Elliot Imse, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

September 2, 2025 at 4:05 PM

Register now & save: Early Bird discount for the LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference 🏳️‍🌈

I hope we’ll see you in D.C. on December 4-6, 2025! John: Each year, more than 700 LGBTQ+ elected officials, activists, leaders, and allies from around the globe gather in Washington, DC for three unforgettable days of connection, strategy, and inspiration at Victory Institute’s…

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  OUTPOWER · [email protected]

August 29, 2025 at 9:11 PM

Garcia takes on the House Oversight Committee, Protecting Pulse Memorials and more!

The fight for equality continues. LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About LGBTQ+ Leaders Take Bold Action Against Trump and Federal Overreach U.S. Representative Robert Garcia was officially sworn in to the House Oversight Committee by former Vice President Kamala Harris, marking a …

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  LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

August 25, 2025 at 2:31 PM

Who deserves the Tammy Baldwin & Global Trailblazer Awards? Add your nominees!

Which LGBTQ+ elected officials do you want to see win? Let us know here! John, DON'T FORGET - we are now accepting nominations for the 2024 Tammy Baldwin Breakthrough Award and the Global Trailblazer Award! Who do you think should win these prestigious awards? Name your nominees…

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  LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

August 19, 2025 at 3:02 PM

Add your nominees: Tammy Baldwin Breakthrough Award & Global Trailblazer Award!

Which LGBTQ+ elected officials do you want to see win? Let us know here! John, We're so excited – we are now accepting nominations for the 2025 Tammy Baldwin Breakthrough Award and the Global Trailblazer Award! Who do you think should win these prestigious awards? Name your nomi…

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  Sarah LeDonne, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

August 6, 2025 at 3:33 PM

LGBTQ+ Texans on the run from Governor Abbott 🤜🗳️🗺️🤛

They're fighting for democracy and we're fighting for them. John: Texas LGBTQ+ legislators are under attack. Governor Greg Abbott is trying to have them arrested. More than 50 state house lawmakers — including every out LGBTQ+ legislator — fled Texas to block extremist redistr…

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  OUTPOWER · [email protected]

August 1, 2025 at 5:37 PM

Big News: First Bills Passed, Conference Registration is Open, and More!

The fight for equality continues. LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2025 International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference! Each year, more than 700 LGBTQ+ elected officials, advocates, public servants, and allies from around the world come together in W…

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  Elliot Imse, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

August 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM

🎉Registration for the 2025 International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference is now OPEN!🎉

I hope we’ll see you in D.C. on December 4-6, 2025! John: Every year, more than 700 LGBTQ+ elected officials, activists, leaders and allies from across the globe join Victory Institute in the nation’s capital to schmooze and strategize with colleagues. And it's almost time to ga…

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  Elliot Imse, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

July 10, 2025 at 6:32 PM

🌍Inside WorldPride 2025: Victory Institute’s Global Impact

Power, pride & progress. John: WorldPride 2025 in Washington, D.C. was a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and global impact of LGBTQ+ leaders. Over the course of the week, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute proudly hosted and participated in events that uplifted our com…

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  Elliot Imse, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

July 4, 2025 at 1:15 PM

Certain inalienable Rights.

American needs us. John: At a time when the Supreme Court has gutted essential civil and voting rights, taken away the right to choose, enforced presidential immunity and issued regressive rulings trans rights, celebrating our democracy feels different. As we reflect on the nat…

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  Elliot Imse, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

June 28, 2025 at 1:01 PM

56 years of fighting. 56 years of progress.

Stonewall's legacy. John: Today marks the 56th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, John. 56 years since a brave group led by Black and brown LGBTQ+ people launched an uprising against police brutality. 56 years since the launch of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. 56 years of …

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  Jim Obergefell · [email protected]

June 26, 2025 at 1:01 PM

Marriage Equality 10 Years Later

Marrying John was one of the happiest days of my life, second only to the day marriage equality became legal for our entire country. John, Ten years ago today, I was sitting in the Supreme Court fighting for my husband, John, and for queer couples like us across the nation. Be…

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  Elliot Imse, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

June 24, 2025 at 4:34 PM

A record-breaking 1,334 LGBTQ+ elected officials...

The 2025 Out for America report is here! John: I'm so excited to share with you the 2025 Out for America report, our annual look at the number and demographics of out LGBTQ+ elected officials in the United States. If you want to get into the details, you can browse the full rep…

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  LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

June 3, 2025 at 2:01 PM

SIGN: wish Evan Low a happy birthday!!

