Leadership in crisis
THE POWER OF LGBTQ ELECTED OFFICIALS

Welcome to OutPower, a monthly update on the impact of LGBTQ leaders from the U.S. and around the world. You'll also get an update on all of Victory Institute's programs, conferences, trainings and more. We like to keep busy.

Know someone looking for more info on Victory Institute or thinking about running for office? Forward this newsletter to them.

RESPONSES TO THE PANDEMIC

Disclaimer: the situation around the COVID-19 pandemic remains in flux and the below represents a small sample of available information. We urge you to follow the advice of official sources like the CDC, WHO and your local health officials for pertinent health information and medical updates.

 

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin introduced legislation mandating paid sick leave in response to COVID-19.

 

U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema called on Arizona’s Governor to take more aggressive measures to stop the spread of the pandemic.

 

Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a mandatory 'stay at home' order for all Colorado residents.

 

Governor Kate Brown recently issued a ‘stay-at-home’ order, effectively closing non-essential business in Oregon.

 

U.S. Congresswoman Sharice Davids called out the Trump Administration for their decision to limit COVID-19 testing.

 

U.S. Congresswoman Angie Craig held a townhall with local health officials, allowing constituents to answer questions virtually.

 

U.S. Congressman Chris Pappas honored the ten-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act and urged the Health and Human Services Secretary to expand the enrollment period during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

U.S. Congressman Mark Pocan held a Facebook Live Town Hall for constituents to submit questions.  

 

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot struck a deal with businesses to house COVID-19 patients.

 

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan issued a rally-cry to all mayors, urging them to take quick action around COVID-19.

 

In an exciting piece of non-COVID-19 news, a short film highlighting state Representative Neil Rafferty’s historic campaign is being shown at the Tribeca Film Festival.

HISTORY IS FULL OF QUEER WOMEN

Each March, we celebrate the countless contributions of our amazing LGBTQ women and the enormous impact they've had on LGBTQ and political history. Want to learn a little more about their countless contributions and honor their legacies? Check out our LGBTQ Women's Political History Timeline here!

 

DON'T GET MAD, GET ELECTED

LGBTQ people face barriers to serving in public office. For LGBTQ people of color and transgender people, the bar is even higher. The Victory Empowerment Fellowship aims to inspire and train a new generation of diverse LGBTQ people and encourage them to seek public leadership roles. These leaders go on to change the face of politics. Apply today!

 

VEF Class 2019

 

Don't forget: Thursday April 2nd is National Out to Win Day! On April 2, 1974, Kathy Kozachencko became the first openly LGBTQ candidate to win election in the US when she won a city council seat in Ann Arbor City, Michigan. Now, we're asking members of the LGBTQ community to step up as she did and take the pledge to run for public office! Learn more at OuttoWin.org.

 

Not quite sure if you're ready to run? Learn from our elected officials on their journey to public office. Join U.S. Congresswoman Sharice Davids, Maryland state Delegate Gabriel Acevero, Fairfax County School Board Member Karl Frisch and Victory Institute CEO Mayor Annise Parker on their historic elections.

 

Submit questions and RSVP here!

 

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