John,

Every year on April 2nd, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute celebrates our original historic first: Kathy Kozachenko. In 1974, Kathy ran as an out lesbian for a seat on the Ann Arbor City Council - and WON, officially becoming the first out LGBTQ+ person to win public office in the U.S. Read more about Kathy's historic victory in her own words here.

Kathy's victory has inspired so many. Out LGBTQ+ Ann Arbor Mayor Pro Tem Travis Radina is working to have a statue erected in her honor, sealing her place in history and celebrating Ann Arbor's contributions to LGBTQ+ political history.

As Kathy herself said, "Many people’s attitudes about gayness are still far from healthy, but my campaign forced some people at least to re-examine their prejudices and stereotypes." That attitude - and bigotry - is still very much with us today. It still is not easy to be an out and proud candidate - but we know that each LGBTQ+ candidate who runs for office paves the way for so many more. They inspire conversations, breakdown barriers and dismantle stereotypes. And, like Kathy, they often shatter rainbow ceilings.

To honor her historic victory, we’re calling on more LGBTQ+ people to run for office. And we're here to help them win. Check out our upcoming webinars, information sessions, San Antonio LGBTQ+ Public Leadership Summit and our Candidate & Campaign Trainings. No matter where you are in the campaign planning process, we have the resources to help you win.

Our trainings are critical because studies show that LGBTQ+ people, women, and people of color must be asked over and over again before they choose to run. Today, we want to be their first ask - and provide them with the inspiration and practical tools they need to start planning their future campaigns.

Our democracy needs a diverse array of voices at the tables of power. When those voices speak out, better policy gets made - and they reflect the needs of the community. That's one of the many reasons we need more LGBTQ+ people to run for office. If you're ready to run, get in touch here.

Kathy was the first - but she certainly wasn't the last. Start your own political journey today. We are here to help.

Thank you,

Elliot Imse
Pronouns: he|him|his
Executive Director, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute