REPRESENTATION MATTERS

How Victory Fund, Victory Institute, and LGBT Leaders Are Transforming America

By Karen Ocamb Photo on the back of the dust jacket and hard cover: Courtesy of Tammy Baldwin's 2012 Senate Campaign

Copyright © 2017 by Victory Fund and Victory Institute

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Dennis Walton and Ed Williams, Project Directors Victory Fund Victory Fund works to change the face and voice of America’s politics and achieve equality for LGBT Americans by increasing the number of openly LGBT officials at all levels of government. Cataloging-in-Publication Data LGBT elected officials are critical voices for change that speak authentically about themselves, [Insert when received from the Library of Congress. If not received in time, ensure ISBN on this page.] their families, and their community.

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2 Table of Contents

6 Preface

9 The Courage to Stand Up

14 Turning Point in LGBT Political Power

30 Shattering Lavender Ceilings

57 Power at the Table

76 Transforming Government

93 Developing Future Leaders

108 The Road Ahead

Victory Institute 113 Bill Beck Dedication Victory Institute works to achieve full equality for LGBT people by building, supporting, and advancing a diverse network of LGBT public leaders through training and professional 116 Donors development programs. It assists hundreds of leaders who influence government and politics for the betterment of LGBT people. 117 Acknowledgments Celebrations and protests outside City Hall as Del Martin and Phyliss Lyon get married. Courtesy of Nick Gorton, via Wikimedia Commons

How did that happen? It might seem simple: LGBT people, elected officials, the effect of perpetrating a more general premise—now emphatically rejected by this and political appointees stood up and claimed full marriage equality. But nothing state—that individuals and same-sex couples are in some respect ‘second-class about achieving civil rights is simple—it requires strategy, courage, and a core citizens,’” George wrote in the May 15, 2008, decision that enabled Newstat and Susan determination to serve a greater communal good, especially in tough times, like Lowenberg and thousands of other same-sex couples to be legally married that year. 2004, when the conservative right wing seemed hell-bent on demeaning or erasing But this is why political representation matters: as Victory Institute research Courtesy of Nick Amoscato the LGBT community. shows, knowing an openly LGBT elected official or appointee impacts the humanity “Obviously gay marriage was not one of our 21 policy papers, but I’m really proud in non-LGBT colleagues. After the courts stopped the ability of same-sex couples to to have been at the table when the decision was made to” grant marriage licenses, marry, marriage equality could have subsided and lain dormant as the issue wound its Newstat, then Victory Institute board chair, told Hub Bay Area on September 27, way through the courts. But out elected officials in and around the country 2011. “I worked really, really hard on that with Mayor Newsom and my colleagues. I’m were fired up and ready to fight. In California, despite politicos calling him “crazy,” gay Preface proud of the fact that not only my own life was impacted . . . but an entire community.” Assembly member introduced a marriage equality bill in 2005 and organized The images and stories of loving couples seeking recognition for their relationships its passage by the state legislature—the first such legislative effort in the nation. Gov. “What the hell did you just do?” California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom recalls his Recorder Mabel Teng officiate at the wedding of Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, who touched the humanity in non-LGBT people, including California Supreme Court Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed that marriage equality bill and another bill two years later. fellow politicians asking him in 2004 when, as mayor of San Francisco, he ordered had been together for fifty-one years. Some politicians said same-sex marriage was Chief Justice Ronald George, who watched the couples line up in the rain, waiting to But the debate had changed. Suddenly, the once unthinkable was achievable the issuance of marriage licenses to thousands of same-sex couples in response to “too much, too fast, too soon,” Newsom told the Times on June 26, 2015, get into San Francisco City Hall. He wrote the majority opinion for the consolidated through legislation and efforts by openly LGBT officials and their allies. Indeed, President George W. Bush calling for a federal constitutional amendment banning on the day the United States Supreme Court ordered marriage equality for same-sex lawsuit that resulted from that 2004 resistance of “love warriors.” retired Laguna, California–based political consultant Fred Karger felt so inspired by same-sex marriage. Newsom and his out policy director, Joyce Newstat, orchestrated couples in all fifty states. To honor that day, the White House lit up with rainbow “Retaining the designation of marriage exclusively for opposite-sex couples and the prospects of full equality, he sought the GOP presidential nomination in 2012 as the tipping point for marriage equality in California—including having Assessor- colors and tweeted: “America should be very proud. #LoveWins.” providing only a separate and distinct designation for same-sex couples may well have an out gay Jewish Republican.

6 Preface 7 President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie- Mills with 2016 The Courage to Stand Up Victory Institute Congressional Interns on Capitol Hill.

Few people today remember that the 1969 Stonewall Gay activist Jim Yeadon, twenty-six, a University of Rebellion resulted from total vexation with routine police Wisconsin graduate and lawyer, was first appointed to raids and abusive treatment from a society that deemed the Madison City Council in 1976, then elected in 1977. “evil,” “perverse,” and literally a crime Rick Trombly and Jim Splaine were elected to the New against nature. But some brave souls risked humiliation, Hampshire House of Representatives in 1978 and state beatings, and death threats to live an open, authentic senate in 1979, respectively, and re-elected thereafter, life—and believed change came through public service reflecting the state’s “Live Free or Die” values. In 1989, and the ballot box. Keith St. John became the first openly gay black person elected to public office, winning a seat as alderman in the EARLY LEADERS city of Albany, , where he served for eight years. Jose Julio Sarria, aka “the Widow Norton,” a famous drag performer at Black Cat Café and founder of the Imperial Court, ran for San Francisco Supervisor in 1961. Sarria garnered roughly 6,000 votes in a citywide election with thirty-four candidates, demonstrating to shocked politicians that there was a consolidated gay constituency. During a 2015 Jose Julio Sarria effort to have Sarria named to the California Hall of Fame, City Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez, chair and executive director of the International Court Council, called Sarria the “Rosa Parks of the gay rights movement.” In 1974, Kathy Kozachenko ran on a platform to enforce the city’s On November 8, 2016, the unthinkable happened again. In the blink of We are closer to achieving the promise of the American Dream—full equality human rights ordinance protecting gay an election, all the stunning progress on LGBT rights and equality over the past in a progressive democracy—but much work remains. This book shows how, despite people in housing and employment, two decades seemed in jeopardy with the conservative Republican takeover of the incredible odds, disappointments, and setbacks, we endure, survive, and thrive. and won a seat on the Ann Arbor presidency and both chambers of Congress. And yet there was a bright patch of blue Here we aspire to tell the story of how LGBT people have successfully stepped City Council in Michigan, replacing nudging through the dark pall in a deeply divided country: bisexual was up to use the political and electoral process to secure civil rights for ourselves and the Nancy Wechsler who came out while elected , and 87 of Victory Fund’s 135 endorsed candidates won next generation. Assuming its awesome and honorable responsibility, Victory Fund serving. Kozachenko became the first their races. and Victory Institute offer hope and guidance for the next step and a new day. openly gay person to be elected to This book is a pictorial essay celebrating the twenty-five years that Victory public office in America. Another Fund and Victory Institute have encouraged, supported, and trained LGBT leaders, Karen Ocamb, LGBT journalist, December 2016 Midwesterner, Allan Spear, was appointees, and aspiring and successful candidates for elective office. Importantly, it elected state senator in Minneapolis, is also the story of the LGBT leaders Victory Fund and Victory Institute supported Minnesota, in 1972, came out in and continue to support, as they are the heroes who drive equality and make the work Local newspaper reports Jim Yeadon is a nominee to 1974, and was re-elected until his become president of Gay Peoples Unions. of Victory Fund and Victory Institute so transformational. retirement in 2000. Former Councilmember Kathy Kozachenko

8 The Courage to Stand Up 9 Elaine Noble Educator Elaine Noble was encouraged to run “Well, I believe, David, I am sticking with my own people visiting my house and campaign office—it was Courtesy of the for the House of Representatives in kind,” according to an interview Noble gave Ron really bad.” Kameny Papers 1974 by former Congress member Barney Frank’s Schlittler for his “Out and Elected in the USA: 1974– Nonetheless, Noble prevailed, winning with Project sister, Ann Wexler. The two women had formed the 2004” project for OutHistory.org. “You can’t say that 59 percent of the vote. The harassment, however, Women’s Political Caucus, and Wexler thought Noble you want progress or change for one group and not for continued as she found human feces on her desk and would represent her Irish Catholic district well, another. It doesn’t happen that way.” fended off obscene profanities. “I just tried to maintain despite being gay. Noble experienced such harassment—from bomb with what level of dignity that I could,” she said. It was the height of desegregation, so Noble rode threats to being spat upon by an eighty-five-year-old Eventually, most of the ugliness died down, and buses with children of color and had campaign workers man—that at one point she campaigned protected by Noble won a second term with almost 90 percent of monitor school bus stops to demonstrate her deep state troopers. “It was a very ugly campaign. Ugly,” the vote. Noble’s dignified perseverance inspired many belief in equality. A gay newspaper reporter told her, she told Schlittler. “There was a lot of shooting through closeted and potential public officials to come out “You should stick to your own kind, or we’re going to my windows, destroying my car, breaking windows during a difficult time, a legacy even more lasting than get someone else to represent us.” Noble responded, at my campaign headquarters, serious harassment of her two terms in office.

Frank Kameny Some early electeds and appointees went on to branch of the Mattachine Society. Their pickets outside White House organized by closeted , significantly impact LGBT history. , an the White House and other institutions with slogans senior advisor to President . In 2006, Army veteran with a doctorate in astronomy, was fired such as “Gay Is Good” publicized the need for gay and the Library of Congress acquired his papers, and in by the United States Army Map Service after the agency rights. In 1971, Kameny ran as the nation’s 2007, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum discovered he had once been arrested after being groped first gay congressional candidate—seeking to be a secured his White House picket signs for an exhibit, by a male stranger. In 1958, he was banned from any non-voting delegate for the District of Columbia. He “Treasures of American History.” Kameny proved that Rep. Elaine Noble (center) further federal employment, which he unsuccessfully subsequently made history as the first openly gay person “suits” could also be “grassroots.” receives an award from members appealed up to the U.S. Supreme Court. appointed to D.C.’s Human Rights Commission. On of the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund in New York The injustice radicalized Kameny, and in 1961, he March 26, 1977, Kameny was among a dozen LGBT City in October 1976. AP photo and Jack Nichols co-founded the Washington, D.C., leaders invited to the first-ever policy meeting at the

10 The Courage to Stand Up 11 Courtesy of Karen Ocamb

Courtesy of Daniel Nicoletta Harvey Milk is internationally renowned as an instead of seeking an “at-large” seat. By 1977, as gay LGBT hero, having used his position as the first openly San Francisco Chronicle reporter Randy Shilts later gay elected official in California to loudly fight back wrote, Milk was both a coalition-builder and “The against the tornado of anti-gay furiously Mayor of Castro Street.” He was elected on November whipping the country into a frenzy with the rise of the 8, 1977. Moral Majority and ’s crusade to “save our Milk became nationally famous for his “coming children” in 1977. Effectively using his bullhorn on the out” speeches. “Gay people, we will not win our San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Milk helped lead rights by staying quietly in our closets,” Milk said the nail-biting successful campaign to stop the Briggs during one rally against the anti-gay . Initiative, which would have permitted the firing of gay After receiving daily death threats, Milk said in his Stephen Lachs teachers and their allies in 1978. audiotaped will: “If a bullet should enter my brain, let Despite the American Psychiatric Association any pressure. He wound up serving on the Center’s As the Oscar-winning fictionalized film biography that bullet destroy every closet door.” removing homosexuality from its list of mental disorders board and co-founding the nation’s first political Milk indicated, he did not have an easy road to On November 27, 1978, Milk and Moscone were in 1973, the myth of gay “perversion” lasted, fueling state action committee, MECLA—the Municipal Elections electoral victory. But glossed over in Milk histories is assassinated by disgruntled former Supervisor Dan laws and ordinances that criminalized homosexuality. Committee of Los Angeles—with many of the members that after his second failed campaign, his close friend White, prompting many to come out, including Milk’s Courageously bucking that belief system, who went on to found Victory Fund. and ally Mayor George Moscone appointed him to teenage nephew Stuart Milk, who now runs the Milk California Gov. Jerry Brown appointed attorney “I believe that my being a judge changed many the Board of Permit Appeals, making him the first Foundation. On August 12, 2009, Stuart Milk accepted Stephen Lachs to the Los Angeles Superior Court in perceptions within the California judiciary. Judges all openly gay city commissioner in America. After his the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian 1979—the first openly gay person appointed to the over the state had to deal with a colleague who was third failed campaign, Milk, his campaign manager honor, posthumously awarded by President Barack judiciary in America. In the eyes of those who sent openly gay, which is quite different than reading about Anne Kronenberg, and Moscone engineered a rules Obama to Harvey Milk for his “visionary courage and him death threats, a criminal was adjudicating the us in a magazine,” Lachs wrote in an essay for the change enabling candidates to run from their districts conviction” in fighting discrimination. law. Nonetheless, Lachs was elected in 1980 and thrice “Out and Elected in the USA: 1974–2004” project for more times before retiring in 1999 as a well-respected OutHistory.org. “I cannot write about my career without judge and expert in family law. remembering the many men and women, much more It was a long way for Lachs who, in early 1973, courageous than I, unselfish, idealistic and willing to walked timidly into the L.A. Gay Community Services risk everything for their cause, who laid the groundwork Center for a meeting of gay law students. He worried for my appointment and my subsequent four elections. about being fired or kicked out of his apartment if he They have been my support and my comfort for many Harvey Milk at San Jose came out, but the activists welcomed him without years and they have changed the history of our country.”

12 The Courage to Stand Up 13 Future Victory Fund co-founders join Ellen Malcolm a protest for AIDS speaks at an awareness outside the early event for White House in 1987. EMILY’s List, Courtesy of Jim Marks which helped collection at the inspire the Stonewall National creation of Museum and Archives Victory Fund. Courtesy of EMILY’s List

EMILY’s List–endorsed candidate Ann Richards was targeted by opponents with anti-lesbian remarks in her 1990 race for Texas governor—an indicator of what mainstream LGBT Victory Fund candidates would face. Turning Point in LGBT Political Power

Ellen Malcolm speaks at a June 1, 1987, was opening day of the International Mixner, Roberta Bennett, and Diane Abbitt, as well as San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein, who tried to recent EMILY’s List event. AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C. Like the new Randy Klose, Jean O’Leary, Leonard Matlovitch, Rev. kill an AIDS-related drug bill and was running for Courtesy of EMILY’s List activist group ACT UP, longtime polite politicos Troy Perry, Paul Boneberg, Sean Strub, and Virginia California governor against San Diego Republican were desperate to stop the dying. Dan Bradley— Apuzzo. Dan Bradley died of AIDS in Miami six Senator Pete Wilson. Her words had a ripple effect President Carter’s appointee to head the federally months later. with some checkbook activists voting for Wilson, who sponsored Legal Services Corporation—contacted AIDS infected everything, every relationship, had promised Log Cabin Republican Club founder During his tenure as the first executive director of she needed to expand into recruitment, training, and election cycles,” Malcolm writes in When Women Win: Fund (HRCF) executive and every political and policy decision. In 1990, Frank Ricchiazzi that he would sign the perennial gay the Human Rights Campaign Fund, Vic Basile recruited political strategy, but she needed funding. Fortuitously, EMILY’s List and the Rise of Women in American Politics. director Vic Basile about organizing an AIDS protest Diane Abbitt—the respected first co-chair of civil rights bill. Wilson won by just over 3 percent of Ellen Malcolm to the HRCF board. Malcolm, a former she discovered that a wealthy HRCF donor was also a The following year, EMILY’s List secured a spot on the at the Reagan White House. As police wearing MECLA—had enough. She got up at a fundraiser the vote. In 1991, Wilson vetoed that bill, AB 101, special assistant in the Carter administration, had member of EMILY’s List. Malcolm found the courage political map with Ann Richards’s 1990 win to become bright yellow latex gloves arrested all of the sixty- at Dr. Scott Hitt’s house in the Hollywood Hills prompting massive protests for two weeks. Feinstein recently started EMILY’s List, a new kind of political to ask the HRCF donor and her two sisters for $50,000 Texas governor, despite the ugly lesbian-baiting by four leaders, everyone chanted, “Your gloves don’t and angrily declared that she would no longer give won Wilson’s old Senate seat in 1992 and later became action committee offering early financial support to each—a major jump from EMILY’s $100 asking better-funded “bubba” opponents. match your shoes.” Along with Vic Basile and Dan a check to any candidate who did not say the words a staunch advocate for marriage equality. But LGBT pro-choice Democratic women candidates. In 1989, commitment—enabling Malcolm and her executive Bradley were future Victory Fund co-founders David “gay and lesbian.” Abbitt was referring to former political power was strengthening. just before congressional redistricting, Malcolm realized director to do “hard-nosed political planning for several

14 Turning Point in LGBT Political Power 15 Victory Fund’s First Win The newly founded Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund chose Sherry Harris, an African American lesbian with a master’s in business administration, as their first candidate. She was running for city council in Seattle, Washington. “Our first fundraiser was in Dallas, and I wondered what would happen when I asked all my friends to contribute to a new organization supporting a black lesbian running for office in Washington State,” says William Waybourn. “So I recruited Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank and former Naval Midshipman Joe Steffan to come and help draw a crowd. We raised a lot of money for the nascent organization, as well as for Sherry. The early victories of both Sherry’s race and Gail Shibley’s race in Oregon the next year underscored for me that we were on to something, and the Victory Fund would occupy an important place in our movement.” That November 1991, Harris defeated a twenty- six-year incumbent, becoming the nation’s first black out lesbian elected official. She identified as a feminist and as an activist for both the lesbian and gay and African American civil rights movements. “My triple minority status proved to be controversial William Waybourn and Vic Basile while I was in office, but it gave me a unique perspective working during on civil rights,” Harris wrote in an essay for Ron Schlittler’s the early days “Out and Elected in the USA: 1974–2004,” posted on of Victory Fund. OutHistory.org. “We are not a homogeneous species— Courtesy of Jim Marks collection each human is complex and multi-faceted. If we don’t at the Stonewall learn to celebrate our differences, we won’t be able to make National Museum a difference.” and Archives

FOUNDING VICTORY FUND Vic Basile left HRCF in 1989 but kept in touch with Waybourn rallied support around Texas while during her campaign; others among the more than William Waybourn, president of the Dallas Gay & Lesbian Basile contacted HRCF leader Terry Bean, who “loved” forty openly LGBT elected and appointed officials Alliance. Both watched Ann Richards’s gubernatorial race the idea. Bean called David Mixner, who got members in America had also endured frightening ordeals. But intently, marveling at how EMILY’s List money boosted of ANGLE (Access Now for Gay and Lesbian Equality) EMILY’s List had experience with anti-gay and lesbian the campaign. Basile hated saying “no” to gay candidates involved, including Diane Abbitt, Roberta Bennett, harassment with Barbara Mikulski’s race in 1986 and seeking his financial help, but HRCF’s primary mission and Scott Hitt. Basile also rounded up HRCF stalwarts, Jolene Unsoeld’s race in 1988. In her book, When was to elect supportive members of Congress, not including Malcolm, Randy Klose, Hilary Rosen, Lynn Women Win, Malcolm quoted CBS newsman Dan LGBT candidates. After leaving HRCF, Basile was doing Greer, Joy Tomchin, Howard Menaker, Tim McFeeley, Rather describing Ann Richards’s race as “so nasty it development work for Malcolm and got to know how Jim Hormel, and others. would gag a buzzard.” a “bundling” political action committee (PAC) worked. In May 1991, about a dozen prominent LGBT With EMILY’s List as a model, the group launched Courtesy of Joe Mabel “It soon became apparent to me that the concept was leaders gathered in a Marriott hotel conference room in the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund with Mixner and ‘portable,’” Basile recalls, “that is, it could work for just Virginia and discussed organizational plans on how to Lynn Greer as board co-chairs, Waybourn as executive about any well-defined constituency.” Wouldn’t it be great elect openly LGBT candidates. It would not be an easy director, and Basile, who had already done a lot of if the gay community could do something similar? Basile task: their friend Harvey Milk had been assassinated; legwork with an organizational plan and budget, as and Waybourn shared excitedly. Elaine Noble needed the protection of state troopers advisor and fundraiser.

16 Turning Point in LGBT Political Power 17 David Fleischer at an Former HUD Assistant early Victory Institute Secretary Roberta candidate training. Achtenberg with Mary Morgan and Hilary Rosen. Courtesy of Edgar B. Anderson

Whereas HRCF filled the need for federal lobbying at the more local electoral level, which we knew would Lehman (appointed Assistance Secretary of Commerce and political strategy in the short term, HRCF be necessary to grow the next level of federal officials.” and later Commissioner of the U.S. Patent and board member Hilary Rosen said the new Victory These state and local officials would be a pipeline for Trademark Office); Hormel food heir Jim Hormel (a Fund was the solution for building long-term LGBT future leadership roles and also allow local communities recess appointment in 1999 to serve as ambassador to FOUNDING VICTORY INSTITUTE empowerment. The two priorities were crystalized connected to local officials to feel empowered. Luxembourg); and Fred Hochberg, CEO of a successful With the mission of Victory Fund focused organization also housed the Presidential Appointments development. Among the fellows were city in the 1988 California congressional race between In 1992, that pipeline of leaders also came direct marketing corporation (in 1998 appointed by on electing LGBT candidates, a second nonprofit Project, which aimed to place presidential appointees councilmembers, state legislators, and mayors. gay businessman Val Marmillion and incumbent ally to include the Presidential Appointments Project, Clinton as deputy administrator at the Small Business organization, Victory Foundation, was created in 1993. throughout the federal executive branch and Executive Director Chuck Wolfe changed the name Anthony Beilenson. Congress members told HRCF, spearheaded by David Mixner, which aimed to get Administration, and in 2009, appointed chair of the Executive Director William Waybourn hired Dave federal agencies. It began work informally with of Victory Foundation to Victory Institute in 2004, “If we go out on a limb for you, we need to know openly gay people appointed at all levels of the new Export-Import Bank by President Obama). Fleisher to take on the important work of recruiting, President ’s administration and grew in in part to reflect the growing number of leadership you’re going to be loyal,” says Rosen, a CNN political Clinton administration. “Bill Clinton’s message during “There’s been a huge number of LGBT training, and developing LGBT future candidates and strength throughout the years—receiving more than development programs offered by the organization. commentator, Democratic strategist, and partner at the campaign was ‘I have a vision of America and you appointments over the years,” says Rosen. “It’s really leaders. The premise was straightforward: more well- 3,000 applications from LGBT leaders during the It expanded its efforts to include supporting young SKDKnickerbocker. are a part of it’ and we took that to heart,” says Rosen. more about empowerment now, to take our place at trained LGBT leaders could run for office and win. administration of President . upcoming leaders through congressional fellowships So when Vic Basile raised this “alternative way” to Mixner took himself out of consideration for an the most senior levels of the progressive movement and This increased representation at all levels of government In 2002, Victory Foundation began its and internships—pairing them with an LGBT member support gay candidates, Rosen says, the founders realized appointment and helped identify several qualified at the table; to be a qualified and respected minority would then influence legislation, policies, and other collaboration with the David Bohnett Foundation, of Congress. Victory Fund needed to be a separate organization, not people who were ready to take the next step. The population in this country, one that people want to see decision-making in favor of LGBT equality. sending outstanding LGBT leaders to the Harvard a division of HRCF, which had been discussed. That list included San Francisco Supervisor Roberta represented with our own moral authority and unique While the Candidate & Campaign Trainings for Kennedy School’s Senior Executives in State and enabled gay politicos to “do more work and investment Achtenberg; intellectual properties expert Bruce perspective.” LGBT leaders remained its signature program, the Local Government program for further leadership

18 Turning Point in LGBT Political Power 19 LEADERS OF VICTORY Electing out LGBT officials to Congress and state and local governments required passion and a full-throttle effort by committed leaders. That devotion has been so strong that only four long- term executive directors or presidents have led the organization in its twenty-five-year history. These leaders have seen the organization through tremendous political and social changes—from the Defense of Marriage Act, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and threats of a Federal Marriage Amendment, to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act, federal workplace protections, and Obergefell v. Hodges. Despite the changes, these leaders continued to see LGBT leaders and elected officials as the best defense against anti-LGBT efforts and the primary means for pushing forward LGBT- inclusive legislation.

The four long-term Victory Fund and Victory Institute leaders are:

William Waybourn Executive Director 1991–1995 LGBT elected officials at an early Building a Network of Electeds International Network of Lesbian Brian Bond and Gay Officials event. Executive Director In 2004, Victory Institute also held a joint leaders from politics, advocacy, business, and 1997–2003 conference with the International Network of Lesbian community organizations from around the world. The and Gay Officials (INLGO), founded in 1984. Victory Victory Institute also expanded its LGBT leadership Chuck Wolfe Institute and INLGO merged in 2005, consolidating and political impact beyond U.S. borders through President & CEO the annual skills building and networking conference its International Program, which works to support 2003–2014 now called the International LGBT Leadership international LGBT leaders and increase political Conference. The annual conference gathers hundreds participation in democratic systems across the globe. Aisha C. Moodie-Mills President & CEO of elected and appointed officials, as well as LGBT 2015–Present

Early Victory Fund Candidate Selection Guide

20 Turning Point in LGBT Political Power 21 William Waybourn Executive Director 1991–1995

William Waybourn with future Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning

William Waybourn came to Victory Fund with a contributions—$100 to the Victory Fund itself, and feeling of support. Those early victories underscored background in starting organizations on a shoestring $100 to at least two qualified LGBT candidates—and that we were on to something: the Victory Fund would budget. And as head of the Dallas Gay & Lesbian (2) give us the names of ten friends who we could occupy an important place in our movement.” Alliance, he was steeped in the times. contact for the same support,” Waybourn says. “Each One of Waybourn’s proudest accomplishments was “By 1991, we had lost count of friends who were letter generated more names; thus the Victory Fund creating the Presidential Appointments Project with dying,” Waybourn says. “I spoke at funerals where was built literally one person at a time.” David Mixner in October 1992. “We sent invitations surviving family members asked me not to mention As Waybourn collected donations to grow the to over a thousand individuals with different levels of ‘gay’ or ‘AIDS.’ And we sat in separate hospital waiting organization and support its candidates, his work was expertise, copied their resumes and fed them to Bob rooms because their families didn’t want us there, even helping build an LGBT political community as well. Hattoy on Clinton’s transition team. He would call late though we were the ones at their bedsides.” “Gail Shibley later told me how she would sit at her at night with ‘I need more resumes!’ We also prepped That reality weighed on Waybourn as he moved to kitchen table at night after a long day of campaigning and candidates about interview questions and provided Washington, D.C., with his partner, Craig Spaulding, open a newly arrived Victory Fund packet of checks,” staff and volunteers to the transition team to ensure and got to work building the new organization while Waybourn says. “She would hold each check and wonder LGBT individuals were included in the discussion. By Vic Basile called deep-pocket donors. about the person who wrote it—why people she didn’t the time Clinton was sworn in, close to 300 LGBT Courtesy of William Waybourn “I set up shop in our basement, using an old know and people from other parts of the country who applicants were signed up for appointments.” Radio Shack computer and printer to gin out couldn’t vote for her would send money to help elect letters to individuals, asking each to (1) make three her to public office in Oregon. It gave her an incredible

22 Turning Point in LGBT Political Power 23 Brian Bond Executive Director 1997–2003

Brian Bond with then Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin at a Victory Fund candidate fundraiser.

After William Waybourn left to run the Gay and Bond is credited with substantially increasing A highlight of Bond’s six-year tenure was the historic Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, David Clarenbach the number of out gay and lesbian elected officials White House meeting between eleven out elected officials stepped in as executive director from 1995 to 1996, from 129 to 228. It included Tammy Baldwin, who and President Clinton on July 28, 1999. In the ninety- followed by Jonathan Wilson who briefly served as became the first openly gay non-incumbent to win minute meeting, the group urged Clinton to press interim executive director while the board searched for a a seat in Congress in 1998, and Georgia State Rep. Congress to pass the Hate Crimes Protection Act and the new standard-bearer. In 1997, they hired Brian K. Bond, Karla Drenner, who became the first openly gay state Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and expressed director of the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Council at the legislator in the Deep South in 2000. In the 2002 concerns about a conservative religious liberties bill. Democratic National Committee. election cycle, Victory Fund endorsed forty-three The meeting “marked a milestone on the long Bond had a good Rolodex and an idea of how to candidates in nineteen states and D.C., winning thirty- road to full inclusion of gay and lesbian Americans get gays elected. “If our people choose to seek a higher five and losing just eight. in the civic life of our nation,” Bond said in a press office, we have to emulate the Christian Coalition,” “Openly gay and lesbian candidates held their own release. “One day, all office holders will be judged on Bond told The Advocate for their June 24, 1997, issue. on a day when gay Americans saw many of their allies on their merits, the way we all should be. This meeting He noted that more than half of the 129 out elected the national level defeated,” Bond said in a November 6, with the president represents one more sign that we are Courtesy of Karen Ocamb officials served in city or county government, “a great 2002, press release. “While social conservatives carried moving closer to that day.” place to make a difference in the community and the day nationally, gay candidates around the country excellent training ground for higher office.” bucked that trend by winning election or re-election.”

24 Turning Point in LGBT Political Power 25 Chuck Wolfe President & CEO 2003–2014

Courtesy of Karen Ocamb

Chuck Wolfe is effusive in his praise for his someone in state legislatures—that was a big goal— Joyce Newstat is “a great example” of the huge predecessor, Brian Bond. “Brian deserves so much credit because we knew that those state legislators would have impact board members can have. Newstat, “an for getting us to the next stage,” Wolfe says. But he an impact on things like marriage. So early on in our impassioned and successful” political consultant from notes that Bond had help stabilizing the organization strategic plan, we made a big push in that direction.” San Francisco, “co-chaired the strategic planning of the after a rough transition period from Victory Fund board And the push became a successful fifty-state strategy, board for that time period when Tammy Baldwin got member and philanthropist Dr. Bill Beck. “Bill had a with out elected officials winning in every state. elected” to the U.S. Senate. huge impact on guiding the organization,” Wolfe says. “Everything we launched in my twelve years “These are untold stories,” Wolfe says. “How brave Beck also helped select Wolfe, a former Victory Fund can be directly attributed to the Board’s strategic was it to say, as a board member, ‘we think you need to board member himself, to be executive director in 2003 plan,” Wolfe says, citing the congressional internship start training people internationally.’ That’s huge. And during the organization’s next phase of professionalization. program, Presidential Appointments Project, growing ‘we think you need to develop programming that reaches “This board has always been fully engaged,” not just in the International LGBT Leaders Conference, younger audiences,’ out of which comes congressional fundraising but also in strategic planning. international training, and funding from USAID. internship programming” that has had an impact on That includes Wolfe’s decision to define Victory “The executive director is simply there implementing young people who want to be political. “How cool is it Fund as a political organization based in Washington, a plan that the board has written. We did not write to be an organization like Victory where you’re recruiting rather than a national LGBT advocacy group, with the strategic plan. As an organization, our board interns to work for members of Congress?” a focused and strategic mission. “We wanted to have writes the strategic plan.”

26 Turning Point in LGBT Political Power 27 Aisha C. Moodie-Mills President & CEO 2015–present

Aisha C. Moodie-Mills with her wife Danielle.Courtesy of Craig Paulson Photography

“If history has taught us anything, it’s that no “For the first time in my life, it really became up front an end.’ . . . Marriage was my grandmother’s lighthouse community’s rights are one and done with a simple and personal to my day-to-day experience.” guiding her out of the impoverished South toward the piece of legislation. Equality is not set in stone,” Aisha For Aisha Mills and Danielle Moodie, the tipping West, a place that bore unparalleled opportunity.” Moodie-Mills said July 4, 2015, at Independence point came when the couple realized they could not Moodie and Mills married on August 7, 2010, Hall in Philadelphia, commemorating the fiftieth marry in the District of Columbia where they lived. after openly gay D.C. councilmember David Catania’s anniversary of one of the first protests for gay rights, “We had to be involved because this issue was about marriage equality bill was signed in December 2009. the Associated Press reported. us,” says Moodie-Mills. Moreover, their visibility After becoming the head of Victory Fund and Moodie-Mills’s grasp of history informs her life mattered as a black lesbian couple fighting for marriage Victory Institute in 2015, Moodie-Mills steered the and work. Steeped in understanding both institutional equality—not just for themselves, but as a moral organizations toward ensuring future LGBT leaders are racism and the possibilities of the American Dream responsibility to ensuring a progressive history. as diverse as the community itself. She implemented through fair government programs, it was her personal “My grandparents were married in South Carolina the Victory Institute Empowerment Fellowship for fight for marriage equality that brought her to the in the 1950s,” Mills testified at a D.C. council hearing LGBT leaders of color and leaders who attention of the Victory Fund board that recruited her on the marriage bill. “My grandmother, a brilliant seek to expand their campaign skills and policymaking after Chuck Wolfe resigned. young woman—who skipped two grades in school and power, and built partnerships with other communities Aisha C. Moodie-Mills speaks outside “I had never done any LGBT advocacy work graduated with honors—had the intellect to be a scholar, working for equality. Philadelphia’s Independence Hall to until I fell in love and got engaged to my wife,” says but as an African American woman in the South during “It matters that I do this work. It matters that commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of one of the United States’ first LGBT Moodie-Mills, who has worked for the Democratic the 1950s, her opportunities were unjustly limited. my wife and I are visible,” says Moodie-Mills, “and rights demonstrations. Senatorial Campaign Committee, the Congressional Marriage for her during this time was not one written that we’re bringing so many other diverse voices to Black Caucus, and the Center for American Progress. in fairy tales, but one that commenced as a ‘means to the table.”

28 Turning Point in LGBT Political Power 29 Shattering Lavender Ceilings

Mayor Ron Oden. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb Assembly member Deborah Glick Alderman Michael Nelson

Something happened in the 1990s and 2000s. Non-Discrimination Act, finally signed into law in Fury over AIDS sparked an uprising among LGBT 2002. street and checkbook activists, including Victory On October 11, 1991, recently elected Los Angeles Fund co-founder Diane Abbitt, who refused to Unified School Board member Jeff Horton defied an contribute to any candidate that did not use the intensifying Religious Right movement and came out words “gay and lesbian.” Lavender ceilings cracked to provide a “role model” for LGBT youth. He was re- across the nation as LGBT candidates grew in elected in 1995 and served as board president. number and won historic races in difficult regions, Michael Nelson seemed to prove the impossible many with Victory Fund endorsements and support. in 1993, winning a seat on the Carrboro Board of And the political movement for equality was poised Aldermen in North Carolina, the state synonymous to make tremendous strides with the election of with anti- Senator Jesse Helms. In 1995, he President Bill Clinton, who created unprecedented won the mayor’s race handily, and won re-election access to the White House. every two years thereafter until 2003. Ron Oden was elected to the Palm Springs City Among the early highlights: Council in 1995 and, eight years later, became the first In 1990, Deborah Glick was elected the first out state openly gay black man elected mayor of an American legislator in New York, and re-elected every two years city. Oden served as mayor until 2007, with an LGBT- since. Her successes include the majority city council. Board member Jeff Horton with Project 10 founder State legislators Christine Dr. Virginia Uribe. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb “Together, we are changing the face of government Kehoe, Carole Migden, Sheila and ensuring the LGBT community, with all its talents James Kuehl, and Jackie and skills, has a strong voice in policy-making arenas —Cindy L. Abel & Scott Widmeyer, Co-Chairs Gay & Goldberg championed pushing equality forward after their and increased access within the halls of power. Victory’s Lesbian Victory Fund; groundbreaking elections to the work is bolstering American democracy by living up to —Bill Lewis, Chair, Gay & Lesbian Leadership California State Assembly. our nation’s tradition of fair and equal representation.” Institute, from 2004 Annual Report

30 Shattering Lavender Ceilings 31 AN EAR AT THE WHITE HOUSE Then HUD Assistant A real turning point in LGBT political power Secretary Roberta came when former anti– activists David Achtenberg and Virginia Apuzzo at a Mixner and Bill Clinton rekindled their friendship Victory Fund event in 1992. in 1994. Courtesy of It wasn’t easy. Mixner had lost 300 friends to AIDS, Karen Ocamb including his beloved partner, Peter Scott, and he and Lynn Greer were working hard as board co-chairs for Victory Fund. William Waybourn “did a brilliant job in getting the organization off the ground on a daily basis,” Mixner says, a “huge challenge” since so many donors had died and others were financially stretched funding AIDS organizations. Greater LGBT representation was a necessity, but LGBT politicos were pariahs. In 1988, Mixner and checkbook activists Randy Klose, Duke Comegys, and David Wexler offered ’s presidential campaign $1 million in bundled “lavender” dollars. They were rebuffed. “We just sat there aghast. How can we be at the apex of this epidemic and the Democrats won’t even touch us as a group?” Mixner recalls. In late 1991, presidential aspirant Clinton called Mixner, expecting automatic support. Mixner said the dark horse candidate needed to secure the ANGLE endorsement, given Victory Fund only endorsed LGBT candidates, and Clinton received it. But ANGLE’s support was soon put to the test with the Gennifer Flowers sex scandal. Clinton seemed like the walking dead, Mixner recalls. First Openly LGBT Presidential After Clinton’s victory, Victory Fund’s William the person who engineered the positive confirm,” ANGLE remained loyal while also making Confirmed Appointee Waybourn spearheaded the Presidential Appointments says Achtenberg. “She knew where all the bodies were demands for their participation in a February In 1980, Virginia Apuzzo, an administrator in Project. At the top of the agenda was ensuring the buried, and she went up to the line to make it happen.” fundraiser at the Beverly Wilshire hotel, hosted New York City Mayor Ed Koch’s Health Department, nomination and confirmation of Achtenberg to be Achtenberg’s confirmation became a mobilizing by future Secretary of State Warren Christopher. co-authored the first-ever gay civil rights party platform Assistant Secretary of the Department of Housing and moment for the LGBT movement. “Everybody knew I They wanted a private LGBT reception for out San plank as an openly lesbian delegate to the Democratic Urban Development. could not go down,” she says. “It felt like we had to do Francisco Supervisor Roberta Achtenberg to introduce Presidential candidate Bill Clinton at a fundraiser with David Mixner. National Convention. But in 1992, it was out San “My appointment was designed to be the vanguard,” whatever it took to win.” Vice President Al Gore was Clinton, hoping her raised visibility would lead to a “We have all come a long way tonight,” Mixner Courtesy of Karen Ocamb Francisco Supervisor Roberta Achtenberg who got to says Achtenberg, though no one imagined the degree on standby in case he was needed to break a tie on the presidential appointment. said, introducing Clinton, the Los Angeles Times recalled address the convention on the most pro-gay civil rights of ugly resistance. “That took everybody by surprise, floor, but on May 24, 1993, Achtenberg won 51 to 34, “I would say a third, maybe even half the people in a historical recap May 13, 2012. “No one handed us platform in U.S. history. Longtime Clinton campaign including [Sen.] , who at one point called me with a number of “chickens” not voting. at this straight dinner were gays and ,” says this event tonight . . . we earned it, inch by inch, step staffer Bob Hattoy also delivered a powerful speech on up at night and apologized on behalf of his colleagues.” Achtenberg looks back with pride. “It hurt deeply Mixner. “That put us on the map—that was a turning by step, moment by moment.” being a gay man with AIDS. Both were breakthroughs. The headline-making resistance was led by to be called all kinds of names. Helms questioned the point. We proved that we would be friends through The glowing headlines helped make Clinton The gay vote was not clinched, however. “We venomously anti-gay North Carolina Republicans legitimacy of my relationship with my family. He said thick and thin.” viable. Mixner and LGBT supporters raised $3.2 waited with baited breath to see if any reference to Senators Jesse Helms and Lauch Faircloth. Helms, who I was unfit. They questioned whether I could uphold But tensions remained. The historic “I have a million and galvanized the first-ever gay voting bloc. ‘gay’ was included” in Clinton’s acceptance speech, says tried to be a “brooding presence” during the committee the Constitution, as if being gay meant you were not vision and you’re a part of it” speech at the Hollywood A national Voter News Service exit poll showed that Achtenberg. If not, David Mixner was prepared to lead hearing, called Achtenberg “that damned lesbian,” which a patriot,” Achtenberg says. “But we prevailed, and it’s Palace in May 1992 almost didn’t happen. When the self-identified gays, lesbians, and bisexuals made up 3.2 the 133 gay and lesbian delegates off the convention lesbians soon appropriated and turned into a tee shirt. thanks to people like David and Hilary and the Victory campaign said “absolutely no press,” Mixner balked percent of votes for Clinton, well over Asian Americans floor in protest. “We needed to be vindicated, and Founding Victory Fund board member Hilary Fund who stuck their necks out. It’s easier now, and and said he was willing to return the $100,000 raised and tied with Latinos. indeed, we were.” Rosen got busy lobbying senators. “Hilary is really we’re glad of it.” from the packed house. The campaign caved. An ear to the White House was coming.

