LGBTQ Victory Fund (65 Articles with 144,188 total views)

LGBTQ Victory Fund works to change the face and voice of America’s politics and achieve equality for LGBTQ Americans by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government.

November, 2021

Pennsylvania Tops List of Most LGBTQ Candidates Running for Office at Third Highest in Nation

Pennsylvania Tops List of Most LGBTQ Candidates Running for Office at Third Highest in Nation
(October 26, 2021) GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, and the LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ people, highlight new findings that show an exponential increase in LGBTQ representation in electoral politics-with the number of out LGBTQ candidates running for office at the local, state, and federal level continuing to grow and to diversify year over year.
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April, 2021

LGBTQ Victory Fund Endorses Dr. Tyler Titus for Erie County Executive

LGBTQ Victory Fund Endorses Dr. Tyler Titus for Erie County Executive
Erie, PA - March 24, 2021 - Today, LGBTQ Victory Fund-the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ people to public office-endorsed Tyler Titus, naming them to their Spotlight list. This endorsement marks a significant moment in the campaign, demonstrating momentum heading toward the May 18 primary. With this endorsement, Victory Fund recognizes the strength of the campaign and the historic opportunity to elevate the first trans person ever elected in Pennsylvania history.
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November, 2020

GLAAD response/PA voters getting false campaign ads & texts

GLAAD response/PA voters getting false campaign ads & texts
Washington, DC and New York, NY - October 27, 2020 - GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, along with LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing openly LGBTQ people to every level of government, are condemning the latest false, homophobic and transphobic campaign text messages and ads from the political action committee, American Principles Project.
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August, 2019

Victory Fund Endorses Gina Ortiz Jones for US Congress; Would Be First Openly LGBTQ Representative from Texas

Victory Fund Endorses Gina Ortiz Jones for US Congress; Would Be First Openly LGBTQ Representative from Texas
Washington, DC - July 10, 2019 - Today LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed Gina Ortiz Jones in her race for the 23rd Congressional District in Texas. The announcement comes just one day after the campaign released impressive fundraising numbers for the second quarter - having raised more than $571,000 since her campaign launch on May 14. Jones would become the first openly LGBTQ person elected to Congress from Texas if she wins her race in 2020.
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Victory Fund Endorses Ritchie Torres for US Congress; Faces Anti-LGBTQ Opponent in Effort to Become First LGBTQ Afro-Latinx Member of Congress

Victory Fund Endorses Ritchie Torres for US Congress; Faces Anti-LGBTQ Opponent in Effort to Become First LGBTQ Afro-Latinx Member of Congress
Washington, DC - July 29, 2019 - Today LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed New York City Councilmember Ritchie Torres in his 2020 race for New York's 15th Congressional district. In the primary, Torres will face one of the most anti-LGBTQ Democrats in the entire nation - fellow Councilmember Ruben Diaz, Sr. - and the primary winner will almost certainly win the general election in this heavily Democratic district. Torres will become the first openly LGBTQ Afro-Latinx person ever elected to Congress if he is victorious in November 2020.
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June, 2019

Victory Fund Endorses Mississippi Candidate Carlton Smith; Would Become First LGBTQ State Legislator in the State

Victory Fund Endorses Mississippi Candidate Carlton Smith; Would Become First LGBTQ State Legislator in the State
Washington, DC - May 23 - LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, has given a Spotlight endorsement to Mississippi state Senate District 10 candidate Carlton Smith - making him a priority candidate for Victory Fund this election cycle. If elected, Smith would become the first openly LGBTQ state legislator in Mississippi history and the only openly LGBTQ elected official in the entire state. Mississippi is one of just five states to have never elected an openly LGBTQ state legislator and one of only four states to have no openly LGBTQ elected officials currently serving.
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April, 2019

Homophobic Attack Targets Lori Lightfoot in Chicago Mayoral Race

Homophobic Attack Targets Lori Lightfoot in Chicago Mayoral Race
Washington, DC - March 18, 2019 – Homophobic fliers targeting openly lesbian Chicago mayoral candidate Lori Lightfoot were distributed on cars in key neighborhoods of the city this weekend -- just two weeks before the runoff election. The flier features a photo of Lightfoot with her wife and implies a Lightfoot administration would make "all contracts, jobs, and employment newly assigned exclusively to gay people," that "all churches will abide by the gay marriage laws," and schools will "teach Gay History by mandate." The attack flier comes just one week after many accused her opponent, Toni Preckwinkle, of using a dog whistle during a debate to signal Lightfoot's sexual orientation to anti-LGBTQ influencers and voters. NBC-Chicago's Mary Ann Ahern posted the fliers on Twitter (view here).
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Lesbian Mayoral Candidates Poised to Make History in April; Number of Lesbian Top 100 Mayors Could Triple

Lesbian Mayoral Candidates Poised to Make History in April; Number of Lesbian Top 100 Mayors Could Triple
Washington, DC – Four lesbian mayoral candidates in top 100 cities are well-positioned to win their races and make LGBTQ history this year – all of them facing a run-off or critical primary election in April. Victories for all four would triple the number of out lesbians ever elected mayor of a top 100 city – from two to six. It would also nearly double the number of LGBTQ people to have ever been elected mayor of a top 100 city – from six to ten. Victory Fund is investing heavily in its lesbian mayoral candidates this election cycle in an effort to make 2019 the Year of the Lesbian Mayor.
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Victory Fund Endorses Adrian Rivera-Reyes for Philadelphia City Council

Victory Fund Endorses Adrian Rivera-Reyes for Philadelphia City Council
Philadelphia, PA - LGBTQ Victory Fund has endorsed Adrian Rivera-Reyes in his campaign for Philadelphia City Council At-Large.
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February, 2019

LGBTQ Brazilian Congressman Jean Wyllys Resigns and Flees Country After Increasing Death Threats

LGBTQ Brazilian Congressman Jean Wyllys Resigns and Flees Country After Increasing Death Threats
Washington, DC - January 24, 2019 – Brazilian Congressman Jean Wyllys – who became the first openly LGBTQ person to serve in the National Congress of Brazil in 2011 – announced he has left the country and will not return because of increasing death threats against him. Wyllys is a frequent target of attacks from the notoriously homophobic and recently elected Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro – and allies of the president are widely believed behind many of the death threats. In March of last year, Wyllys' political ally and close friend Marielle Franco, a city councilmember in Rio de Janeiro outspoken on LGBTQ rights, was shot and killed. Yesterday it was announced that the suspects in her killing were members of a death squad linked to President Bolsonaro's son. Wyllys was reelected late last year and was set to begin a third term next month until his resignation announcement this afternoon.
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Openly LGBTQ Mayor Pete Buttigieg Takes Historic First Step in 2020 U.S. Presidential Race

Openly LGBTQ Mayor Pete  Buttigieg Takes Historic First Step in 2020 U.S. Presidential Race
Washington, DC - January 23, 2019 - Today LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ people, cheered South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg's decision to form an exploratory committee for a 2020 presidential run. If Mayor Buttigieg decides to run, he will become the first openly LGBTQ elected official to run for President of the United States. His decision comes in the wake of an unprecedented "Rainbow Wave" of openly LGBTQ candidates who ran this past election cycle at every level of government, many of whom broke down long-standing political barriers on Election Night.
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January, 2019

152 LGBTQ Elected Officials Call on 116th Congress to Act on Four Key Initiatives to Advance LGBTQ Equality

152 LGBTQ Elected Officials Call on 116th Congress to Act on Four Key Initiatives to Advance LGBTQ Equality
Washington, DC - December 12, 2018 – More than 150 openly LGBTQ elected officials and newly elected officials from across the nation are calling on the incoming U.S. Congress to act on four key initiatives related to LGBTQ equality. The letter was drafted after a closed-door convening of LGBTQ elected officials at LGBTQ Victory Institute's International LGBTQ Leaders Conference last week. The conference is the largest convening of LGBTQ elected officials in the world – with more than 140 elected officials from 26 countries, as well as 400 other advocates and leaders.
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Two LGBTQ Senators and Eight LGBTQ Representatives to Be Sworn In to Most Diverse Congress in U.S. History

Two LGBTQ Senators and Eight LGBTQ Representatives to Be Sworn In to Most Diverse Congress in U.S. History
Washington, DC - January 3, 2019 – Ten openly LGBTQ people will be sworn-in to the 116th U.S. Congress this afternoon – two to the U.S. Senate and eight to the U.S. House – the most LGBTQ people to ever serve in either chamber. The previous record was held by the last Congress with seven LGBTQ people serving – one in the Senate and six in the House. Half of the 10 LGBTQ members will now be women and two are people of color, up from just two LGBTQ women and one person of color. Five of the members are new to their positions.
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Victory Fund Announces First Round of 2019 Endorsements; Danica Roem and Jolie Justus Receive Spotlight Endorsements

Victory Fund Announces First Round of 2019 Endorsements; Danica Roem and Jolie Justus Receive Spotlight Endorsements
Washington, DC - December 13, 2018 – Today LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, announced its first round of endorsements for the 2019 election cycle. Kansas City Councilmember Jolie Justus, running for mayor, and Virginia Delegate Danica Roem, running for reelection, both received Spotlight endorsements – given to races considered top priorities for the organization. Nine other LGBTQ candidates received endorsement as well, including Lori Lightfoot for mayor of Chicago and Satya Rhodes-Conway for mayor of Madison, Wisconsin.
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December, 2018

A Rainbow Wave of Historic Victories for LGBTQ Candidates; 154 Victory Fund Endorsed Candidates Won Races So Far

A Rainbow Wave of Historic Victories for LGBTQ Candidates; 154 Victory Fund Endorsed Candidates Won Races So Far
Washington, DC – While returns continue coming in, election results so far demonstrate LGBTQ political power is strengthening nationwide, with 154 Victory Fund endorsed LGBTQ candidates winning their races as of November 8th at 2pm ET – more than at any other time in its 27-year history. Sixteen races are still too close to call, including Kyrsten Sinema's U.S. Senate race in Arizona and Gina Oritz Jones' U.S. House race in Texas. Dozens of diverse LGBTQ candidates became historic firsts, transgender representation in state legislatures tripled, and an unprecedented number of LGBTQ people were elected to the U.S. House.
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Historic Number of LGBTQ People Elected to U.S. House; LGBTQ Pickups Helped Strengthen New Democratic Majority

Historic Number of LGBTQ People Elected to U.S. House; LGBTQ Pickups Helped Strengthen New Democratic Majority
Washington, DC – November 7, 2018 - Eight openly LGBTQ candidates have won their races for the U.S. House and one will head to a recount – ensuring a historic number of openly LGBTQ candidates in the U.S. Congress next year. Three of the LGBTQ candidates won seats currently held by Republicans, one won in a key swing district held by a retiring Democrat, and four were incumbents. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin won a resounding reelection in Wisconsin and Kyrsten Sinema's race for U.S. Senate in Arizona remains too close to call.
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Katie Hill Defeats Anti-LGBTQ U.S. Rep. Steve Knight; Becomes First LGBTQ Congresswoman from California