Add your name ... Hey John: it's almost Victory Institute President & CEO Evan Low's birthday! We can't wait to celebrate. Will you sign Evan's card and wish him a happy birthday?! The youngest out gay mayor in the nation when first elected, he’s spent his career figh…

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  OUTPOWER · [email protected]

May 29, 2025 at 10:02 PM

Great news from Colorado, good and bad news from Texas and more!

The fight for equality continues. LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month As AAPI Heritage Month comes to a close, we’re proud to celebrate the vibrant contributions of LGBTQ+ AAPI leaders across the country. Our President & CEO Evan Low was recen…

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  Itay Balely, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

May 28, 2025 at 6:21 PM

What do Pittsburgh, Denver and Atlanta have in common?

representation everywhere matters. John, Across the country, in places like Pittsburgh, Southern Florida, Atlanta, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Denver, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is investing in the future of LGBTQ+ leadership. Because representation everywhere matters. Through our …

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  Sarah LeDonne, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

May 19, 2025 at 2:18 PM

Texas just took a huge step forward...

Thanks to these LGBTQ+ elected officials! John, Thanks to the leadership of LGBTQ+ state legislators, Texas is taking a historic step forward! Out State Representative Venton Jones has co-authored a bill to repeal the state’s outdated and discriminatory ban on “homosexual condu…

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  Itay Balely, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

May 7, 2025 at 3:01 PM

"the single most valuable thing I've done"

These are just a few of the voices of our recent trainees. John, Every year, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s Candidate & Campaign Trainings equip LGBTQ+ leaders with the tools to run and win. But don’t just take it from us, all of these quotes are from our participants: Th…

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  LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

May 1, 2025 at 1:02 PM

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month!

Only 55 out AAPI LGBTQ+ officials in the entire country. That's not enough. John, Happy AAPI Heritage Month! This May, we’re shining a spotlight on the trailblazing AAPI LGBTQ+ leaders who have broken barriers and paved the way for a more inclusive democracy. But make no mis…

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  LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

April 26, 2025 at 2:01 PM

Happy Lesbian Visibility Day!

Support the Lavender Wave John, We wanted to wish you a Happy Lesbian Visibility Day! It’s great to shine a light on all the wonderful lesbian elected officials serving around the country. Right now, 277 are in office – from the U.S. Senate to mayor’s offices to school board an…

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  OUTPOWER · [email protected]

April 24, 2025 at 1:01 PM

Congrats Spring VCIs, love is love in Colorado, and more!

The fight for equality continues. LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About Candidate & Campaign Trainings in Full Swing! LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s trainings are in full swing in 2025, with six successful LGBTQ+ Leadership Summits already wrapped and another training at the prest…

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  LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

April 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM

🏳️‍🌈Colorado just made marriage equality the law of the land 🏳️‍🌈

These LGBTQ+ elected officials got it done. John, BIG news out of Colorado: Marriage equality is now protected under state law! Thanks to the leadership of LGBTQ+ State Representatives Brianna Titone and Lorena García, voters overwhelmingly supported a ballot initiative to rep…

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  Elliot Imse, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

April 2, 2025 at 2:01 PM

The original historic first: Kathy Kozachenko.

The first out LGBTQ+ person to win public office in the U.S. John, Every year on April 2nd, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute celebrates our original historic first: Kathy Kozachenko. In 1974, Kathy ran as an out lesbian for a seat on the Ann Arbor City Council - and WON, officially beco…

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  Orie Givens, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund · [email protected]

April 1, 2025 at 2:46 PM

Democracy's on the ballot in 2025 (are you in?)

Together, we will bring more LGBTQ+ voices to the halls of political power. John, I know you've seen the headlines and heard the speeches - you know that this election is essential for LGBTQ+ rights. But that isn't the only thing on the ballot: our democracy is at stake too. Al…

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  LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

March 31, 2025 at 2:02 PM

Trans leaders are fighting for all of us.

We must keep fighting to elect trans leaders. John, This International Transgender Day of Visibility, we don't want to entirely focus on the wave of bigoted bills. We wanted to share this headline to highlight the good news: the number of trans and non-binary people running for…

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  Elliot Imse, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

March 29, 2025 at 2:01 PM

a quick update on global equality funding

We cannot be divided, and we will not be distracted.   John, Unfortunately, the Trump administration has terminated nearly all funding for LGBTQ+ equality work around the globe – including money to support our global efforts. If we're going to keep running all our essential pro…

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  OUTPOWER · [email protected]

March 27, 2025 at 11:50 PM

Montana defeats two anti-trans bills, McBride hits back against misgendering, and more!

