John,
Though the LGBTQ community has come so far and racked up a huge number of historic wins in 2020, we still have so far to go when it comes to LGBTQ acceptance. Here’s an unfortunate but true fact: the more LGBTQ people who run for office, the more homophobic and transphobic attacks we’re going to face. According to LGBTQ Victory Fund, in 2020, LGBTQ candidates faced more bigoted attacks than in any previous campaign cycle of the last decade – and the attacks were more personal and more brutal than anything we’ve seen so far.
My campaign is a good example of how online trolls can attack and attempt to derail an LGBTQ candidate. I became the PERFECT target for QAnon, an online hate-group that believes the world is controlled by a sinister, child-tracking cabal that leans heavily on anti-LGBTQ and anti-Semitic stereotypes to peddle their lies. And when I announced a new Senate bill that ends discrimination against LGBTQ youth on California’s sex offender registry, I found myself in their crosshairs.
I wasn’t the only LGBTQ candidate to tangle with QAnon and online trolls in 2020 – unfortunately, it was a common occurrence. But LGBTQ Victory Fund stood with us, defended us, fought to correct the record and boosted our campaigns. We must ensure they have the resources to keep fighting. Will you chip in today to help beat the trolls?
Once QAnon found out about my bill, I started receiving an onslaught of hate mail from faceless internet trolls. Newly elected San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who stood with me, was viciously attacked online and in right-wing news sources hellbent on ending his campaign. I was sent death and lynching threats. Trolls mentioned my family members. They rolled out anti-LGBTQ taunts that are better left in the dark ages.
The onslaught was overwhelming – and it looked like the hatred might pay off. But while Todd and I won our races, the whole point was to intimidate us into silence, to stop us from running. LGBTQ Victory Fund has already heard from some amazing leaders who saw what happened and now are rethinking a run for office, fearing for their safety, and loved ones.
We can’t let these trolls win and threaten LGBTQ candidates into submission. We need organizations like Victory Fund to help defend our campaigns, gather partner organizations and help us stand against bigots. The LGBTQ community needs elected representation more than ever. Will you make an End of Year donation to help us start 2021 with the resources we need to defeat online trolls?
Knowing I had a national organization like Victory Fund on my team made a huge difference. I knew I could count on them. And I’m just one of many candidates they support. If you can stand with us today, we appreciate it.
Thanks again for stepping up –
State Senator Scott Wiener
California State Senate, District 11
