Rising political violence raises safety questions for LGBTQ candidates, officeholders
-- The Washington Blade

John, we are living through a dangerous time.

Political violence is escalating. Fueled by extremist rhetoric and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, threats against public officials are on the rise and LGBTQ+ candidates are being targeted like never before.

What once festered online is now showing up in real life: on the campaign trail, at school board meetings, and in state capitols across the country. These attacks are designed to intimidate our community into silence. To scare LGBTQ+ leaders away from public service. To erase us. We cannot let them succeed. Will you rush a donation today to help LGBTQ+ candidates fight back and win?

Against all odds, LGBTQ+ leaders are not backing down. In fact, they’re jumping onto the campaign trail. As Victory Fund President & CEO Evan Low said in a recent interview, “You’d think in this hostile environment, people would keep their heads down. Quite the contrary. The uptick is such that members of our community refuse to be erased. They are stepping up.”

And not only are they stepping up, they’re winning. From U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson in Texas to Councilmember Olivia Hill, Tennessee’s first and only out trans elected official, LGBTQ+ candidates are making history in some of the most anti-equality states in the country.

“Our mission is to build power for the LGBTQ+ community,” Evan said. “We are laser focused on that.” This work has never been more urgent—or more inspiring. Because despite the rising violence, our candidates are not just surviving. They are thriving.

Victory Fund is working around the clock to support these brave leaders by endorsing them and mobilizing the resources they need to win. But we can’t do it without you. Help us elect the next wave of LGBTQ+ leaders who will change hearts and minds by showing up and leading.

We need everyone. And we need them now. Thank you for supporting this fight,

Orie Givens
Pronouns: He/Him
Vice President of Communications, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund