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LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Fights for LGBTQ+ Youth
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin is once again proving why having LGBTQ+ leadership in office matters. She’s working across party lines to reinstate the LGBTQ+ youth crisis hotline [[link removed]] , a lifeline for young people who too often face isolation, hostility, and lack of support [[link removed]] .
Her push comes at a critical time. New research from the Movement Advancement Project, in partnership with leading LGBTQ+ organizations [[link removed]] , shows that while the LGBTQ+ youth population has doubled in recent years, the number of bills targeting them has tripled [[link removed]] . Meanwhile, research from Outright International found that politicians in 51 countries used anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric in the last election cycle [[link removed]] , while reporting from The 19th shows that more Americans than ever are losing access to gender-affirming care [[link removed]] .
With attacks rising and rhetoric escalating [[link removed]] , access to resources like the crisis hotline isn’t just important, it’s essential. Thanks to leaders like Senator Baldwin, LGBTQ+ youth know they aren’t alone and that their safety and wellbeing are a national priority.
Texas LGBTQ+ Leaders Stand Strong
In Texas, lawmakers just forced through an anti-trans bathroom bill [[link removed]] during a special session, part of a growing wave of bathroom bills spreading across the country [[link removed]] .
But LGBTQ+ elected officials in the state are not backing down. They took the extraordinary step of leaving the state to delay not only this discriminatory legislation but also partisan redistricting maps [[link removed]] . Their courage and persistence remind us why it is so critical to have out leaders in every chamber and at every level of government. Watch State Representative Venton Jones speak out against the bill on the House floor here [[link removed]] .
Far from discouraging our movement, these fights renew our commitment to stand with and support the LGBTQ+ officials in Texas who are working tirelessly to protect our communities.
Missouri Lawmakers Take a Stand
In Missouri, LGBTQ+ legislators showed remarkable resolve in the fight for fair representation. When discriminatory redistricting maps were pushed forward, Missouri State Representatives Elizabeth Fuchs and Jeremy Dean camped overnight on the floor of the state House to protest [[link removed]] , joined by fellow LGBTQ+ State Representative Wick Thomas [[link removed]] .
Their actions sent a clear message: our democracy works only when every voice is heard, and every community is represented [[link removed]] . These lawmakers’ dedication underscores why electing out leaders matters, not just to oppose harmful policies, but to model the courage and persistence needed to defend equality and fairness for all [[link removed]] .
Florida Leaders Push Back
In Florida, LGBTQ+ elected officials are pushing back against a relentless series of attacks.
State Representative Michele Rayner , State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith [[link removed]] , and State Senator Shevrin Jones [[link removed]] have been on the frontlines as the state removed school vaccine mandates [[link removed]] and Governor Ron DeSantis moved to strip away rainbow crosswalks [[link removed]] , including the one outside Pulse [[link removed]] , a site sacred to our community.
Their leadership has drawn national attention as they fight to reverse these harmful orders and defend LGBTQ+ Floridians. Beyond the headlines, Rep. Rayner also joined the Tha Hood Motiv8tor podcast to speak directly to communities about why it is so critical for more people to step up, get involved, and make their voices heard in politics [[link removed]] .
Training the Next Generation of Leaders
Victory Institute’s Candidate & Campaign Training continues to make waves. Our most recent training, featuring a special track for trans leaders in partnership with Advocates for Trans Equality, earned headlines in both the Washington Blade [[link removed]] and the Los Angeles Times . The LA Times also spotlighted the growing number of LGBTQ+ candidates stepping up to run in 2025 and beyond, underscoring the urgency and momentum of this movement [[link removed]] .
Global Leadership in Action
Beginning yesterday, roughly 200 LGBTQ+ leaders gathered for the LGBTIQ+ Political Leaders Conference of the Americas and the Caribbean [[link removed]] ! We’re excited for the powerful conversations and collaborations happening there, and we’re sending our support and best wishes to all the participants making history together. Follow along with the conference on Instagram [[link removed]] !
Step Into Leadership: Register for the Conference or Training Today!
Each year, more than 700 LGBTQ+ elected officials, advocates, public servants, and allies from around the world come together in Washington, DC to connect, collaborate, and chart the course for LGBTQ+ political progress. This December, we’re doing it all again. And you won’t want to miss it.
Early Bird registration is officially open, but don’t wait, rates go up TONIGHT (Sept. 25th PT) [[link removed]] !
As part of the Conference, we’ll be hosting a FREE one-day Candidate & Campaign 101 Training to cover the basics of campaigning, messaging, fundraising, and so much more [[link removed]] . LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is the only global organization to exclusively provide trainings for LGBTQ+ folks looking to run for public office and we want YOU to join us for a one-day program to engage, inform, and excite our community to increase LGBTQ+ representation on the ballot [[link removed]] . You can also read up on our upcoming training here [[link removed]] !
Unable to join us? Join us for the Time2Run Webinar: October 2025 instead [[link removed]] ! This FREE virtual webinar will take place from on Monday, October 27 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET / 1:00pm – 2:00pm PT and is a great first step to understanding LGBTQ+ campaigns and candidacy [[link removed]] .
Ready to Lead? Women Out to Win is for You
Are you an LGBTQ+ woman ready to lead and make change [[link removed]] ? Women Out to Win is designed just for you. This one-of-a-kind program from Victory Institute equips LGBTQ+ women with the tools, skills, and confidence to run for office — and win. From campaign strategy to fundraising and public speaking, you'll gain the knowledge and network you need to take the next step in your leadership journey. Don’t wait, apply now and join a powerful community of changemakers! [[link removed]]
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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 [[link removed]] and domestic [[link removed]] trainings, professional development programs [[link removed]] and yearly conferences [[link removed]] , 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 [[link removed]] now serving around the world. You can power our work and the next Rainbow Wave with a donation today! [[link removed]]
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