John,

In a minute, I'm going to ask you to make a donation to support LGBTQ+ Victory Institute's Candidate & Campaign Trainings (CCTs). But before I do, I want to explain why we need your support before Giving Tuesday next week (if you're already convinced, you can make a donation here!).

According to a recent report from LGBTQ+ Victory Institute and Loyola Marymount University, LGBTQ+ candidates face the same obstacles as their straight cisgender peers – on top of ones that are unique to LGBTQ+ candidates. In addition to worries about fundraising and campaign messaging strategy, out LGBTQ+ candidates also must deal with discrimination and extra safety measures on the campaign trail. It's not easy to be an out candidate!

But this is why our CCTs are designed to give LGBTQ+ candidates tools to deal with these issues. We cover topics like being LGBTQ+ on the trail, dealing with anti-LGBTQ+ attacks, and how to be authentically you on the campaign trail, all while tackling how to pull a voter list and writing a campaign mailer. We teach candidates and their staff how to find and execute a winning campaign strategy. We're the only global organization that does this essential work for the LGBTQ+ community.

And as the only organization that hosts trainings like these, it means we have a lot on our plate - and we want to do more to meet demand of LGBTQ+ folks everywhere. These CCTs are funded by supporters like you. Will you make a special gift before Giving Tuesday to help these trainings expand?

Here's what's on the line: in 2024, we predict that more LGBTQ+ candidates are going to hit the campaign trail than ever before. They're going to run for governorships, for the U.S. Congress, for state legislatures, for school boards and city councils. They're going to run in pro-equality states, and in states with little to no LGBTQ+ representation. And they’re going to contact LGBTQ+ Victory Institute for our helpful training opportunities and resources.

But if we don't hit our fundraising goal, we won't be able to meet demand. The next rainbow wave starts here - by ensuring LGBTQ+ Victory Institute has the resources to train these LGBTQ+ candidates.

So please, pitch in and make a special Giving Tuesday donation to expand our Candidate & Campaign Trainings. You're helping us create a more inclusive future.

Thank you for your support,

Itay Balely
Pronouns: he|him|his
Director of Training, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute