John,
As Black History Month comes to a close, we're once again thinking of the out LGBTQ Black elected officials whose courage and sacrifice led to groundbreaking victories. And we have one more name to add to the ranks - Keturah Herron is being sworn into the Kentucky state House today! She is the first out LGBTQ person ever elected to the body.
But there's still so much history to make. Keturah will be one of just 25 out LGBTQ Black state legislators serving anywhere in the U.S. We have only elected one LGBTQ Black U.S. Congressman, and one Afro-Latinx U.S. Congressman - both in 2020. It wasn't until 2017 that we elected the first out Black trans woman to a city council, Andrea Jenkins in Minneapolis. Andrea also made history as the first out trans city council president in 2022. America has never elected an LGBTQ Black governor or U.S. Senator.
Clearly, there's a long way to go. There’s so much more work to do and more out Black leaders to support. Through programs like our Victory Empowerment Fellowship, which trains and supports out LGBTQ leaders of colors and trans leaders, Victory Congressional Internship and Candidate & Campaign Trainings, Victory Institute is determined to ensure that Black LGBTQ voices and perspectives are represented in the halls of power. Pitch in today to support these essential programs and build the next generation of LGBTQ Black leaders!
Thanks for standing with us,
LGBTQ Victory Institute
