Victory in the News

Longtime gay activist Ken Britt announces run for Ga. House seat

Ken Britt, the retired executive director of Atlanta's Alston & Bird law firm, announced today he is running for the state House seat vacated by Democratic Rep. Kathy Ashe who recently announced she is retiring from her post after serving 10 terms. 

Romney hires gay nat'l security spokesperson

The Romney campaign has reportedly hired a gay veteran GOP communication specialist and former Bush administration official as its spokesperson for national security issues. 

Chuck Wolfe, CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, praised Grenell for taking on the role with the Romney campaign.

"Good for him," Wolfe said. "We applaud the participation of out professionals in government and politics. Whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, serving openly is important. It allows you to speak honestly about yourself and the LGBT community to colleagues inside campaigns and government offices." 

Victory Fund honors Baldwin, Maryland lawmakers at DC brunch

The Victory Fund honored Wisconsin Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin and Maryland's eight gay lawmakers who helped secure passage of their state's marriage equality bill during its National Champagne Brunch in Washington, D.C., last weekend.

Baldwin calls for marriage equality plank in Dem platform

U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin has joined the chorus of those calling for an endorsement of marriage equality in the Democratic Party platform, saying the inclusion of such language would be a "statement of values." 

The candidate made the remarks prior to her speech at the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund's annual brunch at the Washington Hilton. 

Victory Fund Honors Gay Md. Lawmakers

The Victory Fund honored the eight gay and lesbian lawmakers who spearheaded the passage of Maryland's marriage equality bill in Washington, D.C., on Sunday.

Delegates Anne Kaiser (D-Montgomery), Heather Mizeur (D-Montgomery), Mary Washington (D-Baltimore City), Bonnie Cullison (D-Montgomery) and Luke Clippinger (D-Baltimore City) and state Sen. Rick Madaleno (D-Montgomery) received a standing ovation at the organization's National Champagne Brunch at the Washington Hilton. Delegates Peter Murphy (D-Calvert) and Maggie McIntosh (D-Baltimore City) were unable to attend the event, but Victory Fund intern Geoff Corey described the legislators as an inspiration to LGBT young people before he introduced them. 

Baldwin: Congress Must Pass ENDA, Repeal DOMA

A confident Wisconsin Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin received a standing ovation at the Victory Fund's National Champagne Brunch in Washington, D.C., on Sunday.

During her speech at the Washington Hilton, Baldwin once again urged her colleagues to repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act. "There are now thousands of loving couples who are legally married in their own state, but not in the eyes of the federal government," she said. "We must ensure that every marriage, every family is recognized and honored by the federal government." 

Baldwin raised more than $2 million in Q1 2012

Lesbian Rep. Tammy Baldwin has raised more than $2 million over the course of the first quarter of 2012 in her bid to become the first openly gay person elected to the U.S. Senate. 

The candidate is set to be the featured speaker at the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund's annual national campaign brunch, which will take place Sunday at the Washington Hilton. 

Quinn Woos Gays, Women

Denis Dison, a vice president at the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a group that backs gay and lesbian candidates for public office, said having an "out-lesbian" as mayor of New York City would be a "game changer."

"It would be a milestone for LGBT people, not only in the United States but around the world, given the profile of the city," Mr. Dison said. "It would be a signal about the progress that all LGBT and women have made in the political arena." 

Two gay candidates seek office in Delaware

A gay former judge running for the office of Delaware Insurance Commissioner and a gay Realtor running for the State Senate in a district that includes the popular gay resort town of Rehoboth Beach have a good chance of winning their races, according to political observers. 

Crane and Staton have been endorsed by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a national group that helps raise money for LGBT candidates for public office.

4 openly gay candidates seek Texas House seats

Since 2003, when Austin Democrat Glen Maxey left the Texas House, no out LGBT person has served in the Texas Legislature.

The Lone Star State is now one of only 18 states that lacks an openly LGBT state legislator, according to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, the Washington, D.C.-based PAC that backs out candidates nationwide.

But at least four LGBT candidates for Texas House will be seeking to change that this year.

BREAKING: Senate confirms gay nominee to Calif. federal court

The Senate on Thursday confirmed to the bench a gay judicial nominee whom Republicans had held up for four months from receiving a floor vote along with other appointees. 

Chuck Wolfe, CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, said Fitzgerald's legal experience "makes him an excellent choice for the federal bench."

