong campaigns LGBTQ+ candidates need to beat the bigots and win?

With our rights under threat, your support for our work is more important than ever. Thank you for supporting us and our candidates,

Sean Meloy
Pronouns: he|him|his
Vice President of Political Programs, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund