READ: The Experiences of Black LGBTQ+ Candidates

As we close out Black History Month... [LGBTQ+ Victory Institute logo]( [CONGRATULATIONS, Ashanti is now on track to become the first out gay Afro-Latino man to represent Prince George’s County in the legislature!]( Friend, I'm so excited to share that LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, the Black Leaders Caucus and Loyola Marymount University released a new report brief on the experiences of Black LGBTQ+ candidates on the campaign trail. You can read the full report brief -- [The Experiences of Black LGBTQ+ Candidates: A Report from the When We Run Survey here](. Or, you can read an exclusive report in [The Advocate](. This exciting survey asked LGBTQ+ candidates to describe their motivations for running, the challenges they faced and how their identities affected their campaigns. [Read the full report here!]( [CHECK OUT THE REPORT]( Results include: - Currently there are 142 Black LGBTQ+ elected officials in the U.S. -- 0.03% of all elected officials – which means 2,453 more must be elected to achieve equitable representation; - 36% of Black LGBTQ+ candidates respondents faced racism on the campaign trail and 31.9% prejudice because of their sexual orientation; - Four in five candidates stated endorsing political organizations biased white candidates over Black candidates; - Nearly 75% faced homophobic or transphobic attacks during their campaign; and - 43% incurred personal debt because of campaign expenses. Whether they’re running to fight bigotry or simply to serve their community, Black LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates of color the best antidote against the homophobia, transphobia and racism that’s increasingly present in the public square. By drawing on their authentic lived experiences, they're brining a new perspective to the table - and blazing a trail for future generations of LGBTQ+ leaders. Voters are increasingly demanding a government more reflective of America, and LGBTQ+ leaders are stepping up to meet the challenge. [If you can pitch in to support this work and our LGBTQ+ elected officials, we appreciate it!]( If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately: [Express Donate: $5]( [Express Donate: $15]( [Express Donate: $35]( [Or, donate another amount]( Thanks for reading, Elliot Imse Pronouns: he|him|his Executive Director, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute [DONATE]( LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is a global organization dedicated to elevating out LGBTQ+ leaders who can further equality at all levels of government. Through our [global]( and [domestic]( trainings, [professional development programs]( and [yearly conferences]( Victory Institute prepares hundreds of out individuals to launch an influential careers in politics, government, business and advocacy. Many of our trainees join the more than [1,000 out LGBTQ+ elected and appointed officials]( now serving around the world. [You can power our work and the next Rainbow Wave with a donation today!]( [DONATE TODAY]( [DONATE MONTHLY]( FOLLOW ALONG: [Instagram]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [YouTube]( LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 52-1835268. LGBTQ+ Victory Institute 1225 I Street NW, Suite 525 Washington, DC 20005 United States This email was sent to {EMAIL}. Don't unsubscribe just yet — you can change how many & what type of emails you receive [by updating your account here](. Unsubscribing will remove you from ALL Victory Institute email contact. If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive ANY email from us, please [unsubscribe](.