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Comings & Goings
Victory Fund names two new vice presidents
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Congratulations to Daniel Hernandez on his appointment as Vice President of Political Programming, Victory Fund; and to Ben Dotson on his appointment as Vice President of Development, Victory Fund. Dotson will also be working for the Victory Institute. Upon their appointment Evan Low, President & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund said, “Our movement faces a defining political landscape and this moment requires exceptional leadership to grow our political power- from city halls to the White House. Ben and Daniel both are the leaders to strengthen Victory Fund and position us to empower candidates in key political races across the country and fortify our organization to reach new heights. I am energized by this new chapter in our history and look forward to what we will build together.”
Hernandez is an award-winning lawmaker, author, and steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He served on the Sunnyside Unified School District Governing Board in Tucson, where he worked to create safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQ students. As a former legislator, and congressional candidate, he earned recognition for his unwavering commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ rights. He was a vocal advocate for anti-discrimination legislation, healthcare access, and policies that prioritized the well being of LGBTQ individuals, especially youth. His work as a lawmaker earned him several awards, underscoring his effectiveness and dedication in pushing for progressive change. As an author, he has written extensively on issues related to LGBTQ rights, social justice, and the need for intersectional advocacy in public policy. A longtime ally of the Victory Fund, Hernandez has been instrumental in supporting and mentoring LGBTQ leaders. On accepting the position Hernandez said, “Victory Fund has been part of my journey since 2011, when I first attended the candidate training as a young activist. Every step of my journey in public service has included the support of the Victory Fund. To now join as Vice President of Political Programming feels like a homecoming. I’m honored to join this incredible team and excited to help support and elect the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders who will shape our future.”
Dotson most recently worked at EMILYs List and has worked in campaigns, digital engagement, and political fundraising for more than 16 years. As the Vice President of Digital, he led the two most successful digital fundraising cycles in the organization’s history and built a supporter community of more than six million. He also served as an appointee in the Department of Energy under President Obama. Upon his appointment Dotson said, “I couldn’t be more excited to join the Victory Fund at this critical moment. Voters are searching for leaders with courage and vision, and Victory Fund candidates are answering that call in communities across the country. As someone who has benefited from the work of Victory Fund, I know firsthand the power of this work to change lives and shape our democracy.”
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund works to endorse and elect LGBTQ+ elected officials for local, state, and federal office.
A gay man was murdered in Petersburg, Va., on March 13.
Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-McCray, who was also known as Saamel and Mable, was a drag queen who won the Miss Mayflower EOY pageant in 2015. Reports also indicate Sanchez-McCray, 42, was a well-known community activist in Virginia and in North Carolina.
Local media reports indicate police officers found Sanchez-McCray shot to death inside a home in Petersburg.
Sanchez-McCray’s brother, Jamal Mitchell Diamond, in a public statement the Washington Blade received from Equality Virginia and GLAAD, said Sanchez-McCray was not transgender as initial reports indicated.
“Our family has always embraced the fullness of who he was. He used the names Saamel, Shyyell, and Mable interchangeably, and we honor all of them. There is no division within our family regarding how he is being represented — only a shared commitment to preserving his truth with love and respect,” said Diamond.
“He was also deeply committed to community work through Nationz Foundation, where he worked and completed multiple state-certified programs to support marginalized communities,” added Diamond. “That work meant a great deal to him.”
Authorities have not made any arrests.
The Petersburg Bureau of Police has asked anyone with information about Sanchez-McCray’s murder to call Petersburg-Dinwiddie Crime Solvers at 804-861-1212.
District of Columbia
Trans Day of Visibility events planned
Rally on the National Mall scheduled for Saturday
The Christopher Street Project has a number of events planned for the 2026 Trans Day of Visibility, including a rally on the Mall and an “Empowerment Ball” at the Eaton Hotel. Plenaries, panel discussions and meetings with members of Congress are scheduled in the three days of programming.
Announced speakers include N.H. state Rep. Alice Wade; Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Precious Brady-Davis; activist and performer Miss Peppermint (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”); Lexington, Ky. Councilwoman Emma Curtis; Rabbi Abby Stein; D.C. activist and host Rayceen Pendarvis; Air Force Master Sgt. Logan Ireland; among other leaders, advocates and performers.
Conference programming on Thursday and Friday includes an educational forum and a Capitol Hill policy education day. Registration for the two-day conference has closed.
The “Trans Day of Visibility PAC Reception” is scheduled for Thursday, March 26 from 7:30-9 p.m. at As You Are (500 8th St., S.E.). Special guests include Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nevada) and Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.). Tickets are available at christopherstreetproject.org starting at $25.
The National Council of Jewish Women and the Christopher Street Project host a “Trans Day of Visibility Shabbat” on Friday, March 27 from 7-8 p.m. at Sixth & I (600 I St., N.W.). The service is to be led by Rabbi Jenna Shaw and Rabbi Abby Stein.
The “Now You See Me: Trans Empowerment Social & Ball” is scheduled for Friday, March 27 from 6-11 p.m. at the Eaton Hotel (1201 K. St., N.W.). The trans-themed drag ball is hosted by the Marsha P. Johnson Institute with support from the D.C. Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, the Capital Ballroom Council, the Christopher Street Project, the Center for Black Equity, Generation for Common Good, and Parenting is Political. RSVP online at christopherstreetproject.org.
The National Transgender Day of Visibility Rally is scheduled for Saturday, March 28 on the National Mall at 11 a.m. The rally will include speakers and performances. Following the rally, attendees are encouraged to participate in the “No Kings” rally being held at Anacostia Park.
Virginia
Virginia General Assembly’s 2026 legislative session ends
Voters in November will consider repealing marriage amendment
The Virginia General Assembly’s 2026 legislative session ended on March 14.
Lawmakers have yet to approve a budget, but they did pass a resolution that paves the way for a referendum on whether to repeal the state’s constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Lawmakers also advanced House Bill 60, which would protect PrEP users from insurance discrimination.
Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger has until April 13 to decide to pass, amend, or veto legislation before it goes back to the House of Delegates on April 22.
Spanberger on Feb. 6 signed the bill that sets the stage for the marriage amendment referendum. Voters will consider whether to “remove the ban on same-sex marriage; (ii) affirm that two adults may marry regardless of sex, gender, or race; and (iii) require all legally valid marriages to be treated equally under the law?”
Equality Virginia has been working during this legislative cycle to urge lawmakers to allocate funding towards LGBTQ rights. The budget would expand funding for schools, competency training for the 988 suicide hotline, and funding to provide gender affirming care to LGBTQ youth.
“As the budget moves through conference and the Reconvene Session approaches on April 22, Equality Virginia remains focused on ensuring our victories this session translate into durable protections,” Equality Virginia Executive Director Narissa Rahaman told the Washington Blade in a statement. “Progress on marriage equality, nondiscrimination protections, and HIV care funding was essential, but Virginia must do more.”
Markwayne Mullin confirmed as next DHS secretary
Gay man murdered in Va.
Trans Day of Visibility events planned
Virginia General Assembly’s 2026 legislative session ends