"He joins a still very small but growing group of openly LGBT federal judges, and we commend the Obama administration for making sure these esteemed positions are open to all qualified Americans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity," Wolfe said. 

Gays, By the Numbers

For many gay-rights activists, Baldwin's ascent to the Senate remains the top priority. "These opportunities don't come along very often for us to break a glass ceiling," said Denis Dison, spokesman for the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a group dedicated to electing more LGBT officials. 

The upside for 2012, Dison said, is a potential wave of new gay candidates. The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has identified as priorities electing four openly gay challengers, including one Republican. 

National news in brief: March 2

Duncan is among dozens of LGBT candidates on the ballot in Florida hoping to join the 26 openly gay elected officials in the Sunshine State, including two that are competing in a four-way race for the same seat on the Orlando City Council. They are among hundreds competing this year nationwide.

According to Denis Dison of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, there are currently 77 Victory Fund-endorsed candidates on ballots across the country, but by November, that number could be closer to 200. Pennsylvania is fielding three openly gay state House candidates alone with Brian Simms, Christopher Dietz and Kelly McEntee. 

Taking a stand

A week after making national headlines over her refusal to marry straight couples until marriage equality arrives in Texas, openly gay Dallas County District Judge Tonya Parker is focusing on the work in her courtroom. 

Parker also isn't believed to have sought an endorsement from the Washington, D.C.-based Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, a political action committee that backs openly LGBT candidates nationwide.

She does now appear on the group's list of out officials, who are placed there if the Victory Fund confirms that they are out or if a news article mentions them being open, spokesman Denis Dison said. 

Public Policy Polling: "Baldwin leads Thompson 46-45 in this month's poll"

Public Policy Polling new polling released today shows Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) having improved in a match-up against her closest possible Senate competitor, former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson (R) -- although the changes are within the margin of error and continue to show a nearly tied race between the two. 

Tiffany Muller, vice president for political operations at the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, said in astatement, "Tammy is talking about the issues most Wisconsin families really care about, so it's no surprise that her message is resonating with Wisconsin voters." 

Gay candidates run openly for Pennsylvania office: 'A remarkable amount of progress'

With three "open and out" candidates seeking state House seats this year, chances are better than ever that Pennsylvania's gay and lesbian community will have its first known voice in the General Assembly at this time next year. 

Denis Dison, spokesman for the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, a political action committee that seeks to increase the gay voice in government, noted at least 30 states have elected gay state lawmakers to date, including traditionally red states like Utah, Georgia and Oklahoma.

But Pennsylvania, over the last few years has been building a deeper bench at the local level. There are gay elected officeholders in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg — where City Controller Dan Miller plans to run for mayor next year — and smaller communities like Millersburg. 

Victory Fund Brunch 2012 San Diego Features NYC Mayoral Candidate Christine Quinn

Two Election 2012 priorities stood out at yesterday's Victory Fund brunch at the Catamaran resort on Mission Bay: getting Tammy Baldwin, Democratic congresswoman from Wisconsin, elected to the U.S. Senate; and strengthening financial support for LGBT candidates in general – especially those who promise to actively battle for equality under the law for Americans of all sexual orientations and gender identities. 

Gay sheriff prompts intriguing questions

There have been no openly gay Republicans in Congress since 2006, when another Arizonan — U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe — retired. And the nation's 7,382 state legislators include 93 openly gay Democrats but not a single openly gay Republican, according to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund.

"If you're an openly gay Republican, you face a platform that is sometimes not welcoming," said Chuck Wolfe, the fund's president. "It's going to take a while to reverse that feeling." 

BREAKING: Maryland Senate Passes Marriage Equality Bill!

According to GayPolitics.com, the Maryland senate just passed the bill nearly a week after the House of Delegates passed their version of the bill. Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley lobbied for and intends to sign the bill into law.

"We are enormously proud of Sen. Madaleno for his years of advocacy for LGBT Marylanders. This is a huge victory for him and for his openly gay and lesbian colleagues in the House, and a dramatic step forward for Maryland and its people," said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund. "We also congratulate Equality Maryland, the Marylanders for Marriage Equality coalition and Gov. Martin O'Malley, whose lobbying and strategizing was so crucial to this victory." 

