A study published by the Brennan Judicial Center in January 2024 found that America was experiencing a surge in political violence that has not been seen since its assassination in the 1960s. A threat to members who bid for the House Speaker by US Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) at the annual Congressional baseball game.
Since the report was published, there have been other well-known incidents, including two attempts on President Donald Trump’s life, an arson attack with Molotov cocktails at Pennsylvania Gov Josh Shapiro (D)’s home, and attempts to kill and kill a Minnesota Democrat.
While the surge in violence and threats is felt entirely, the Brennan Center emphasized that “the survey and interviews revealed important variations between the office holder experiences.”[ing] Hatefulness, racist, religious, or homophobic hatred. ”
Anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and law, particularly targeting trans and non-binary people, have encouraged extremist activities and increased the risks of public life and inaugurated the inauguration, according to an increasing number of reports from civil rights groups and law enforcement agencies. This trend increases the increase in hate violence and threats more widely based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
At the same time, supporters say LGBTQ expression in public life is particularly important as community rights and freedoms are under attack.
Earlier this month, Washington Blade spoke with Evan Low, president and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Viction Fund and LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. Each organization provides leadership development, training, research and combinations, while recruiting, approving and financially supporting LGBTQ candidates.
The former elected official, who served in the California Legislature from 2014 to 2024 and previously the youngest openly gay Asian American mayor in US history, said he had “seemed a significant increase” in threats and violence targeting LGBTQ candidates.
Although specific data is limited, Low said the organization has collected anecdote reports from many of its over 500 approved candidates, detailing everything from homophobic slurps to signs of destruction and direct threats. “In many cases, we see grass signs saying, ‘There are no homos in our community.’ It happens every cycle. ”
But recently, he said, “In the last five years, certainly, certainly, I think we’ve seen more of that rhetoric.” From “Conversations with elected officials,” he said, “we’ve seen an increase in laws passed in state homes that really targeted our community, and therefore, where we give justification to see an increase in that type of type, the increase is happening. [anti-LGBTQ] The rhetoric we see. ”
To address these risks, the Victory Fund provides candidates with strategic guidance and peer support. Low emphasized the importance of supporting candidates while taking the precautions necessary to keep them safe. “We understand the safety risks that exist while providing advice on how to deal with being authentic in your true living experience as a gay person.”
The organization pilots mental health and counseling services to help principals deal with these challenges. “Sadly, this is a problem,” Law said. “But we are working to support elected officials, especially in highly hostile communities and states.”
One important factor is connecting candidates with mentors. It’s an oversituation of hatred, intimidation and in some cases violence. “We pair candidates with other elected officials who have experienced these experiences,” Law said. “If they do that, they’ll become a soundboard and have someone to share how they handled it.”
The Victory Fund also encourages candidates to report threats. “The campaign can be lonely and isolated,” Law said. “We want them to know that they’re not alone.”
The threat depends on the level of the office. Local candidates often focus on basic civic issues such as clean water and road maintenance, and therefore, surveys are much more intense at the federal level where they can “confront opposition research, threats, and high visibility.”
Law explained that the Victory Fund training program highlights candidates’ practical tactics and safety plans, regardless of which offices are following. Candidates are urged to establish communication with local law enforcement agencies, inform relevant agencies of their existence and assess risks inherent in the district. “We ask: Was there violence in your area? Are there any regular suspects hostile to our community? How can we expect a response from your local law enforcement agency?”
These conversations often start even before someone decides to carry them out. Victory Fund’s four-day training program is comprehensive and designed to help candidates put a burden on not only the professional demands of the campaign, but also the personal life. “We hope some participants realize this isn’t for them, and we hope we can support them in other ways.”
It should be noted that while many LGBTQ+ individuals are attracted to the service, they may be introverted or have a caregiving responsibility that complicates office driving. Others may not be sure about putting their family at the risks associated with vision. For example, the decision to showcase photos of same-sex spouses and children in campaign materials can be a balance between real representation of yourself and reducing legitimate fears about dox and harassment.
He spoke of the situation where information about children of LGBTQ candidates was spread by far-right actors, even when the children were out online or targeted in slurs. “I want to look the same as members of my community,” Law said. “But I want to protect my kids too. I’m a fair game, but it’s not.”
In some cases, the Winning Fund helps candidates erase personal information from the Dark Web, providing tools and technical assistance to minimize the threat of harassment. However, Low was careful to note that political violence could attack anywhere. “Look at Harvey Milk,” Law said. “He was assassinated in a liberal city, a safe building.”
He himself needed security details in his time in the California Legislature. “I was joined by a police officer in uniform at the Pride Parade and the public event,” he said. “Even in progressive states like California, the threat is real.”
That personal experience informs his approach as the head of victory. “We want to lower temperatures for everyone, not just for LGBTQ+ officials,” Low said, adding that doing so is essential to maintaining democratic norms.
Despite the challenges, interest in office management is rising, especially among transgender individuals. The Victory Institute recently received more than 55 applications for its training cohort for trans candidates and will partner with Advocates 4 Trans Equality this September to launch its first session in Los Angeles. Danica Roem, Virginia’s first openly trans senator and victory alumnus Danica Roem will be one of the trainers.
“In this hostile environment, I think people will keep their heads down,” Law said. “It’s quite the opposite. The rise means that members of our community are refusing to be erased. They’re stepping up.”
He pointed to leaders like Rep. Sarah McBride, a former victory intern, and Olivia Hill, the first and only trans person to be elected in Tennessee as evidence of what is possible. “Our mission is to build the power of the LGBTQ+ community. We’re focusing on that.”
Many of the group’s most promising candidates are in states where anti-LGBTQ laws are listed in the books. “They’re not just surviving,” Law said. “They are thriving.”
The long-term strategy of victory will focus on building a pipeline of LGBTQ leaders for the next 10-20 years, as well as the next election. “We’re about a long game,” Law said. “It takes two steps forward.
He hopes that the story of LGBTQ officials running and winning in hostile circumstances encourages others to get involved, whether it be a candidate, donor, appointee or behind the scenes organizer. “We need everyone, and we need them now.”
According to Low, it is to “help LGBTQ people seize the throne of power” and “change their minds and minds by showing up and leading.”
Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com
