156 LGBT Elected Officials Call On President-Elect to Advance LGBTQ Equality During His Presidency

Last week, Victory Institute commended LGBTQ elected officials representing millions of Americans from across the country for calling on President-elect Donald Trump to respect LGBTQ Americans and continue efforts to advance equality. In an open letter to the President-elect, 156 elected officials express grave concerns about his Cabinet appointees, and implore Trump to “be a president for all Americans.” The letter is signed by U.S. Reps. Sean Patrick Maloney and Mark Pocan, as well as openly LGBTQ mayors, state legislators, city councilmembers and other LGBTQ elected officials.

“These LGBT elected officials represent America at its best – diverse leaders who make the values of inclusion, fairness and justice the cornerstone of their policy positions and decision-making,” said Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, President & CEO of Victory Institute. “This letter urges the President-elect to govern by those core American values, and to put forward legislation and policies that improve quality of life for all Americans. They are using their collective voice to demand continued progress on equality, and to make clear they will oppose any efforts that threaten our rights or families.”

“LGBT elected officials are unified and promising to use their positions of power to drive equality at every level of government. This unprecedented solidarity aims to reassure our community – at a time when many are understandably concerned – that our issues remain a priority, and they will strategize new ways to work across jurisdictions to protect and expand our rights. Their commitment is a testament to the importance of LGBT elected officials, and we urge our community to bolster their ranks by running for office – to join them in showing Americans that public service remains an impactful and noble profession. Victory Institute will double-down on efforts to train the next generation of LGBT leaders in the coming months and years so we can increase representation and ensure our voices are heard.