BREAKING: Maryland House of Delegates Passes Marriage Equality Bill, 72-67

Chuck Wolfe, the president of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which works to elect out LGBT candidates, noted the role of out lawmakers in a statement.

"We're very proud of the gay and lesbian delegates whose leadership has been crucial in this debate," he said. "Maryland's lawmakers understand better the necessity of legal marriage for all couples because they serve alongside gays and lesbians whose loving, committed relationships reflect their own." 

Sheriff’s 'outing' pushes Arizona to top of states with gay candidates for Congress

Babeu joins three state lawmakers — all Democrats — who are openly gay or bisexual and running for Congress this year in Arizona. Rep. Matt Heinz and state Sen. Paula Aboud, both of Tucson, are running in District 2; former state Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Phoenix, who has said she is bisexual, is running in the new District 9.

But Arizona has a long history of electing openly gay candidates, said Denis Dison, spokesman for the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which works to elect gays to public office.

"Arizona has a conservative reputation but it also has a history with openly gay candidates at the local and state level," Dison said. "Once those barriers are broken, people get bored with the topic and it's less of an issue." 

Oklahoma gay candidate wins in landslide

Al McAffrey is moving from one chamber in Oklahoma's statehouse to another.

The gay state representative on Feb. 14 won a special election for the state Senate. McAffrey, a Democrat, was the first openly gay candidate elected to the House and is now the first openly gay candidate elected to the Senate.

"Al's election to the state Senate is another milestone for LGBT Oklahomans, and we are proud to support his campaign," said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. "There are still a number of states that have never elected any openly LGBT state legislators, so Oklahoma can be proud that Al has been elected to both the House and the Senate." 

Gay House, Senate candidates running strong

Gay and lesbian candidates for the U.S. House and Senate are competitive with — and in some cases besting — their straight opponents when it comes to raising money. 

Denis Dison, spokesperson for the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, said Baldwin has "lapped everybody in the field" of Republicans.

"They're going to be spending that money in the primary," Dison said. "This is going to be a pretty ugly primary on the Republican side. They're really going to have to spend all the way to win their nomination." 

National news in brief: Feb. 10

Victory Fund staffer appointed to advisory board

WASHINGTON — Rev. George B. Walker, Jr., vice president of strategic partnerships at the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Victory Institute, was named to President Obama's Board of Advisers on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, according to a White House press release.

"I am proud that such experienced and committed individuals have agreed to serve the American people in these important roles," said President Obama, upon naming Walker and six others to key administration positions. "I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead."

Victory Fund President and CEO Chuck Wolfe expressed excitement at the appointment.

"We're thrilled for our friend and colleague, George, a deeply committed and passionate advocate for equality, diversity and education," Wolfe told the Blade. "With George's appointment, President Obama continues to ensure LGBT voices are well-represented among the talented Americans who serve him and his administration." 

Washington Senate Passes Marriage Equality Bill With a 28-21 Vote

The marriage equality bill's passage on Feb. 1 was praised by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund -- as was Murray, who is the only out LGBT lawmaker in the state Senate.

"Tonight's vote is a victory for fairness in Washington, and for Senator Ed Murray, who has worked so hard for so long to make life better for LGBT Washingtonians," Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund, said in a statement. "When this bill is finally signed into law, Ed and Michael, his partner of 20 years, will finally have realized the equality under state law Ed has fought for since he was first elected to the legislature in 1995." 

Barney Frank to Marry, DOMA Will Limit Federal Recognition of Congressman's Spouse

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund's president, Chuck Wolfe, said in a statement, "We are thrilled for Barney and Jim, and offer them both our congratulations and best wishes.

"As one of the world's most visible out elected officials, Barney Frank has long used his position and influence to draw attention to the freedoms LGBT Americans deserve but still do not enjoy," Wolfe said. "It's fitting that as his time in Congress comes to a close, he will finally take advantage of the freedom to marry in his home state of Massachusetts." 

N.J. gov picks gay black man, Asian for top court

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie moved to diversify the state's all-white Supreme Court on Monday by proposing two firsts: the nominations of an openly gay black man and a Korean-born law enforcer to fill two vacancies. 

The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, a Washington D.C., group that supports political campaigns of gay candidates, said the first two gay Supreme Court justices were both in Oregon. Rives Kistler was appointed to the bench in 2003 and elected to a full term the next year. Virginia Linder was elected in 2006.

