Last week, North Carolina stripped its LGBTQ residents of basic protections when Governor Pat McCrory signed a bill revoking local LGBTQ nondiscrimination ordinances across the state. The bill effectively legalizes discrimination and added a requirement that will bar transgender individuals from using public restrooms that align with their gender identitiy.
Now more than ever, LGBTQ representation in government is crucial to roll back these antiquated and hateful laws. It’s no coincidence that North Carolina does not have a single openly LGBTQ person elected to state-wide office or serving in the legislature.
As LGBTQ people in North Carolina continue to fight for dignity and respect, Victory is expanding our efforts in the state with a Candidate & Campaign Training in Charlotte this June 23-26.
The Charlotte Candidate & Campaign Training will arm participants with the tools to develop a winning strategy for local, state and federal elections. The four-day event provides comprehensive, non-partisan training to present and future LGBTQ candidates, campaign staff and community leaders. At the training, Victory provides future candidates with the necessary skills and strategies to lead their campaigns to victory by engaging in tough and realistic campaign solutions.
For 25 years, Victory has trained thousands of LGBTQ leaders, including openly LGBTQ Charlotte City Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield. Other notable alumni include U.S. Representative Jared Polis and former Houston Mayor Annise Parker. North Carolina’s discriminatory bill followed Charlotte City Council’s recent decision to permit transgender individuals to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity – a direct result of having openly LGBTQ leaders like Mayfield on the Council.
Interested candidates can apply for the Charlotte training here.
