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THE FIVE LGBTQ HEADLINES NOT TO MISS 1. RECORDS SHATTERED IN MEXICO Over 100 out LGBTQ candidates ran in local and national races in Mexico’s recent elections, the largest number of LGBTQ candidates ever in Mexico’s history. And even better? Many of them are making LGBTQ history! Adolfo Cerqueda made history as the first Mayor of Nezahualcóyotl, shattering a huge rainbow ceiling. And Lucía Verdín Limón made history as the first lesbian city councilor from the municipality of León, Guanajuato! 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 and the pro-equality legislation passed. Rep. Herod passed 37 bills addressing a range of topics, including the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant program she co-sponsored with Rep. Ortiz, while Rep. Titone plotted a path forward in the fight to preserve trans rights. Their legislation was signed into law by one of America’s first out LGBTQ governors, Jared Polis. 
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. 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. 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! 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”, which explored the barriers and motivators LGBTQ women experience when running for office. 
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!  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! |
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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. |
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INTERNATIONAL LGBTQ LEADERS CONFERENCE Registration is open for the 2021 International LGBTQ Leaders Conference! 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!
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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. |
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