Victory Fund spokesman Dennis Dison said all four others have been sworn in since 2010. They are: Barbara Lenk in Massachusetts, Sabrina McKenna in Hawaii, Monica Marquez in Colorado and Beth Robinson in Vermont. Robinson was previously the leader of a statewide gay rights group, Vermont Freedom to Marry.

Dison said his group helped Harris last year in his mayoral campaign, and that he is one of the few openly gay black Republican mayors in the nation. 

Meet the super super PAC

For PACs that have already gone hybrid — they range from the Conservative Action Fund to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund — the advantages are notable and immediate, several officials said.

Baldwin Raised More Than $1 Million in Last Quarter of 2011 for Senate Race

Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) announced today on Facebook that her campaign for U.S. Senate raised more than $1 million in the last three months of 2011. 

Endorsed by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, the group's vice president for communications, Denis Dison, told Metro Weekly today, "There's a lot of excitement around this campaign. With 16,000 donors in just a matter of months, it's clear Tammy is attracting strong grassroots support. Still, money will matter a lot in this open seat race, and having close to $2 million on hand is a great start." 

Giffords' gay savior says he's no hero

Recently, Hernandez has become involved with the Gay and lesbian Victory Institute. The institute's focus is getting qualified gays and lesbians elected to public office. "They are helping to train the new generation and this generation in what it takes to be an elected official," he said. The institute offers Hill Congressional Internships, where young LGBT individuals can intern for a senator or a congressperson in much the same way he did.

"The Victory Institute shows you that being gay isn't always a liability but could also be an asset," he said. Hernandez—who, at only 21, has won his first local election and has not yet graduated from college—offers sound advice for those in the LGBT community who would rather sit on the sidelines than be on the field. "If you think just because you are LGBT you cannot serve and could never be elected, you're wrong," said Hernandez. "The institute can show you the successes of others who are qualified and want to serve. In Wisconsin right now, the people are working to elect Tammy Baldwin as the first openly gay Senator in United States history." 

Out Lesbian Lawyer Wins Special Election in Minnesota, Will Fight State's Proposed Marriage Amendment

Winning the election for Minnesota House District 61B, the DFLer, according to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, also is the nation's first Native American lesbian lawmaker. 

The Victory Fund, which supports out LGBT candidates, had endorsed Allen and celebratedthe victory.

Tiffany Muller, the Victory Fund's vice president for political operations, said in a statement, "We're thrilled for Susan and the remarkable progress her victory represents. This is our first win of 2012, and it's a fantastic way to start off what will be a very exciting year for LGBT candidates." 

Takano on path to make history in Calif. race

The Human Rights Campaign, the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and gay Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) have already endorsed Takano. During a recent trip to D.C., Takano also secured endorsements from retiring gay Rep. Frank as well as members of the House Democratic leadership, including Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.). 

How Barney Frank helped change the landscape for gay politicians

Today, more than 30 states have gay representatives in both legislative houses, according to the Victory Fund, an international advocacy group for gay and lesbian public office holders. This year, 72 gays and lesbians were elected in the United States and 110 were elected in 2010. There are more than 500 openly gay elected public officials in the country today, says Denis Dison, spokesman for the Victory Fund. 

Quinn: More work on LGBT issues needed in N.Y.

For lesbian New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, the passage of a same-sex marriage law in New York was a big win, but she acknowledges that more work on LGBT issues is needed.

"It passed in a pretty low time in our economy and a tough time for the city and state, and what I've noticed is wherever I go in the city — even still — people are happy," Quinn told the Washington Blade. "You go to senior centers, they're still congratulating me. It's really created, I think, a lot of joy and a stronger sense of community in the city."

Quinn made the remarks during the 27th International Gay & Lesbian Leadership Conference — sponsored by the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute — after a panel session titled "Victory in New York: A Model for Success," in which participants discussed the strategy that led to the enactment of same-sex marriage in New York. 

Finances at 'turning point' for groups

"Of particular concern," said the MAP report, "contributions from individual donors dropped sharply (a 14% drop, or $9.3 million) between 2009 and 2010. This revenue drop was mostly offset by revenue increases from corporations (41% increase, or $1.8 million),bequests (30% increase, or $1.6 million), fundraising events (6% increase, or $1.1 million) and other income (126% increase, or $3.2 million)."

