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THE FIVE LGBTQ HEADLINES NOT TO MISS
1. RECORDS SHATTERED IN MEXICO
Over 100 out LGBTQ candidates [[link removed]] ran in local and national races in Mexico’s recent elections [[link removed]] , the largest number of LGBTQ candidates ever in Mexico’s history [[link removed]] . And even better? Many of them are making LGBTQ history! Adolfo Cerqueda made history as the first Mayor of Nezahualcóyotl [[link removed]] , shattering a huge rainbow ceiling. And Lucía Verdín Limón made history as the first lesbian city councilor from the municipality of León, Guanajuato [[link removed]] ! Victory Institute is incredibly proud to work with partner organizations in Mexico and across Latin America to boost LGBTQ political participation and the number of out elected officials.
2. REPRESENTATION IN THE COLORADO LEGISLATURE
Three members of Colorado’s LGBTQ Caucus -- Rep. Leslie Herod , Colorado’s first Black out LGBTQ elected official, Rep. Brianna Titone, Colorado’s first out trans elected official, and Rep. David Ortiz , Colorado’s first out bisexual state legislator -- sat down with Denver7 to reflect on the past legislative session [[link removed]] and the pro-equality legislation passed [[link removed]] . Rep. Herod passed 37 bills addressing a range of topics [[link removed]] , including the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant program she co-sponsored with Rep. Ortiz [[link removed]] , while Rep. Titone plotted a path forward in the fight to preserve trans rights [[link removed]] . Their legislation was signed into law by one of America’s first out LGBTQ governors, Jared Polis [[link removed]] .
[link removed] [[link removed]]3. THE MOST PRO-EQUALITY ADMINISTRATION YET
President Biden has created the most LGBTQ-friendly administration ever, accomplishing much for LGBTQ rights during his first 100 days in office [[link removed]] . The most recent advancements? Gina Ortiz Jones , nominated for Under Secretary of the Air Force, and Shawn Skelly , nominated for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness, testified before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. If confirmed, both Jones and Skelly would make LGBTQ history [[link removed]] . Victory Institute Executive Director Ruben J. Gonzales spoke with Comcast Newsmakers about the over 200 appointees currently serving in the administration and what’s coming up next. Watch his interview here [[link removed]] !
4. UNCOVERING BARRIERS TO LGBTQ WOMEN RUNNING
Thanks to generous funding from The Ascend Fund, Victory Institute produced a unique report, “ The Decision to Run: Uncovering the Barriers and Motivators for LGBTQ Women Running for Office” [[link removed]] , which explored the barriers and motivators LGBTQ women experience when running for office.
As noted in the report, many participants wished they had more opportunities for mentorships from other LGBTQ women or opportunities to connect with like-minded leaders. To fill this need, we’re proud to announce the Women Out to Win Mentorship Program! Meet our first Cohort here [[link removed]] :
[link removed] [[link removed]]5. PRIDE & PROGRESS CONVERSATIONS EXPLORE OUR HISTORY
Pride Month is a great time to remember how far LGBTQ equality has come – and how much work is left to be done. Join Victory Institute’s Jarod Keith for a series of conversations covering Compton's Cafeteria Riot, historic candidacy of José Sarria, Frank Kameny's activism and impact of HIV/AIDS on LGBTQ political power. Tune in every Thursday at 5pm ET and see past conversations at victoryinstitute.org/pride! [[link removed]]
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Did we miss a headline? It happens sometimes! Reply to this email to let us know what we missed – we might feature it on our social media or in next month’s newsletter!
UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Cook County Board Commissioner and Victory Fund Board Member Kevin B. Morrison called on LGBTQ people to step up and run for office in a touching op-ed in The Advocate. Read Commissioner Morrison's call to action here [[link removed]] .
Inspired by Commissioner Morrison’s words? Sign up to attend one of our 2021 Candidate & Campaign Training today [[link removed]] !
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Applications are now open for our Victory Congressional Internship (VCI)!
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The VCI program brings outstanding LGBTQ college students to Washington, DC for a 10-week intensive leadership program. Participants intern with an LGBTQ-friendly member of Congress, attend weekly leadership development sessions and connect with mentors. The VCI program includes a generous stipend, housing in DC, travel to/from Washington, as well as travel and registration to the International LGBTQ Leaders Conference in December 2021. The Victory Congressional Internship is open to current undergraduate students of all genders, orientations, abilities, races, and political affiliations, including people with majors other than political science. Applications for this incredible paid Fall internship opportunity are due by July 12, 2021 ! Apply today and you could be interning on Capitol Hill in just a few months [[link removed]] .
INTERNATIONAL LGBTQ LEADERS CONFERENCE
Registration is open for the 2021 International LGBTQ Leaders Conference [[link removed]] ! And this year, we’re trying something brand new: a hybrid conference! While we hope you can join us in-person at the JW Marriott, we understand you might not be ready to hit the road just yet. This year’s Conference will also be held virtually! Register during Pride Month and save $175 on your conference registration [[link removed]] !
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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 a global organization dedicated to elevating openly LGBTQ leaders who can further equality at all levels of government. Through our international [[link removed]] and domestic [[link removed]] trainings, professional development programs [[link removed]] and yearly conferences [[link removed]] , 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 [[link removed]] now serving around the world. You can power our work and the next Rainbow Wave with a donation today [[link removed]] !
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LGBTQ Victory Institute
1225 I Street NW, Suite 525
Washington, DC xxxxxx
United States