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LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About
New Report on the Experiences of Black LGBTQ+ Candidates
LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, the Black Leaders Caucus and Loyola Marymount University released a new report brief on the experiences of Black LGBTQ+ candidates on the campaign trail. You can read the full report brief -- The Experiences of Black LGBTQ+ Candidates: A Report from the When We Run Survey here [[link removed]] . Or, you can read an exclusive report in The Advocate [[link removed]] .
As the report notes, “Black LGBTQ+ leaders must be in the halls of power to ensure their unique perspectives are considered in policies that impact LGBTQ+ and Black people. When in office, their presence restores a belief in democracy, as others see themselves reflected in government.” [[link removed]]
You can also read up on six Black LGBTQ+ women who are changing the face of politics here [[link removed]] .
Honoring Nex Benedict
Information about crisis hotlines and support networks for LGBTQ+ people can be found here. [[link removed]]
This month, a horrific tragedy occurred when 16-year-old sophomore Nex Benedict was assaulted and beaten by fellow students. Nex, who was gender-fluid ( Nex also identified as non-binary and two-spirit [[link removed]] ), was bullied for their identity [[link removed]] . Nex was later rushed to the hospital, where they passed away.
Nex’s death has resulted in an outpouring of support and grief across the country. In Oklahoma – where the legislature passed anti-LGBTQ bills in 2023 [[link removed]] , where the legislature introduced over 50 new anti-LGBTQ bills this year [[link removed]] , and where one lawmaker called LGBTQ+ people “filth” just days after Nex’s death [[link removed]] – fellow students are walking out of classes [[link removed]] in protest. Read their memories of Nex here [[link removed]] .
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Oklahoma State Representative Mauree Turner [[link removed]] , a Victory Empowerment Fellow alum and the first out non-binary person ever elected to a U.S. legislature, joined the Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart to speak about Nex’s death and the overwhelming harm of anti-LGBTQ elected officials on LGBTQ+ youth and communities [[link removed]] . Watch their full interview here [[link removed]] .
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LGBTQ+ People: Run for Office
When it comes to equal representation, LGBTQ+ people are outnumbered. Representative Turner is just one of seven out lawmakers currently serving in Oklahoma [[link removed]] . Florida, the starting point for several hate-based anti-LGBTQ bills, hosts just two out LGBTQ+ lawmakers in the state legislature (with 42 serving in the state overall) [[link removed]] . In Tennessee, only 11 out LGBTQ+ people serve [[link removed]] . States with the worst records of protecting LGBTQ+ lives often have the least LGBTQ+ representation.
The impact of such severe underrepresentation is strongly felt in heartbreaking moments like this. Attempting to turn the tide can feel debilitating and overwhelming – especially in the face of such extreme hate.
But turn the tide we must – and it begins with insisting that more LGBTQ+ people run for office. LGBTQ+ Victory Institute has a series of free resources coming up that are available to any LGBTQ+ person planning a political campaign or thinking about running for office. If you’re just getting started, learn more here [[link removed]] .
I WANT TO RUN: NOW WHAT? [[link removed]]
You can also join us for a skills-building webinar to give you the tools to assess how prepared you are to run and how to elevate your candidacy. This free virtual webinar will take place from 6pm – 7pm ET on Tuesday, March 5 and is a great first step to understanding LGBTQ+ campaigns. Learn more about our first Time2Run Webinar of the year here. [[link removed]]
REGISTER HERE [[link removed]]
Over the course of the year, we’ll be hosting LGBTQ+ Public Leadership Summits in areas with low levels of representation [[link removed]] . The Summit is a FREE half-day training that engages participants in collaborative workshops and discussions on how to run for office or enter public service as an out LGBTQ+ individual, as well as network with local LGBTQ+ leaders and elected officials who are fighting to advance equality in the region [[link removed]] . Our first LGBTQ+ Public Leadership Summit will be held in Columbus, OH on Saturday, March 23, 2024 [[link removed]] (you can read coverage from The Buckeye Flame here [[link removed]] or read about our recent Candidate & Campaign Training in Phoenix, AZ [[link removed]] ).
REGISTER HERE [[link removed]]
You can also learn about more virtual sessions and training offerings (including upcoming Candidate & Campaign Trainings) here [[link removed]] .
No matter where your path to public office starts, we can help. And we urge you to start one today. Democracy isn't truly representative until it includes all of our voices - and protects young people like Nex.
LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is a global organization dedicated to elevating out LGBTQ+ leaders who can further equality at all levels of government. Through our global [[link removed]] and domestic [[link removed]] trainings, professional development programs [[link removed]] and yearly conferences [[link removed]] , Victory Institute prepares hundreds of out individuals to launch an influential careers in politics, government, business and advocacy. Many of our trainees join the more than 1,000 out LGBTQ+ elected and appointed officials [[link removed]] now serving around the world. You can power our work and the next Rainbow Wave with a donation today! [[link removed]]
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