LGBTQ Stories You Should Know About
Ashanti Martinez Makes LGBTQ History
Last night, the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee made LGBTQ history by voting to nominate Ashanti Martinez for the District 22 House of Delegates vacancy. Ashanti is now on track to become the first out gay Afro-Latino man to represent Prince George’s County in the legislature!
“We are confident his bold, empathetic approach to policy making, paired with a firm belief that government works best when it represents the true diversity of America, will make him an exceptional state lawmaker,” said Mayor Annise Parker.
ICYMI: Earlier in the week, Victory Fund sent a letter to the Committee urging them to nominate Martinez for the vacancy, highlighting his deep policy experience and qualifications.
Abigail Salisbury Shatters Lavender Ceiling
On Tuesday, Victory Fund candidate Abigail Salisbury won the election for Pennsylvania state House District 34! With this historic victory, the Pennsylvania state House will remain pro-LGBTQ and “will be able to push policy priorities like LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections.” This is the first time in 12 years that the chamber will have a pro-equality majority.
“Rue Landau is in This Fight for You”
Pennsylvania state Representative Malcolm Kenyatta endorsed Victory Fund candidate Rue Landau this week for Philadelphia City Council, At-Large. Philadelphia is the only major U.S. city to have never elected an out LGBTQ person to city council!
“I have watched Rue for over a decade stand up for people who have been overlooked and forgotten. No matter who you are or who you love, Rue is in this fight for you.”
Lamont Robinson Lands Chicago Tribune Endorsement
This week, the Chicago Tribune endorsed Victory Fund candidate Lamont Robinson for Chicago City Council. If elected, Robinson would be the first out Black man ever elected to the Chicago City Council!
“Robinson, who is backed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Cook County board President Toni Preckwinkle, brings the most impressive level of experience, including at the state level. Constituents will benefit from his experience…” Read the full article here.
Mayor Annise Parker: “Breaking the Mold”
Earlier this week, Victory Fund President & CEO Mayor Annise Parker was profiled by the Lone Star Parity Project, a grassroots coalition building political power for women in Texas. In the profile, Mayor Parker opens up about her path through Texas politics, how she overcame obstacles as an out LGBTQ candidate and her role with Victory Fund to build LGBTQ political power. Click here to read the full profile.