John,
Last Friday, I sent you the NBC News headline: “Political candidates face uptick in anti-LGBTQ attack ads.” Since then, the attacks against our candidates have only increased. We're facing some of the most homophobic and transphobic attacks this cycle and there's only four days left until Election Day. If we're going to fight back and PROVE these dirty tactics don't sway voters, we need your help NOW. Will you make a rush donation today?
Just look at the attacks from this week:
- The National Republican Congressional Committee is running TV ads claiming Gina Ortiz Jones, who's on the verge of flipping Texas's 23rd Congressional District, was forcing Texans "to pay for her liberal agenda" because she supports trans service members receiving healthcare;
- LGBTQ candidate Kyle Meraz, who's running to unseat a candidate in the Oklahoma state House who believes "traditional marriage is the foundation of society," is receiving anonymous hate mail, death threats and his home was broken into;
- U.S. Congressman Fred Upton has been running the most homophobic campaign of the cycle against Jon Hoadley and refuses to condemn homophobic attacks on Jon!
- Kristin Graziano's opponent for Charleston County sheriff is running ads claiming she sides with sex offenders - a classic homophobic trope.
John, this is what we're up against. Our candidates have been facing wave after wave of terrible attacks for running as out and proud LGBTQ people. In four days, we must send a clear message: LGBTQ candidates are not afraid, and your disgusting tactics will not be tolerated. If you believe in the Rainbow Wave and want to send a message, chip in today to power our FINAL election push!
Thank you for standing with us and LGBTQ candidates against hate,
Elliot Imse
Pronouns: he|him|his
Senior Director of Communications, LGBTQ Victory Fund
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From: Elliot Imse
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2020 3:48 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: LGBTQ candidates called ‘pedophiles,’ ‘sexual predators’ and ‘drug users'
"Political candidates face uptick in anti-LGBTQ attack ads”
The headline says it all. Our candidates are facing more homophobic, biphobic and transphobic attacks than we have at any other time in the last three election cycles.
As our President & CEO Mayor Annise Parker told NBC News:
“LGBTQ candidates are being falsely called ‘pedophiles,’ ‘sexual predators’ and ‘drug users.’ They are being told they are ‘deplorable’ and should ‘go to church.’ They are being misgendered. And their dating histories — including their use of dating apps — have become the targets of opponents.”
We are doing everything we can to help our candidates fight back. But we need your help. Will you rush a donation to our Rapid Response Fund so we can beat back these bigoted attacks?
Our candidates are facing death threats. They are being targeted in TV ads for supporting transgender military members. And how we respond matter now and into the future. We are fighting back for two main reasons:
1. To win NOW: We have seen from Trump that the politics of bigotry can work – it evokes something in voters that they take with them to the polls and can impact our closest races.
2. For our FUTURE: If these types of attacks are successful, they will become part of the political playbook moving forward. It will have a chilling effect that may prevent LGBTQ people from running in the first place, because they have used a dating app or have old blog posts or simply don’t want to deal with the personal attacks.
Please consider a RUSH contribution to our Rapid Response Fund right now. The number of attacks are truly overwhelming, but with your help we can do everything possible to fight back.
Thank you,
Elliot Imse
Senior Director of Communications
LGBTQ Victory Fund
