CONTACT: Elliot Imse, Senior Director of Communications, elliot.imse@victoryfund.org
Washington, DC – Today LGBTQ Victory Fund endorsed candidate Rosemary Ketchum won a seat on the Wheeling City Council and became the first out trans person ever elected in West Virginia. Currently there are just 26 out trans elected officials serving anywhere in the nation. When Ketchum takes office, there will be just four out LGBTQ elected officials in all of West Virginia.
Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released the following statement about Ketchum’s victory:
“Rosemary has shattered a lavender ceiling in West Virginia and will join the growing number of out trans elected officials serving nationwide. Trans people are severely underrepresented in elected office – with just 26 out trans officials anywhere in the country – so Rosemary’s victory will resonate well beyond her state. We know Rosemary’s race will inspire other trans people from conservative states to consider a run for office in their communities – and then those candidates will inspire others as well. That virtuous cycle is the key to building trans acceptance and political power long-term.”
More information about Victory Fund and its candidates is available on its website at victoryfund.org/ourcandidates. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.
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LGBTQ Victory Fund
LGBTQ Victory Fund works to change the face and voice of America’s politics and achieve equality for LGBTQ Americans by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government.
