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FIVE LGBTQ STORIES WORTH KNOWING
1. SAY HELLO! TO OUR VEFs AND VCF WHILE SAYING GOODBYE TO OUR VCIs
Victory Institute announced our new class of Victory Empowerment Fellows (VEF)! You can learn more about the 2021 VEFs here [[link removed]] . This fellowship is for emerging LGBTQ leaders of color and transgender leaders who seek to expand their campaign skills and policy-making power and be part of a strong cohort of movement leaders from across the country. Our fellows attend our LGBTQ-specific Candidate & Campaign Training and International LGBTQ Leaders Conference, and participate in a year-long mentorship program.
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And a big welcome to Benjamin Hong Starr, the 2021-2022 Victory Congressional Fellow (VCF) [[link removed]] ! This fellowship brings one outstanding young LGBTQ professional to Capitol Hill for an intensive fellowship that includes a yearlong placement in the office of a co-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus. Benjamin will also participate in a leadership development program that explores the policy-making process, includes our Candidate & Campaign Training, and dives into the pressing issues facing the LGBTQ community. His fellowship begins August 30, 2021.
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We also sadly said goodbye to our Summer 2021 Victory Congressional Interns (VCIs). While this class did most of their internship virtually, they were able to spend the final week with us in-person in DC. Read all about their experiences and internship on the Summer 2021 Victory Congressional Interns Blog [[link removed]] !
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Our VCIs completed extensive leadership development sessions each week and connected with LGBTQ professionals through a mentorship program. They heard from partner organizations, Hill staff and more on learning how to advance LGBTQ equality at all levels of government and start a career in politics.
2. THE MOST PRO-EQUALITY ADMINISTRATION YET
The Biden administration continues to show a strong commitment to LGBTQ equality. This month, we were thrilled to celebrate two out LGBTQ judicial nominees, Justice Beth Robinson and Charlotte Sweeney [[link removed]] .
Dr. Rachel Levine also swore in eight new members to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS [[link removed]] , including Tori Cooper , the first Black out trans woman on a Presidential HIV Council. Congratulations on this historic achievement, Tori [[link removed]] !
President Biden also announced Gabe Cazares and Chai R. Feldblum to the U.S. AbilityOne Commission. Both Cazares and Feldblum are longtime advocates for LGBTQ people and disabled people. Read more about their appointments and work here [[link removed]] !
LGBTQ activist and philanthropist Scott Miller was also nominated as ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein [[link removed]] !
3. L-G-B-T IN THE KANSAS STATE LEGISLATURE
Congratulations are in order for Heather Meyer, who was appointed to fill an open seat in the Kansas state Legislature [[link removed]] ! Heather makes history as the first out bisexual person to serve in the body. She joins Representatives Brandon Woodard, the first out gay man elected to the body, Susan Ruiz, the first out lesbian elected to the body, and Stephanie Byers, the first out trans person elected in the state.
4. PETE AND CHASTAN’S BIG NEWS
Earlier this week, Pete and Chasten Buttigieg, announced they are adopting a child [[link removed]] and will soon be parents [[link removed]] . Pete wrote on Twitter: “The process isn’t done yet and we’re thankful for the love, support, and respect for our privacy that has been offered to us. We can’t wait to share more soon.”
Our President & CEO, Mayor Annise Parker, congratulated Pete and Chasten , telling The New York Times [[link removed]] : “As parents, they will now shine a national spotlight on LGBTQ families, who often face daunting challenges because of outdated policies that narrowly define what families are.”
5. MOURNING TRAILBLAZING AMBASSADOR JIM HORMEL
We are deeply mourning the loss of a close friend and LGBTQ public servant, Ambassador James Hormel, who passed away earlier this month [[link removed]] . Ambassador Hormel is best known for being the first out LGBTQ ambassador in U.S. history, but he was also a strong philanthropic supporter of LGBTQ causes, including LGBTQ Victory Institute.
When President Clinton nominated Jim to be ambassador to Luxembourg in 1997, anti-LGBTQ U.S. senators worked to block a confirmation vote because of his sexual orientation. Senators called homosexuality “a sin.” The Traditional Values Coalition and Family Research Council attempted to characterize him as “immoral” and anti-religion. The Republican Majority Leader Trent Lott’s refusal to call a confirmation vote led to President Clinton’s recess appointment of Jim in May 1999.
Yet Jim’s perseverance and courage during this hateful episode helped jumpstart a new era where LGBTQ public servants recognized they could serve their country and be out and proud about who they are. His passing is a loss for our movement and our country.
Jim was inducted into the LGBTQ Victory Hall of Fame this past May [[link removed]] .
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TWEET OF THE MONTH
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OUT AND ABOUT: UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPURTUNITIES
We invite you to join Victory Institute for our biannual LGBTI Political Leaders in the Americas Conference [[link removed]] , the largest in the world to connect out LGBTI elected officials, advocates, public servants and allies with like-minded leaders to increase LGBTI political power. Come strategize, connect with and hear from amazing out leaders from across the Americas and the Caribbean. Join us online and connect with out leaders from around the continent. Don’t wait – register today [[link removed]] !
LGBTI Political Leaders of the Americas and the Caribbean [[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 in Washington, DC, we understand you might not be ready to hit the road just yet. This year’s Conference will also be held virtually! Register before September 6 and take advantage of our Early Bird Rate! [[link removed]]
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
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