32 Shattering Lavender Ceilings 33 Victory Fund’s William Waybourn and others were arrested at “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” protest outside the White House. Courtesy of Jeremy Bernard

In April 1993, LGBT leaders including Victory AIDS Quilt displayed on the National Mall in 1993. Fund executive director William Waybourn were Unlike Presidents Reagan and Bush, President and LGBT checkbook activist who served on Clinton’s Courtesy of Karen Ocamb invited to a historic meeting with President Clinton in Clinton demonstrated concern about the AIDS crisis, Campaign Finance Committee, had died of AIDS just the Oval Office just before the March on Washington. visiting the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt weeks before Clinton’s election. The new president Yet three months later, in July, Waybourn was among displayed on the Washington Mall and including Quilt promised to tackle the epidemic. twenty-eight arrested at the White House gate protesting panels in his Inaugural Parade. AIDS had long been While Victory Fund leadership and board members Clinton’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”—a “compromise” a driving concern among Victory Fund co-founders, were optimistic about the more pro-LGBT positions of policy replacing the promise of a complete lift of the including executive director William Waybourn, and a the incoming president, they knew activists would be ban on open military service. signature issue for the nascent organization. responsible for keeping equality issues on his agenda. The presidential attention given to AIDS was unprecedented. Randy Klose, the Dairy Queen heir Victory Fund’s William Waybourn (third from right) and other LGBT leaders at a historic White House meeting with President Clinton. Courtesy of President Bill Clinton White House

34 Shattering Lavender Ceilings 35 LGBT CANDIDATES WIN BIG Former Rep. Chuck IN 1994 ELECTIONS Carpenter. Courtesy The political nation was shaken in 1994 when Ron Schlittler the Democrats lost their longtime control of the for OutHistory.org House of Representatives to conservative Newt Gingrich’s “Republican Revolution” and his politics of polarization and destruction. But observers largely missed the other big story: gays and lesbians also won, defeating anti-gay initiatives in Oregon and Idaho and electing or re-electing twenty-four lesbians and gays to office, including fourteen of Victory Fund’s seventeen endorsed candidates. And among the victorious candidates were at least three out gay Republicans. San Diego Republican was elected municipal court judge in 1994, launching a strong career that led to her ousting an incumbent in 2002 and being elected America’s first out district attorney. Victory Fund helped Dumanis, then a superior court judge, win that race by featuring her in 7,000 mailers and soliciting about $11,000 for her campaign, Victory Fund spokesperson Jason Young Former U.S. Rep. told the Associated Press, November 13, 2002. Steve Gunderson Chuck Carpenter made history in 1994 as the country’s first openly gay Republican elected to a District Attorney state legislature. Representing a largely rural district Bonnie Dumanis in Oregon, Carpenter held up the state House for a day and a half to successfully pass an employee nondiscrimination bill, which failed in the Senate by one vote in 1997. He was attacked by the religious right and defeated in the May 1998 primary by fifty- four votes. “The Victory Fund was totally committed to Chuck,” said Log Cabin Republican executive director Rich Tafel in a press release. “We were proud to be partners with them in this effort.” In 1981, Republican Steve Gunderson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin at age twenty-nine. Just over a decade later, Gunderson was outed on the House floor by notorious homophobe California Rep. Bob Dornan during a discussion over teaching about AIDS in public schools. Gunderson officially came out in an October 1994New York Times Magazine profile, making him the first openly Courtesy of gay Republican member of the House. He was handily Karen Ocamb re-elected one month later. Gunderson decided not to run for re-election in 1996, but before leaving office, Sheila James Kuehl he cast the only Republican vote against the anti-gay Perhaps the highest profile LGBT 1994 victor was 1960s. After graduating from Harvard Law School, she Defense of Marriage Act. Sheila James Kuehl, who portrayed smart teen Zelda co-founded the California Women’s Law Center and Gilroy on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis in the early wrote California’s first domestic violence laws.

36 Shattering Lavender Ceilings 37 Kuehl bore a responsibility other candidates did not shoulder: as the first LGBT person in the California legislature, she would be tasked with “representing” an emerging political minority starving for a seat at the table. Kuehl quickly learned, however, that the significance of being an out candidate had its upside, as she saw one night at dinner in Santa Monica when a “big burly guy” approached her restaurant table. “I was a little bit freaked out and wondering how this was going to turn out,” Kuehl recalls, having received anonymous death threats during her campaign. “He said: ‘You’re Sheila Kuehl, right?’ And I said, ‘Yes, I am.’ And he said, ‘I just want to tell you—I hate all politicians. I can’t stand them. They dissemble, they lie, they never tell you the truth. I hate ’em all, except for you.’ And I said, ‘Well, thank you very much, but why me?’ And he said, ‘Well, you’ve already told us the worst thing about yourself. Why would you lie about anything else?’” That voter saw as courageous. “The notion of truth-telling where such a truth is very difficult, is sort of extra points for a politician,” Kuehl says. Nineteen ninety-four also saw the Republican takeover of the California Assembly after twenty- five years of a Democratic majority. “I am going [to Sacramento] being Little Miss Gay Person all by myself, and not only was I worried about that—we also had a new, different kind of Republican majority,” she says. FIRST OFFICIAL LGBT MEETING Victory Fund co-founder “These guys brought their Bibles to the floor. One of AT THE WHITE HOUSE Dr. Scott Hitt—appointed them consistently wore his Boy Scout uniform. One of by President Bill Clinton to Bill Clinton was facing re-election without his “This group of people knows what the right thing be chair of the President’s them wore lederhosen. It was like a circus.” once-reliable LGBT base. So, is,” Leal told the Times, referring to the administration Advisory Council on HIV/ But the LGBT community “was very proud of my AIDS—with his partner, reported Tuesday, June 14, 1995: “Having disappointed officials, “and that’s what makes it more frustrating.” election, and I wanted them to see that it was a bright Alex Koleszar. Courtesy of many homosexuals since taking office, the Clinton “What [White House counsel Abner J. Mikva] spot” in the dark elections. Kuehl was buoyed by her Karen Ocamb Administration began reaching out to that alienated heard from us is that what we desperately want is a stand gay elected predecessors and felt the future would yield constituency on Monday by creating a new post: White on principles,” Wisconsin State Rep. Tammy Baldwin “more gay people, more gay people, more gay people” House liaison to the gay and lesbian communities.” told the Times. “We can tell him that because we’re the as representatives. The historic meeting was organized by Victory Fund ones who take the risk of facing backlash the most.” “I think the grand virtue of the Victory Fund is and San Francisco Supervisor Susan Leal. The delegation The officials were also angered at their reception by it immediately gives you national access to donors, was angry that the Justice Department declined to rubber-glove-wearing security guards when they arrived, supporters, and people who had actually run for office intervene in the fight against Colorado Amendment apparently as protection from HIV. “I can assure you and won who will encourage you,” Kuehl says. “It’s 2, a 1992 initiative that prohibited any civil rights that I did not catch H.I.V. through my hands. I’m sorry very important because you honestly don’t know who’s protections for LGBT people. The Supreme Court ruled they still don’t know that in Washington,” said New York on your side when you first run.” the amendment unconstitutional the following year. City Councilmember Thomas Duane, elected America’s Several months after her election, the Los Angeles Longtime Clinton friend, deputy assistant, and first openly HIV-positive official in 1992. Times wrote a front-page story, the headline of which strong gay and lesbian ally Marsha Scott facilitated the Two days after the meeting, however, Clinton Kuehl jokingly amended to “Republicans like lesbian meeting. But she couldn’t overcome the frustration of announced an executive order establishing the member, are surprised.” the forty gay and lesbian leaders and elected officials President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. Victory Former Senator Sheila Kuehl at the who met with administration officials at the Old Fund co-founder and board co-chair Dr. Scott Hitt Victory Fund Los Angeles Brunch in Executive Office Building. was named chair of the twenty-three-member council. 2013. Courtesy of Alamy Stock Photo

38 Shattering Lavender Ceilings 39 Courtesy of Edgar B. Anderson

Victory Fund Arizona Elects Nation’s First BREAKTHROUGHS candidates and GOP State Legislator IN THE STATES officials at a 1994 Victory Fund executive director William who was elected in 1998 with Victory Fund support “One day our armed forces will hold all of our Victory Fund event. While the Clinton administration continued to elected an unprecedented number of gay and lesbian Waybourn and other co-founders organized the to become the first openly gay GOP state legislator troops strictly and equally to the same high standards of wrestle with an obstructionist Republican House of candidates—and began to use their growing political Campaign for Military Service in early 1993 to in the country. He was serving in the House when conduct—instead of arbitrarily discriminating against Representatives led by Speaker Newt Gingrich, lesbians power to move LGBT equality forward in the state. press for lifting the ban on gays serving openly. he was called back to the Army Reserves as a first exemplary officers like Steve May,” Victory Fund and gays made continuous advances in the states, Lesbian and gay candidates, especially women, began After President Clinton signed “Don’t Ask, Don’t lieutenant during the crisis in Kosovo. When he executive director Brian K. Bond said in a 1999 press including in places once thought unwinnable. winning elections in the South. And for the first time, Tell” (DADT), Victory Fund supported the new mentioned “gay dollars” during a legislative funding release. “It is sad that, while the people of Rep. May’s In Arizona, Steve May became the first openly gay in 2012 every state in the nation had an openly LGBT Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, founded debate, the military launched an investigation into district are willing to treat him based on his job-related Republican to win a seat in a state legislature. California elected official. by Michelle Benecke and C. Dixon Osborn. The May for violating DADT. May balked and talked merits, the military is not. Voters value honesty—it’s cruel absurdity of DADT was underscored in the forcefully about the importance of an open military, a shame that, at least with respect to our gay soldiers, military’s pursuit of gay Republican Arizona State and the Army eventually dropped its pursuit. He the military doesn’t. One day the military’s misguided Rep. Steve May, a Mormon and an Army veteran, finished his tour of duty in April 2001. policy of mandatory discrimination will end.”

40 Shattering Lavender Ceilings 41 California Flexes LGBT Former Mayor Political Power Mike Gin with While many states had few or no openly LGBT California voters also elected numerous LGBT former Log Cabin Republican lawmakers, California was ever strengthening its LGBT candidates to the state legislature, and those officials Los Angeles political power with groundbreaking and historic wins. would use their power to make the state one of the president Ritch Hundreds of LGBT people have been appointed or most pro-LGBT in the nation. After Sheila Kuehl’s Colbert. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb elected to office in California since Harvey Milk in 1977, historic election to the Assembly came San Francisco including Robert Gentry, America’s first gay mayor, Supervisor Carole Migden (1996), Los Angeles City Laguna Beach, 1983; John Duran, HIV-positive, West Councilmember Jackie Goldberg (2000), San Diego Hollywood City Council, 2001; James Williamson, Palm City Councilmember Chris Kehoe (2000), and in Springs Unified School Board, 2014; Bill Rosendahl, Los 2002, San Francisco Supervisor Mark Leno and John Angeles City Council, 2005; Ron Galperin, Los Angeles Laird, former Santa Cruz mayor (1983). The six City Controller, 2013; Mike Gin, mayor, Redondo formed the first all-LGBT Legislative Caucus. Beach, 2005; Bao Nguyen, mayor, Garden Grove, 2014; Jose Cisneros, treasurer, San Francisco, 2004.

Treasurer Jose Cisneros. Courtesy of Brian Kusler

Former Councilmember Bill Rosendahl. Courtesy Councilmember John Duran. Courtesy of of Karen Ocamb Karen Ocamb

Assembly members John Laird, Chris Kehoe, and Mark Leno. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb Geoff Kors and his husband, board member Former Mayor Robert Gentry. Courtesy of City Controller Ron Galperin Mayor Bao Nguyen James Williamson. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb Fred Karger

42 Shattering Lavender Ceilings 43 Assembly member Chris Kehoe with wife, Julie Warren. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb

Courtesy of Karen Ocamb

John Perez John Perez, a political labor leader from East Los “As a fellow member of the LGBT caucus, I know I our community is treated and viewed publicly. When In a political fight, Kehoe is a kickass lesbian warrior Museum of California about the “very desperate” times Kehoe served seven years on the city council, Angeles, was elected to the Assembly in 2008, the speak for the community when I say what a significant you see the change in attitudes with respect to marriage whose weapon is the smartly coated word. A trailblazing from 1985 to the 1990s. during which she was appointed to the California first LGBT person of color elected to the California day this is, to live long enough to see this ascension,” equality and broad-based issues, and when you look at fixture in San Diego’s feminist and LGBT communities, In 1993, Kehoe ran for San Diego City Coastal Commission and the San Diego Association of legislature. Cousin of former Los Angeles mayor San Francisco Assembly member , also what we’ve been able to do to create safer spaces for she was the editor of the Gayzette from 1984 to 1986, Council. “My campaign motto was ‘As a North Park Governments. In 2000, she was elected to the California Antonio Villaraigosa, Perez was President Bill Clinton’s elected to the Assembly in 2008, told the San Francisco our young people—create safe spaces in our schools for leaving to chair San Diego County’s arm of the statewide homeowner, I understand the importance of clean State Assembly, where she served twelve years, during appointee to the President’s Advisory Commission on Chronicle on January 7, 2010. Perez was twice re-elected our transgender kids—the world has fundamentally campaign to defeat Lyndon LaRouche’s AIDS quarantine safe neighborhoods,’” she says. “The gay community which she co-founded the LGBT Legislative Caucus, HIV/AIDS, and is close with gay “kingmaker” Eric Speaker and, in August 2012, was elected president of changed in California.” initiative, Proposition 64. After that success, she worked realized this was our shot at truly having a seat at the authored the state’s largest energy conservation bill, and Bauman, longtime chair of the Los Angeles County the National Speakers Conference. In his May 25, 2014, Los Angeles Times column, Jim for an AIDS assistance organization. table. If we won, I would be the first elected openly was elected Assembly Speaker Pro Tem, the chamber’s Democratic Party. Perez’s political skills were recognized “When I ran for the Assembly in 2008, that was a Newton credited Perez with deserving “a large dollop “ were prevented from donating blood, so LGBT official in the county . . . It was still my favorite second-highest-ranking position. when he was unanimously elected California’s first little unprecedented,” Perez told Frontiers magazine for of the credit” for creating a state budget surplus after a the lesbian community and straight women stepped up campaign. And we won by five points. And we In 2004, Kehoe was elected to the state Senate, gay Assembly Speaker in 2010. His swearing-in was its October 11, 2013, issue. “I never saw myself getting huge deficit. Gov. Jerry Brown appointed Perez to the and started Blood Sisters to donate blood. All kinds of amazed everybody. And we set out to really be a good where she served until termed out in 2012. In March heralded on the Assembly floor by the Gay Men’s elected Speaker. But I’ve really been heartened by the University of California Board of Regents in 2014. activities like that came out of the AIDS crisis,” Kehoe representative for all the people. The gay community 2016, Christine Kehoe was inducted into the San Chorus of Los Angeles. people of California and the transformation in the way said in a March 17, 2016, video posted by the Women’s knew we couldn’t be silent anymore.” Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame as a Trailblazer.

44 Shattering Lavender Ceilings 45 Rep. Glen Maxey is sworn in by Gov. Ann Richards. Courtesy Alan Pogue, Texas Center for Documentary Photography

Toni Atkins Polishing the tip of its spear in America’s won that seat when her mentor moved to the Assembly that on her Capitol desk, “Atkins has a 2009 cartoon Breaking Barriers in progressive vanguard, in March 2014, California in 2000. Atkins then won that Assembly seat when from the Houston Chronicle with the title ‘The Gay Southern States lawmakers unanimously elected out Assembly Kehoe moved to the state Senate, and on November Agenda, REVEALED’ — it shows then-newly elected Freedom rang out in red states, too, and lesbian “I went from being the lead state lobbyist of the per session than any other member. And being an LGBT community to being a state legislator overnight. outspoken advocate and leader on issues of concern to Majority Leader to succeed openly gay 8, 2016, Atkins won Kehoe’s state Senate seat after Mayor Annise Parker, a lesbian, carting in boxes bearing women led the charge. While many thought the South would reject openly LGBT candidates, these courageous I suddenly realized that I had a complex job ahead most Texans, my ability to get assistance from others Assembly Speaker John Perez, becoming the third Kehoe termed out. labels like ‘transportation,’ ‘economy’ and ’pensions.’ of me. I was now responsible to constituents who to sideline homophobic and anti-gay measures was individuals proved otherwise, and opened the door for woman and the first out lesbian Speaker in California Atkins studied at the Harvard Kennedy School of Atkins was so delighted by the cartoon she got Parker expected me to deal with their issues: education, jobs, achieved,” says Maxey of his twelve years in office. history. The ceremony was sealed with a kiss between Government under a Victory Institute Bohnett Leaders to sign it.” other LGBT Southerners interested in public service. public safety,” says Maxey. Atkins and her wife, Jennifer LeSar. Fellowship in 2004, and later joined the Victory “But I was the ‘only’ public face for the LGBT Atkins personifies the American Dream. A Institute board of directors. “It really is about trying Glen Maxey—Texas community in public office, too. And while representing coalminer’s daughter born into poverty in southwest to mentor other members of our community. I think Glen Maxey had been the chief legislative aide to a Austin, I was surrounded by colleagues from decidedly different parts of a very conservative state. So the only Virginia, her home had no running water. But Atkins it’s really important,” Atkins told Frontiers magazine, Democratic Texas state senator (where he stopped a push to quarantine people with AIDS) and the head of the thing you can do at that juncture is stand tall, outwork went to college, volunteered for Christine Kehoe’s January 31, 2014. them all, and most importantly, know your stuff. From Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby before he was elected to the 1993 campaign to be San Diego’s first openly LGBT Atkins feels women need to be more than equal to being ostracized when I arrived, six terms later, I retired city councilmember, joined Kehoe’s council staff, then their opponents. Roll Call noted February 17, 2016, state House from Austin in 1991. He served until 2003. with a record and reputation of passing more legislation

46 Shattering Lavender Ceilings 47 Rep. Patricia Todd speaks with attendees at Victory Fund’s New Courtesy of Cathy York Brunch in 2014. Woolard

Patricia Todd—Alabama Karla Drenner—Georgia Cathy Woolard—Georgia Patricia Todd became the first openly LGBT the Arkansas House of Representatives. She won re- Women in the Peach State found their place Cathy Woolard became the first gay person elected person in the Alabama state legislature when she won election unopposed in 2008 and 2010 when she was was in the legislature. Karla Drenner was inspired to to the Atlanta City Council in 1997, defeating a her race for the state House in 2006. But it was tough. termed out. enter politics watching her mother, who held several twenty-year incumbent. In 2001, she won a citywide After winning a controversial primary runoff by fifty- “I tried to be a role model for our community,” she told Victory Fund’s Gay Agenda February 9, 2015. “I government jobs. An environmental science expert, election to become city council president. She nine votes in a district that includes Birmingham, the mother of Todd’s opponent challenged the win, saying was chosen to be the first woman in state history to co- Drenner was the first out LGBT person elected to the subsequently became a political advocate for Georgia Todd had filed her campaign finance report late to chair Joint Budget, and I was named the most effective Georgia state legislature in 2000, defeating a four-term Equality, arguing against a “Religious Freedom” bill hide a $25,000 contribution from Victory Fund. Todd member of the House in 2012.” incumbent. She is still representing that predominantly in a surprise state legislative committee hearing. “This disputed the challenge, pointing out that voters knew In 2014, she won election to the Little Rock African American district. “I never got a single piece of bill creates a law for a single point of view, and that’s she was a lesbian and previous filings included Victory City Board. The next year, forty anti-LGBT bills were hate mail or any derogatory phone calls from inside my unconstitutional,” Woolard told the Rules Committee, Fund donations. Todd, whose legislative focus is on introduced around the country, though only Arkansas district,” Drenner told The Advocate June 21, 2005. “I The New reported February 2, poverty issues, has won re-election every cycle since. and North Carolina passed them into law. “There’s attribute that to the fact that I never hid that I was gay, 2016. “It would be allowing organizations that receive a lot of irony that I could oversee a multibillion- Kathy Webb—Arkansas dollar budget, introduce and vote on bills, but can’t and I was literally and figuratively out and about.” federal or state funding to discriminate. It would repeal In May 2006, Kathy Webb won a four-way be protected from being fired simply because I’m a some laws at the local level.” Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed Democratic primary with 57 percent of the vote and lesbian!” Webb told Victory Fund’s Gay Agenda. the bill on March 28, 2016. Woolard is a Victory then the general with no Republican opposition to Fund–endorsed candidate for Atlanta mayor in 2017. Courtesy of Karla Drenner become the first openly lesbian person elected to Courtesy of Kathy Webb

