John,

Last year, as Governor Brian Kemp signed an egregious voting restrictions bill in front of Fox News cameras, Georgia state Representative Park Cannon attempted to access the meeting and keep notes – all in line with her duties as Georgia House Democrats' Secretary. The state troopers (incorrectly) interpreted her actions as felony obstruction and arrested her.

The arrest rightly earned national headlines and Rep. Cannon quickly became a household hero. But to those of us long familiar with Rep. Cannon’s work to achieve LGBTQ equality in Georgia, the incident was just another example of her consistent bravery in the face of bigotry.

The first out queer-identified lawmaker elected to a state legislature in the U.S., Rep. Cannon has made racial justice and LGBTQ equality the twin pillars of her work in office. Among other initiatives, Rep. Cannon spearheaded a pilot program to distribute free PrEP, making Georgia one of the few states in the country with such a program.

Today, we're sharing Rep. Cannon's work as part of National Out to Win Day, our annual event calling on more LGBTQ people to learn about running for office and sharing stories about the impact an LGBTQ elected official can have. Check out outtowin.org to learn more!

Watch Rep. Cannon and Miss Lawrence discuss her efforts to equalize access to PrEP in the Georgia state capital:

As Rep. Cannon said, she ran because she didn’t see queer elected officials like her in office. So she stepped up to be one of the first – and to ensure more voices like hers are heard at every level of government.

Like Rep. Cannon, we know that she won’t be the last, and we’re ready to see even more LGBTQ people in office.

So if you take a look at your local leaders and don't see anyone that sounds or looks like you, be like Rep. Cannon. Jump into the race - and shatter a rainbow ceiling.

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

Elliot Imse
Pronouns: he|him|his
Vice President of Communications, 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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