Today, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute and Loyola Marymount University published a report brief summarizing the results of a nationwide survey of LGBTQ+ women political candidates. The Experiences of LGBTQ+ Women Candidates: A Report from the When We Run Survey analyzes the responses of the 147 women who participated in the nationwide When We Run survey of LGBTQ+ candidates, which was published in September 2023.
Read the full report brief here.
Among the findings:
- More than one in four LGBTQ+ women were discouraged to run because of their gender or gender identity – a rate four times higher than gay and bisexual men.
- LGBTQ+ women worried about harassment or attacks before running in higher proportions than gay and bisexual men candidates.
- Four in ten LGBTQ+ women faced attacks based on their appearance or the way they dress.
- LGBTQ+ women faced media challenging their qualifications to a larger degree than men.
The complete findings are available here.
Annise Parker, president & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute issued the following statement:
“LGBTQ+ women are woefully underrepresented in public office and the results of our survey shed light on why that is. The data is clear: compared to LGBTQ+ men candidates, LGBTQ+ women candidates are more likely to be discouraged from running for office based on their gender, are more likely to be attacked for their appearance and face greater media bias. Despite the obstacles, LGBTQ+ women must continue to claim their seat at the table by running for office. It’s on all of us to help level the playing field for LGBTQ+ women candidates by recruiting and supporting them, calling out media bias and holding bigots accountable.”
The Experiences of LGBTQ+ Women Candidates: A Report from the When We Run Survey was written by Elliot Imse, executive director of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, and Gabriele Magni, assistant professor of political science at Loyola Marymount University.