48 Shattering Lavender Ceilings 49 Former Councilmember Dale McCormick campaign sign, 2013.

Sheriff Lupe Valdez speaks at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. AP photo All States Now in Play In the last two decades, LGBT leaders continued representing Maine as a delegate to the 1984 and 1988 her director of the Maine State Housing Authority Lupe Valdez—Texas to reach new heights across the nation. Significant wins Democratic conventions. where she served until 2012. In 2013, McCormick Lupe Valdez defied the Republican sweep of 2016, Homeland Security. She retired in 2004 to run for Dallas community events, even if an officer is uncomfortable. in key states led to 2012 being the first time every state In 1990, McCormick decided to enter electoral decided to enter the fray again and won election to handily winning re-election to her fourth term as sheriff, and after training from Victory Institute, she “Talking within your own group, using your own in the nation had at least one out openly LGBT elected politics, defeating a Republican state senator to the Augusta City Council. She opted not to seek re- sheriff of Dallas County, Texas. America’s only Latina won by large margins in both the primary and general language,” Valdez said, “goes nowhere. We have to official. These wins set the path for that historic moment. represent a largely rural district and becoming the first election in 2016. lesbian sheriff, Valdez makes building trust between elections. Valdez’s opponent tried to use her Victory start listening to each other. The only way to serve your openly lesbian member of the Maine legislature. She “Several years ago a political colleague in D.C. law enforcement and diverse communities—including Fund contributions against her, but she ran as the agent community is to know your community.” Dale McCormick—Maine won two more terms. A failed congressional bid in 1996 told me that I had courage for going ahead and having the LGBT community—a priority in her work. of change, underscored by being an out lesbian. Valdez Dale McCormick started her career in Iowa led her to run for and win the statewide office of state a family even though it might jeopardize my political The youngest of seven children born to migrant became the first Democrat elected in twenty-five years rejecting stereotypes, becoming the nation’s first treasurer, becoming Maine’s first woman constitutional career. It wasn’t courage. It was a choice, and one that farm workers in San Antonio, Valdez worked in the and the only woman among 254 Texas sheriffs. journeywoman carpenter in 1975. Two years later, she officer. That year she introduced her family onstage at I’ve never regretted,” McCormick wrote in an essay fields before paying her way through college and earning At the 2016 Democratic National Convention, wrote and illustrated Against the Grain: A Carpentry the Maine Democratic Convention—a breakthrough for “Out and Elected in the USA: 1974–2004” on a master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice. Valdez spoke poignantly of the five officers targeted and Manual for Women and subsequently founded a moment in the state. OutHistory.org, about her family’s appearance at the After serving as an army captain, Valdez worked her murdered in Dallas earlier that year, saying, “Violence construction and cabinetry company. She moved to She was re-elected until term limits prevented a 1996 convention. way up from jailer to investigator to senior agent at is not the answer.” She said she sends deputies to all Maine in the early 1980s and became politically active, fifth term in 2004. Gov. John Baldacci then appointed

50 Shattering Lavender Ceilings 51 Rep. Diane Sands

Throughout the years, LGBT people continued to get elected where they lived: Republican Neil Giuliano was elected mayor of Tempe, Arizona, in 1994 and served for ten years; Diane Sands was appointed to the Montana House in 1996, was then elected and is still Victory Fund’s Chuck Wolfe with David Cicilline serving; Nicole LeFavour was elected in 2004 to the Former Mayor Neil Guiliano. Courtesy of Neil Giuliano shortly after winning his Idaho House and, later, the Senate. race for U.S. Congress.

UNPRECEDENTED NUMBER OF LGBT CANDIDATES Though conservative Republicans reclaimed the of the vote, according to the Washington Blade on act,” Cicilline said on June 22, 2016, according to a U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, the Victory Fund November 3, 2010. Cicilline won election to a fourth C-SPAN transcript. “The best way to honor the lives fielded the largest number of endorsed LGBT candidates term in 2016, defeating his Republican opponent with lost in this horrific tragedy is to do something to prevent ever—164, with 107 winning their races. That bright 64 percent of the vote. it from happening to others. A moment of silence is spot in an otherwise dark election for LGBT equality Cicilline emerged as a major LGBT hero in the not enough. We need a moment of sustained action included the re-election of out Congress members summer of 2016 when he joined civil rights icon Rep. in this chamber, and we need it today. Mr. Speaker, it Jared Polis, Barney Frank, and Tammy Baldwin, and John Lewis in organizing an unprecedented sit-in on would be an insult to the victims of this shooting and the election of David Cicilline, the popular mayor of the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives after their families and others if we continue to do nothing Providence, , and the first openly gay Republicans balked at taking up sensible gun safety to prevent future tragedies.” The sit-in brought much mayor of a state capital city. legislation. Ten days earlier the worst mass shooting publicity, but no gun safety legislation was passed. “I am thrilled to be the next congressman from in modern American history occurred at the LGBT Rhode Island’s First District and so grateful to the nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida. Former Senator Nicole LeFavour. members of the LGBT community who supported my “The monstrous attack on the LGBT community Courtesy of Nicole LeFavour campaign,” said Cicilline after winning 50.6 percent in a place of refuge and empowerment requires us to

52 Shattering Lavender Ceilings 53 Former Rep. Marcus Brandon

Senator Matt McCoy

2010 Candidates Councilmember Aryln Bradshaw. U.S. Rep Kyrsten Sinema at the Victory Linda M. Vanzi became a judge on the New Mexico the GOP and President George W. Bush’s advocacy Courtesy of Arlyn Bradshaw Fund Kansas City Brunch in 2016. Mayor Jim Gray. Courtesy of Jim Gray Court of Appeals. She was first appointed by Gov. Bill for a federal constitution amendment to ban same- Richardson in October 2008, won election in 2010; sex marriage in 2004 prompted a backlash within Down-Ballot Candidates Also won retention in 2014 with 72.9 percent of the vote for the Republican Party, and he left to become an a term that expires in 2022. independent. He was re-elected to the Council in 2006 Had Significant Wins in 2010 Former Councilmember David Catania. Marcus Brandon defeated a four-term Democratic and 2010. Susan Talamantes Eggman won re-election to the Courtesy of David Catania incumbent in the May 2010 primary, and then defeated Matthew W. “Matt” McCoy is the Iowa legislature’s conservative city council in Stockton, California, with 75 his GOP opponent by 70 percent, winning election first openly gay member, winning election to the percent of the vote, and was elected to the Assembly in to the North Carolina House of Representatives. In House in 1993, then the Senate in 1997. His 2010 2012; in 2016, she headed the LGBT Legislative Caucus. 2014, Brandon was named one of “12 State Legislators overwhelming re-election came in the year the GOP Jim Gray, chair of the board of Gray Construction to Watch in 2014” but lost his race for a vacant took the Iowa House and five senators lost their seats, and vicemayor of Lexington, Kentucky, was elected congressional House seat. leaving the Democrats with a slim four-seat majority in mayor; won reelection in 2014; challenged GOP Republican David Catania was the first openly that body. Senator Rand Paul in 2016. gay member of the D.C. Council. But opposition to Arlyn Bradshaw won a seat on the Salt Lake County Council in Utah at age twenty-nine. Arizona House Rep. Kyrsten Sinema won a state Senate seat; two years later, as an out bisexual, she won a congressional seat, beating her Tea Party opponent by 10,000 votes. “How often can you say a kid who was homeless is going to Congress?” asks the former Mormon lawyer with a PhD, per NPR on January 1, 2013.

Assembly member Susan Talamantes Eggman (middle) with fellow California LGBT Legislative Caucus members Ricardo Lara Judge Linda Vanzi and Rich Gordon. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb

54 Shattering Lavender Ceilings 55 To cap off an exciting year for LGBT candidates, Victoria Kolakowski—a top priority candidate for Victory Fund in 2010—was elected the state’s first transgender trial judge. She won as a married woman— having wedded Bay Area Reporter news editor Cynthia Laird on June 16, 2008—in the marriage equality window before the passage of anti-LGBT Proposition 8 in November.

Candidate & Campaign Training in Charlotte, North Carolina, June 2016.

Power at the Table

Victory Fund and Victory Institute were founded a voice in the halls of power was necessary for shaping continued to invest in training LGBT future leaders, Courtesy of Victoria Friend/Portrait Pros on the premise that LGBT elected officials are the legislation and influencing colleagues. and Victory Fund continued to strategically invest in community’s best advocates for creating significant Indeed, once elected or appointed, LGBT leaders candidates who could transform, protect, and advance social change through legislation and policy. While did prove to make significant impacts on furthering the political and policy landscape for LGBT people. strong elected and appointed allies were vital, having LGBT rights and issues. Therefore Victory Institute Here are a handful of leaders who did just that.

56 Power at the Table 57 Courtesy Ron Schlittler, Out and Elected in the USA: 1974–2004 on OutHistory.org

Courtesy of Stand4Security

PROTECTING OUR CIVIL Jarrett Barrios RIGHTS IN THE STATES Cuban American immigrant Jarrett Barrios was burned up with fever, something his colleagues would was associated with an LGBT pride parade that the first Latino and openly gay man elected to the never have to suffer. the right-wing group MassResistance inaccurately Allan Spear Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1998, and Less recognized is Barrios’s role in establishing claimed was being run with taxpayer dollars. Romney There was a period of time just before and after in 2000. The highlight of his career was working He was seen as a “productive human being” and “they to the state Senate in 2002. The young elected official the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth. threatened to dissolve the commission, according to the in 1969 when activists were rising with out House Rep. Karen Clark on passage of the developed new ideas and new attitudes about what gay with a law degree from once Gov. William Weld first established the commission the Boston Globe, May 12, 2006. After an onslaught up against the Vietnam War and transforming civil 1993 Minnesota Human Rights Act, giving LGBT people are and how gay people behave because of that.” described himself as a kind of door-to-door salesman in 1992 in response to an epidemic of suicides of LGBT pushback led by Barrios and others, Romney rights into new liberation movements where gays and residents protection from discrimination in education, Coming out has an impact. “I’ve always argued for democracy, especially among Latinos. among gay youth. It sponsored conferences for Gay rescinded the threat. lesbians were considered a legitimate minority instead employment, and housing. The bill had been on the that coming out is the most important political decision “I encourage people to run for office; I encourage Straight Alliances where, according to an article in the In response, Barrios introduced legislation to of pathological perverts. Some of those activists, like table for twenty years. that any gay person can ever make. We think of it often people to participate in local government to make their September 2003 issue of Phi Delta Kappan, students create the new Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Yale University PhD graduate Allan Spear, chose to “I know a lot of people who have served with as personal rather than a political decision, but it also opinion heard,” Barrios said in an interview with “Out shared their struggles and received mentorship. “I don’t Youth “so its mission to reduce teen violence and make change legislatively. me—either colleagues or staff people, lobbyists in some has this really profound political impact on the people and Elected in the USA: 1974–2004” for OutHistory.org. see much hope,” said a taunted transgender student. “I suicide among teenagers is protected and does not fall Spear was elected to the Minnesota State Senate cases, who have told me that they have changed their around us and in our own society,” said Spear, who As state senator, Barrios helped protect marriage used to think that being an adult would make things prey to the political whims of a governor who would in 1972, coming out in 1974 following Elaine Noble’s views on gay issues over the years because I was the passed away on October 11, National Coming Out equality in Massachusetts. He gave an emotional speech better, but I don’t anymore.” be president.” example. He served twenty-eight years in the Senate, only gay person they ever knew,” Spear told “Out and Day, 2008. He was survived by his partner of twenty- describing a fight with a hospital nurse over whether he In 2006, Gov. Mitt Romney, preparing for a After leaving office, Barrios became the head of the including eight years as president until his retirement Elected in the USA: 1974–2004” for OutHistory.org. plus years, Junjiro Tsuji. was actually his adopted son’s real parent as the boy presidential run, was apparently angry that his name Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation in 2009.

58 Power at the Table 59 Tom Ammiano Tom Duane In 1965, Tom Ammiano, the Catholic son of a During the AIDS crisis, LGBT deputies often New Jersey taxi driver, earned his master’s degree in advised their legislative bosses on HIV/AIDS policy and special education from San Francisco State University politics. But it wasn’t until 1991 when Tom Duane was and decided to teach at an elementary school in the elected to the New York City Council that an openly Mission district. Ten years later, as one of the first HIV-positive person held a seat of political power. He openly gay teachers in the city, he co-founded a gay served there until 1999 when he was elected to the New teachers organization that successfully advocated for York state legislature as senator. He joined Deborah the school board to ban discrimination based on Glick, the state’s first openly gay state legislator, elected sexual orientation. to the Assembly in 1990. In response, California State Senator John Briggs Duane’s long legislative career includes saving the targeted Ammiano’s efforts with his 1977 initiative to city’s Division of AIDS Services from huge cuts proposed prohibit any gay people from teaching in California, by Mayor Rudy Giuliani, passing nondiscrimination as well as firing their allies. Ammiano joined gay and hate crimes laws, and in June 2011, leading the supervisorial candidate Harvey Milk and others in the Senate in the passage of the Marriage Equality Act “No on 6” campaign that successfully defeated the in conjunction with out Assembly member Daniel discriminatory Briggs Initiative the following year. O’Donnell. In 1990, Ammiano was elected to the San But for many LGBT politicos and people with Francisco School Board, where he served until winning HIV/AIDS, it was Duane’s powerful twenty-two-minute a seat on the Board of Supervisors in 1994. Ammiano harangue on the Senate floor at 3:00 a.m. on July 17, took over Mark Leno’s seat in the State Assembly in 2009, that exemplifies why personal stories and minority 2008, becoming a member of the California Legislative representation matter. With two bills already killed, LGBT Caucus. Duane expected the same fate for his bill requiring a 30 One of his most important bills was Assembly percent rent cap for an estimated 2,200 HIV-positive Bill 1266, the School Success and Opportunity Act, people living on $11 a day in subsidized housing. sponsored by Equality California. It gave transgender “I’m here to save lives. I’m here to fight for what I students equal access to all school programs and believe in,” Duane spat out in anger. “I’m here to stand facilities, including bathrooms that matched their up for myself and to stand up for other people that . Almost immediately after Governor don’t have people standing up for themselves here in Brown signed AB 1266 into law, anti-LGBT Prop this chamber.” 8 guru Frank Schubert announced a ballot initiative Duane recalled his personal horror in the 1980s effort to repeal it. In February 2014, his signature- when so many died unmercifully. “Every cold, every gathering campaign fell short. virus, every temperature—I thought I’d be dead. And “The forces putting this referendum together so did so many people that I knew,” he screamed, included the people that make money off promoting “Dead! You think you scare me? You think you can hate and professional fearmongers, who took advantage make me back off? Nothing scares me . . . I wish I could of what other people didn’t understand,” Ammiano say things are different now, but they’re not. Not much told the Sacramento Bee on February 24, 2014. different at all.” “The people who belittle the rights of transgender “You think it’s funny! We’ll kill Duane’s bill. No, students should know their efforts encourage the you’re not killing my bill. You’re killing people!” he bullies. It is their intolerance that allows the violence to Courtesy of Karen Ocamb yelled into a silenced chamber. continue, and that violence affects every child, not just Duane received a thirty-second standing ovation, transgender students. They should be ashamed.” and his bill passed 51–1. In early November 2010, he joined 200 protesters and was among 18 people arrested after Governor David Paterson vetoed the bill. But the video of Duane’s speech went viral, with POZ Courtesy of Karen Ocamb magazine founder Sean Strub calling it in an email to friends, “one of the most powerful speeches ever given in a legislative chamber on behalf of people with HIV.”

60 Power at the Table 61 SECURING OUR LGBT RELATIONSHIPS As domestic partnerships, civil unions, and then marriage equality became realities, LGBT elected officials and appointees played critical roles in ensuring these rights for constituents. A report by Victory Institute in June 2016 found that nearly 70 percent of straight lawmakers who voted for marriage equality said their LGBT colleagues had a positive impact on how they voted on the issue. Additionally, the influence of LGBT lawmakers on marriage equality votes of straight lawmakers increased as the number of LGBT lawmakers increased. It was vindication of the importance of representation, and the importance of the missions of Victory Fund and Victory Institute. “We must let those voters know that they need not change their views about sexual orientation in order to live up to their beliefs in nondiscrimination,” Victory Fund executive director Brian Bond told The Advocate for the August 17, 1999, issue. “When openly gay officeholders share a place at the table of public policy with their straight colleagues, we can build bridges across the old divisions of political party, religion, and sexual orientation. Across those bridges, our new consensus-building activism will create a new place of common ground where we can secure equal rights for all Americans.”

Governor signs the California Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act of 2003. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb

Carole Midgen and Jackie Goldberg Though massively outspent, Gray Davis won unions bill and California voters overwhelmingly a human being,” Goldberg said on the Assembly floor, as the June 1998 primary and general election—with passed Proposition 22, defining marriage as between a captured in the 2016 documentary Political Animals. considerable support from LGBT voters—to become man and a woman in 2000. Though in the middle of a , Davis California’s first Democratic governor in sixteen Assembly member Paul Koretz, a strong LGBT signed AB 205 on September 19, 2003, to go into years. It mattered. While West Hollywood passed a ally, introduced a –style bill, but it was pulled effect in 2005. domestic partnership registry in 1985, followed by to be supplanted by out Assembly member Jackie “We really should not have to be going through State lawmakers rallied San Francisco, Berkeley, and Santa Cruz, efforts by Goldberg’s almost-marriage Domestic Partner Rights all of this domestic partner business,” Goldberg told residents to push for state legislators had failed. But in October 1999, and Responsibilities Act of 2003 (AB 205). Goldberg the San Francisco Chronicle September 20, 2003. “We relationship recognition in their states. Here, residents Davis signed out Assembly member Carole Migden’s was strategic, advising legislators to tell their constituents should have our relationships recognized as marriage. rally in the Minnesota capitol. Assembly Bill 26, the first domestic partnership it was merely an extension of an existing bill, rather than But that’s not where we are yet. This bill makes sure our Courtesy of Fibonacci Blue statute enacted without a court order. More rights something new. But passage was not easy. “There’s no other families get protected, our children are protected, our were added in 2001 after Vermont passed its civil group in this room that has to ask please, please treat me like partners are protected to the fullest extent of the law.”