Katie Hill Defeats Anti-LGBTQ U.S. Rep. Steve Knight; Becomes First LGBTQ Congresswoman from California
Washington, DC - November 7, 2018 – Openly LGBTQ candidate Katie Hill won her election tonight, becoming the first openly LGBTQ women elected to the U.S. House from California and just the second openly bisexual person ever elected to Congress. Hill defeated anti-LGBTQ incumbent U.S. Representative Steve Knight, who opposes marriage equality and supported legislation to allow discrimination against LGBTQ federal employees. Victory Fund made Hill one of its "Game Changer" candidates, held fundraisers on her behalf, directly contributed $6500, and raised more than $12,700 for her campaign.
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Kyrsten Sinema Makes LGBTQ History in Key U.S. Senate Race; Becomes First Bisexual Member of the U.S. Senate

Kyrsten Sinema Makes LGBTQ History in Key U.S. Senate Race; Becomes First Bisexual Member of the U.S. Senate
Washington, DC - November 12, 2018 – U.S. Representative Kyrsten Sinema was tonight declared the winner in the U.S. Senate race in Arizona, becoming the first openly bisexual person elected to the U.S. Senate and just the second openly LGBTQ person ever elected to the body. Sinema defeated an anti-LGBTQ challenger to take the seat in an extremely close race that was one of the most watched in the nation. Sinema joins U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and eight other openly LGBTQ people who have won their races for U.S. Congress so far – a historic number. There are currently just seven openly LGBTQ members serving in Congress.
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Victory Fund Releases Candidate Data on 2018 Rainbow Wave; 244 Out LGBTQ Candidates Won Elected Office in 2018

Victory Fund Releases Candidate Data on 2018 Rainbow Wave; 244 Out LGBTQ Candidates Won Elected Office in 2018
Washington, DC - November 19, 2018 – Today LGBTQ Victory Fund released a demographic and informational breakdown of the 432 openly LGBTQ candidates on the ballot this past Election Day – looking at sexual orientation, gender identity, race/ethnicity, office level, party affiliation, and the equality levels of the states they ran in. Of those, 244 won, including 162 victorious Victory Fund endorsed candidates. Previously, Victory Fund released data on its endorsed candidates, but the data released today looks at all known openly LGBTQ candidates who were on the ballot on November 6.
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November, 2018

For the First Time in U.S. History, LGBTQ Candidates Ran for Office in Every State This Cycle

For the First Time in U.S. History, LGBTQ Candidates Ran for Office in Every State This Cycle
Washington, DC - October 18, 2018 – For the first time in U.S. history, openly LGBTQ candidates ran for elected office in all 50 states and the District of Columbia this election cycle, powering a Rainbow Wave of LGBTQ candidates running at every level of government. At least 618 LGBTQ candidates ran for office and at least 399 will appear on ballots in November. In three states, however –Delaware, Mississippi and New Mexico – there were no out LGBTQ candidates that advanced to the general election and none will appear on the November ballot. Findings and a breakdown by state is below.
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Rainbow Wave of Candidates Larger Than Previous Estimates; More Than 600 LGBTQ People Ran for Office in 2018

Rainbow Wave of Candidates Larger Than Previous Estimates; More Than 600 LGBTQ People Ran for Office in 2018
Washington, DC - October 10, 2018 – Today LGBTQ Victory Fund announced that the record-breaking number of openly LGBTQ candidates running for office this election cycle is significantly larger than previous estimates. At least 606 openly LGBTQ candidates ran for office in 2018 and at least 390 will appear on the ballot in November. Previously the number of openly LGBTQ candidates was estimated at 430, with 244 appearing on the November ballot. The new data – gathered through weeks of analyzing media reports, outreach to local organizations and officials, and other means – shows the historic Rainbow Wave of LGBTQ candidates far surpasses numbers in any previous election cycle.
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Victory Fund Condemns Homophobic Attack on Cook County Commissioner Candidate Kevin Morrison

Victory Fund Condemns Homophobic Attack on Cook County Commissioner Candidate Kevin Morrison
Washington, DC - October 12, 2018 – Today LGBTQ Victory Fund condemned a homophobic mailer sent by Illinois Republican Party chairman Tim Schneider attacking his openly LGBTQ opponent in the race for Cook County Commissioner. In the mailer sent by Schneider, an altered photo of Victory Fund endorsed candidate Kevin Morrison shows him with a limp wrist and on tiptoes, a clear anti-gay dog whistle attacking the historic LGBTQ candidate. Even worse, the attack ad landed in mailboxes yesterday, which was National Coming Out Day. Morrison would become the first openly LGBTQ person to serve on the Cook County Commission if he beats Schneider in November.
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Victory Fund Sending Cease & Desist Letter to NRCC; Condemns False Ad Attacking Gina Ortiz Jones

Victory Fund Sending Cease & Desist Letter to NRCC; Condemns False Ad Attacking Gina Ortiz Jones
Washington, DC - October 11, 2018 – Today LGBTQ Victory Fund is demanding through a cease and desist letter that the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) remove from the air and internet a false advertisement attacking U.S. Congressional candidate Gina Ortiz Jones. The ad, released Tuesday in support of U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, used footage of Jones at a Victory Fund event and through editing distorted its meaning to mislead voters. The NRCC did not request permission to edit and distribute the video and Victory Fund's legal team determined it constitutes copyright infringement. Victory Fund is non-partisan.
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October, 2018

