Washington, DC – Today Brandon Studler, Victory Institute’s 2017 – 2018 David Bohnett Victory Congressional Fellow, began his yearlong fellowship in the office of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. Brandon is the only openly trans person currently working on Capitol Hill, bringing a critical perspective to the caucus and Congress as anti-trans “religious freedom” bills are being promoted by some members. As a fellow, Studler will also take part in an intensive educational and leadership development program to learn about the legislative and policy-making process.
“As the only trans person working on Capitol Hill, Brandon will be a much needed voice that can humanize trans lives for his colleagues and provide perspective on issues that affect our community,” said Ruben Gonzales, Vice President of Leadership Initiatives at Victory Institute. “Working directly with the LGBT Equality Caucus, Brandon will be mentored by LGBTQ and allied members of Congress and learn the skills necessary to be a successful Hill staffer.”
Last summer, Brandon served as a Victory Congressional Intern working with Senator Patty Murray on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. He recently graduated from St. Lawrence University with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in gender and sexuality studies. While at St. Lawrence, he worked on gender and sexuality issues including providing care for survivors of sexual assault.
Brandon will serve as the David Bohnett Victory Congressional Fellow through next summer. Now in its fourth year, the program includes a year-long fellowship supporting the Executive Director of the LGBT Equality Caucus in additional to leadership development programming provided by Victory Institute.
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Victory Institute
Victory Institute works to increase the number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in public office and to provide programming, service, and other support to ensure their success.
