Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and the fight against it have emerged as significant drivers for transgender and nonbinary individuals seeking public office, according to a recent study conducted by the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute in partnership with Loyola Marymount University. The study surveyed 470 LGBTQ+ political candidates who ran for public office between 2018 and 2022, shedding light on the motivations and challenges faced by these candidates in the realm of politics.
While 79% of the LGBTQ+ candidates expressed a primary motivation to improve their local communities, nearly half of them also aimed to enhance LGBTQ+ representation in office. However, it was notably found that 14% of transgender women and 10% of nonbinary, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming candidates specifically cited the ongoing wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation as a key driving force for their political ambitions.
These individuals are responding to the multitude of bills proposed in state legislatures across the country, which threaten their rights to gender-affirming healthcare, the use of appropriate facilities in public spaces, and participation in school sports. Notably, 36% of LGBTQ+ candidates disclosed facing discouragement due to their LGBTQ+ identities, an obstacle that, if left unaddressed, could potentially deter them from pursuing their political aspirations.
Deja Alvarez, a transgender woman who ran for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, shared her experience of facing discouragement, even from within the LGBTQ+ community. Despite such challenges, Alvarez’s determination was fueled by her commitment to marginalized communities. However, fundraising remained a formidable challenge, as many LGBTQ+ candidates lacked access to affluent networks. The study also revealed that a significant portion of LGBTQ+ candidates went into personal debt to finance their campaigns.
Furthermore, the study highlighted the prevalence of anti-LGBTQ+ attacks faced by LGBTQ+ candidates, with those in Republican-leaning districts more likely to encounter such attacks. While 85% of the surveyed candidates identified as Democrats, the study showcased a diverse political landscape, with some running as independents or Republicans. Ultimately, these findings underscore the complex journey of LGBTQ+ individuals seeking political office, as they navigate both personal and systemic barriers in pursuit of increased representation.