2018 Rainbow Wave by the Numbers: Historic Number of Gubernatorial, Congressional Nominees

2018 Rainbow Wave by the Numbers: Historic Number of Gubernatorial, Congressional Nominees
An unprecedented number of LGBTQ people have run for office throughout the 2018 election cycle – unleashing the potential for a Rainbow Wave of new openly LGBTQ elected officials at every level of government come November. The increase in candidates running is particularly noticeable for Congressional and gubernatorial positions, when analyzing candidates over the last five election cycles. The number of LGBTQ women-identified nominees for Congress also rose dramatically.  
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LGBTQ U.S. House Candidate Chris Pappas Wins NH Primary;Increases Unprecedented Number of LGBTQ Congressional Nominees

LGBTQ U.S. House Candidate Chris Pappas Wins NH Primary;Increases Unprecedented Number of LGBTQ Congressional Nominees
Washington, DC - September 11, 2018 – Openly LGBTQ candidate Chris Pappas won his primary and is on-track to becoming the first openly LGBTQ person elected to Congress from New Hampshire. Thirteen Victory Fund endorsed Congressional candidates will now be on the ballot in November – more than at any time in history. A win for Chris is critical to increasing the number of openly LGBTQ members of Congress, and is part of a Rainbow Wave of LGBTQ candidates running for high-level offices across the United States.
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LGBTQ Victory Fund Shatters Previous Endorsement Record, Endorses 55 More LGBTQ Candidates and 272 Overall in 2018

LGBTQ Victory Fund Shatters Previous Endorsement Record, Endorses 55 More LGBTQ Candidates and 272 Overall in 2018
Washington, DC - September 26, 2018 – Today LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed 55 more candidates for elected positions across the nation. The latest slate brings to 272 its total number of endorsements for the 2018 election cycle, shattering its previous record of 180 candidates in 2012. The record-breaking numbers reflect the Rainbow Wave of LGBTQ candidates running for office this year and the potential to dramatically increase the number of LGBTQ elected officials at every level of government.
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President Obama Endorses 17 LGBTQ Victory Fund-Endorsed Candidates in Latest Announcement

President Obama Endorses 17 LGBTQ Victory Fund-Endorsed Candidates in Latest Announcement
Washington, DC - October 1, 2018 – Today former President Barack Obama announced his endorsement of 17 openly LGBTQ candidates for governor, U.S. Congress and state offices – including Christine Hallquist for governor of Vermont and Sharice Davids for a U.S. House seat from Kansas. President Obama previously endorsed five openly LGBTQ candidates in his first round of endorsements, for a total of 22 openly LGBTQ candidates nationwide. All 22 of the LGBTQ candidates are endorsed by LGBTQ Victory Fund.
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September, 2018

First Bisexual U.S. Senate Nominee Kyrsten Sinema to Face Anti-LGBTQ Challenger Martha McSally

First Bisexual U.S. Senate Nominee Kyrsten Sinema to Face Anti-LGBTQ Challenger Martha McSally
Washington, DC - August 28, 2018– Tonight Democratic primary voters in Arizona made U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema the first openly bisexual person to be nominated for U.S. Senate by a major American political party. The historic achievement was especially notable given Republican primary voters chose anti-LGBTQ candidate Martha McSally to face her in November. The race is of national significance because of its potential to be the deciding factor in whether Democrats take the U.S. Senate on Election Day.
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First Openly LGBTQ U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin to Face Anti-LGBTQ Challenger Leah Vukmir in U.S. Senate Race

First Openly LGBTQ U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin to Face Anti-LGBTQ Challenger Leah Vukmir in U.S. Senate Race
Washington, DC - August 14, 2018 – Tonight Republican primary voters chose Wisconsin state Senator Leah Vukmir to challenge incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin for her U.S. Senate seat – setting up a general election battle between an anti-LGBTQ extremist and the first openly LGBTQ U.S. Senator in American history. For almost two decades Vukmir has voted against pro-LGBTQ legislation and remains opposed to marriage equality and protections for LGBTQ youth. The Wisconsin race is one of the most competitive Senate races in the nation this cycle.
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Historic Victory for LGBTQ U.S. House Candidate Lauren Baer Continues Rainbow Wave

Historic Victory for LGBTQ U.S. House Candidate Lauren Baer Continues Rainbow Wave
Washington, DC - August 28, 2018 – Openly LGBTQ candidate Lauren Baer won her primary for a U.S. House seat and is on-track to becoming the first openly LGBTQ person elected to Congress from Florida. The seat is considered pivotal to Democrats' efforts to retake the House, and she will face Republican anti-LGBTQ incumbent Brian Mast in November. Baer will also be the first openly LGBTQ mother to serve in Congress if she wins on Election Day.
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Trans Woman Wins Historic Gubernatorial Primary Victory; Christine Hallquist Is Democratic Nominee for VT Governor

Trans Woman Wins Historic Gubernatorial Primary Victory; Christine Hallquist Is Democratic Nominee for VT Governor
Washington, DC - August 14, 2018 – Democratic primary voters in Vermont selected out transgender woman Christine Hallquist as their nominee for governor, making her the first out trans person to be the gubernatorial nominee of a major American political party. She joins three other openly LGBTQ candidates who received the Democratic nomination for governor this cycle – Kate Brown of Oregon, Jared Polis of Colorado, and Lupe Valdez of Texas – a historic number.
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Victory Fund Condemns Fox News' Transphobic Attacks on Historic Transgender Candidate Christine Hallquist

