John,

On Sunday night, Colombia made history – electing the first openly LGBTQ mayor of a Latin American capital city and more than doubling the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials nationwide. To see Claudia Lopez, the soon-to-be mayor of Bogota, kiss her partner at the victory party was a powerful moment for Colombia and all Latin America.

Many of the LGBTQ candidates who won on Sunday night, including Claudia, were trained to run for office by Victory Institute or participated in other Victory Institute programming such as our International LGBTQ Leaders Conference. But it is not just Colombia. We work with local partners throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to train LGBTQ people to run for office and build more inclusive democracies.

Of course, there’s even more progress to be made. While Claudia’s election is a monumental leap forward, we must continue to find, train and support LGBTQ leaders around the world. Will you contribute today to move progress forward around the globe?

I’ve worked in international politics for quite some time. During my years at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), moments like these were rare if not unheard of. While we worked hard for LGBTQ equality abroad, the obstacles – whether hostile foreign leaders or undemocratic institutions – could seem insurmountable. But Victory Institute has helped changed that, working to build more inclusive democracies and elect LGBTQ people to public office around the world.

But we can’t do it without the support of people like you. Donate to Victory Institute’s international program today so we can elect more LGBTQ people in Colombia, the U.S., Peru and more?

We know Claudia’s victory will inspire more LGBTQ people throughout Latin America to run for office. Please ensure they have the support they need to get it done.

Donate to Victory Institute’s Latin America program today and help us make world history.

Dr. Claire Lucas

Chair, LGBTQ Victory Institute Board of Directors