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OUT FOR AMERICA
LGBTQ Victory Institute released its 2020 Out for America report – an annual census of LGBTQ elected officials nationwide. If you missed it, you can dive into the full report here [[link removed]] .
According to the report, the number of LGBTQ elected officials grew 21% last year [[link removed]] ! And with a record number of LGBTQ candidates running this year (more than 880), we can accelerate the pace with wins in November. [[link removed]]
Which is a good thing, because even with this jump, just 0.17% of elected officials are LGBTQ, and we must elect 22,544 more LGBTQ people to achieve equitable representation. [[link removed]]
LGBTQ LEADERSHIP
While the Trump Administration seeks to decrease unemployment benefits, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin is fighting to bring relief to unemployed Americans by scaling jobs programs [[link removed]] .
U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema is shaking up Capitol Hill: by wearing a series of exciting wigs [[link removed]] ! Senator Sinema is also fighting for federal funds for Arizonians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic [[link removed]] .
Oregon Governor Kate Brown spoke out about President Trump’s claim that federal officers were doing a “fantastic job” against Portland protesters. Spoiler: she does not agree [[link removed]] .
Pennsylvania's Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, is being targeted in anti-trans attacks. In a recent press conference, she called for greater acceptance of all LGBTQ people [[link removed]] in response to the most recent attack.
U.S. Congresswoman Sharice Davids spoke with NPR Kansas City about increasing healthcare access during the pandemic and passing the Justice in Policing Act. Listen to the full interview here [[link removed]] .
U.S. Congressman Chris Pappas announced that his New Hampshire district saved over 100,000 jobs, thanks to his advocacy and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). [[link removed]]
Help us extend a warm welcome to Wisconsin state Representative Greta Neubauer , who came out late last month! [[link removed]]
Congratulations are in order for Stormie Forte, the first out Black woman to serve on the Raleigh City Council [[link removed]] . Congratulations on your appointment, Councilwoman!!
We were thrilled to host Judge John S. Arrowood of the North Carolina Court of Appeals, Alameda Superior Court Judge Victoria Kolakowski , Justices Mary Yu and G. Helen Whitener of the Washington Supreme Court and moderator Judge Mike Jacobs of the State Court of DeKalb County, Georgia, for a conversation on the state of the judiciary and how we can make our state courts more inclusive of the LGBTQ community. Watch the conversation here [[link removed]] !
Massachusetts state Senator Julian Cyr joined LGBTQ Victory Institute Vice President Ruben Gonzales for a timely conversation on the effects of COVID on the queer community in Massachusetts and the road ahead for reopening. Listen here [[link removed]] .
The pandemic has upended lives for all Americans but has been especially difficult for America's seniors -- including LGBTQ seniors. AARP's Nii-Quartelai Quartey hosted a conversation around the pandemic and other issues affecting seniors with four LGBTQ elected officials championing the cause: Maryland State Senator Mary Washington , Ohio State Senator Nickie J. Antonio , Cambridge City Councilor E. Denise Simmons and Palm Springs City Councilwoman Lisa Middleton . Watch here [[link removed]] !
VICTORY AROUND THE WORLD
LGBTQ activist Edafe Okporo fled Nigeria after facing physical attacks at the hands of an angry mob as the country passed legislation criminalizing homosexuality. Read his story – including how he was granted asylum after attending our conference - here [[link removed]] .
Across the globe, out politicians have created LGBTQ caucuses in their respective parliaments to achieve greater equality. From conversation therapy, to transgender rights, to racial justice, LGBTQ officials are adapting their legislative priorities to cope with social and public health demands of advancing equality. U.S. Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI1), U.K. Baroness Elizabeth Barker and European Parliament Member Maria Walsh , discussed democracy, equality, and the legislative priorities for the LGBTQ caucuses in their Parliaments. Listen to their discussion here [[link removed]] !
The LGBTQ community in Poland experienced major setbacks in this month's elections, as right-wing extremist forces continue their dominance of national politics and wreak havoc on LGBTQ lives there. Bisexual Polish Congresswoman Anna-Maria Żukowska , Spokesperson for the Democratic Left Alliance, spoke with Director of International Programs Luis Abolafia Anguita on what lies ahead in the fight for LGBTQ human rights in Poland. Watch their conversation here [[link removed]] .
THE NEXT GENERATION
Interested in joining the Victory Congressional Interns or know a young up and coming LGBTQ leader? The Victory Congressional Internship [[link removed]] application for Fall 2020 is open! Apply by August 3rd.
Our last virtual Candidate & Campaign Training took place from Thursday, July 23 - Sunday, July 26. We had a fantastic time training a new group of 44 phenomenal LGBTQ leaders to run for office – and win! We can’t wait to see how they change the world.
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LGBTQ Victory Institute is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 52-1835268.
Victory Institute is only national organization dedicated to elevating openly LGBTQ leaders who can further equality at all levels of government. Through our training and professional development programs, each year Victory Institute assists hundreds of individuals who go on to influential careers in politics, government, business and advocacy. Many of our trainees join the more than 1,000 openly LGBTQ elected and appointed officials now serving around the world.
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