LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About

REGISTER NOW: Few Spots Left for the Upcoming Candidate & Campaign Training Information Session!

Mark your calendars: Join LGBTQ+ Victory Institute for an information session to talk about our signature 4-day bootcamp-styled LGBTQ+ Candidate & Campaign Trainings. Click here to register for the Information Session on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from 4:30pm – 5:00pm ET.

Our team recently wrapped our second CCT of the year in Charlotte, NC. Read up on the training here – and don’t forget to register for the FINAL CCT of the year in Chicago, IL here!

Join LGBTQ+ Victory Institute for a FREE half-day LGBTQ+ Public Leadership Summit in a city near you. Our program guides participants on the initial steps of running for office and channeling their political power. With the support of local LGBTQ+ Elected Officials and organizational partners, the Summit is a first step for LGBTQ+ people who may want to run for office or help other LGBTQ+ people become political leaders. Our next LGBTQ+ Public Leadership Summits will be held in San Antonio, TX (May 2024) and Los Angeles, CA (September 2024). Learn more and register here!

April 2nd: LGBTQ+ History in Ann Arbor

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." 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.

Wrapping Up the Spring 2024 Victory Congressional Internship Program

We're excited to share the successful conclusion of our Spring 2024 Victory Congressional Internship Program! Earlier this month, our interns graduated from their 10-week journey, having been fully immersed in the dynamic world of Capitol Hill alongside distinguished representatives such as Rep. Cori Bush, Rep. Mark Takano, Rep. Adam Schiff, and Rep. Greg Casar.

Throughout their internships, our talented interns displayed unwavering dedication, embracing diverse responsibilities within and beyond Congress, including community service initiatives. Their commitment to reflection and sharing, evident through weekly blog posts, offered insightful glimpses into their unique experiences. Paired with personalized mentorship and enriching leadership development sessions, this experience equipped our interns with invaluable skills and perspectives for their future endeavors.

The Victory Congressional Internship is more than just an internship; it's a transformative experience that molds emerging young LGBTQ+ leaders in public service. As our interns embark on the next chapter of their journeys, we celebrate their achievements and eagerly anticipate the positive impact they'll continue to make in their communities and beyond.

Congratulations Alexandra, Cindell, Caroline and CJ!

Our Global Team Hits the Road (Again)

Victory Institute’s Global team is hard at work with programming on two different continents! It's an important year for election cycles in many countries that Global works in and our work to train LGBTQ+ leaders and expand political participation continues to be instrumental.

The team joined our local partners Promsex in Lima, Peru for the final module of Empodera. This leadership program has been going on for 14 years – this time, we trained 35 participants on the ins and outs of running for office and participating in the political process. Learn more here!

We also wrapped up our trainings in Honduras with SOMOS CDC to close out the LGBTQI+ Leadership Program in Tegucigalpa. On day two of the training, Deputy Director of Global Programs Mateo de la Torre organized a dinner gathering with nine transgender participants and community leaders. Read about the full training here!

The Global team will soon have more updates after our visit to Mexico City the last week of April to close our training program and meet LGBTIQ+ political leaders before the country’s elections in June!

IMPACT: LGBTQ+ Leaders Making Headlines

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit ruled that state healthcare plans can't exclude gender-affirming healthcare services, calling the bills “obviously discriminatory”.

The Biden-Harris Administration expanded Title IX and reversed the Trump Administration's rulings that targeted trans people and pregnant people. In response to this excellent step forward, five anti-LGBTQ attorneys general are suing the Biden-Harris Administration, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Florida will not comply with the new rules.

LGBTQ+ leaders in Kansas successfully blocked a veto override attempt and have protected gender-affirming care in the state! Governor Laura Kelly originally vetoed the bill, and out LGBTQ+ Reps. Heather Myer, Susan Ruiz and Brandon Woodard worked to block the override.

U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler is working to ensure mental health protections for LGBTQ+ youth. Together with Senator Tina Smith – and with help from U.S. Congresswoman Sharice Davids – she’s working to expand resources and increase crisis prevention services.

Nebraska State Senator John Fredrickson recently gave a passionate speak in defense of trans rights – his speech was so successful; the sponsors of the bill changed their minds. The measure did not pass out of committee!

New Jersey Assemblymembers Don Guardian and Luanne Peterpaul recently co-sponsored a piece of legislation – and defended it from anti-LGBTQ attacks – that would allow LGBTQ+ business to equally compete in the marketplace. Governor Phil Murphy is expected to sign the bill!

Mississippi House Rep. Fabian Nelson may have just joined the legislature last year, but he’s already hard at work, creating a Purple Alert System in the state.