Victory Fund Condemns Fox News' Transphobic Attacks on Historic Transgender Candidate Christine Hallquist
Washington, DC - August 16, 2018 – While most news outlets reported on the historic nature of a transgender candidate being nominated for governor by a major American political party, several hosts and guests on Fox News attacked groundbreaking candidate Christine Hallquist because of her gender identity.
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June, 2018

LGBTQ State Legislative Candidates Win Big in Pennsylvania; Primary Victories for Incumbents in Oregon and Idaho

LGBTQ State Legislative Candidates Win Big in Pennsylvania; Primary Victories for Incumbents in Oregon and Idaho
Washington, DC - May 15, 2018 –  Pennsylvania candidates Malcolm Kenyatta and Kristin Seale are on-track to make history after winning their primaries on Tuesday night. Malcolm will become the first openly LGBTQ person of color to serve in the Pennsylvania state legislature if elected in November, and Kristin Seale will become the first queer state legislator. Brian Sims, the first and only openly LGBTQ state legislator in Pennsylvania – won his race unopposed. Six of seven Victory Fund-endorsed candidates with primaries tonight won their races.
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Nickie Antonio Wins Decisive Primary Victory; On-Track to Become First Openly LGBTQ Ohio State Senator

Nickie Antonio Wins Decisive Primary Victory; On-Track to Become First Openly LGBTQ Ohio State Senator
Washington, DC - May 9, 2018 –  Ohio State Rep. Nickie Antonio won the Democratic primary election Tuesday night in a safe Democratic district and will almost certainly become the first openly LGBTQ state senator in Ohio come November. Rep. Antonio – a Victory Fund Spotlight candidate – defeated an anti-LGBTQ challenger who authored an anti-trans amendment to Cleveland's non-discrimination ordinance when a city councilmember. Rep. Antonio is one of nine Victory Fund-endorsed candidates with primaries Tuesday night – all of which advanced to general elections or general election run-offs.
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April, 2018

LGBTQ Victory Fund Endorses 14 More LGBTQ Candidates for 2018, Including Lupe Valdez for Texas Governor

LGBTQ Victory Fund Endorses 14 More LGBTQ Candidates for 2018, Including Lupe Valdez for Texas Governor
Washington, DC - March 21, 2018–  Today LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed 14 more candidates from across the nation who can help transform the political landscape in 2018. Texas gubernatorial candidate Lupe Valdez was awarded Game Changer status – a designation given to high-profile federal or statewide races that can have an outsized impact on equality. If Valdez wins her runoff in May, she will face incumbent Governor Greg Abbott, a staunch opponent of equal rights for LGBTQ people.
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March, 2018

Victory Fund Endorses 19 More LGBTQ Candidates for 2018; Congressional Candidates Key to Electing Pro-Equality Congress

Victory Fund Endorses 19 More LGBTQ Candidates for 2018; Congressional Candidates Key to Electing Pro-Equality Congress
Washington, DC February 21, 2018 –  Today LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed 19 candidates from across the nation in positions from school board to the U.S. Congress. Candidates Rick Neal of Ohio and Katie Hill of California received Game Changer endorsements and are running for seats considered crucial to winning a pro-equality majority in the U.S. Congress this year. Rick would be the first openly LGBTQ person elected to Congress from the state of Ohio, and Katie would become the youngest person serving in Congress if elected.
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February, 2018

Trump Administration Will Force Healthcare Providers to Allow Anti-LGBTQ "Religious Exemptions"

Trump Administration Will Force Healthcare Providers to Allow Anti-LGBTQ
Washington, D.C.- LGBTQ Victory Institute President & CEO Annise Parker released the following statement in response to a new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rule that would allow health workers to refuse treatment to LGBTQ people because of supposed moral or religious objections: "Today the Trump administration opened the door to widespread discrimination against LGBTQ people seeking health services – an alarming move that exemplifies Secretary Severino's total disregard for improving healthcare in America," said Annise Parker, President & CEO of Victory Institute. "Severino is an anti-LGBTQ activist who has long fought against equality for our community, ignoring science and reality to justify his crusade. His politicization of healthcare takes us down a dangerous path that will harm not just the LGBTQ community, but other communities targeted by those opposed to equality. Yet he is just one of many anti-LGBTQ activists appointed to the Trump administration, despite almost no LGBTQ people appointed to key departments or positions. Personnel is policy, and the lack of LGBTQ perspectives and voices in this administration inevitably leads to policies that target and harm our community."
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Victory Fund Endorses 23 LGBTQ Candidates for 2018, Including Its First State Legislative Endorsements This Cycle

Victory Fund Endorses 23 LGBTQ Candidates for 2018, Including Its First State Legislative Endorsements This Cycle
Washington, DC - January 23, 2018 – Today LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed 23 candidates from across the nation who can help transform the political landscape in 2018. Ohio State Representative and Minority Whip Nickie Antonio and schoolteacher Tippi McCullough were awarded Spotlight Candidate status – a designation given to state or local candidates who can make history with election night wins. Antonio would become the first openly LGBTQ person to serve in the Ohio State Senate if elected. McCullough would become one of just two openly LGBTQ elected officials in all of Arkansas and the only LGBTQ state legislator.
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January, 2018

Out for America Report and Map Provides Most Comprehensive Look at LGBTQ Elected Officials in the U.S.

