Today Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, sent the following letter to the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee urging the appointment of Ashanti Martinez for the District 22 House of Delegates vacancy:
Dear Chair Kent Roberson and Committee Members,
On behalf of LGBTQ Victory Fund, I write to ask you to appoint Ashanti Martinez, an out LGBTQ leader, for the District 22 House of Delegates vacancy following the resignation of Sen. Alonzo Washington. Ashanti is a local government expert and passionate champion for working families. He has demonstrated his commitment to public service and equality in Maryland through his work as the Co-Chair of PGC Pride and Chief of Staff to County Councilmember Krystal Oriadha, the first out LGBTQ Councilmember on the Prince George’s County Council.
Nearly a decade of experience in local and state advocacy work has provided Ashanti with the necessary tools and relationships to effectively serve the people of District 22 and unite the seven municipalities across the district. LGBTQ Victory Fund works to achieve and sustain equality throughout our nation by increasing the number of out LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government while ensuring they reflect the diversity of those they serve. There are currently just over 1,100 LGBTQ elected officials across the country, and while there are more officials than ever before in U.S. history, that still represents just 0.2% of all elected positions.
We are writing to you today because, through your appointment, you can make history by appointing the first out gay Afro-Latino man to represent Prince George’s County in the legislature. Nominating a qualified LGBTQ leader to a legislative role is about more than advancing LGBTQ equality. LGBTQ leaders bring a lived experience that makes them authentic, empathetic, and solutions-oriented leaders – qualities that will serve you and the state well.
Ashanti Martinez is eminently well-qualified for the position, and, in appointing him, you have the opportunity to make LGBTQ history in Prince George’s County. If appointed, we would support his re-election and activate our national network to ensure he has the resources to defend his seat.
In solidarity,
Mayor Annise Parker
President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund
Former Mayor of Houston
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LGBTQ Victory Fund
LGBTQ Victory Fund works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government while ensuring they reflect the diversity of those they serve. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.