The fight for equality continues. LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About Time to Run (In Ohio and Around the Country) Everyone should think about running for office, writes Ohio LGBTQ+ elected official Connor Moreton. And we couldn’t agree more – and we’re ready to help them win! …

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  Evan Low, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

March 25, 2025 at 4:32 PM

You belong in office. Let's get you there.

Your public service journey starts today!   John, When I first ran for office, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. As an out gay, Asian American candidate, I faced challenges that many LGBTQ+ leaders encounter: doubts from political insiders, barriers to fundraising, and the weight of b…

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  Sarah LeDonne, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

March 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM

A woman's place is in the U.S. House

Happy International Women's Day! John, Happy International Women's Day! So many important LGBTQ+ milestones were achieved because of the hard work of LGBTQ+ women – and it’s important we keep their legacies alive. Right now, Victory Institute is making big investments to loc…

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  LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

March 7, 2025 at 2:02 PM

Tell Mayor Parker: THANK YOU

We want Mayor Parker to know just how much the Victory Institute family appreciates her hard work and leadership. Earlier this week, Mayor Annise Parker retired as President & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, John. We are so excited to welcome Evan Low as our new President…

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  Evan Low, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

March 6, 2025 at 9:05 PM

I’ve seen the great work we can do.

But we have to do it together. Hi John, I’m Evan Low. I’m so excited to write to you today as Victory Institute’s new President & CEO. Before I ever held elected office, I was part of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s leadership pipeline. I’ve seen the great work this organization…

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  Orie Givens, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

March 4, 2025 at 4:32 PM

Congratulations to our new President & CEO, Evan Low! 

We are so excited to welcome Evan to the team. John, Today we mark a new era in the history of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. After seven dedicated and impactful years of service and leadership from Mayor Annise Parker, Victory Institute is proud to announce former Campbell City Coun…

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  OUTPOWER · [email protected]

March 1, 2025 at 12:11 AM

Federal aid freeze update, nine states target marriage and more!

The fight for equality continues. LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About Foreign Grant Funding Alert: In a stunning announcement, the Trump Administration has terminated 92% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts, effectively dismantling the agency. In a memo, Secretary of State Marco Ru…

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  Orie Givens, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

February 21, 2025 at 2:01 PM

‘Americans Can and Will Die from This’

Trump and Musk's cuts to USAID make America weaker. ‘Americans Can and Will Die from This’: USAID Worker Details Dangers, Chaos -- Politico John, this headline makes it clear: Trump and Musk's cuts to USAID make America weaker. These cuts are a direct attack on the safety, securi…

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  Elliot Imse, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

February 17, 2025 at 2:01 PM

Here’s some of the adjustments we’ve made in response to Trump's cuts.

Meeting the new challenges ahead of us...   John, We have seen a strong response to the Defend Global Progress Fund. But we’re still working on closing the funding gap caused by the federal government’s suspension of grants for global LGBTQ+ work, I wanted to give you an update …

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  Itay Balely, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

February 11, 2025 at 9:51 PM

Your Campaign Journey Starts Here 🌈

Are you ready to make a difference in your community?   John, Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Your local school board or city council has a direct impact on the issues that matter most to our daily lives—whether it's ensuring every child has access to a qua…

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  LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

February 6, 2025 at 2:01 PM

Celebrate this huge victory for LGBTQ+ Michiganders! 🌈

Rep. Noah Arbit just made history—let’s tell him congrats! 🎉 John, Michigan’s hate crime law now includes protections for sexual orientation and gender identity—thanks to the leadership of State Rep. Noah Arbit. Rep. Arbit, the youngest LGBTQ+ person ever elected to the Michiga…

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  Orie Givens, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

February 4, 2025 at 2:20 PM

"Transgenderism" isn’t a thing, but transphobia is

They twist words and gaslight our nation   John, President Trump and his Administration wants you to believe that the “woke mind virus” is causing widespread “transgenderism” and that DEI is the enemy. They’re using word salads and conservative talking points to target trans peo…

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  Alhelí Partida, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

February 3, 2025 at 2:31 PM

What my team and I have built (with your support)

