[link removed] [[link removed]]
John,
I didn’t set out to make history. When I first ran for office in 1974 as an openly lesbian candidate, I ran to promote the social justice policies of the Human Rights Party, which included pro-feminist and pro-LGBTQ stances in addition to an unwavering commitment to economic and racial justice. I ran in a Michigan college town, in a college ward, where being a lesbian wasn’t entirely disqualifying.
To my great delight I won, becoming the first openly LGBTQ person ever elected in the United States. I was extremely proud of the fact (and still am today) that my historic candidacy came from a radical third party that was actively working for justice for all.
Today is the anniversary of my election. 41 years ago, I won my race for the Ann Arbor City Council. In honor of that consequential moment, Victory Institute dubbed today National Out to Win Day, dedicated to urging more LGBTQ people to run for public office and achieve equitable representation at all levels of government. Take the pledge to run here. [[link removed]]
Since my election, our movement has made so much progress and more historic firsts have been checked. But while we’ve made giant strides, there’s still so much further to go. We need elected officials who will fight against bigots as they attempt to rollback marriage equality and strip the trans community of their dignity. Legislators will fight to further social justice and stand as allies to other marginalized communities.
We need you to run for office and be the next historic first. Today, on the anniversary on my historic election, will you take the pledge to run for office? Victory Institute will then send you videos from LGBTQ elected officials and information about how to take the first step. [[link removed]]
We’ve seen that we cannot be complacent, that we need even more LGBTQ candidates to run. LGBTQ candidates from all walks of life, with diverse backgrounds, with diverse perspectives. We need more LGBTQ candidates of color, more trans candidates, more womxn candidates, more LGBTQ immigrant candidates, more intersex candidates, more LGBTQ candidates with bold ideas who will keep pushing our movement forward.
In short, John, we need you. Will you make the decision to be the next historic first? Will you make the decision, as I did, to run for public office? [[link removed]]
I hope you do – and I hope you win. And in these uncertain times, please stay safe, stay well!
Thanks again for taking the pledge.
Kathy Kozachenko
PLEDGE [[link removed]]
LGBTQ Victory Institute is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 52-1835268.
Victory Institute is only national organization dedicated to elevating openly LGBTQ leaders who can further equality at all levels of government. Through our training and professional development programs, each year Victory Institute assists hundreds of individuals who go on to influential careers in politics, government, business and advocacy. Many of our trainees join the more than 1,000 openly LGBTQ elected and appointed officials now serving around the world. This email was sent to [email protected].
Don't unsubscribe just yet - you can change how many & what type of emails you receive by updating your account here . [[link removed]] Unsubscribing will remove you from ALL Victory Institute email contact. If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive ANY email from us, please unsubscribe: [link removed] . Victory Institute
1225 I Street NW, Suite 525
Washington, DC xxxxxx
United States