MAP made its analysis using financial data from 40 LGBT groups, 27 of which had annual budgets of more than $1 million and 13 additional organizations whose missions are considered "critical" to the LGBT movement. The groups included such well-known national organizations as the Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, and the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, as well as state groups, including MassEquality, the Empire State Pride Agenda, and Equality California. 

Barney Frank's Retirement: Which LGBT Candidate Could Fill The Congressman's Shoes?

Vote for the most inspirational candidate below (with special thanks to The Victory Fund for their helpful input on this piece).

Bonnie Dumanis and the Wisdom of Ladder-Climbing

Republican Bonnie Dumanis, currently trying to climb the local political ladder from her post as county District Attorney to San Diego's mayor, has been noted for tutoring others in the ways of political combat.

According to the website of the 27th International Gay & Lesbian Leadership Conference, put on by the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute and held at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston over the weekend, Dumanis was billed as the headliner of a breakout session entitled, "Climbing the Career Ladder." 

Queering Congress

When California teacher Mark Takano ran for Congress 15 years ago, he lost to Republican challenger Ken Calvert by a scant 519 votes. Two years later, things looked more promising. Police had caught Calvert with a prostitute; Takano should have easily clinched a win. But just three months before the election, Ray Haynes—a Calvert supporter in the state assembly—outed Takano as gay. 

Despite the growing importance of LGBT issues on the Democratic platform—two rumored contenders for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, have been fierce advocates for marriage equality—the rank of elected officials will likely change little next year. "If you were to think of this in terms of representative democracy, we are not there yet," says Denis Dison of The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, a group that supports LGBT candidates at all levels of government. "We should have maybe 30 members of the House. But [the underrepresentation] is also true of people of color, of women. The LGBT community is fairly new to this mission we have undertaken. It wasn't very long ago that people would not have been able to run." 

Frank retiring from Congress in 2012

The longest serving openly gay member of Congress won't seek re-election to the U.S. House in 2012.

Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) announced his retirement during a press conference at Newton City Hall in Massachusetts on Monday. Had the lawmaker sought re-election, he would have been pursuing a 17th term in Congress.

The Victory Fund has endorsed the re-election bids of openly gay U.S. House members Polis and Cicilline. The organization also backs the election to Congress of non-incumbent Pocan as well as Mark Takano in California and State Rep. Marko Liias in Washington State.  

Barney Frank to Retire

With few regrets and a few more parting quips, Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts announced Monday that he will retire at the end of the current congressional term. 

Congressman Frank, the longest-serving openly gay member of Congress and one of four openly gay congressional members currently in office, told reporters at a news conference in Newton, Mass., that his decision not to run for reelection in 2012 was driven in part by the realities of redistricting as well as his desire to pursue writing and teaching. His announcement was met with an outpouring of gratitude by LGBT organizations who praised his gay rights legislative work and his influence on a new generation of LGBT political leaders. 

Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, said, "Barney Frank's political career may be coming to an end, but his legacy will outlive us all. His decision to come out as gay more than two decades ago gave LGBT Americans an authentic voice and a persistent champion in Washington. He has used that voice loudly and often, speaking personally, humorously and effectively about the hopes and challenges of Americans who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. We will miss that voice very much." 

Colorado state House Dems pick gay man to lead

DENVER — Openly gay Rep. Mark Ferrandino (D-Denver) is the newly elected Democratic leader in the Colorado State House, after Rep. Sal Pace stepped down to focus on a U.S. Congressional run, according to the Associated Press.

As the Victory Fund's Gay Politics Blog notes, if the chamber returns to Democratic control in 2012, Ferrandino will become the state's first openly-gay majority leader. In 2007 the Massachusetts Republican party chose gay Sen. Richard Tisei (R-Middlesex & Essex) to lead the minority party in that state's upper house. Tisei was not officially on record as being gay, however, until November 2009, though upon coming out, Tisei claims to have never been in the closet. 

Out Gay Lawmaker Elected Minority Leader of Colorado House

Out gay Colorado State Representative Mark Ferrandino has been elected to the position of House Minority Leader, the Victory Fund reports, adding that "he could become House Speaker if the chamber flips back to Democratic control next year." 

ELECTION ROUNDUP: Va. elects first openly gay senator

Democrat Adam Ebbin, a gay man who has served in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2004, won election on Tuesday to the Virginia Senate, becoming the state's first openly gay senator. 

