SEVEN LGBTQ STORIES WORTH KNOWING

1. HONORING LGBTQ HISTORY

October is LGBTQ History Month, and we celebrated in style! We added dozens of stories and posts to Pride and Progress, the only comprehensive timeline covering LGBTQ political history. Scroll through the website here!

2. THE MOST PRO-EQUALITY ADMINISTRATION YET

Victory Institute’s Presidential Appointments Initiative applauded more groundbreaking appointments this month, including former LGBTQ Victory Institute Board Chair, Debra Shore! Debra was appointed to be the next Region Five Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency and will oversee six states in the Midwest and the lands of 35 federally recognized tribes.

Gigi Sohn was nominated as Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission and will make history as the first out LGBTQ Commissioner in FCC history!

Dr. Rachel Levine was sworn in as the nation’s first out transgender four-star officer across all uniformed service branches and has obtained the ceremonial rank of Admiral! Though some attempted to diminish the moment with transphobic remarks, Admiral Levine addressed the nation with her customary grace.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg sparked a much-needed conversation about parental leave when it was revealed he had spent several months with his new children. This didn’t sit well with Tucker Carlson, however. But as Victory Institute President & CEO Mayor Annise Parker said: “we should give Tucker the collective eye roll he deserves.”

3. PRIDE AROUND THE WORLD

Our training in Peru started on September 20th! The LGBTI-EMPODERA Training School promotes effective participation in the political and social sphere of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex (LGBTI) people who aspire to participate in the democratic processes of Peru. For eight weeks, 35 LGBTQ leaders will be trained and attend virtual session with presentations given by leading political experts.

Don’t forget! Victory Institute also hosted our biannual LGBTI Political Leaders in the Americas Conference, 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. LGBTI leaders, activists and allies strategized, connected and heard from amazing out leaders from across the Americas and the Caribbean. Learn more about the Conference here!

4. BIGOTRY ON THE MARCH

After three failed attempts and special sessions dedicated to enshrining hatred into law, Governor Greg Abbott signed Texas’ horrific anti-trans bill. The law – which bans trans students from playing sports – is just one of many pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation passed this year in the United States. Out state Representative Erin Zwiener, who has been on the forefront of the fight with the rest of the state’s LGBTQ Caucus, called the bill what it is: a mean-spirited attack on vulnerable children, while one Texas mother described it as “a living nightmare”.

Not to be outdone, one Texas lawmaker alleged that Texas state law – which still defines marriage as between one man and one woman – overruled national law and Supreme Court rulings.

North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson was recorded calling the LGBTQ movement “filth” and using transphobic rhetoric in a speech. The video captured by Right Wing Watch has circulated around Twitter. Our LGBTQ lawmakers affirmed their support and dedication to preserving LGBTQ rights in the face of such terrible homophobia and transphobia.

5. INCLUSIVE SCHOOL BOARDS UNDER ATTACK

School board meetings across the country are seeing more and more turn into riotous events. Unfortunately, many protestors are citing pro-LGBTQ legislation as the reason for their ire, with a noted particular hatred of anything pro-trans. Reporting by LGBTQ Nation has revealed that many protestors were mobilized by far-right religious groups, such as Tony Perkins’s Family Research Council. Many extremists groups are now hosting “school board boot camps”, dedicated to training their devoted followers to run for office.

These discussions naturally have an effect on the LGBTQ students in the school. According to the Trevor Project, over 52% of LGBTQ kids have been bullied in school, and some schools are unwilling to take action, fearing backlash.

But there are glimmers of hope. After one parent performed an exorcism (seriously) during a school board meeting in Fairfax County, the first out elected in Fairfax County, Karl Frisch reminded the board: “to be clear, nothing will disrupt our Board’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ students, families and staff. Nothing.” Students in the district are also leading the charge to reinstate two LGBTQ books that were banned.

Meanwhile, the D.C. State Board of Education unanimously voted to approve a resolution calling for LGBTQ inclusive education standards. The push for progress was led by out board member Allister Chang, who noted that students who have access to LGBTQ materials “are more likely to report lower frequency of bullying, lower levels of depression, more accepting peers, and greater feelings of safety in school.”

6. RUN FOR OFFICE – WITH SNAPCHAT!

Earlier this month, Victory Institute was proud to partner with Snapchat for their new Run for Office in-app tool! Aimed at increasing civic engagement in young people, the tool also provides information on upcoming local races, voting information, and essential information on how to run for office. We’re ready to train the “Snapchat generation” on how to run!

7. VICTORY IN THE NEWS

Victory Institute is on the airwaves! Don’t miss You Brita Vote, featuring Victory Institute’s Executive Director Ruben Gonzales, and LGBTQ&A with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin!

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!

TWEET OF THE MONTH

 

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 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 today!

Have you voted yet for the 2021 winners of the Tammy Baldwin Breakthrough Award and Global Trailblazer Award? Don't worry - voting is still open, and you can still support your favorite LGBTQ leaders. Remember: the person with the most votes, wins! Voting for both awards closes on Thursday, November 4th at 11:59pm PST, so make sure you cast your vote right away!

OUT AND ABOUT: UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPURTUNITIES

Victory Institute just wrapped up our final Candidate & Campaign Training of the year in sunny San Diego, California! 29 LGBTQ leaders joined us to learn the ins-and-outs of running for office and handling life on the trail as an out candidate. Read up on the training here!

Stay tuned for more information on our 2022 trainings – coming soon!

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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