In the last four years...   John, you’ve been hearing from Mayor Annise Parker and Elliot Imse about the Trump Administration cutting federal funding for global programs. But I wanted to talk to you about my team – and the hard work we’ve put in to grow and protect equality. …

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  Orie Givens, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

February 1, 2025 at 2:01 PM

Celebrating Our 2024 Black LGBTQ+ History Makers

Happy Black History Month! John, Happy Black History Month! This month, we'll be highlighting the phenomenal Black LGBTQ+ leaders who paved the way. But there's still so much history to make. Today, there are just over 135 out LGBTQ+ Black officials in the entire country. Bla…

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  Elliot Imse, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

January 31, 2025 at 6:35 PM

Division and disorder are the point

We cannot be divided, and we will not be distracted.   John, I want to make sure you saw Mayor Parker’s message from yesterday. And as the Executive Director of Victory Institute, I want to assure you: this is not hyperbole, it is not a drill. We are facing a massive spending f…

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  OUTPOWER · [email protected]

January 31, 2025 at 1:16 AM

Federal aid freeze, anti-trans bills (BUT - there's also good news!)

The fight for equality continues. LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About Foreign Grant Funding Alert: This past weekend, under President Trump’s executive order, the State Department and USAID issued unprecedented suspensions on nearly all existing foreign assistance grants – inclu…

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  Mayor Annise Parker, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

January 30, 2025 at 6:18 PM

URGENT: Spending Freeze, Program Halt

We must send a a clear message: we will not be erased.   John, We are living in tumultuous times. In just ten days, decades of progress for LGBTQ+ people, people of color, people living with disabilities, and more are under attack. It is clear from the past ten days the promise…

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  LGBTQ+ Victory Fund · [email protected]

January 30, 2025 at 2:27 PM

Meet our latest 2025 endorsements! 🎊

Our first endorsements of 2025! John: 2025 is finally here. And we're celebrating this exciting election year the only way we know how: a new slate of endorsements! This might be an odd-year election cycle, but we are not taking a break. As you can see below, we're getting ready…

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  Itay Balely, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

January 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM

The urgent need for LGBTQ+ voices in the halls of power.

And even better? All of these events are free. 😉 John, Today, as we watch Donald Trump take office, we know these things remain true. No matter who holds the Presidency, committing to public service is a powerful act. Our elected leaders create change in our communities and shap…

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  Sean Meloy, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund · [email protected]

January 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM

Special elections are coming 👀👀

And while this is not the outcome we wanted, it does mean that many will be leaving their current positions to take on new roles in the administration. John, It's official: Donald Trump is being sworn in as President of the United States. And while this is not the outcome we wa…

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  LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

January 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM

"A genuine civilization struggling to be born."

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Just a few weeks ago, America watched the clock tick down and a new year arrived. We were ready to say goodbye to 2024: a year marked racist violence, economic upheaval and an exhausting 24-hour news cycle, where many people in positions of power…

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  LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

January 19, 2025 at 3:01 PM

Celebrating the LGBTQ+ civil servants in the Biden-Harris Administration

LGBTQ+ representation in federal appointments reached historic levels! John, Victory Institute’s Political Appointments Program - which was renamed in 2024 as David Mixner Political Appointments Program - has seen numerous successes over the decades. But during the Biden-Harr…

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  Elliot Imse, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

January 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM

420 LGBTQ+ leaders in 12 different countries

Shattering 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈 ceilings around the globe Last year, we reached incredible milestones. Victory Institute's team trained, supported and empowered over 420 LGBTQ+ leaders in 12 different countries! And this year, we're working overtime to ensure we keep traveling, keep trainin…

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  Sean Meloy, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund · [email protected]

January 9, 2025 at 5:59 PM

breaking 📰: our latest endorsements are LIVE! 🎊

Our first endorsements of 2025! John: 2025 is finally here. And we're celebrating this exciting election year the only way we know how: a new slate of endorsements! This might be an "off-year" election cycle, but we are not taking a break. As you can see below, we're getting rea…

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  LGBTQ+ Victory Institute · [email protected]

January 7, 2025 at 3:01 PM

your 2025 priorities 📝

Are you in? John, LGBTQ+ elected officials are being sworn into office across the country! But before they get to work, we want to know: what are your legislative priorities for 2025? Let us know what you want to see from our LGBTQ+ elected officials here. ➡️ LET US KNOW ⬅️ …

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