Electing more trans folks will help fight hate. This unique new program can help

[Jessica_Rose]

Electing more trans folks will help fight hate. This unique new program can help make that happen.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/electing-more-trans-folks-will-help-fight-hate-this-unique-new-program-can-help-make-that-happen/ar-AA1CGZfG?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=e9b5fe14b3394602db7a69b188a803ae&ei=10

Story by Molly Sprayregen (11 April 2025)

The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute – which runs campaign trainings and leadership programs for LGBTQ+ politicians – has teamed up with Advocates for Trans Equality to create a specialized training extension specifically for trans, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary (TGNCNB) people who want to run for office.

"This first-of-its-kind collaboration will focus on the needs and experiences of TGNCNB candidates and provide tailored resources and programming to address the issues faced on the campaign trail and beyond," a press release explained.

Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, Executive Director at Advocates for Trans Equality, said that "from city council to the U.S. House," more and more trans people are running for and winning elections despite the onslaught of hate from the Republican party.

The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund's 2024 Out on the Trail Report found that about 15% of LGBTQ+ candidates last year were trans, gender nonconforming or nonbinary – a number that has almost doubled since 2020.

Trans people who won elections last year include Montana Rep. Zooey Zephyr (D), Iowa Rep. Aime Wichtendahl (D), Chicago Water Reclamation District Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis (D), and House Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE), the first out trans member of Congress.

"Even in moments of despair, we are still building power to secure our rights and defend democracy," Heng-Lehtinen said. "Trans people are in every state across this country, and we are so proud to partner with LGBTQ+ Victory Institute to ensure that our voices are heard at every level of government."