The Agenda: The Nefarious Plot to hold public office [[link removed]][link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]]
Three Stories You Should Know About
1. ALL EYES ON TEXAS
On September 1st [[link removed]] , a barrage of legislation ( 666 pieces in all [[link removed]] ) went into effect in Texas. Among the new laws is a horrific bill that aims to overturn Roe v. Wade in the state and offer financial incentives for citizens to police their neighbors seeking reproductive healthcare [[link removed]] . The legislature also passed a long-feared bill that severely restricts voting access [[link removed]] , which pro-equality elected officials fled the state to protest. There’s even a new law that allows anyone to carry a gun in public without training or a permit [[link removed]] .
LGBTQ legislators fought these draconian measures at every step.
Despite an amendment proposed by out Representative Mary Gonzalez , Texas’s voting restriction bill will also place an undue burden on people with disabilities as they attempt to cast their ballot [[link removed]] .
Out Representative Jessica González attempted to add an amendment to Texas’s anti-choice bill that would have exempted survivors of rape and incest under 18 [[link removed]] . Her amendment was voted down by anti-choice legislators.
Out Representative Julie Johnson noted the hypocrisy of those in the chamber who claim to side with women who were sexually assaulted – only to vote for a bill banning access to healthcare [[link removed]] .
As out Representative Ann Johnson pointed out, this bill effectively erodes the right to privacy by creating and enforcing a vigilante system that targets doctors, patients and anyone providing patient care [[link removed]] - even cab drivers.
As LGBTQ Nation points out, the right to privacy and control one’s over own body is absolutely central to LGBTQ equality [[link removed]] . It wasn’t long ago that bigots were using anti-privacy tactics to peer into LGBTQ lives to cause damage.
Speaking of bigots up to their old tricks: anti-trans legislation has once again been introduced on the floor of the Texas House. Out Representative Cecil Israel is leading the charge to block this hate-based legislation once again [[link removed]] .
If you’re as outraged by these horrific bills as we are, remember this piece of advice from out Representative Erin Zwiener [[link removed]] :
[link removed] [[link removed]]2. SWING STATE UPDATE: VIRGINIA
Battle for control of the Virginia General Assembly is once again underway. News recently broke that dark-money outside groups will be spending huge sums on TV advertising in six key districts [[link removed]] .
One candidate under attack: Joshua Cole . Joshua flipped House District 28 in 2019, ensuring several pro-equality measures passed and fighting for his district ( check out his first ad for more details here [[link removed]] ). Meanwhile, anti-equality forces have been itching for a rematch, recruiting extremist anti-equality candidate Tara Durant, who became famous for placing a false 911 call against Black Lives Matter protestors. She’s supported by the Family Foundation of Virginia, a known anti-LGBTQ organization, and Americans for Prosperity [[link removed]] .
Danica Roem , America’s first out and seated trans legislator, is defending her seat as well and highlighting the stark contrast between herself and her opponent, Christopher Stone. While Danica welcomed Afghan refugees into her district with open arms [[link removed]] , Stone made headlines for perpetuating damaging myths about undocumented children [[link removed]] and complaining about LGBTQ acceptance in Virginian schools [[link removed]] .
3. THIS WEEK IN OUTRAGEOUS
It’s hard to believe, but many on the extremist right are blaming LGBTQ inclusion and “woke ideology” for the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan [[link removed]] . Unfortunately, you read that right: bigots are now claiming the Taliban was incensed after seeing a Pride Flag at the U.S. embassy. This claim is false, in many different ways. Claims that President Biden divided the troops by “injecting the poison of critical race theory and transgender ideology” were also made.
Other than the obvious lying, here’s why these reports are so damaging: once again, bigots are attempting to scapegoat LGBTQ people – especially trans people – and turn LGBTQ folks into an all-encompassing boogeyman. [[link removed]] Losing the war? Blame the trans troops [[link removed]] . Want to claim you’re protecting women? Ban trans kids playing sports [[link removed]] or limit access to bathrooms for trans people [[link removed]] . Want to attack an LGBTQ person for existing? Claim the “gay panic” defense [[link removed]] , which is still on the books in over 30 U.S. states.
This rhetoric – and the fear it inspires – also plays out at the ballot box. A recent study shows that voters still “penalize” LGBTQ candidates and these candidates - with candidates of color and trans candidates bearing the brunt of the burden - still face hurdles due to homophobia and transphobia on the campaign trail [[link removed]] .
But there is hope. More Americans are identifying as LGBTQ than ever before [[link removed]] . And despite the bigots’ best efforts, more and more LGBTQ people are getting elected – and changing hearts and minds.
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CANDIDATE SPOTLIGHT
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TWEET OF THE WEEK
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UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Nashville Reception Toast
Nashville, we’re back on the road and ready to celebrate LGBTQ political power in Music City! Join us to honor the historic advances made in 2020, Nashville’s first LGBTQ Caucus on the Davidson County Metropolitan Council and give a toast to ensuring more out leaders are elected in 2021 and beyond! Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 7, 2021, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm CT and register here. [[link removed]]
San Diego Brunch
We've missed the San Diego sunshine, and the even-sunnier disposition of California's proud LGBTQ community. Join Victory Fund on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 11:00 am PT to celebrate San Diego's many historic firsts and lasting legacy of LGBTQ political power. Register here [[link removed]] !
30th Anniversary Gala
For the last 30 years, Victory Fund has powered rainbow wave after rainbow wave, electing LGBTQ candidates up and down the ballot who have gone on to make huge changes in their community. Come celebrate LGBTQ political power and raise a glass to progress at Victory Fund’s 30th Anniversary Gala, Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm ET [[link removed]] !
Paid for by LGBTQ Victory Fund. Your contribution may be used in connection with federal, state and local elections and be subject to federal, state and local laws. Contributions to LGBTQ Victory Fund are not tax deductible. Victory Fund members do not have governance participation rights.
LGBTQ Victory Fund is the political arm of the LGBTQ community. Since our founding in 1991, we’ve supported and elected LGBTQ candidates like U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin, Governors Jared Polis and Kate Brown and all nine LGBTQ members of U.S. Congress. We've boosted out candidates running for state and local government, including California Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins, Florida Senator Shevrin Jones, Virginia Delegate Danica Roem, Colorado state Representative Leslie Herod, Pennsylvania state Representative Brian Sims, Hawaii state Representative Adrian Tam, Oklahoma Representative Mauree Turner, and so many more ( meet all of our current candidates here [[link removed]] )! We’ve shattered rainbow ceilings in all 50 states and broken election year records. You can power our work and the next Rainbow Wave with a donation today [[link removed]] !
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