John:

Allow me to introduce myself: I’m the proud transgender parent of two amazing children, even prouder partner of my amazing wife Cheryl and hold the distinction of becoming the first transgender person to be elected in California for a non-judicial position. When I first ran for Palm Springs City Council in 2017, I was prepared, motivated and ready to win. One big reason I was ready? Participating in the 2016 Victory Empowerment Fellowship.

This Giving Tuesday, one generous donor has offered to match $25,000 for the Victory Empowerment Fellowship. Help us meet the match with a generous donation before Giving Tuesday even starts!

As a Victory Empowerment Fellow, I was able to attend a Candidate and Campaign Training (CCT), where I connected with likeminded LGBTQ leaders looking to launch their political careers. As I worked through the four-day training (and it was a lot of work!), it helped reinforce my belief that my campaign plan and campaign team were largely on-track, but also led to key tweaks that made both even stronger. It provided an outstanding reference guide to consult as issues arose in our campaign planning and allowed me to test campaign messaging.

Prior to the training I had experience with media, but the CCT provided a brand-new opportunity to think through my approach to media interactions and to practice staying on message. I expected the media would try to highlight me as solely “the trans candidate.” With the help of Victory Institute, I was prepared to redirect the conversation to kitchen table issues and highlight the professional experience that makes me a strong leader.

But the true highlight of being a Victory Empowerment Fellow was meeting and connecting with my fellow LGBTQ leaders, including listening and learning from the experiences of others and making new friends. Most importantly, I came away with a vastly improved vocabulary for discussing with those closest to me the personal toll campaigning plays on one’s self and those who love you.

The LGBTQ leaders and fellow elected officials I’ve met through Victory Institute are a source of comfort, assistance and a reminder that I’ll never run for office alone. And now, you can support a new group of LGBTQ leaders of color and trans leaders. Help us meet our Victory Empowerment Fellow match!

We are an incredible and beautiful array of LGBTQ leaders. We come together from all over our country and our neighboring countries in one place and time. Thanks to the Victory Empowerment Fellowship, I’ve had the opportunity to make lasting relationships and grow as a leader for equality. Let’s make it happen for another rising LGBTQ leader – help us meet our match today.

Thanks again for your support,

Lisa Middleton

Palm Springs City Council  (For Identification purposes only)