Victory in the News

Proud Mary

Texas is one of only 18 states that lack an out legislator, which advocates believe is key to passing pro-equality legislation. Gonzalez was endorsed by the Washington D.C.-based Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and the only candidate backed by the Equality Texas Equity PAC in the primary. 

Sean Patrick Maloney Wins Democratic Nod for Hudson Valley House Seat

"Sean has proven he knows how to get things done in Washington," said Chuck Wolfe, president of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, a nationwide group that works to elect out candidates to office. "He's deeply experienced and absolutely committed to finding ways to put New Yorkers and all Americans back to work. As an openly gay dad, he'll also be an authentic voice for LGBT families across the country. We're extremely pleased about tonight's big win." 

Victory Fund endorses out lesbian Ann Johnson in Texas House race in Houston

Victory Fund spokesman Denis Dison said having two openly LGBT legislators join the Texas House would intensify the impact and change in dialogue among the conservative-controlled House.

"Ann's deep experience as an assistant district attorney and legal advocate for kids makes her well-suited to serve in the Texas House," he told Instant Tea. "She is carrying on her family's impressive legacy of public service, and we are proud to support her campaign." 

David Richardson, Joe Saunders, Stephen Smith endorsed by Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund

The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has issued 17 new endorsements of openly LGBT candidates running in the United States, including three in Florida:

"Two newly-endorsed candidates for the Florida House of Representatives, Joe Saunders and Dave Richardson, would be the Sunshine State's first openly gay state lawmakers," according to Victory Fund.

Victory Pride Party

All the proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit the Gay and Lesbian Victory Institute. The institute holds trainings and professional development programs for LGBTs who want to run for public office. 

Gay N.H. Executive Council candidate stumps in D.C.

The Victory Fund on Friday hosted a fundraiser for gay New Hampshire Executive Council candidate Chris Pappas at the Beacon Bar and Grill's Sky Lounge in D.C. 

"Chris is a rising political star who's already deeply experienced and knowledgeable about state government," said Victory Fund CEO Chuck Wolfe. "If he wins this race he'll be one of the state's highest-ranking openly LGBT officials, but more importantly he'll be in a position to serve all the people of New Hampshire. We're proud to endorse him." 

The new face of politics: District 75 representative-elect Mary Edna Gonzalez focused on helping people

"This is a big victory for Mary, for El Paso and for Texas," said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund, in a press release. "The people of El Paso will be represented by a talented and committed fighter who knows how to get things done in Austin. And LGBT Texans will be represented by an authentic voice in the Capitol, standing up and speaking out for fairness and freedom for all." 

Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund announces endorsements in Ga. Gold Dome races

The national Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund already announced its backing of state Rep. Rashad Taylor and state Rep. Karla Drenner in the July 31 Democratic primary earlier this week.Today, the organization rolled out the rest of its Georgia state legislative endorsements.

Zipprich Named Bohnett LGBT Leadership Fellow

Red Bank Councilman Ed Zipprich was named a David Bohnett LGBT Leadership Fellow, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Institute announced Tuesday.

Zipprich, borough council's only openly gay representative, is one of 11 open LGBT leaders in government and non-profit organizations who will receive scholarships to attend an elite executive development program at Harvard Kennedy School this July. 

Two world leaders at NATO conference are openly gay

Denis Dison, vice president of communications for the Victory Fund, whose mission is to elect LGBT politicians, said certain legitimacy can only come from a democratic election.

"When they speak to their colleagues, it's quite different than speaking on behalf of an NGO," he said.

Dison added that when politicians like Sigurðardóttir are working to solve global issues like the financial crisis, it can make all gay people seem more conventional.

"The fact that she's an out lesbian and speaking about issues that everyone else cares about and is working on, makes people become aware that we are professionals and leaders just like everybody else is," Dison said. "Our job as out LGBT people is not solely to be LGBT advocates but to be, when we can, leaders of whole communities that work on issues that effect everybody."