62 Power at the Table 63 Rep. Bill Lippert opens a debate on marriage equality legislation in the Vermont House in April 2009. AP photo

Assembly member Mark Leno and Geoff Kors in surprised shock after the marriage bill passes. Courtesy of Bill Wilson

Mark Leno The year 2004 was an explosive year. President They were upstaged by same-sex marriages coauthors. By spring 2005, Leno brought the bill to the Bill Lippert George W. Bush advocated an anti–gay marriage beginning in San Francisco, yet Leno forged on, making Assembly floor with the forty-one votes needed, but one amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Republican his case to colleagues. Speaker Fabian Nunez hesitated, of the coauthors inexplicably disappeared, and the bill Bill Lippert spent the 1970s and 1980s building constitutional right to the rights and responsibilities against discrimination and .” And he described strategist Karl Rove orchestrated anti–gay marriage noting legislators’ political concerns. But Leno argued: failed. That summer, Senate Pro Tem Don Perata agreed community spirit by organizing Vermont’s first LGBT of marriage but did not confer marriage itself. Instead the crucible of the AIDS epidemic. “Don’t tell me what initiatives in eleven states to ensure Bush’s re-election. “How could the gay assemblyman from San Francisco to let Leno “gut and amend” an existing bill, which pride rally in Burlington and launching supportive the court told the legislature to either grant marriage or a committed relationship is and isn’t,” he said. And San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom ordered city not attempt to change the law that the mayor of San then also passed when it went back to the Assembly for foundations. But he felt the tug of legislative politics come up with a parallel structure. The Rutland Herald reported on March 16, 2000, and county clerks to grant marriage licenses to same- Francisco was blatantly breaking?” concurrence. That, too, resulted in high drama until a after Gov. Howard Dean appointed him to a vacant After a series of ugly hearings and death threats that Lippert felt it was strange to ask: “Should we get our sex couples. Nunez agreed to sign on as a joint-author if Leno waited civil rights believer delivered the final vote. seat in the Vermont House of Representatives in 1994 that clearly excluded the possibility of passing marriage, rights now, or should we wait a little longer, or should Overlooked in the tumult was a historic legislative until after the elections—which he did, after first having Schwarzenegger, who was running for re-election, during a backlash against LGBT rights. By 2016, he they came up with “civil unions,” granting everything we ask all the people whether we should get our rights?” feat by out Assembly member Mark Leno. “Jolted” by the bill pass out of the Judiciary Committee. Meanwhile, vetoed the bill. “It was political expediency for him,” served eleven full terms in office. but the word “marriage.” Years later Lippert led the passage of a marriage the Massachusetts Supreme Court decision in Goodridge Kors amended Equality California’s endorsement policy to Leno says. He vetoed the bill again in 2007. Central to Lippert’s legacy is his historic effort in Lippert’s emotional speech on March 15, 2000, is equality bill, including overriding Gov. Jim Douglas’s v. Dept. of Public Health, Leno was determined to fight only support candidates favoring marriage equality. Their “We delivered to him history on a silver platter,” 2000 to draft and pass Vermont’s landmark civil unions widely credited with the bill’s passage. The House was veto, bringing marriage to same-sex couples on April 7, for marriage. After strategizing with Equality California victories began to dispel the belief that supporting equal says Leno, “and this man, lacking any vision at all and bill as vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee. In silent as Vermont’s only openly LGBT legislator asked 2009. He subsequently married his partner of twenty- executive director Geoff Kors, he introduced the bill on marriage rights was a political liability. with a heart of stone, vetoed the bill a second time,” December 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled in his colleagues to understand same-sex relationships as six years, Enrique S. Peredo Jr. Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2004, an annual day of Leno introduced the Religious Freedom and Civil Leno says. Baker v. State of Vermont that same-sex couples had the “miracles” amid unrelenting prejudice—a “triumph protest organized by Marriage Equality USA. Marriage Protection Act in December with a slew of new

64 Power at the Table 65 Assembly member Daniel O’Donnell holds a press conference to urge colleagues Courtesy of krossbow to support a marriage David Catania equality bill in 2009. Courtesy As the nation’s capital, the District of Columbia He lobbied constituents and colleagues to help of Donna F. Aceto is under federal jurisdiction. But in April 2009 after secure the votes of fellow councilmembers. The council Vermont legalized marriage rights for same-sex passed the bill 11–2. Catania was gracious toward the Danny O’Donnell couples, the D.C. City Council asserted home rule dissenters on the council. “They are my friends, and Outside of New York, openly gay Assembly equality Republicans, the bill was finally passed and signed anyone else,” O’Donnell said in a debate with NOM’s and voted 12–1 to recognize the marriages of same- they are decent; this is simply a difference of opinion,” member Danny O’Donnell may be recognized more into law just before midnight on Friday, June 24, 2011. Brian Brown on CNN June 18, 2011. “In the end, this sex couples from other jurisdictions. The bill was he told CNN for its report December 15, 2009. as out comedienne Rosie O’Donnell’s older brother “We reached a new level of social justice this evening,” said is not a question about anything other than equality . . . signed into law and enacted that July, paving the Democratic Mayor Adrian M. Fenty signed than as the first openly gay man elected to the New Cuomo, the Daily News reported June 25, 2011. If, in fact, people want to change the human rights laws way for the Stand4MarriageDC coalition and out Catania’s marriage bill into law on December 18. It York State Assembly in 2002. But he was relentless in The drama had been intense, with anti-LGBT or the discrimination laws, they should make proposals D.C. Councilmember David Catania to introduce then survived a thirty-day review by the Democratic- pressing for marriage equality in the state. groups like the National Organization for Marriage in legislative bodies to do that. Me getting a license has the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality controlled Congress before taking effect on March 3, For O’Donnell, the personal was political. Starting advocating a ballot initiative and promising to target no impact on that. They know that.” Amendment Act in October 2009. 2010. Future Victory Fund President & CEO Aisha in June 2007, he secured passage of the Marriage pro-equality legislators seeking re-election. O’Donnell On January 29, 2012, O’Donnell married John “It really speaks to the long and rich tradition of Mills and Danielle Moodie, who were frontline activists Equality Act in the State Assembly three times, only to fought back against NOM’s concocted threat of Banta, his partner of thirty-one years. tolerance and acceptance that does make up the sense of in the fight, were among the first couples to apply for be stopped in the Republican-controlled Senate, where “unintended consequences” with the “re-definition” of place in the District of Columbia,” Catania said before a marriage license and were wed on August 7, 2010. the fight was waged by out State Senator Tom Duane. “traditional marriage.” the December 2 vote, reported that On the fourth try, however, after arm-twisting of “No one has ever been able to make the case that my same day in 2009. legislators by O’Donnell, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and pro- ability to get a license from my state has any impact on

66 Power at the Table 67 Rep. Greg Harris with Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn at the 2011 Equality Illinois Gala. Courtesy of Kat Fitzgerald for Windy City Times

Greg Harris Winning marriage equality in Illinois required more But Harris also had his own team of adamantly Governor Quinn added his own drama, using arm-twists and plot twists than a mega-drama soap opera. aggressive supporters including the governor, House 100 pens to sign the marriage bill and using the desk Courtesy of Matt Moonen Victory Fund–endorsed Illinois House Rep. Greg Harris Speaker Michael Madigan, Senator Heather Steans, on which President Abraham Lincoln wrote his 1861 first introduced a civil unions bill in 2007, and after and several Republican backers. And President inaugural address, calling on Americans to heed “the Matt Moonen several legislative machinations, Gov. Pat Quinn signed Barack Obama was following the drama in his better angels of our nature,” the Chicago Tribune the bill on January 31, 2011. Harris also first introduced home state, as well. In December 2012, a White reported November 20, 2013. Quinn specifically Before he was a Victory Fund–endorsed candidate Maine and successfully orchestrated an injunction on Question 1 initiative won on that November 6, 2012, the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Bill on House spokesperson reported Obama’s unusual quoted Lincoln when addressing the crowd of about for the Maine House of Representatives in 2012, the law going into effect, Moonen fought that battle ballot, with the exact flip of the 2009 vote—53 percent February 22, 2007. The bill suffered a slew of failures endorsement. And on November 5, 2013, when it 2,300 at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Matt Moonen served as the political director at too. But in November 2009, Maine Question 1 passed supported marriage rights and 47 percent opposed. and fierce opposition from the anti-LGBT Illinois finally passed, Obama tweeted: “This is huge . . . “In the very beginning of the Gettysburg Address, EqualityMaine, where he helped pass the freedom to by a vote of 53 percent to 47 percent, repealing equal Interestingly, voters in Washington and Maryland also Family Institute and the Catholic Conference of Illinois, the Illinois House just passed marriage equality.” President Abraham Lincoln of Illinois said that our marry bill in the Maine Legislature, introduced by marriage rights for same-sex couples. approved marriage equality measures on the same day. with Cardinal Francis George of Chicago issuing a letter That was followed by a statement that read, in part: nation was ‘conceived in liberty.’ And he said it’s State Senator Dennis Damon. The bill was signed LGBT politicos were astounded, however, when Marriage equality went into effect in Maine on decrying the bill that was put in every parish bulletin. “Michelle and I are overjoyed for all the committed ‘dedicated to the proposition that all men are created into law May 6, 2009, by Gov. John Baldacci, the Mainers United for Marriage decided to go back to December 29, 2012, as Moonen prepared for office. Harris carried around the roll call list of legislators for couples in Illinois whose love will now be as legal equal,’ and that’s really what we’re celebrating today,” first governor to sign a marriage equality bill. After the ballot box to regain those marriage rights. Many Since then he continues the fight for LGBT equality in a year, constantly checking names for shifting positions. as ours—and for their friends and family who have Quinn said. “It’s a triumph of democracy.” California Proposition 8 mastermind Frank Schubert believed that civil rights should never be put up for a Maine—and is a leading voice in convincing colleagues “This was not just another piece of legislation,” he told long wanted nothing more than to see their loved exported his winning anti–gay marriage strategy to vote by “the people.” But the ironically titled Maine that LGBT rights benefit all Maine residents. the Chicago Tribune, November 10, 2013. ones treated fairly and equally under the law.”

68 Power at the Table 69 Courtesy of Department of the Army Eric Fanning Eric Fanning describes his historic Senate out of Dartmouth College when he started working Later he became involved with Victory Institute as confirmation to be Secretary of the Army as “bizarre.” for Aspen, then the Wisconsin representative who well. “I am a product of the [Presidential] Appointments LGBT White House staff in Eminently qualified—a foreign policy and national chaired the House Armed Services Committee. Project,” Fanning says of the Victory Institute initiative the Obama administration. security expert who had been confirmed as undersecretary “There were no openly gay people—I wasn’t even and his confirmation. “Putting me on the list brought Courtesy of André Chung CHANGE FROM THE INSIDE of the Air Force in 2013—Fanning’s confirmation was out yet—that were part of the conversation” about my name to the attention of people who didn’t know Presidential appointees working in the executive LGBT people appointed to professional full-time or put on hold for eight months while Kansas Republican DADT, he says. “It impressed upon me, in a very I was gay,” but knew him from different capacities. branch and federal agencies can influence policymakers advisory positions in the executive branch and federal Senator Pat Roberts tried to leverage the Obama stark way, the importance of having a voice at the Fanning was finally confirmed by McCain and Roberts and steer agencies to recognize and address equality agencies, including the impactful Chai Feldblum as administration on an entirely different issue. table.” on May 17, 2016. “Two Republicans extoling my issues. Recognizing this insider power, Victory commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Ironically, Fanning’s strongest champion was Fanning became involved in Victory Fund shortly qualifications!” Fanning says. “It was just a bizarre Institute’s Presidential Appointments Project presented Commission in 2010. Arizona Republican Senator John McCain, who just five after it was formed—joining the board during the thing to watch. But that was the silver lining of having more than 3,000 vetted resumes of openly LGBT Former Victory Fund board member Eric Fanning, years earlier had been one of the strongest opponents of Bush administration and becoming vice-chair before that hold. It got attention, members started talking leaders to the Obama transition team in late 2008, serving as Secretary of the Army, and former Victory repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT),” the policy leaving for a federal government position. “The first about it—and it was bizarre. But it was certainly a nice Denis Dison told the Washington Post on September Fund executive director Brian Bond, who served as that allowed military service for lesbians and gays, but thing that struck me about the Victory Fund is it has feeling” getting confirmed. 20, 2015. The Obama administration subsequently set the deputy director of the White House Office of the only if their sexual orientation was not revealed. such a focused mission,” Fanning says, which was With his confirmation, Fanning became one of the a record for LGBT hires—with more than 300 openly Public Liaison, were among the high-level appointees. Fanning was in the Pentagon at the time, working “particularly important because I had seen first-hand highest-ranking openly LGBT officials in U.S. history. for Secretary of Defense Les Aspen. He was fresh how that makes a difference.”

70 Power at the Table 71 Raffi Freedman-Gurspan.Courtesy of National Center for Transgender Equality Dylan Orr. Courtesy of Dylan Orr. Courtesy of Olli Tumelius Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, Dylan Orr, and Amanda Simpson

Chairman Fred Hochberg. Courtesy of US Department of Agriculture. Ambassador John Berry. Courtesy of Chuck Wolfe exploded when President Obama made special assistant to Assistant Secretary of Labor Kathleen Courtesy of Lance Cheung history by referring to the transgender community Martinez in the Office of Disability Employment in his January 20, 2015, State of the Union address Policy. He worked at the Labor Department for five John Berry and Fred Hochberg on how Americans should “respect human dignity.” years, including two years as chief of staff in the Office The two names most frequently mentioned when “John is one of the most talented managers generated record finance exports, which put him in But Obama went beyond rhetoric, hiring openly of Disability Employment Policy, where he received LGBT politicos talk about who has been vetted, tested, in government,” Steve Elmendorf, former deputy good standing with the business community. Many transgender professionals as well. much praise from Labor Secretary Tom Perez. In 2015, Senate-confirmed, and an easy fit for a Cabinet position campaign manager to ’s presidential politicos think his most natural Cabinet fit would be After openly transgender woman Raffi Freedman- he was hired by Seattle Mayor Ed Murray to lead are John Berry and Fred Hochberg. campaign and newly elected chair of Victory Fund told Commerce Secretary or U.S. Trade Representative. Gurspan was hired as an outreach and recruitment Seattle’s Office of Labor Standards. John Berry, who started as director of the Office of MSNBC on September 13, 2013. “He’s qualified to “A cabinet of the best talent that also looks like director at the White House Office of Presidential Simpson, a veteran of the aerospace-defense Personnel Management (OPM) in March 2009 and was run almost any cabinet agency but particularly Interior America would include a guy like Fred Hochberg,” Personnel, Obama senior advisor told the industry, was hired as senior technical advisor in the termed out four years later, was the U.S. Ambassador because of his experience there, as director of the openly gay New York Congress member Sean Patrick Washington Post on August 18, 2015: “Her commitment Bureau of Industry and Security in the Commerce to Australia during the Obama administration. His National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and as director Maloney, a former senior West Wing adviser to to bettering the lives of transgender Americans— Department. A graduate of Victory Institute’s tenure at OPM proved to be extremely successful, of the National Zoo.” President Clinton, told MSNBC. “He knows how to particularly transgender people of color and those in Candidate & Campaign Training program, Simpson including, GovExec.com reported April 11, 2013, Fred Hochberg, chairman and president of the bring people together and create jobs.” poverty—reflects the values of this administration.” was subsequently reposted to the Pentagon, where she “streamlining the federal hiring process, tackling the Export-Import Bank and a friend of Victory Fund The Obama administration tapped Dylan Orr held increasingly high-level positions for the U.S. Army retirement claims and security clearance backlogs, and since its founding, was described as a “gay rising star as its first openly transgender employee in late 2009, in energy and technology. In 2015, Simpson was sworn championing access to health benefits for the same-sex in the Obama administration,” according to MSNBC. followed by Amanda Simpson. Orr, then a thirty-year- in as the first Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for partners of federal employees.” Hochberg’s leadership at the Export-Import Bank old University of Washington School of Law graduate Operational Energy. from Seattle, went to work at the Labor Department as Amanda Simpson. Courtesy of Department of Defense

72 Power at the Table 73 David Huebner David Huebner, an expert in international law, was President Obama’s first openly gay ambassador confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He was sworn in at the White House by Vice President Biden on December 4, 2009, with his spouse, Dr. Duane McWaine, holding the Bible. As U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, Huebner used his legal and diplomatic skills— and his understanding of communications gleaned as a founding board member of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. Huebner pioneered “21st Century Statecraft” to engage with local communities, especially youth, through social media and regular blogging. “Most embassies spend all of their time, it seems to me, with straight, white, successful business guys over 55,” Huebner told Yale magazine ThePolitic.org on August 14, 2013. “Our view was, given the work we wanted to do, we needed to start building relations with future generations and go straight to the source.” Rufus Gifford Rufus Gifford is the antidote to “The Ugly American.” Formerly an entertainment executive and 2012 finance director for Obama for America, he was sworn in as Ambassador to the Kingdom of on August 15, 2013, and presented his Ambassador David Huebner. Courtesy of US Department of State credentials to the Queen on September 13, 2013. To introduce himself to the Danes, he collaborated with Danish television to produce a documentary about his Ambassador Hormel with professional and personal life, letting cameras capture Speaker of the House Nancy LEADING AROUND THE WORLD him with his husband, Dr. Stephen DeVincent, and Pelosi at a 2012 San Francisco Obama appointed seven openly gay ambassadors But when Clinton nominated him as U.S. AIDS Foundation event. talking to students at high schools, PRI.org reported during his administration, including U.S. Ambassadors Ambassador to Luxembourg in 1997, with approval from Courtesy of San Francisco September 30, 2016. I Am the Ambassador from Daniel Baer (Organization for Security & Cooperation the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, anti-LGBT AIDS Foundation America won a Danish television award in 2015, and in Europe); David Huebner (New Zealand and Samoa); religious zealots refused a floor vote, claiming Hormel was Gifford became a recognizable and influential reality James Costos (Spain and Andorra); James “Wally” pro-pornography because he funded an LGBT history TV star in the country. Brewster (Dominican Republic); Ted Osius (Vietnam); section at the San Francisco Public Library. Clinton gave After the show premiered on Netflix in September Rufus Gifford (Denmark); and John Berry (Australia). him a recess appointment in May 1999, and he was sworn 2016, Gifford posted on Instagram: “I hope very much in as America’s first gay ambassador by Secretary Madeline that it will serve as a vehicle through which you learn Jim Hormel Albright in June 1999 with his then-partner, Timothy Wu. a little about the US, a little about Denmark, a little Before the Obama ambassadors, however, there “Until the time that people accept that all of us are about diplomacy and the unique bond between people was James Hormel. A philanthropist with a law born into our sexual orientation and identity, LGBT and nations. And hopefully make you smile and laugh degree from the University of Chicago Law School, citizens will still endure discrimination and selective a little along the way.” he was a founding member of the Human Rights application of the Constitution’s protections,” Hormel Campaign Fund and was on the board of the American wrote in an op-ed for CNN on November 16, 2011. Foundation for AIDS Research. In 1995, President He played a visible and respectable role in Clinton appointed him to serve on the United Nations representing America abroad and, despite the difficult Commission on Human Rights, and in 1996, he served confirmation hearing, was a sign that LGBT people on the U.S. delegation to the UN General Assembly. would make strong representatives for the nation. Ambassador Rufus Gifford. Courtesy of US Department of State

74 Power at the Table 75 First West Hollywood City Council in November 1984. Courtesy of West Hollywood City Council

Former Councilmember Christine Quinn speaks at the Victory Fund Chicago Brunch in 2012. Assessor Jeffrey Prang and husband Ray Vizcarra vote for Jeff in the 2014 election. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb

Christine Quinn Christine Quinn was a housing justice advocate Quinn’s refusal to march in the traditional St. Hollywood City Council, including four terms as Transforming Government when Tom Duane asked her to manage his successful Patrick’s Day parade because organizers refused to mayor. As president of the California Contract Cities 1991 city council campaign, afterward becoming his allow LGBT people often led to questions about her Association, he instituted LGBT nondiscrimination chief of staff. She then gained national attention as faith. “Well, it’s just who I am,” Quinn, now a CNN policies and inspired or helped other out LGBT elected LGBT elected officials and leaders—many endorsed Mike Mansfield. “Gay Camelot,”Frontiers magazine leaders. But that just made us redouble our efforts to the aggressive, articulate, redheaded executive director commentator, told NPR on June 24, 2012. “I mean, officials. In March 2012, the Los Angeles County Board and supported by Victory Fund—have transformed publisher Bob Craig called it after the election of the improve our community and tackle the challenges we of the New York Anti-Violence Project. In 1999, she I’m Catholic, and I’m gay. There’s not much to deal of Supervisors hired him to clean up the Assessor’s government at the local, state, and federal levels. nation’s first gay-majority city council. faced.” ran in a special election for city council to represent a with. I mean, it’s who I am. It’s how I wake up every office after a scandal, and was subsequently elected Los Of the nineteen lesbian or gay candidates, Among the ordinances the council quickly adopted district that includes Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and morning.” Angeles County assessor, making him responsible for BETTERING OUR CITIES three won: Valerie Terrigno, elected mayor; former were rent stabilization, domestic partnerships, and laws parts of SoHo. She won overwhelmingly, and then won seven jurisdictions worth about $1.2 trillion. West Hollywood was euphoric after cityhood model Stephen Schulte; and twenty-seven-year-old prohibiting discrimination against people with HIV/ five more full terms. She was elected by her peers to Jeffrey Prang “I was hired and kept in place because of my passed in the fall of 1984. It seemed like the fruition lawyer John Heilman, who has been re-elected every AIDS and based on sexual orientation. serve as city council Speaker, serving from January 1, For more than twenty years, Jeffrey Prang has been unquestionable integrity and in recognition of my of the social justice revolution about which the cycle since. The other members were Helen Albert, Heilman also convened a meeting of about a dozen 2006, to December 31, 2013, the first openly LGBT the consummate political insider. He was a senior aide leadership skills and experience as public manager,” counterculture movement waxed so poetically during representing seniors, and Alan Viterbi, representing the openly LGBT elected officials, which he described as person to serve in the third most powerful public to out Los Angeles County Assessor Kenny Hahn, a Prang told Frontiers magazine on November 4, 2014. decades of California dreaming. Out of necessity, active Jewish community. “more like a support group.” From that was created the position in New York City. Her wedding to longtime Los Angeles City Council member, the Los Angeles seniors, renters, and LGBT people formed a coalition “Some people said we couldn’t succeed,” Heilman International Network of Lesbian and Gay Officials, partner lawyer Kim Catullo on May 19, 2012, was County sheriff, and assistant city manager for Pico to create something totally new in Los Angeles County, told WehoVille.com on December 5, 2014. “And right which merged with Victory Institute in 2004. splashed across the tabloids. Rivera—all while serving eighteen years on the West spearheaded in large part by Ron Stone, a gay man away we were hit with the AIDS crisis and the loss of with AIDS who was a former aide to U.S. Senator so many talented residents, employees, and community

