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LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About
LGBTQ+ Leaders Take Bold Action Against Trump and Federal Overreach
U.S. Representative Robert Garcia was officially sworn in to the House Oversight Committee [[link removed]] by former Vice President Kamala Harris [[link removed]] , marking a powerful moment of representation and leadership. In this new role, Garcia will continue using his platform to investigate corruption, defend our democratic institutions, and hold Donald Trump accountable for his dangerous agenda [[link removed]] . He has already been a fierce advocate for transparency and accountability [[link removed]] , and this appointment ensures he will have an even stronger voice in standing up for our community and our democracy.
At the local level, leaders like DC Councilmember Zachary Parker are showing the same courage and determination. Parker has been outspoken in his opposition to the recent surge of federal law enforcement and National Guard members deployed to DC [[link removed]] , voicing concern about the impacts on community trust and safety [[link removed]] . His leadership demonstrates the vital role local officials play in protecting democratic values and pushing back against federal overreach [[link removed]] .
LGBTQ+ elected officials, such as U.S. Representative Sarah McBride [[link removed]] and West Virginia Delegate Kayla Young [[link removed]] have joined the chorus of LGBTQ+ elected officials at all levels speaking out against this latest incursion.
Honoring Pulse: Smith and Jones Lead Effort to Repaint Memorial
In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis once again targeted the LGBTQ+ community by ordering the rainbow-painted sidewalk at the Pulse Nightclub memorial to be painted over [[link removed]] . His latest attack is an act of erasure at a site where 49 lives were tragically taken in 2016 [[link removed]] . The Pulse site has long stood as a place of remembrance, healing, and resilience for the LGBTQ+ community.
LGBTQ+ leaders are stepping up in response. State Senators Carlos Guillermo Smith and Shevrin Jones are working alongside community members to repaint the rainbow sidewalk [[link removed]] , reclaiming the space as a symbol of love and solidarity [[link removed]] . They have also raised concerns about the unnecessary police presence [[link removed]] surrounding the site, underscoring the importance of keeping the focus on honoring the victims, supporting survivors, and ensuring the Pulse legacy is never forgotten [[link removed]] .
Courage in Texas: LGBTQ+ Leaders Take Stand Against Extremist Redistricting
Texas lawmakers have returned to the legislature after a dramatic quorum-breaking walkout [[link removed]] , leaving the state to protest extremist redistricting maps designed to weaken the political power of Black, Brown, and progressive communities [[link removed]] , alongside yet another anti-trans bill [[link removed]] . Every out LGBTQ+ state lawmaker in Texas joined the walkout, taking on enormous personal risk to protect fair maps and voting rights. [[link removed]]
Among the leaders at the forefront is Rep. Jolanda Jones , the first Black out LGBTQ+ member of the Texas Legislature and now a candidate for the U.S. Congress. Jones has been outspoken in condemning the maps as a direct attack on democracy, calling the effort “racism 101.” [[link removed]] Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson’s district is directly threatened by Abbott’s proposed changes [[link removed]] , and leaders like House Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons and Rep. Erin Zwiener have faced dangerous personal repercussions. Simmons had her home address published online [[link removed]] , and Zwiener was forced to flee with her young daughter after bomb threats targeted the lawmakers’ hotel [[link removed]] .
Despite police escorts back into chambers and arrest warrants issued by Governor Abbott [[link removed]] , Texas’ LGBTQ+ leaders remain united in their fight for justice and fair representation. While states like California are moving to redraw their maps to strengthen representation [[link removed]] , Texas lawmakers are being forced to risk their safety for the same principle. Victory Institute is proud to stand with these champions as they continue the fight to protect democracy.
Inclusive Leadership in Action: Healey Signs Landmark Spending Bill
Good news from Massachusetts!
Governor Maura Healey has signed a landmark spending bill into law, a major victory for the Commonwealth and for LGBTQ+ communities. [[link removed]] Among its many provisions, the bill expands protections for trans rights and strengthens access to reproductive care [[link removed]] , ensuring that everyone can make choices about their own bodies safely and freely.
This legislation is a shining example of the power of representation in action [[link removed]] . Governor Healey, one of America’s first out lesbian governors, is proving that inclusive leadership delivers real, tangible results for our communities [[link removed]] .
Democracy Demands Equality: Groundbreaking Study Amplifies LGBTQ+ Voices
We’re excited to announce the release of a groundbreaking new report from the LGBTIQ+ Political Participation Observatory of the Americas and the Caribbean: “Democracy Demands Equality.” [[link removed]]
This is the first regional study of its kind on LGBTIQ+ political participation, highlighting the experiences and voices of over 4,700 people who have engaged as voters, candidates, public officials, party members, election observers, and more. It’s a vital step toward understanding and amplifying LGBTQ+ participation across the region. Read the full report in English and Spanish here [[link removed]] !
Step Into Leadership: Register for the Conference or Training Today!
Each year, more than 700 LGBTQ+ elected officials, advocates, public servants, and allies from around the world come together in Washington, DC to connect, collaborate, and chart the course for LGBTQ+ political progress. This December, we’re doing it all again. And you won’t want to miss it.
Early Bird registration is officially open, but don’t wait, rates go up after September 15 [[link removed]] !
As part of the Conference, we’ll be hosting a FREE one-day Candidate & Campaign 101 Training to cover the basics of campaigning, messaging, fundraising, and so much more [[link removed]] . LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is the only global organization to exclusively provide trainings for LGBTQ+ folks looking to run for public office and we want YOU to join us for a one-day program to engage, inform, and excite our community to increase LGBTQ+ representation on the ballot [[link removed]] . You can also read up on our upcoming training here [[link removed]] !
Unable to join us? Join us for the Time2Run Webinar: October 2025 instead [[link removed]] ! This FREE virtual webinar will take place from on Monday, October 27 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET / 1:00pm – 2:00pm PT and is a great first step to understanding LGBTQ+ campaigns and candidacy [[link removed]] .
Ready to Lead? Women Out to Win is for You
Are you an LGBTQ+ woman ready to lead and make change [[link removed]] ? Women Out to Win is designed just for you. This one-of-a-kind program from Victory Institute equips LGBTQ+ women with the tools, skills, and confidence to run for office — and win. From campaign strategy to fundraising and public speaking, you'll gain the knowledge and network you need to take the next step in your leadership journey. Don’t wait, apply now and join a powerful community of changemakers! [[link removed]]
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LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is a global organization dedicated to elevating out LGBTQ+ leaders who can further equality at all levels of government. Through our global [[link removed]] and domestic [[link removed]] trainings, professional development programs [[link removed]] and yearly conferences [[link removed]] , Victory Institute prepares hundreds of out individuals to launch an influential careers in politics, government, business and advocacy. Many of our trainees join the more than 1,000 out LGBTQ+ elected and appointed officials [[link removed]] now serving around the world. You can power our work and the next Rainbow Wave with a donation today! [[link removed]]
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