Representation is power.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

After former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty as charged in the death of George Floyd, LGBTQ leaders reacted to the verdict.

Vice President of the Minneapolis City Council Andrea Jenkins, who represents the district where George Floyd was murdered, called the verdict a “step towards accountability” and urged further steps towards justice.

Minneapolis City Councilor Phillipe Cunningham urged supporters to “rejoice in accountability” and to “lean into uncomfortable, necessary change.”

U.S. Representative Mondaire Jones, one of the first out Black Representatives, issued a stirring call to pass legislation that creates a truly just America for all.

Pennsylvania Representative Malcolm Kenyatta restated the need for further reforms and a renewed commitment to creating a more equal world.

Colorado Representative Leslie Herod joined the rest of the Colorado Black Caucus for a press conference, saying “we felt a collective sigh of relief, and we felt a moment of solidarity in the work.”

And as Florida State Senator Shevrin Jones, the first out state Senator in Florida history, reminded us, “it is long past time to address systemic racism.”

 

TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY

Victory Institute was proud to stand with trans women and girls by signing on to an open letter honoring both Women’s History Month and Transgender Day of Visibility.

Virginia Delegate Danica Roem celebrated Trans Day of Visibility by banning the LGBTQ panic defense in Virginia. You can also read her call for more out trans people to run for office in The New York Times here.

Colorado state Representative Brianna Titone wrote a touching op-ed calling for expanded acceptance of all trans lives. Read her piece here!

Learn a little bit more about our out trans and nonbinary elected officials and their continued fight for equality!

 

NATIONAL OUT TO WIN DAY

Held annually on April 2nd, Victory Institute hosts National Out to Win Day to educate and encourage out people everywhere to run for office. Head to outtowin.org to learn more and watch inspirational videos from our elected officials and see a sneak peak of our Candidate & Campaign Trainings!

Read messages from U.S. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, California Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins, Maine Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau, Pennsylvania state Representative Brian Sims, and Hawaii state Representative Adrian Tam!

Read Victory Institute President & CEO Mayor Annise Parker’s op-ed in The Advocate, calling for more out leaders to step up and shatter their own lavender ceiling.

Still not convinced? Hear from U.S. Congressman Ritchie Torres and join a panel with Arizona state Representative Daniel Hernández Jr., Washington County (AR) Justice of the Peace Evelyn Rios Stafford, DC ANC Commissioner Rehana Mohammed and Victory Institute's Executive Director Ruben J. Gonzales about life as an out candidate on the campaign trail. Watch their full conversation here!

 

THE DECISION TO RUN

According to a new report by LGBTQ Victory Institute, LGBTQ women face a unique set of barriers when running for office – and a unique set of threats. Do a deep dive with NBC News and The Lily and read the full report here!

 

REPRESENTATION IS POWER

Guam Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio was named the 2021 recipient of the NLGA Leadership in Energy and Environmental Stewardship Award!

Charges were dropped against Georgia state Representative Park Cannon after her arrest at the Georgia State Capitol (she knocked on the door of the Governor’s office).

As numerous states contemplate anti-trans legislation, our Representatives are leading the charge to stand against these awful bills. In Kansas, state Representative Stephanie Byers applauded the Governor’s veto and provided next steps.

In Arizona, state Representative Daniel Hernández Jr. asked lawmakers why they weren’t focusing on helping Americans recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Florida, state Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith reminded trans and LGBTQ kids that they’re perfect, regardless of legislation designed to harm them.

In response to bigots in her state, Illinois state Representative Kelly Cassidy introduced legislation removing barriers for name changes.

Washington County Justice of the Peace Evelyn Rios Stafford spoke with the Arkansas governor as he considered anti-trans legislation. After his conversation with Justice Stafford, he vetoed the bill.

Texas state Representative Mary González was named a “Power Player” by Spectrum News 1. She also made history as the first out LGBTQ budget conferee in the state’s history!

Connecticut state Representative Raghib Allie-Brennan passed legislation streamlining the recognition of non-biological parents.

Victory Institute caught up with Vermont state Representative Taylor Small for an update on her first term so far, passing pro-equality legislation and more! Read the full interview here.

Alana Banks won her election to the Decatur School Board, making history as the first out trans person elected to a school board!

Congratulations to Cozy Bailey, who was just elected the first out mayor of St. Clair, Missouri!

 

THE NEXT GENERATION

DEADLINE EXTENSION: Victory Empowerment Fellowship Applications – Due May 30th!


 

We are now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 Victory Congressional Fellowship (VCF)!

In December, the fellow will attend the Victory Institute’s annual International LGBTQ Leaders Conference for three days of training, skills building, networking and discussion alongside hundreds of openly LGBTQ leaders in government, politics, advocacy, business and community organizations. The fellowship prepares young LGBTQ professionals to become informed decision-makers and influential leaders who can change their communities and our world. Applications are due May 31, 2021!

 

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 a global organization dedicated to elevating openly LGBTQ leaders who can further equality at all levels of government. Through our international and domestic trainings, professional development programs and yearly conferences, 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 openly LGBTQ elected and appointed officials now serving around the world. You can power our work and the next Rainbow Wave with a donation today!

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