On February 27, the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute and Loyola Marymount University published a report summarizing the results of a nationwide survey of Black LGBTQ+ political candidates. A follow-up to the When We Run report – published in September 2023 – “The Experiences of Black LGBTQ+ Candidates” focuses on the challenges faced by Black LGBTQ+ respondents. The report also explores the current state of Black LGBTQ+ political representation as well as recommendations for combating the racism, homophobia and transphobia discouraging Black LGBTQ+ people from running for office. Read the full report brief here.
Among the findings:
- Currently there are 142 Black LGBTQ+ elected officials in the U.S. — 0.03 percent of all elected officials – which means 2,453 more must be elected to achieve equitable representation;
- 36 percent of Black LGBTQ+ candidates respondents faced racism on the campaign trail and 31.9 percent experienced prejudice because of their sexual orientation;
- Four in five candidates stated endorsing political organizations biased white candidates over Black candidates;
- Nearly 75 percent faced homophobic or transphobic attacks during their campaign; and
- 43 percent incurred personal debt because of campaign expenses.
The complete findings are available in this report brief.
LGBTQ+ Victory Institute President & CEO Annise Parker released the following statement:
“It’s imperative that we increase Black LGBTQ+ political representation at every level of government, and this research is an important step in the process of recognizing and addressing the challenges these candidates face. When Black LGBTQ+ candidates run for public office, they face the forces of oppression on multiple fronts, which is not the experience of their white counterparts. It’s on all of us to encourage and support more Black LGBTQ+ candidates as they run – their success matters not only to their constituents, but also to the larger LGBTQ+ and Black communities. A government that reflects the people it serves can restore belief in democracy and encourage others to participate, including by voting, at a critical time in our nation’s history.”
The Experiences of Black LGBTQ+ Candidates: A Report from the When We Run Survey was written by Elliot Imse, executive director of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, and Gabriele Magni, assistant professor of political science at Loyola Marymount University. The report was a collaboration between the LGBTQ+ Politics Research Initiative at Loyola Marymount University, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute and LGBTQ+ Victory Fund’s Black Leaders Caucus.
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The LGBTQ+ Politics Research Initiative at Loyola Marymount University advances the study of the political behavior of LGBTQ+ individuals, fosters conversations with LGBTQ+ leaders and offers research opportunities to students.
Through research, training and leadership programs, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute works around the world to increase LGBTQ+ representation and participation in the political process.
The Black Leaders Caucus is a network of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund supporters dedicated to electing more Black LGBTQ+ officials at all levels of government.