John,
Two days ago, Victory Institute released their 2020 Out for America report, outlining the growing number of LGBTQ leaders in the United States. If you haven’t read the report, you can do so here. And while a lot of progress has been made, there’s still a lot of room for growth.
One number jumped out at me. Right now, there are only 160 openly LGBTQ state legislators nationwide. As one of those legislators, I know just how much we need LGBTQ voices in state government – and how our community suffers when we’re left out of the discussion.
As the first openly LGBTQ Black person elected to the Colorado state legislature, I’ve seen the huge impact an LGBTQ voice can make. Since my election, I’ve helped overhaul LGBTQ rights in the state, addressed racial disparities head-on and improved the lives of all Coloradans. Every LGBTQ community needs someone fighting for them. Victory Institute is training and supporting electeds like me – will you help us keep working?
Victory Institute is dedicated to ensuring that all LGBTQ voices are represented at all levels of government. From their tailored Candidate & Campaign Trainings to the Victory Empowerment Fellowship which elevates the voices of trans people and LGBTQ people of color, they’re building a lasting leadership pipeline.
To achieve equitable representation, we must elect 173 more LGBTQ state legislators. We’ve only ever elected two LGBTQ governors and two U.S. Senators, all of whom started their political careers in state government. We can achieve equity – but we need your help to do it. Support Victory Institute with a generous donation today.
Boldly forward,
Leslie Herod
Colorado House of Representatives, District 8