Out for America Report and Map Provides Most Comprehensive Look at LGBTQ Elected Officials in the U.S.
Washington, DC - December 7, 2017 – Today Victory Institute released its Out for America report and interactive Out for America map to provide the most comprehensive look ever at LGBTQ elected officials in the United States. The report provides demographic information for the nearly 450 known LGBTQ elected officials in the U.S. and documents the severe underrepresentation of LGBTQ people in key positions of power.
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Victory Fund Endorses Three Historic LGBTQ Candidates for 2018

Victory Fund Endorses Three Historic LGBTQ Candidates for 2018
Washington, DC - December 12, 2017 –  Today Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed three candidates who can make history with election wins in 2018. Assemblyman Nelson Araujo, running for Nevada Secretary of State, would become the first openly LGBTQ person to win statewide office in Nevada and one of just four openly LGBTQ statewide elected officials in the United States. New Hampshire Executive Councilor Chris Pappas, running for U.S. Congress, would become the first openly LGBTQ person elected to Congress from the state, and Judge John Arrowood would become the first openly LGBTQ person to win a statewide race in North Carolina if elected to the Court of Appeals.
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December, 2017

Election Night Victories Expand LGBTQ Political Power; Trans Candidates Become Historic Firsts

Election Night Victories Expand LGBTQ Political Power; Trans Candidates Become Historic Firsts
Washington, DC - November 8, 2017 – While returns continue coming in, election results so far demonstrate LGBTQ political power is strengthening nationwide, and that transgender candidates are breaking down barriers like never before. 38 of 61 Victory Fund endorsed candidates won their elections, with four still undecided and one heading to a run-off – wins including historic victories by transgender candidates in school boards, city councils and the Virginia House of Delegates. Among the victorious candidates are Jenny Durkan, lesbian candidate for mayor of Seattle; Danica Roem, trans candidate for Virginia House of Delegates; and Andrea Jenkins and Phillipe Cunningham, trans candidates for Minneapolis City Council. Throughout the election cycle Victory Fund raised more than $350 thousand for its endorsed candidates.
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Jenny Durkan to Become First Out Lesbian Mayor of Seattle

Jenny Durkan to Become First Out Lesbian Mayor of Seattle
Washington, DC – Victory Fund endorsed candidate Jenny Durkan is victorious tonight and will become the first out lesbian mayor of Seattle. Currently there is just one openly lesbian mayor of a major U.S. city (Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski). Victory Fund President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills released the following statement about the win: "We are thrilled Jenny will become the first lesbian mayor of Seattle – and just the second woman elected to the position," said Victory Fund President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills. "Both women and lesbians are severely underrepresented in all levels of government, especially executive positions. While Seattle voters chose Jenny because of her proven track record of leading innovative reforms and fighting for all communities, it is also an undeniably proud moment for the LGBTQ community, which continues to see this strong leader break down barriers."
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Minneapolis Candidate Andrea Jenkins Becomes First Trans Woman to Win City Council Seat in Major U.S. City

Minneapolis Candidate Andrea Jenkins Becomes First Trans Woman to Win City Council Seat in Major U.S. City
Washington, DC - November 8, 2017 – Minneapolis made history Tuesday night – electing Andrea Jenkins the first openly trans woman ever elected to the city council of a major U.S. city. Victory Fund President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills released the following statement about the win: "Andrea Jenkins shattered a glass ceiling tonight – becoming the first out trans woman ever elected to the city council of a major U.S. city. Andrea ran on improving the lives of constituents in her ward, but the significance of her victory for the trans equality movement is undeniable. Americans are growing increasingly aware of trans equality and people, and this win will surely inspire other trans people to run for office and further inclusion in their communities."
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Tyler Titus Is First Trans Person Ever Elected in Pennsylvania

Tyler Titus Is First Trans Person Ever Elected in Pennsylvania
Washington, DC - November 7, 2017 – Tyler Titus won his race for the Erie School Board this evening, becoming the first out trans person ever elected in the state of Pennsylvania. Victory Fund President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills released the following statement about his win: "Tyler Titus shattered a lavender ceiling in Pennsylvania today – and his victory will resonate well-beyond state boundaries. Trans people remain severely underrepresented in our politics and government, and now more than ever we need trans voices like Tyler's in the halls of power. This is a historic night for trans candidates across the country – and Tyler is part of a vanguard of leaders who are determined to be part of the conversation on issues that affect their lives."
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Victory Fund Endorses Nine Congressional Candidates; Wins Can Secure Pro-LGBTQ Majority in House

Victory Fund Endorses Nine Congressional Candidates; Wins Can Secure Pro-LGBTQ Majority in House

Victory Fund Endorses Three Gubernatorial Candidates; Potential to Triple LGBTQ Representation in 2018

Victory Fund Endorses Three Gubernatorial Candidates; Potential to Triple LGBTQ Representation in 2018
Washington, DC - November 14, 2017 –  Today Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed three candidates in their races for governor – with the potential to triple the number of LGBTQ governors in the nation in 2018. The endorsees include Oregon Governor Kate Brown, the first openly LGBTQ elected governor in U.S. history who is up for reelection; Representative Jared Polis, who would become the first openly LGBTQ governor in Colorado; and Maryland state Senator Rich Madaleno, who would become the first openly LGBTQ governor in his state.
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Victory Fund to Track LGBTQ Candidates' Election Results Live

Victory Fund to Track LGBTQ Candidates' Election Results Live
Washington, DC - November 6, 2017 – Victory Fund will share election results live for 61 LGBTQ endorsed candidates on the ballot this Tuesday. The election tracker will allow reporters and LGBTQ politicos to be among the first to know about election night victories and learn about the significance of our history-making races. Big wins Tuesday night could strengthen LGBTQ political power nationwide and break down barriers in the Deep South, Virginia and other states and municipalities. The live results can be seen at victoryfund.org/election2017 beginning Tuesday at 6pm ET.
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October, 2017

