LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About

Registration is open: 2024 International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference!

Every year, more than 600 LGBTQ+ elected officials, activists, leaders and allies from across the globe join Victory Institute in the nation’s capital to schmooze and strategize with colleagues. And it's almost time to gather once again: registration for the 2024 International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference is now OPEN! Learn more about the Conference and our Early Bird registration rate (save on your ticket - the Early Bird rate ends soon!)

2024’s Last LGBTQ+ Public Leadership Summit!

You can now register for the next LGBTQ+ Public Leadership Summit! 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 last LGBTQ+ Public Leadership Summits will be held in Los Angeles, CA (September 2024). Learn more and register here!

LGBTQ+ Victory Institute's Ready to Run Hub is now LIVE!

This innovative resource is designed to provide LGBTQ+ candidates and individuals considering a run for office with a comprehensive suite of tips and tricks on how to start a campaign, decide which office to run for, how to make a successful fundraising ask and so much more. If you're looking for the tools to run, look no further. Check out the Ready to Run Hub today!

Meet the 2024 Summer Victory Congressional Interns!

I am so excited to introduce you to the 2024 Summer Class of Victory Congressional Interns (VCIs)! Our latest class will receive extensive and rigorous in-person leadership development training, mentorship and eight-week placements in congressional offices! They’ll be able to hear from partner organizations, Hill staff and more, learning how to advance LGBTQ+ equality at all levels of government. Meet the latest class of VCIs here OR check out their weekly blog posts here!

On the Road: Global Work Continues

Our latest blog post, Peru: Democracy and LGBTQI+ Rights at Risk, highlights the increasing threats to democracy and LGBTQI+ rights in Peru, exacerbated by political polarization and right-wing extremism. Peru’s current political climate showcases the importance of LGBTQI+ political participation, especially Susel Paredes, an out lesbian congresswoman facing significant opposition. Together with partner organizations like Promsex and through programming like Empodera, we can increase democratic values and LGBTQI+ rights in Peru.

We are so proud to share our latest partnership, the Regional Observatory on Political Participation of LGBTQI+ People in the Americas and the Caribbean! This initiative, developed with partners from several countries, aims to enhance LGBTQI+ political engagement and visibility. The Observatory will gather data on LGBTQI+ candidates' experiences and monitor political violence and human rights threats. Despite progress in some areas, significant challenges remain, underscored by recent violence against LGBTQI+ individuals. The Observatory seeks to highlight these issues and support LGBTQI+ political leaders across the region!

IMPACT: LGBTQ+ Leaders Making Headlines

Two years after Roe v. Wade was overturned, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin is still fighting to get Americans their rights back. Read her latest op-eds in The Cap Times and The Hill about her work for reproductive justice!

Margaret Chutich, the first out LGBTQ+ judge on the Minnesota Supreme Court, is close to retirement. Read her latest interview reflecting on her tenure here!

U.S. Congressman Mark Takano spoke with Fox 11 Los Angeles about being the first out LGBTQ+ person elected to the U.S. Congress and more.

U.S. Congresswoman Becca Balint is having a busy month: she’s introduced a new bill to stop LGBTQ+ people from serving on juries AND working to repeal the Comstock Act!

Delaware State Representative Eric Morrison, the first out LGBTQ+ man elected to the General Assembly, has helped ensure Pride Month is official! The state also announced a new website detailing the state’s LGBTQ+ history.

In Montana, State Representative Zooey Zephyr is working overtime to prevent more anti-trans bills from circulating in the state legislature. But her job isn’t easy – especially after her unfair censured by her colleagues. Read about how she’s dealing with life in the legislature and more in her latest interview with Teen Vogue!

Congratulations are in order for Fran Watson, who was just appointed as Judge of Probate Court 5 in Houston! Judge Watson makes history as the first Black person elected as a Probate Court Judge in Harris County.

Philly’s First, Rue Landau, sat down with Philly Mag to discuss her first term in office, her evolving plans and why she rides a razor scooter around city hall. Read the full piece here!

June is great for two reasons: Pride Month and Juneteenth. Pinole Councilman and Mayor Emeritus Devin T. Murphy celebrated both while nodding to his historic victory. Read the full interview here!

North Carolina’s LGBTQ+ students discussed the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill and how it impacted their school year. Read the full piece from NBC Out here!