LGBTQ Victory Institute

The International LGBTQ Leaders Conference brings together hundreds of openly LGBTQ leaders in government, politics, advocacy, business and community organizations. Attendees experience three days of training, skills building and networking, and discuss key issues facing openly LGBTQ leaders and their communities.

Created in 2001, this scholarship program is a robust collaboration between the John F. Kennedy School of Government and LGBTQ Victory Institute. The core objective is to provide the financial means for LGBTQ leaders to attend Harvard’s three-week Executive Program for State and Local Government. This prestigious program is one of the most well-known and respected executive management training programs offered by Harvard – having trained more than 4,000 public officials over the past twenty-five years.

Our one-day intensive Leadership Summits help participants develop the skills necessary to begin or advance a career in public service. Led by Victory Institute staff, local elected and appointed officials, and local LGBTQ advocacy organizations, participants will be connected with tools and resources to support their career advancement, and make connections with other LGBTQ leaders. Each training is tailored to the political environment and needs of constituents in the host city.

Leadership Summits are open to LGBTQ community members 18 years and older, and are free to attend.

Each summer, the Victory Congressional Internship brings outstanding LGBTQ college students to Washington, DC for an eight week internship with a member of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus or an LGBTQ-friendly member of U.S. Congress to learn firsthand about the federal legislative process and careers in policy-making.

In November, students will attend the Victory Institute’s annual International LGBTQ Leaders Conference for three days of training, skills building, networking and discussion alongside hundreds of openly LGBTQ leaders in government, politics, advocacy, business and community organizations.

The Victory Congressional Internship prepares young LGBTQ people to become informed decision-makers and influential leaders who can change their communities and our world.

The David Bohnett Victory Congressional Fellowship brings one outstanding LGBTQ young professional to Washington, DC for an intensive leadership program. The program includes a year-long fellowship in the office of a co-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus supporting the Executive Director of the LGBT Equality Caucus and an educational and leadership development program to learn about the legislative process and careers in policy-making.

In November, the fellow will attend the Victory Institute’s annual International LGBTQ Leaders Conference for three days of training, skills building, networking and discussion alongside hundreds of openly LGBTQ leaders in government, politics, advocacy, business and community organizations.

The fellowship prepares young LGBTQ professionals to become informed decision-makers and influential leaders who can change their communities and our world.

To develop strong LGBTQ public officials and movement leaders, the Victory Institute sends emerging LGBTQ leaders of color and/or transgender leaders to Victory’s Candidate & Campaign Training and International LGBTQ Leaders Conference. The fellowship connects alumni to ongoing opportunities for leadership development.