76 Transforming Government 77 Courtesy of Annise Parker Annise Parker Annise Parker’s election as mayor of Houston, served six years as controller, six years as an at-large Texas, in December 2009 was a huge leap forward. As member of the city council, and as mayor from 2010 the first openly LGBT person elected mayor of a major to 2016. U.S. city, it merited news briefs on the front page of The “The most powerful political thing we can do is to Times of India, among other international news outlets. come out on an individual basis. Every one of us makes “Tonight the voters of Houston have opened the a difference. But when public officials come out and Ed Murray doors to history,” Parker said election night with her publicly advocate, we have ways to touch people’s lives Dateline: Friday, January 27, 2006. Washington newspaper. “I’m very happy. It’s a moment of joy.” on November 17, 2016. But Murray also wants to partner, Kathy Hubbard, their three children, and her that other people cannot. The impact is magnified,” State Rep. Ed Murray huddled in the wings of the He was even happier witnessing Governor Christine bring hockey and a professional basketball team to mother on stage with her, the Houston Chronicle reported Parker said during the Victory Fund’s twentieth Senate chamber with his longtime partner as the roll Gregoire sign the bill into law. Washington became Seattle, and create an entertainment center in the heart December 12, 2009. “I acknowledge that. I embrace anniversary celebration in 2011. Being internationally call was taken after an epic debate on legislation that the seventeenth state to ban discrimination based on of the city. that. I know what this win means to many of us who known as the lesbian mayor of Houston “gives me an would prohibit discrimination against LGBT people in sexual orientation and the seventh state to include Thinking of his legacy, Murray told ESPN: “Often thought we could never achieve high office . . . But now, opportunity to do two things: to provide another face employment, housing, and lending. Murray had been transgender protections. when I listen or look at sports blogs, I see a lot of stuff from this moment, let us join as one community. We to the world of what being a lesbian looks like; but it pushing the bill since 1995, the year he was appointed A Victory Fund–endorsed candidate, Murray spent about who gay men are, and having been the first gay are united in one goal in making this city the city that it also gave me a great opportunity to advocate for my to the House. eleven years in the state House and then six in the state mayor of this city, I would love to be the guy who could be, should be, can be, and will be.” city. And as I tell Houstonians on a regular basis, ‘I have The final vote was a breathtakingly close 25–23. Senate, where he fought for marriage equality before actually brought these teams home and shut some of Parker achieved this historic moment with help raised the coolness factor of Houston.’ And I’m happy “With the Senate approval of the bill, the Capitol being elected mayor of Seattle November 5, 2013. Three those people down.” from her “secret weapon,” Victory Fund and Victory about that.” erupted into revelry of hugs, heartfelt tears, and months earlier, on August 10, 2013, Murray married Institute. She had gone through Victory Institute’s Parker won seventh place in the World Mayors champagne toasts,” the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Michael Shiosaki, his partner of twenty-two years. Candidate & Campaign Training, and as Houston City 2014 contest for her “adept balancing of social and reported late that night. His top priorities are trying to solve the homeless Controller in 2005, she was a Bohnett Fellow at the economic issues while making significant progress “For some of us, and I think for the whole state, crisis and working to lift the graduation rate for African Former Mayor Annise Parker speaks at the 2014 Victory Fund Houston Brunch. Harvard Kennedy School. Additionally, Victory Fund on both,” according to the City Mayors Foundation. it’s a new dawn, it’s a new day,” Murray told the American youth, he told ESPN 710 AM Seattle radio endorsed and supported her in all her campaigns. She Parker was the only American to crack the top ten. 78 Transforming Government 79 Victory Fund volunteers with Jackie Biskupski during her run for Salt Lake City mayor.

Jackie Biskupski Mayor Pete Buttigieg at Victory Fund’s Windy There’s something quintessentially American marriage initiatives on the ballot designed to help re- Mayor Robert Garcia. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb City Toasts in 2015. about Jackie Biskupski’s story. A Minnesotan of Polish- elect President George W. Bush. American descent, her Catholic parents named her after After leaving office in 2011 to work in the Salt First Lady Jackie Kennedy. She received her Bachelor of Lake County Sheriff’s Office, she decided to run Robert Garcia Science degree in criminal justice from Arizona State again. In 2015, with endorsement and support from Robert Garcia’s winning smile is matched only this to be mayor of everyone, no matter the age or the campaigns and for prominent international strategic University, after which she fell in love with the beauty Victory Fund, she became Salt Lake City’s first openly by his passion and intellect. His mother immigrated color of their skin or who they love.” consulting firms before returning home to run for mayor. of Salt Lake City during a skiing trip and stayed in the LGBT and second female mayor, defeating a two-term to California from Lima, Peru, when he was five. Garcia is working to make Long Beach—the He was elected in November 2011, at age twenty-nine, predominately conservative Mormon state. Biskupski incumbent. Nine months later, she married longtime He earned a master’s degree in education from the thirty-sixth largest city in the country—into the with 74 percent of the vote. In 2014, he served seven came out in 1989 and decided to run for office after partner Betty Iverson in a ceremony with their two University of Southern California and a PhD from Silicon Valley of Southern California. Long Beach was months as a lieutenant in the US Navy Reserve in the Salt Lake City Board of Education and the Utah adopted sons, and officiated by Kate Kendell, executive California State University, Long Beach. included as part of the Los Angeles bid to host the 2024 Afghanistan, winning re-election the following year with state legislature tried to kill a Gay/Straight Alliance at director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Garcia was an active young Republican until 2007 Summer Olympic Games. an astounding 80 percent of the vote. East High School in December 1995. The controversy On November 20, 2016, Biskupski revealed her when he changed his party affiliation to Democrat, On June 16, 2015, Buttigieg came out in an essay made national news. governing values in a post reassuring constituents and started a local news website where he gained Pete Buttigieg for the South Bend Tribune. “It’s clear to me that at a “What they were doing was just plain wrong,” frightened by results of the presidential election. “I prominence. In 2009 at age thirty-two, he defeated six President Obama called Pete Buttigieg, the openly moment like this, being more open about [being gay] Biskupski told People magazine November 5, 2015, know from years of experience fighting for the rights other candidates for Long Beach City Council, making gay mayor of South Bend, Indiana, one of the most could do some good. For a local student struggling with and it motivated her to run. In 1998, she was elected to of LGBT people and other marginalized communities, history as the youngest, first male Latino, and first “gifted” politicians in the Democratic Party in an her sexuality, it might be helpful for an openly gay mayor the state House of Representatives, Utah’s first openly ‘waiting’ and ‘hoping’ are not paths to equality,” she LGBT council member of color in Long Beach. interview with the New Yorker Magazine, November to send the message that her community will always have LGBT elected official. During her thirteen years wrote on the mayor’s blog. “Our strength comes from As a Victory Fund–endorsed candidate, Garcia 2, 2016. And in his June 12, 2016, New York Times a place for her. And for a conservative resident from a in the state legislature, she was a strong and critical our struggle and our willingness to stand up for what made history again when elected Long Beach mayor in column, Frank Bruni speculated that Buttigieg could different generation, whose unease with social change voice for minorities and the LGBT community. She we believe . . . Salt Lake City will remain committed to 2014. “I think you run, not necessarily to be the first, I be America’s first gay president. is partly rooted in the impression that he doesn’t know Courtesy of Jackie Biskupski fought battles over same-sex adoption, anti-bullying protecting the human rights of all who call this great know that there are certainly historical implications of A graduate of Harvard and Oxford universities anyone gay, perhaps a familiar face can be a reminder legislation, and Amendment 3, one of eleven anti–gay city home.” my election,” Garcia told NBC4 Los Angeles. “I’m in and a Rhodes scholar, Buttigieg worked on political that we’re all in this together as a community.”

80 Transforming Government 81 LEADING IN THE STATES

Despite the federal government’s overwhelming reach, state legislatures and officials often have more influence on the daily lives of LGBT Americans—for better or worse. Thankfully, LGBT elected officials can transform state policy on LGBT equality, as demonstrated by these officials. Tina Kotek Tina Kotek made history in 2012 when colleagues elected her Speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives, the first out lesbian in the nation to lead a state legislative body. “We all look for people out there who look like us,” Kotek told the Associated Press November 15, 2012. “I Speaker Tina Kotek looks have had emails and text messages from people who are on as Oregon Gov. John very excited,” she added. “I think any time you have a Kitzhaber signs House ‘first,’ it’s an important thing for the community.” Bill 2800—legislation Kotek sponsored to Kotek was first elected to represent her largely encourage state schools liberal district in 2006, winning re-election by to serve locally grown increasingly higher margins. In 2010, she won with food. Courtesy of Oregon Department of almost 81 percent of the vote, prompting the House Transportation Democratic Caucus to elect her as Democratic whip. She was re-elected Speaker in 2015.

Mark Ferrandino Senator Stan Rosenberg. Courtesy of Former Senator Richard Tisei. Courtesy of Mark Ferrandino overcame considerable childhood Massachusetts State Legislature Richard Tisei learning disabilities to become the first openly gay man to serve in the Colorado House of Representatives in Stan Rosenberg Richard Tisei 2007. He was elected Speaker in 2012. For three years Stan Rosenberg is the longest-serving member of the Victory Fund–endorsed Richard Tisei received national in 1984, he was elected to the state Senate in 1990 and Ferrandino and openly gay state senator Pat Steadman Massachusetts State Senate. He was the first openly gay attention in 2014 in his nail-biting run to become rose to become Minority Leader in 2007. He came out co-sponsored and pushed colleagues to support a civil person elected to the Massachusetts House in 1987, and the first out Republican ever elected to Congress as a two years later, and then became the GOP’s nominee unions bill, which finally passed in 2013. Governor then the state Senate in 1991. In 2013, he was appointed non-incumbent. Though ultimately unsuccessful in for lieutenant governor in 2010. John Hickenlooper signed the bill in March 2013 to Senate Majority Leader, making him the highest-ranking that challenge, Tisei was endorsed by the Boston Globe, “[O]ver the past 10 years, we’ve seen just a cheers and jubilation. LGBT elected official in the state. In January 2015, his which lauded his years on Beacon Hill during which he tremendous change take place in people’s attitudes,” “This legislation won’t change my relationship colleagues unanimously elected him president of the Senate. “avoided hot-button social issues and instead staked out Tisei told Slate magazine in March 2014. “Five years with Greg [Wertsch], but it will provide the needed After eight years together, Rosenberg married a common-sense, reform-oriented direction,” the Globe from now, 10 years from now, it won’t even be an issue.” protections for our precious [fourteen-month-old Bryon Hefner in a private ceremony in Cambridge noted on October 23, 2012. foster] daughter, Lila,” said Farrandino, the Huffington in September 2016. “The best way to win someone’s Tisei served twenty-six years in the Massachusetts Post reported January 3, 2013. “We’re not asking for trust is to tell the truth: clearly, forcefully, directly,” legislature. First elected to the House of Representatives tolerance. You can have your beliefs. We’re asking to be Rosenberg says boldly on his Senate website. treated as equal under the law.” He also continues raising awareness on issues unique to LGBT seniors. Commenting on a report on aging, Rosenberg noted, “Massachusetts has always been a pioneer on issues that affect the LGBT community, and this report is the first step in advancing a policy Courtesy of agenda that addresses the concerns of the thousands of Speaker Mark Ferrandino LGBT older adults across the Commonwealth.” 82 Transforming Government 83 Governor Kate Brown becomes the Attorney General Maura Healey. Courtesy of Former Senator Ed Flanagan first openly LGBT person elected Maura Healey governor in U.S. history on election night 2016. AP Photo Maura Healey Ed Flanagan Maura T. Healey, a Harvard graduate with a law Healey was subsequently appointed to head up In the 1990s, Ed Flanagan carried the hopes of OUR FIRST GOVERNOR degree from Northeastern University, was hired by the Business and Labor Bureau but resigned to run for many LGBT politicos on his shoulders as he ran to Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley in attorney general. She won in November 2014, becoming become the first statewide-elected official in the United Kate Brown 2007 to head up the Civil Rights Division. It was there America’s first openly gay state attorney general. States. First elected as Vermont State Auditor in 1993, Bisexuals slightly outnumber self-identified gays Governor Brown continues to raise awareness on ceremony, The Advocate reported May 22, 2015. “Our Healey drew national attention as she spearheaded the “My commitment is deeply personal,” Healey told he came out in 1996 before seeking re-election, when or lesbians, according to an April 2011 study by the important but difficult issues. Running in her first young people deserve acceptance, support, and love. To official state challenge to the federal Defense of Marriage the Huffington Post on March 13, 2014. “I’m a gay person he received enthusiastic backing from Victory Fund. Williams Institute. But until Kate Brown made history election for governor in 2016, Brown revealed she the young people who question their identities, suffer Act. In 2009, on Coakley’s orders, Massachusetts filed myself, so of course it’s personal. I do feel and hope that He served until 2001. with her election as governor of Oregon, bisexuals had had been a victim of domestic violence, though not from bullying, or struggle with what it means to come a complaint alleging that DOMA violated the U.S. equality is everyone’s agenda and everyone’s interest and After a few unsuccessful campaigns, Flanagan was few high-ranking representatives as role models. at the hands of her husband, to whom she has been out, today is your day . . . Your voices have been heard.” Constitution by ignoring and violating state sovereignty something that everyone should be behind, but I certainly elected to the Vermont State Senate in 2004 and served Brown has a long history of shattering lavender married since 1997. Brown also revealed the fear she Brown is supremely cognizant of how representation after the 2004 ruling legalizing same-sex marriages in have a personal commitment to issues of equality.” until 2011. ceilings. Appointed to fill a vacancy in the Oregon felt as a new lawyer at the prospect of losing her job in matters. “You can’t be what you can’t see,” Brown told Goodridge v. Dept. of Public Health. The 2010 District “It is hugely important to have a living, breathing House of Representatives in 1991, she went from the the 1980s because she was dating a woman. Since then the Washington Blade October 19, 2016. “If I can be a Court decision was the first to hold that DOMA was member of the gay and lesbian community there on House to the state Senate in 1996. In 2004, she became she has worked hard to secure LGBT rights, including role model for one young person that decides that their unconstitutional. the Senate floor,” Flanagan told the Detroit News, the first woman elected to serve as Senate Majority signing a bill banning so-called “” life is worth living because there’s someone like them in September 20, 1999. “In debating health care and Leader. In 2008, she was elected Secretary of State, on minors. the world, it’s worth it.” defense policy, they will remember that this Flanagan becoming the first openly bisexual elected statewide “There are many things that young people need, On November 8, 2016, Brown became the first guy is gay. After I have gained respect, that’s when the official in the United States. While serving, she was but breaking them down based on their sexual or openly LGBT person elected governor—a bright spot bigotry will be evaporated.” elevated to governor in 2015 after her predecessor was gender identity is not one of them—and in fact, it’s in an otherwise difficult election for equality supporters. forced to resign. inexcusable,” Brown said during the emotional signing

84 Transforming Government 85 Courtesy of Edgar B. Anderson

CHANGING THE U.S. CONGRESS Courtesy of Edgar B. Anderson

Jim Kolbe Barney Frank Arizona Republican Rep. Jim Kolbe came out to With his announcement, Kolbe joined albeit without mentioning gay rights. That year, Kolbe The most impactful openly gay elected official in watched younger gay men and lesbians confront the bigots Frank leaves a legacy of laws, but he kept one control the message, rather than have The Advocate out Massachusetts Democratic Reps. Barney Frank also discovered and reported fellow Republican Rep. America is arguably Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank. openly with a courage that I lacked. After all those years, important power play secret until his book came out. him in response to the veteran Congress member’s July and Gerry Studds and Wisconsin Republican Rep. Mark Foley’s communications with congressional The whip-smart and funny chair of the House Financial lying to people was much easier emotionally than finally Frank was deeply disappointed in President Clinton 12, 1996, vote in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act. Steve Gunderson in being the only four openly gay pages, though the scandal Foley wouldn’t be Services Committee co-authored the Dodd-Frank Act admitting my lie,” Frank wrote in Politico on March 12, for signing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” But in 1996, when “That I am a gay person has never affected the way Congress members at the time. exposed until 2006. to instill more accountability and transparency in the 2015, in an excerpt from his book, Frank: A Life in Politics Frank discovered Clinton was going to name anti-gay that I legislate. The fact that I am gay has never, nor Kolbe’s legislative career started in 1976 when he Though circumstances forced Kolbe to come out, banking industry after the financial meltdown of 2007. from the Great Society to Same-Sex Marriage. Georgia Rep. Sam Nunn as Secretary of State, Frank will it ever, change my commitment to represent all was elected to the Arizona State Senate. In 1984, the afterward he felt a weight lifted. “It is a relief to have Frank was a legislative professional for four decades, But Frank received unexpected support and, wrote a scathing memo and Clinton listened. “Being the people of Arizona’s Fifth District,” Kolbe said in a moderate pro-choice Republican was elected the first this out in the open,” he told the Tucson Citizen. “I having been elected to the Massachusetts House of despite some embarrassing bumps, luxuriated in a leading opponent of fair treatment for LGBT people statement, the Tucson Citizen reported August 1, 1996. of ten times to represent the Arizona-Mexican border have probably had better conversations with family and Representatives in 1972, and serving until his election being an out gay representative. “I’m used to being in should be considered a disqualification for high honor Kolbe defended his decision. “My vote on DOMA region in Congress, where he was known as a strong friends in the last 48 hours than in the last 48 years. In my to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1980. He won a minority. Hey, I’m a left-handed gay Jew. I’ve never within the Democratic Party,” Frank wrote in his is defensible on the merits,” he told the Tucson Citizen, supporter of guest worker programs for immigrants family, these kinds of things were simply not discussed.” re-election to his sixteenth and final term in 2010 by an felt, automatically, a member of any majority,” Frank book. “No comparable opponent of fair treatment for adding in his statement that marriage is an issue that and for drafting and passing the North American Free In 2013, Kolbe married Hector Alfonso and eleven-point margin. said in a New York Times Magazine interview February African-Americans, women or any other group would should be left to the states. “I abhor, and vigorously Trade Agreement. He decided not to seek a twelfth signed onto an amicus curiae brief supporting Afraid that coming out might hurt his career, Frank 4, 1996. When Republican House Majority Leader have been considered for such a post. I am proud that oppose, discrimination in the work place based on race, term in 2006. marriage equality submitted to the Supreme Court in lingered in the closet until 1987. “For many years, I Dick Armey referred to him as “Barney Fag,” Frank I helped establish the principle that we should receive religion, gender, or sexual orientation—any treatment In 2000, Kolbe became the first openly gay person Hollingsworth v. Perry, the federal case challenging the was ashamed of myself for hiding my membership in a refused to accept the right-winger’s apology, and the equal consideration.” that is not based on merit.” to speak before the Republican National Convention, constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8. universally despised group. I’d been afraid of exposure, slur rebounded on Armey. Frank married his longtime and angry at myself for my self-denial. I’d felt shame as I partner Jim Ready on July 7, 2012.

86 Transforming Government 87 Rep. Jared Polis Jared Polis speaks at the Jared Polis, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, was 2014 Victory Fund elected in 2008 to represent Boulder, Colorado, and National Brunch. handily won his fifth election in 2016. Polis served in the Democratic congressional leadership and is the senior member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. In 2011, Polis became the first openly gay parent in Congress with the birth of a son. In November 2015, he helped launch the Congressional Transgender Equality Task Force, which aims to raise awareness and develop legislative solutions to protect transgender people. David Cicilline David Cicilline has more than two decades of political experience, serving in the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003, where he became a fierce advocate for gun violence prevention laws. Cicilline continued that advocacy as mayor of Providence after his 2002 election, and into the U.S. House of Representatives when he was elected in 2010. Rep. David Cicilline

On June 22, 2016, wearing rainbow pins to honor the LGBT victims of the Orlando massacre, Cicilline joined civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis in organizing a sit-in in the well of the House to protest Republican refusal to take up gun safety legislation. Sean Patrick Maloney Sean Patrick Maloney, the first openly gay person elected to Congress from New York and a father of three children, is a consummate high-ranking insider. He served in of the Clinton White House, and as First Deputy Secretary to New York Governors The LGBT Congressional Eliot Spitzer and David Paterson. Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus Equality Caucus. Representatives David Cicilline, Maloney has been unrelenting in the fight The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus was In 2016, six openly LGBT members of Congress Sean Patrick Maloney, Kyrsten for federal LGBT nondiscrimination protections, launched in 2008 by Wisconsin Rep. Tammy Baldwin served as co-chairs: David Cicilline (D-RI), Sean Sinema, Jared Polis, Mark leading several legislative efforts in Congress. In 2016 Pocan, and Mark Takano. and Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank, with support Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Jared from the House floor, he challenged colleagues who from fifty congressional allies. Baldwin said the caucus Polis (D-CO), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Mark congratulated him on his wedding but then voted would be “symbolic and substantive” and “serve as Takano (D-CA). It played a dual role as policy body against such protections—boldly calling out their a resource for members of Congress, their staffs and and representative voice for LGBT people. In June hypocrisy and demanding they support equality. the general public on LGBT issues,” according to the 2016, for instance, the caucus issued a press release Washington Blade on June 4, 2008. denouncing an anti-LGBT bill, and criticized the Frank said the timing was right, given the new House Committee on Oversight and Government Democratic president with majorities in the House Reform for the insensitive decision to hold a hearing on and Senate. “Until this Congress, the role of those of the bill “in the wake of the mass murder of 49 LGBT us supportive of legal equality, the progress of sexual people and allies at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando.” Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney speaks orientation and gender identity was purely defensive, at Victory Fund’s National Brunch and you don’t need a big caucus to say no,” Frank said. in 2015.