Statement on Passing of LGBTQ Heroine Edith Windsor

Statement on Passing of LGBTQ Heroine Edith Windsor
Washington, DC - September 12, 2017 – Victory Institute President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills released the following statement in response to the passing of Edith Windsor, plaintiff in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case United States v. Windsor: "Our fierce heroine Edith Windsor devoted her final years to her people – the LGBTQ community – and will be remembered as a seminal figure in our inevitable march toward equality. Edith felt deeply the injustice of being denied the right to marry her partner of more than 40 years, and she committed herself to fighting back with determination and a smile. I will never forget Edith standing on the steps of the Supreme Court, describing marriage as more than just rights and benefits but also as 'magic' – a powerful recognition of indescribable love. Edith opened the door for all LGBTQ Americans to experience this magic – and we are forever indebted to her because of it."
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September, 2017

Victory Institute Statement on Trump's Directive on Transgender Service Members

Victory Institute Statement on Trump's Directive on Transgender Service Members
Washington, DC - August 25, 2017 - Today Victory Institute released the following statement regarding Donald Trump's directive on transgender people serving in the U.S. military: "It's disgusting, and an absolute disgrace, that a man who dodged service for his country is now ordering the Pentagon to denigrate those who are already serving it. We have a president who is committed to white supremacist ideology and with each policy action declaring war on equality for all Americans – defending the KKK, blocking Muslim immigrants and visitors, and now banning transgender people from serving their country and pardoning a convicted racist. The time for words and debate has ended. In order to save our democracy from the clutches of bigotry and hatred we must unite and fight back – and fight back hard. LGBTQ people exist in all communities and an attack on us is an attack on everyone. We will not go silently into the night. We will not learn our place and be forced back into the closet. We will march. We will train. We will run for office and reclaim our democracy one election at a time. 2018 is months away and we will remember those that stood silent in the face of abject discrimination. LGBTQ people are fired up and training to run for office so that we can replace those who have turned their backs on our community."
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August, 2017

LGBTQ Women Candidates Win at Higher Rates than Men, New Analysis of Victory Fund Election Data Finds

LGBTQ Women Candidates Win at Higher Rates than Men, New Analysis of Victory Fund Election Data Finds
Washington, DC- August 1, 2017 – LGBTQ women running for office win their elections at a significantly higher rate than LGBTQ men, according to a new Victory Institute analysis of Victory Fund election data with more than 1,160 LGBTQ candidates. Over the past decade, Victory Fund-endorsed LGBTQ women won their races 70.3 percent of the time, compared to 60.9 percent for Victory Fund-endorsed LGBTQ men, a statistically significant difference. The disparity is notable given studies show women and men as a whole win elections at approximately the same rate.
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Victory Fund Endorses Ten LGBTQ Candidates including Tyler Titus for Erie City School Board

Victory Fund Endorses Ten LGBTQ Candidates including Tyler Titus for Erie City School Board
Washington, DC – Today Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed ten candidates in local races. Victory Fund is working to increase the number of LGBTQ elected officials in state and local governments – particularly in states with low levels of equality and little LGBTQ representation.
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July, 2017

Historic Primary Win Positions Danica Roem to Become the Only Out Transgender State Legislator in the Nation

Historic Primary Win Positions Danica Roem to Become the Only Out Transgender State Legislator in the Nation
Washington, DC - June 13, 2017 – Today Danica Roem beat three Democratic primary challengers to become the first out transgender candidate to win a state legislative primary in Virginia, and taking her one-step closer to becoming the only out trans state legislator in the entire nation. As the Democratic party representative in the District 13 Virginia House of Delegates race, she will challenge incumbent Bob Marshall, a champion of anti-LGBTQ issues and the self-described "chief homophobe" of the state legislature. Victory Fund endorsed Danica as a Spotlight Candidate in April and provided extensive campaign and fundraising support throughout the primary.
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LGBTQ Elected Officials Join Equality Marches Across the Nation; Urge LGBTQ People to Run for Office

LGBTQ Elected Officials Join Equality Marches Across the Nation; Urge LGBTQ People to Run for Office
Washington, DC - June 11, 2017 – LGBTQ elected officials joined Equality Marches and Pride parades across the nation this weekend to protest the anti-LGBTQ forces emboldened by the election of Donald Trump. Since January, LGBTQ elected leaders have introduced and proposed hundreds of bills aimed at mitigating the effects of anti-equality legislation and policies passed by state legislatures and the administration. Victory Institute partnered with LGBTQ elected officials throughout the weekend to encourage people to run for office and make change.
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June, 2017

Victory Fund Endorses Nine LGBTQ Candidates; Seattle Mayoral Candidate Jenny Durkan Receives Spotlight Endorsement

Victory Fund Endorses Nine LGBTQ Candidates; Seattle Mayoral Candidate Jenny Durkan Receives Spotlight Endorsement
Washington, DC – May 22, 2017 Today Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed nine candidates in state and local races. Jenny Durkan, running to be mayor of Seattle, received a spotlight endorsement, and if elected would become the first lesbian mayor of Seattle and just the second woman. Spotlight Endorsements are given to candidates especially well-positioned to breakdown barriers and drive equality forward.
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May, 2017

Victory Fund Endorses Eight LGBTQ Candidates; Danica Roem Could Become Only Openly Trans State Legislator

Victory Fund Endorses Eight LGBTQ Candidates; Danica Roem Could Become Only Openly Trans State Legislator
Washington, DC - April 24, 2017 – Today Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed eight candidates in state and local races. Danica Roem, running for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates, received a spotlight endorsement, and would become the first state legislator to win as an openly transgender candidate if elected.
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February, 2017

