John,
Three of our future out trans elected officials were recently interviewed by NBC Out - and I wanted to make sure you saw the answers they gave when asked why they stepped up to run (you can read the full article here).
What they said not only exemplifies why we need more LGBTQ leaders in office - but why Victory Fund works so hard to ensure equal representation at all levels of government. Check it out:
"My goal has always been to be in the room where my voice can do the most good... It became clear that is where the bulk of the attacks and damage was happening, and that was the most valuable room to be in."
-- Montana state Representative-elect Zooey Zephyr, who ran after Montana passed three anti-trans bills
"Especially as a trans person, seeing all of the new political action happening towards my community really kind of inspired me to be a voice for trans people to be visible and help be a concrete part of making these decisions."
-- New Hampshire state Representative-elect James Roesener, the first out trans man elected to any state legislature
Seeing an anti-bill almost pass "really shook me and made me realize that someone has to be in the room."
-- Minnesota state Representative-elect Leigh Finke, the first out trans person elected to the Minnesota state legislature
These three leaders - and countless more - were inspired to run because they saw what bigotry was doing to our community, and they stepped up to fight back. Now, they'll be part of the historic firewall standing against anti-LGBTQ bills.
But we're not done yet - there's still a long way. Too many legislative bodies don't have an LGBTQ voice - and too many LGBTQ elected officals are standing alone. Pitch in to keep our essential work to support and elect LGBTQ leaders like Zooey, James and Leigh going strong!
Thanks for standing with us,
Cesar Toledo
Pronouns: he|him|his
Political Director, LGBTQ Victory Fund