88 Transforming Government 89 Mark Pocan Rep. Mark Pocan speaks THE FIRST LGBT SENATOR Mark Pocan is a deep believer in traditional at Victory Fund event. Wisconsin progressive values. He followed his friend Tammy Baldwin Tammy Baldwin into the Wisconsin State Assembly, “The Victory Fund made it possible to scale up in a dramatic way, by organizing collectively the LGBT community and its allies serving from 1999 to 2013, and then was elected to replace her in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013. to make sure we had voices in more rooms, that we had people at a greater number of tables. It’s made all the difference. It’s been Pocan, who became an LGBT activist after an early gay so amazing.” bashing incident, has pushed forward numerous LGBT —Out U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin to rights issues during his terms. Beginning in 2015, Victory Institute President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, Pocan and Rep. Charles Rangel led a multiyear effort October 2016 to help LGB service members dishonorably discharged because of their sexual orientation correct their records and reinstate earned benefits. Kyrsten Sinema Kyrsten Sinema is the first out bisexual in Congress. She served in both chambers of the Arizona state legislature before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012. As a child, she and her mother lived in an abandoned Florida gas station for several years, yet she graduated from college at eighteen, earned a master’s, law degree, and PhD. Sinema understands the importance of representation. When Congress was voting on an LGBT nondiscrimination bill, Rep. Mark Takano said he and Sinema went to the Republican side, and she whispered in his ear: “Try to catch glances with some of them. Make them understand what they’re doing.”

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema speaks at the Victory Fund San Diego Brunch in 2014.

Mark Takano Mark Takano is the first openly gay person of color of Representatives but eventually won the seat in 2011. elected to Congress. An educator who taught literature On November 17, 2016, Takano, a Japanese American in public schools for twenty-three years, Takano whose parents and grandparents were interned in was elected to California’s conservative Riverside camps during World War II, pushed back on Donald Trump’s call to register Muslims, saying in a statement Senator Baldwin at the 2016 Community College Board in 1990, where he pushed International LGBT Leaders Rep. Mark Takano speaks at the Victory Fund for domestic partner benefits. Takano was outed that it reflects “an alarming resurgence of racism and Conference, which she has National Brunch in 2016. during an unsuccessful 1992 run for the U.S. House xenophobia in our political discourse.” attended since its founding. 90 Transforming Government 91 Aisha C. Moodie-Mills with Senator Tammy Baldwin. Developing Future Leaders

“Victory was key to accessing resources for me. It was the one-on-one ability to talk to somebody about creating a campaign plan, how to be disciplined about raising money, and the nuts and bolts of putting together a campaign.” —U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin to Victory Institute President & CEO Aisha Moodie-Mills, October 2016

Out U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) personifies Victory Fund’s mission. She came out while attending Smith College and was elected in 1986 to the Dane County Board of Supervisors while getting her JD degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Baldwin attended the Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute for support in the mid-1980s. Charlotte City Councilmember LaWana Mayfield, “There were literally less than two dozen of us in Attendees listen at Victory Institute International Claremont Unified School District Board Member Program’s "Democracy for All: Political Participation Steven Llanusa, and Georgia State Representative the country and the entire world that we could count. of LGBTI Persons in the Western Balkans," a Keisha Waites outside the Harvard Kennedy School Yet we recognized what an incredible difference it made gathering of European LGBTI political leaders in of Government during their Victory Institute Bohnett Belgrade, Serbia, in 2014. Leaders Fellowship in 2014. to be in the conversation and having a seat at the table. representative. A hard worker, Baldwin authored an support from Victory Fund. Baldwin was named to the It transformed the discussion in the communities we amendment to the Patient Protection and Affordable Senate Democratic leadership after the 2016 elections. became elected officials in, and it hastened progress Care Act that allowed young people to stay on their “I often describe how, in the early days of Dozens attend the four- for LGBT Americans in amazing ways,” Baldwin told parents’ health insurance plans until the age of twenty- meeting with our elected officials, we were more day intensive Candidate Victory Institute President and CEO Aisha C. Moodie- six, an important element of Obamacare that became of a support group,” Baldwin says. “Today it’s a & Campaign Training in Portland, Oregon, in 2014. Mills on October 27, 2016. law in 2010. professional networking organization that is helping In 1992, Baldwin, a strong progressive, ran for a Healthcare was one reason Baldwin ran for office, one another to be more effective and successful in seat in the Wisconsin Assembly, becoming one of six having lacked health insurance as a child and “battling fighting discrimination and injustice and forming out LGBT officials to win that year. She won her third a serious illness, feeling that no family should have to broad coalitions with others doing the same on behalf re-election in 1996 with 71 percent of the vote. During go through what ours did,” she told Moodie-Mills. of other communities. Victory Fund has made all of her campaigns, she often cited anthropologist Margaret Baldwin says her two passions are “equality and health that possible.” Mead saying, “Never doubt that a small group of care for all,” something she grappled with when the thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. HIV/AIDS crisis hit Dane County. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” In 2012, Baldwin made American history when In 1998, Baldwin was elected to Congress as she became the first openly LGBT person elected to Wisconsin’s first woman and first openly LGBT the U.S. Senate, with strong bundling and campaign

92 Developing Future Leaders 93 CANDIDATE & CAMPAIGN Councilmember TRAINING John Heilman Dallas Sheriff Lupe Valdez credits becoming the at Victory Fund first Latina lesbian sheriff elected in the United States event with Chuck Wolfe. Courtesy to Victory Institute. She says the expert Candidate of Karen Ocamb & Campaign Training she received “provided the guidance, skills and support I needed to run for a seat that no Democrat had won in more than 25 years—and no woman had ever won,” the Dallas Voice reported October 20, 2006. Colorado Rep. Jared Polis, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and Alabama State Rep. Patricia Todd also went through the four- day training, among hundreds of other candidates and leaders interested in political campaigns. “LGBT candidates bring an honest and open perspective to running and being in office. This is needed now more than ever,” says Joe Fuld, president of The Campaign Workshop, which helps conduct the training. “In a world of political noise, LGBT candidates are some of the best candidates for office because they have to be. They are more qualified and Rep. Barney Frank speaks at the more engaged in their communities and more trusted 2008 International LGBT Leaders than most folks running for office.” Conference. The training also includes critical fundraising advice. “Fundraising is one of the biggest stumbling “To say it’s nice is an understatement. I couldn’t along with reporters who identified us as ‘admittedly The conference also became a celebration of blocks for candidates,” Fuld says. “We work with be happier for our community or happier for her,” gay’ or ‘avowed homosexual.’ A lot has changed. The historical LGBT moments. “The conference after candidates to learn how to build a fundraising program Elaine Noble, the first out lesbian to win statewide Victory Institute has played a crucial role in training Tammy Baldwin was elected to the Senate was a from the beginning. Being able to not be afraid to ask office, toldThe Advocate for its January 19, 1999, and supporting LGBT leaders. The public’s perception great memory; everyone was in celebration. At the for money and run competitive races has made a big issue after Tammy Baldwin was elected to Congress. of the LGBT community has changed a great deal, beginning, we never could have imagined such a win,” difference for LGBT candidates.” “I’m so proud I’m even in the same line of history. She as well. In a very short period of time, we now have says Heilman. “What’s exciting is that the conference represents to me a milestone in how sophisticated we’ve LGBT elected officials throughout the country at all gives you ideas. You get to see how others have dealt really become.” levels of government.” with challenges similar to what you are dealing with in Longtime West Hollywood City Councilmember your position. You learn what works and what doesn’t John Heilman couldn’t agree more. But that INTERNATIONAL LGBT work. Sharing experiences with other LGBT elected sophistication wasn’t haphazard. It was consciously LEADERS CONFERENCE officials inspires you and gives you motivation.” developed to build a pipeline for LGBT elected and In 2004, INLGO merged with Victory Institute appointed officials, starting in many ways with Victory under President & CEO Chuck Wolfe, enabling the Institute’s predecessor, the International Network of now International LGBT Leaders Conference to Lesbian and Gay Officials (INLGO). expand and deepen. “The first meeting of INLGO was in 1985 in “The conference was always run by the hosting West Hollywood,” says Heilman, a West Hollywood city and host committee, which changed every cityhood and INLGO co-founder in 1984. “It was year,” Heilman told Victory Fund’s Gay Politics blog Candidate & Campaign an amazing gathering of openly gay and lesbian September 18, 2015. “With Victory’s resources, the Training in Charlotte, North elected officials. I think there were only eleven or conference has grown. There have been new speakers Carolina, in June 2016. twelve of us at the time. In 1985, we were dealing and people from different disciplines. The evolution with the federal government’s indifference to AIDS, has been exciting.”

94 Developing Future Leaders 95 “Victory trains LGBT leaders to run for office because representation equals power. We teach them how to compete for and win a place at the table, and that has proven to be a game-changer for LGBT equality in so many communities across the country,” Aisha Moodie-Mills told Dallas News reporter Rafael McDonnell, who took the August 2015 training in San Antonio, Texas. The two dozen members of McDonnell’s Candidate & Campaign Training class were diverse in age, region, racial and ethnic makeup, and included three transgender aspirants as well. “The training was intense and designed to simulate the stresses of working on an actual campaign,” McDonnell reported, with campaign scenarios “rooted in reality.” The training included “exploring how to target likely and persuadable voters, campaign strategies and messaging, plus a dose of reality on how expensive it can be to run for office. We also discussed the importance of building a solid campaign staff and how to attract and nurture volunteers,” he reported. They also tried Rep. Nickie Antonio. Former Rep. Simone Bell. to figure out how to reach voters with their campaign Courtesy of Nickie Antonio Courtesy of Lambda Legal message, how to develop a campaign plan, access voter data, and handle an unexpected immediate crisis. Nickie Antonio LaWana Mayfield The Victory Institute’s “candidate and campaign Nickie J. Antonio took Victory Institute’s LaWana Mayfield, the first openly LGBT person training is a valuable tool, and I would recommend it Candidate & Campaign Training, and in 2010 made and second African American woman to sit on the for any LGBT person considering either running as a history by becoming the first openly LGBT person Charlotte, North Carolina, city council, is now in her candidate or working on a political campaign,” says ever elected to the Ohio House of Representatives—a third term. A Candidate & Campaign Training alumna, the reporter. 208-year-old legislative body. In 2011, she became she pushed through an LGBT nondiscrimination bill in a Victory Institute Bohnett fellow at the Harvard the city, which sparked the state legislature’s passage of Kennedy School to grow her leadership skills. Now anti-LGBT House Bill 2. In June 2016 amid national in her third term, Antonio is the House Minority attention around HB2, she spoke to participants about Whip and is a recognized leader in health policy and her experience at the Candidate & Campaign Training in advocating for equity. She has introduced an LGBT in Charlotte. Fairness Act in every session. Antonio and her partner, “All of it was really like drinking water from a fire Jean Kosmac, have two daughters. hydrant with the amount of information you receive,” she said. “Thanks to Victory, I learned that I wasn’t Simone Bell asking for money for me, I was asking for money for Candidate & Campaign Training alumna Simone Bell me to do the work of the people.” was elected to the Georgia state legislature in 2009, making history as the first out black lesbian elected to a state legislature. A constant advocate for LGBT equality, Bell was named House Minority Chief Deputy Whip for the Georgia House Democratic Caucus in November 2014. When she resigned to take a job with Councilmember LaWana Lambda Legal in October 2015, she urged openly Mayfield speaks to future leaders at Victory Fund Park Cannon to replace her so the seat would stay Candidate & Campaign in LGBT hands. The young Victory Fund–endorsed Training in Charlotte, North candidate won the seat in March 2016. Carolina, June 2016. 96 Developing Future Leaders 97 Evan Low Evan Low was a Bohnett fellow in 2008, two years after he was elected to the Campbell, California, city council, making history as their first Asian American representative. Low made history again when he was elected mayor in 2010 at age twenty-six, then the youngest openly LGBT mayor in the country. Four years later, Low became the youngest Asian American legislator elected to the Assembly in California history. He became a member of the California LGBT Legislative Caucus and quickly rose in the Democratic leadership, becoming Assistant Majority Whip. As a representative for Silicon Valley, Low joined with Assembly member Ian Calderon in 2015 to launch the California Legislative Technology & Innovation Caucus. “As an elected official, I can choose to follow public opinion or I can help to lead it,” Low said in a January 26, 2012, interview with Victory Fund’s Gay Politics blog. “I’m interested in learning about our options and then helping people make the right decisions.”

Assemblyman Evan Low. Courtesy of Courtesy of Evan Low Susan Young

DAVID BOHNETT LEADERS FELLOWSHIP Since 2002, one of Victory Institute’s most “Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School Senior Executives become not simply a signature program for Harvard sought-after programs is the David Bohnett LGBT in State and Local Government program had existed for and Victory Institute, but a great example to other Daniel Stewart Leaders Fellowship, which has sent 133 accomplished decades, but even by their own admission, they suffered funders about the power of investing in the leaders Daniel Stewart was one of the first Bohnett fellows met with Republican presidential nominee George LGBT leaders to the Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior at times from a lack of diversity, including the absence who will determine the future of our community and, in 2002, two years after he took office as the first W. Bush in 2000—the first time a GOP presidential Executives in State and Local Government program. of exceptional LGBT elected and appointed officials,” indeed, our country.” openly gay mayor elected in New York State. Before candidate met formally and publicly with LGBT The intensive, three-week executive education training Bohnett explains. “In 2002, at the suggestion of our good “Funders are always being asked about how we his three terms as mayor of Plattsburgh, he was elected leaders. Stewart soured on Bush by 2004, especially enables senior-level executives working with state and friend Fred Hochberg, a number of funders met in the measure the success of a grant,” says Bohnett. “When I three times to the city council as a Democrat. But after his proposed federal constitutional ban on same- local governments—including government officials sunroom of the Washington, D.C., home of Marylouise look at the caliber and quality of the 133 Fellows who New York Republican Gov. George Pataki convinced sex marriage. “He hit my soul; he hit my heart. I’m not and elected officeholders—to hone their professional Oates to pool their funds to cover a couple of partial we’ve helped to attend Harvard, the transformative him to switch parties to broaden the diversity of the going to stand there and violate my own conscience to skills and then join the Bohnett alumni network for scholarships to this renowned leadership program.” leadership skills they’ve developed, and the essential GOP, according to a San Francisco Chronicle article on help get someone elected,” Stewart told the Chronicle. further leadership development. “The Fellowship was immensely popular, and it relationships they’ve honed both in Cambridge and October 10, 2004. He was one of the “Austin 12” who The David Bohnett Foundation has invested quickly became clear to all of us that a larger long- after they’ve returned home, I know that by any nearly $2 million in LGBT leadership programs run by term commitment was required,” he continues. “With measure, this program is a success.” Former Mayor Daniel Stewart. Courtesy Victory Institute since 2000, including $1.4 million in our investment of more than $1.3 million, the David Ron Schlittler, Out and Elected in the the fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School. Bohnett LGBT Leaders Fellowship Program has USA: 1974–2004 on OutHistory.org

98 Developing Future Leaders 99 Ricardo Lara Brian Sims Ricardo Lara was a Bohnett fellow while a state Brian K. Sims, the first openly gay elected state senator representing Bell Gardens, California, in 2013, legislator in Pennsylvania, was a Bohnett fellow in and a member of the California LGBT Legislative 2013, in the same class as California State Senator Caucus. The year before, as an Assembly member, Lara Ricardo Lara. Elected to the Pennsylvania House of was the “point man in the push for immigrants rights,” Representatives in 2012, the lawyer and Victory Fund according to a Los Angeles Times story on July 27, 2013, board member seemed on fire the following year. He and it was personal. Lara’s father had been smuggled persuaded conservative Democratic U.S. Senator Bob into the United States from Mexico fifty years earlier as Casey to support marriage equality and Republican a nineteen-year-old in search of work. Senator Pat Toomey to vote for the Employment So when a Republican lawmaker linked Non-Discrimination Act. But it was an attempt to undocumented immigrants to the September 11, 2001, silence him on the statehouse floor after the Supreme terrorists during debate over a proposal granting driver’s Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act that licenses to some undocumented Californians, Lara fumed. received national headlines. An anti-LGBT lawmaker As head of the Latino Caucus, he rallied lawmakers and said Sims spoke in “open rebellion against God’s law,” said the bill “would simply allow these students to go to the Huffington Post reported June 27, 2013. Sims school, to get a license and to continue their dream of responded: “I can’t call anyone a bigot, a homophobe pursuing a better life for themselves and their families.” or racist, but language used against me does not live up On October 5, 2013, Gov. Jerry Brown signed the driver’s to the standards of this body.” license measure into law with much fanfare. Assemblyman Ricardo Lara with Aisha C. Moodie- Mills at Victory Fund’s Palm Springs reception.

Rep. Brian Sims speaks at the Victory Fund Candidate Reception at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Yesenia Chavez. Courtesy of Yesenia Chavez

CONGRESSIONAL FELLOWSHIPS AND INTERNSHIPS Victory Institute’s Congressional Internship and Shortly after her internship, Chavez secured a said Chavez. “I understood then what I know now; if we Fellowship programs are designed to increase LGBT position as legislative assistant for Congressman Raúl aren’t at the table, we are on the menu. I strongly believe inclusion on Capitol Hill. Launched in 2011, the Grijalva. She “steered the congressman to be a national that the voices of someone like me, a queer Mexican programs provide outstanding LGBT college students leader on LGBT issues” and led the introduction of the American woman, needed to make it to Congress to with intensive leadership skills and experience in the LGBT Data Inclusion Act—including bringing Laverne ensure that there is some representation of those of us most-difficult-to-access political offices. Cox to a press conference on the bill. She became who are at the intersection of the communities most And for many participants, including Yesenia a board member of the LGBT Congressional Staff marginalized during the policymaking process.” Chavez, the internship provides more than a highlight Association and co-leader of Latinas in the House. And Chavez continues to engage with Victory Institute, on a resume. An LGBT activist at University of she deeply understands the importance of representation, attending the International LGBT Leaders conferences in Houston, she became a Victory Congressional Intern mentoring junior staffers and interns to build “a pipeline Denver and Las Vegas, and speaking at fundraising events. in 2013—conducting outreach, drafting legislative for queer and women staffers on the Hill.” She is one of many in the Victory Institute internship and memos, and even authoring a statement from the “I applied [for the internship] because I was raised fellowship family that moved on to become successful Congressional Progressive Caucus on the Employment by a Mexican immigrant single mother in a low-income leaders in government and the movement. Non-Discrimination Act. household, and knew that my story needed to be told,”

100 Developing Future Leaders 101 Susan Lowenberg with her wife, Victory Institute board member Joyce Newstat. Courtesy of Susan Lowenberg

PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS INITIATIVE Darla González Victory Institute’s Presidential Appointments are also positions on boards, advisory committees, and board member Joyce Newstat, is the daughter of the Initiative (formerly Presidential Appointments other appointments around the country. late William J. Lowenberg, a holocaust survivor who INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM Project) holds more than 3,000 resumes from Among the approximately 300 openly LGBT was instrumental in the creation of the museum. Recognizing the fight for LGBT equality extends only fifteen when she was recruited and trained by In 2015, she took Victory Institute’s Candidate & talented LGBT people interested in consideration professionals appointed to full-time and advisory “My father dedicated many years of his life to beyond the U.S. border, Victory Institute has helped FARC guerrillas to join the militia. She succeeded in Campaign Training and ran for Pasto City Council. for presidential or other appointments. While positions during the Obama administration are former the creation of this great museum. As a survivor, the train leaders, promote best practices, and conduct escaping and fled to Pasto but became a sex worker to Though she wasn’t elected, she was appointed to the nonpartisan, the Initiative aims to support Rep. Jim Kolbe, appointed to the Advisory Committee day the museum opened in April 1993 was one of the research to advance equality worldwide. Victory survive. After enduring horrendous suffering, violence, Regional Government of Nariño as Adviser on LGBTI appointments of LGBT people who support equality for Trade Policy and Negotiations, and Victory Institute greatest days of his life. I am honored and proud to be Institute partners with local and national organizations and police harassment, she mobilized sex workers Issues to the Social Inclusion Secretary in that state. for all the community, including LGBT people of partner David C. Bohnett, appointed general trustee able to carry on where he left off,” Lowenberg said in a to train LGBT leaders in the Balkans, Colombia, to fight back in court. That led to her founding a She also participated in a Victory Institute meeting color, immigrants, and women. on the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center July 24, 2012, Victory Institute press release. Dominican Republic, Honduras, India, Peru, and transgender-focused organization and serving as a city with Colombian political parties to discuss increasing Victory Institute played an important role in for the Performing Arts. Lowenberg’s appointment was strongly South Africa. consultant, including advising on the city’s LGBTI LGBTI political participation. “Numbers don’t lie,” securing appointments for hundreds of junior and Some appointments, such as Susan Lowenberg’s supported by the Presidential Appointments Project Among those leaders is Darla Cristina González, Strategic Plan. González said during the meeting. “LGBT people are senior level officials, including Eric Fanning, who appointment to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, and Victory Institute’s twenty-five other national a transgender leader from Colombia whose story But the violence continued. After several running for office more than ever.” was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in May 2016 to be the governing body of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial LGBT coalition partners. illustrates how Victory Institute is helping LGBT colleagues were murdered and she was threatened Secretary of the Army. In addition to positions in the Museum in Washington, D.C., are especially personal people overcome enormous obstacles. González was and attacked, González decided to run for office. White House and governmental departments, there and impactful. Lowenberg, wife of Victory Institute

102 Developing Future Leaders 103 Report 2

Senator Tammy Baldwin speaks at a Victory Fund event at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

THE POWER OF RESEARCH The question seems simple: how can a legislator distinctions intact. And that produces positive lawmakers. Of the twenty states that are not facing Report 1 represent a community of people without knowing democratic change. anti-LGBT legislation, 85 percent have two or anything about them? History has a simple response: “When LGBT lawmakers are part of the conversation, more openly LGBT state lawmakers. whether it’s Rudyard Kipling’s “The White Man’s the dynamic changes,” said out California Rep. Mark • Nearly 70 percent of states with five or fewer Burden,” American “manifest destiny” or colonialism, Takano in a July 25, 2016, Victory Fund press release about openly LGBT public officials are rated as having or paternalism or —too often people with new research illustrating the impact LGBT lawmakers have low levels of LGBT equality by the Movement the power to make law do not know or even care about on policy positions and their straight colleagues. Advancement Project. people who are “other” than themselves. Three Victory Institute “Representation Matters” For twenty-five years, Victory Fund and Victory reports released in 2016 look at the impact LGBT “We have great allies in Congress, but no leaders Institute have built missions around the premise that elected officials have on driving equality in the states, are more tenacious in demanding LGBT equality representation is critical for communities seeking social on stopping or preventing anti-equality bills, and on than the openly LGBT members,” said out New York justice and full equality. influencing their straight colleagues on voting for Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. “We consistently ensure Report 1: The briefing shows states with openly “The other” needs a voice, a vote, a seat at the table equality. Among the findings: LGBT issues are a priority for our colleagues, and we LGBT elected officials are more likely to be high of power to create change and uphold constitutional are a critical voice in persuading hesitant lawmakers to equality states. equality for all. To prove the worth of this democratic • Seventy percent of straight state lawmakers report support the issues that affect our lives.” Report 2: The briefing shows states with one or no idea, Victory Institute not only trains future LGBT their LGBT lawmaker colleagues were influential openly LGBT elected officials are more likely to face leaders, but also conducts applicable research to in their votes in favor of marriage equality. anti-LGBT legislation. underscore that the normalization of “the other” • In the thirty states that face anti-LGBT legislation, Report 3: The briefing shows LGBT lawmakers Report 3 promotes parity while keeping positive character 74 percent have one or no openly LGBT state have a significant impact on the LGBT-related votes of their straight lawmaker colleagues.

104 105 Victory Institute continues to amplify the voices of LGBT elected officials to help further their work to transform government and push for equality. “When LGBT elected officials are part of the debate on anti-LGBT or pro-equality legislation, it humanizes the issue and makes it more difficult for anti-LGBT lawmakers to misrepresent our lives,” says Victory Institute President & CEO Aisha Moodie- Mills. “Representation matters for our community.” In 2016, Victory Institute co-hosted an event with Human Rights Campaign at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia to celebrate LGBT elected officials, including LGBT delegates.

Chelsea Clinton speaks at the LGBTQ Delegates reception hosted by Victory Fund and Human Rights Campaign at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Courtesy of Human Rights Campaign

106 Developing Future Leaders 107 The Road Ahead

Aisha C. Moodie-Mills speaks at the National Council of La Raza’s 2016 Latinas Brunch, which celebrates women who break down barriers and thrive in positions often dominated by men. Courtesy of National Council of La Raza

Aisha C. Moodie-Mills at the International LGBT Leaders Conference in 2016.

The end of Victory Fund and Victory Institute’s Additionally, Victory Institute will select promising candidates can benefit from electoral coalitions, and 25th anniversary year was marked by unexpected elected officials for its Bohnett Leaders Fellowship, receive the support necessary to win in 2017 and political turmoil. Eight years of tremendous progress which includes three-weeks of intensive training at beyond. It will provide campaign, communications for LGBT people under the administration of President Harvard Kennedy School to make them more effective and fundraising support to candidates that embrace all Barack Obama is now threatened by the racist, policymakers and leaders. people – and understand the intersectionalities of our xenophobic, sexist, Islamaphobic and transphobic Beyond our immediate frontlines, Victory movements. And it will be more strategic than ever – demagoguery that won Donald Trump the presidency. Institute will double-down on existing efforts to concentrating resources and support around candidates While LGBT movement leaders are gearing up for four identify and train a new, diverse generation of LGBT who can achieve new breakthroughs or push for equality years on defense, the missions and work of Victory leaders who can defend our community in the years in places where our community is most vulnerable. Fund and Victory Institute are uniquely positioned ahead. In the coming year, Victory Institute will train The 2016 election was a wake-up call to those who to make an outsized impact moving forward. LGBT hundreds of LGBT people on how to run for office, underestimated opponents of equality. Now, Victory elected officials are the lynchpin in coming efforts to so they can lead winning campaigns and be our Fund and Victory Institute are more relevant than ever, cement the gains of recent years while fighting off anti- legislative change-makers. It will also offer emerging because LGBT candidates and elected officials are our LGBT legislation and policies at the local, state and leaders unique opportunities through its fellowship and voice in the halls of power. The accomplishments of federal levels. internship programs. Congressional Fellows will join the last 25 years are astounding, and this book reminds Victory Institute is preparing to organize and the offices of LGBT and allied members of Congress us Victory Fund, Victory Institute and LGBT leaders active LGBT elected officials across the nation to create to better understand both governing and politicking. consistently rise to the challenge in difficult times. I am a unified front for the battles ahead. The International Empowerment Fellows from communities of color and excited for the road ahead, and am confident Victory LGBT Leaders Conference in December 2016 will be the transgender community will build leadership skills Fund and Victory Institute will continue the fight for the first major gathering of LGBT leaders after Donald and networks to help them prepare for leadership roles. the next 25 years and more. “When LGBT Latinos or LGBT people of color are elected into office, they can influence their colleagues and shape legislation Trump’s win, and Victory Institute will convene Meanwhile, Victory Fund is investing heavily in in ways that address the real concerns of all our communities. They become champions for discrimination protections, criminal elected officials to recognize their collective power 2017 to increase the number of LGBT elected officials Onward, and strategize next steps for the movement. Whether who can be voices for equality. It is building alliances Aisha C. Moodie-Mills justice reform, gun safety measures, and a path to citizenship for all immigrants. When we are represented—when we combine sharing best practices, talking points or strategy, LGBT within the progressive movement – communities President & CEO our power—the dynamics change.” elected officials with impressive individual successes of color, immigrant communities, women and Victory Fund and Victory Institute —Aisha C. Moodie-Mills at the National Council of La Raza’s 2016 Latinas Brunch can now fight for equality together and more broadly. gun violence prevention groups – to ensure LGBT December 2016

108 This page 109 text has not been edited. Awaiting replacement text. The Road Ahead 109 PROMISING FUTURE LEADERS Sarah McBride Todd Gloria As demonstrated throughout this anniversary speaks at the 2016 Todd Gloria is the latest LGBT political power book, our movement for equality is dependent on Democratic National player from San Diego, being elected to the California Convention. Courtesy ambitious and gifted leaders who thrive in elected State Assembly in November 2016 to the seat previously of Sarah McBride and appointed positions. Dozens of promising future held by lesbian Rep. Toni Atkins. Gloria was first elected leaders were mentioned in earlier chapters; below are to the San Diego City Council in 2008, and was elected additional leaders not previously mentioned but who by his colleagues to serve as council speaker in 2012. He are poised to make a significant impact on LGBT briefly served as interim mayor when the elected mayor equality in the coming years. This list is just a handful stepped down. During his time on the council, Gloria of the hundreds of individuals who can ensure our focused on reducing homelessness, creating affordable continued progress. housing, and ensuring LGBT people were protected from discrimination and harassment. His career as Sarah McBride an out elected official is advancing quickly, and if his As Sarah McBride finished her term as American predecessor Toni Atkins is any indication, he is likely to University’s student body president, she made an achieve even higher offices in the next few years. announcement: she was transgender and would begin transitioning. Her courage that day in April 2012 Leslie Herod received national media attention and put her on a In November 2016, Leslie Herod became the first path of political and LGBT activism, including an openly LGBT African American elected to the Colorado internship at Victory Fund that summer. In July 2016, state legislature. An alumna of Victory Institute’s she spoke about LGBT equality at the Democratic Candidate & Campaign Training, she spent years in National Convention in Philadelphia, becoming the the state capitol working for high-level elected leaders first openly transgender person to address a major with a focus on building bridges across the political American political party’s convention. As spokeswoman spectrum. She continued that work at Gill Foundation, for Human Rights Campaign, she continues to secure leading philanthropic initiatives focusing on LGBT national visibility and speaks eloquently about the need Rep. Mary González equality and alliance building in communities of color. Assemblyman Todd Gloria speaks at the Victory Fund speaks at the Victory Fund to recognize all communities—including transgender National Brunch in 2014. Those skills came in use shortly after the 2016 election San Diego Brunch in 2014. people. Her political acumen and outspoken but when the vehicle of a transgender woman in her district disarming approach to trans inclusion makes her a was vandalized with vicious anti-trans and pro–Donald promising future political leader. Trump messages. Although not yet in office, Herod quickly organized a town hall on “ensuring civil rights Mary González for all” to calm fears and start dialogue. She is poised to Rep. Mary González became the first openly be an influential representative on civil rights issues and LGBT state lawmaker in Texas when she won her is a political leader to watch. primary in May 2012. Yet before winning her general election with no opponent, she made history again, announcing she is pansexual and becoming the first openly pansexual person elected to a state legislature. And she is more than just labels. Since joining the Texas House of Representatives, she has earned much respect from colleagues who witnessed her legislative prowess. For the first time in a decade, she maneuvered to the Rep. Leslie Herod House floor a bill that protects same-sex teenage couples speaks at the 2013 from prosecution for consensual sexual activity—a International LGBT protection already provided to heterosexual teenagers. Leaders Conference. Her openness about identifying as pansexual is raising awareness in Texas and across the nation, and her ability to connect and resonate with voters almost assures she will continue advancing to higher and higher offices.

110 The Road Ahead 111 Dedication

“Bill Beck was a giant in LGBT politics. With charm, wit, and intellect, and maybe some arm-twisting, Bill guided his community and the nation to a more equal future. Leaders in our community knew that getting Bill and David’s support was the cornerstone to winning in San Diego.” —Chuck Wolfe, former Victory Fund and Victory Institute executive director

Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith. Courtesy of Carlos Guillermo Smith

Carlos Guillermo Smith Lisa Middleton The morning after forty-nine LGBT people and Victory Institute Empowerment Fellow Lisa allies lost their lives at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Middleton is a dedicated public servant with a strong Carlos Guillermo Smith woke up to make panicked track record of LGBT activism in Palm Springs, phone calls to ensure friends and loved ones were California. Serving on multiple public service boards safe. He was the Government Affairs manager at and commissions and being openly transgender, Equality Florida and running for the Florida House Middleton witnessed colleagues’ changing attitudes of Representatives in a district that includes Orlando. about trans issues as they worked with her. In June 2016, He became one of the most outspoken local voices she attended Victory Institute’s Candidate & Campaign in the days after the shooting, demanding tolerance Training in Charlotte, North Carolina, learning how and acceptance for people of color, LGBT people, to run for office and develop a strong and winning and Muslims. He called on the governor to introduce campaign. Five months later, she announced she will LGBT nondiscrimination protections, and made the run for Palm Springs City Council in 2017, and she connections between anti-LGBT politics and rhetoric received a Victory Fund endorsement shortly after. If she and the tragic event that unfolded on June 12, 2016. He wins her race, Middleton will be one of just a few openly overwhelmingly won his primary just over two months transgender people elected in the United States. As Victory Fund prepared to hold its tenth anniversary event in San Diego in 2001, disaster struck. The nation went into mourning due to the terror attacks of September 11, later, and ran unopposed in the general election. He and the anniversary event was postponed. When it was held, however, the activists and elected officials vowed to continue pushing for equality—including for the LGBT people is expected to be a strong voice for LGBT people and and families directly affected by the attacks. Howard Dean, who as governor of Vermont signed the state’s civil unions bill into law, was the keynote speaker. Bill Beck and husband the Latino community in the Florida state legislature, David Huskey were in attendance, and both later said it was their most memorable Victory Fund event. and the leadership displayed during the Pulse crisis will Lisa Middleton. Courtesy likely help him win elections for future offices as well. of Lisa Middleton

112 Bill Beck Dedication 113 IN HONOR OF DR. WILLIAM “BILL” BECK, 1942–2016

As Victory Fund celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary, for us that story is not complete without the story of Dr. William “Bill” Beck. Bill was the very definition of a catalyst. If you are lucky, at least once in your lifetime you will encounter someone like Bill Beck, who dreams bigger than other people and is a catalyst for change. As Victory Fund was being formed, Bill Beck was embarking on a similar endeavor for equality here in San Diego, with his effort to elect the first openly LGBT person to the San Diego City Council. At that time, San Diego was a conservative military town that had just transitioned to “district only” elections. As a result of the efforts of Bill and those he inspired, in 1993 State Senator Christine Kehoe (Ret.) won her seat on the San Diego City Council. Bill Beck joined the Victory Fund Board of Directors shortly after. He worked with Christine Kehoe for years, helping her advance to the state assembly and later state senate. He then worked with Bonnie Dumanis, helping her to be elected as a judge of the California Superior Court, and later the first LGBT district attorney in the United States. With the help and support of Christine Kehoe, Bill also inspired Toni Atkins, a young Kehoe staffer and campaign volunteer, to run for city council. Toni Atkins served eight years on the San Diego City Council—including serving as acting mayor—and then in the Assembly where she rose to be Speaker. In 2016, Toni Atkins was handily elected to the . Bill’s work did not stop with Kehoe, Dumanis, and Atkins. He also worked with judicial and city council candidates to help ensure that newly elected officials in turn helped appoint LGBT citizens to important boards and commissions. As a result of Bill’s vision and perseverance (ask anyone he ever called for a campaign donation!), the face of San Diego County politics and the face of our LGBT community changed forever. Bill’s passion for improving the world did not stop with politics. He raised more than $10 million for candidates and nonprofits as the founder or co-founder of several charities and events, especially those in support of those affected by HIV/AIDS. He served on numerous boards, including the Victory Fund board from 1994 to 2002. Bill is survived by his partner of nearly forty years, David Huskey, who was constantly at his side organizing fundraisers, supporting candidates, and running their home and business, which allowed Bill to pursue his passion. It is because of Bill Beck that each of us became aware of and involved in the work of Victory Fund. The efforts we made were in response to his catalytic efforts to create a world in which the LGBT community is fully represented at the table and able to serve the common good with dignity. All the openly LGBT public servants who have and will be elected are simultaneously Bill’s legacy and our thanks to him. He will be forever missed but never forgotten.

San Diego Victory Family: Susan Atkins Robert Gleason Matt Stephens John Tedstrom Kevin Tilden Pamela Wilson

114 Bill Beck Dedication 115 Donors Acknowledgments

Victory Fund and Victory Institute greatly appreciate the following generous donors, who were inspired by the life A special thanks to the San Diego Board and Steering Committee and the generous donors who gave money and of Bill Beck and donated in his honor to make this book possible. time in honor of Bill Beck, which made this book possible.

Susan Atkins and Crystal Weathers Additionally, we thank the following people who interviewed, edited, and provided perspective for the twenty-fifth anniversary book. Hon. Toni Atkins and Jennifer LeSar Ruth Bernstein Diane Abbitt Gene Burkard Roberta Achtenberg Ed Anderson Amber Cyphers and Matt Stephens Susan Atkins Benjamin Dillingham III Toni Atkins Suzanne Dukes and Sandra Wichelecki Tammy Baldwin Truman Edminster Vic Basile David Bohnett Steve Elmendorf Denis Dison Greg Evans Greg Evans Robert Gleason and Marc Matys Eric Fanning Elaine Graybill Joe Fuld John Heilman Richard Holt Paul Horning Tracy Jarman Elliot Imse Brian Johnson Geoff Kors Hon. Christine Kehoe and Julie Warren Sheila Kuehl Mark Leno Art Kelleher, MD Glen Maxey Hon. Mark Leno David Mixner Lester Machado Aisha C. Moodie-Mills Thomas McMullen Joyce Newstat Frank Ricchiazzi Robert Nelson Hilary Rosen Pacific Gas & Electric Ron Schlittler Hon. Scott Peters Jim Schmidt Kevin Tilden and Philip Diamond, MD Debra Shore Kevin Tilden Oliver Welty George Walker Rick Zbur William Waybourn Chuck Wolfe

116 Acknowledgments 117 Assembly member Sheila Kuehl at a campaign event when she ran for California State Senate. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb

Victory Fund’s William Waybourn with Keith Meinhold, one Openly LGBT New York state of the first openly gay U.S. service members to be honorably legislator Assembly member Deborah discharged after DADT was signed. Courtesy of William Victory Fund’s Brian Bond and Bill Beck at a Victory Fund event in Glick and state Senator Carole Midgen Waybourn San Diego. at a Victory Fund event. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb First gay congressional candidate Jose Sarria (in drag) and conservative gay pioneer Hal Call. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb Diane Abbitt—first female co-chair of MECLA, the first gay political action committee, and a founding member of Victory Fund—with partner Roberta Bennett, also Victory Fund co-founder. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb

Victory Fund board member Victory Fund co-founder Dr. Susan Atkins with Senator Scott Hitt with donors Brian Tammy Baldwin. Pendleton and Chad Goldman at a Victory Fund event for Tammy Baldwin at Dr. Hitt’s house. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb

Victory Fund board member and Los Angeles Police Commissioner Rob Saltzman with LAPD Chief Charlie Beck. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb

A young Tammy Baldwin with longtime Democratic Party activist Victory Fund board members Jeremy Bernard and Steve Tyler escort David Bohnett Foundation’s Jean O’Leary, who helped make the 1977 White House meeting of House Speaker Dick Gephart into a Victory Fund and ANGLE event. Michael Fleming (left) with LGBT leaders happen. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb Courtesy of Karen Ocamb Bohnett Leaders Fellows. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb Chuck Wolfe with state Rep. Mary González, U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, Mayor Annise Parker, and state Rep. Brian Sims. 118 119 Writer LZ Granderson with Charlotte Governor Kate Brown at the 2011 Victory Fund City Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield at National Brunch. a Victory Fund event. Courtesy of Karen Ocamb

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi accepts Victory Fund’s 2010 Gay & Lesbian Leadership Award.

Aisha C. Moodie-Mills with U.S. Reps. Sean Patrick Maloney and Aisha C. Moodie-Mills speaks with Victory Congressional Interns and Fellows. Mark Takano at the Victory Fund Pride on the Hill event in 2016.

Aisha C. Moodie- Victory Institute’s Mills and Victory Fund International Board Chair Chris Abele Program meeting with LGBT Mayors with elected leaders Javier Gonzales, Pete and LGBT activists Buttigieg, Robert Garcia, in Honduras. and Jackie Biskupski.

Mary Yu speaks at the Victory Fund Seattle Brunch in 2014. 120