John,

One thing we know for sure: Danica Roem is a transformative elected official. Not only because of the work she’s doing to further equality – and she’s doing plenty of that! – but because she’s changing hearts and minds in her district. Danica Roem was first elected in 2017 to the Virginia General Assembly, a historic year known as The Year of The Trans Candidate, and again in 2023, when she became the first out trans state senator ever elected in the South.

Danica knew her race wouldn’t be easy, so she brushed up on her campaign skills during Victory Institute’s LGBTQ+-only Candidate & Campaign Training. We teach all our trainees how to run as out and proud candidates, and Danica took the training to heart. She’s never shied away from claiming her identity as an out and proud trans woman.

And her pride and honesty paid off on Election Day. She soundly defeated the author of Virginia’s bathroom bill who proudly labeled himself as “Virginia’s Chief Homophobe”. She went on to defeat several more bigots, many of whom ran against her because she's trans.

But she isn’t only making legislative improvements. A poll showed something groundbreaking: since Danica’s historic election, 12% of voters say they view transgender people more positively because of Danica. And that doesn’t just include pro-equality voters, but some socially conservative voters as well. 42% of voters even said Danica’s advocacy and leadership for LGBTQ+ issues were a convincing reason to vote for her.

Those numbers are huge – and they prove that having an out and proud voice in the room absolutely changes hearts and minds. Because of Danica and leaders like her, more and more voters are willing to move away from “traditional” politicians who fit an outdated mold. Danica is not only a shining example of trans excellence to LGBTQ+ youth and leaders around the country, but also to future voters who are ready for new, authentic leaders with voices like hers.

Results like this show that we must find, train and support more LGBTQ+ leaders who are ready to jump into the political arena. Leaders who are willing to step out and be the first – but do so with the knowledge that they won’t be the last. Make a donation to help Victory Institute hit our Giving Tuesday goal and ensure we can train and support more game-changing leaders like Danica!

Who knows who will be inspired to run next? We can’t be sure – but we know they’re out there. They just need to hear Danica’s story first - and they need the support and tools to run for office. Just as Danica did, we can keep changing the conversation. Pitch in before midnight tonight to help LGBTQ+ leaders succeed!

Thank you for supporting this essential work,

LGBTQ+ Victory Institute