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. Or, you can read an exclusive report in The Advocate.

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.”

You can also read up on six Black LGBTQ+ women who are changing the face of politics here.

Honoring Nex Benedict

Information about crisis hotlines and support networks for LGBTQ+ people can be found here.

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), was bullied for their identity. 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, where the legislature introduced over 50 new anti-LGBTQ bills this year, and where one lawmaker called LGBTQ+ people “filth” just days after Nex’s death – fellow students are walking out of classes in protest. Read their memories of Nex here.

Oklahoma State Representative Mauree Turner, 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. Watch their full interview here.

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. 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). In Tennessee, only 11 out LGBTQ+ people serve. 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.

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.

Over the course of the year, we’ll be hosting LGBTQ+ Public Leadership Summits in areas with low levels of representation. 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. Our first LGBTQ+ Public Leadership Summit will be held in Columbus, OH on Saturday, March 23, 2024 (you can read coverage from The Buckeye Flame here or read about our recent Candidate & Campaign Training in Phoenix, AZ).

You can also learn about more virtual sessions and training offerings (including upcoming Candidate & Campaign Trainings) here.

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.