John,

Happy National Out to Win Day! Each year on April 2nd, Victory Institute calls for more LGBTQ people to consider exploring their own run for office. Through our website - outtowin.org - you'll find resources on why LGBTQ elected officials are so impactful and how you can start to think about launching a campaign.

Having an LGBTQ voice in office can make a HUGE difference and today we'll be sharing a new video series that speaks to how out leaders are creating huge changes in their communities.

But don't just take our word for it! Hear from Illinois state Senator Mike Simmons, who was first appointed to the seat in 2021 and shattered a rainbow ceiling as the first out LGBTQ person to serve in the body. Sen. Simmons dove directly into his new work, tackling an issue he'd read about in the news: a four-year-old boy was forced to take out his braids at school.

Listen to Sen. Simmons and Ida Nelson, whose son inspired the Jett Hawkins Law, discuss their successful effort to ban hair discrimination in Illinois:

As a Black man with locs, state Senator Simmons has experienced hair discrimination himself - and used his position in the senate to do something about it. As of January 1, 2022, hair discrimination is now illegal in Illinois, a legislative accomplishment long overdue.

Just like state Senator Simmons, YOU too can have a huge impact in office. So today – will you learn more about running for office and think about launching your own campaign? Watch state Senator Simmons' full video, hear from other LGBTQ elected officials and their constituents on their fight for LGBTQ equality, and more.

We hope you’re inspired – and you’re ready to run!

Ruben J. Gonzales
Pronouns: he|him|his
Executive Director, LGBTQ Victory Institute

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 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.

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