John,
I have bittersweet news to share with you: today is Ruben J. Gonzales’ last day as the Executive Director of LGBTQ Victory Institute. On Monday, he'll be starting a new role as Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Agency Personnel in the White House Presidential Personnel Office.
But as we say goodbye, we do so knowing Victory Institute's work is in safe hands. On Monday, Elliot Imse will step into the role as Victory Institute's next Executive Director.
During Ruben's six years at Victory Institute, his team has been building and sustaining our movement for global equality. And despite a new wave of bigotry aimed at rolling back our gains, our movement has never been stronger. Victory Institute has expanded our global work and trained over 500 LGBTQ leaders outside of the United States, launched our Presidential Appointments Initiative to ensure that LGBTQ voices (now including his own!) are heard at all levels of the federal government, and so much more.
And the hard work of so many has paid off. Right now, we're able to expand our programming to include more trans voices, more LGBTQ people of color, and encourage the next generation of LGBTQ leaders to run for office. For the first time in U.S. history, over 1,000 out elected officials are serving in the U.S. and President Biden is overseeing the most-LGBTQ inclusive administration in U.S. history.
And this hard work will continue, under new leadership. Elliot has led Victory Fund and Victory Institute's communications team for the last five years, ensuring that our LGBTQ candidates, elected officials and efforts received the recognition and attention they rightly deserve. I know that he'll continue to be a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community, build on the progress we've already made and lead Victory Institute into a bold new chapter. We've already been talking about some of his ideas - and I think you'll really like what comes next.
While Ruben may not be in the office with us any longer, I know this team will keep doing great things. But we need the support of donors like you to keep growing and expanding. So here's one of my final asks on behalf of Ruben: consider a donation to Victory Institute today. Our fight for equality depends on generous donors like you!
I am so honored to have worked with Ruben and seen his leadership in action. This goodbye is certainly hard - but I'm excited to see what Elliot and his team can accomplish next.
More to come,
Mayor Annise Parker
President & CEO, LGBTQ Victory Institute
