FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, December 8, 2016
Thursday, Dec. 8 (Washington, D.C.)—Today Victory Institute convened LGBTQ elected officials from across the nation in a closed-door session to strategize the future of the equality movement under a Trump Administration. LGBTQ elected officials agreed to use their collective power and influence to oppose the anti-equality efforts of the next administration, and to organize at the state and local level to protect LGBTQ rights in case federal protections are eroded. The strategy session was the first event in the larger three-day Victory Institute International LGBTQ Leaders Conference – which will bring together more than 500 LGBTQ elected officials, appointees and leaders determined to continue progress on LGBTQ equality.
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin kicked-off the meeting vowing to continue the fight for equality in Congress, and urged officials at the state and local levels to fight as well. LGBTQ advocates briefed officials on the effect of Trump’s 100-day plan on diverse groups of LGBTQ people – and considered plans for a unified opposition. The session included 43 LGBTQ elected officials from all levels of government, and was the first gathering of such officials since the election.
Victory Institute President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales and Charlotte City Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield led the strategy session.
“As discouraging as the election results were, I am more hopeful than ever after hearing our LGBTQ elected officials discuss working together to fight back,” said Moodie-Mills. “The conversation was dynamic and inspired, and it is clear LGBTQ elected officials will use their collective power to oppose the anti-equality agenda of the next administration. It won’t be easy, and we won’t win every battle, but these officials are fired up and are determined to push forward equality at the local, state and federal level.”
The International LGBTQ Leaders Conference takes place in Washington, DC from Thursday, December 8 through Saturday, December 10. For a complete agenda and speakers, visit www.lgbtleaders.org.
# # #
Gay & Lesbian Victory Institute
The Gay & Lesbian 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.