156 LGBT Elected Officials Call On President-elect to Advance LGBT Equality During His Presidency

156 LGBT Elected Officials Call On President-elect to Advance LGBT Equality During His Presidency
Washington, D.C. - January 13, 2017 -Today, Gay & Lesbian Victory Institute commended LGBT elected officials representing millions of Americans from across the country for calling on President-elect Donald Trump to respect LGBT Americans and continue efforts to advance equality. In an open letter to the President-elect, 156 elected officials express grave concerns about his Cabinet appointees, and implore Trump to "be a president for all Americans." The letter is signed by U.S. Reps. Sean Patrick Maloney and Mark Pocan, as well as openly LGBT mayors, state legislators, city councilmembers and other LGBT elected officials.
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January, 2017

Victory Institute Condemns Trump's Meeting with Ousted Anti-LGBT Governor Pat McCrory

Victory Institute Condemns Trump's Meeting with Ousted Anti-LGBT Governor Pat McCrory
Wednesday, December 7 (Washington, D.C.)- Victory Institute today condemned the meeting between President-elect Donald Trump and former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory – who lost his re-election because of his unwavering support for discrimination against LGBT people. The latest potential anti-LGBT appointment comes as Victory Institute convenes LGBT elected officials from around the nation to strategize opposition to the anti-equality agenda of the new administration. The meeting – at Victory Institute's International LGBT Leaders Conference in Washington, DC – is the largest gathering of LGBT elected officials in the world.
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December, 2016

Newly Elected LGBT Officials Critical Moving Forward

Newly Elected LGBT Officials Critical Moving Forward
Washington, DC – November 9, 2016 As our movement prepares for a presidential administration opposed to LGBT equality, LGBT elected officials will play an essential role in preventing anti-LGBT legislation and demanding equality. Last night several LGBT candidates achieved historic wins, and 86 of 135 Victory Fund endorsed LGBT candidates won their elections.
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November, 2016

Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund Launches Florida Victory; Gun Violence Prevention Ads Support LGBT Candidates

Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund Launches Florida Victory; Gun Violence Prevention Ads Support LGBT Candidates
Washington, DC - November 1, 2016 – Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund launched its $75,000 Florida Victory campaign with a digital ad buy in five Florida state legislative races with LGBT candidates. The ads highlight their support for gun violence prevention measures, as well as their opponents' votes or support for undermining Florida's already weak gun laws. The effort comes as Floridians call for common-sense reform in the wake of the Pulse nightclub massacre – the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history – and LGBT advocates increasingly consider gun safety an LGBT rights issue.
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September, 2016

Colombian Political Parties Talk Inclusion with LGBTI Advocates

Colombian Political Parties Talk Inclusion with LGBTI Advocates
Washington, DC - September 1, 2016 – Today Victory Institute and partner organizations convened Colombia's major political parties to discuss implementation of LGBTI inclusion clauses in the historic peace agreement between the government and FARC guerilla movement. Advocates shared the continued challenges to LGBTI political participation in the country, and provided party representatives with detailed recommendations for ensuring the agreement's inclusion goals are realized.
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August, 2016

LGBT Community Building Long Term Political Power with Record Number of Viable Candidates

LGBT Community Building Long Term Political Power with Record Number of Viable Candidates
Philadelphia, PA - July 25, 2016 – As the Democratic National Convention gets underway, LGBT elected officials and leaders are viewing this election cycle as a unique opportunity to advance equality by supporting LGBT candidates nationwide. US Representatives Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY) and Mark Takano (D-CA), former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and Victory Fund President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills noted the unprecedented number of LGBT candidates running for office this year, and highlighted new research showing the impact of LGBT lawmakers on policy outcomes and their straight colleagues.
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July, 2016

National and NC Leaders Discuss Importance of LGBT Elected Officials Post-HB2 and Orlando

National and NC Leaders Discuss Importance of LGBT Elected Officials Post-HB2 and Orlando
Charlotte, NC - June 23, 2016 – Today, LGBT leaders and public officials in North Carolina discussed the political environment and the critical importance of LGBT lawmakers in the wake of HB2 and the recent mass hate crime in Orlando. The discussion – moderated by Victory Institute President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills – emphasized the indispensable role LGBT elected leaders play in preventing measures like HB2. The panel kicked-off an intensive, four-day training that prepares LGBT people to run for office.
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May, 2016

New Report Finds LGBT Elected Officials Key to Blocking Anti-LGBT Laws

New Report Finds LGBT Elected Officials Key to Blocking Anti-LGBT Laws
(Washington, D.C. - April 19, 2016) Today the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Institute (Victory) released a new research brief titled More Than Represent: LGBT Elected Officials Drive Equality in the States that shows the relationship between the number of openly LGBT public officials a state has and its level of LGBT equality. There is clear evidence that openly LGBT people form relationships with their colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, and change minds about LGBT equality – and votes.
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April, 2016

Victory Institute Statement on Eric Fanning

Victory Institute Statement on Eric Fanning
March 10, 2016 - Statement from Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and Institute on the Senate Armed Services Committee Vote To Advance the Nomination of Eric Fanning as Army Secretary:
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January, 2016

Congressional Challenger Brian Sims Endorsed By National Progressive Organization

Congressional Challenger Brian Sims Endorsed By National Progressive Organization
Philadelphia - December 22, 2015 – Brian Sims' campaign to represent the 2nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives has received the endorsement of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, the nation's largest resource for LGBT candidates.
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