In a separate race, gay Republican Patrick Forrest lost his bid to unseat Virginia State Sen. Janet Howell (D-Reston), a longtime supporter of LGBT rights. Forrest, who had been endorsed by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, was vying to become the first openly LGBT Republican to win election to a state legislature 

Harris May Be One-of-a-Kind Mayor

Bruce Harris isn't a big fan of campaigning. But now he can at least enjoy the result of his efforts.

Days after beating Democratic incumbent Nelson Vaughan to become Chatham Borough's next mayor, Harris just can't stop smiling. 

Denis Dison, the vice president of communications for The Victory Fund, believes Harris is likely the first openly gay, black Republican to be elected mayor in the country.

"We could not think of another," Dison said. "There have been a few openly gay African Americans who have been elected mayors in their town, but not Republicans. 

Gay Wis. lawmaker hopes to win Baldwin’s seat

It'll be a tough act for Mark Pocan to follow.

The gay lawmaker in the Wisconsin State Assembly is seeking the seat being vacated at the end of this year by lesbian Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), who's leaving the U.S. House to pursue a run for the U.S. Senate. 

Denis Dison, spokesperson for the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, said Pocan has what it takes to join the ranks of the other openly gay lawmakers in Congress fighting for LGBT rights. The organization has already endorsed him.

"Mark is a vocal and respected fighter for progressive values, and that's what people can expect from him as a member of Congress," Dison said. "In the same tradition as Congresswoman Baldwin, Mark won't be shy about speaking out for what he believes in, and he'll be an effective champion for LGBT equality." 

Colorado gay officials seeing more-tolerant attitudes

Colorado residents want their city councils and county commissioners to solve zoning woes and code-enforcement headaches and deliver reliable trash pickup.

What they don't seem to care about is whether the people offering the solutions are gay, lesbian or transgender.

The national Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund endorsed 75 candidates in the most recent election cycle, and 53 won seats on city councils and county commissions, said the group's spokesman, Denis Dison.

In Denver, the group endorsed lesbian Robin Kniech, who won a seat on the City Council in July.

Cincy's first openly gay councilman shows change

The election of Cincinnati's first openly gay councilman represents a shift for an Ohio city that for years had a charter amendment that was unfavorable to gays. 

Chris Seelbach's election last week is a milestone for the area's gays and lesbians. Seelbach had worked for the successful repeal in 2004 of an 11-year-old city charter amendment that banned local ordinances protecting gay people from discrimination. 

Having an openly gay person in public office helps other people feel that they can show who they really are and participate in government, said Denis Dison, a spokesman for the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a Washington-based group that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political candidates.

"If some gay or lesbian kid in Cincinnati walks into school with their head a little higher after this, that's the important thing," Dison said.

Chris Seelbach's victory a milestone for gays in Cincinnati

The bar, Milton's Prospect Hill Tavern, was packed for the victory party for the man who'd become Cincinnati's first openly gay City Council member.

People cheered. And it seemed as if everyone on Election Night was offering to buy Chris Seelbach a drink. 

Electing the first openly gay council member, others say, means more than the fact that Cincinnati's long-held conservative reputation apparently is evolving.

It also changes the perspective at City Hall and shows other LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) individuals that it's OK to live an authentic life, to show who you really are and still be able to participate in government, said Denis Dison, vice president of communications for the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a Washington nonprofit that promotes LGBT candidates. 

Houston Mayor Annise Parker Wins Reelection

Houston mayor Annise D. Parker has won reelection despite low approval ratings and antigay rhetoric leveled against her by a challenger. 

Next month Parker hosts the 27th International Gay & Lesbian Leadership Conference in Houston. “It’s a great opportunity for elected and appointed GLBT leaders from around country, and the world, to get together and share tips support each other,” she said.

More from the Victory Fund on gay election victories yesterday

Washington, D.C. – Openly gay and lesbian candidates endorsed by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund won election to municipal, judicial and state legislative offices from coast to coast Tuesday night. At least 53 of the group's 75 endorsees were victorious, with two races still undecided this morning. 

"The election of gay and lesbian candidates in places where they have never won before is a major step forward, and we could not be happier about these victories," said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund. "All of the openly LGBT candidates who stepped up to run for office this year are true leaders who deserve our profound thanks."