John:

This morning, you heard from my fellow Victory Empowerment Fellow Toni Duran on how the fellowship helped us prepare to run for office and create a network of other LGBTQ leaders of color and trans leaders we can rely on throughout the process. That is why it’s so important for us to hit our $25,000 match to support the fellowship!

Before I tell you a little bit about my experience, can you help us hit our $25,000 goal? With your help, we can raise up to $50,000 (thanks to a match) for a new generation of LGBTQ leaders.

Not having any background in politics and because I plan to run for the Colorado state House soon, attending the Candidate and Campaign Training was essential. Most of what I learned was skills-based, but I also learned about some devastating statistics:

• The average life span of a trans black woman is only 35;
• Two-spirit indigenous people are disappearing at an alarming rate without any reporting; and
• Roughly 3,000 more trans people need to be elected into office to achieve equal representation.

These shocking facts are what make this fellowship so revolutionary. We must train and mobilize LGBTQ leaders of color and trans folks who will represent and defend their communities as elected leaders. And that’s the point of this program: to elevate leaders who will take what they learn and use it to defend those like them. Help us hit our goal: contribute to our match campaign today!

I have many stories from the trainings and mentoring I received throughout the fellowship. I networked with amazing community leaders and elected officials, met with incredible mentors, and were able to share our stories and experiences as trans people and people of color with a broader audience that will hopefully spark difficult discussions amongst our leaders regarding policy and the importance of true representation. And I heard from some incredibly inspirational leaders at the federal level, including Congresswomen Sharice Davids, Angie Craig and Pramila Jayapal.

Hearing from other fellows about their passion and drive to fight for LGBTQ people not only gives me hope but reignited a fire in me to do more and be more for our community. Thanks to the Victory Empowerment Fellowship, you’ll see me on the Colorado ballot in 2020 or 2022.

When I look at the legacy of past fellows and consider what the future holds for myself and the other 2019 fellows, I’m so proud. Now, we can give another LGBTQ leader of color or trans leader the same chance to learn and grow. Will you help us fund this essential program and contribute to our match?

The overall program was indescribable, with so many amazing experiences it’s difficult to pinpoint just one. I would never have been able to experience this without the help of Victory Institute and the fellowship program. This program is essential and the amount you donate today will impact how many fellows we have in the future. Donate to our Victory Empowerment Fellow match today.

Thanks again for your support -

Shawn Turk

2019 Victory Empowerment Fellow