SEVEN LGBTQ STORIES WORTH KNOWING

1. For State Rep. Neil Rafferty, It’s Personal

Earlier this month, the Alabama state legislature passed a bill which is one of the most restrictive, anti-trans bills in the country. This bill combines language from Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which bans classroom discussion about LGBTQ people, and anti-trans “bathroom bill” language, which bars trans people from bathrooms and locker rooms.

Neil Rafferty -- the only out LGBTQ representative in the state legislature -- pleaded with his colleagues to oppose the bill. “I’m begging y’all, all right? What’s going to happen is going to happen. Just don’t you dare call me a friend after this.” Click here to listen to his floor speech.

The New York Times dug into Neil’s fight and the impacts Alabama’s hateful bills will have on our community.

2. Megan Hunt Stops Anti-Choice Legislation in Nebraska

Nebraska state Senator (and first out LGBTQ woman elected to the state House) Megan Hunt led the charge to kill a bill that would have criminalized healthcare providers who perform abortions. Senator Hunt led an eight-hour filibuster on the floor of the Nebraska state House against the legislation.

Because of Rep. Hunt’s bravery and resolve, the anti-equality legislators could not cobble enough votes to bring the bill to a full chamber vote – effectively killing the legislation.

3. Danica Roem Shares Her Story (and How Heavy Metal Prepped Her for Politics)

Virginia state Delegate Danica Roem is sharing her story of perseverance, why she chose to run for office and what’s it’s like being Virginia’s first out trans legislator. She also shares messages of hope for the next generation of LGBTQ leaders. As an LGBTQ legislator, “it is possible to succeed because of who you are, not despite it.” Check out NPR’s interview with Rep. Roem here!

4. Announcing the 2022 Bohnett Fellows

This week, Victory Institute announced the 2022 cohort of the David Bohnett Leaders Fellowship! Designed for senior-level executives working with state and local governments — including government officials and elected officeholders — this intensive, three-week Executive Education program at the Harvard Kennedy School hones skills and furthers the leadership potential of accomplished individuals from across the United States. Click here to meet this year’s outstanding cohort!

Victory Institute, in collaboration with The David Bohnett Foundation, has sent over 150 outstanding LGBTQ leaders to the Harvard Kennedy School program since 2002.

5. On the Ground in Mexico: Global Team Celebrates Transgender Day of Visibility

On April 20th, our global team celebrated Transgender Day of Visibility in Mexico City! They participated in a massive flag signing -- over 20,000 people signed a trans pride flag to stand in solidarity which was brought onto the Congressional floor. They also joined the Global Equality Caucus for the launch of the Latin America chapter. Read our full blog post here to learn more about this exciting celebration!

6. National Out to Win Day: Motivating Future LGBTQ Leaders

Earlier this month, Victory Institute celebrated National Out to Win Day – our annual celebration to encourage more LGBTQ people to run for office!



This year, we heard from Illinois state Senator Mike Simmons on his work to end hair discrimination in Illinois, state Representative Park Cannon on her work to provide free PrEP in Georgia, state Representative Stephanie Byers on her work to stop anti-trans legislation in Kansas and Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia on his intersectional work to lessen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their videos are a testimonial to the impact an LGBTQ leader can have in office!

Bonus content: check out Mayor Parker’s op-ed “Electing Out People Is Our Best Defense to the War Against Queer Youth.”

7. Elliot Imse Named Executive Director!

We have a new executive director! Elliot Imse, former Vice President of Communications at Victory Institute and Victory Fund, was recently named Executive Director of Victory Institute. Read the full release here!

Did we miss a headline? It happens sometimes! Reply to this email to let us know what we missed – we might feature it on our social media or in next month’s newsletter!

UPCOMING EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Victory Empowerment Fellowship Applications Due May 6!

The Victory Empowerment Fellowship is for LGBTQ leaders of color and/or transgender leaders who seek to expand their campaign skills and policy-making power and join a strong cohort of movement leaders from across the country. The Fellowship consists of three key components provided by Victory Institute – the Candidate & Campaign Training, International LGBTQ Leadership Conference and a year-long mentorship program. Click here to learn more and apply.

Apply by May 3 for the Victory Congressional Fellowship!

The Victory Congressional Fellowship (VCF) brings one to three outstanding LGBTQ young professionals to Washington, DC for an intensive leadership program. The fellows will engage in a year-long placement in the office of a co-chair of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus and go through an educational and leadership development program to learn about the legislative process and careers in policymaking. Click here to read stories from past fellows.

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 international and domestic 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. You can power our work and the next Rainbow Wave with a donation today!

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